Duella

THE WITCHANDTHE VAMPIRE:BOOK3 DUELLA

BY

FAWN LOWERY

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The Witch and the Vampire: Book 3 –Duella Copyrightã2008 Fawn Lowery ISBN: 978-1-55487-045-5 Cover art by Martine Jardin

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ToTina.Thank you for your friendship and encouragement.

Chapter One

DuellaSutherland stood near the rear of the brick building and peered upward at the nighttime sky. Clouds obscured the moon—the threat of rain was in the humid summertime air. He folded his arms across his chest and leaned one shoulder against the solid wall at his back. He had stood in the shadows for almost an hour, contemplating where he should go. Since his three brothers had been transported ahead in time as he was, and were all vampires and in need of fresh blood to survive, he knew it would put them all in danger, should they remain in the city and feed in virtually the same place night after night. He sighed wearily. He had been happy once—in the year 1185, he had been a successful landowner, a man of considerable wealth and persuasion. He had fallen in love with a beautiful woman—only to find she was a devious witch who cast an evil spell over him when she found his older brother didn’t return her love. His brows drew together. It still puzzled him—how he could have unknowingly allowed the witch to seduce him while holding love for his brother in her heart. In the end, she had cast him into oblivion, darkness worse than the curse of vampirism, until a witch from the present arrived to end it all. He gazed beyond the dark shadows to watch passersby on the narrow street. The people passed as though there was no danger lurking nearby, no hungry predator ready to leap from the shadows and take their blood. He smiled slightly and shook his head. Perhaps the people of this time would be as unsuspecting as those in the time he left behind. Perhaps he could live among them and they would never know the curse he endured. He pushed away from the wall and strode into the light cast by the tall streetlight at the end of the block. He needed to feed, to revive his flagging body. He would think more clearly, once he sated his blood thirst. He gazed up and down the street, turning his eyes slowly across the avenue and beyond the lit

sidewalk. There are many mortals to choose from.He licked his dry lips. His throat felt parched. He walked in the direction of a single figure, a woman who had just left the safety of a nearby building. He would catch up to her and place her under his power, then feed until he felt the rejuvenation of his body. He quickened his steps, arriving within seconds beside his prey. The woman glanced over her shoulder, glimpsed him beside her and screamed. Duellareacted on impulse. He grabbed her by the nape of the neck and lifted her feet off the ground. In seconds, he leapt into the air, the woman hoisted against his chest, in search of concealing darkness. The woman fought at his grasp, kicked her feet and screamed an ear-piercing shriek that echoed through the stillness. Duellahissed his dissatisfaction. His eyes glowed red. His anger rose, fueling his blood lust. He gave his victim a shake, stilling her objection as he chose the first dark alley he spied. He pressed her against the side of the building and sank his fangs into her jugular vein. Her hot blood gushed into his mouth. He closed his eyes briefly, as the nourishment flooded his body with renewing force. The woman cursed under her breath and tried to struggle free. He held her fast, pressing her body painfully tight against the wall of the building. He drank until he was sated. Her body sagged in his strong hold. He pulled away and looked down at her in the dim light. Her taste was in his mouth—he swiped the back of his hand across his lips, wiping the smears of blood off his mouth. Her head lolled forward, her long hair hanging across her face. Curiosity grew inside him. He relinquished his tight hold on her shoulders and allowed her body to slip lower along the building, coming to rest at his feet in the alley. He stepped back, preparing to leave. “You’ll be sorry…you son-of-a-bitch!” He chuckled at her words. She was hardly in any condition to threaten him. He had just drunk a large portion of her life’s blood from her body. She lay in a huddle mass on the dirt at his feet, too weak to stand. She moaned and tried to raise her head. Intrigued by the woman’s display of courage, he propped his hands on his hips and stared down at her. She fought to right her body, to raise her head. He watched her as she struggled to sit, her head lolling around on her shoulders. She straightened out her legs with effort, moaning as she managed to press her back against the building and push her body into a semi-erect position. She raised one hand and, with great difficulty, pushed her hair off her face. She stared up at him, her jaw lax and her eyes half-closed with fatigue. Duella’sgaze latched onto her bare legs stretched out before her body. She had lost her shoes in the ordeal he had subjected her to. Her feet were bare. His eyes honed in on the tips of her toes. Her toenails were red. A silver ring spanned a toe on her right foot. He felt amusement gather inside his body. Rings are to be worn on fingers—not toes. He chuckled softly. “How dare you…laugh.I’ll kick your…ass… just as soon…as I can get up!”

He threw back his head and bellowed with laughter. “You’re hardly in any position to threaten me.” “What did you do…to me? Who in hell are… you?” Duellareached down and lifted the woman from the pavement. He hoisted her into his arms and strode from the darkness. He’d return her to the building where he had seen her emerge before he continued his exploration of the city to decide which direction to take to find another dwelling place away from his brothers. Her body was limp—she lay across his arms as though she had no strength left. He drew in a deep breath, contemplating her physical state. He hadn’t taken as much blood from her as she was letting on. He had deliberately pulled his fangs out so as not to do her adverse harm. She shouldn’t be carrying on as she was. He grew suspicious. Perhaps she is faking her distress. Perhaps she is leading me into a trap.Memories from centuries past flashed in his mind.Drucella had tricked him—and he hadn’t been the wiser until she leveled her evil spell upon him. He paused at the wide steps leading up to the building where the woman had emerged. Perhaps he should leave her at the doorway. Yes. Just to be on the safe side. He stooped and placed her lax body on the bottom step, positioning her upper body against the metal railing leading up to the door of the building. Her head fell forward and he reached her just before she landed on the step face first. He clutched her by the shoulders and levered her upright once more, pressing her back against the steps. Her head rolled against the unyielding stone and she moaned, her eyes closed, her lips parted. He saw her pallor, the faint tinge of death on her lips. A shard of dread raced through his insides. I took too much blood! Dammit!He felt guilty, as though the woman’s life was his to restore. He ran one hand through his hair, pushing it off his shoulder. Unconsciously, he grasped the amulet hanging around his neck. He had taken the gem from one ofDrucella’s coven, a witch that had restored his body with her blood before he cast her dead body into the raging fire in the hearth of the castle. He closed his fist around the talisman. It had mystical powers—though he was uncertain of all it was capable of. He stared down at the woman slumped against the railing on the steps. His mind was blank, his eyes staring at the body of his victim. He hadn’t planned on harming her as he had—merely taking enough of her blood to revive his flagging body. He cursed beneath his breath. His fist tightened around the amber jewel suspended from his neck. Did he dare call upon its powers to come to his aide? He opened his hand and stared at the gem as it lay against his palm. The surface of the amulet was faceted and the faint gleam of the streetlight shining down the block glimmered across its smooth surface. He stared at it, willing it to respond to his command.Reveal your powers to me. I command it. “Where am I?” The woman moved at his feet, grasping the metal railing with one hand and trying to pull her body upright. Her long hair fell across her face as her head drooped, her chin leaning against her breast. “Where am I?” Duellagnashed his teeth and turned his gaze across the street as the area was bombarded with traffic in either direction. Voices melded with the roar of engines and lights flashed as congestion crowded the

wide avenue. He darted his gaze back to the woman as a plan rapidly formed in his mind. There were others about now, he could leave her on the steps and feel assured that someone would come to her rescue. Someone would be kind enough to see that she made it inside the building and into her own bed. He could flee the area and not feel guilty about leaving her on the stoop. Or drinking too much of her blood.He combed one hand through his hair.No. He couldn’t forgive himself for drinking too much of her blood. He hissed his discord, opening his mouth and baring his fangs as his eyes began to glow red. His rage grew within his body at his own carelessness—and his continued show of compassion. He released the amulet, dashing the thought that perhaps the woman was luring him into a trap of his own undoing, and lifted her into his arms. He leapt up the column of steps and pressed the door open with one shoulder. Her head lolled against his chest. He paused, realizing he was inside an expansive home—not an apartment building as he had initially surmised. He held the woman against his chest and turned around, his gaze taking in the lavishly furnished foyer and a wide living room opening up to his left. He spied a long couch in the room and hurried to cross the plush carpet to place the woman on it. He lowered her gently, containing his anger at having to tend her when it was imperative that he be on his way. The night was growing old and he needed shelter before the morning sun rose. She moaned and stretched out on the couch. He gazed down at her. Glancing around, he saw the bits of decorations dotting the large room. Lace topped pillows lay plump and inviting on the couch at her feet and beneath her head. A velvet throw was draped across the arm of an overstuffed chair. Glass candlesticks with squat red candles stood on the mantle over a wide fireplace. Tasteful paintings adorned the walls of the room. He gazed about and felt a shard of remorse for the loss of his own home. “I need a drink.” Her words brought his gaze back to the sofa. “Brandy. Bring me brandy.” Duellaglanced round, spying a decanter of amber liquid on a nearby table. “Dammit! I need a drink!” She levered her body up on the couch and struggled to open her eyes. She raised one hand to her head and massaged her temple. Her face was wane in the faint light spilling in through the window facing the street. Duellawent to get the drink she requested. He splashed a small amount of the liquor into a crystal glass he found beside the decanter, and returned to the sofa. He held the glass to her mouth and watched as she gulped the liquor. A niggling little thought sprang to his mind.I should leave before she fully regains her faculties. She opened her eyes wide as she gazed up atDuella . Her hand clasped atop his while she swallowed the liquor. Her staring was making him nervous. He didn’t want her to remember what he looked like. He wanted to remain anonymous to her when she recovered. He turned his head, hoping to end her staring. Her fingers were warm against the coldness of his hand and her scent was wafting up to his nose. He had almost forgotten how the fragrance of a woman could tempt his senses. He turned his gaze on her again,

relieved to see that some color was returning to her cheeks. Her eyes were green, like a fresh meadow in the springtime. She lowered the glass and he studied her mouth. Her lips were rosy, the lower being slightly fuller than the top. She lowered her lashes, concealing her eyes as though playing the coy female attempting to entice him. He released a shuddering breath. His cock was beginning to grow hard. His mind was turning to sexual thoughts—sexual musings that he hadn’t been privy to in a long time. He reached one hand to her hair—it was long and dark and lay on her shoulder in disarray. He swept the heavy mass back, exposing the long column of her neck. The two fang marks where he had bitten her were clearly visible, marring the splendor of her silken flesh. He touched the gaping wound, sealing it with his touch. Her blouse was open at the throat—her breasts heaved and rose from his keen inspection. She bit her bottom lip, gazing up at him as he assessed her face and lowered his gaze to her breasts. Her nipples peaked temptingly against the thin fabric of her shirt. Duellagroaned and slid his hand across her shoulder and onto the rounded fullness of her right breast. His fingers found their way inside the open front of her blouse, skimming lightly across the warm swell and dipping lower until he found her nipple. She sucked in a quick breath and pressed back against the cushion of the couch, trying to retract her breast from his hand. His eyes found hers and their gazes locked. He opened his hand and took her breast in his palm, opening the remaining buttons on her blouse with his other hand as he stooped before the couch. A tremor of longing wafted through his insides. Her flesh felt marvelous against his palm. Eager to know more of her, he pushed her blouse aside and tugged it off her arms. She was bare to his eyes. Her breasts were luminous in the faint light of the room. He splayed his fingers and encircled the mounds, reveling in the feel of her warmth and beauty. She held her breath and gazed down at his hands as they fondled her body. When he reached the waistband of her slacks, she released a shuddering sigh and slid lower on the couch cushion. Her nipples had peaked, grew taut and rosy with his manipulation. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth and nibbled nervously on the pink flesh. Her breathing increased in tempo, a raspy whisper that his keen hearing picked up as he rid her of her slacks and splayed her out on the couch. In a second, he shed his clothes and stood before her in naked splendor. She raised her eyes and gazed upon his body, her surprise clearly evident by the sudden lust on her face. She made no movement to evade his touch as he returned his hands to her body and began a sensual play along her flesh that soon left her breathless. Duellagroaned and climbed atop her body. She was warm and sweet smelling, the place between her legs, moist and inviting. He sank his cock inside her body, his hands grasping her buttocks as he thrust inside her core. He began to move, his face tucked into the warm niche between her shoulder and neck. He breathed in her scent, the sweet aroma of female body, so unlike his musty maleness afforded his dead state.Don’t think, you fool! Just enjoy the fresh cunt you’re thrusting into! She bucked her hips, clutched his back with her hands, dug her nails into his flesh,skimmed her palms over the ropy muscles of his back and buttocks. She panted loudly as her time grew near. Duellalevered his upper body onto one elbow so he could look down into her face. Her eyes were

closed and she breathed through her open mouth. She bit her bottom lip as her orgasm approached, then held him tightly, her arms clasped around his waist as she climaxed. He came almost at the same instant as she, grunting loudly when the orgasm zinged through his insides. He thrust deeply into her body, pressing her forcefully against the plush cushions of the couch. He held her fleshy buttocks in his big hands and milked his cock. When the final visages of semen had left his body and the climax began to wane, he collapsed atop her, his breathing ragged.I can’t think of a better way to begin 2007 than a good fuck. He chuckled under his breath as the woman moved beneath his pinning weight. “Who the hell are you?”

Chapter Two

She pushed at his naked body, forcing him to get off her. He relented, though he really didn’t want to. He released a long breath and got to his feet. He pulled on his clothes, ready to leave the woman. He hadn’t planned on their meeting to fuel his sexual lusts, or to bring about such heated sex play. He admitted silently that he felt refreshed—as refreshed as a creature of the night could possibly feel. He turned to find her staring at him, her body sprawled out on the couch, naked, her breasts topped with rosy nipples and her crotch wet with his semen. “Did it ever occur to you that you might introduce yourself?” He chuckled at her words,then gave a slight bow from the waist in her direction. “Allow me to introduce myself, my sweet. I amDuella Sutherland. And who might you be?” She pursed her lips. “Are you in the habit of fucking strange women?” He thought for a moment of all the sexual conquests he had since being turned into a vampire. As a matter of fact, every fuck he had garnered since that horrible moment in his life had been with strange women. He smiled at her, thinking she might not relish his reply. She ran her fingers through her hair. “But then you could probably ask me the same question—about

men, I mean. I’ve never been with a woman.” “Pity.Women are quite ravishing creatures.” “Yeah.Well.” “Do you often fuck strange men?” “It’s what I do best.” His brows raised in surprise. He clasped his hands behind his back and strode toward the door of the room He didn’t feel guilty about biting her or fucking her. He wanted to leave, to forget that they had ever met. He threw a careless glance at her over his right shoulder. “Where do you think you’re going?” The sight of her bounding off the couch as though he hadn’t incapacitated her caused him to draw up short. He whirled around as she came at him with raised fists. A loud scream left her mouth as she charged across the room. He leapt out of her way, landing on the other side of the room. She whirled around and pinning her gaze on him, mounted a new charge. He caught her easily, laughing as he turned her in his arms and pinned her hands at her sides. “You recovered quite nicely, I see.”What happened to the faint little female I carried in my arms only an hour ago? He held her steady, her naked body pressed against his chest and the long length of his legs. Her warmth quickly penetrated his clothing, and for an instant, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the tantalizing feel of her womanly softness. She pressed tightly against his big body, luring his mind into a false state of seduction until he felt her tremble against his length. He tightened his hold on her arms as she began to pull away from him. Her strength was immense. Immediately, he sensed she was something more than a mere woman he had encountered. His earlier thought of her luring him into a trap surfaced in his mind. She was no longer in his grasp. Black smoke billowed where she had once stood positioned so tightly against his body. He lurched backward and threw up both hands, warding off the offending stench as he tried to make out the apparition taking shape before his eyes. A loud giggle rent the air.Duella braced his body, ready for the unexpected. The thick black smoke started to spin before his eyes, growing taller and faster in motion. He watched the transformation with caution, remembering the trick thatDrucella had played on him so long ago.Surely the witch has not come back to taunt me! My brother swore he slew her in her evil stronghold. The stench filled the lavishly decorated room as the black smoke billowed and spun. Glimmers of light, colored at times, blinding white at others, shot forth from the towering cloud, spiking off the painted walls and reflecting across the furnishings. The room illuminated as though it were daylight. Duellaclasped one hand across his nose to abate the smell. Surely, nothing good would come out of the sight. A loud noise had arose to accompany the black mass and, while he didn’t have any fear of what was materializing right before his eyes, the thought of transforming and leaving filled his mind. The black spire halted. It hovered mere inches off the carpet, then began to take human form. A body appeared—female with large breasts and a trim waist. Arms formed and legs grew to make the torso complete. A cloud of yellow hair blended into the black smoke, then came to the fore, framing a

cherub-like face that bore brilliant blue eyes and a pert mouth. Duellastared in disbelief.Drucella!Surely, my eyes are deceiving me! He glanced toward the door, then quickly clutched the amulet suspended around his neck as he saw the azure blue eyes clasp onto the gem. The smoke cleared, the bright illumination waned, leaving the room in near darkness.Duella waved one hand and a candle jumped to light, its flame flickering as though defending itself against a threatening breeze. He stared at the witch standing in the center of the floor, her evil gaze pinned on the talisman he clutched in his fist. “So we meet again,Duella .” Her voice brought back the memory of when he had last laid eyes on her—the fateful night that hefell victim to her treachery. He swallowed, easing his dry throat. How foolish he had been to think he had fallen in love with her. Surely, he must have been under one of her sinister spells. He looked at her and promised himself that he would put as much distance between him and her as possible the second he managed to escape her presence. “I thought you were destroyed.” He pulled in a steadying breath. For all his vampire powers, he knew the witch could match his strengths with an equal ability. She laughed loudly and shook her head, sending her blonde hair bouncing about her shoulders. She raised both hands to her hips and smiled at him. “You would think a lowly vampire could destroy me, my lover?” She took a step toward him,then halted, glancing at the sofa in the room. “You are still quite capable of satisfying a whore with your long cock—after all these years.” She laughed, throwing her head back on her shoulders and bellowing loudly into the quiet of the room. “And I trust you were satisfied as well?” He smiled slightly. “Had I known I was fucking you,Drucella , I would have pulled out before you climaxed.” She clicked her tongue. “But you were unaware that I was beneath you, my lover, as you thrust your long cock inside my silken passage. You thought you were fucking some street whore who would awaken from the weaken state you brought to her from your blood letting and thank you for the climax you gave her.” “You speak as though you didn’t enjoy it,Drucella .” His tone was rancid. “But I did enjoy it. I merely remind you of your thoughts,Duella , while the act was being performed.” He turned and strode toward the door, intent on leaving. A flash of light struck the floor just in front of his body. He pulled up short, whirling around to face her. “Your magic does not scare me.” She raised one hand and sent another bolt of lightning crashing around his body. The sparks shimmered in the dim room, circling his body in a wave of electrifying currents that pressed against his form in heated warning. He drew on his strength, facingDrucella with a measure of force that belied her anger toward him. “You should heed my warning,Duella . I will not allow you to leave my house.” He glanced around the room. Had the witch been magically transported to that time—as he and his brothers had been? Did he dare believe that she could harm him more than she had in the past?

“You took my blood—now you must give me something in return.” His brows rose in speculation. “Indeed. Had I known it was your neck I was piercing, I would have taken all your blood and been done with you.” “Ah, but you chose to tend me, instead of leaving me to my own devices. You even felt remorseful that you drank from my vein. You are weak,Duella . You have not as yet done away with your desire to be human.” Her words assailed him. She knew him well. But he was loath to admit it. “What do you want from me?” Her eyes lowered to stare at the amulet he wore. He followed her gaze, smiling ruefully. “I want the amulet you stole from the coven.” He laughed aloud and shook his head, watching the witch as she assessed his body. Her gaze traveled along his chest and lowered to encompass his legs, then settled on his crotch. “I didn’t steal the amulet, Drucella . Itook it.” He clutched the gem in one tight fist. “And I destroyed the witch who wore it forever!” He glared at her. “How, pray tell, did you convince the dark power to return you to your evil state?” She smiled slowly. “I am a worthy asset to the mighty one.” “My brother threw your body into the fire.” “Yes. And a terrible memory it was.” She pursed her lips and eyed him. “But your brother was not aware of all my powers,Duella .” She drew herself up to her full height, meetingDuella’s gaze on an even level. “I cannot be destroyed by fire, my pet. Had your brother not been so hasty to leave my bedchamber that fateful night, he would have seen my resurrection.” Duellalistened and watched the witch. She was truly agitated at reliving the nightmarish trial again. He wondered if his brother had taken the amulet off her neck at that moment—thinking he had destroyed her for all eternity. He heaved a long sigh.Alas.He had been given a new chance at life—such as it was in his undead state—but now he was faced with having to deal withDrucella once more. Could my existence become more futile?

Chapter Three

Why wasn’tDrucella destroyed when Marcus cast her into the fire?Duellacontemplated his thought as he watched the witch from across the spacious living room.Because she is more than a mere witch. The realization shook him mentally. He pulled in a quick breath. He had no desire to learn ofDrucella’s abilities beyond what he already knew, or to find out what other deity lent her power. He had to find a way to leave without raising her suspicion. He grasped the amulet and ran his fingers across its faceted surface. If only he knew its powers. He turned toward the door, set to leave. The lightning sparked in front of his body again, slamming against the carpet and splintering into a million blinding sparks. He hissed, whirled around and lunged atDrucella . He grasped her by the throat and threw her across the room. She hit the wall and slid to the floor. A spiel of laughter burst from her mouth as she bounded to her feet. “Ah, my lover, you are a worthy opponent.” She sneered, her eyes wild, her mouth gaping. She raised one hand and clenched her fist. “But your powers can not exceed mine.” Duellastood his ground. He grasped the amulet and squeezed it in his mighty fist. “I have the power of the dark one at my disposal. I cannot be defeated.” She laughed a jeering bellow that echoed into the room. “You may have the amulet, but you are not of its command.” He hid his surprise at her knowledge. His grip tightened around the jewel.Reveal your powers to me! His order failed to produce any action from the amulet. He turned to the door, disappointment filling his insides. Preparing to do battle withDrucella to leave her house, he steeled his emotions. “Duella!” Her voice was a loud screech as she took to the air and beat him to the door. Placing herself between him and his escape path, she waved a hand in the air.An aura as strong as anyDuella had ever felt surrounded the witch. He paused his feet, fearing the protective shield. “Give me the amulet.” He shook his head. “No. I will not.” “Then you will perish forever.” He smiled. “You forget,Drucella . I am all ready dead. I do not have the mortality that you threaten to take from me.” “I will drive a stake through your heart while you sleep.” She glared. “Then I will take the amulet from your neck while your body withers and fades forevermore.”

