Marcus' Magic

Michele Imiola

THE BROTHERHOOD 1

MARCUS’ MAGIC BY MICHELE IMIOLA

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. THE BROTHERHOOD 1: MARCUS’ MAGIC Copyright © 2006 by Michele Imiola ISBN: 1-59836-116-3 Cover Art © 2006 by Wendon Smoot All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. Printed and bound in the United States of America. For information, you can find us on the web at www.VenusPress.com

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Dedication:

To B for making my bad guys both better and badder. To the M & M girls; thanks for hugs and kisses and checking to make sure I was alive behind the computer.

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Author Note:

The Brotherhood Symbol (loosely taken from an ancient Sumerian rune) Represents the power of the eight in the form of Infinity, Two diamonds hold the human and the unnatural realm firmly together, An arrow pointing east, where life and death begins.

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Beyond the Shadows…

THE MIDDLE OF the 21st century is the time of man. Thousands of years of civilization and technological progress have made man the absolute master of the earth. He rules the lands and oceans and stands poised to take to the stars. Although he is his own worst enemy, optimism reigns. Soon poverty, disease, and warfare will be eliminated. A Golden age lies just over the horizon. FROM THE DARKNESS bitter and jealous eyes watch. The world’s true masters-the vampires, rage at the impudence of the human cattle they had ruled at first openly and then from the shadows for millennia. In ancient Sumeria and Egypt they had been Gods. Later they had ruled through the human minions-emperors, kings, prime ministers and popes. Now the teeming mass of humans and their ever more complex technology has driven them in to the shadows of legends. From the shadows, the Circle of Darkness plots. Soon…very soon the world will be put right again. The true masters will return to rule openly. The Golden Age of man will die stillborn. The new age will be a dark and bloody one. YET NOT ALL the worlds’ vampires seek this dark future. The Council of Elders seeks a symbiotic coexistence with the humans. They believe that together vampires and humans can reach unimagined heights for both species. Using their champions, The Brotherhood of the Eight, the Council seeks to protect humanity from the evil of the Circle of Darkness and the terrible future they crave. THE SHADOW WAR rages between the Council and the Circle. Individual humans and even whole nations are mere pawns in their complex strategies and vicious battles that will determine man’s very future. Yet…perhaps thankfully, most of mankind 6

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remains ignorant of the struggle and even the terrible reality that man is not at the top of the food chain…these are the lucky ones.

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Prologue

Paris, France He entered her, excruciatingly slow, allowing her body to accept his width. His erect penis throbbed, wanting to be fully embedded in the place where he would find release. He felt her body slowly stretching, making room for him inside. He lowered his mouth to hers, taking her tongue and rolling it with his, tracing the inside of her mouth. She panted, breathing hard. She squirmed under him, moving, feeling him enlarging inside. She felt his cock filling her. Her eyes closed, relishing in the pleasure as her moisture lubed him, making his movement easier. He grabbed her hips, pulling her forward, lifting her buttocks off of the couch. The movement gave him more leverage as he started to move faster, pulling his cock out until just the tip stayed in and then he’d slam himself back into her. She gasped each time, feeling his body take over hers, movements that paralyzed her, brought her pleasure she’d never known before. He continued his rocking, in and out, building the tension inside her as his speed increased. He felt her gripping his cock, felt the warm softness start to harden against his engorged cock. She closed her eyes again, letting the pleasure take over, letting him take over her body. He could do everything he wanted. He felt her pulse, felt it quicken as he moved. She was close, squeezing her eyes, trying hard to find her breath as he pounded it out of her. Before her moans were soft pants but now were gasps, begging for release. And then he moved, shoving himself in faster, taking her hard. Her heart rate was rising; he felt it under his lips. One thrust, then another and she was starting to see stars, screaming, twisting under him as he turned her head and bit into her neck. She never noticed, never even opened her eyes. She didn’t care. He could have it all, and he did. That kind of power made him a Master. 8

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Later, she lay quietly, feeling her exhausted body recovering when the phone rang. He answered. “I’m calling to collect,” the voice said. He looked at the lithe body lying beneath him. There were too many pleasures he’d not yet taken. “I’ll be there soon.”

*** Madrid, Spain He sat at the table, watching the woman dance. Tonight the gypsies performed and this woman of theirs held the crowd’s attention. The woman should have known not to dance close to him and his people. She should also have known he was a foreigner. But if she knew better, she didn’t let on. She moved towards his table almost as soon as he sat down. She danced slowly, gracefully, moving her hips to a soft beat the trio of men was playing. The other patrons seemed very angry their night’s entertainment had turned into a solitary dance for one lone table. The bartender moved to the table, staying out of the woman’s way, inquiring if the men needed anything. They ordered the local flavor and they continued to watch the woman as she moved around the table. She moved for each of the five men but kept her eyes on the dark one, the one who’d walked into the bar first. Her head she kept turning towards him, meeting his stare, keeping him within her sights, letting him know she wanted him and no one else. He knew the look. He’d seen it thousands of times before. Tonight was no different. Before the night was through, he’d have her. Maybe he’d share her, see if she was as daring as the dance she performed for the table. He’d see how the night went. She moved around his back, touching him lightly on the shoulders. He could hear her breathing, knew she felt the electric energy he emitted. As much as it burned, it still drew the women in, like moths to a flame, waiting to be destroyed. He could smell her musky perfume whirl around her as her skirts floated with her hips. She had her hands on his back, openly touching him for all to see. He eyed the room, wondering which man would step forward, claiming the woman for the night. He saw their eyes, how they looked at each other, each of them trying to muster the balls to step up to these five foreigners. Then they looked away and 9

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went back to their drinks. They knew their night’s entertainment was over. They’d have to find their thrills elsewhere. He drew his arm and pulled her into his lap. She placed an arm over his shoulder and snuggled her ass in tightly against his crotch. A small smile came to his lips. He could smell her excitement. He felt her wetness through her skirts, her sex permeating the air. It was so easy, these humans. One look and they were his to command, to lord over. And he did. Every movement he made ensured he’d get everything he wanted. His man entered the bar and walked straight to him. “He’s at a hotel, with a woman.” The man paused, waiting for a response. None came. “You’ve also been called.” He didn’t say anything, just moved his hands over the creature grinding against his erection. He looked up and said, “Give me an hour.” Soon, he would have everything his heart desired. He just needed a few more hours and he could go home and complete his revenge.

*** Brasov, Romania, near the Transylvanian Alps What cattle these humans were. Lazy, slow, stupid. He was bored with the games he’d played with them. Leading them on, watching them follow and believing what he said as truths. They were so easily led, begging him to take them, do what he wanted to them but don’t leave them. He’d shown them another side of the world, a side they’d never believed except in a horror story. He’d shown them that all the stories were true. He knew he made those folk tales seem like a child’s story. He knew he was feared. He knew people tried to hide, to run from him. And he tracked them down, one by one. He took them, slowly, painfully, making them his. An army built for an empire. His army. The time was coming for him to claim his empire. He’d waited long enough. It was time for him to show the world what true terror was. Each soul he took added to his strength, his power. He knew he was unstoppable. There wasn’t another who could take him, stop him. He was almost the God he dreamed about. Give him a week and he’d become that God. He touched the throat of the farmer he held in hands; mere cattle. The man’s face looked as if he saw absolute horror. He put a hand over the man’s eyes and tore his throat out. 10

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Chapter One

Cassandra Hamilton didn't want to be here. The conference room held close to twenty people and she hoped the bodies grouped around the table would hide her from their Editor-in-Chief, Bert. He was on a rampage this morning. It started about forty minutes ago and he hadn’t taken a breath since. He began by telling them they couldn’t write worth a damn and wouldn’t know a good story to save their collectives asses. Bert had already eaten three assistant editors and two reporters alive and it wasn’t even nine o’clock in the morning. Cassie kept her head lowered. She'd been avoiding Bert for two days now and knew if she caught Bert’s eye, he would start in on her. He seemed to derive some special pleasure in harassing her. Cassie sometimes enjoyed taunting him, giving as well as she got, but not in the mood he was in now. It was probably best to avoid him. As a reporter in the Arts & Entertainment Department, Cassie always came up with a story. This time, however, she didn’t come through. Bert didn't care about your past successes, but the present. His attitude could best be summed up as ‘What have you done for me today?’ So, she sat like the others in the room, hoping not to be targeted by Bert. Nobody escaped Bert's wrath when he was like this. Cassie noticed Bert’s hot venom moving in her direction. She wanted to ask what the hell his problem was so early in the morning. She stared, trying not to roll her eyes, until he quit yelling and then politely asked him what he wanted. “You’re attending tonight’s Art Galleria Ball.” “I went to the Mayor’s reception two nights ago, Bert. It’s Katrina’s turn to attend a social function.” Probably the wrong answer, if seeing his cheeks flame red was any indication. “Cassie, if I wanted your response, I’d give it to you. You're going to the ball, not Katrina. Archer Parthenopolis will be there tonight and I want you to interview him.” 11

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“Bert, he was supposed to be at the Mayor's Reception, where I waited three hours to interview him. It is not my fault he showed up after I left. I’ve got better things to do than being stood up again.” She really liked her job but sometimes, people just made it so difficult for her to do it. “Out!” Bert screamed. Everyone at the table jumped up, even Cassie. She looked at Bert and he said, “You, Joan of Arc,” pointing a finger at her, “sit down.” When he started the name-calling, she knew he was really mad. Cassie sat back down and waited for the room to empty. She should have just said yes and she’d be leaving with the rest of the fallen. “Let’s get something straight, Cassandra.” Saying her full name was a sign Bert was angrier than she first suspected. “I’m the boss, you’re the employee. If I give you an assignment, you say ‘Yes, Bert’, and then off you go and do it. Are you following me?” “What’s the matter, Bert? You’re wife not giving you any?” Way to go, smart mouth. Add some fuel to the already smoldering fire. “No, but I’d be willing to sacrifice your virginity for the cause,” Bert retorted. You wish, Cassie thought. The man was forever harassing her for not dating, or more specifically, for not going to bed with him. “Sounds like sexual harassment, Bert.” Let him muddle on that for a while. “Not if you brought it up first, Cass.” Obviously muddling wasn’t on the agenda this morning. “Not dating doesn’t mean I’m a virgin, Bert.” Cassie did date; in fact, she’d dated a lot. However, several months ago after her last date, when she remembered lying in bed with a guy she really didn’t know, she realized that she wanted more than just quick sex. The men she dated just wanted her body. She wanted them to want her. So Cassie took a sabbatical until she met a man who wanted her for who she was. She wanted a connection that couldn’t be denied. For the past six months, no man had stirred her to break her abstinence and until one did, she’d have the sex life of a nun. “Having sex once in a blue moon makes you one in my book,” Bert commented. “Well, thanks, but no thanks. I’ll keep my so called ‘virginity’ intact and get ready for the ball. Are you going to cover my clothing expenses? Attending all these social functions is putting a crimp in my budget.” She knew she should be leaving the room, not instigating a fight, but Cassie didn’t back down easy. 12

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“I don’t fucking think so. I’ll be there, so don’t think you can stop in for a minute and leave. You’ve got a scheduled interview with Archer at eight-thirty tonight. Now, get the hell out of my office.” Cassie stood up and gathered her papers. She knew she shouldn’t say a word, just leave while she still had some ass left. But she just couldn’t help herself. “This is the conference room, Bert. You’re office is down the hall,” then she quickly ran out of the room. The only word she heard as she exited was ‘bitch’. Cassie smiled. She was back in his good graces again.

*** Marcus Devaux didn’t want to be here. When his friend, Archer, told him they were attending the Art Galleria opening, Marcus tried to beg off. He didn’t want to be attending another gathering in honor of Archer’s business support. He managed to make Archer late to the Mayor’s Reception, hoping Archer would take the hint. Archer, however, wasn’t easily persuaded. Obviously not, since this was the fourth event he’d forced Marcus to attend this week. It seriously cut into his social calendar, time that could be well spent doing other things, like fucking the willing creature hanging on his arm. Instead, he made small talk and shook hands. He’d only been back two weeks but already the social whirl had become torture. If Archer bothered to ask Marcus his opinion on the whole social scene, which he didn’t, he would have told Archer to fuck off. Marcus didn’t much care for politics but Archer said he wanted him near. For what, Archer hadn’t said. Archer usually took his time, letting his plans unfold. No matter how many times Marcus asked why he was called back, Archer kept mum. Tonight’s festivities included the opening of a new wing on modern art and Archer was cutting the ribbon as an honor of his support of the Arts. Marcus felt himself slowly suffocating. He couldn’t care less who became the next Picasso or Van Gogh. He had a willing girl on his arm, one who’d offered more than her body for his taste. Being called back from France, he came willingly. One did not disappoint friends, especially friends like Archer Parthenopolis. To ignore his friend would cause serious strife neither needed. They worked hard forging their relationship and had taken a blood vow. This wasn’t something normally done with two masters, let alone eight. Most masters were constantly at odds with each other seeking to gain an advantage and occasionally even trying to kill each other. Disobeying his blood vow 13

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would mean death and Marcus rather prefer this side of living right now. Archer’s call wasn’t a command; it was an understanding that all who made the blood vow would act upon. So here he stood, with a gorgeous blonde on his arm, awaiting his unknown part in Archer’s plans and schemes. The party was livelier than he expected. Normally Marcus found art shows to be boring affairs, where self styled ‘experts’ looked at a pictures and offered their definitive explanation of what the artist expressed in their work. Tonight, the group was a mix of humans and vampires. Vampires had come a long way in the past hundred years and if they didn’t intentionally reveal themselves, you would never be able to tell them from a human. For the humans, ignorance was bliss. Marcus smiled as he saw his Brothers mingling with the humans. Pieter Apelborn from Johannesburg was talking with a politician. Marcus just knew Pieter was giving that man an earful about business opportunities in his region. Close by, he saw Lucas Friedenberg from Germany standing tall and looking very formal as he chatted up two wealthy patrons. Dr. Ian McLean from Los Angeles was conversing with a representative from the Food & Drug Administration. Tyler Worth, the youngest vampire in The Brotherhood, hadn’t arrived from Texas, which might be a good thing. This setting was a bit posh for Tyler’s cowboy ways. Looking for Darius, he noticed the other vampires, both male and female, who added a sense of excitement to what would otherwise be a rather staid event. They mingled well, flashing enough skin to tantalize the patrons and enticing enough to snag a few willingly participants, like Belinda, the mayor’s daughter who was hanging on his arm right now. She certainly was young, but decidedly eager. They’d been introduced and Marcus immediately found her attached to his hip. He’d done the polite thing, shook hands and now her hands were trying to find places on his body that he normally left to the discretion of the bedroom. He could have taken her right there on the floor and she wouldn’t have cared. Lucky for her, Marcus preferred his privacy. Unlucky for him, he had escort duty and she wasn’t it. Staring down from the balcony, Marcus saw Darius Andropolis, another master and a member of The Brotherhood, talking with a redheaded woman. While Marcus worked and found pleasure in Europe, Darius enjoyed the abundance of Greece. The stories he told made Marcus want to swap regions for a year. The only Brother he’d been glad he didn’t see was Tane Ferrand from Spain. The blood between them was bitter. 14