Enough said,Duella called upon his own powers and vaporized right beforeDrucella’s eyes. He melded with the air and seeped through the slit beneath the door, materializing into a bat once he reached the outside of the house. He took to the air, his thoughts muddled.Drucella’s threats were not to be disregarded. She was powerful.Her witchcraft beyond rival. He thought back to the time when she governed over her coven. Her witches didn’t dare disobey her commands. She would turn them into toads or other inanimate objects at the blink of an eye or send them into tortuous traumas until the time suited her to release them from their agony. He tried to banish the past hours from his mind and concentrate on finding a place of shelter against the coming daylight, but the trap he had fallen into continued to haunt his thoughts. Had he known the woman he sought to quench his bloodlust was indeedDrucella in disguise, he would have fled the area and never looked back. He flew over the towering buildings of the city, turning his path toward the edge of the town where the darkness held no illuminating lights. He thought of the direction he was headed. He was flying south. He could see theEast Riveroff to his left. A tremor of recognition grasped his insides. How would I know any of this?He tried to think, tried to reason. He was not of this time. There was no logical reason why he would be able to identify the river or the direction he was flying. He felt shaken inside. He folded his wings and soared, turning his path into a steep dive as he sought a place to perch. He needed to think and he needed to be in his human form to do just that. He thought of the amulet hanging around his neck. He sought the sturdy branch of a tall tree. He lit,then leapt to the ground, changing into his vampire form. He grasped the amulet immediately. His thoughts felt scattered, as though he was unable to be rational about what was happening to him. He had managed to arrive in the present time, yet he had no prior knowledge of it. In fact, the decision to time travel had been hastily reached moments after his brother suggested it. He combed his fingers through his hair. He paced beneath the low hanging boughs of the tree, the amulet held tightly in one hand. The notion to take to the air assailed him. He would continue south on his journey. He would fly toNew Orleansand take up residence in the city. He would meld in with the inhabitants of the town. He felt at ease. He opened his hand and gazed at the amulet lying in his palm. Its powers were his to utilize. He only had to trust in his own instincts. He only had to believe that the gem would lead him in the right direction. He closed his fingers around it and smiled. No wonderDrucella wants to possess it.His brows furrowed in contemplation.How can I escape her? He felt cowardly, fearing a woman.But she’s not just any woman—she’s an evil witch that has managed to time travel to the present in search of me. He fought the urge to return to her house and rip her body to shreds with his teeth, to drink her blood and grind her remains beneath his heel. His insides shook with the force of his anger. If I felt that strongly about destroying her, why did I leave her house without ending her life? She will only haunt my thoughts—until I put an end to her.He paced beneath the tree, thinking, contemplating his future should he not return and killDrucella . There was much at stake. She would make his existence a living hell.If it could get any worse. “My, my, my.Aren’t we in a stew?”

Duellajerked his head up. Drucellafloated to the ground mere inches from his body. He reacted without thinking. He reached out one long arm and grabbed her throat, yanking her against his chest. He sank his fangs in her vein. He held her in a steel-like grip while she fought to get free. Her blood splashed against his tongue. He drank greedily, not giving any thought to curtailing his blood lust. He intended to drain her body, to consume every drop of her blood, to put an end to her finally. He felt the blood gushing against his tongue, gripped the neck of the witch, suddenly he found himself grasping at thin air. The wretched body he clutched had disappeared as quickly as he had grabbed it and drank from it. He gnashed his teeth and bellowed his anguish, clenching his fists and railing at the darkness. How can I destroy the bitch when she has so many powers?Distraught, he tore at his hair with both hands. He hadn’t come this far only to be defeated by a witch—a witch as old as timeitself . He pulled in a great gulp of air and tried to find reason within his thoughts. At least now, she knew he would attempt to annihilate her. He darted his keen gaze about the area, searching for a glimpse of her, huddled perhaps, in the shadows trying to regain her senses. He had managed to drink from her vein for a few seconds before she vanished altogether. He searched the area, then deciding she had taken leave from him, at least for that night, transformed and took to the air, continuing his journey south.

****

Duellaopened his eyes. Darkness surrounded him. He released his talons and spread his wings, flying from the roof of the cave toward its mouth. He saw the star-studded sky first,then felt the light breeze as he emerged from the underground hideaway. He rose into the sky, searching for the lights of the city. Hunger gnawed at his insides. His senses heightened as he neared civilization and the thought of fresh blood. His hearing increased. His eyesight became keen. He hovered near the entrance of a building, then dropped to the ground and transformed. A victim was headed his way. He could hear the footsteps echoing through the darkness. He stood in the shadows and waited, his fangs bared. A man approached, walking at a fast pace.Duella fell into step with him as he drew near. The man glanced his way, stopped and waited asDuella placed one hand on his shoulder and guided him into the dark alley. The man remained in a trance whileDuella sank his fangs into his throat and sated his blood thirst. He drank without fear of discovery. When his thirst was sated, he pulled his fangs from his victim and licked the wound, sealing the bite marks. He walked with the man to the mouth of the alley and sent him on his way down the sidewalk. Satisfied that he had acted as appropriately as a kindly vampire could, he swiped a hand across his lips, wiping away the blood smears,then took to the air, continuing his journey toNew Orleans.

Chapter Four

New Orleanswas sultry. The humidity was so oppressive, so gripping, that it slowed even the most exuberant tourist.Bourbon Streetwas virtually empty, where normally the crowd was dense and rowdy from dusk to sunrise. Thick, black clouds obscured the moon and stars, threatening rain. Duellashoved his hands into his pockets and strode down the sidewalk, alert to the businesses with their open doors onto the walkway and the loud music blaring from jukeboxes. The scent of cigarettes and liquor permeated the air as he approached one of the neighborhood bars. A quick glance inside revealed a scant gathering of drinkers at the bar. He walked past a restaurant with outside dining and smelled the aromas of food, spicy, combining cultures, Italian and Chinese. He passed through the maze of tables and chairs—the few couples eating were more intent on downing icy drinks and complaining about the heat. He walked through the area, assessing the choices he had for his own dining pleasures. There were few singles milling about the streets. A single person was always easier to control than a couple—though he had, on occasion, resorted to biting one of the couple while placing the other in a paralyzing trance. And at times, he had drunk from both parties. On those particular times, he had found himself being particularly careful not to drain either body to any great extent. He left the business area of the street while the music of a street band played a lively tune, no doubt trying to entice more people to overlook the heat and join in the party atmosphere.New Orleanswas famous for exhausting parties and lavish parades. But the weather had no doubt, taken the frivolity from the tourists and locals alike. He walked into the shadows when the streetlights gave way to residential homes. An odor assailed his senses. He paused. The scent of death clung to the humid air. He tipped his head in to the air, deciding which direction the graveyard laid. He knew of the burial grounds of the city, knew that the dead were entombed atop the ground due to the city being below sea level. He paused and considered his new knowledge for a moment. He clutched the amulet hanging around his neck. It was uncanny how the facts seemed to appear in his mind, then be revealed so innocently to him. It was as though he had lived in the time and learned of the facts as if he were mortal.

He felt the need to feed. He gazed overhead at the sky. Morning wasn’t far off. He had taken most of the night to travel to the city. He sighed, remembering his last encounter withDrucella . If only he could have ended herexistence with his rage attack . His brows drew together as a thoughtcame full bloom in his mind. What if she had followed him toNew Orleans? She had found him once, and tricked him again. She was devious and not to be underestimated in her quest to regain the amulet for herself. Still, it puzzled him as to how she had survived the flames Marcus cast her into. He swore her body was ashes on the stone hearth of her castle. He pushed the thoughts aside, though he silently warned himself to be on guard against her in the future. She would stop at nothing. He remembered her threat to drive a stake through his heart. He turned his feet toward a narrow avenue winding through an older section of housing. He sensed there was a vacant house at the end of the lane. An expectant feeling rose inside him. Why would he know of any such house? He hurried his steps, glancing about at the lighted windows of the houses he passed until at last, there were none remaining on the street. He saw it then, looming through the darkness, its pointed roof stabbing at the sky. He closed his eyes for a moment and sensed the former inhabitants of the dwelling. Vampires.His realization startled him. He jerked his eyes open and quickened his steps, reaching the metal gate that opened into the yard leading to the front door of the house. He gazed through the darkness, his keen eyesight traveling over the narrow porch and single door entrance to the house. He took hold of the gate and pushed it inward, listening to the squeak of its rusty hinge as it moved. He sensed the house had been vacant for some time. But what of the undead creatures that once sought solace within its concealing walls?He had existed in his vampire state long enough to know that vampires just didn’t pick up and leave an area on a whim. Once established in a location where they could exist without calling attention to themselves, they usually remained, on occasion for centuries. He stepped inside the gate and closed it behind him, listening to the hinge squeak once more. The grass was thick beneath his feet and brushed against his legs. He sensed the yard hadn’t been tended in some time. He sighed. He intended to make some changes—if he found the residence fitting to his needs. His body reminded him that he hadn’t fed yet. He licked his dry lips. The thought of nourishment filled his mind. He stared at the old house for a moment, then transformed into a bat and took to the air, setting his course toward the downtown portion of the city. Within minutes, he was stepping inside one of the bars liningBourbon Streetand picking out a victim. He walked to the bar and slid onto a stool beside a man who looked like he had consumed too much liquor. The man leaned heavily on the bar, his head propped atop one fist. He turned towardDuella when he sat down and blinked his eyes as though trying to focus his sight.Duella placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and immediately the man slid off the stool and left the bar withDuella . He walked him into the alley beside the bar and pushed him against the wall. Taking his blood was easy. He grasped his neck and tipped his head to one side, then drove his fangs into his vein. His blood lust sated, he returned to the vacant house he had found across town. He set one big hand to the door and pushed it open, then strolled inside. Being able to see in the dark had its advantages. He clearly saw the coffin sitting against one wall and viewed the coverings on the windows to keep the sunlight at bay. Further inspection revealed secure locks on the doors and windows and a cellar lying beneath the structure that harbored mounds of fresh earth. He stood in the living room of the house and

dragged the aroma of the soil into his lungs. He had almost forgotten the reassuring feeling the scent brought to his body. A flood of memories surfaced to torment his mind. His homeland, the tranquility he had felt when he was there, the safety of familiar surroundings. He had friends, places to go, people to visit with. Then the horror began. Hefell victim to a vampire as old as time itself. He was a master of manipulation—he sucked him into his lair withoutDuella ever surmising the danger for himself. When it was too late—when he had already been bitten three times—he found he couldn’t escape no matter how badly he wanted to. The curse was upon him. He was a vampire. His chest heaved with remorse. He wiped one hand across his face, bringing reality to the fore. Memories served little purpose. He could neither undo his fate, nor change it in any way. He was doomed. A noise grabbed his attention suddenly. He whirled round as it sounded again, this time drawing nearer. He rose into the air, hovered near the ceiling and waited, preparing himself for an uncertain encounter. The weathered boards of the porch squeaked as though someone had set foot on it. The door moved inward. A form appeared. From his lofty position, he watched as a woman glided into the room, turned and closed the door. The locks clicked. She inched forward into the room,then paused, looking about. She raised her head and gazed upward atDuella . An uncommon feeling gripped his insides as uncertainty gave way to curiosity. A she vampire.He floated silently to thefloor, his eyes pinned on the vampire. She stared at him, unmoving. He assessed her, smiled. She was thin and garbed in a long flowing dark dress that reached to her ankles. Her arms were covered, the collar of her dress reached high up on her neck. Her hair was dark, black perhaps, and hung down her back in disarray. Her eyes were luminous. Her cheeks flushed with the blush of new blood in her veins. “You’ve invaded my home.” “Then the coffin is yours?” Her gaze traveled the length of him. “I dare say you are too big to fit in it.” She laughed softly. Duellawas overcome with want to gather her in his arms and hold her. It had been so long since he had encountered a she vampire and then the one he accidentally came upon, had hissed her anger and tried to bite him. In the end, she had managed to lay his flesh open with her long talons. This she vampire, however, didn’t seem to be of a mind to lash out at him. The sight of her was refreshing and her mannerisms made him smile. “Forgive me for forgetting my manners.” He bowed slightly in her direction. “My name isDuella .” She smiled at him. “Miriam Collins. This was my family’s house. I live here alone now.” She studied him, taking a step closer. “You’re the first male vampire to venture inside these walls.” His brows rose upward. “Are there other she vampires in the area?” She shook her head. “Once there was. But the citizens hunted them down and killed them—drove

wooden stakes through their hearts, then threw their carcasses into the fire.” Her tone held pity for those of her kind. She hung her head and stared at the floor, as though reliving the tragedies one by one.Duella sensed her sorrow and, though he wished he could relieve her of the distress, saw no way to accomplish the feat. “You are welcome to stay,Duella . This house is a safe haven. The townspeople never venture beyond the lane.” She spoke the words he needed desperately to hear. He relaxed for the first time since arriving in the city. He stepped closer to her and peered down at her. “Tell me about yourself, Miriam. How long has the curse been with you?” She sighed. “Only a hundred years. I foolishly trusted a man I thought loved me, but in the end he merely wanted to feed upon me, drink my blood, turn me into this immortal creature, then leave me.” Duellafelt her regret, mingled with sorrow and rage at her own stupidity. He, too, had similar regrets and anger at himself whereDrucella was concerned. He had thought she loved him, but in the end, she merely used him to spite his older brother. “I, too, was deceived by another.” He reached out and took her hand, then drew her into his arms. Her coldness melded with his instantly, bringing a measure of reassurance to his mind. At last he had found someone who he could talk to, identify with, perhaps become friends with.

Chapter Five

Many years have passed since I kept company with a man.” She pressed one palm againstDuella’s chest. “I spend my time searching for victims that won’t fight me when I try to drink their blood.” She pulled her hand back and lowered her eyes. “I must seem very strange to you.” Duellashook his head. “I, too, have only the thought of feeding on my mind. The curse of vampirism makes it difficult to think of other things.”

“When my family was alive, they tried to shield me from the horrors that others thought about vampires. But one night, an angry group of townspeople came to the house and demanded they turn me over to them. My parents refused and shortly afterward, they sent me away.” He listened to her plight and felt her sorrow. He reached for her hand and held it in his, stroking its back with his thumb. Her fingers were very long and tipped in sharp nails. He pushed aside the notion that she could rend his flesh at a moment’s notice. She didn’t seem at all the type to surprise him with such an action—though they were strangers in every sense, except for sharing the horrible curse of vampirism. “I spent many years inEurope, never settling in one place for very long for fear that I would be discovered. When I finally gained the courage to return toNew Orleans, I found all my family had perished and the property in ruin. I had nowhere else to go, so I took up residence here. I have been safe to this day.” She turned inquiring eyes on him. “How did you find the house,Duella ?” “I sensed it, smelled the death within its walls.” He began telling her about his journey to the city and his hope to establish himself in some manner, to live among the people without their knowledge of whom—what—he was. She shook her head. “It will be very difficult to do as you plan, my friend. Being a vampire has many disadvantages.” He nodded his head. He was all too familiar with the restrictions wrought on him in his undead state. He raised one hand and grasped the amulet hanging around his neck. For an instant, he almost confided in her about its unusual properties,then changed his mind, releasing the stone to slide against his chest. The memory ofDrucella and the attack he had mounted against her just last night surfaced to haunt his mind. He combed one hand through his hair. “You are troubled.” She peered up at him, returning her hand to press against his chest. “I sense your distress.” “It is nothing for you to be alarmed about.” He regretted saying those words the moment they left his mouth. He couldn’t be certain that his taking up residence with her wouldn’t bringDrucella hunting her as well. He grimaced and considered telling her about the witch, but a noise beyond the door captured his attention. He pulled Miriam across theroom, rising into the air for safety should someone come through the door unannounced. “There’s no need for worry,” she whispered. “The wind howls as though the living is coming to visit.” She glided softly to the floor and passed to the door. Releasing the locks, she pulled it back on its hinges. “See. There is no one.” Duellareleased a long sigh and lowered himself to the floor of the room. He joined her at the open door, standing beside her so he could look out into the darkness. The yard was eerily quiet, as though awaiting life to return to the old house. A tall tree at the edge of the property swayed aimlessly as a soft breeze whispered through its top branches. A myriad of dusky gray shadows wafted across the overgrown lawn and lingered on the sagging porch steps. He turned from the depressing sight. Death surrounded him at every turn. From the dying lawn, overgrown and starved for water, to the walking dead that inhabited the same room as he. He craved life and the knowledge that it was not within his grasp, served only to add to his depressed feelings. “It will be light soon.”

He turned to find Miriam had followed him into the room. He sensed her unease at his presence. He reached out one hand and touched her cheek with one fingertip. “Please don’t fear me. I need only a place to sleep until dusk, then if you want me to leave, I’ll be on my way.” She caught his hand and pressed it to her cheek. “Forgive me. I’ve forgotten how to act around a man. It’s been so long—” She pressed her body against his and raised her arms to clasp about his neck. He circled her slim waist with his arms, drawing her closer. Her breasts pressed against his chest, the action turning his thoughts to those of a sexual nature. He gazed down into her upturned face, smiling slightly. “I don’t want you to leave.” She slid her hand up to the back of his head and urged his head down. “I want you to stay with me forever.” She rose up on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. He tightened his arms around her body, groaning deep in his throat as his lips melded with hers. Her mouth held the coolness of the undead, but the action of kissing warmed his senses immediately. He deepened the kiss, taking command of her body as he lifted her into his arms. He glided across the room on silent feet and traversed the narrow staircase leading to the lower cellar. The perfume of rich loam filled his nostrils as he searched out the mounds of earth and placed Miriam down. She sighed and stretched out on the earthly bed, looking up at him as he shrugged out of his tunic and released the waistband of his pants. He stood naked before her, his cock growing hard with expectancy. She raised her hands to the neck of her dress and released the pearl buttons. Pushing the garment off her shoulders, she rose slightly and pulled the dress over her head, baring her body to his hungry eyes. The urge to take her body filled his mind. He pushed all else aside and stretched out atop her, parting her thighs with one knee. He brushed his hands along her sides, making her release a shivering moan. His hand found her crotch and stroked her pussy. She gasped and arched against his chest. “It’s been ages…since a man…touched me.” She clutched at his hand with her own, pressing his fingers into her womanly creases. “It feels so good,Duella . It feels so right.” He lowered his head and kissed her, brushing his lips softly across hers. Despite her undead state, she was very desirable. Her breasts were large and round, topped with pert nipples that jutted enticingly toward the ceiling of the old chamber. He dipped his head and sucked one bud into this mouth while he stroked her sensitive tissues. “I could get used to this.” Her voice was a soft whisper. I could get used to this, too.He banished the thought. His presence with her would only bring danger to her. He gazed down at her. Her eyes were open. She was staring right at him. A shiver of lust shot through his big body. The look in her eyes was unabashedly sensual, intriguing him with her mystery. She urged his head down so she could kiss him again, poking her tongue between his lips as she traced her hand along his chest. She found his hard cock and wrapped her fingers around its girth. She squeezed her fist, worked her hand along its hot length, bringing a gasp of delight fromDuella’s throat. He mounted her body, giving in to the urge to enter her cavity. He lunged inside in one quick thrust and began moving, pushing in deeper with every thrust of his cock. Miriam grasped his buttocks and dug her long nails into his muscled flesh, holding him tightly against her crotch.

“You fill me up.” She sucked in a quick breath. “I’m coming all ready. It’s been such a long time!” A soft moan left her throat. “Fuck me hard,Duella . Claim me forevermore.” He held her tightly and increased his thrusting, bringing himself to the brink of orgasm as she writhed beneath him with her own climax. He gazed down into her face as she savored the sensations he was bringing to her body, his own orgasm rapidly gaining momentum. He squeezed his eyes closed, shutting out all else except the exquisite sensations overtaking his body. A torrent of electrifying feelings shot through his limbs, knotted the muscles in his buttocks and made him release a guttural moan that echoed around their gyrating bodies. Sated, and breathless,Duella collapsed atop Miriam. The sounds of their panting breaths filled the dark cellar. He concentrated on the sounds, melding together as though they were one. The cool body beneath his had given him great pleasure. He still felt the waning sensations of climax within his muscles, his nerve endings. The sensations were sweet. He smiled, his face pushed into the crook created by Miriam’s neck and shoulder. Her hands moved on his bare back, caressing, sliding lower and working their way back up to tangle in his long hair. She pressed him closer, arching against his body as though wanting to become part of him. A soft sigh came to his ears. He raised his head and gazed down at her. A tear shimmered in the corner of her left eye. Puzzlement assailed his mind. Vampires didn’t cry—or at least he had never seen one that gave in to the urge. Perhaps Miriam is different from the others.He watched as the tear slid across her cheek and disappeared from sight. He raised one hand and wiped at the moisture with the ball of his thumb. For an instant, he felt almost human—almost. Remorse wafted through his insides. There was little use pretending. He was of the undead.And so is Miriam.

Chapter Six

Duellaawakened with a start. His eyelids flashed open. His ears pricked up. He gazed at the rough beams of the ceiling overhead, momentarily forgetting where he was. Miriam moved beside him, bringing

recognition to the fore. He turned his head and looked at her. She lay on her back, his arm beneath her head for a pillow. He watched her lashes flutter against her cheek on awakening. He flexed the hand that lay atop her waist, inching it upward to cup a fleshy breast. The memory of the sex they had shared last night came back to mind. He had sated his body and given her multiple orgasms, before the sun rose to end their sex play. It had been a most enjoyable time. One he would long remember. She covered his hand with hers and pressed his palm against her breast. “The sex was good,Duella .” He kissed her temple. “Yes. We are good together.” He thought about his statement—hoped it didn’t give her the wrong idea. He couldn’t promise he would be with her always—Drucellawas a threat to him that he didn’t want Miriam involved with. “It’s good to find one of mykind .” Her words broke off, leaving him to wonder. “I’m famished.” She laughed. “It must be from all the sex.” He refrained from telling her that it was because she was a vampire—she was already aware of her circumstance and he was loathe to bring the subject up. Perhaps she was attempting a bit of sex talk to lighten the mood as they awoke. He rolled to his side and sat up. The mound of dirt shifted and its aroma rose up to tease his nose. It wasn’t the soil of his homeland, but it would have to do. He pulled the fragrance in, turning to watch Miriam get up. Her body was tempting in all the right places. Her large breasts jiggled teasingly as she moved toward the stairs leading to the main level of the house. Her hips were nicely rounded, her belly flat and her waist was small. She combed her fingers through her long hair, shaking out the dirt and pushing it over her bare shoulders. She picked up her dress from the floor and pulled it over her head, hiding her body from his inspecting eyes. He released a long breath and stood up. His cock had began to grow hard from his watching her, but he pulled on his pants and reminded himself that he needed to feed before turning his thoughts to sex. He watched Miriam rise effortlessly up the staircase and into the living room of the old house, her slim body hovering easily just inches off the floor. She glided through the door and lifted into the nighttime sky. He hurried to catch up to her, hoping his insistence on following her didn’t disrupt her nightly ritual too badly. The sky was lit brightly with a million stars. The moon hung full and luminous high above. The stench of the city drew his attentions as he passed over the structures, private homes and assorted businesses—one-story dwellings intermingled with tall multi-level buildings. The scent of food and automobile exhausts blended with that of death and old time statuary scattered throughout the dark streets. The above ground graveyards particularly pulled at his senses. The fragrance of old bones and the rotting stench of fresh corpses encased in the stone coffins permeated the air to the extent that he could think of nothing else while he passed over the cemetery. Had the living knew of the vile odors escaping the crypts, surely they would consider cremation over internment. He watched as Miriam paused, hovering in the sky like she was weightless while she chose a place to feed. He hoped to discover her usual feeding ground so that he could learn her habits. He chided himself for having such thoughts. Last night, before they shared such fulfilling sex, he had decided not to put her in danger with his presence. Now his thoughts seemed to have taken another venue.Don’t get too complacent.

Miriam moved, lowering her body to the street below, floating downward as though she were a feather on the breeze. He took up position atop a tall building, watching her movements from above. She stood in the shadows, waiting. He glanced up the street. Two males were coming down the sidewalk. Their voices wafted up to his keen ears. They were discussing a baseball game they had attended. Their team had lost and neither man was happy about it. They saw Miriam then, andpaused their steps for a second before resuming.Duella jerked his head toward the woman. She had stepped into the light given off by a nearby streetlamp and was removing her dress. She let the garment slide from her hand onto the sidewalk while the men hurried their steps toward her. She giggled and stepped into the alleyway between two buildings. “I could use a piece of tail!” “Me, too!” They laughed and stepped into the darkness where Miriam had disappeared. Duellalistened, surprised at the carnage taking place in the alley where Miriam had lured the two men. Loud screams rent the stillness, then a blood-curdling yowl, followed by complete quiet. Duellawaited, his interest peaked as to Miriam’s means of finding her victims. He stared at the sidewalk below, fighting the urge to go to the alleyway and watch while he waited for her to return to pick up her dress. He saw her then, step from the darkness and cross the walkway to get her garment. She casually pulled the dress over her head, hiding her lush naked body, then rose into the air. He rubbed one finger across his chin, wondering if Miriam had killed her victims or merely subdued them while she took their blood. He jumped from the building roof and flew into the alleyway to have a look. He saw the two men getting up as he landed a few feet away. They were both naked, holding their necks with their hands, and staggering around in the darkness. “What the hell just happened? What did that bitch do?” “Man! I don’t think we fucked her—like we thought we were going to.” “Where are my clothes? Are you naked?” “Yeah!Shit!” Duellasmiled and rose into the air. Miriam’s methods were perhaps a bit unorthodox, but successful nonetheless. He took to the air, assaulted by a strange feeling coursing through his insides.Surely I’m not jealous.I’ve only met the woman—I couldn’t have feelings for her already. He considered his thoughts. His time with Miriam had been wonderful—sex filled and heated beyond his wildest dreams. He had ceased to think of anything besides her while he held her in his arms. She was a perfect sex partner, willing, patient, giving. And she was beautiful.Don’t be a dolt. He could have any woman he wanted—alive preferably, so he could feel their warmth in hisarms, sink between their legs and become engulfed by their heated passages. The memory of Miriam’s cold body shook his senses.

He grimaced and dashed the thought. His blood thirst gnawed at him. He needed to feed. He set his sights on the avenue below. A number of cars were stopped in the street, waiting for the traffic light to change. He eased to the ground and quickly entered a car with a single male at the steering wheel. “Who are you?” Duellagrabbed him almost before he spoke the words, dragged his body from the front seat and speared his jugular with his fangs. He held him steady while he sucked his blood, feeding his failing body. In seconds, he released his victim, pushed him back beneath the steering wheel of his car and exited the vehicle. He was only a blur to those on the street as he transformed into a bat and soared upward, disappearing into the darkness. He flew through the night, his eyes turned toward the city beneath his bat body. He needed to explore his new surroundings and become familiar with the goings on of normal nightlife. And he needed to begin establishing himself as a member of society. He needed a residence, and a business, perhaps—just to pass the time. He spotted a large sprawling building and sensed it housed a multitude of books. Gliding effortlessly on the soft currents above the city, he hovered,then dove, coming to land on a wide window ledge. He peered through the glass, deeming the building to be a library. “You like to read books?” He jerked his head round as Miriam’s voice interrupted his thoughts. Without answering her, he vaporized and seeped beneath the window frame, materializing into his vampire form once he was inside the building. “Surely you can think of something better to fill your time.” Miriam materialized beside him, a smile on her face as she reached one hand to cup his cock. “I can think of something more interesting than reading an old book,Duella . Let’s go back to the house and have sex.” He covered her hand with his and, for a moment gave serious consideration to her invitation, then pulled her hand away and brought it to his mouth. He kissed her palm, his lips lingering for a moment. “My sweet Miriam, I havework to do before I enjoy your lush body. Now be a good girl and run along.” “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. What kind of book are you looking for? I’ll help you find it,then we can go.” She ran her hands across his chest. “I’m aroused. I want you to fuck me.” “Later, I promise.” She let out a little huffed sigh and marched across the room to flop down in a wooden chair. “This is a stuffy old place. It stinks of books.” She turned her head, looking across the room at a tall bookcase set aside from the others. “Do you sense something strange?” He thought for a second. He had slipped beneath the window for the sole purpose of looking at the city’s business directory, tax assessments and the like, in an effort to decide which business he wanted to obtain. The notion his tactics were a bit pompous gnawed at him, but being a vampire, what other means of obtaining a business did he have? Short of placing the present owner in a trance and having him sign over his deed, there was little else he would undertake. He wouldn’t harm the owner—if he could help it—just remove him from ownership of his business. Then, once the papers were legally administered, he

would take the helm and be established as aNew Orleansbusinessman. In time, the townspeople would adjust to him—his nighttime hours and the like. “Well, do you?” He shook his head. His mind wasn’t on chasing strange things that Miriam thought she felt. He turned his feet toward the business section of the library and left Miriam sitting in the chair staring at the bookcase across the room. Businesses had changed a great deal since his time, yet he seemed to be aware of all the necessary steps to locate the information he sought. He entered the business section of the library and went directly to the directory at the librarian’s desk. Choosing a thick leather-bound book from a glass enclosedcase, he placed it on the wide desk and began thumbing through its pages. He considered his choices of businesses. There were many. And several that stemmed off one major resource. He noted the names of the founders, the presentCEO’s and their addresses. Given his abilities of persuasion, he could own the whole city if given the notion. He smiled slightly, relieved to know that it would be easier than initially thought to establish himself among the business class of the city. All of a sudden, he heard Miriam hiss and jerked his head toward the direction the sound came from. He saw her flying across the room, her body propelled backward as though some invisible force was pushing her. She crashed into a long table flanked by wooden chairs and landed on the floor. Duellaleapt to her side, his eyes alert, his fangs bared. He jerked his head from side to side, trying to identify the force that threatened Miriam, but he failed to see anything moving through the darkness or sensed any being in their midst. “Did you see her?” He lowered his gaze to Miriam as she clutched at his hand in an effort to get up. “I didn’t see anything.” He returned his gaze to inspecting the room, pulling Miriam to her feet. He wrapped a protective arm around her waist. Slowly, he gazed at the expansive room, taking in the dozen or so of long wooden tables and towering shelves laden with volumes of book. The side of the room facing the street had several tall windows, allowing for light from the streetlights to filter inside. The illumination was faint, butDuella’s eyesight was keen. He could see the furnishings as though the space was afforded ample lighting. “There was a woman hiding behind the bookcase. She grabbed my throat.” Miriam raised one hand to her neck as though relieving the episode. “I fought her off,then decided I’d take her blood just for the hell of it. But she was too strong. She broke free and pushed me back. The next I knew, I was flying through the air.” Duellatried to keep his emotions at bay while he listened to Miriam. He fought the idea thatDrucella was somewhere near, ready to attack if given the chance. He scanned the room again, searching for anything that might lead him to the witch. He raised one hand and clasped the amulet, silently hoping it would revealDrucella’s whereabouts to his inquiring eyes. Miriam crossed her arms over her chest and shivered. “This might sound odd, since I’m already dead, but I feel a chill.” She searched the library, glancing quickly from side to side. “I think I’ll leave now, Duella . You can stay if you want to.”

Duellaturned his gaze on her as she returned to the window ledge where they had entered the building. In a second, she had materialized and vanished beneath the sill. He raked one hand through his hair. He hadn’t seen the woman Miriam claimed to have seen, or sensed any presence, but every instinct he had told him thatDrucella had paid him another visit.

Chapter Seven

Duellastood beyond the window of the home office and stared at the squat man seated at the large desk. He was intent on his work, bending his head and scribbling frantically with a pen. He studied him, sensed his fatigue. His body was failing. His heart was weak. He owned the largest corporation in the city, Glasco Enterprises, a manufacturing and distributing giant that branched intoEnglandandFrance. His holdings were vast. And he intended to have them. Duellatransformed, vaporized into a wispy mist and seeped beneath the glass patio doors leading into the room. He materialized into his vampire state in one dark corner of the office, his host none the wiser as he appeared absorbed in pages of figures splayed across his desk. He had taken the liberty of entering his name in the business records of the corporation, making himselfCEOand assuming ownership upon FredGlasco’s death. He would inherit the house he presently occupied, and the two homes he owned in EnglandandFrance, along with the yacht he kept for his cruises along the Rivera. FredGlasco had no living relatives, aside from a distant nephew that he hadn’t seen in almost twenty years.Duella deemed him no threat should he turn up wanting a share of the old man’s assets. Duellastepped up to the desk, drawing Fred’s attention from the scattering of papers. He gasped, blinked his eyes atDuella as though he couldn’t believe he was looking at a vampire with bared fangs and glowing red eyes, and fell over dead, knocking his head against his desk.Duella listened to his heart beat its final thud, quiver a moment as though trying to strike another beat, then cease altogether. Well, that’s done.Duellaturned on his heel and strolled from the room. Finding himself in a wide foyer, he turned his feet toward the lighted portion of the spacious home. He would be moving in once Fred’s body was moved out of the premises. He clasped his hands behind his back and strolled amid the beautiful rooms. Each seemed more lavish then the last, with expensive paintings decorating the walls and exquisite furnishings. I’m going to like it here.He would keep the house staff, of course. He would need people to keep the

place clean and the gardening crew. The lawn spanned almost five acres, with plants too numerous to count. He would assume a life as normal as possible, given his vampire state. With his powers of persuasion, he could maintain a reasonable existence and have people to do his biding. With his plan set in motion, he left the estate, deciding to look up Miriam. Last he had seen of the she vampire, she was distraught over the incident in the library. His brows furrowed as he thought about Drucella and the reason she had sought him out. She cannot have the amulet.Convinced that the gem was the reason he was adjusting so quickly to his new era, he would fight to the death to keep it. He clutched it in one hand, vowing to never take it off his neck. It would remain with him forever. He began his search for Miriam at her house, but found no traces of her. Returning to a more crowded part of the city, he materialized into his male form so he could walk among the people on the sidewalk. He paid close attention to their mode of dress, realizing that he would have to imitate the mass so as not to call undue attention to himself. Noting that most of the males were clad in denim jeans and long sleeve shirts, he soon came upon the retail section of the city and went in search of his own clothing. A few minutes later, he returned, casually dressed, and resumed his mingling with the people of the city, an eye out for Miriam. He didn’t think he would find her in any of the nightspots he had seen those on the streets frequenting. From his evaluation of the she vampire, he didn’t think she was very likely to have established herself in the city, either professionally or socially. And the long black dress she wore was hardly fit to be seen in. He felt a shard of sadness grip his insides with the thought. Miriam seemed nice enough—as vampires went. She hadn’t tried to bite him while they were together and he had only seen her long talons once, that being when she was returning to her vampire self after having fed. He stepped through the door of a nightclub and paused, having decided that it would be in his best interest to see what went on in one of the rowdy bars. He moved to the side of the door and turned his gaze out over the crowd. There wasn’t a vacant seat in the room. Loud music blared into the space and at the back of the room, a six-piece band performed on a small stage. Dancers filled the space before the stage, their bodies gyrating to the tune of the music. A long bar spanned the length of the room with a row of pedestal stools flanking it. Every stool was occupied and several people stood between the stools. The din was almost deafening. One voice couldn’t be discerned from the other. Turning his gaze on one couple seated along the edge of the room, he tuned his hearing specifically to their conversation. “Let’s go back to your place.” “We just got here, you horny son-of-a-bitch.” Duellaturned his head away. The couple was discussing sex. He turned his attention on another couple and tuned his keen hearing toward their conversation. “Sex was good last night.” “Yes. It was. Buy me another drink and maybe I’ll let you fuck me again tonight.” Duellashook his head and smiled slightly. Apparently, sex was the favored topic among young people of the day. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his new jeans and stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of the bar.

He heard the siren, screaming through the night, its high-pitched wail growing louder as it approached the intersection. He looked in the direction it came, thinking perhaps the housekeeping staff had discovered FredGlasco’s body. The ambulance passed through the crossroads and continued toward the outskirts of the city. He smiled. This time tomorrow night he would be residing in the mansion across town. Perhaps he’d sit at Fred’s desk and go over his assets. He refused to allow the feeling that he had done anything wrong to rise up inside him. He had been a vampire long enough to know that he could take what he wanted—if he went about it with a bit of finesse. He puffed out his chest. He had handled theGlasco deal with as much finesse as he could muster. He would soon be a wealthy man and a vampire that resided in one of the oldest cities in theUnited States. “Hand over the amulet.” He turned and spiedDrucella within arm’s reach. Glancing to either side, he observed the mass of people that he stood amid on the sidewalk. Drucellasmiled at him, a cunning grin that dimpled her cheeks and narrowed her eyes—pure evil shown from the clear blue depths as she let him know she had caught him at an awkward moment. He couldn’t possibly destroy her with others looking on. “Perhaps you’d care to join me for a little stroll in the park.” He knew she would refuse him, but caught surrounded by so many patrons from the bar, he had little choice but to be polite. Gall rose up inside him at the prospect of continuing the charade for much longer. He moved to step from the gathering that formed around him when he left the nightclub, and leadDrucella into the shadows, a half smile on his lips. “I would not. Give me the amulet.” He shook his head. The amulet hung against his chest, safely inside his new modern-day shirt, out of sight of prying eyes. “I’ll destroy you,Duella Sutherland.” “I’m not afraid of your threats,Drucella . You’re wasting your time.” “Perhaps your new whore should pay for your lack of obedience.” Duellafrowned.“Obedience?To you?” “You wear the amulet belonging to one of mycoven, therefore you are obedient to me.” “Your coven is no longer. The witches are dead. We’ve discussed this already,Drucella . Be on your way. We have no business.” She smiled. “I know what you did tonight.” He glanced around, wondering if the others overheard. It would be his undoing shouldDrucella reveal anything pertaining to FredGlasco and his sudden demise. He waved a hand, placing everyone nearby in a trance while he grabbed hold ofDrucella’s arm and lifted into the air.

The witch screeched and kicked her feet, trying to free herself. Duellaheld her arm in a vice-like grip and soared upward into the darkness. “I’ll be damned if I let you destroy my plan,Drucella !” He flew to the edge of the city, spied a graveyard and lowered their bodies beside a stone mausoleum.Drucella wrenched free once he set her feet on the ground. She backed away from him and sneered angrily. “You are a fool,Duella . You cannot live here, among the living. You are a creature of the night. You belong with the dead.” He pulled in a long breath. UponDrucella’s demise, he would be free to do whatever he desired. He lunged at her, the thought of ending her existence that very moment filling his head. He had allowed her to dictate to him far too long. He caught her around the throat, hauled her against his chest, with all intentions of ripping her neck open and drinking every drop of her blood. Drucellascreeched and vanished into thin air the second his fingers clasped around her neck. He berated himself for letting her get away again. Why hadn’t he tried a different tactic to annihilate the witch? He combed one hand through his hair,then massaged the back of his neck as he searched the area for signs ofDrucella . As before, she had vanished without leaving any trace behind. Dammit! I’ve just prolonged the agony of not knowing when she will pop up again.He leaned against the stone grave marker and consideredDrucella’s quest. Since he had no intention of handing over the amulet to her, he was faced with coming up with another plan to deter her efforts. He thought about the incident at the library earlier that evening. Miriam had been frightened, and he had pushed the matter aside in lieu of finding the business information he had come to collect. Then once Miriam had calmed a bit, she chose to leave altogether. He hadn’t questioned her wanting to leave, assuming that she was still scared by what had happened. What happened to make Miriam so scared?He loathed the idea of involving Miriam in his dealings with Drucella . The witch was aware of their acquaintance and had issued a threat against Miriam already. He would be wise to warn Miriam to be on the lookout forDrucella if he did nothing else. He considered his options. He only had two. He couldeither tell Miriam aboutDrucella and hope she took his warning seriously, or he could leaveNew Orleansand hopeDrucella followed him, perhaps ending the danger to Miriam forever. “Damn!” He returned his thinking to the incident at the library. Miriam had sensed something strange in one section of the room. Had she ventured to that area while he went about appeasing his curiosity for his visit? If so, did she find something—or was something waiting for her and luring her to her fate? He suspected thatDrucella was something more than merely a witch—but he had no idea what that might be. He thought of the amulet. Its power came from the dark one. He was certain of that. But he didn’t dispute the fact that it was available to him for use. In fact, he relished the idea. He was a stranger in a new era and needed the guidance. He debated whether to return to the library and investigate the bookcase Miriam had called his attention to—or continue his search for Miriam so he could question her about the frightening episode. He gazed overhead. The night would soon be over. Daylight hovered on the horizon. The choice had been made for him. He would have to seek safety for now.

Chapter Eight

Miriam was absent from her house whenDuella arrived. He searched the main floor, lifted the lid of the coffin, only to find it empty,then felt a shard of regret at not finding her when the suns first rays rose above the treetops. He fled to the chamber beneath the floorboards of the old house, his eyes pained by the brightness of day.