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The woman talking with Darius turned her head in laughter and Marcus saw the long column of her throat. What a beautiful neck. She said something and soon Darius was laughing. At six-seven, he towered over her short frame but it didn’t detract from her beauty. Her hair shone the color of autumn leaves, reds and gold, bringing all eyes to the petite woman. When she laughed, her curls danced around her face. Marcus found he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Her gown of dark blue silk and lighter blue chiffon flowed off of her shoulders like curtains blowing in the wind. The back split open downward, giving a view of creamy skin down to her buttocks. The sheer material flowed over her hips, molding to a succulent ass. Marcus let out a groan. Marcus saw Darius point to the balcony and the woman in blue turned, her eyes catching his. He felt an immediate swelling in his cock, a type that he hadn’t had all night. He knew instantly she was the woman he would escort this evening. His first thought was he wanted this woman, not just to escort but to have in his bed. He’d felt his chest tighten when their eyes locked onto each other. His second thought was getting rid of the girl that had glued herself to his arm. Marcus saw Archer talking to the mayor and wondered if he knew who was currently trying to get in Marcus’ pants. It would certainly teach his friend a lesson, sleeping with the Mayor’s daughter. He hadn’t been with a human since he’d arrived in D.C. He could pay back Archer for the constant socializing he’d forced on Marcus by fucking the Mayor’s daughter. It could be a sort of a ‘get even’ screw. Marcus enjoyed women, especially humans, but Archer told him to go easy and not fuck everything in skirts. Archer might be his friend but Marcus wasn’t anyone’s lackey. As if knowing Marcus watched him, Archer turned away from the Mayor and his wife and eyed Marcus. His glance moved to the luscious blonde attached to Marcus’ hip. A dark penetrating look came over his face and he sent Marcus a warning shot: Get rid of her! Marcus laughed. So his friend had known who groped his ass as he walked around the room. Nothing got by Archer. Marcus never bothered to hide anything. Their blood vow gave them insight to each other’s moves, thoughts and actions. Archer’s specialty was blocking his thoughts while he read yours. Archer very rarely admonished Marcus. Tonight’s warning meant he was serious. 15

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Marcus turned to Belinda and stared into her eyes. She looked like a smitten school-girl. Hell, she said she went to college. Despite Archer’s warning, he wouldn’t have slept with her. He wanted the woman in blue. Marcus touched her mind. Almost instantly, Belinda moved away as if a spell was broken. Marcus watched her leave, as always, amazed at how easy it was to touch a human mind. “I’m not interrupting, am I?” a sultry voice asked Marcus. Marcus turned and looked into the green eyes of the woman dressed in blue.

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Chapter Two

From a distance, he’d thought she was beautiful. Up close and personal, she was gorgeous. But there was something more about her, an aura that pulled at him. It felt primal, very animalistic. He felt himself drawn to her. “No, you’re not interrupting anything,” Marcus said smiling. “Your girlfriend’s coming back, isn’t she?” she said looking around to see where the girl had gone. “She’s not my girlfriend.” He should have gotten rid of Belinda sooner. “Well, the way she was manhandling you, I assumed she was more than just a friend.” “You saw that?” Hmm. She was a sharp one. The woman in blue nodded, smiling. “You could take her place.” His smile spoke volumes to her. “Or not,” she said smiling a warm smile at him. “I’m Cassandra Hamilton. I was told to meet you prior to my interview with Mr. Parthenopolis.” Cassie held out her hand to Marcus. Marcus took her hand. He felt her heat immediately, like an electric shock, potent, quick as lightening. He looked up into her eyes. Gold shimmered through the green. “I’m Marcus Devaux,” he said, “and you’re early. I wasn’t expecting you for another half hour.” He felt another jolt run through him. The look of wonder on her face let him know she felt it too. “I know.” She stared at Marcus, holding on to his hand. “Who is she?” “A mistake.” He seriously regretted his game with Archer. “So, were you teasing her or just leading her on?” she said laughing. “I don’t tease, Cassandra. And I don’t lead women on.” Marcus could see Cassandra was really enjoying this at his expense. 17

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“Well, it’s good to see you have some morals.” Now she was really laughing, teasing him. “I’m kidding. Please take no offense.” “None taken. She got a little out of hand and I should have stopped it sooner. I sort of used her to annoy a friend and now that’s over.” He smiled, glad he’d gotten the issue settled. Hopefully it would die a quick death. “Will you be performing any more floor shows tonight, or are you done?” Cassie got one more dig in before she dropped the issue. Marcus laughed. Besides being beautiful, she was quick and very funny. He just knew she could give him all kinds of hell. Marcus found himself looking forward to it. “Any show you see from here on out will be just you and I.” That stopped Cassie cold. She stared into Marcus’ eyes and saw blue depths covered by a dark, black ring. The total look of dead seriousness caused her heart to thump loudly in her chest. She was in big trouble. “I have an interview to conduct.” If she stayed focused on her job, she might make it out alive. “Let’s go.” And Marcus led her to the interview.

*** Cassie knew Marcus could change her mind about anything. When she arrived, she was told Marcus Devaux would escort her that evening. He certainly wasn’t what she expected. She’d come early and didn’t know who Marcus was until a man named Darius pointed him out. She saw him standing on the balcony, a blond woman’s hands all over his body. The fact that he was cavorting with a woman when he was supposed to be her escort annoyed her. But when she saw his eyes, a jealousy raged like she’d never felt. She felt the urge to run up the steps and pull the woman off of him. He was hers or supposed to be, at least for this evening. Now as she interviewed his friend, Archer Parthenopolis, a renowned businessman, all she could think about was Marcus;–the looks he gave her, the way he stared at her as she spoke with Archer. His eyes were eating into her soul, digging around and pulling her bit by bit into himself. She had trouble concentrating and knew she wasn’t doing a great job interviewing. She couldn’t help it. Marcus’ effect on her couldn’t compare to anything she’d felt before in her life. She stared at him constantly, sitting behind Archer, his eyes piercing into hers. 18

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His raven black hair, dark as night, hung to his collar. The indigo eyes complimented his light skin. A strong chin and oh, so, kissable lips. Standing at about six feet and then some, he was built. Cassie mentally undressed him, betting the sharp cut of his tuxedo hid hard muscles and smooth lines. While Archer talked about new business prospects, Cassie thought about running her hands down Marcus’ chest to a treasure she knew lay hidden below his belt. Focus, Cassie. She tried to focus, just not on Archer and his business acquisitions, but more on Marcus and the acquisition she wanted to make with his body. She was definitely in trouble.

*** After the interview, Marcus led her out into the hall and down one wing. With his hand on her back, he guided her to a closed section of the gallery. Cassie looked at him when she saw the sign, ‘No Admittance’, which hung across the entrance. He shook his head, smiling and they passed through the gate. Archer had mentioned this room to Marcus and Darius earlier. Archer’s last donation helped for this room to be built. Both men took his advice and visited, entranced with the new addition. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this room before,” Cassie said. The overhead lights were dim but provided ample light so you could view the pictures on the walls. The center of the room held statues that either rose from the floor or stood on a platform. Chaise lounges were arranged here and there, giving it an air of relaxation. “It’s by invitation only,” Marcus said, still touching her back. “Why?” Cassie asked. “Take a look for yourself and find out.” Cassie walked towards the closest picture and gasped. The picture was a black and white photograph of a woman’s body in an extremely erotic pose. The woman was lying down, arching her back. Her hands were crossed over her face that turned away slightly, allowing only a glimmer of her mouth. Her breasts thrust outwards, nipples hard and pointy, begging. The lights and shadows played games, showing the soft curves of her breasts, darkening her taut nipples. Shadows fell over her smooth belly. 19

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A firm thigh pushed outward showed a man’s face. Wetness coated his chin. His tongue curled, like he had just taken a swipe of this woman’s pussy and was coming up for air. With eyes closed, his face showed an ecstasy, an excitement of tasting her sweet nectar. If the picture had sound, Cassie would have expected to hear a groan of pleasure, his enjoyment so evident. The woman’s relaxed smile showed her pleasure. Cassie’s felt a warmth roll over her body, sending tiny shivers down her spine. Her own nipples tightened, grasped by the silk. Her own hitched breath caused them to rub, inducing sensations lower on her body. Without knowing, she moved her legs together. She felt wetness spilling onto her thighs. “What do you think of it?” Marcus whispered in her ear. She jumped a bit, feeling like she’d been caught doing something naughty. His warm breath caressed her neck and goose bumps rose on her flesh. His fingers ran slowly down her arm, leaving a burning heat. “Do you like it?” Cassie turned her head towards Marcus and saw his lips were mere inches from hers. All she’d have to do was lean forward and she would be in heaven. His eyes, black as night, seemed to be swirling. Or maybe that was all in Cassie’s head. Being this close to Marcus was dangerous. She’d felt him draw her in from the moment she saw him. His hands on her arm sent a wave of want through her body. The photograph was suggestive and erotic, like the look Cassie saw in Marcus’ eyes. A look she knew her eyes mirrored. Did she like it? God, yes. The photograph excited her, but Marcus was pushing her over the edge. She wanted to be that woman; to have her pussy licked. She wanted Marcus’ tongue dancing along her slit, his head lifting up from between her legs. She let out a breathy, “Yes.” “Good.” He took her hand and said, “Come.” He stopped in front of another portrait and pulled Cassie in front of him. This one was similar to the last, except it was a woman giving oral pleasure. A man stood with a woman kneeling before him, her mouth covering his erect cock. From the tightness of the man’s buttock and his head lifted back, it almost looked like the photo was taken just as he’d thrust into her mouth. The woman’s eyes were closed and her face blissful as she sucked his cock. One hand fondled his testicles, while the other disappeared between her legs. Marcus leaned 20

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over her, pulling her body against his. Her body quivered at his touch. She felt her pussy clinching, felt herself getting wetter. “How does this one make you feel?” his voice whispered again, his hand caressing her from her hips up to her breast. Couldn’t he tell she was burning up? That his smoldering gaze lit a fire in her belly, spreading to all parts of her body. That she ached and she wanted him to soothe her. He tilted her head towards him. “Tell me, Cassandra.” One word said it all. “Excited.” She swore his eyes flickered, a flash streaking through them. She blinked and looked again. Dark, hypnotic eyes stared back at her. “There’s another one I want to show you,” Marcus said, pulling her behind him. He led her to the other side of the room. The picture he stopped in front of showed a couple. The woman knelt on a chaise lounge, a man standing behind her. With her back arched, the woman tilted her head upwards, pleasure washing over her face. The man entered her from behind, or at least the shadows let you think. A stream of light showed around his erect cock, as if he’d just pulled back from a thrust and in motion to jam his cock back into the woman’s waiting pussy. Sweat gleamed off the man’s torso, leaving a trickling path down his chest. His face seemed hidden in the shadow of his hair, but you could be sure his gaze lingered on the woman’s curvaceous ass. Cassie felt she could trace the sweat with her tongue, taste the salty dew covering his body. She turned to Marcus and knew she wanted him to do this to her. She wanted his sweaty body pounding into hers, stealing her breath. She wanted to feel her body quivering while his cock pummeled her pussy, which was soaking her panties right now. Her body was tingling, trembling, wanting his touch. Marcus broke her thoughts. “I’m not going to ask you what you think of this one. I can see it in your eyes.” His hungry look spoke volumes to Cassie. She knew the photos had affected him too. “If I put my hand between your legs, I bet I’d find you very wet.” Her eyes went wide at his bold statement. “I’m right, aren’t I?” Cassie stared at him. He was more than right. His words, the caresses, these pictures, they were all seducing her. She nodded. 21

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Marcus gazed into her eyes. She saw a lust there that she felt herself, that she wanted to fulfill with this man. “I want to do this to you, Cassandra. From the moment I saw you. Everything you see in this room,” he waved his hand around, “I want to do with you.” Cassie knew what the other pictures contained. She couldn’t help herself; they kept drawing her in, stimulating her mind, caressing her body. She’d only known this man for two hours and she wanted him. Marcus placed his hands upon her face, pulling her forward to kiss him. “Say yes.” Never had she reacted to any man like she was reacting to Marcus. He set her on fire. One only he could put it out. All she had to say was yes and he’d do it. He’d calm the ache that had been building from first glance. He’d soothe her wants. He’d make her come over and over again. His lips were a mere inch away. She only had to say one simple word. “Yes....” And a man walked into the room.

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Chapter Three

“There you are, Cassie. I’ve been looking for you,” Tane said. He walked across the room, four of his retinue following him. “Please tell me you’re not with this man,” Marcus said seething. Cassie glanced at Marcus and saw anger in his eyes. “Good Lord, no. I just met him tonight.” The men stopped in front of them. Cassie watched as Marcus and Tane stared venomously at each other. “You two know each other?” she asked. The dark, menacing looks could not be mistaken. “Yes, Marcus and I are old friends, aren’t we, Marcus?” Marcus stared at Tane, saw the color and warmth flushing his cheeks. He’d recently fed. “I wouldn’t call us friends, Tane.” The statement was harsh, severe, cutting. “Come now, all these years we’ve known each other. We are more than friends,” Tane said, pretending to act hurt as Marcus rebuffed him. “Why are you here, Tane?” Marcus asked impatiently. “You mean Archer didn’t tell you I was also called? He’s usually not one to keep secrets from you. I know how close you two are. You must have severely annoyed Archer for him to forget to tell you I was in town.” Tane stared at Marcus and Cassandra saw a change in his eyes. She remembered his eyes were brown but she thought she saw flames flash through them. “What’s going on?” Cassandra asked looking from one man to the other. They ignored her. “I know why you’re in town, but why are you here?” Marcus asked. “What do you want from me, Tane?” “I just want her, Marcus,” Tane said, pointing a finger at Cassandra, “and you can be on your way.” 23

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“Now, wait a minute...” Cassandra said. She was nobody’s to take. “Not happening, Tane. I have an assignment and she’s it, so back off. If you’ll excuse us,” Marcus said as he guided Cassandra away from Tane and his lackeys. Tane put a hand on Marcus’ shoulder, which stopped him in his tracks. Marcus felt himself tighten, felt an urge inside to lash out at Tane for touching him. But Marcus knew that the gesture wasn’t threatening; yet. “This isn’t over, Marcus,” Tane said menacingly. “It never is with you, Tane,” Marcus said and walked away. When they reached the foyer, Cassandra stopped. “Are you going to tell me what that was all about?” she asked. “No.” Marcus stated flatly, looking around the mingling people. He saw Davis, Archer’s servant, waiting by the door. “Wait right here,” he said and walked away. Cassie watched as Marcus talked with another man, who nodded, and looked in the direction Cassie and Marcus had just come from. The man nodded again and left. Marcus walked back to Cassie and said, “I’m taking you home.” “Why?” He couldn’t possibly be taking her home now. She wanted to spend more time with him, get to know him. He’d unleashed something inside of her; something she wasn’t sure of yet. She wasn’t ready to call it an evening. She’d been so ready to say yes, to tell Marcus to take her on the chaise lounge in the Sensual Arts wing. So ready to let him do anything he wanted to her. “I think it’s best if we got you away from Tane for a while. Okay?” he said. Staring at her, she saw a darkness he hadn’t shown earlier. Minutes ago, the desire was flaring. Now, his eyes were angry, penetrating black holes, his stare almost scary. Cassie laid her hand on his arm. “Marcus, what’s going on?” He shook his head, as if clearing away whatever bothered him because when he looked back at her, his face was warm, desirous, inviting. It was the face of the man who had seduced her with just a few photographs. “Nothing,” he said, smiling his perfect smile, a dimple peeking out. “Let’s get you home.”