****

Duellaawakened, a breath catching in his throat. Miriam lay against his side, her head pillowed on his shoulder. He released a sigh and thought about the night previous. He was glad Miriam was safe, regardless of his futile search before daylight that forced him to go underground. “I looked for you last night, but you were nowhere to be found.” His tone was filled with concern as he stroked her cheek with one finger. She was pale from lack of blood. He knew he shouldn’t detain her too long, should allow her to get up and go in search of food. He pushed a dark curl from her temple and followed his finger with his lips, kissing her lightly. He felt soothed by her presence. For a moment, he questioned the feeling. Perhaps he was just lonely and the presence of a woman—a vampire woman—served to remind him that he was a man. He felt the stirrings of his cock. He pulled Miriam closer and skimmed his hand across her breasts. “I want you.” “It is early in the night,Duella . First, I must find nourishment.” He groaned and lowered his hand to her crotch. He cupped her pussy. “I’m hard, Miriam. Place your hand on my cock. It’s hard because you arouse me, my sweet.” He kissed her temple and inched her long dress up, baring her crotch. He delved his fingers inside her, moaning against her ear when he felt her response. “Take me then,Duella . Take me quick—before I die from lack of nourishment.” He laughed at her comment. Then he parted her legs with his knee and released his hard cock through

the opening in his pants. He entered her cavern quickly, bringing a sharp grunt from her mouth. “You are very eager this new night.” She clutched his buttocks in either hand and arched her back to fully open her body up for his lunging thrusts. “And you are very big.” “We fit together nicely, Miriam.” He thrust into her body, holding her tightly about the waist and shoulders, pinning her body against their bed of soil. The thought that she could be his woman bloomed in his mind. He shoved the notion aside. The danger was too great.Drucella had to be dealt with forthwith. She moaned and increased her bucking, wrapping her legs around his thrusting hips and digging her nails into his back. “You give me much pleasure,Duella .” She came then, releasing a guttural moan as the sensations of orgasm filled her body. Duellaincreased his thrusts, bringing himself to the apex of climax. He closed his eyes while the orgasm shot through his insides. He pinned Miriam to the dirt, milking his cock until it was limp and all the sensations of climax had waned from his body. Only then, did he heave a big sigh and roll to his side, clutching her tightly against his chest. “You are very possessive, my lover.” She laughed softly. He hadn’t realized he might be giving her such an impression with his actions. He loosened his grip, but he didn’t release her altogether. “Tell me what happened to frighten you so badly at the library last night.” She shuddered, her body shaking violently. Duellafelt her fright and tightened his arm around her waist, hugging her close. “You’re safe. I assure you. I’ll protect you.”I sound so certain. Can I really protect her from the likes ofDrucella ? The witch is ruthless and not to be underestimated. Miriam turned in his arms. A smile graced her lips. She stroked his cheek with one palm. “You are very kind,Duella . I am glad you found me.” She kissed him softly, her lips moving tenderly against his. “And your offer of protection isvery appreciated. But we both know that as vampires, we are very vulnerable during the daylight hours.” She drew in a long breath. Duellafelt her concern. “What is it? Tell me what troubles you.” She stared at him. He tried to convey his reassurance with the caress of his hands along her body. “Please,Duella . I must go and feed. I feel fatigued.” He released her so she could leave their bed of soil. He lay on his back and watched her stand, then cross to the staircase leading up from the cellar. A feeling of loss encompassed his insides. For a second, he questioned the sensation,then hurried to catch up with Miriam. He shouldn’t let her go out alone—not withDrucella lurking about ready to do them harm. He caught Miriam at the door of the old house and took her elbow, pulling her to a halt. “We will feed together tonight, Miriam.” She smiled and nodded her head. They rose into the dark sky, silently, quickly.Duella held her hand and together they moved toward the

old section of the city. The sounds of loud music came to their ears as they spied the lights of several bars below. A parade of people moved about the narrow streets, talking and laughing. Victims are plentiful.Duellaurged Miriam into the shadows of an alleyway and pressed her into a small niche between two buildings. “Wait here.” He left her after hearing her promise she would wait for him and ventured into the street, merging with the foot traffic. After watching herdisrobe for the two men she drank from last night, he intended to bring her a victim so he wouldn’t have to think of her showing her body to anyone else. He grimaced as he felt a flicker of caring waft through his insides. He would be wiser not to become involved with the she vampire—but circumstances seemed to dictate otherwise. He clamped a hand atop a broad shoulder of a man and turned his feet in reverse, guiding him through the moving crowd and into the alley where Miriam waited. Unable to react because of the tranceDuella placed him in, the man walked right up to Miriam and bent his head to one side, as though inviting her to drink his blood. Miriam hissed and lunged at the man, sinking her fangs into his vein and clinging to his back with her long talons.Duella stood nearby and listened to her suck the man’s blood, greedily, noisily. His own thirst was immense, but he contained his blood lust, keeping a close eye on Miriam so that she didn’t drain the victim’s body in her exuberance. Finally, growing concerned that she might kill the victim,Duella laid a hand on her shoulder and urged her to stop drinking. He sensed the man was showing signs of losing consciousness. Miriam thrust the man from her grasp, pushing him across the alley. He stumbled and fell to his knees, then scrambled up and ran toward the lighted street. Miriam watched him leave, her eyes glowing red, blood dribbling down her chin. She swiped a forearm across her mouth and turned a grateful gaze on Duella . “Thank you. My thirst was great.” She straightened her dress, pushed her long hair over her shoulder and relaxed her body. Her eyes ceased to glow red and she withdrew her fangs, her body now nourished with fresh blood. “I’m ready to go with you to the library now.” Duellanodded his head. He swallowed down the urge to feed his own body in lieu of finding out what had taken place with Miriam at the library last night. He took her hand and they rose into the air. The library wasdark, they entered beneath the windowsill and materialized once they were safely inside. “I was drawn to one of the books in the case,Duella . The sensation was very strong. The book was very old and heavy. Its cover was worn and its pages were tattered. I took it to the closest table and was looking through it when the woman appeared.” She shivered and crossed her arms over her chest, rubbing her upper arms with her palms. “She didn’t sayanything, she just jumped on me and started to choke me.” Duellapulled her into his arms and held her tightly. She wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled against his chest. “Your presence is comforting, Duella .” After Miriam had calmed a bit,Duella urged her in the direction of the bookcase at the side of the room. “Show me the book, Miriam.” He followed her across the room, a bevy of sensations coming to his senses as they drew near the tall, ornate bookcase standing against the wall. A sense of foreboding

gripped his insides as he drew near. He halted his feet, watching Miriam as she pulled the heavy book from the shelf. His temples throbbed. His chest felt tight. He combed one hand through his hair, at a loss as to what he was feeling. He followed Miriam across the room to a long wooden table flanked with several chairs. She laid the book on the table and backed away from it. “It scares me,Duella . I don’t want to touch it anymore.” He fought the sensations assailing his senses, touching Miriam on the arm as he pushed her behind his body, protectively. He walked over to the table where the book lay and opened its cover. The spine cracked as the heavy leather back landed against the table. A puff of dust rose. Duellafanned a hand, dispersing the nose irritating fog. He gazed at the first page, his eyes blurring. He leaned one hand on the table beside the book and turned the page. His eyes began to burn as more dust wafted up from the old book. He felt the need to sit and dragged a chair over. “Are you all right?” He ignored Miriam’s question. His reaction to the old book was puzzling. He fought the continuing sensations as they increased to torment him. His eyes blurred, distorting the pages of the book as he continued to lift the old pages and fold them over onto the next one. Dust billowed up, forming a cloud that increased in size with every page turned. Hecoughed, his throat choking. His strength was waning—he felt the weakening in his muscles. He pushed onward, turning more pages of the book. He rubbed a hand across his eyes. The pages were distorted, and despite his continued efforts, he found it increasingly difficult to see the printing on the old pages. “You are weak. You need to feed.” He barely heard Miriam’s words. He was puzzled beyond belief at the reaction he was having just being near the old book. Pressing on, he blinked his eyes and drew closer to the pages he turned, resisting the urge to fling the old relic against the closest wall.What’s happening to me? “Take my blood,Duella .” He drew back slightly as Miriam thrust a wrist beneath his face. “Drink and be nourished.” He licked his parched lips. His blood lust rose in tormenting peaks as he considered the offer from the she vampire. “Drink.Please.” He raised a hand and grasped her wrist, then opened his mouth and allowed his fangs to emerge. He lowered his mouth to her vein and sank his fangs in. Her hot blood filled his mouth. He closed his eyes and savored the renewing force as it coursed through his body. Mindful that he was drinking from Miriam and not some victim he didn’t know, he soon pulled his fangs out and raised his head. He lathed the pricks on her wrist, closing the wound before releasing her arm.

Refreshed, he returned his attentions to the old book lying open on the table before him. The pages were yellowed with age, the writing faded and at times, illegible. Dust hung above the book in an ominous cloud, threatening to distort his vision and choke his throat again. His brows drew together in puzzlement as he considered his reaction to the text. He coughed, stirring the dust. He fanned one hand reviving the misty cloud and making it resume its swirling motion before his eyes. What the hell?A face materialized in the dust, a vision that whirled and tumbled, grew faint, thencame soaring toward him, making him pull back. He blinked his eyes and tried to make out the likeness. Drucella?The image was unfamiliar—but his thoughts were consumed with visions ofDrucella’s face dancing before his eyes, laughing at him one second,sneering the next. He struggled to gain control of his senses, determined to learn the secret of the old book and why he was being tormented by something as common as a little dust. He squinted at the visions appearing and disappearing before his eyes. “Maybe we should go.” Perhaps it was Miriam’s words that caused the reaction. It was minuscule, but noticeable nonetheless. He paused and considered what had just taken place. The moment Miriam suggested they leave—the menacing dust retreated. There’s a secret within this book.He turned his eyes away from the text, testing his suspicion. He looked about the library, studied the darkness for a moment, waiting for the dust to rise up and swirl before his eyes, obstructing his vision as it had previously. When the cloud didn’t move, he knew his suspicions were right. Someone or something had been sent to prevent him from learning what the book had to reveal. He pondered his revelation. He clutched the amulet beneath his shirt and silently beseeched it for help. He felt a breeze on his neck, lifting the long hair at his nape. It blew against his cheek and whipped across his eyes, causing him to close his eyelids. He heard Miriam gasp. He opened his eyes. The room was clear of dust. He lowered his gaze to the pages of the book. The writing was clearly visible.

Chapter Nine

He had thought perhaps thatDrucella was something other than the witch he had once believed she was, and as he searched through the pages of the old book, he felt more and more certain that his suspicion was correct. He read about witches and warlocks, demons and creatures that stole souls and never returned them. He read about fairies and gnomes and their mystical cohorts. When he came upon the heading of vampires, he paused his reading and stared at the grotesque picture on the page. The creature of the night had a distorted face, long bared fangs that threatened from a gaping mouth and red glowing eyes resembling burning embers. He looked away, disgusted. The touch of Miriam’s hand on his shoulder brought his thinking round. He wasn’t like the rendition of the vampire in the book. He was neither distorted in face or body. He sighed. Turning the page, he read briefly about magic and wizards,then he came upon something that gave him pause. Gideons?He had never heard of such creatures.Gideons were mythological beings that had the ability to live forever and take on many forms. It was almost impossible to kill one of the creatures—given their immense range of powers. Almost impossible?IsDrucella a Gideon?He thought about his brother casting the witch into the fire and seeing her remains turn to ashes. Fire was supposed to destroy witches. His brows furrowed. IfDrucella was a Gideon, that would explain how she had survived the flames and come back to retrieve the amulet of her coven. He grasped the gem and held it tightly. Are my powers strong enough to defend the amulet from its previous owner?He scanned the pages of the book, looking for some means of verifyingDrucella’s identity. The passages told ofGideons coming into power and the forming of a colony centuries earlier. He learned that the race was immune to destruction—except for one threat. He turned the page, but found the parchment tattered too badly to make out the writing. He grimaced. He understood thatDrucella had indeed wanted to prevent him from reading the book so that he couldn’t find out about her real identity or learn how to destroy her. He raked one hand through his hair. But I didn’t find out how to destroy her—only that there is one threat toGideons .He closed the book and lifted it from the table. As he walked across the room to replace it in the bookcase, he was assailed with the feeling that another presence had joinedhe and Miriam. He whirled around, his intense gaze encompassing the interior of the room with lightning haste. A spark of light glimmered in the corner of the room,then drew nearer, growing larger as it approached. He braced his legs, threw the old book on the floor and clenched his fists, ready to do battle. The shard spun, flashing amber, then white before halting. It hovered, wavered. Miriam gasped and raced across the room to hide behindDuella . “Show yourself!” His voice was commanding, leaving no room for rebuke. “Show yourself!” The mass shifted, swirled. A shape began to form.

Duellastared at the image being manifested before his eyes. He could see a body emerging, a woman with long hair. She was naked. He blinked his eyes, recognition coming to mind. “Duella.Come. Let’s lie together and enjoy each other’s bodies.” He felt uneasy as the voice rasped into the wide-open space. He clearly recognized the woman he had met and taken nourishment from the first night of his existence in the present era. He knew now that she had faked her fainting spell only to get him in her domain where she later transformed intoDrucella and attacked him. He gathered his courage. Prepared to fight to the death, he snarled angrily and leapt toward the figure within the lit vision. He landed mere inches from the apparition and glimpsed the surprise in the piercing blue eyes when he thrust a fist into its protective aura. An angry wail came from the light asDuella’s powerful thrust upset the balance of prism. The mass shrank back, quivered—the female form contained within its boundary, groaned and thrashed about. Duellalashed out, clutching the form by the chest. He clenched his mighty hand, gnashing his teeth as the apparition fought to get free. It drew back, threatened him with long, pointed teeth, raked his forearms with sharp talons. He felt his skin pierced as the claws dug in,then suffered a crushing blow from a foot as it landed in his mid-section. He bellowed and gnashed his teeth, growing angrier as the creature fought back. “You cannot beat me. You do not have the power.” The voice sounded remarkably calm, a hint of sarcasm clung to the words. Duellapaused with his fist clenched tightly on the creature’s chest. He gave the form a mighty shake, demonstrating his hate. The form hovered—the face stared atDuella through the misty aura,then vanished as quickly as it had come into the room.Duella grasped thin air, his fist still clenched in an agonizing grip as he realized that Drucella had disappeared right before his eyes—again. “I’ve got to find a way to destroy that fucking witch!” Miriam was before him, her hands clutching his face. “Who is she? What does she want?” He looked into her eyes. He had to be honest with her. She had given him blood when his body was suffering from the effects of the old book. “She’s a witch from my past. She wants…” He paused. Did he dare tell Miriam about the amulet? “She wants to destroy you?” “Yes. And she’ll stop at nothing.” Miriam covered her mouth with one hand, horrified. “What can we do? There must be something we can do?” She jerked her head toward the old bookDuella had dropped to the floor when the witch arrived. “What did the old book tell you?” He noted the fact Miriam offered to help him. He smiled in spite of the circumstances. He drew her into his arms. “I read about creatures calledGideons . I thinkDrucella may be one.” He stopped short of

revealing thatDrucella had been a witch in the year 1185, thinking perhaps that Miriam might not understand time travel. He grimaced, once again feeling uncertain whether he should have come to this present time. He had encountered nothing but problems since arriving. He pushed Miriam to arm’s length and gazed down at her. Well, perhaps not everything he encountered could be classified as a problem.He lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers, then drew her against his chest. “What are we going to do,Duella ? We can’t just ignore the witch. She’ll come back and try to kill you again. I know she will.” She tightened her arms around his waist. “We have just found each other—I don’t want to lose you.” Her words tugged at his senses. Since meeting her, he had been in a quandary over his growing feelings for her, repressing them as best he could, but now that she had spoken her true feelings about him… “Come. I have something to show you.” He took her hand and led her to the windowsill where they had entered the building. Urging her to transform, he seeped beneath the pane and then reappeared as a bat, taking to the air. She followed close behind, soaring on the calm night breeze at his side. They crossed the city and flew into the suburbs. Duellaarrived at the mansion he would soon be living in. He landed in a tree, then leapt to the ground and transformed. With Miriam by his side, he walked to the front door of the mansion and pressed one hand against the solid wood structure, ordering it to open. The mansion unfolded before their eyes, a lavishly decorated home that bore all the finery of the previous owner.Duella took Miriam’s hand and stepped across the threshold. She looked around in wonder, retuning her gaze to his face. Her lower jaw hung open in awe. “What is this place?” “My new home.Would you like to live here with me?” She bit her bottom lip,then smiled. Tears appeared in her eyes. “Oh, yes. I would like that very much.” She turned to have another look. “Should I ask about the previous owner? Or how you came to have the house?” He shook his head. “The less youknow, the better. Know only that I have made arrangements for the future.” She nodded her head, satisfied with his explanation. The stench of death clung to the home office where FredGlasco spent his final moments.Duella strode into the room, crossed the carpeted floor to the wide desk and gazed upon the array of papers scattered across its top. He gathered the sheets, stacked them neatly in a pile,then tucked them into a manila folder. Soon, he would put everything in order, but tonight he would entertain Miriam. She swept into the room, the long dark dress she wore billowing around her calves. She smiled, appearing happy for the first time since they left the library and their harrowing ordeal with the witch. “We’re going to live here forever,Duella ? We’re going to have servants to wait on us andcooks to prepare our meals?” She sucked in a quick breath and covered her face with both hands. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I forget how horrible it is to be a vampire. We don’t eat food—real food anyway.” She

lowered her hands and looked at him, a faint smile on her lips. “But I suppose we could if we wanted to.” “You could.” He returned her smile. Remorse gathered in his gut. He realized then that she suffered the same sad feelings as he about their vampire state, the undead existence they were forced to endure.Alas. There was little either of them could do to change things. The curse would remain with them forever. She shrugged her shoulders. “When will you occupy the house?” She stared at him with wide eyes. He glanced toward the desk, reminded that the former owner had been taken away and now lay in a funeral home a short distance from there, prepared for burial in the human manner. The servants were presently gathered in the chapel, grieving. And perhaps worrying about their jobs.“Tonight.” She bit her bottom lip. He sensed her concern. “I’ll send for your coffin.” She looked relieved,then lowered her eyes. “I know we’ve been sleeping together, but—” “You don’t owe me an explanation, Miriam. If you feel at ease having the crypt near you, then you shall have it.” He smiled. “All vampires should have their casket nearby,Duella .” Her brows drew together. “Have you no coffin of your own?” He sighed and took a seat on the corner of the desk. Looking about the great room, with its book lined walls and sleek leatherfurniture, he felt he could get used to his new surroundings with little effort. “I have no coffin, my sweet. And now that we are in this new place, I intend to sleep in a real bed in a real bedroom with curtains at the window and a bolt on the door.” He laughed out loud. She smiled broadly. “Do you suppose we could sleep without being near the earth—the very thing the undead is supposed to retreat to for security?” She crossed the floor and stood very close to him. “Are there some human things that we could do—instead of always hunting for victims in the night, then scurrying into the darkness to hide?” She combed her fingers through her hair. The dark mass hung lank against her shoulders. Dark circles rimmed her eyes. Shadows played about her mouth, reminiscent of her lost beauty. He took hold of her upper shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “We are going to make some changes, Miriam. We are going to establish ourselves in the community and live among the living.” She drew in a quick breath. “But how can we—when we must hunt mortals for their blood? How can we live among them—they will discover us and drive stakes through our helpless bodies while we slumber.” She shook her head.“Oh,Duella . We cannot.” He drew her into his embrace. “Miriam, we can. And we shall.”

Chapter Ten

The servants neither returned to the house that night or the following.Duella prepared written instructions for each one, assuring them that they were still employed at the mansion and making a brief introduction of himself as their new employer. On the fourth night, the butler and the cook appeared, standing stiff and formal at the foot of the stairs as he descended from the upper floor. He had chosen a bedroom for himself and Miriam, the master suite with a grand view overlooking the dense woods that lay behind the house. Ambrose, the butler bowed at the waist asDuella came down the stairs. “We are grateful that you intend to keep us on, Mr. Sutherland.” “Thank you, sir.” Hilda, the cook and Ambrose’s wife, stared at him with a rather unorthodox expression on her face. As Duella neared the landing of the stairs, she stepped behind her husband, as though seeking safety from him. “The gardening staff and the two maids employed by Mr.Glasco will be returning tomorrow, sir—unless they are needed right away, that is.” “No. Tomorrow will be sufficient, Ambrose. Thank you.” “Sir, if I might inquire, you precisely instructed my wife andI to continue our daily chores as though our former employer were still in the house.” Duellafelt his uncertainty. “You also stated in your written letter, that you are somewhat of a night person and would be carrying on most of your business during the evening hours. Does this mean, sir, that the services of my wife and I are to be full time, day and night?” “On occasion, Ambrose.” A noise from the upper floor drew the servant’s eyes.Duella turned as Miriam appeared at the top of the staircase. She paused and looked down on the small assembly.

An audible gasp came from Hilda’s throat. She raised one hand and covered her mouth. Miriam stood at the top of the stairs, her long black dress concealing all but her feet. Duellaheld out one hand, beckoning to Miriam. “Should my lady require anything further from either of you, she will certainly let you know.” The servants bowed hastily and retreated to the back of the house. “I suppose I scared the shit out of them,Duella .” Miriam descended the staircase, her long black dress billowing around her thin body. She headed toward the door, intending to go in search of food. She pushed her hair over one shoulder and glanced at him. “After I’ve sucked the blood out of some unsuspecting slob, I’m going shopping.” Duellachuckled and watched her walk past. The old dress she wore needed discarded. It was tattered and torn and spotted with efforts of her feeding frenzies. He waited until she had left the mansion before turning his own thoughts to nourishment. He had taken to feeding at one of the private clubs in the old section of town, a men’s club that consisted mainly of local businessmen. He found the whole concept of listening to their conversations as they drank brandy and puffed on cigars to be quite an informative event. So far he had remained in the corner of the room, hovering near the ceiling, so that he could eavesdrop without them knowing of his presence. Once he gained enough knowledge of their businesses so he could intelligently converse with the group, he would make himself known and join their ranks. New Orleanshad been severely damaged by HurricaneKatrina, a devastating storm that struck theGulf Coasttwo years earlier and parts of the city had yet to recover. He had been privy to hear all about the unsavory government officials who lagged behind in their efforts to rebuild the flagging city. Several businesses had left already and there was much talk of others following suit. He had no such plans for any of theGlasco holdings, though he did hear the name mentioned on occasion as the businessmen discussed their options for renewal of their own holdings. As he eavesdropped on their conversations, he mentally noted the advantageGlasco Enterprises had over the other businesses in the area. Perhaps the fact that most intrigued him was that none of theGlasco holdings had been affected by the hurricane.Glasco neither owned rental property in the city, or coastal homes, two areas hit hardest by the storm. Aside from the effects of the storm, the group had discussed the local economy, the soaring tax increase the city fathers had levied against the citizens for rebuilding efforts, and the failing performance of the New Orleans Saints, the city’s football team. He strode to the door of the mansion, but before he could exit, Miriam burst through the opening. She hummed happily, her arms laden with clothes. She hurried past him to the stairs. “Come see. I have a new wardrobe,Duella .” He chuckled and followed her up the staircase. The soft rustle of silk and lace followed her down the long hallway to the west wing of the large house. She entered the master suite and deposited her armload of dresses on the bed. Turning toward him, she gathered the hem of the old dress she wore in either hand and pulled it over her head. “I’ve worn this rag for fifty years. It’s disgusting.” She flung the dress across the room. She smiled atDuella as he stepped inside the room and leaned one shoulder against the doorjamb. She was totally naked except for her shoes.

“All these years, I’ve never cared what I looked like.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Who in hell would give me a second look anyway? I’m a fucking vampire out to take blood from the first unsuspecting bastard I can lay my hands on—” She propped her hands on her hips. “Then you came along. Now I feel as though there might be something other than taking blood from mortals and sleeping all day.” He felt her happiness, though she harbored an underlying sorrow. “I know you can’t do anything about this damn vampire curse—” She rushed across the room and threw herself into his arms. Lacing her fingers behind his neck, she rose up on tiptoe and kissed him. He wound his arms around her bare waist and returned her kiss, feeling her breasts press against his chest and her belly push into his crotch. He skimmed his palms across her back and onto her buttocks, pressing her closer. His cock began to rise as arousal flowed through his body in a heated wave. She pulled her mouth away. “Fuck me,Duella . I’m so turned on.” Her face bore the flush of new blood running through her veins. Duellagroaned and lifted her into his arms. He crossed the floor to the bed where she had piled her new garments. He laid her down amid the colorful array and climbed atop her body. He found her mouth and kissed her deeply, thrusting his tongue between her lips. She pawed at his body, clutched at his buttocks and urged him to take his cock from his pants. She splayed her legs and bucked her hips. Duellareleased his cock and drove it between her legs, causing her to gasp and arch her back. She wound her legs around his hips and began to move, lunging upward to meet his deep thrusts. He held her buttocks in either hand, driving his cock deep inside her body. It slid along her silken passage, bringing soft moans of delight from her throat. He opened his eyes and gazed down at her. Her eyes were closed, her bottom lip clamped between her teeth. He felt the first sensations of orgasm gather in his balls, then spiral through his limbs as it came full force. He lowered his mouth to claim hers as the climax shot through his body. The sensations felt electric, making him draw in deep breaths and squeeze his eyes shut to savor the onslaught. He had never enjoyed a woman as much as he was enjoying Miriam. She was willing and not ashamed to instigate the sex act with him. He smiled as he gazed down at her, watching as she came to her own climax. Pleasure shone on her face, pulled her lips into a smile of satisfaction. She opened her mouth and sucked in gasping breaths. She arched her throat and closed her eyes tightly. He continued to move, long after his own orgasm had waned from his body. Miriam dug her fingernails into his buttocks, still in the throes of orgasm. He held her and continued to lunge into her passage, stroking her female tissues, bringing forth climatic sensations. She stopped moving, and lay still beneath him. He released a long breath and rolled to his side, pulling her body against his chest. He kissed her lips, finding them moist and tempting. “I want to show you my new clothes.” She whispered against his lips.

He groaned and released her, then watched as she stood beside the bed and yanked on the clothes he still lay on. “You’re wrinkling them,Duella .” He laughed and rolled off the new garments. “You seduced me, remember?” She giggled and sorted through the array of colorful dresses and undergarments. Choosing a black lace teddy, she pulled it over her hips and onto her breasts. “How does it look?” She turned before him, her hands on her hips. Her beauty mesmerizedDuella . Her body was shapely, her legs were long and her breasts rose temptingly over the filmy cups of the undergarment. “You’re beautiful.” She stared at him. “You’re the first man to ever tell me that—and I have to be fucking dead to finally get to hear it.” She frowned. He felt her shock, then anger. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.” She waved one hand at him and hurried to take the teddy off. She picked up a pink negligee and matching robe and put them on. Her breasts shown through the thin fabric, her nipples thrusting upward in a tantalizing jut. “Will you sleep in that when the sun rises?” “If you want me to.” He nodded his head. It would serve little purpose, aside from allowing her to awaken come nightfall and find herself encased in something besides that horrid old black dress. He lay on the bed and watched as she pulled the gown and robe off and went on to the next garment in the heap. She was happy—to some extent—and he was glad for her.

Chapter Eleven

Duellaleft Miriam arranging her new clothes in the walk-in closet off the master bedroom. She was humming softly to herself when he couldn’t refuse his gnawing hunger any longer and announced that he was going out to feed. “You’ll be careful, won’t you?” He laughed and paused in the doorway. She sounded like a wife, and for a moment, he considered telling her so, but then decided not to. She might get the idea that he wanted to wed her, and right now, he had other things more pressing to tend. His head filled with unsavory thoughts ofDrucella . It had been four days since their last encounter. I wish that had been our final encounter for all time.He knew in his heart that they would meet again. Drucella had already demonstrated her determination to torment him until he relinquished the amulet he possessed. He clutched the gem in one hand and wondered how far the witch would go to gain it. A cold dread rose up inside him. He combed one hand through his hair. He only wanted to live in peace. And make a life for himself and Miriam inNew Orleans. The city was perfect for their lifestyle. It never slept. The streets seemed to be alive all through the night—perfect for feeding their blood lusts. Blood lusts.Fucking vampires.He stifled his sudden anger. Perhaps he was too conventional for his own good. Vampires weren’t ordinary things that chose particular cities to set up house. They were undead creatures that needed the mortal man for only one damn thing.Blood. He arrived at the men’s club and slipped quietly inside the building. Dark paneling covered the walls and heavy leather furniture sat scattered about the entry and the long hallways. The aroma of cigars and sweet smelling pipe tobacco clouded the air and led him toward the main room of the establishment. He glided across the polished hardwood floor, his body appearing little more than a shadow to those he passed in the halls. He reached the room he sought and rose quickly into the air, taking to his favorite dark corner. There were three gentlemen sitting in a semi-circle near a large brick fireplace. One smoked a cigar, another held a drink in his hand and the third smoked a pipe. He knew their names. The small man with the graying hair and slim moustache was Lloyd Cramer. He owned the newspaper in the city. Jason Murphy was short and stout. He was the undertaker as well as the coroner. The third man was Melvin Cross. He was tall and robust and owned a car dealership downtown. “You performed an autopsy on that body the police found down by the beach, didn’t you, Jason?” “I did.” He shook his head and took a drink from the glass he held. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” He glanced around and leaned closer to the other two men. “Keep this under your hats. The police are investigating the death.” “A murder inNew Orleansisn’t anything unusual, especially since the flood and all the destruction from the hurricane, Jason.” “This murder was unusual.” “Well, come on. Don’t keep us in suspense. Why was this murder different?” “The body was drained of all blood.”

“What sort of person does that to another person?” “It’s rare in my experience.” “Well, it just cuts your job as undertaker short, that’s all.” “Seriously, Melvin.I’ve never seen anything like it.” Lloyd Cramer chuckled. “Sounds like a vampire kill to me.” “Shit. You know there’s no such thing as vampires, Lloyd.” Lloyd shrugged his shoulders. “Well I don’t know of any animal that drains its victim of blood. Do you?” “Let’s be serious. Was the victim a man or a woman?” “A young male, early twenties.The police are trying to identify him.” “Did you find bite marks?” “I did.On his neck.” Jason raised his hand and pointed to his own neck. “Two marks right in the jugular.” The three men sat quietly, smoking, blowing smoke into the air. The undertaker finished his drink. Duellacontemplated their conversation. He recalled Miriam saying there were no vampires in the city, aside fromherself . He had seen no signs of other creatures of the night in his time spent in the area. He wondered if the undertaker could be mistaken. He had not said that the body wasmutilated, only drained of blood. He pushed the thought of Miriam being involved in any murder from his mind. Miriam wasn’t a killer. He smiled as he thought of how she was admiring her new wardrobe as he left her that evening. She was happy to have something to divert her attention from the fact that she was a vampire. Miriam could never kill a victim.A niggling little thought forced its way into his brain.If Miriam and I are the only vampires in the city—and I didn’t commit a murder—that only leaves one vampire who might have done it. He returned his attention to the men seated near the fireplace when he heard the sound of a cell phone. He watched as the undertaker took the small device from one jacket pocket and then held it to his ear. “The police want me to meet them at the morgue. They’re bringing someone down to identify the murder victim. I have to go.” Duellaglided softly to the floor and followed Jason Murphy out of the room. He would go with the city coroner and hear firsthand what the police had to say about the body they hoped to identify. The morgue was inside the city hospital, on the lower level.Duella trailed Jason Murphy down the hospital corridor and into the elevator, transforming into a misty vapor and gathering in the corner of the lift while it lowered to the appropriate floor. Once the elevator doors slid open, he whisked through the

opening and assumed a position near the bank of metal doors shutting off the icy cubicles housing the corpses. A man and a woman appeared in the doorway. The woman was clutching a handkerchief and wringing her hands. Tears stained her cheeks. Duellafelt her fright and sorrow. She bit her bottom lip as the policeman walked her over to the metal wall. Jason Murphy opened one of the metal doors and pulled out a sliding gurney. A sheet covered the body. He raised the portion covering the head. The woman screamed and nearly fell to the floor. The policeman caught her around the waist, steadied her body. She turned her face into his shoulder. “It’sGary! My God! My son has been murdered!” “We’ll find the murderer, Mrs. McCoy. I promise.” Duellastared at the dead body lying on the metal gurney. He could see the young man’s neck, the puncture wound. A remorseful feeling gripped his insides when he saw the two marks, positioned on the jugular, very near the jaw line. It appeared a vampire had attacked the victim. He sniffed the air, trying to scent one of his ownkind . A feeling of relief coursed through him when he failed to detect the aroma of a bloodthirsty creature of the night.That’s not a vampire kill. The policeman walked the distressed woman from the room. Jason Murphy shook his head and replaced the sheet over the young man, then slid the gurney back into the dark cubicle. Duellaleft the morgue and, since he hadn’t fed yet that evening, he returned to the busy part of the city. A crowd was emerging from one of the theaters as he neared the section of town where the bars began. He took refuge in a dark alley and waited for an unsuspecting passerby. A lone man strolled past.Duella dashed after him, placing one hand atop his shoulder. A commanding thought brought the man under Duella’s power and he accompanied him in to the next dark corner of the city. Duella’shunger gnawed at him. He opened his mouth and bared his fangs. His eyes glowed red, his blood lust unleashed. He sank his fangs deep into the man’s vein, filling his mouth with his warm blood. He drank, gulping his fill. Conscious not to take too much blood from the man,Duella stifled his blood thirst and removed his fangs, lathing the wound and closing it. He released the man and took to the air. Since viewing the murder victim in the morgue, he had decided that someone had killed the young man and made it appear as if a vampire had sucked his blood. The city would be in an uproar if the news leaked out that there was a killer vampire on the rampage. Drucella.Could she fake a vampire attack?She’s a fucking witch—and a Gideon—she can do most anything she decides to do.He flew to the outskirts of the city and transformed into his vampire self. Standing beneath a large tree on the edge of the city cemetery, he clutched the amulet and made a request. How can I destroyDrucella ?He clutched the amulet and waited.

The stone neither warmed his hand nor showed him any vision. He glanced around his surroundings. The cemetery was dark. One streetlight shone faintly down the block. Barren tree limbs cast eerie shadows across the stone markers. Clouds gathered overhead, concealing the moon and stars. Cold dread settled inside him. Thoughts of Miriam materialized in his mind. He had left her at the mansion, admiring her new clothes. Was she safe in that big house? IsDrucella aware of our move?He remembered then thatDrucella had not found them in Miriam’s old house. He clutched the amulet and made another request, though he saw no sign of his first plea being answered. How can I destroy the Gideon?

Chapter Twelve

Duellaawoke with a start. His eyes flashed open. He bared his fangs and hissed. “What’s wrong?” Miriam sat up beside him, her eyes inquiring,one hand on his chest as she gazed about the darkened bedroom. She inched to the side of the big bed andstood, her attention still on the room andDuella’s sudden awakening. He lunged upward and swung his feet over the edge of the bed. He felt no presence in the room other than Miriam. Vampires weren’t prone to dreaming. He smiled and shook his head. He could barely remember how it felt to dream. It had been such a long time since he was mortal. “It’s all right, Miriam.” He glanced at her crossing the room to the locked door. The pink gown she wore moved softly with the sway of her body. He dragged in a long breath. He would have liked to have kept her in bed for sex, but his unusual awakening had frightened her, eliminating any possibility of her staying by his side.

She paused at the door and turned toward him. “Did you hear a noise?” “No.” He shook his head and stood. “I suppose it was the servants milling about down stairs.” He crossed the room to the door and gathered her into his arms. “I’m sorry I scared you.” He kissed her temple. “I’m famished. Let’s go eat.” He nodded in agreement, then thought of last night and the conversation he had overheard at the men’s club. Perhaps he would accompany Miriam when she went to feed. They left the mansion together, with intentions of visiting the old section of the city. The weather was warm and less humid than the past days. The partygoers should be filling the streets, roaming aimlessly from bar to bar, getting drunk on frothy drinks and losing the ability to be on guard. They arrived at the end ofBourbon Streetand began strolling down the sidewalk as though they, too, were partygoers.Duella thought they looked the part. He was dressed like most of the males they had observed throughout the city, jeans and t-shirt and Miriam sported a black leather shirt and slinky rhinestone top. Her long hair was gathered at her nape with a rhinestone-studded clasp. “You look very tempting.” She giggled and hid her smile behind one hand. Duellaunconsciously puffed out his chest. She was beautiful and she belonged to him. He observed the men on the street staring at her as they mingled with the group standing before the doorway of a nightspot. A surge of jealously sprang up inside him as he identified the lust in their eyes. The urge to bare his fangs and threaten all that looked at her with desire in their eyes rose up inside him. “Those two over there.” He glanced down as Miriam laid a hand lightly on his arm, calling his attention to a couple that stood separated from the gathering waiting at the door. They looked like tourists, dressed casually in jeans and shorts, the woman had a purse on her shoulder and the man stood with his hands shoved into his pockets. They were intent on taking in every nuance of the nightlife, their eyes as big as saucers as they glanced up and down the street,then observed each of the patrons waiting in line. “Come.” He followed Miriam as she stepped out of line at the entrance to the bar and approached the pair. A quick wave of her hand and the couple turned and fell into step with them. Miriam led the way down the sidewalk from the gathering,then turned into the first dark recess between two buildings she came across. A quick scuffle and she subdued the woman, pressing her against the side of the building so she could pierce her neck. The man made a futile attempt to aid his wife, but quickly fell victim toDuella’s persuasion as he grasped his shoulder and pulled him against his chest. He held him immobile while he drank his blood. The warm liquid quickly gave him strength, renewed his flagging body and made him alert again. He stopped himself from taking too much blood from the man, held him at arm’s length while he inspected the pallor of his face,then released him. He slid slowly to the ground andlay there, his eyes staring blankly into the

darkness. Miriam still held the woman and drank. Duellawent to her, placed one hand on her shoulder. “Do not take too much, my sweet.” Miriam turned her eyes on him, questioning in her gaze as she relinquished the tight hold she held on her victim. The woman collapsed at her feet. Miriam stepped back and swiped a forearm across her lips, wiping away the drops of blood she had not swallowed. “I was very hungry,Duella . But I never take more than what I need to satisfy my hunger.” She stared at him for a second, then turned and transformed into a bat. She took to the air, leaving him standing in the shadows. Duellafelt a bit remorseful for having doubted Miriam. He shook his head. He had to findDrucella . Deep in his gut, he blamed her for the death of Gary McCoy. If only he knew where to look to find the witch. He thought of the times she had appeared, threateninghe and Miriam. Both times, she came to them in the library, it was due to the information contained within the old book Miriam discovered. And each time he thought he would put an end to her existence, she managed to vanish right before his eyes. He stood in the shadows and considered what he should do. He couldn’t tell Miriam. Alerting her to Drucella’s latest plan to destroy him would only place her in harm’s way. He had to find a way to draw Drucella out, to make her come to him. He needed a plan. He changed from his vampire body and rose into the air, his destination the old cemetery on the edge of town. The old dusty book in the library had revealed the graveyard to be a favored place of the Gideon. He didn’t quite understand the significance of the creature and the resting place for the dead, except that the Gideon could only be killed in one particular way. He grimaced. The damn page in the old book was torn and he had been unable to discover the one thing he desired to know. The stars gleamed against the black sky, shining pinpoints of luminous lights that seemed to go on forever. A full moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows across the grassy expanse. Above ground mausoleums stood eerily quiet against the darkened surroundings, the intricately carved cherubs on their heavy lids were poised to ward off evil spirits. A flicker of recognition grasped his mind.Gideons were evil spirits. It made all the sense in the world. Drucella had suffered little consequence from the fire his brother had cast her into, short of losing the valued amulet she wore, she somehow regained her witch body and traveled through time in search of him. He thought of his plea to understand how to destroy a Gideon.Drucella had found him only to get her precious amulet back. Is the amulet the key to her existence?He clutched the stone then opened his hand and looked at it. He knew its powers came from the dark one. The Witches ofMorganford had been servants of the devil. They had terrorized the small community for as long as he could remember, taking crops and livestock for their own demented uses. They had laid waste to entire families, murdered the parents and took the children hostage, then turned them into slaves and made them toil under their domination. A sudden movement off to his left drew his attention. He whirled around as a sound penetrated the quiet. A ghostly figure loomed straight ahead, shadowy white and hovering mere inches off the ground. He stared at the apparition as he thought ofDrucella and the many forms the witch could take. “I have no fear of you,Drucella .”

A spiel of laughter broke the silence. “Come closer so that I might wrap my hands around your throat.” “Duella, you would do me harm?” She laughed loudly. The apparition wavered, shimmered beneath the glow of the full moon. “I come with a message for you.” “Be gone with you.” His anger rose to choke his throat.Drucella wanted only to rile him, to raise his hackles in the chance that he would make a mistake and she would best him, taking the amulet as the prize. Well, he decided he would not give her the chance to irritate him, and since she knew better than to get within his reach, she would be wise to take her leave. “Your little Miriam has gotten herself captured by the townspeople.” “You lie.” The apparition rose into the air, then moved closer to him, lowered, hovered just beyond arm’s length. The figure inside the mist moved one arm and a vision appeared before his eyes. Miriam stood on the edge of a cliff, her back to the crevice.In front of her stood a mass of angry people with long clubs. They jabbed the jagged ends of the weapons toward her, trying to force her off the cliff. She spat and hissed, bared her fangs and made her eyes glow bright red. “See? What I say is true. Miriam is about to meet her end.” Torn between believingDrucella and going to Miriam’s rescue, he took only a moment before making his decision. He leapt into the air, transformed into a bat and disappeared in the darkness.

Chapter Thirteen

Duellatried to reach out to Miriam with his mind. He sent mental messages for her to tell him where she was. He received no answering reply or any other telepathic communication relating to either her dire situation or her location. Puzzled, he began to thinkDrucella had led him astray again.But why? What

would she have to gain? On a hunch, he returned to the mansion he shared with Miriam. He hurried inside, his eyes alert to any movement within the house, his ears keen to noises associated with the she vampire. He raised his head and listened, his gaze trained on the upper floor of the house. Soft hummingsounded, a lyrical tune that wafted down the long hallway and spilled lightly into the lower level of the house. He smiled and rose upward to the second floor. The humming grew louder, leading him toward the master suite at the end of the hallway. He released a relieved sigh as he came to believe that Miriam was at home in their bedroom, safe. “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you.” He stopped in the doorway and gazed at her. She was beautiful. She stood before a full-length mirror, turning from side to side, looking at the exquisite evening gown she wore. He glanced at the mirror, seeing only the dress. Miriam’s likeness failed to reflect in the mirror. He strode across the carpet and stood beside her, looking into the mirror. His reflection failed to appear, but his clothes were placed nicely beside hers. “We look like a couple of dolts.” “Do I need to remind you to stay away from mirrors?” They laughed and he wound one arm around her waist, drawing her against his side. “Mirrors are the bane of vampires.” “Along with so many other things.” “We can’t think about that now. Let’s go dancing.” He gazed down at her. Her eyes were luminous, her cheeks flushed and rosy from her recent feed. He felt a measure of comfort having her by his side. The feeling settled within his body, bringing him peace. “I like the changes you’ve made.” He traced the arc of her cheek with one fingertip. She rose up on tiptoe and kissed him. “It’s all because of you. Can we go dancing?” He considered whether to tell her that he didn’t know how to dance, then shrugged his shoulders and tacitly agreed. She clapped her hands as if she were a child and led him from the room. Hurrying down the long hallway, she paused at the top of the staircase. A measure of fright grippedDuella as he halted his feet and gazed the length of the stairs. Ambrose stood at the foot of the stairs flanked by two burley policemen. Miriam jerked her head round, her eyes wide. “Return to the bedroom,”Duella whispered. He took her elbow and turned her from the top stair. “Don’t worry.” He thought of the vision the apparition in the graveyard had showed him earlier. But Miriam wasn’t being held captive by an angry mob—she was right there in the mansion, dressed to kill— He sucked in a quick breath and started down the stairs.Be nice. He intended to heed his silent warning, stretching a welcoming smile across his lips as he drew nearer the butler and his guests. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Mr. Sutherland,” Ambrose began, an anxious look on his wrinkled face.

“These officers say they need to talk to you.” “Thank you, Ambrose.” He nodded to the officers after dismissing the butler. He raised one hand and invited the policemen to join him in the spacious living room of the house. “And what can I do for you gentlemen on this lovely evening?” The taller of the policemen cleared his throat. “There was a disturbance alongBourbon Streetearlier this evening, Mr. Sutherland, and various witnesses gave us information that made us believe that you and your lovely wife might be involved.” “Do tell.” “Were you in that vicinity this evening?” “Yes, we were. We thought we would enjoy the nightclub scene for a while, but the atmosphere appeared too rowdy for my delicate companion.” He stared at the two officers, smiled,then frowned. “The police need to be visible in that district, especially on the weekend when so many tourists crowd the streets. Don’t you think?” The two officers exchanged glances. “We have several patrols in that area, Mr. Sutherland.” “I can’t recall seeing a single cop during the time we were standing in line at the nightclub or strolling along the crowded streets.” One officer cleared his throat and took a step closer toDuella . Duellamet his gaze, causing him to halt his feet. “How long have you been inNew Orleans, Mr. Sutherland?” “Only a short time.” The officer glanced around at the large room, the exquisite furnishings,then turned his gaze back toDuella . “Was FredGlasco a relative?” “Only a business associate.” “Did you or your wife attack two tourists this evening, biting their necks and extracting blood from their bodies?” Duellalaughed. “Surely you’re joking, Officer.” The policeman stared at him, assessing him from head to toe. “There was a murder recently—a gruesome murder, to say the least. Do you know anything about it, Mr. Sutherland? The body of the young man was drained of blood.” “Shocking.”Duellastared at the policeman. “But no. I have no knowledge of the incident. And I most certainly had no part in it.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Perhaps if the police were more visible in the community—”

The officer turned, glanced at the other officer. “I’m sorry, Mr. Sutherland. But you must understand. There was a complaint filed and we had to investigate it. Please excuse us.” The men wasted little time finding the front door of the mansion. Duellawatched their backs as they crossed the wide porch and got into their patrol car. He turned toward the stairs, his thoughts onDrucella . That witch! She would stop at nothing to cause him trouble. “What did they want?” Miriam stood at the top of the stairs. She had changed out of her evening gown. A worried look wreathed her face. He started up the staircase. He needed to reassure her without alarming her. “It was all a mistake, my sweet. They apologized and left.” She released an audible sigh of relief and smiled at him. “I was so afraid they had come to cart us off to jail.” She clutchedDuella’s shirtfront, her fingers knotted. “We must be more careful about where we feed in the future. We must choose our victims more carefully.” “Don’t worry.” He smoothed a hand across her hair. She snuggled against his chest, tears filling her eyes. “I hate being a vampire. Now the police know where we live. They’ll be coming around every time someone reports a hangnail.” Duellalaughed. “You’re jumping to conclusions. The police don’t know we’re vampires.” He held his tongue, not wanting to worry Miriam, but the visit from the police only served to solidify the threat Drucella aimed at him. He had to find a way to rid the world of that witch—and soon. “The night is almost over. Take me to bed and make me feel safe,Duella .” He hugged her against his side as they walked down the long hallway. The ringing of the telephone halted their feet.Duella glanced down at Miriam. Renewed fright shown in her dark eyes. He smiled, trying to reassure her. The sound of Ambrose’s voice rose upward to the quiet of the hallway as he answered the ringing menace. “Mr. Sutherland, there’s a call for you, sir.” “I’ll be right there.” “Who could that be?” “Don’t worry. Remember, I’m a businessman. I’ll be getting business calls. There’s nothing to fear. Wait for me in the bedroom.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Naked.” She smiled and nodded her head. He hurried to take the call, lifting the receiver as though commonplace instead of the very first timehe

ever talked on one of the apparatuses. “Relinquish the talisman.” Anger reared up inside him at the sound of the voice. He gripped the receiver, his hold at once tight enough to destroy the plastic earpiece. “You bitch!” Rancor filled his tone. A loud clamor sounded in his ear, making him grit his teeth. If he could transform and follow the phone line to whereDrucella was, he’d do it in a second. As it was, he could only grip the receiver and curse beneath his breath. “You are at my mercy—you and your little whore!” A loud screech sounded and the line went dead. Duellastood rigid, as though his feet were frozen to the floor and he was unable to move. The call had unnerved him to the point that he thought about leaving the mansion and returning only after he had successfully hunted the witch down and destroyed her for good—even if it meant losing his own existence in the process. He gnashed his teeth as his anger refused to subside. Miriam was at his side, her arm spanning his waist. She pried the receiver from his clenched hand and replaced it atop the phone. “You forget that I have keen hearing, too,” she whispered. He was so irate that he could barely move. His legs felt laden. His temples throbbed. “I know that wasn’t a business associate. Who was it?” He forced himself to control his rage. He swallowed down the impulse to flee the house in search of the witch. He turned his gaze on Miriam. She seemed so frail and needing as he looked upon her. He couldn’t let anything happen to her. She was an innocent pawn in the deadly game he played with Drucella . He shook his head. Wrapping one arm around her shoulders, he turned her toward the stairs. “You’re supposed to be waiting for me in the bedroom.” As he spoke the words, he knew he was too enraged to perform sexually. Even if he were mortal at that moment, he doubted he could get it up and be any pleasure to Miriam. “The sun is rapidly chasing away the darkness, my lover. We shall have to wait until morning to sate our sexual lusts.” He hugged her against his side, relieved for the moment that it was time to losehimself in the sleep of the dead.