*** In the limo, Cassie stared at Marcus’ face, profiled against the lights outside. The night’s events left her confused. She knew when she first saw him, with his dark looks, tall muscular body, that she was attracted to him. When he showed her the erotic 24

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photographs, her body went into overdrive. She had her ‘yes’ almost across her lips, and then Tane showed up. Talk about poor timing. Now, the moment was over and she was being sent home. “I meant what I said in the gallery, Cassandra,” he said, breaking the silence. “What happened back there?” “If you have to ask, I wasn’t doing a very good job.” He let out a smirk. “No, I mean, my reaction,” she admitted surprised with herself. “I thought your reaction was perfect. I’ll admit my reaction caught me off guard.” His words were soft, quiet, and serious. He touched her hand and she let her fingers meld with his. “I bet you say that to all your women,” she said with a laugh. “No,” he paused, “I don’t.” Serious again, she felt his fingers tighten around hers. She felt he meant every word he said, that he wasn’t just saying them to get into her skirt. “I’m not sure what to do now.” She was being honest. She did want him like she’d never wanted another man, but not for one night. She’d had too many of those encounters in the past. “What do you want, Cassandra? I could feel your passion, smell your desire. I want to give you your deepest desires, but the question is what do you want?” It was an easy question. She wanted him, but at what cost? “I am very attracted to you, Marcus. I’m feeling things I haven’t felt before.” “I’m sensing you’re going to say, ‘but’, aren’t you?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Does this scare you?” “More than you know.” Marcus pulled her close, his actions desperate. His lips touched Cassie’s, igniting her body immediately. She leaned in, letting his tongue delve into her mouth, touching the deepest recesses. She reciprocated, dueling with him, reckless, frantic. Her body reacted to his touch, bringing a crash of emotions and feelings she’d never had before. “Feel what you do to me, Cassandra,” he said, pulling her hand down to his groin. She touched his hard shaft, felt it jump in her hand. Her fingers curled around him, moving up and down. Marcus let out a groan, and began kissing her with fervor. She continued to rub his cock, felt it thickening and growing under her hand. He grabbed her hand and she stopped. 25

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“I won’t press the issue tonight, Cassandra, but there are many nights ahead,” Marcus said. “One night, we will continue this.” The limousine door opened.

*** Constantly being summoned by Archer annoyed Marcus to no end. He’d probably be furious about Marcus’ stunt with the Mayor’s daughter and then harangue Marcus about how he was a businessman and had to display the right image. Marcus was sorely tempted to ignore Archer’s summons; sometimes he took himself too seriously. But the blood vow was not a thing to be trifled with. Archer resided in one of the richest neighborhoods in town. For a vampire, he made a name for himself worldwide and owned several multi-million dollar corporations. He’d hired the right people to run them during daylight but for the most part, he owned and operated them by his rule alone. His mansion sat on a hundred-plus acres, giving him enough security and privacy one could want or need. Not a recluse but a private man, his reputation preceded him. Having forty-five rooms with over thirty-thousand square feet of space certainly gave one quite a reputation. Outside the salon, Marcus heard long before he saw what tonight’s menu was. It appeared the party from the gallery had moved to Archer’s home. The sound of fucking permeated the air and got Marcus’ blood rising. He could smell the sex from the door and knew exactly what Archer was doing right now. Pushing open the doors, he first saw Vanessa. She knelt in the middle of the room on the Oriental rug. She wasn’t alone. Darius fucked her from behind while Tyler, fresh from Texas, rode his cock slowly in and out of Vanessa’s mouth. Vanessa was a hot little bitch and could never get enough sex. The more, the better; actually, the more partners, the better for Vanessa. She certainly put on a show, regardless of who was the audience; said it increased her pleasure. Off to the side, Marcus saw Veronica, Vanessa’s twin sister, her pussy being eaten by a male vamp as another female sucked on her nipples. Veronica didn’t care where the pleasure came from or by whom, as long as she got it. Those sisters were certainly two of a kind. To the left, Lucas sat in a leather chair, his pants twisted around his ankles as a woman sucked his cock. Another woman straddled his chair, standing on the arms, 26

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grinding her pussy into his face. Lucas ate her like he hadn’t fed in days and she was screaming for release. Knowing Archer for centuries, he knew these games were played. Marcus, however, never played. He preferred his privacy. Scattered around the room, he saw others, touching, kissing and fucking. He then noticed two female vampires sitting on a lounge, watching the action. Archer said their names were Misha and Sasha, new arrivals from the Slavic rim. They sat quietly, observing but not participating. Both were very beautiful, with their dark hair surrounding their faces, piercing eyes darkened by kohl. One woman wore a black leather corset and panties barely covering her mound. The other had a leather vest unbuttoned to the navel, where a ring shimmered; her short leather mini-skirt hardly covering anything. Marcus wondered what they would taste like. Archer sat behind his desk, Martine lounging seductively in his lap, staring at Marcus; waiting for him. Archer often held these little soirees, enjoying the sights of such beauty, of such pleasure. He watched his thralls as they put on a show, hoping to catch the eye of their Master, watched them ply their skills on his blood brothers. Many hoped to be singled out by Archer, to become his personal pet. But tonight, he watched his Brothers enjoy his vampires. Marcus walked past the bodies glistening with sweat. The scent of sex, the sounds of fucking added to the hard-on he carried for Cassandra. Cassandra’s rejection hadn’t abated his erection. Just the thought of her was keeping him in constant hardness. But seeing the displays of sex before him, his cock was close to bursting. He should join them. “Davis said you wanted to see me,” Marcus addressed Archer trying to ignore what was happening in the room. “Come. All this sex makes it hard to think, let alone speak properly.” Archer patted Martine on her ass and she slowly got off his lap. Martine had been Archer’s servant for over a century. Out of all the vamps, she was his favorite. Marcus followed him into the next room. Marcus took a seat on the leather couch while Archer closed the door. The sounds of sexual activity were drowned out but the smell hung in the air, gripping his cock, beckoning him to go back into the other room. “What do you want, Archer?” Marcus asked. “I take it your assignment didn’t land you in bed,” Archer said amused. 27

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“You said escort her, not fuck her. Now, give.” Marcus was tired already and Archer was only getting started. “Did you like our fiery Ms. Hamilton?” Archer cocked his head, staring at Marcus and reading his thoughts. “You did, didn’t you? Don’t worry; I could tell during the interview she wasn’t paying any attention to me. Not that I minded; watching the two of you was quite interesting. You must have really done a number on her.” “I may have played with her a bit, but that’s as far as it went. Get to the point, Archer. I’ve got an erection that needs some attention.” “Sounds more like she played with you,” Archer laughed. “Don’t worry; you’ll see more of Ms. Hamilton. Your assignment is to keep her safe.” “You brought me from France for this? To keep her safe? From what, Archer? You haven’t told me anything since I arrived, which is really setting me off.” Marcus’ anger was just starting. “Why is Tane here?” “Because like you, he is one of The Brotherhood. When I or the Elders call, all answer to it.” Archer stared hard at Marcus. “It annoys you that I called him, doesn’t it? How can you still be angry with him after all these years? He screwed up, Marcus. He paid for his crime. Let it go.” “His death will be the only way I let this go, Archer, so unless you give me the okay to kill him, we will forever be at odds.” “He didn’t know Jillian was yours, Marcus. She wasn’t marked. He took her like any vampire would. I know if he could change the situation, he would. But he can’t. Jillian is his to call now, so get over it.” As much as Archer was right, Marcus hated to admit it. He had wanted to change Jillian but he wanted her consent. Tane had taken her forcefully without it. She now walked the night, an angry, bitter woman, taken in protest instead of love, the love he had once felt for her. Her allowing Tane to mark her severed any emotion Marcus had; she now answered to Tane. However, even fifty years later, he still couldn’t control his anger towards his Brother. “Your point, Archer?” How Archer loved to pontificate. “The point, my friend, is that we need Tane right now. Regardless of past indiscretions, we need his power and support.” “Past indiscretions? You don’t think fucking my woman and then turning her deserves retribution, do you?” 28

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“Don’t get me wrong; I totally agree with you. However, the Council punished him and I need Tane at the present, so you’ll have to wait to kill him. Got it?” Archer, ever the politician. “Fine. When we are done here, with whatever it is you aren’t telling me, I will challenge him my way. Now, why am I here?” Archer sighed and sat down. “We’ve got a rogue master running around Europe right now.” “Impossible!” A rogue vampire of any sort was bad news for all. A rogue master was almost unthinkable. “It’s Valderick.” Marcus remembered seeing Valderick at the summoning when area alliances were declared. Valderick got the outlying posts of the Slavic countries. Consisting of smaller countries, it wasn’t considered a major player by political standing. Valderick’s area ranged from Poland down to Albania. Darius picked up from Greece and moved east into Turkey and the Middle East. To say Valderick wasn’t happy with his lot was an understatement. In fact, he’d been so outraged that was all he’d been offered. The Council told him to take it or leave it but that was all he was going to get. He took it. Now, the son of a bitch had turned rogue. “Tell me what’s been happening so far,” Marcus said. “He’s been moving west, killing lieutenants, lesser thralls, and turning small towns overnight.” “Then hunt him down.” The Council wouldn’t allow one of their masters to destroy what they’d been building, would they? “The Council wants to hold off. They think his path is leading him to the United States.” “So the Council is going to let him continue?” Marcus said with a blank face, not understanding their inactivity regarding this serious situation. “We had information that he was moving towards France,” Archer said, looking for something in Marcus’ expression. “We think he was coming for you, Marcus.” “So you decided to get me out of the way. Is that it? How brotherly of you.” The expression Marcus showed was pure anger. “Think I can’t handle another master vampire, Archer?” 29

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Shaking his head, Archer said, “Not yet you can’t. He is taking on power as he feeds and kills, Marcus. Without your brothers, you can’t beat him on your own. You haven’t fully realized your skill, the gift given to you by the Council. We need you alive.” “Why about my skill? No one’s seen fit to tell me what area of expertise I possess, so how am I supposed to know that I can help?” Marcus rose from the chair, walking around the room. “Marcus, you possess two marks. If he was to take you alone, his power would far surpass any we have seen before. We cannot let that happen. The Council wants you here, within the blood of the eight. Together, we can take him, destroy him.” Archer paused. “You’re angry.” “Damn right I’m angry. Just let me handle this and be done with him.” “I can’t. I am responsible for the eight, Marcus. We are responsible for each other. If you fall, we could all possibly fall. I cannot let that happen, as much as it bruises your ego. We are linked forever. You know the vow. We swore an oath, an oath I will uphold.” Marcus knew Archer was right but still… “What now? Do we sit and wait while Valderick leaves a bloody path across Europe? Let me go and hunt. Let’s put an end to his madness. I still can’t believe the Council made him a master. We all knew he was nothing more than a blood thirsty animal.” “We hold tight until the Council says otherwise. You will stay here, as my guest. What is mine is yours. Except the Mayor’s daughter, that is.” His smile made light of the fact he was dead serious. “As for Cassandra, what are my orders there? More babysitting?” “Yes. The Council wants her watched and if need be, protected.” “Why? What is she?” “I’m not sure.” Marcus wasn’t sure if Archer was avoiding the truth. But he knew he wasn’t going to get an answer until Archer was ready to give it. “Just keep Ms. Hamilton safe. Do whatever is necessary to make that happen. And I mean, whatever is necessary,” he said, with a wink. Typical Archer; when he wasn’t voicing politics, he was thinking with his cock. “So, what’s yours is mine, is that right?” Marcus said, standing up. His face held a smile. Archer’s was also smiling. 30

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“Of course. Take whatever pleasure you like. We’ll talk again later.” “Not tonight; I’ll be busy.” Marcus walked out of the library and into the salon. He saw the two Slavic beauties still seated, waiting. “Misha, Sasha. Come.” Both women jumped up from their chairs as if waiting for the word and moved towards him. He heard Veronica and Vanessa give a protest. Their partners, Lucas and Darius, quickly silenced them with their tongues. The last comment of ‘arrogant bastard’ made Marcus laugh.

*** Vardo, Norway The Arctic Ocean beat against the shore. The ship was loaded, ready to go. He stood on the shore, staring out into the darkness, seeing spots of lights from distant liners, moving their cargo. Soon, he would be moving, closer to his destination. They had moved quickly west into France, leaving a path of blood. His intended victim moved quicker, causing him to change his plans. They raced north through the low countries to Scandinavia and then towards the ocean. Nobody saw them coming or going. They were the night; they were darkness; they were death. He was by far the worst. His appetite continued to increase with fervor. He felt a power come to him with each feeding, pushing him to move quickly, faster. “Master, it is time,” a voice told him. “The Nesna is ready.” He looked at his hands; saw the color of red they reflected in the light. The blood covering his white shirt was drying, leaving a brownish stain. If they struggled less, he wouldn’t have to change his clothes so often. Stupid humans. Cattle. “Somebody clean up this mess,” he said, walking away from pile of dead bodies. Come morning, this town would need fresh dock handlers. They might not have been aware but they had given their lives to a good cause… His.