Chapter Fourteen

Miriam moved by his side. He opened his eyes, blinked. He felt the hand that slid along his naked side, the stroking fingertips that inched across his chest and tweaked his male nipple. A slow smile spanned his face. He stretched, raising his arms above his head. He felt her long hair drag across his abdomen, then her lips as she kissed a path across his belly into the dense black hair at his crotch. She slid one hand to his cock and lifted it into her palm. Her tongue slid slowly along its length as it began to grow hard. Duellaconcentrated on enjoying the feel of her tongue, dragging hot and wet across his cool flesh. If he closed his eyes and let his mind take control of his senses, he could almost imagine himself mortal, sharing sex with a woman he loved.The sensual play of fingers tracing seductively along his thigh, the erotic sensation of knowing that soon fulfillment would be his, the strong vibrations of climax shaking his body. He brought his mind back to reality. He was a vampire and the woman stroking his cock was a vampire. There was no dream that would return him to his mortal state—he had been down that path before—only to feel remorse for the past and what could never be again. He swallowed down the urge to scream his frustration, to bare his fangs and take his rage out on the first mortal he encountered. Her lips slid teasingly along his inner thigh, skimming over the hair-roughened skin with intense passion. His eyes flickered open as he realized the emotion gripping Miriam. She touched him as though she loved him—tenderly, passionately, with all the intimate feelings of a lover. He reached for her, caught her left hand. She tangled her fingers with his, stroking his palm with the ball of her thumb. She resisted the slight tug on her hand, urging her to crawl up his body and lie on top of him. “I want to love you,Duella .” Her voice was a soft whisper that rasped through the darkness consuming the bedroom. He gazed down at her, seeing the top of her head as she dipped her mouth to cover his cock. Her hot mouth closed around his erection, making him suck in a quick breath. He clasped her head in both palms, cradling her face gently. He felt the muscle in her jaw flex when she sucked him in. Her tongue played along his length, slid upward, then trailed down, delving into the dense bush at the base of his cock. She lathed his balls with her tongue, leaving the orbs wet and sensitive before returning her mouth to his cock. She poked out her tongue and teased the responsive knob. A low moan escaped her throat. “I love you.” He wasn’t quite sure she had spoke, her tending didn’t show any sign of pausing. He tangled his fingers

in her hair. The tresses were sleek and slid over his knuckles like luxurious silk. He smiled at the mingling of sensations—the intense heat of her mouth coupled with his enjoyment of touching her hair. It was a simple pleasure—touching a woman’s hair—one he could remember from his mortal time. He felt immediately irritated at his lack of control over his thoughts.Why can’t I just concentrate on the feel of her mouth?Why can’t I let bygones be bygones? Miriam’s hands grew intense. She slid her fingers around his balls and stroked the tight orbs. She pushed his legs apart and delved her inspecting tongue into the hair-roughened crevice leading to his anal opening. He almost yelped out loud when he realized where she headed with her exploring. He grasped her arm and pulled her upward, laughing softly at her inquisitive nature. “I want to know every inch of you, darling.” Her breasts brushed along his abdomen, then his chest as he forced her from between his legs and pulled her atop his body. He felt her reluctance to obey him, to leave her playing between his legs, but he could only take so much teasing of the erotic sort. His balls ached and his cock was hammer hard. He could think of nothing aside from plunging between Miriam’s splayed legs and relieving himself of the lust built to fever pitch inside his body. He rolled her beneath his body and quickly pressed her against the bed. He shivered in utter delight as he slid his cock into her body. Her hot sheath wrapped around his flesh as he began to move. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close. He found her lips and kissed her, his mind on the orgasm rapidly overtaking his body. “I love it when you take me,Duella . There’s nothing like the feel of your body coupling with mine.” She released a long breath, sucked in a quick gasp of air. “Oh! I’m coming all ready.” She clutched his shoulders, dug her nails in. She trembled as the orgasm burst forth.Duella thrust faster and deeper, bringing his own climax to the fore. It ripped through his body, streamed along his legs and knotted his buttocks. He held Miriam close and reveled in the feel of her body moving in unison with his as they shared the powerful climax.

****

Miriam combed her fingers through her hair, pushing the soft mass over one shoulder. She had taken to grooming herself regularly since they moved into the mansion. She particularly enjoyed the whirlpool in the large master bathroom.Duella watched her as she prepared to accompany him out for their nightly feeding. She was beautiful, such a change from the woman she was when he first found her house and entered, only to have her come home and find him. He thought of her words of love to him as she sucked his cock. He hadn’t returned an admission of love for her. He felt ashamed for keeping silent.Do I love her? He knew in his heart that having to question his feelings for Miriam could only mean one thing. He didn’t love her. The statement bit into his senses, caused him to bite his lower lip as though he had uttered the words aloud. In the back of his mind, he thought ofDrucella and the threat she held for him and whomever he loved. He couldn’t take a chance on her hurting Miriam.

Perhaps I do love her.He chided himself for being so indecisive. But then, he had only known her for a short time.Time.Time is all I have. He sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees. Such thoughts were only detrimental. He glanced at Miriam as she strode toward the bed. She was dressed and ready to feed. He rose and pulled on his jeans and shirt, then tugged on his boots. His appetite was enormous—now that his sex lust was satisfied. “Let’s go to a new part of the city tonight.” Duellaglanced at Miriam. Her words reflected the worry she harbored. Last night’s visit from the police and the harassing phone call fromDrucella came vividly to mind. He groaned and combed his fingers through his hair. “What is it?” Miriam was by his side in an instant, her hand on his arm, a concerned look on her face. I should tell her aboutDrucella —so she could be on guard. “I sense you are troubled. Perhaps if you shared your worry with me—” “Sweet Miriam.”He grasped her upper arms and tugged her against his chest. She felt good in his arms, pressed against his body as though she belonged to him. A slight smile pulled at his lips. All at once, it was clear. He had to tell her aboutDrucella and the threat she posed. He pushed her to arm’s length and began relating the events of the past two days, his confrontation with the witch and his concern over her growing knowledge of their lives. “Why don’t you just give her the amulet and be done with her?” He clasped the jewel. “Its power comes from the dark one. From the time I took it from the neck of the witch inMorganford , I was able to place it around my own neck. It makes things known to me, Miriam. I will never give it up.” “Then you must find a way to destroyDrucella —before she destroys us.” She pushed out of his arms and strode across the room. Turning, worry consumed her features. “Perhaps we should leave New Orleans and go elsewhere.” He shook his head. “I have already begun establishing myself as a businessman in the city. I’ve begun building a life for us, Miriam. I will not leave.” His jaw was set. His mind made up. “Then, together, we will find a way to destroy her.” He released a sigh of relief and welcomed Miriam back into his arms. He kissed the top of her head. Her words soothed him, to some extent.

Chapter Fifteen

He could hear his victim’s heart beating as his hot blood gushed into his mouth. He sensed the man’s fright. He thought he was going to die.Duella pulled his fangs from the man’s vein and thrust him against the ground. For an instant, he stood and gazed down at him, his senses warmed and alert from the fresh blood coursing through his veins. A noise sounded behind him and he whirled around, his fangs bared, his eyes glowing red. A movement caught his gaze, a soft rustling breaking through the still of the night. Hefroze, his senses keen. Miriam appeared in the distance, walking slowly toward him, blood smears on her face. She had finished feeding and come to find him. He tried to control his breathing, his chest heaving. Fresh blood coursed hotly through his insides, giving him power and strength beyond his usual ability. He felt renewed and invincible. He lowered his gaze to the victim lying at his feet. He had drunk more than usual, taken more from the mortal than initially intended. He swallowed down the feeling of regret, the sensation of enormous power gripping his big body. He raised his arms and clenched his fists. He felt as though he could take on the world and be the victor. “I will findDrucella and destroy her.” Before Miriam could offer a word in objection, he took to the air and vanished in the darkness. His intense feeling of power drove him onward, through the night to the outskirts of the city. When he spied the graveyard lying near the western boundary, he lowered himself to the earth and strode about, his eyes keen, his ears pricked up to any sign of the Gideon. She had come to him in that place earlier and every sensation in his body warned him that she was near. The hair on the back of his neck prickled. He searched the darkness, looking closely beneath the murky cover given by trees and low-lying shrubs. Walking through the rows of tombstones and mausoleums, he kept close watch on the shadows flanking the markers, aware thatDrucella could be lurking behind any one of the stones. He sensed her presence behind him and whirled around. She stood mere inches from him, her feet hovering off the ground.Her eyes glowed amber, her cherub-like face pale and lack-luster. Duelladrew back, on guard should she attack. “I sensed your desire to see me,Duella , my lover.” “I am not your lover.” “You were once. At that time you could not please me enough.”

“My mistake.I should have slit your throat and fed your body to the wolves.” She clicked her tongue. Her eyes changed from amber to brilliant topaz. She smiled maliciously and inched closer. Duellatook a step back, putting a safe distance between his self and the witch. He glanced from side to side, taking into account the sudden laying of the wind. An eerie stillness seemed to encompass the cemetery. “Take him!”Drucella’s screeching order was punctuated by the sound of running feet. Duellaspun around, glimpsed the hoard rapidly descending upon him and leapt into the air. Hundreds of grabbing hands lunged at his body, catching his legs and ankles as he sought to rise upward. They pulled at his clothing, clutched his flesh and drew him down. He fought the menacing hands, kicked his feet and gnashed his teeth. Rage gripped his insides. He flailed his arms, trying to free himself. The multitude pulled him down, wrestled his body on the ground—overpowered him. They pinned him against the ground, the mass covering his chest and pinning his legs. His power surged, he tried to lunge upward, moving his arms, kicking his feet. A force stronger than he, immobilized his body. He rolled his head from side to side. Numerous animal-like beings perched atop his chest and held his arms outstretched at his sides.Along his legs, sat creatures keeping him pressed against the ground. He glanced overhead, his eyes wild, his chest heaving and spiedDrucella hovering above him. She sat in a protective cloud, a misty vapor of white luminescence that framed her witch body. She smiled down at him, victory on her face. The creatures pinning him to the ground remained immobile. At first he thought that perhaps they were Drucella’s witches, come back from the dead to try and get revenge against him, but when he managed to calm himself enough to assess his situation, he realized that he had never seen such beings as these. They were slightly larger than a small child, with long arms and big heads. Their mouths gaped and drool ran down their chins. “My servants have captured you,Duella . You are at my mercy.”Drucella rose into the air after announcing her victorious speech. He watched her rise upward,then disappear into the darkness. He struggled against his captors, trying to wrench free. They were very strong. Whenever he moved, they applied more pressure, keeping him pinned against the ground. He thought of the amulet tucked safely into his shirt. He could use its help now—if only to free himself and gain the upper hand over his captors. He wrenched his head from side to side, assessing the creatures holding him down. Their eyes were glazed, as though reacting under a spell. PerhapsDrucella has placed them in a trance and they can do no more than to obey her commands.He stopped his struggling, lying still and deciding to test the creatures. With great effort, he relaxed his muscles in an effort to allow the beings to think he had given up fighting them. They peered at him, their glassy green eyes assessing his face for telltale signs of trickery. He lay still and turned his eyes upward, gazing overhead into the dark night. He felt the beings relax their tight grip on his arms and legs. Numerous creatures sat on his chest, pressing his shoulders against the ground with what seemed like enormous weight for their small size. He

remained immobile, his eyes cast upward. He heard them murmuring, as though discussing his sudden decision to stop struggling against their numbers. Their language was foreign to him. Their voices, high pitched. They conversed for several minutes, shifting their positions atop his body. Hands were withdrawn from his arms and legs briefly,then returned, as though testing him. He lay still, pretending to be exhausted from his fight against them. Several minutes passed, the little creatures grew complacent.Duella gathered his strength and lunged upward, casting the beings across the cemetery. They screamed and crashed against the above ground stone burial chambers. Herose upward, his teeth gnashing in anger, his fists clenched. He threw a quick glance about the cemetery in search ofDrucella and her servants that had managed to escape his wrath, his intention being to transform and disappear in the cover of darkness, but he sawDrucella coming straight at him, her face enraged, her arms outstretched with clawing fingers ready to scratch his eyes out. He leapt into the air, but failed to escape the bolt of lightningDrucella hurled. The shaft of fire landed against his chest, knocking him to the ground. “Take him below! And this time, don’t let him escape!” Knocked nearly unconscious by the lightning bolt,Duella struggled to right himself, but before he could get to his feet,Drucella’s creatures were on him again, grasping his arms and legs and dragging him across the ground. He struggled to raise his head, to clear his vision. “Where are you taking me?” Drucellawas beside him, one hand raised in the air, halting the creatures from pulling him across the ground.“To a place where you can never escape.” She laughed loudly and gave the command for her servants to proceed. Duellawas once again dragged across the ground by the mass of small beings under the witch’s command. He struggled against their hold, trying desperately to stop his body from being forced across the ground. Flashes of his life in 1185 came to mind. The nightmarish assaultDrucella had levered against him when he believed she loved him. His body was propelled forward with increasing speed. An unknown force touched his body. Currents like those of a raging wind swirled about his head, engulfing his senses and obscuring his sight. He was forced to close his eyes against the gale. The hands grasping his arms and legs grew more intense, pricking his flesh and sending shards of pain cascading throughout his body. He opened his mouth and bellowed his anguish as the vortex like force totally engulfed him. Blackness swirled before his eyes. He felt his senses waning. He opened his eyes, keenly aware that something extraordinary had happened to him. He had lost all sense of time. He was uncertain how longDrucella’s slaves had held him captive. He was surrounded by quiet. He flexed his muscles. The beings that had been transporting his body across the ground had taken leave. He raised his hands, feeling for something tangible in the engulfing darkness. He lunged upright, his eyes searching the blackness. The fragrance of damp earth filled his nose. He recognized the feel of the soil beneath his body. He reached out in either direction, groping. All at once, a light appeared directly before his eyes. He drew back, blinking, raising one hand to shield his eyes. Drucella was visible behind the bright force. “Come closer so that I can squeeze the life out of you.” He bit out the words, his teeth gnashing with renewed rage at the witch.

Drucellawaved one hand at him, muttering beneath her breath. Tired— his hands fell to his sides, his head slammed back against his bed of dirt. Mentally, he knew he had fallen under her magical witch spell. He fought the force, telling himself that he could not allow her to get the upper hand over him. She approached, the bright light she carried illuminating the place where he lay. He rolled his head toward her, glancing at the earthen walls surrounding his prison. Where am I?He sniffed the air, filling his lungs with the aroma of earth and the stench of old bones.A mausoleum?She has taken me beneath a mausoleum in the cemetery?She foolishly thinks she can hold me here—in a place that I am all too familiar with? His memory returned with lightning haste. He recalled the words he had read in the old book in the library. A cemetery was a favored place for Gideons . “Have you been hiding in this wretched place with your army ofGideons ,Drucella ?” He forced a laugh from his throat. “Have you been forced to return to your roots—a pack of wretched creatures with bodies too small for their long arms and big heads?” “Silence!You will obey me,Duella , or I shall end your pitiful existence. Give me the amulet.” He laughed at her. She drew closer, holding the flaming torch above her head. He gazed at her, staring into her topaz blue eyes. “It’s beyond my comprehension why I ever thought I was in love with you.” He sneered, baring his fangs. “Come closer so I can sink my fangs into your neck. I desire a taste of Gideon blood.” She snarled at his words. “You could not stand the strength of one drop of Gideon blood on your tongue. We are as old as the world and no man—or vampire—can ever take command of us.” He cocked a brow. “Then why do you fear me?” She hissed her reply and hurled the torch at him. He rolled to one side as the fiery stick slammed against the earthen mound beside him. He lunged to his feet, shaking his head and trying to free his senses of the spell she had cast upon him. The torch sputtered against the moist earth and dimmed, allowing the darkness to return. He blinked his eyes, his night vision failing in lieu of the witch’s spell. A noise penetrated his hearing seconds before a mighty force slammed into this chest, knocking him back and sending him reeling in the darkness. The crushing blow took his breath and sent him into oblivion.

Chapter Sixteen

Duella’shead was swimming. He tried to open his eyes. He tried to raise one hand, only to find it was secured above his head. He jerked his eyes open, alarm gripping his insides. He was naked. He could feel the moist air from his prison closing in on his flesh. He tried to move his legs. His ankles were secured fast. He opened his mouth and bellowed loudly, gnashing his teeth. His eyes began to glow red, his ire surging to the fore. He struggled against the bindings at his wrists and ankles. “You cannot escape me.” Drucella’svoice was soft, kind, yet forceful. She appeared to him them, naked, her voluptuous body coming toward him as though she were floating on a light breeze. He gazed at her, taking in the sight of her large breasts and trim waist. Her hips were curved,her long legs shapely. Pale blonde hair hung about her shoulders and seemed to float around her face, making her appear more vision than the witch he knew her to be. He turned his eyes away, refusing to be taken in by any more of her games. “Do not deny your desire,Duella .” “I have no desire for you,Drucella .” “Your cock tells me otherwise. It is beginning to grow hard. Your lust for me is evident.” He felt his body responding to the sight of her body. He gritted his teeth. He had no desire to succumb to his own sexual lusts or to revisit the past. Their relationship was history. He stifled a groan of discontent. His love for her had meant nothing in the end. She had sentenced him to a fate worse than death—a curse that he could not escape from. She stroked his chest with her palm. “Say that you want me,Duella . Say that you want to fuck me.” He kept his head turned from the sight of her. He pinched his eyes closed. She trailed her fingers along his side, dragging a nail up his thigh to his crotch. “Your cock stands tall. It desires me.” “A cock has no mind of its own.”

She laughed softly. “Then it is you whodesires me,Duella , for your cock grows enormous. Turn your head and look at me. Have you forgotten how beautiful I am?” “You are not beautiful,Drucella . You are only evil. And I have no desire to look at you.” “You lie.” He sensed her arousal as he fought his own. He bit his bottom lip as her hands slid across his abdomen and wrapped around his cock. Her fingers stroked his length, causing him to suck in a quick breath. He tugged against the bindings at his wrists, trying to free his hands. “I’ve missed you, my lover.” She drew in an audible breath. “Your flesh feels wonderful in my hand. You are so big and hard.” She released a long sigh. “Say that you want to fuck me,Duella .” He gritted his teeth and remained silent. Her hands stroked and manipulated, bringing him to the brink of orgasm. He tried his best to ignore the tingling sensations as they manifested inside his body, but when he felt her mouth suck his cock in, he jerked his head around and released a loud bellow. The heat of her mouth drew his body arching upward, pushing his hard cock to the hilt. He moaned and bucked his hips, hating himself for being so weak. She sucked his cock and stroked his balls, bringing him to orgasm. He moaned and jabbed his cock into her mouth, releasing his semen against the back of her throat. She swallowed it down, stroking his balls while he milked the final drops into her mouth. She shivered and ran her hands along his abdomen, stroking his flesh and making him moan. She released his cock, and threw one leg across his hips. She stretched out atop his body, her hands finding his male nipples and tweaking the tiny nubs to taut buds. She kissed his chest, following the dense spray of black hair upward to his collarbone. She paused and raised her head, gazing down into his eyes. “Now that I have satisfied your lust, my lover, you shall satisfy mine.” She swiveled her hips atop his abdomen, inching her crotch atop his cock. The feel of her hot crotch against his limp cock rapidly brought new thoughts of lust to his mind. He groaned and turned his headaway, hoping that by eliminating the sight of her he would stop his body from reacting to her teasing. But his body was quick to betray him. His cock rose quickly to press against her hot slit. She laughed softly and reached one hand to grasp his cock, sliding it up her slit with ease. She began to move atop his body, her palms splayed across his male nipples. She rode his cock, taking it deep inside her body. She closed her eyes and lolled her head back on her shoulders. Her mane of white-blonde hair spilled about her shoulders and hung in silken tendrils across her bouncing breasts. He couldn’t resist the temptation to look at her, to caress her body with his gaze. She was a vision of loveliness—a woman to tempt any man—mortal or vampire. He groaned and felt the heated shards of climax growing in his belly. His balls knotted as the sensations grew nearer. They exploded within his body, making him weak with regret for the act with her and filling him with exquisite sensations at the same time. He squeezed his eyes shut and lost the battle to hold the orgasm at bay. “Say that you love me,Duella . The climax is upon me!Ooooh!” She bucked her hips, bouncing atop his cock and driving it deep inside her body. She dug her fingernails into his chest and bit her bottom lip as

the sensations took control of her body. She raised her arms, grasping her breasts and toying with her nipples. She closed her eyes and drew in great gasping breaths. He felt the climax begin to wane from his body. He turned his head and looked at her once more, hating himself for giving her such pleasure with his body. He thought of Miriam. Sweet Miriam.I’m sorry.Remorse filled his insides. He had betrayed her. He had fucked another woman. He knew at that very moment he loved Miriam. Yes! I love Miriam!He held his bodystill, refusing to give in toDrucella’s bucking gyrations as she sat atop his cock. It, too, was growing flaccid as she sat on it, urging it to become hard again. “Get off me.” Drucellahalted her movements, staring at him with her mouth hanging open.Surprise shown in her blue eyes. “You don’t mean that. Tell the truth,Duella . You have missed me. You have missed fucking me. You have missed being in my bed.” “I have not.” He glared, daring her to dispute his words. “You have sated your lusts—” She sneered. Her gaze traveled down the naked length of his body, then back up to his chest, pausing on the amulet hanging about his neck. She reached out one hand and took hold of the gem, urging it into her palm. She closed her fingers around it. “You will relinquish the talisman to me now, my lover.” She gripped the gem in her fist and gave a sharp tug, seeking to rip it from his neck. The chain dug into his neck, but failed to give way. She yanked again, this time harder. The chain remained aroundDuella’s neck. She screamed and jerked her arm, aiming to rip the amulet free. Satisfied that the chain was not going to break no matter how hard she yanked or how much she cursed, Duella grinned. She lashed out at him, landing her palm against his cheek. “You toy with me. Take the gem from your neck and give it to me!” “The gem is mine. And you will never possess it.” She sneered. Quickly, she dismounted his body, leaping from her perched position atop his cock and landing on the floor, her feet braced apart and her hands propped on her hips. “Then you will pay dearly for your disobedience!” He laughed mockingly at her. She waved one hand and vanished, leaving him searching the darkness for any sign of her. Duellawas determined to free himself inDrucella’s absence. He strained against the bindings at his wrists, finally managing to tug one free. He rolled to his side and worked the knots loose, releasing his other wrist. He sat up and untied his ankles, then searched the darkness for his clothing. He had to make his escape before the witch returned. The space he was confined in was small, a hollowed burrow beneath one of the stone mausoleums. The walls were concave, sloping outward from the base of the hole. He sought the place whereDrucella had disappeared, hoping to find the doorway to the outside. He felt his way along one wall, his palms sliding across the moist dirt and his fingers digging in.

The urge to hurry and be gone before the witch returned, spurred him on. He rushed around the burrow, frantic to escape. Finally, when he was growing near the realization that she had confined him within some magical port of her own doing, he thrust a hand against the wall and it gave way, opening to the outside. He felt the breeze of the night against his cheek. Quickly he thrust an arm through the opening, then his head and shoulders. Climbing out, he crawled free of the witch’s below ground hideaway. Naked, he took to the air, transforming into a bat. He set his path toward his newly acquired mansion on the far side of the city, his thoughts on Miriam and the threatDrucella issued just before she vanished from sight. Every fiber in his body hoped the witch wasn’t going after Miriam because of his defiance toward her. He arrived at the mansion just in time to hear the loud ruckus coming from the master suite. He flew to the window where the light shown into the darkness, and hovered outside the pane, gazing beyond the filmy organza curtains. He saw Miriam pressed against one wall of the room andDrucella standing before her. In the next instant, he looked on as the witch disappeared, taking Miriam with her. Aghast at the sight, he turned quickly and headed back to the cemetery.Drucella would be a force to be reckoned with when she arrived and found he had escaped,then learned that her army ofGideons had left him unattended. Perhaps she had sent them away while she played sex games with him. He shuddered at the repulsive thought. While the act had been fulfilling in the sexual sense—he loathed admitting such a fact—it had solidified his love for Miriam in his heart. He arrived at the cemetery. All was quiet. There was no sign ofDrucella or her Gideon army. And there was no sign of Miriam. He searched the area, looking closely behind each tombstone and mausoleum as he remained wary, alert for sudden movements.Drucella was known for trickery. His searching turned up nothing. He stood in the shadows of a tree and assessed the situation. Should Drucella return to the place where she had held him and found him gone, she would have mounted a search, utilizing her army ofGideons . He rubbed his chin with one fingertip, contemplating. Had she returned to the cemetery, he would have seen her. He grasped the amulet and beseeched it for help. The gem lay cool against his palm. He sighed. As in the past, the stone gave him no indication of having heard his request. He reviewed all he knew about it, its powers to make things known to him, subtly, as though he had come across the reasoning himself. He cocked his head and stared at the stone. He was unable to remove it from around his neck, yetDrucella believed that he had the power to do so and was just being stubborn. What does the witch know about the stone that I do not?He raised his eyes and stared at the dark sky. Morning was rapidly approaching. He had to find Miriam and return to the safety of the mansion. As he gazed at the darkness, a tiny light caught his attention. It grew brighter,then seemed to fall to earth. He blinked his eyes and took a step back, trying to avoid it as it zoomed toward him. The light swooped to the ground in front of him, encompassing several tombstones in its brilliance. A doorappeared, a portal that opened within the light. The brilliance ebbed,then pulled at his body to enter. He sought resistance at first, fearful for his safety, but the urge to enter grew stronger. He took a tentative step and quickly found himself sucked in through the opening. He hurtled downward through a black tunnel, his body turning end over end. He opened his mouth to scream, but found he couldn’t utter a sound. His heart raced against his ribs. His temples throbbed.

He landed with a crashing blow.His body prone against an unyielding surface. His vision blurred,then cleared. He sat up, his body aching from head to toe. Scrambling up to his feet, he wondered if he had fallen for another ofDrucella’s tricks. The space was filled with light, bright and blinding. He gazed overhead, spying the dark tunnel he had fallen through. Mentally noting that the tunnel might be his only means of escaping whatever lay ahead for him, he cautioned himself about getting too far away from it or losing his direction altogether. A scream broke the silence surrounding him. He whirled around, recognizing Miriam’s voice. A number of hallways stemmed off the main room where he stood. He tried to reason which avenue to take, assessing the fear in Miriam’s scream. Should he choose the wrong pathway,Drucella might lead him astray and he might be too late to save Miriam.

Chapter Seventeen

He chose a pathway and cautiously began making his way along the route. Light streamed in the rounded tunnel, filling every nuance of the space. He compared the room with the previous underground spaceDrucella had imprisoned him in. The spaces were in direct opposition with each other. One was little more than a hole in the ground and this one seemed miles deep. He tried to calculate how long he had hurtled through the darkness before he arrived in the lighted chamber. Aware that he had lost sight of the main room he had landed in, he glanced over his shoulder. The end of the tunnel he traversed was beyond his sight. He pulled in a deep breath, bolstered his courage and forged on. Miriam needed him. He bit his lip. He knew thatDrucella had taken her to exert leverage against him. That witch is so transparent.He listened, tuning his keen ears to any noise up ahead. He walked cautiously, aware thatDrucella would be listening for his coming. His bare feet slapped noisily against the smooth tunnel. He raised one hand and grasped the amulet hanging about his neck. If I could make one wish, it would be for clothes.He chuckled in spite of things. Why hadn’t he taken the time to dress before he left the mansion? He shook his head in weary disapproval. If he was lucky enough to find Miriam—and they should be fortunate enough to escapeDrucella and her army ofGideons —his lack of clothing would have little bearing on the outcome. True. Miriam might be a bit surprised to

see him naked, but she would be glad he came to rescue her nonetheless. He pushed the matter aside. The end of the tunnel lay just ahead. He approached cautiously, his senses on high alert. The brilliant white light gave way at the mouth of the opening. He inched forward, poking his head beyond the opening. Surprised, he blinked his eyes at the sight stretching beyond the portal. A wide garden unfolded, with a tiny waterfall at one end and lush greenery flanking narrow winding paths. He gazed about the inviting space. It was far too pretty to belong toDrucella . He stepped out of the tunnel and looked about, deciding which direction to take. A noise off to his left caused him to seek a hiding place. He crouched behind a bush near one of the paths leading to the waterfall. A Gideon appeared, his big head bobbing slightly above the height of the shrubbery.Duella held still and watched as the small creature passed him by, none the wiser of his presence. He was pushing a little wheelbarrow filled with dirt. He made his way down the path and disappeared amid the foliage. Duellarose up and followed the little creature.Perhaps this is theGideons ’ dwelling place. His brow furrowed. The space was far too pretty to belong to such evil creatures asGideons .Where in hell am I? He glanced back at the tunnel he was leaving behind and hoped he could retrace his steps once he had Miriam in tow,then walked quietly along the path behind the Gideon. The tiny creature disappeared. Duella approached the spot where he had last seen the being and paused to investigate. A tall fence appeared, separating the garden area from yet another space. He pushed the gate open, holding his breath as the hinge squeaked. Another garden lay beyond the fence, a far less attractive space than the first one. There was no lush greenery or inviting paths. There was no gurgling waterfall splashing its cooling waters across moss-covered rocks. Dry and barren, the ground rose upward in steep juts, then fell away plunging downward to deep crevices. Duellapaused before setting foot inside the gate and allowing it to close behind him. The moment the wooden structure closed, a new awareness came over him. He was being led deeper and deeper into Drucella’s private lair. He had seen the first garden and fallen victim to the beauty offered him by the witch, achieving a false security by the sight and losing himself in the wonder of finding such a place after his harrowing trip through the dark tunnel. She stepped out of the barren ground, rising upward so quickly that he gasped and lunged back, startled.Son-of-a-bitch! “Your nakedness arouses me,Duella .” She waved one arm at him and clothes appeared on his body. Duellagazed down at the apparel. It was not the clothing of the present time—but rather the garb of his era, during the phase of his mortal life when he andDrucella were lovers. The rough cotton tunic scratched his chest and the knee length britches stopped short of covering his muscled calves. He locked gazes with the witch. She hovered above the dusty ground, her dark robe billowing around her body. “I’ve come for Miriam. Where is she?” Drucellalaughed. She lowered her gaze to the amulet suspended at his neck.“The talisman in exchange for the whore vampire.” Duellastared at her and considered her words. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t take the amulet from

around his neck. “How important is the whore to you,Duella ?” Drucellasettled her feet on the dusty ground in front of him, her eyes fixed on the amber gem visible through the opening of his tunic. “How important is the amulet to you,Drucella ?” His only chance was to buy time by baiting the witch and hope that something materialized to help him find Miriam before she grew tired of the game. He clasped his hands behind his back and strode back and forth in front of her, hoping to distract her further. “The jewel belongs to me. It is only fitting that I should possess it.” “Why?” She bristled. Her brows drew together across her nose, her eyes turned a deep shade of emerald green, she clenched her jaw. “Why? You speak in riddles,Duella . You are aware that the talisman belongs to the coven—I am the leader—” “The coven no longer exists. The witches were burned and destroyed. Their bodies turned to black smoke and ashes. Their remains rose up the chimney and were lost on the breeze—” “Stop!”She placed her hands over her ears, as though she were shutting out the horror he spoke aloud. “You choose to torment me with your lies. The coven is not destroyed—only disabled. I have begun to rebuild it—” “You lie. You have returned to your home among theGideons . You have no coven.” She narrowed her eyes at him and moved closer. “TheGideons are my people—whatever I command them to do, they obey me without argument.” She sneered. “It would be to your own good to learn from their obedience to me,Duella , since you have put yourself at my mercy.” He glanced about, observing the gathering ofGideons that had seemingly materialized out of thin air. They stood just behind him, three deep, their long arms raised as though ready to grab him. I have the upper hand. I have the amulet.“Send your henchmen away.” Her eyes widened. “I will do no such thing.” He grasped the amulet in one fist. “It is you and I who must bargain.” He glanced over his shoulder, sensing the sudden anger of the assembled army ofGideons . “And bring forth Miriam. I want to see that she is unharmed.” Drucellaopened her mouth and hissed loudly. She waved one hand and a bolt of lightning struck the barren ground besideDuella’s feet. He stood fast, aware that his words would draw her anger. He watched her eyes as she stared at the amulet,then locked gazes with him.She’s fearful of what I’m capable of. The realization that he was right bolstered his courage. He braced his feet apart, lending further credence to his mastery.

Drucellaswept her gaze across the gathering ofGideons and they quietly dispersed. A relieved breath escapedDuella’s throat. Now that he had the upper hand-- “Bring Miriam to me.” “The talisman first.” He shook his head. “There’s no room for argument. Where is Miriam?” Drucellacursed and spat. She waved her arms and sent shards of fire slamming into the ground around his body. She conjured up a dust storm and made it swirl about his form, choking his nose and throat and irritating his eyes. He covered his face with one hand and waited out the onslaught. When the dust storm subsided,Drucella was nowhere in sight.Duella looked around for her, searching for a trail leading off in one direction or other. Sighing, he admitted that she had vanished from sight again, leaving him wondering. He waited, believing she would return once her anger subsided. He smiled in spite of things. The witch liked to be in control at all times. He clutched the amulet. Aside from holding the one thing she desired, he had little leverage with which to acquire Miriam’s release. The space surrounding the barren wasteland darkened. He gazed overhead. Though the area appeared encapsulated, the semblance of sky spanned overhead, reaching as far as the eye could see. He looked on as storm clouds appeared on the horizon, then moved rapidly toward him. He sought shelter, but finally concluded there was no place to take refuge from the impending storm. A loud clap of thunder sounded, piercing his hearing with a resounding echo. He cursed and covered his ears with his hands. The dark clouds rolled onward, drawing closer until finally darkness consumed him. He blinked his eyes against the murkiness, wondering whatDrucella intended next. Silence reigned abruptly. He could hear his own breaths as he pulled air into his lungs. Slowly the area directly in front of him began to clear, grow light. He stood still and waited, aware thatDrucella was playing out her game with him. A patch of barren ground directly in front of him appeared, growing larger as the darkness subsided. He stared at the growing patch of light and made out a figure sprawled on the ground. “Miriam!” He rushed forward, disregarding the threat to his own safety. She lay so still that at first he wondered if she was dead. But upon drawing closer, he saw her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. He stooped beside her and lifted her upper body into his arms. “Miriam.Oh Miriam.” He cradled her against his chest, thankful that she was alive. “Duella?”Her voice was weak. She clutched at his arm with her fingers. “Take me away from this place.” He glanced around, fearful of taking his eyes off Miriam even for a second, but needing to know if Drucella was nearby, watching them. As earlier, when he had searched for the witch, he saw nothing. He slid one arm beneath Miriam’s knees, shifted the other beneath her shoulders and lifted her into his arms. Turning, he tried to find his way back to the wooden gate that he had entered leading to the green valley and the entry tunnel to the underground hideaway. The darkness was all consuming. He couldn’t see beyond Miriam clutched against his chest. Each step was tentative, slowing inching his foot forward in search of solid ground, before risking the next. Miriam pushed her face into his shoulder and clung to his neck, her arms wrapped tightly. He could

sense her distress and fear. He tightened his arms around her, reassuring her that he wouldn’t leave her again. Forging onward, he slid his feet along the ground. Calling upon his vampire abilities, he listened intently for sounds that might alert him to the witch’s coming or the reappearance of the Gideon army. Hearing nothing, he inched along, Miriam clutched tightly against his chest. He knew better then to become too over confident.Drucella wasn’t to be trusted. He chided himself for having ever thought otherwise about the evil creature. He strained his eyes trying to see through the intense blackness—a murky spell cast by the devious witch. Rage grew inside him. He had let down his guard andDrucella had taken advantage of the moment. “We can’t escape the witch,Duella .” He glanced down at Miriam. Her face was barely visible through the inky blackness but he could sense her despair. He sought to bolster her courage. “We can’t let her win, Miriam. Don’t despair. We’ll find the way out of this hellhole.” “It’s almost daylight. She has calculated her plan well. She knows neither of us can stand the daylight. She knows the sun burns us.” “Have courage. I will keep you safe. I promise.” As the words left his mouth, he wondered how he could possibly do as he vowed. The sun was a vampire’s bane, a source of annihilation that must be feared.

Chapter Eighteen

Duellatrudged along clutching Miriam in his arms until his strength began to wane. He slowed his pace, glancing about the ebony darkness surrounding them. He loathed admitting that he couldn’t find his way back to the green valley. He sighed and set Miriam’s feet on the ground. Holding onto her hand for fear she would become lost to him again, he drew her against his side while he considered their situation. Anger threatened to overtake his senses as he felt the presence of the witch very near. She had consented to letting him have Miriam only because she knew she could prevent his escaping. He hung his head, overcome with a sense of foreboding. “Show yourself!” He bellowed loudly into the darkness, his

tone threatening. Soft laughter, filled with menace and hate, sounded very near his ear. He whirled around, dragging Miriam along and almost knocking her off her feet.Drucella appeared right before his eyes, smiling and sending ire raging through his veins. He gnashed his teeth and snarled. “You know the price for your release,Duella .” He tightened his hold on Miriam’s hand and clutched the amulet in one fist. He had no choice but to try and remove the amulet from his neck. He tightened his hold on the gem and raised the chain, making to lift it over his head. Drucelladrew closer-- drool slid from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes were vivid topaz, wide and expectant. She reached out both hands in lieu of receiving the talisman. The witch is very eager to have the gem.He paused and stared atDrucella , trying to fully understand the lustful gleam in her eyes. He took note of her eager fingers reaching toward his chest, almost touching the gem in her haste to possess it. His brow furrowed. Puzzlement formed in his mind. He became aware of others gathered aroundhe and Miriam. The army ofGideons had returned and appeared just as eager as their mistress. Their large eyes were pinned on the jewel in his hand and drool dripped from their chins. “Give it to me! Give it to me!” He closed his fist over the gem. It seemed too important to merely hand over. If only he could have an inkling as to its worth. “Give it to me!” Drucella’spleading command drew his attention. He saw the witch’s outstretched hands and the sudden clash of emotions materialize on her face. She glanced about the gathering ofGideons as though fearful of the little creatures. TheGideons crowded closer toDrucella , pushing their bodies against hers and vying for the space closest toDuella . They reached their long arms out as though hoping to snatch the gem before the witch could get her hands on it. DuellasoughtDrucella in the midst of the foray. She appeared worried by the eagerGideons although she professed they were her servants. She pushed at the little creatures, shoving them behind her as she fought her way to the front of the crowd. Bickering mutterings sounded from the group. “It appears the gem is much revered.”Duella smirked, holding the gem away from his body and suspending it on its gold link chain. “It belongs to me! Hand it over!” “Give it to us! Give it to us!” He lowered his gaze to the mob ofGideons . “The amulet belongs to our people. Give it to us!” “Do tell?”Duella looked atDrucella .

The witch gnashed her teeth and flung her arms, sending theGideons scurrying from around her. “Don’t listen to them. They lie. The amulet is mine.” Duellareleased the gem inside his shirt. He rubbed his chin with one fingertip. “Prove that the amulet belongs to you,Drucella .” She lunged at him, teeth bared, eyes flashing. She grasped him by the front of his shirt and lifted him off the ground. In the next instant, he was hurtling through the air and crashing against the wooden gate he sought to escape the barren garden. He slid to the ground, his body in terrible pain. Drucellawas nose to nose with him as he tried to right himself. She lifted him from the ground, her hand around his throat and flung him into the air. Duellasought to transform, calling upon his vampire ability to change into a bird before he landed on the ground again. He managed to change, flapping his wings hard to avoid the crash landing. He turned his course, flew directly towardDrucella ,then veered sharply as he spied Miriam lifting into the air. He led the way over the wooden fence and into the green garden. Following the winding path back to the waterfall, he spied the lighted tunnel he had walked down to reach the opening. He soared through it with Miriam close behind. The dark shaft that led up to the cemetery appeared ahead and he directed his flight path up it. He burst through the covering of grass and earth to spy the newly awakening day.Seeing the sun break the horizon send a shard of fear racing through his insides. He headed for the mansion, needing to get to safety before the sun burned his body and destroyed him forever.