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Chapter Four

The king size bed could house an army. Tonight, it would hold three vampires bent on getting pleasure every way they could. The women started undressing Marcus upon entry into his suite. Skilled and quick, they’d removed his clothing and soon their hands were passing over his toned body. They undressed each other, letting Marcus watch, as their bodies were unveiled, showing the treasures scantily hidden. Marcus remembered Archer saying Misha liked to be dominant in bed and that Sasha played the submissive well. Together, they were a man’s wildest fantasy come to life. They would waste no time giving Marcus exactly what he needed, a night of pleasure. Standing naked in the middle of the room, Marcus watched as the women walked around him, talking to each other in Hungarian, deciding how they wanted tonight’s play to go. Marcus listened to them, knowing the language himself and smiled as they made their plans. He’d seen them around Archer’s house but never with any one else. Maybe being newly arrived they kept them distant from everyone. Or maybe they were selective, in which case, he was definitely a lucky man. Tonight, however, there didn’t seem to be any shyness amongst them. They acted like they wanted control of him. He’d give some but he’d never given anyone total control. Being a master, they would take what he gave them. Misha rubbed her hands up his back to his shoulders and then down his spine, leaving a veil of kisses. Her hands covered his ass, caressing softly over his firm rear end. In front, Sasha lowered herself and took his cock in her hands, rubbing gently up and down the shaft. “Harder,” Marcus said, slightly breathless. Sasha grabbed him fiercely and he felt a shot of lightening streak through his body. He looked down at her and wished it was Cassandra on her knees paying homage to his cock. 32

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Misha’s hands slipped around his front and she grabbed hold of his nipples and pulled hard. Yeesss. Marcus was burning up. The soft hands touching his hard muscles made Marcus think of the photos he’d shown Cassie, the lights and shadows and the dark look of longing he saw in her eyes. God, what had she done to him? He’d waited too long tonight to sate his lust, to curb the burning that consumed him now. It was Cassandra’s fault. He’d wanted her from first glance and now he was with two other women. He’d thought he’d be done by now, his thirst quenched but he was only getting started. The only thing missing was Cassandra. Sasha closed her lips over his cock, clamping her mouth around him. He felt her teeth gently nip him. He wanted to tell her harder, to bite him so he bled, but he held back. He couldn’t let her feed off of him. He never let anyone feed off of him. “More. Give me more,” he said instead, pulling her head closer as he shoved himself into her warm cavern. Misha pulled against his nipples, twisting them until he felt a tinge of pain and then she removed her hands. She walked around to his front and lifted her head towards Marcus and kissed him. Her open mouth grabbed on to his lips, sucking him into her mouth. She ran her tongue along his lips, and he opened with his tongue sliding into hers. Marcus felt Misha’s teeth, sharp points, try to cut into him. He pushed harder and bit into her lip, holding her as he assaulted her mouth. She held still, moaning as he bit harder and kissed her. Misha hissed as Marcus consumed her mouth. She pulled on his nipples again, running her log nails across his chest, leaving white lines and then red welts where they’d passed. Marcus grabbed her breasts, pulled the swollen nipples hard. Misha gasped and he broke the kiss, staring into her eyes. She lowered her head, acknowledging his dominance. She lowered her head and ran her tongue across one nipple and then latched on to it. More heat rose in Marcus’ body. Sasha had stopped sucking his erect shaft and was licking his balls, sucking them into her mouth. He felt a hand move up between his legs and then fingers pressing against his anus. A wet finger probed and slipped inside his ass. A white hot sensation flashed through Marcus. Misha knelt down and took his cock into his mouth as her sister sucked his balls and fingered his ass. Marcus was boiling, ready to blow. He needed to come, to take the edge off. “Faster,” he said hoarsely. He said it again, louder. 33

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Working in tandem, they sucked on him. Marcus felt a finger sliding in and out of his ass as his cock slid in and out of a mouth. Whose mouth, he didn’t care. He wanted to come. He needed to come. Somebody nipped him, a fang grazing deep and he came. Whoever was sucking his cock kept on sucking, taking all his pent up desires and swallowing it whole. He thrust and thrust and the movement pushed him back onto the fingers invading his ass. Harder, faster, he flowed into a waiting mouth. Finally. Shaking and trembling, he stood as the two women disengaged themselves from his body. There would be no blood. They would never take blood. They only teased to add to the pleasure. The two women stood before him. Opening his eyes, he said, “On the bed,” and they obeyed his command.

*** “What did you tell him?” Martine asked. “Enough to peak his interest but not enough to truly anger him,” Archer replied. “My politician,” Martine said, jokingly. “Yes; playing with fire, more likely. He’s going to be very angry when he finds out why the Council truly wants him here.” “Where is he now?” “He’s taken Misha and Sasha upstairs.” “The new ones. Did you sample them?” she asked cautiously. Archer looked at her. He knew she could get jealous if she wanted but the truth was he hadn’t touched these new vampires. They came to him for protection, which he provided. “No.” She seemed relieved. He had discussed the new arrivals’ sexual appetites with Martine, more in a clinical measure than anything else, so he knew Misha liked control. He did this to make sure none of his people were ever abused. “Well, I’m sure somebody is pissed off downstairs. They are quite beautiful.” Martine laughed. “Maybe so, but they won’t begrudge him anything. They all look up to Marcus, though they won’t admit it.” “Do you? Do you look up to him?”

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“Yes. In a way I do. Marcus has a magic that surrounds him. He isn’t even aware of it. The Council can be damn frustrating when they want to be, shielding skills and powers until it suits their needs.” “But you have your powers. Your ability to read minds, to see things. That is a great gift.” “And sometimes a curse.” Archer thought of the things he knew, things he couldn’t say, things he couldn’t prevent until almost the end. Then, and only then, could he intervene. “What is Marcus’ gift, Archer? Why has the council singled him out?” Archer hesitated... Martine was not only his thrall, but also a confidant. Even a master sometimes needed to speak fully and freely. He found Martine to fall into the role naturally, questioning to make him reflect more but never questioning his decisions. “He has the mark of the wolf. He can transform when he wants, when he needs to. He can call on the power.” He paused, thinking of all the things Marcus could do that he couldn’t. Any normal man would have been jealous but he wasn’t. It was fate. “How is that possible? I mean…to have two marks? I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Martine asked. “When Marcus was hunted, his creator, some infant really, no more than fiftyyears old, left him for dead in the woods near Marcus’ home. Despite the heavy blood loss, he didn’t die; he turned. While he lay there, wolves came. Not werewolves but real wolves who wanted to feed. They attacked Marcus. I mean, here was ‘fresh meat’, the way Marcus put it.” Archer paused, thinking back on when Marcus told him, seeing the images in his own brain. Archer saw Martine entranced in the story so he continued. “Marcus said there must have been at least six, possibly more but each had bitten him. Instead of dying from the bites, something happened. We don’t know exactly what. We tried to figure it out, talking with the Elders and those who had knowledge but we never got a straight answer. Somehow, those wolves passed something on to Marcus. They may have been trying to eat him as dinner but actually, those wolves saved his life.” Martine let out an incredulous “Wow”. Archer agreed with her. “What is Tane’s gift?” Martine asked quietly. Archer eyed her, wondering if the beach-bum looks of Tane’s had turned her eye? Tane better watch himself or Marcus would be the least of his problems. “I’ve told you more than you need to know, my love. Now get over here.” 35

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“What does Marcus make of Cassandra?” she asked as she walked slowly over to him. “He thinks he’s on babysitting detail,” Archer laughed as Martine dropped between his spread thighs. “I think she’s perfect for him. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of her all evening. I saw them enter the Sensual Gallery after your interview. Who knows what happened in there,” her smile lending a bit of mischievousness to her words. “I’m more concerned about what my cock is going to be doing right now.” “I thought you stayed to play downstairs,” she said, placing her hands on his thighs. “I came back but you were gone. You’re the only one I want to play with, Martine.” Spoken like a man in love. She had loved him from the moment she saw him. When he took her as his thrall, she’d felt the greatest gift had been given to her. They were rarely separated for any length of time. He was her love, her master. She was his servant, for eternity. “Good. I wanted you all to myself tonight.” She unzipped his pants and pulled his erection out. “I am all yours.” And he meant it. Martine filled her mouth with his cock. Their party was just getting started.

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Chapter Five

Almost dawn and Marcus finally drifted off to sleep. He was exhausted, the way he liked to be. Misha and Sasha laid curled into his body, adding warmth he didn’t need. They too were depleted. When he’d told them to get on the bed last night, they’d obeyed immediately, forgetting they wanted control. They were his; they knew it. They would do anything he told them to. They would have pleasured him all night if he’d wanted it that way. But Marcus wasn’t a greedy lover. He enjoyed a woman’s pleasure as much as his own. Both women had lain on the bed, looking languidly at him. Their bodies were very similar, almost identical, both beautiful. Sasha had shaved her pussy into a heart shape while Misha’s was striped with lines, almost like a warning sign to any who entered. If she thought she could dominate him, she had another thing coming. Marcus would show her who the real master was. Walking over to the bed, he knelt down in front of Sasha, his sweet submissive and pushed her thighs apart. He saw her lips glistening wet, ready for anything he would do. Misha made a pout, as if she was going to be ignored. Marcus moved his hand up her thigh, running it through her stripes and giving a little tug. She wasn’t pouting now, letting out a sigh of pleasure. Leaning over Sasha, he lifted her thighs until they rested on his shoulders. His tongue laved over her outer lips, tasting her sweet juice. Sasha moaned and spread her legs wider, offering all she had to him. Marcus could see her clit standing tight and ready for his tongue. Sliding his hand over Misha’s mound and into her outer lips, he ran his fingers along the edge of her slit, feeling her moisture coating his fingers as he touched and probed. As his finger slid along Misha’s slit, Marcus ran his tongue along Sasha’s, tasting her from clit to anus. He felt a shiver run through her body and more of her silky 37

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cream dripped out. The moisture slid slowly down, covering her puckered hole. He did it again and tasted her rich nectar. He ran the fingers of one hand inside of Misha’s wet lips as he coated the fingers of his other hand in Sasha’s juice. Marcus covered her tiny hole with the lubrication and pushed a finger into her ass. Sasha jumped from the invasion in her ass as Marcus’ fingers drove into Misha’s pussy. He had both women moaning, moving against his fingers as he began to suck on Sasha’s clit. He looked up and saw the women had turned their head to each other, kissing gently and pulling at each other’s nipples. Marcus felt his erection growing. No matter how many times he’d been with a woman, the sight of their bodies, seeing them enjoy the pleasure he could bring them, brought a tighter sensation to his erection. Seeing these two women pleasure each other heightened his excitement. He made quick movements with his tongue over Sasha’s clit and slid his fingers inside of Misha. He’d moved his hand and slide a finger inside of Misha’s anus, rubbing her with the same speed he was pounding into her friend. Honing in on Sasha’s clit, licking hard, biting gently, he felt her start to shudder. As spasms moved through her, she grabbed at Misha’s nipples, pulling at her hard points faster. Misha was pushing back onto Marcus’ hand, fucking herself with his fingers. Marcus felt the walls of her pussy begin to contract, pulling his fingers in more. He kept up his pace, building, faster, harder. Both women were making noises, begging for him to release them, allow them to come. He did just that, pushing harder into Misha’s pussy and ass, ramming his other hand into Sasha and sucking on her clit. Spasms broke out from both of them. They were screaming in unison, twisting and turning on the bed, trying to break free of the sensations he was creating with their bodies. Holding onto Sasha with his mouth, he continued to lick and suck on her clit. Her body started to seizure faster, her breaths coming in harder. Marcus let go of Sasha’s clit and moved to the juncture of her thigh and bit into her vein. She yelled, an orgasm overtaking her as he pierced her, adding pain to her pleasure, doubling the effect his mouth and hands had on her. Misha was slowing coming down, her breathing getting under control as her sister flew. Marcus sucked, pulling the blood he needed to live, taking the drops that sustained him. He felt the erotic pull into his body, felt the blood feed his brain, his body, his cock. He grew bigger, feeling the blood boiling, as he tasted the lifeline he needed. 38

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The lifeline he could not live without. Sasha had fed well this evening. It would sustain him until he fed later. Letting go, he sat up and looked at his two playmates. Both wore sleepy grins, sated but Marcus wasn’t done. Not by a long shot. Too many holes to fill and he had all night. He crawled up between them and they both turned onto his body. Misha captured his mouth, tasting the juices of Sasha on his mouth. Her tongue dueled with his, pulling it into her mouth. She wanted more of what he could give her. Sasha slid down his body and took his cock into his mouth. He was at full length, ready. The head of his penis was a deep purple, engorged and ready for release. Sasha gave him a final lick and climbed over his body and slid onto him. He impaled her fully, her wetness giving him easy entry. Misha lifted herself up and climbed over Marcus’ face and lowered her pussy over his mouth. She knew what she wanted and Marcus smiled at her aggressive nature. He would not deny her. He dove into her, clamping on her clit, sliding his fingers up into her pussy and ass immediately. He ate Misha while Sasha rode his cock. Marcus was on fire, knowing he couldn’t hold back. He’d never been unable to control himself. Tonight, however, he felt he couldn’t control his animal urges at all. Images of Cassandra kept creeping into his mind. As he licked and sucked, rubbed and fucked, he kept thinking of Cassandra above him, lying below him, taking his cock as he fucked her harder and harder. He wanted to come so many times the bed would be covered in his sperm. He wanted Cassandra. His hips pushed, sliding in and out of Sasha who grabbed onto Misha’s shoulders for leverage as he plowed into her. He was a big man and his cock was legendary. He was large, stuffing himself inside of her pussy, pushing, pulling the walls, dragging a climax from her. Her tightness squeezed onto Marcus’ cock, milking him. Marcus felt Misha shudder and felt the walls of her pussy squeezing his fingers and he pulled her clit, hard. A scream broke out of her throat, as her body convulsed in orgasm, liquid running from her body. Marcus’ orgasm swept through him as Sasha slid up and down. He was coming. He pulled his mouth away from Misha’s clit and bit into her thigh, drinking in the pleasure as he gave her pain that was blinded by the orgasm tearing through her. He sucked on her, adding to her climax, bringing on another orgasm. Sasha’s pussy was climaxing over his cock, squeezing him like a vise and Marcus felt himself blow, 39

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spewing inside of her, filling her with his sperm. He heard their broken breaths, trying to control the pleasure that was tearing through them. He let go of Misha’s vein and let both women enjoy the pleasure as he basked in the warmth of their bodies and fluids flowing around him. Life did not get any better than this, he thought, except if Cassandra had been the one sitting on top of him.