****

A sound, ever so slight, penetratedDuella’s brain. An odor, uncommon in his vampire chamber, came to his nose. Alarmed, he jerked his eyes open, his body alert in a way that unnerved him. He saw her just moments before she raised the mallet in her hand and drove the wooden stake against his chest. He bounded upward, grasping the stake with one hand while grabbing at the hand holding the hammer. Drucellawas hurled backward asDuella left his bed and sought to overpower her. The stake broke the skin on his chest and brought blood oozing down his skin. He roared in outrage as he thrust the stake from his body and kicked the hammer from the witch’s hand. He grasped her by the hair and slammed her against the wall of the room, only to fend her off again when she regained her footing. She came at him teeth gnashing, fingernails turning into clawing daggers. He raised a foot and kicked her in the stomach, bending her over, then levered a sharp uppercut to her chin, sending her sprawling against the floor. She slid across the carpet and hit the wall with a loud thud, coming to rest in a heap. Duellahalted his assault, aware that his worst nightmare had come true.Drucella had invaded his sanctuary and tried to kill him while he slept. He glanced down at his bleeding chest, then thought of Miriam. He whirled around, only to see Miriam in a pool of blood, her eyes wide and staring as she clutched the stake stabbing her chest. He roared his outrage and leapt to her savagely mutilated body. He

grabbed the stake and pulled it free, tossing it across the room while his rage engulfed his senses. Miriam sucked in a shallow breath, clutched her chest and stared atDuella with wild eyes. He pressed his hand against her breast, stemming the flow of blood and lending his vampire skills of healing. Fury engulfed his bigbody, his fangs appeared as he snarled his rage, turning his red glowing gaze onDrucella as she lay limp and unconscious across the room. Miriam clutched his hand, splayed her fingers across his and gasped in deep breaths, trying to survive as the flow of blood waned and the jagged hole in her chest began to mend. Slowly the frightened look in her eyes grew less until she managed to smile weakly atDuella . He tried to control his rage while he held his hand against her chest. Fear of losing her congealed inside him, sending the rage he harbored towardDrucella magnifying. He stared across the room at the witch. He had underestimated her. She was not to be trusted under any circumstance. There was nothing she was not capable of. He gnashed his teeth, his rage coming to the fore again. Unable to contain his urge to destroy the witch any longer, he pulled his hand from Miriam’s chest and crossed the bedroom in long angry strides. He graspedDrucella by the hair and raised her body into the air. Wrapping his hands around her throat, he sought to strangle her, applying as much pressure as his strength would allow. The witch hung limply from his fist. The bones of her neck cracked and splintered, her head fell to one side.Duella threw her on the floor and stood glowering down at her. In his gut, he knew he hadn’t killed her—but he didn’t fully understand why he had failed. He thought again of his brother casting her into the fireplace and her ultimate coming back. He turned to check on Miriam. Seated on the side of the bed, her gaze riveted to him, she smiled at his approach. She held out her arms. He walked into her embrace. She snuggled her cheek against his chest. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.” He smoothed one hand across her hair. His anger was such that he didn’t trust himself to kiss her. He tightened his arms around her and held her close. Drucellaroused behind him, shuffling her body around on the floor and getting to her feet. She vanished the moment he glanced at her, leaving the room with a foul smelling odor in her wake. Duellashook his head. “There has to be a way to destroy that bitch!” Miriam soothed him, turning her head and kissing his naked chest. “The amulet you wear holds the secret of her existence. Unlock the mystery and she will bother us no longer, my love.” She pulled back and looked up at him. “I am only glad that you awakened before she drove the stake through your heart.” Tears filled her eyes instantly. “I couldn’t go on without you. I love you.” He caressed her cheek. Her display of tenderness completely dispelled his body of rage. He drew in a long breath. “And I love you, too, Miriam.” He felt better for having uttered the words. Joy shown in Miriam’s eyes and he leaned down and kissed her softly.

“Come. We must feed. You lost a lot of blood.” Pain cut across his chest at his words. The sight of Miriam laying there, her blood pooling around her body, the gaping wound in her chest, the wooden stake protruding from her flesh—It was a horrible sight and one he wanted desperately to forget. He helped Miriam to the door of the bedroom. She paused and placed one hand against his chest. “Promise me that you will be careful,Duella .” He covered her hand with his. She bit her lower lip, her eyes pleading. He smiled down at her, grateful for her love.

Chapter Nineteen

Duellasat on the park bench and held his head in his hands. Everywhere he turned he sawDrucella or one of her Gideon servants. He rubbed his eyes with one hand, aware that his imagination was playing tricks on him, but at a loss as to what to do about it. He had kept the incidents from Miriam, reluctant to tell her for fear she would insist they return to the mansion and bar the doors. He chuckled slightly. If the situation weren’t so pathetic it would be laughable.Vampire tormented by witch.Who would believe that? He raised his head and watched Miriam feed in the alley. She had taken two men into the darkness and, so far, she had drunk from one and lowered his body to the ground at her feet. He watched her grab the second and drag him into position so she could sink her fangs into his neck. He fought her only briefly before giving in. Duellacombed one hand through his hair.Drucella’s attempt on their lives had unnerved him to the point that he worried she might return once he laid his head down again. He glanced at Miriam. If it weren’t for her, he would leave the area, business dealings or not. He recalled earlier thoughts of leaving her and changed his mind. Perhaps had he acted on his own advice, her life would not be in danger now.

Miriam is a pawn inDrucella’s deadly game.He grimaced. He failed to understand the noncompliance of the amulet he wore. He couldn’t remove it yet he couldn’t communicate with it either.What good is the damn thing? Thoughts flashed in his mind—reminders of his new existence as a businessman inNew Orleansand the mansion he currently resided in. He groaned. He knew the amulet had brought about his good fortune and perhaps Miriam as well. She was a good companion.A willing sex partner.Who would believe a vampire could have sex? He rose to his feet. Miriam’s two victims emerged from the alley, wobbly on their feet, but moving on their own powers nonetheless. He watched her appear at the mouth of the alley, staring across the park in his direction. He smiled and started toward her. As he drew near, he felt her relief and joy at seeing him. He took her hand and they walked back into the dark alley. Once safely hidden in the darkness, they transformed and took to the air. The darkness and the wind beneath his wings seemed to soothe him, relieving his mind of all the danger and mystery surroundingDrucella and her band ofGideons . Herose higher, sensing Miriam following his lead unquestioningly, riding the moist air currents over the city. The sky was inky with the threat of rain. Thick black clouds obscured the moon and the stars. He folded his wings and swooped toward the water at the edge of the city. He could see angry waves slamming against the shore, washing beyond the normal channel. A storm brewed. “I sense your rage and discontent,Duella .” Miriam slid her hand into his as they chose a spot to sit near the encroaching water. He felt immensely pleased at her words. He looked down at her. She was growing very dear to him. He caressed her cheek, skimming a fingertip lightly across the arc. He would never have believed he was capable of falling in love in his vampire state. “It pleases me that you are so attuned to me, my dear.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers, igniting his senses with the thought of taking her there on the beach with the threat of a storm on the horizon. He raised one hand and cradled her left breast. Her nipple thrust against his palm. Miriam laughed softly and covered his hand with hers. “Your thoughts of sex arouse me.” She reached a hand to his crotch and covered his cock. “I would rather fuck you than feed when my blood lust is greatest.” He pushed her top off her shoulders, baring her breasts. With eager hands, he stroked her flesh, rolling her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. A shuddering sigh left his throat as he lowered his hands to her hips. Miriam sighed and released the snap on his jeans, then pushed them low on his hips. His cock sprang through the opening. She cradled it in her palm, drawing a shiver of arousal from him. He lifted her skirt up around her waist,then slid his hand between her legs. She giggled and spread her legs, giving him consent to play with her pussy. He stroked her hair-roughened lips, delved a finger between them and found her clitoris. She wiggled her hips at his first touch, pushed her crotch against his inquiring fingers. He rubbed her sensitive nub with his fingers, making her moist and aroused. She closed her hand around his cock and began to move her fist up anddown, setting a rhythm that soon enticed him to move his hips

back and forth, pushing his cock against her clasped hand. “Your cock feels good in my hand.” “Your pussy is hot and inviting. I love to play with it.” He pulled her close, kissed her passionately,then lay her down on the wet sand where they stood. He rammed his cock inside her moist passage and began to thrust. Miriam giggled and dug her nails into his buttocks. “You are very eager tonight.” “I want you, Miriam. I want to give you pleasure with my body.” She hugged him close, kissing his cheek as he plunged his cock into her cave. The orgasm shook his insides, shot along his limbs like a hot bolt of lightning, filling his senses with exquisite sensations. He held Miriam tightly and savored every minute tingle the act brought about. “You give…me much pleasure…Duella. I…am reaching my time.Ooooh ! It…is wonderful!” Duellanuzzled her neck and kissed her mouth while she enjoyed her climax. When at last, she stilled, he rolled to his side and stared up at the black sky. The sound of the water came to his ears. Thoughts of Drucella filled his mind. He groaned and raised one hand to brush across his face.Why must I be tormented with the witch and her strange army of beings? The amulet rolled off his chest and plopped against the wet sand, drawing his attention. He glanced down, amazed to see the amber gem clearly through the murky darkness. He picked it up and wiped the grainy sand from its faceted surface. He sat, realization coming to his mind. He stared at the gem,then rolled it around in his hand. “What is it?” Miriam sat up at his side. “Did the amulet do something?” He glanced at her, his brow furrowed. “Why would you ask such a thing?” “It’s plain to me that the amulet is the cause of your problem with the witch. She claims it belongs to her, yet you refuse to give it to her.” “I cannot remove it from my neck, Miriam. Even if I wanted to give it to her—I am unable to.” “Then it’s obvious to me that the amulet wishes to remain with you.” He considered her words for a moment. He held the jewel before her eyes. “It’s only a stone. It has no ability to choose who possesses it.” She took hold of his shoulders. “It’s a mystery to you,Duella , so how can you be certain it’s only a stone?” He released a long sigh. “Its power comes from the dark one.” “It’s a bewitching stone. I have heard of such things. The dark one bestows the object to someone of his choosing,then manifests its powers. You have but to make a request and the stone will fulfill your wish.” He shook his head. “That doesn’t seem to be the case with this amulet.” He proceeded to tell her how

he had taken the amulet off the witch’s neck and placed it on his own immediately after he took her life. Even in the inky blackness, he could see the shock and dismay on her face. “That was many centuries ago. The coven was destroyed, the witches cast into the fire.” “YetDrucella lives today.” “Yes. She is more than a mere witch. She is a Gideon—an evil spirit that can only be destroyed in a single manner. And I don’t know what that manner is.” Miriam caressed his cheek. “The amulet is a weapon of destruction,Duella .” She got to her feet and gathered her clothes from the sand. She shook out each item and dressed. “The sex brought back my appetite. I’m going to grab a bite.” Duellasat in the sand and watched her back as she walked toward one of the few remaining beach houses along the shoreline. The amulet lay in his palm. He brought his gaze back to it, his mind trying to understand Miriam’s comments. He rose and pulled on his clothes. He had gotten so caught up in thoughts about the stone that he had let Miriam leave his sight. He had forgotten his promise to keep her close by his side. He hurried from the edge of the water, catching sight of Miriam as she entered a house through a glass door facing the water. He approached the house and stood near the door, seeing Miriam inside. She approached a figure sleeping in a wide bed and leaned over the form, feeding. He watched and waited, aware that she was still feeling the effects of the stakeDrucella had driven through her heart. Her blood loss had been great. He had almost lost her. He gritted his teeth. Why can’t I figure out the secret of the amulet and destroy that fucking witch?He grasped the amulet in his fist and yanked it from his neck. Startled that the talisman was dangling loosely in his grasp, he stared at it gleaming brightly on the end of its chain. It swung erratically before his eyes. He stared at it and considered his feelings at having successfully removed it from his neck. He couldn’t say that he felt any different, any less immortal than he was, or any less worried thatDrucella was out to end his existence. He ran one hand through his hair. “Let’s go back to the mansion and—” Miriam paused her words when she saw the amulet swinging from his hand. She swiped a forearm across her lips, wiping away the smears of fresh blood. “You took the amulet from around your neck?” He nodded, his thought consumed with her earlier words. The amulet is a weapon. He closed his fist on the gem. “I have a date with the witch.” He kissed Miriam on the lips. “Return to the mansion. I’ll be along shortly.” She caught at his sleeve as he started to take to the air. “I’m coming with you.”

Chapter Twenty

Recalling what he learned from the old book in the library, Duella returned to the cemetery. The last time he had encountered Drucella and her army of Gideons, he had done so in the graveyard. Miriam was close at his side. He felt her uncertainty and a strong measure of courage. AfterDrucella’s vicious attack on her, she was determined to be a part of her destruction. He felt bolstered by her presence, and a bit apprehensive despite her show of courage. He would never forgive himself if anything horrible happened to her. Cautiously, he raised the fist holding the amulet over his head, gazing into the sky. “Drucella!Show yourself!” He waited for the pinpoint of light to appear in the blackness, as it had previously, revealing an opening to theGideons ’ underground sanctuary. If he were going to destroy the witch and her army, he would have to doso on her hallowed ground. He issued the summons again, this time with a bit of rage attached. He had grown tired of being on the lookout for the evil creature and her gang of imps. He was ready for a showdown. “I hold the amulet in my hand. Come and get it!” The earth beneath his feet vibrated, rippling and swaying in a rolling motion that nearly knocked him down. Miriam screamed and clutched his sleeve, trying to gain her footing. The clouds in the sky gathered in a black mass, merging and lowering to the earth. He clutched the amulet and waited, his keen gaze searching the darkness. A violent tremor shook the earth. A loud clap of thunder rumbled overhead. Raindrops pelted the ground.Duella held his fist aloft and issued the summons for the third time in a loud voice.“Drucella! Show yourself!” The earth splintered just in front of his feet, rolled upward, pushing the earth into a mound. He clutched the amulet and waited. The hair on the back of his neck stood straight up in warning. He jerked his head to one side, expecting to see the witch or any number of her cohorts. A light appeared unexpectedly, pale white and shining overhead through the night sky. It drew closer and hovered over the spot where the earth had splintered and formed a tall mound. The light changed from white to amber, then drew closer toDuella . He sensed the witch, and her army. And he sensed Miriam’s fright. His gut knotted all of a sudden. She appeared all at once, a blurry vision that grew as tall as he. She hovered in the air, as though suspended on a string, staring at him. A fierce look spanned her face as she settled to the ground mere inches from his body.

He sensed the hate she harbored for him. It both mystified and amused him. She stretched out one hand toward him, her gaze locked with his. Her eyes were burning embers set deep in her skull. He held her gaze and displayed the amulet in his grasp for her to see. Her eyes lit up, making her face glow with a strange amber shine. She licked her lips as though they were parched. “You are eager to have the talisman.” She glanced at him, her eyes leaving the gem only for an instant before she returned to stare hungrily at it. “Give it to me.” She reached out her arm, opening her hand. “Lay it in my palm.” “Tell me why it is so important to you first.” She hissed at him. “Give me the stone.” He shook his head. His amusement grew. His courage rose. He cast a quick glance at Miriam. She had inched closer to his side, a smile on her face. He felt her urge for revenge against the witch. “You are a foolish leech. You suck the life from the mortal. You lay with whores. You foolishly think you can command me.” She sneered. “You are no longer the master of the talisman—even though you hold it in your hand.” “Reveal its value to you—and I will give it to you.” Her body shook, the light she stood immersed in quivered, paled,then faded altogether. She stood before him, her body draped in a long dark gown, her face a mask of hate and revenge. She held her chin high, defiantly, as she held his gaze. Duellafelt her reluctance to divulge the secret of the amulet. Her unwillingness only proved his suspicions about the gem and her need of it. He closed his fist, making her grimace. She took a step toward him and raised one hand, as though she were contemplating casting a spell that would send him soaring into oblivion. Miriam leapt to his side, her teeth bared, her clawed nails extended. Duellaraised a hand, halting Miriam’s defensive move to protect him. His heart surged with the show of concern and the need to aide him, however, Miriam’s abrupt display of protection toward him, only intensified the angry look onDrucella’s snarling face. “Send the whore away!”Drucella spat, her arm rising higher in threat. “Perhaps you don’t want the gem after all,Drucella .”Duella lowered the hand clutching the gem to his side. “The gem is mine!” Her eyes blazed with fury. She stepped closer toDuella . “You do not know what you ask, vampire. You demand to know my secret—but it will do you no good. I am stronger than you.” Duellanodded his head. “Vampires have very limited powers. We cannot cast spells or vanish into thin air. We cannot stand the daylight. The sun is certain death. But you know all my secrets,Drucella .” He

forced a smile, just to rile her temper further. He showed her the jewel lying in his palm. “I know that the power of the gem comes from the dark one.” Drucellahissed. “The dark one—he is not the only power to possess the stone.” She paused, looking intently atDuella . Miriam moved at his side and he felt a strange surge of kinship with her. She touched his arm and leaned close to his ear. “Drucella’sarmy is closing in fast, my love. Be on guard.” She turned, positioning herself at his back. The approach of theGideons made sense to him. Since the dark one had a rival for the possession of the stone.Drucella could only mean that theGideons had once possessed it. That would explain their eagerness to have it. “TheGideons used to possess the stone?” If his suspicion was correct,Drucella needed to get her hands on the talisman before the little creatures arrived and fought with her for it. She held her head high. A look of intense pride shone on her face. “I am queen of theGideons . They are my people.” Duellalaughed. “They are your slaves.” He closed his fingers around the stone. “Perhaps they want the stone so they can destroy you and free themselves from your tyrannical rule. Perhaps I should hand the gem over to them.” A flash of rage engulfed her features. She darted her eyes from side to side. “They come,Duella .” He heard Miriam’s quiet words and realized thatDrucella was terrified of their coming. She reached out her hand, urging him to place the stone within. “Give me what is rightfully mine, vampire, before I cast you into oblivion!” TheGideons surrounded them, closing in quickly to crowd against their queen. Drucellapushed them back, kicking her feet at their short bodies. “Go away! You have no business here.” “Give us the talisman, vampire. Give it to us so that we can destroy the witch.” Miriam growled and lashed out, slashing three of the tiny beings as they tried to graspDuella’s arm. They screamed and bounded through the air. Hitting the ground with audible thuds, they rose up and scurried away. Others began to push and crowd, eager to have the amulet.Drucella drew closer, her clawing fingers reaching out for the necklace. Duella’skeen senses were alert to the ruckus, the pushing little beings and their queen inching forward in an attempt to snatch the gem from his fist. He heard the thrashing blows Miriam landed against the beings when they got too close. She was an admirable warrior.

He sensedDrucella’s temper flaring. The Gideon army was scuffling among themselves, each trying to get closer than the other in order to grab the gem. Miriam continued to throw crushing blows at the beings, sending them flying into the air and falling aimlessly to the ground. Drucellawhirled round. TheGideons scattered, rushing back in fear as their queen raised one arm and cast a spell over them. Lightning flared, a clap of thunder sounded overhead. TheGideons screamed and cowered, covering their heads with their hands. Duellawatched the demonstration of power. He was overcome with the urge to squeeze his fist around the amulet. He held the fate of theGideons in his hand—andDrucella’s future. It was time to destroy them both. Drucellaturned her threatening gaze on him. She strode toward him, a sneer on her face. “Your time is up, vampire. I will beg you no more.” He felt the amulet crack within his grasp. Drucellahalted her advance on him, her face paled. She raised one arm, ready to cast a spell of death against him. He squeezed the gem tighter, feeling it splinter into tiny pieces. He raised his arm and threw the fragments into the sky. A shower of sparks rose upward, spraying overhead in a torrent of amber shards. Drucellascreamed and fell to her knees. The Gideon army clutched their heads and fell on their faces. The shower of amber shards swirled over their heads, sparked brilliant in the black sky, then began to flame. They sprayed across the Gideon army. The beings screamed and withered, grew smaller as they kicked their legs and clutched their big heads. Their flesh began to disintegrate, burning beneath the shower of sparks. The bodies disappeared, screaming in outrage as they withered and shrank.Drucella looked on in horror, then turned as though to flee. The sparks rose up from the remains of theGideons and soared around Drucella . She screamed and covered her head. She yelled curses and tried in vain to cast a spell to stop the sparks. They descended around her, closed in, burned her clothes and seared her body. She screamed and ranted while she tried to fight off the consuming sparks. They penetrated her body, ate at her flesh,tore her limbs away. She collapsed on the ground, a withering heap that dwindled and dwindled until only a wisp of black smoke rose upward, disappearing in the sky. The sparks rose again, swirled, gathered, hovered,then rose into the sky. Duellastared at the sparkling dots as they quickly disappeared in the darkness. When they were out of sight, he looked round at the barren ground. There were no remains of the Gideon army orDrucella . He stooped and examined the spot where she had disappeared, withered and consumed by the golden spray. Miriam clutched at his arm. He rose and hugged her close. “At last, we are rid ofDrucella . She is destroyed.” He didn’t fully

understand what he had just witnessed, except that both the Gideon beings and the witch prized the amulet. Either one of the entities could have destroyed the other—had they gained possession of the gem. Luckily, his anger rose at the appropriate time, giving him cause to squeeze the jewel and break it so its powers were released. He combed one hand through his hair. He’d miss the mysterious help the amulet had given him. He looked down at Miriam. “We’re free to start over. The evil spirit has been destroyed forever.” She smiled at him. “We can sleep without being scared of attack.” He held her close. “I love you.” “Look!” He jerked his head around, afraid thatDrucella had somehow returned and was mounting another attack against them. The sky was glowing, yellow jets of light streamed down to strike the ground. A noise like no other sounded. He drew back, sighting an object hurtling through the glowing spray of light. An object hit his chest, taking his breath for a moment. “Duella, what is it?” He raised his hand and clutched the spot where the object hit him. His fingers touched the cold faceted surface of a gem, yellow and oval, suspended on a gold link chain. The chain was around his neck. “The amulet!The amulet is around your neck!” He clutched the gem, puzzled. “You possess the amulet,Duella .” Miriam hugged him, laughing. “You are the rightful owner now. You have destroyed the witch and the Gideon army—the evil spirits are gone forever. The amulet is yours. You have its powers at your disposal.” He held the stone in his hand and thought of all the things he wanted to do, now that he didn’t have to watch over his shoulder forDrucella or other evil spirits.Is it true? Is the amulet really mine? “Let’s go home and make love,Duella . The excitement has aroused me.” He stared at the amulet as a new thought assailed his mind.I have been serving the dark one since I took the amulet from the witch’s neck and placed it around my own. He chose me to rid the world of his opposing evil. He thought about all that had happened to him since he traveled to that time. He had found Miriam, became a businessman,began a new existence in a city that teemed with fresh blood. Perhaps the most amazing thing of all—he had fallen in love. He smiled.The dark power has been grooming me to serve him. There is only room for one evil power to reign. Miriam kissed him and tugged on his arm, urging him to come. He squeezed the amulet,then released it inside his shirt. Tomorrow he would visit the library and look through the bookshelf holding all the old volumes of books. He would research the amulet and perhaps learn more about its mysterious powers. He gazed down at Miriam, saw his future in her dark eyes,felt arousal grow inside him. “Would you have a vampire for a husband?”

“If you will have a vampire for a wife.” “The bargain is agreed upon.” “Come. Let’s go home.”

About the Author

I began writing freelance almost twenty years ago and eventually my short stories became longer. The characters seemed to take over and draw their stories out. I first submitted a novella length story to Extasy Books in 2003 and it was accepted. That was Captive Heart, the historical romance now on the site. I have thirteen titles with Extasy Books. New ideas come to mind every day and some of them find their way on to the computer screen. When I’m not writing, I enjoy traveling with my husband Dave. Fawn can be reached at this email: [email protected] Fawn’s website is located at: http://www.geocities.com/[email protected]/mypage.html