*** “Cassie, get in here,” a voice bellowed. Cassandra grabbed her notepad and moved into her bosses’ office. Bert Coltrane, the man in charge, which he let everyone know daily, had a loud voice. His voice was perfect for spewing out demands for coffee, berating the copier that had a mind of its own and yelling for a person’s presence, which had most of the office running scared. Settling into the chair in front of Bert’s desk, Cassie acted the role he absolutely hated: the obedient reporter. When she’d first met him, he’d scared the shit out of her. He ran her ragged, chasing down dead ends, rewriting garbage and fixing the usually broken copier. After five years, she learned his bark was bigger than his bite, so she relaxed, giving just as good as getting from Bert. “What do you got for me?” he asked. No good morning, how was your evening, Cassie? Did you have a good time at the Art Show? He went straight in for the kill. No wonder she lacked subtlety. “I gave you the story already, Bert.” After Marcus had dropped her off, she didn’t know what to do with herself. She sat for almost an hour, trying to understand what had happened between her and Marcus. Her body was full of energy, excitement and he’d taken her home. It was her fault. She was the one who said no. “This wasn’t a story, Cass. It was a biography on Archer Parthenopolis. I wanted something good, something like that guy who was escorting you around last night. He looked the dangerous sort.” So taken with Marcus, she’d totally forgotten Bert had been there. Bert had been a reporter before he became the Editor and his reporter instincts remained sharp. Leave it to him to know more about what she was doing than herself. “Bert, you wanted an interview on Archer; you got one. He’s a businessman and Marcus, my escort, was there to make sure I was taken care of. Nothing else.” There was a whole bunch else but she’d never tell him. “Haven’t I taught you anything, Cass?” Sure he had. Most of it wasn’t printable though. “There is always a story. You should have gotten some dirt from this Marcus 40

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guy. I know Archer is a businessman; I just think he’s hiding something. I thought you of all people would be able to get it out of him.” “Bert, I spoke to Archer for almost an hour. I gave you what I got. I asked the right questions and I didn’t get a sense that anything wasn’t on the table. What do you think he’s doing? Running drugs or something?” Archer had in fact been most gentlemanly to her. He answered each question and never seemed annoyed with the more difficult ones she asked. He spoke at length about his business and she had tried her best to pay attention. But she found her mind and her gaze wondering too often in Marcus’ direction. Marcus, on the other hand, she didn’t want to be gentle with. She had lain in bed, fantasizing about him. She’d tossed and turned all night, frustrated. Even her vibrator hadn’t quenched the thirst he’d given her. “No, not drugs. But I did see a lot of people I haven’t seen before at one of these functions. Call it reporter instinct,” he said. She called it an over-active imagination. “I think something’s going on and I want the scoop.” “Well, when you find out what it is, let me know.” “I want you to stick with this Marcus guy. He’s an associate of Archer’s. Hang out with him, get to know him, see what’s happening.” “No.” Her feelings for Marcus were out of control as it was. She knew if she saw him again, she’d sleep with him. In fact, she wanted to sleep with him, again and again. She didn’t think once would be enough for her. Those photos he’d shown her were mild compared to what her imagination told her he would do. And, oh, how she wanted those images. “Afraid he’ll ruin your semi-virginal state, Cass?” Bert said, his evil smile coming to life. Cassie could only shake her head. “I should have never gotten drunk with you. Never!” “Ha. We could have taken care of the problem that night, you know, Cass.” “My sex life is not your problem, Bert. Does your wife know you are lusting after me?” Maybe that would shut him up. “Who says I’m lusting after you? Anyways, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”

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“Yes, but I’ll tell. I will let her know every sexual innuendo you’ve made towards me. I will fill her with stories like you’ve never seen. I’ll even make some up. I will be your worst nightmare.” She smiled at Bert. “I will have you so fired, you won’t know what the fuck hit you, Cass,” he said, smiling back. “Then fire me. But leave my sex life out of the conversation. Every time I speak with you it comes up. It’s my choice, Bert.” Hopefully this subject would die the quick death it needed. “Don’t tell me what the fuck to do, Cass. I’m in charge,” Bert stated as if Cassie needed a reminder. “Don’t swear at me, asshole. I’ve got work to do so go find some other little shit to dig up dirt on Marcus and have yourself a great fucking day.” Cassie got up and left. For once Bert had no reply.

*** “Get up.” He was dreaming of Cassandra, of her lying under him, moaning. “Get up, Marcus.” Her thighs gripped him to her, pushing herself against him as his hips pounded into her. “Marcus, get up now.” He was about to come. He could feel it. Her pussy was holding his cock like a vice; he felt her about to explode. The voice was not distant anymore. It wasn’t a request; it was a command. He opened an eye, spying Archer by the side of the bed and Darius, Lucas, Ian, Tyler and Pieter holding court on the other side. The only one missing was Tane. What the fuck? “You’re a little late to join in, gentlemen. We just finished about an hour ago,” Marcus said. “These two can’t compare to Martine,” Archer said, smiling. “We heard that, Archer,” one of the women replied. Archer laughed. “Come, my pets. Time for you to rest.” He held his hand out and Sasha took it, getting out of bed. Archer kissed her cheek and she left the room. Misha was helped from the bed by Tyler, who asked Archer if he could visit with her tonight. 42

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“Misha?” Archer asked. He’d never force his vampires. The choice of sexual partner was always their decision. Misha eyed Tyler. He was a native Texan, dressed in cowboy boots and hat, which hung low over his brow. His sandy brown hair covered his collar, piercing green eyes focused on Misha’s nakedness. A smile came to her lips. “But which one of you will Sasha get?” Pieter stepped forward and said, “Let me do the honors.” With short brown hair, the Johannesburg native made an opposing, menacing figure. Tall even by the groups’ standards, he was a large man, muscles teaming out of a billowing shirt that was unbuttoned to the chest. His leather pants covered his legs severely. They looked to be painted on his muscular frame. Misha said yes and turned to leave. As she walked out of the room, all eyes watched her naked ass, noticing the added swing of her hips. “Marcus, is she as good as she looks?” Tyler asked, grinning from ear to ear. “Tyler, you should know me by now. I never kiss and tell.” It was true. He kept all of his sex life a secret. “What do all of you want?” He eyed the group of men who made the circle of eight, save for Tane. Good men. Vampires, yes, but still good men. These were the ones you wanted at your back. He knew he was very lucky to have such a group, if you excluded Tane from the picture. “Shit, man, we haven’t seen you in months. You blew by us downstairs earlier, taking these two beauties with you. We wanted to stop in before we hit the sack to say hello,” Tyler drawled. He could leave Texas but obviously the Texan stayed with him. “Bullshit,” Ian said. “Tyler wanted to check out the women you were with tonight. Darius and Lucas were telling us about these babes you’d snagged before anyone got to them.” Good to see Marcus hadn’t angered them too much. “Great; you’ve seen me naked. Now get the fuck out of here.” “Nice tattoo, Marcus,” Ian said, dodging the pillow Marcus threw. When Pieter reached the door, he said, “We’re going out on the town tonight, you’re coming, right?” “If I can, it will be late, got a tasking from the boss,” he said, hitching his thumb at Archer. Pieter nodded and then closed the door behind him. The room emptied but Archer stayed. “What? You want notes on Misha and Sasha too?” 43

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“Why didn’t you tell me you had a confrontation with Tane last night?” “There was nothing to tell.” Marcus had forgotten the man existed, so enraptured with Cassie, and then the two beauties that just vacated his bed. “What did he say to you?” Archer asked. “He was just flexing his muscles,” Marcus said, running a hand down his naked torso. “Marcus, don’t fuck with me. What did he say?” “All right… He said something about wanting Cassandra. I told him it wasn’t happening and left. I took Cassie home and then came to see you.” “Have you seen him any other time since you’ve been back?” “Yeah, he’s been to every party that’s been held. I’ve seen him in the crowds but haven’t talked to him until last night.” Archer didn’t say anything. This worried Marcus. Normally Archer spoke very boldly when it came to Tane. “Keep more than an eye on Cassandra, Marcus. Something doesn’t feel right.” “Care to elaborate?” “Not yet. Get some sleep; I’m sure they wore you out,” Archer laughed as he walked across the room. “See Cassandra tonight. Protect her, Marcus.” Protecting her from Tane would be simple. Protecting her from him, now that would be a struggle he was looking forward to.

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Chapter Six

Cassie left Joe’s Body Shop sweaty. Nothing like getting your ass kicked by a punching bag to make you sweat, she thought. She came to Joe’s to release the tension Bert gave her on a daily basis. She figured kickboxing was more therapeutic and healthier than drinking herself into oblivion. She imagined using her newfound skills on Bert one day to see how much she’d learned. She didn’t live far from Joe’s which made the choice to attend classes there all the better. She could leave work; leave Bert thinking she needed to be on the other side of town when she was four blocks from home. As Bert said, what he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. It was a warm night for October. She liked days like this; warm enough to make you think of summer but chilled enough to let you sleep comfortably through the night. Soon snow would fall and the dark gloom of winter would cover the city. Depressing enough to not think about. Walking on the sidewalk, Cassie was glad crime was down. Statistics she read showed the numbers had declined and the few cases the city had were generally confined to burglaries and car theft. Crimes against people were few and far in between. The Mayor had done a good job along with the Police Commissioner in making their campaign slogan of ‘Clean up Crime’ a reality, so walking down a street at seven in the evening wasn’t a big deal anymore. Cassie crossed the street at the light and when she stepped up on the sidewalk, she felt a shudder run through her body. It gave her a chill. Too sweaty from kicking butt, she thought. She continued down the street. At the next corner, she turned right, still two blocks away from her apartment. Scanning the street from old habits, she saw no one about. Just her and the sidewalk. Another chill ran through her, enough to make her stop. It was as if she’d just walked into a cold pocket. It reminded her of being in her grandmother’s house and how 45

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she would enter a room and feel as if she walked through coldness. She’d always stop, wondering how that could happen, never finding an answer. Her grandmother had told her it was the bodies of ghosts she passed through. It scared her as a child to hear that. As she grew, she knew her grandmother was teasing, or at least she thought she was. Still, it didn’t make her feel any better right now. Looking around again, she still saw no one. She scanned one more time and to her rear, she saw a shadow move. The shadow bended in such a way it didn’t look like a person, nor was it a shadow from a building. Cassie watched it move, pulling away from the darkness. No, it wasn’t possible. She stared at it. It was moving and it was coming towards her. Not thinking twice, she turned, pulling her gym bag close and started to run. With feet pounding on the pavement, she ran. She was dog-tired from kicking up a storm at Joe’s but her tired legs carried her. She tried to look over her shoulder, to see if she was just scaring herself and suddenly she was on the ground. Her body had run into something hard, knocking her off of her feet. Cassie’s body slammed backwards onto the sidewalk. She looked up and saw a man, tall, so tall he was blocking any light behind him. Cassie was scared. This is not supposed to be happening, not in this city, not now. “Where are you running off to, Ms. Hamilton?” the voice said. Cassie stared at the man and noticed three others that came up around her. She was surrounded. Cassie knew she was in trouble. She’d been thinking how safe her world was and now she had four strange men surrounding her. She hoped the Mayor lost his next election. She looked around her, between the legs of the men standing there her, hoping to see another person, someone who could help her. “Get her up,” the voice said. Hands grabbed her under her arms and lifted her up. Standing on her feet, she could see the faces of the men. She gasped. She’d seen these men before. Last night. Standing behind Tane. “What do you want?” she asked the man who’d spoken. “What I want doesn’t matter. What Tane wants does,” he replied. “What does Tane want?” she asked trying not to sound sarcastic. She’d said a few words to him the previous evening. When he approached her and Marcus, she’d felt a fear she hadn’t known before. But Marcus calmed that, taking over the situation. She wished he was here now, to calm her and get her away from these men. Marcus had 46

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gotten her away from Tane last night. Now, she was being harassed by his henchmen. Where do some guys get off? “You.” Simply stated, as if she should have known it. “You can tell Tane to fuck off.” Great, Cassie. Piss off this guy and his friends. A large hand slapped her across the face, knocking her into one of the other guys. Too shocked, she raised her hand to her face and felt wetness on her mouth. The son-of-abitch had cut her. She turned back to the man who’d slapped her. Being hit didn’t sit right with Cassie. She lashed out at him, dropping her bag as she started swinging at his body. She hit hard muscles and felt stinging pain run up her arms. The man didn’t even flinch. She’d already given too many punches tonight. Her body was sore. She felt hands grab her from behind, pulling her away. Two men had their arms around hers and she stood in front of the leader. He took a step forward and back-handed her again. If she thought the first slap had hurt, she was sorely mistaken. This next swing brought more blood, running from her nose to her mouth and down her chin. Tears that had formed on the first slap were now flowing down her face. “What do you want?” she screamed at the man. “I told you already. You’re the one who seems to be having a problem with this. If you’d just come, I wouldn’t have had to resort to punishing you. Or do you like to be punished?” He had a smile on his face when he asked the last question. “You bastard,” she spit out, seeing spots of blood fly towards the man. “Don’t force me to hit you a third time, even though I would enjoy it immensely,” the leader said, raising his hand again. “Touch her again and I will kill you,” a voice said from behind the leader. The leader turned. Cassie could see around the leader and there stood Marcus. Thank God, she thought. “Marcus, leave. This doesn’t concern you,” the leader said, turning back to Cassie. “Stefan, every thing about Cassandra concerns me,” Marcus said walking towards them. “You are not Master here, Marcus,” Stefan shot at Marcus, venom in his voice. 47

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“Nor is Tane. He is a guest, just like me. However, since Ms. Hamilton is my responsibility, assigned by Archer, I suggest you take your hands off of her now,” Marcus stated. “She is Tane’s, Marcus. I will not be punished for failing to bring her as he commanded,” Stefan replied. “She belongs to me,” Marcus said. “I am here to pick her up for a date.” He looked past Stefan to Cassie and said smiling, “Sorry I am late, Cassandra.” Cassie just stared at Marcus. What the fuck was he talking about? She’d like to wipe that smile off of his face. “Marcus, Tane will be most upset. He will most surely kill you,” Stefan said. “As long as it’s not tonight. I’ve got a date and I’d hate to have to cut it short,” Marcus said still smiling. “Now, get your fucking hands off her or I will kill you where you stand.” The two men holding Cassie immediately let go. She almost fell to the ground, not aware of how much they were holding her up. “This isn’t over, Marcus,” Stefan said, stepping aside. “I look forward to your death.” “You know, I keep hearing that. The funny thing is that I am the one who should be furious with Tane, not the other way around. Now, get the hell out of here before I get really angry,” Marcus said, his face inches from Stefan’s. Stefan and his men stepped away, still facing Marcus as they moved. Marcus moved towards Cassie. She quickly looked over her shoulder to make sure these men had left and saw no one there. She looked back at Marcus. He had a warm smile on his face. “Are you okay?” he asked Cassie, his hand touching the side of her face. Cassie just stood in front of him, her body trembling. She’d just been smacked around by four big guys and he was asking if she was okay. No. No she wasn’t. “We had a date?” was her reply to Marcus. He looked at her and then laughed. “If you want to cancel, I can get your new friends back here,” he said, still laughing. “NO! No, don’t do that.” She looked around her and found her bag. She picked it up. “Let me escort you home,” Marcus said, taking her bag and holding out his arm to her. She looked at Marcus, wondering how he could be so cavalier when she was falling 48

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apart. She put her hand into the crook of Marcus’ arm and they started to walk towards her apartment.

*** “Come in,” Cassie said, gesturing to her apartment. Marcus followed Cassie, taking in the sights set before him. Her apartment spoke of who she was. She was what people saw. Simple, elegant, sassy, sharp. He liked that. Cassie came back from the kitchen, a bag of ice in hand. She held a wet cloth in her other hand. She went and sat on the couch, holding the ice to her bruised face. “How bad do I look?” she asked Marcus. He walked over and sat down next to her, tilting his head from left to right to get a good view. “I’ve seen worse,” he said. This brought a wry smile to her face. “Tell me what the hell just happened out there,” she asked. “As I told you last night, you need to stay away from Tane. You must have been very charming to tantalize such a man,” Marcus said, making it seem like no big deal, that getting, slapped around was a normal every day occurrence. “I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner.” “I’m just glad you showed up when you did. I did nothing to Tane. We talked yesterday for a bit and he left. The rest of the evening, I spent with you. Somehow I don’t get the ‘I belong to him’ out of those events,” Cassie said richly with sarcasm. “Tane takes what he wants. It doesn’t matter if you agree with it or not; he just does what he wants to do,” Marcus said. “You need to avoid him.” “Marcus, I did nothing to encourage him. It’s not my style,” she said, fresh tears coming to her eyes. “I know that, Cassandra. We’ll just have to do a better job, now that I’ve seen the extremes he’s willing to go to.” Cassie held the ice bag to her face, contemplating something she didn’t really understand. She hadn’t flirted with Tane; she’d talked to him like all the men she spoke to last night, except Marcus. That was different. Tane’s behavior made no sense to her. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “Obviously saving your ass,” Marcus said smiling. “You were late,” she said, a small laugh breaking through. “No, really tell me what brought you here tonight. We didn’t have a date.” 49

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“No, but there’s something here, between us,” he said. Marcus couldn’t really explain what he was doing in her neighborhood. He knew he was supposed to keep an eye on her. But what drove him to be with Cassandra wasn’t Archer’s order. It was a feeling he had and didn’t want to lose. He’d woken this evening, hunger pains running through his body. Pains to touch Cassie, to see her face, to know her. He had quickly showered, dressed, and fed and soon found himself on her street. He’d gotten on his motorcycle and drove as if a string was pulling him to Cassie’s apartment. Noticing her absence, he heard something. He moved quickly from Cassie’s apartment toward the noise, the smacking sound of Cassie’s skin being hit. “You cannot deny you’re feeling it too, Cassandra,” Marcus said, staring into her eyes. Marcus lifted the cloth she’d brought in and started to wipe the blood off of her face. She winced at the contact. “I won’t hurt you,” he whispered. Cassie watched Marcus’ face as he focused on wiping hers. She stared at the black hair; darker than night, the nose that was strong and regal, and the mouth that she knew could melt her down. His eyes were looking at her chin where blood covered it. “I have the urge to lick this blood off of you, Cassandra,” Marcus said quickly, lifting his eyes back up to look into hers. Cassie felt a kick in her stomach. Revulsion? No, something else. Her muscles rippled under her skin. Her hands clenched, the muscles tightening, almost as if they were trying to escape her skin. She stared at Marcus, unsure of anything and said to him, “I have an urge to let you do it.” Her statement stopped Marcus short. He stared into her eyes, saw depths he hadn’t seen before in anyone. Her green sparkles flashed quickly, turning a golden brown and then back to green. He quickly moved away from Cassie and stood up. “I have to go,” he said, walking towards the door. He turned to look at Cassie and almost jumped back. She was right behind him. He hadn’t heard her movements; she was that quick. This wasn’t making sense. How could she move like that? “Don’t go. I didn’t mean what I said. I don’t know why I said it,” she said apologetically to Marcus. “Are you sure you’re okay, Cassandra?” She shook her head. She wasn’t okay. She’d been beaten up and she was telling Marcus he could lick her blood. She felt her body convulsing, pulsing, beating, and throbbing. 50

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“No, I’m not okay. I wanted you to lick my face, to taste my blood. That should be revolting but I am finding it quite erotic. I have just been beaten up and all I can think about is what it would feel like to have you inside me.” She lifted her head, staring straight into Marcus’ eyes. She wanted him. She wanted to taste him, feel him, and know him. “You don’t want this, Cassandra,” Marcus said, putting his hand on the doorknob. Cassie reached out and touched his hand. He felt a magnetic pulse shoot through his body. A heat surged from her hand through his skin. He felt a beating pulse, her heartbeat, her breaths, her body clenching. He felt her skin and muscles ripple, like it was trying to climb out of her body, into his. He felt a beast in her, trying to pull him in, to take a piece of him. “Yes, I do. Please don’t go. Don’t leave me like this,” she said, pleading softly to Marcus. “Please stay. I need to make love with you.” He stayed. *** Mid-Atlantic 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland Norwegian Freighter Nesna It was a ship of the dead…the crew except for the essential personnel was gone– drained to the last drop. Some of the weaker, younger vampires were gone as well. As was always the case with vampires, only the strongest survived. He was one of strong ones--and growing stronger. The power of the Elder was his. Each day his power grew and along with it, his red thirst and hunger for more power. Soon, he would indulge both his desires…soon…very soon.

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Chapter Seven

Cassie sat at her desk, staring into the computer screen. The time flashed 11:02 AM in the right hand corner. She came into work after eight this morning and sat glued behind her computer. She had several projects to work on but none of them were getting any attention today. Last night’s events ran through her mind. She replayed them over and over again since waking alone in her bed. Events she’d wanted to happen since first meeting Marcus were finally a reality and she found herself in a dream-like state, convincing herself that what they did was real. Sunlight came in the side window. It was going to be another great fall day; deceptively warm days with a cool breeze coating her in the evening. The thought made her recall the walk home last night and her run in with Stefan. Being slapped by Stefan totally pissed her off. Not because he’d done it but the fact that he thought he had the right to. Cassie had never taken any shit from a man, let alone any violence. Despite being bruised and bloody, she’d walked away charged, excited. In her apartment with Marcus, she felt an overwhelming urge take control of him. She was frightened, scared, confused. She knew something was going on with Tane and Marcus. What it was, she didn’t understand. She wanted answers, answers he refused to give, answers he avoided giving. His comment about the blood on her face left her breathless. If someone had said that they wanted to lick her blood before she’d gotten slapped around, she’d have thought they were psychotic. Though when Marcus touched her face, all she could think about was letting Marcus do it, letting him lick her blood. She’d wanted him to. She had found a sudden urge kick in, something primal, something she’d never felt before. Like an animal taking care of its wounds. She knew then, when she told him she really wouldn’t mind, that really, she didn’t mind. In fact, she desperately wanted 52

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him to take his tongue and lick her lips clean; she wanted his lips caressing her sore face. Her body raced, telling her to let whatever was inside of her out, to run free. It was Marcus who called to this animal in her. She wanted him to unleash it, bring it to the surface, and let it breathe. Her mind had been swirling with thoughts and images of them, together. She didn’t just want one lick of his tongue. She wanted his entire body to stroke hers until she screamed. His eyes darkened as he stared at her blood. She felt a warmth crawl through her body, heating her skin. She wanted those lips touching her body where no man had ever touched her. She wanted his gentle hands grabbing onto her, pulling her in and holding on. She wanted bruises from his hands, marking her as he took her. She knew he was experienced where she was not. She didn’t care. She’d needed him. As he stood at the door, all she could think about was how she could not let him leave. A hunger burned in her, not a hunger for food but for sex, passion, and desire. Cassie knew Marcus could give her that even though he said it wasn’t what she wanted. She knew, though, that it was exactly what she wanted, exactly what she needed. Cassie lifted her hand to Marcus’ face, touching his cheek, running her hand down his powerful jaw. He leaned his head into her hand and kissed her palm. She felt an immediate rush through her body. So much pleasure given through so little a touch. He looked into her eyes, his darkness swirling, penetrating into her eyes. She saw the desire there and Cassie found herself relaxing a bit. Marcus lifted his hand to Cassie’s face and pulled her towards him. He moved his head towards her and kissed her lips with light, fluttery kisses. She felt a slight pain on her mouth, feeling her swollen lips, as he touched her. Her body jolted from the initial contact. She didn’t understand any of what she felt. Every time he touched her, her body shook with a jolt of excitement, an energy she didn’t understand. She wanted more of it, she found herself craving to have it. His lips were no longer gentle as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her body flush with his. She felt every part of her front meet a wall of steel, hard muscles and strength. She moved her body against his, rubbing her breasts against his chest, grinding her pelvis into his groin. Hardness ran along her belly and she rubbed more. Marcus let out a groan, low and deep from his throat. He lifted Cassie up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Holding her captive with his tongue, he continued to swirl his tongue around her mouth. His initial chaste kiss had turned into a dueling 53

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match, one Cassie enjoyed. She mimicked his movements, giving him exactly what he gave her. Marcus broke the kiss and they stared at each other. Her lips were swollen, puffy from the beating but red from the blood rushing to them. He lowered his head and licked the side of her mouth, tasting her blood. His movement made her stomach do flips, fluttering movements up her spine. She wanted him to do it again, and then he did, swiping his tongue again along her chin. She looked into Marcus’ face and saw his eyes were closed, as if he was enjoying the moment. He opened them and his pupils swirled with red streaks running through them. “What do you want, Cassandra?” he asked her. His voice was no longer calm, comforting. It was filled with needing and wanting. “What do you want?” he asked again. Cassie didn’t know and yet she did. She’d done this before but somehow knew that with Marcus it would be so different from any other time. She’d never wanted a man as she wanted Marcus. She’d never given herself truly to anyone “Tell me what you want, Cassandra.” His hands were holding her under her ass, moving slightly, sending more shivers through her body. “Everything. I want everything you’ll give me,” she said, remembering his words from the night before. He held her in his arms and stared longingly into her eyes. She knew he wanted her. She could feel his body ready with need. His eyes told her. Marcus started walking towards the hallway that led to her bedroom. Cassie’s heart pumped quickly. It was going to happen. He stopped by her bed and laid her down on top. Cassie clung to him, holding him captive against her body. She looked at his face and moved towards his lips again. She touched them lightly and he took over; one kiss that kept building momentum. Attached by their lips, Marcus released his hold on Cassie and ran his hands up and down the sides of her body. She felt burning trails left behind from each caress. She moved her hands up and down his back, pulling him in tighter with her legs around his hips. His kisses burned through her body, his hands singeing through her clothes. She moved her hands up to his jacket and pushed it off of his shoulders. He moved to shake it off and her hands were on his shirt, unbuttoning it. She was moving quickly, quicker than ever before. She wanted his skin in her hands; she wanted to feel 54

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the hard planes of muscles she’d felt under his clothing. She wanted him naked, to gaze upon his body. Marcus pulled her sweatshirt off. He lifted himself from her and grabbed her feet, pulling off her sneakers and then he leaned over her and pulled her sweatpants off of her body. She lay on the bed in her underwear aware of his gaze as he stared at her. She knew she didn’t look sexy in her sports bra or cotton panties but she didn’t care. She wanted out of them now. Marcus finished unbuttoning his shirt and pulled it off. Cassie pulled in a sharp breath, seeing his naked flesh. His skin was slightly tanned, almost an olive hue, with hard sheets of muscles covering his body. His ribbed stomach made her mouth water, wanting to run her tongue over every groove each muscle made. He continued to look at Cassie and smiled when she finally let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Marcus unbuckled his belt and unzipped his jeans. She saw a flash of hair and then his cock peeked out from behind his zipper and soon they were off his body. She’d been wrong; his body wasn’t perfect. It was beyond perfection. His chest was bare of any hair but darkness started just below his navel. His lower belly sported a tattoo that covered him from hip to hip, swirls of lines and circles, like a tribal symbol. Below that, her eyes saw the largest cock she’d ever seen. She didn’t know how he was going to fit. Her fingers barely fit in her. “What are we going to do with that?” she asked, surprise in her eyes, her tone teasing. Marcus laughed. “I promise you will feel no pain.” Right, she thought. Marcus reached to her and unsnapped the front clasp of her bra and she moved it off her shoulders. She threw it over the side of the bed and then realized Marcus had removed her panties which he also threw aside. They were both naked now, staring at each other’s bodies. Cassie felt she should be embarrassed to be seen naked like this but wasn’t. She liked having Marcus look at her with that wild look in his eyes. As for his body, what do you say when you see absolute perfection? Marcus moved over her until his face was directly over hers and then he laid his body on top of hers. Cassie jumped as soon as his body touched her, sharp, searing pain running through her. But it wasn’t pain, like the slap she received earlier. It was a pain of excitement, desire, want. She wanted him now. She grabbed him around the shoulders and pulled him in and kissed him with all she had. 55

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Letting her lead, Marcus gave her back everything she gave him. He held onto her face, holding them together, tight. He broke off and trailed kisses over her face, licking her, biting along her jaw. He ran his tongue along the column of her throat, moving to her neck and nipped at the juncture. Cassie tilted her head, giving him access. He continued to move down, kissing her skin, leaving his marks along her body. He ran a hand over her breast and Cassie‘s sharp intake of breath let him know how sensitive she was there. He ran his thumb over a nipple and she shivered. Her body was doing things on its own now. She was simply reacting to his every touch. She was burning up with the slightest touch, on fire with every move he made. He lowered his head over her nipple and took it into his mouth. Her nipple was hard but got harder as his mouth sucked on it. His hand found her other nipple and he rolled it between his fingers. More shots cascaded through her. He moved to the other nipple, placing kisses between her breasts, a trail of blazing fire. She ground her hips into his groin, felt his cock sandwiched against her, a hard sword of swollen flesh. Marcus lifted himself off of her breast and moved down to her hips. He paused, looking at her lifted head. She’d never let a man kiss her there before but he obviously felt her tension because he told her to relax, that it would be okay. Cassie remembered the photographs, remembered wanting to be that woman who was receiving such divine pleasure. Now she was her chance. Lowering he head, he licked her along her slit all the way to her ass. Cassie jerked when his tongue touched her. He moved his tongue back up and parted her lips, exposing her to his gaze, his mouth. He tasted her again and she felt his tongue gloss over her clit. She felt an immediate shudder at the contact. He moved down again, moving his tongue in deeper. Cassie’s pussy clenched at his touch, wetness oozing from her. He replaced his tongue with fingers and pushed them into her. Her walls were tight; she hadn’t had sex with a man in a long time. His fingers applied pressure, stretching her. She felt his fingers filling her, moving in and out, heard the sound of her wetness as he pushed in again. Tossing her head, unable to believe the sensations rolling through her body, she let out a gasp as Marcus covered her clit with his lips and began to suck on her hard nub. He held her with his teeth, pulling gently as she hardened more. Her mind was blank 56

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except for the exquisite sensation he was giving her. She didn’t have a care in the world except for releasing this rush of feelings that invaded her body. Marcus continued his pace, first slow, then increasing as his fingers slid in and out and his tongue and lips attacked her clit. Cassie felt herself coming and ground her body against Marcus’ face. She felt a wetness flow out of her pussy, her body clenching tightly on his fingers, throbbing. And then she saw nothing but blackness swirling around behind her closed eyes. She grabbed at the blanket on the bed, lifting herself into his mouth, begging for more, wanting more pleasure. Her shivers multiplied, her whole body wrapped in sinful sensations. Marcus moved up, his face glistening with her juices and he kissed her, giving her a sweet taste her body made. He adjusted his body and she felt the head of his cock at her entrance. She moved her body, lifting her pelvis up and let him push inside of her. She expected to feel pain, pain that she was ready for. Marcus trailed kisses around her face and neck. She felt him pushing slowly, felt his cock stretching her walls, making room. She felt every little movement, like pinpricks on her skin. He stopped, looking down into Cassie’s eyes. He waited while her body accommodated his, slowly pushing in and then pulling out. Cassie couldn’t speak, didn’t want to say anything. She wanted to feel, wanted him to continue, to push into her, to take her. She moved her hips again and he pushed. He shoved hard, plunging in and pushed his face into her neck, breaking the skin. Cassie froze, the pleasurable pain engulfing her. She winced, squirmed and felt him move back out. He pushed his cock back in, pushing to fill her womb, with all of him. Marcus lifted her head and Cassie turned to look at him. He had a drop of blood on his lips. He kissed Cassie again and she tasted the metallic taste blood left. The blood made Cassie’s head swirl, her nipples tighten, and her body reacted again to Marcus’ movements. He moved his hips forward, driving in and then pulling back out just as quick. And again. The pain she’d felt mere seconds before receded immediately. It was replaced by another sensation, one of fullness, of wanting him inside, all of him. She moved downward, sliding herself onto his cock and Marcus’ movement quickened. He moved with such speed, she couldn’t catch her breath. She focused on his movement, felt her body accepting his, stretching to take him, letting her body just feel the sensations. 57

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More blackness pulled her under, enveloping her in this pleasure and it was unbelievable. She’d never imagined anything like this. His driving power surged into her, her pussy contracting, squeezing him tightly. She was coming again; she could feel it engulfing her. Her body knew and was reaching for it. She panted, taking his thrusts, begging for more, to move faster, harder into her. She was on fire and he caused it. Only he could squash the flames. Marcus grabbed her nipple with one hand and he pulled on the other one with his teeth. This flung Cassie over the edge, letting go, feeling the orgasm wash over her body into his. Stabbing pain mixed with the pleasure as Marcus nipped at her throat, holding her steady as her body screamed in release. Her first orgasm paled in comparison. She was melting, bursting into a million little pieces. A fire consumed her, burning up her inside and she didn’t want it any other way. She writhed in the pain, welcomed the pleasure and knew she wanted more of both. Cassie felt Marcus release himself, felt his shuddering, his body twitching over hers. She was flying over herself, no longer lying on the bed. She saw her body, moving under Marcus’, shaking. She saw the pleasure on her face, felt her body changing, becoming something else. She saw her fingers grow, longer, sharp nails replacing her normal tips. She saw the muscles of her legs wrapped around Marcus expand, extend. She saw her face darken, taking on a new shape, canine teeth sharpening and bared as she screamed. And then he let go, unlatching his mouth from her neck, still sliding into her body. Slowly, his pace lessoned, his breathing ragged. He panted for breath, lying over, connected to her body. Cassie felt herself floating back down, the blackness around her fading. Marcus moved his head and captured Cassie’s lips again, softly but just as electric as their first kiss. “Are you okay?” he asked Cassie. She felt a smile form on her face and said, “Let’s do that again.” And they did, several times. Cassie’s thoughts were drifting to Marcus as he took her from behind, holding her body on the side of the bed when her phone rang. “Cassie Hamilton,” she said into the phone. “It’s Nana,” her grandmother said. 58

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“Nana! What a surprise. How are you?” Cassie asked, excited at the unexpected phone call. “What happened, child?” she asked Cassie fearfully. “What do you mean?” Cassie was now worried. Nana was always happy when they spoke. “Last night. What happened? Tell me,” Nana said. What was Cassie going to say? That she fucked some guy she didn’t really know and she couldn’t help herself? That she’d do it in a heartbeat again if she had the chance? “Nothing happened, Nana,” Cassie told her. “Cassie, I know. Come see me.” It wasn’t a request. It was an order. “Nana, I can’t come see you. I’m at work and my boss…” Cassie said. “I don’t care what lie you tell your damn boss. Come see me now.” Nana swearing meant something was seriously wrong. She went to reply to Nana and heard a click as her grandmother ended the call.

*** “Bert, I’ve got to check out some info for a story, so I’ll catch you later,” Cassie said, stopping by Bert’s office on her way out. “Well, if it isn’t Sandra Dee. Got me that story on Marcus Devaux yet?” “There is no story, Bert. And you’ll have to make up a new nickname for me. Sandra Dee has left the building,” Cassie said smiling her innocent smile, looking at Bert’s face for a reaction. She got one. “Who the fuck is he? Do I know him?” “Even if you did, I’d never tell. I know from experience you can’t keep a secret.” “You’re right.” Bert flicked his head, indicating something behind her. Cassie turned. “Meet Karl. He’s the new kid. He’ll be working with you, learning the ropes.” Cassie noticed a young man getting up to shake her hand. He was young, probably just out of college and looked very green and Bert had just filled him in on her sex life. Great. “Sure, I’ll get with you tomorrow,” Cassie said turning to leave. “No you won’t,” Bert said. “Karl will go with you to interview the band tonight.” “Come on, Bert,” Cassie protested, turning to Karl, “Nothing personal.”

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“Don’t start, Cassie. This is a hot band. Karl can go with you while you interview the ‘Demon Worshiper’s’ and you can show him how’s the job’s done. And when he is up to par, I’ll be able to fire you.” You got to love Bert, thought Cassie. Shaking her head, she told Karl to meet her at The Devil’s Door and she’d show him how she interviewed bands. Maybe she’d still have her job tomorrow. Then again, maybe she didn’t care.

*** Newfoundland Hamilton Inlet The dockyard workers grumbled as they unloaded the wooden crates. The ship’s arrival was unexpected and well after normal hours. Only the promise of serious overtime had kept them at work. The owner of this cargo, the Chief Stevedore had informed them that he had a different timeline, one no one else was aware of. Upon arrival, one of the ship’s darkly-clothed passengers took the Chief aside and issued some terse instructions. The normally unflappable Chief barked orders at his men in a manner they hadn’t seen before. He seemed nervous and afraid after speaking with the dark man. The Chief made phone calls, bringing in trucks for the crates to be loaded on to. He stood on the dock, supervising the men with an order here and there. The workers asked no questions, doing as they were told. The Chief was fierce, almost pushing one of dockworkers into the icy water when he almost dropped his end of one of the boxes. One old timer joked that if you couldn’t swim, don’t get on a boat nor go near water and the men’s laughter died before it even started as the Chief screamed at them to hurry up. The trucks waited for the dark passenger and his precious cargo. Once all thirty plus wooden crates had been loaded, to the dark passenger specific orders, the Nesna was free to return to its port of origin. The dark passenger pulled out an envelope, taking the Chief aside and speaking quietly to the man. The dark passenger left the Chief to rally his crew and rounded up the drivers. The trucks pulled out in single file following the dark passenger’s black sleek SUV. Days later, in the town of Rigolet, beside the Hamilton Inlet, the Chief’s body would be found dead, of unknown causes.

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Chapter Eight

Nana’s farmhouse was forty minutes outside of the city. Cassie used some of the ride to wonder why her grandmother demanded her presence. The rest of the time she thought about the amazing things Marcus had done to her body. The first thoughts made her worry while the second ones made her hot. Nana walked out onto the porch as Cassie approached the house. “What is this all about, Nana?” Nana looked around her land, scanning for what Cassie didn’t know but she found herself looking around her grandmother’s open land and forests that closeted the north side. “In the house,” was all Nana said, stepping back inside. Being back at her most favorite place brought memories like a flood to Cassie. She’d spent many happy summers and weekends here, getting her fill of the country and animal life. Taking a job at the paper had made her trips infrequent, though she called her grandmother weekly. Cassie followed her grandmother to the sunroom and watched Nana fold her legs under her as she sat in the recliner. The sunroom faced west looking out upon a large looming forest. The sun was slowly dipping behind the trees that were very tall, much taller when Cassie was a child. Nana spoke slowly once Cassie sat on the chair next to hers. “What I am about to tell you, you will not believe. You know I am not insane, that I have all of my faculties, even for an old woman. I have no mental illnesses.” Nana’s face was dead serious. Cassie stared at her seventy-year-old grandmother and realized she didn’t look a day over forty. Her face was soft, very few lines or creases and her eyes were as bright and alive as when Cassie was young. Her face also told Cassie this was not a joke. 61

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“You’re not old, Nana. Most people think you’re my mother, for God’s sake. Tell me whatever it is, Nana,” Cassie said. She didn’t care. She just wanted to know what was bothering her grandmother. “Do you remember when you almost fell into the well? You must have been about four or five years old at the time?” Nana asked. What an odd question. “Vaguely,” Cassie replied. “I’ll refresh your memory. You were wondering around the farm, getting into everything like normal. You came upon a well my family used years before. You would play around it, throwing rocks and stones into it, waiting to hear them plop into the water. Normally you kept your distance, probably due to all my warnings. But this time, you leaned over too far and almost fell in,” she said, staring at Cassie, hoping the story reminded her of the event. “Yes, I do remember. But I didn’t fall in, Nana,” Cassie said. “I’m here, safe. What’s this all about?” “No, you didn’t fall in. You were saved. Henry saved you,” Nana said. “Henry? You mean your dog, Henry, right?” Cassie asked. “Yes, Henry. He saved you. He saw you and grabbed you before you fell. He grabbed onto your arm and pulled you back. You have the scar on your right arm. Lift your sleeve, Cassie.” Cassie pulled up the sleeve on her shirt and noticed the scar she couldn’t really remember getting but there it was. “Okay, Henry saved me. What’s that got to do with anything?” Cassie asked, pushing Nana to get on with it. “Do you remember the man I dated?” Nana asked. “What are you asking me, Nana?” Cassie was starting to freak out now. “The man I dated was named Henry, too.” “Okay,” Cassie said slowly, not following where this was going, “you had a dog named Henry and dated a man named Henry. Quite a coincidence.” “No coincidence at all, Cassie. Henry wasn’t a dog; he was a wolf. He was also the man I dated. They were one in the same.” Cassie stared at her grandmother and a laugh escaped her lips. “What do you mean they were the same, Nana? Henry was a dog, an animal. The other Henry was a 62

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man.” She said she wasn’t crazy but this sounded crazy. Maybe Alzheimer’s was setting in. Was it hereditary? “Listen! Henry was a man, but he could change into a wolf,” Nana said so fast Cassie was sure she didn’t hear it right. “Say again.” “The man I was sleeping with, Henry, he could change into a wolf.” Nana stared at Cassie, who looked at her grandmother as if she’d just told her she was an alien. “The marks you have on your arm came from Henry when he pulled you back away from the well. He was in wolf form at the time; he was watching over you as you played outside. I was in the barn with your mother; I knew you were safe with Henry. But then we heard your screams and came running.” “Nana, what are you telling me?” Cassie felt her voice quivering. “He marked you, Cassie. When he bit you, he marked you, liked he marked me.” Nana pulled back the collar of her shirt to show Cassie marks at the base of her neck. Cassie stared at the marks on her grandmother’s neck. She glanced down to her arm and saw they looked identical. “What does this mean? Where is Henry? What has he done to you?” Cassie was starting to panic now. “Henry didn’t do anything I didn’t allow, Cass. He marked me before you were born. We were making love, too close to a full moon I guess and he bit me. It didn’t hurt too badly; actually, it was quite pleasurable.” Her far away look showed she was remembering the moment, almost wistfully. “It just sort of caught us by surprise. We talked about it the next day and made sure we kept a five day window around the full moon so it didn’t happen again.” “You knew he was a wolf and yet you slept with him?” Cassie asked. Had her grandmother lost her mind completely? “I knew Henry for years. Over that time, he just sort of told me. And then one night, he changed before my eyes and he was even more beautiful in wolf form. I was so in love. I accepted him. From your look, no, I didn’t believe him when he told me, but when he changed, I had the proof right there. I never doubted a word he said afterwards.” “Nana, where is Henry now?” Cassie asked cautiously. “Your mother saw Henry standing over you, your arm bleeding, screaming that my ‘dog’ bit you. She refused to let you see me if Henry was here. She told me to put 63

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Henry down, like he was just a dog. But one doesn’t put a wolf down. I couldn’t put Henry down. Henry is lycanthrope.” Oh. That made perfect sense. Her grandmother’s lover was a werewolf and bit her. Cassie and she were chatting about it as if it was normal conversation. This wasn’t happening because it wasn’t true. “Okay, Nana. The joke is over. Tell me why I’m really here.” Cassie didn’t like this game her grandmother was playing. “You slept with someone last night, didn’t you?” Nana asked. Cassie stared at her, eyes wide. How did she know? Did she have a certain look about her that wasn’t there yesterday? Was there a sign on her forehead that she’d been fucked like never before? “How do you know that?” Cassie asked. “Cassie, I could feel you. I knew something was happening. The beast in you was calling.” “The only beast in me is anger and I feel it’s about to rear its ugly head right now,” Cassie said. Her grandmother wasn’t making sense. Though she knew things she couldn’t possibly know, her comments were beginning to anger and frighten her. “Cassie, Henry marked us both; we carry the same blood. I know what you feel. This man had to be something extremely unnatural to call the beast within you,” Nana said. “What do you mean ‘unnatural’?” “No human could call the beast, Cassie.” “What in God’s name are you talking about? Nobody called my ‘beast’. I just had sex with an amazing man and you’re talking all cryptic, about wolves and markings. Nana, what are you saying, really?” “Henry’s mark was made out of safety, not passion, not love. Well, maybe love, because I knew how much he cared for you. He marked you to keep you safe, to prevent you from falling into the well. He would have never done it otherwise.” “And what does that mean now? I mean, it happened over twenty years ago, Nana. Why now? Why is this ‘beast’ coming now?” “Because somebody has called it forward, Cassie. Someone has unleashed it. Someone who has the power to call the wolf is calling yours.” She stopped and stared at Cassie. “Who was he?” 64

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Oh, why not tell her? It’s not like she gets to the city very often. “His name is Marcus Devaux,” she told her grandmother. Nana stared at her, looking at her face and then down her body. Cassie had never been self-conscious but felt it right then. “I’ve heard the name. How did you meet?” Nana asked. “We met at the Gallery Ball the other night. He was my escort when I interviewed Archer Parthenopolis. Last night he saved me from getting badly beaten by some guys,” Cassie said. “What happened?” Cassie told her the events of the previous night. “And yet, you have no bruises, do you? How do you feel today?” “No, I feel fine. I got smacked a couple of times on the face and had a swollen lip but I don’t have one now. My neck’s just a little sore, that’s all,” Cassie told Nana, moving her hand to her neck as she did a rolling motion with her head. “What happened after that?” Nana asked. “We went back to my place and I practically jumped him, begging him to sleep with me, which he did,” Cassie admitted to Nana. “And something happened that pushed you to do that, didn’t it?” How did her grandmother know? How could she know what Cassie felt? She hadn’t been there. “Yes, something happened. I don’t know what it was, maybe a rush of adrenaline or something but I wanted to fuck that man more than anything, Nana, and I did.” “Such language, Cassie,” Nana said, laughing. “I know. I’ve been working with Bert too long.” “What you felt was adrenaline, a rush, a power being unleashed. A power you didn’t know you had. Henry’s mark is on you, Cassie. You have powers you can’t even comprehend,” Nana told her. “How do you know this?” Cassie asked. “Because Henry’s mark did the same to me, Cassie, except my beast came forward a whole lot quicker than yours. It didn’t take twenty years for it to be called.” Again, Nana seemed lost in her thoughts, remembering days gone by. “When Henry bit me the first time, we didn’t think anything of it. An accident of sorts. But later, I felt him pull me in, calling the beast. In a matter of weeks, I was changing with Henry.” She smiled a smile of love, and of loss. 65

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None of what Nana had told her made sense. She felt as if her grandmother were speaking ancient Greek. She couldn’t comprehend any of it. “So, come next full moon, you’re going to turn all furry, aren’t you?” Cassie said jokingly. Nana’s serious look told her the mocking tone wasn’t appreciated. “Come the night of the full moon, Cassie, come see me. I will show you a sight you’ve never seen. Then you’ll believe me. In fact, you might even change that night and I can show you the powers you have. The powers of the lycanthrope.” Great. Now Nana believed she was a werewolf but some part of Cassie knew her grandmother told the truth. Somewhere in this tale, there had to be truth. Nana didn’t lie, so why was it so hard to believe? Because stuff like this didn’t happen to Cassie. In fact, stuff like this didn’t happen to anyone unless they were in some kind of horror storybook. “What happened to Henry, Nana?” Cassie asked. “I sent him away, Cassie,” Nana said. “But you said you loved him.” “I did, but I loved you more,” Nana said, staring off into the woods.

*** Lac-Frontiere, International Border of Canada and the United States Valderick’s impatience grew as he rested in his coffin as his motorcade raced through Canada. Impatience, he thought, was a virtue for eternal beings. Both sides of the shadow war thought nothing of implementing decade-long plans to further their ends. Valderick lived in the present. It was an unusual trait in a vampire that made him superior, he thought. He had wanted more…more power than the Council of Elders was willing to grant him…the Slavic rim they had given him was nothing, a mere backwater not worthy of him. He deserved more than that. When the Emissary of the Circle of Darkness had approached him, he had been willing, indeed eager to hear what they had to offer. The Vampire Emissary had been seductive in both her words and acts. The Dark Circle would provide the pretext and the means to get close to and kill one of the Elders of the Council. Valderick would be their killing instrument. In return for his work, he would rule as one of the Lords of the Dark Circle, vast power would be his. He would drown his hunger in a sea of blood. The decision was not a hard one for him. He had always been both ambitious and a pragmatist…he could feel the balance of power shifting to the Darkness… 66

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The motorcade stopped…it was time to feed. He and his minions would need their strength for the fight ahead.

*** The drive home from the farm seemed longer. The darkness set while Cassie sat in the sunroom, listening to the same story told every way her grandmother could think. Upon leaving, Nana asked Cassie if she believed any of what she’d been told and Cassie couldn’t lie. She said the story was incredible but no, she didn’t believe it, couldn’t believe it. She was a reporter and Nana told a convincing tale but this, this she didn’t believe. Cassie knew her grandmother believed in old wives’ tales, loved to quote about evil curses that would befall you if you acted up. Nana was the most precious person in the world to her but Cassie saw a woman who was obviously losing her mind. There was no way Henry was a werewolf because they weren’t real and Cassie’s scar came from a dog, named Henry, not a man. What point Nana was trying to make escaped Cassie. She was usually quick on the take, but not tonight. Tonight, she’d listened, unbelieving, but listened and couldn’t make sense of anything Nana told her. She was more confused than when Nana had first called at work. Pulling up in the parking lot of The Devil’s Door, she wished she could have just gone home to bed. The Devil’s Door was the newest chic hangout. It catered to a very different crowd, from Goth and bikers, to college students looking for a change. This wasn’t the place to hang out if you wore a suit and tie. The appropriate outfit for The Devil’s Door was leather and black. The more, the better. From the front door back, there was a black line of people sporting every variety of clothing imaginable. Dots of blood red accented the black, bringing attention to the newest ‘Vampire’ hangout. Cassie walked past the line of partygoers and showed her press pass to the man guarding the door. He gave her the once over, taking in her khaki’s, white polo shirt and jean jacket. Of course she wasn’t dressed properly; she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her job. Hanging out with kids who wanted to play vampire and monsters wasn’t her thing. It was just more unbelievable crap to deal with. The guard waved Cassie inside. She stopped at the bar and asked the bartender where she could meet the band. Cassie noticed Karl hovering at the bar, wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. At least she wasn’t the only person outside the dress code. His 67

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press pass was clipped to his collar. Yeah, he was really green. A man told Cassie to follow him and she waved to Karl to join her. The band, ‘Demon Worshiper’s’ were the epitome of the Vampire legends. Relative newcomers in the music business, they took the city by storm, dressing in leather and velvet pants, wearing white billowing shirts last seen several centuries ago. Their dark eyes, highlighted by kohl, stood out against the palest skin. Their lips were ruby red, almost the color of blood. It drew your gaze in, wondering if they sported fangs behind their ruby lips. The lead guitarist, Jonas, painted red markings on his neck to resemble two puncture holes, ‘blood’ trailing down his naked chest--the true vampire victim. It looked pretty convincing. Cassie almost laughed at his attempt to mimic the Hollywood version of Dracula. However, she got the feeling that the band believed in the charade they were putting on, even down to the black cape the lead singer wore. Jonas saw her eyeing his marks and said, “You’re welcome to have a taste, sweetheart. It would add to my pleasure to have you bite me.” Funny, how she would normally have ignored such a comment, she said instead, “Thanks, I’ve already eaten.” He seemed to like the joke, laughed and went back to applying more eyeliner. Cassie and Karl stayed with the band asking questions. They finished dressing and touching up their makeup. When their manager came back, announcing they were on, the band told her to stay and enjoy the show. Jonas told her they could finish what they started and Cassie rolled her eyes, leaving their dressing room. The crowd was tight, packed like black sardines in waves running all the way back to the bar. Girls dressed in tight leather corsets with mini skirts slinked around their ‘vampire’ boyfriends, blood red lips leaving marks on their necks. Cassie shook her head; she was getting too old for this. Karl, however, seemed to be enjoying the display of breasts enclosed in leather and held so tightly they looked like they’d pop out with the wrong movement. Cassie sarcastically asked Karl if he was enjoying the view. His eyes were glued to the raven-headed girl’s breasts with fake bites on them. He didn’t take his eyes off to answer her question. “Yeah, women and sex. I’m in heaven.” He looked it. One girl with fake fangs sided up to Karl and they started to talk. Cassie knew she was on her own tonight. 68

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She scanned the crowd some more. It was the reporter in her; just keep looking and you’ll find the story. The crowd was more than ready for the band. She just wished they’d hurry up so she could leave. She hadn’t listened to any of their CD, which was only pre-released two days ago, so she couldn’t leave without at least hearing them play. It would make for a poor review and Cassie was anything if not thorough. She heard screams and yelling. She turned her head and saw the band stepping on stage to take their places. The crowd went wild, chanting, ‘Demon’ for the band. When the lead guitarist Jonas came out, girls started screaming ‘Fang’, his stage name, as he settled near his mike. She glanced to look for Karl to talk about the interview but saw Marcus instead. He stood leaning against the far wall, watching her. With hands folded across his chest, his head turned down, she could only see his dark eyes looking right at her. What was he doing here? She didn’t think this was his sort of crowd but with his dark and mysterious look, she realized he fit in here better than she did. She looked around, hoping to spot Karl and glanced back to where Marcus stood. He was no longer there.

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Chapter Nine

Marcus saw Cassandra when she came out from behind the stage. He kept his distance, unsure how to approach her. He’d awoken this evening, sated from his feeding but lusting for her. Their night together had been a long affair. Marcus almost didn’t leave in enough time when he closed the door of her apartment at five o’clock this morning. He’d barely made it to Archer’s in time to get under cover. What she started the previous night he couldn’t stop. He lost count the number of times he’d come, let alone the number of orgasms that wracked her body. For a woman, she had an energy he’d never encountered before. He expected her to be sore, hesitant after the beating, but the swelling went down quickly, her bruises fading fast. He didn’t understand it but he was more interested in fucking her than being her doctor. The first time he’d been as gentle as he could be. After that, she demanded more from him, to push harder, faster. He did, not because she demanded him to, but because he couldn’t stop himself. He felt like he’d unleashed a beast within her. She went wild on him, clawing his skin with her nails, biting his body as she explored his. One time they wrestled to see who would get to be on top and Marcus pinned her to the bed. Cassie lay underneath him, her ass rubbing against his cock. He whispered, “I should take you like this. I should fuck that ass of yours.” She told him to do it. She showed no fear, no hesitation. She untangled herself from him and bent her upper body on the bed, wiggling her ass enticingly. That was enough for him. He grabbed a bottle of lube she mentioned and he covered her hole. He pushed into her tight hole, feeling the resistance as he slowly entered her. She tensed for a moment and then shuddered. He asked if she was okay. She nodded, and pushed back on to him. He slowly moved in and out, stretching the passage for him to invade. Her body would tighten, squeeze his shaft and shivers ran through him. He stroked her clit and kept on moving his cock in her tight cavern. 70

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Cassie held herself on her hands and knees, taking his pounding from the rear, telling him faster, harder, to fuck her now. He never expected this from Cassie. Granted, he knew she wanted him like he wanted her. He just never expected her to give him everything. Her energy and willingness to explore kindled more passion in him than he thought he had. Screwing her was unlike any fuck he’d ever had. He couldn’t get enough of her. When she pleaded with him to stay last night, it seemed like a gift from the Gods. He didn’t understand what had happened to change her mind about sleeping with him, but he was glad. Their union wasn’t anything he’d expected. As he continued to fuck her, low growls pitched from her throat, sounds she hadn’t made previously when she’d come. Her hands gripped the sheets tightly, finding some leverage as he fucked her. Previously, as he had lain over her body and she was coming, he felt her nails rake lines down his back. He felt a burning pain sear through him as his flesh was scraped. He knew she’d drawn blood. So caught up, she didn’t know what she was doing. Later, when they showered, she commented on the scratches. He felt her tongue slide over the mark, felt her touch close the opening her nails created. Nothing more was said. A battle scar made in the throes of passion would heal quickly. From behind, he rode her, heard her moans and felt his own rising. Her body was clenching, her clit hardening under his fingers and she squeezed him tighter, pulling at him, milking him. When she screamed out, “Fuck me…oh, God, you’re an animal”, he’d come, hard and long into her, loving her own animalistic display. She came in unison, her growls growing, her head bent on the bed, he saw her panting, her teeth showing, biting into the sheets. Now she stood in The Devil’s Door but he didn’t understand why she was here. He saw when she first noticed him and he’d seen the look of surprise in her eyes. He planned on walking over and hanging out with her as the band played but then he looked around the bar and saw Tane. It shouldn’t have been a big deal; they were bound to run into each other from time to time. However, seeing the Mayor’s daughter Belinda hanging off his arm made him move quickly in that direction. Marcus eyed Tane as he walked towards him. Stefan stood next to him along with three other flunkies. Tane turned towards Marcus and smiled when he saw him approach. 71

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“What is a night without a visit from the infamous Marcus Devaux?” he said sarcastically. “What are you doing with her, Tane?” Marcus asked, gesturing to the Mayor’s daughter. Belinda was curled under his arm and his hand groped her breasts. She didn’t seem to mind being felt up in public. In this bar, it was similar to holding hands elsewhere. She looked up at Tane like a kitten waiting to be petted. “What do you think I’m going to do to her, Marcus? You obviously didn’t want her, after casting her aside the other night,” Tane said, pinching one of her nipples poking out of her top. Marcus saw her wince with the pain and pleasure. “Don’t, Tane. She’s off limits,” Marcus said. “To you, maybe; but not to me. I plan on fucking this piece of ass all night long,” Tane said, rubbing his face into her hair. “Belinda won’t mind it one bit, will you, honey?” “Tane, she is off limits to everyone. Messing with her can jeopardize Archer’s agreement. Do not cause a fight where it is not needed,” Marcus said, trying to rationalize with him but knowing that if Tane broke the truce, heads would roll. “I said fucking, Marcus. Nothing else. Maybe you’d like to join me. It would be like old times,” Tane said, smiling. There’d been a time, a century ago when both men shared their women together. There was a brief time before that when they shared each other. A time Marcus wished had never happened. Back then, Tane was submissive to Marcus’ dominance. Over years, Tane tried repeatedly to prove he could top Marcus. He never succeeded and he took his anger out on any woman Marcus showed any interest in. Marcus knew Tane would abuse any female to anger him. Tonight, if he joined Tane, Tane would try to prove he was superior. He’d hurt the girl trying to prove his point. “Let her go, Tane. Find someone else, someone not in the protected circle.” Marcus was close to pleading. Not just for the Circle but for Belinda’s mortal life. “Maybe I’ll take your girlfriend Cassie instead. You already interrupted my plans last night, which, let’s just say, didn’t please me. You won’t be interrupting them again tonight.” Tane looked over Marcus’ shoulder. “Here she comes now. I’ll swap you, Belinda for Cassie. Either way, I will make one of them bleed.” Marcus turned, seeing Cassandra push her way through the crowd as she walked towards him. Shit, he didn’t need this. As much as he wanted to be near Cassandra, she 72

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was in danger with Tane around. He needed to get Tane out of here and deal with him privately. He couldn’t afford witnesses; there were too many people in the club. He turned to Tane saying, “Look….” but Tane had vanished. Fuck! Cassandra reached him and grabbed his arm. “Hey, what are you doing here?” she asked. She stared up into Marcus’ eyes, smiling. After he’d left her this morning, she wondered when she would see him again or probably more, if she would ever see him again. He was an addiction she craved. Just seeing him now brought urges in waves. “Cassandra,” he said, leaning in to claim her lips. His kiss was soft but demanding and her tongue found his instantly. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. What are you doing here?” he asked her. “Working; I’m reviewing the band. Why are you here?” “I’m sorry, Cassandra. I’ve got to go; there is a problem that needs my attention. Do you have someone who can take you home?” Marcus asked her. “What’s going on, Marcus? I saw Tane when I walked up, is there a problem with him?” Cassie didn’t understand their relationship or why Tane was here. As long as she stayed away from him and his men, she’d be okay. As long as she was with Marcus, she knew she’d be safe. “Something I can’t discuss with you. Are you here alone?” he asked, scanning over her head to the crowd. “I’m here with Karl, another reporter.” “Grab Karl and have him take you home.” “Marcus, tell me what’s going on,” she said demandingly. “Just do it, Cassandra. I have to find someone now. I’ll come to you later.” Marcus leaned towards Cassandra and kissed her lips. She felt a power rush over her; felt it wash over her body. The way it had the night before so many times before she finally fell asleep. “Marcus…” she said, opening her eyes. He was gone. Again.

*** Locking the door to her apartment, Cassie leaned against it. She’d finally gotten rid of Karl. He wasn’t happy hearing they were leaving the bar but thought he was getting a better deal with Cassie when she told him to follow her home. He came along willingly, obviously thinking his new mentor would give him an interview between the sheets. All in the name of research. Riiiight. 73

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He quickly learned that he would not end up in Cassie’s bed tonight, let alone be let into her apartment. He pleaded with her, telling her he had a girl who wanted to fuck him back at the bar and still she wouldn’t let him inside. She’d told him thanks, good night, now leave. He went, pouting the way only a college boy can pout. She’d probably catch some flak from Bert in the morning. It didn’t matter. She still wasn’t sleeping with Karl. However, if Marcus were to knock on her door right now, she’d let him in with no hesitation. That man left her breathless. When she saw he wasn’t standing by the wall anymore, she thought she’d imagined him. For some reason, she thought she was out of Marcus’ league. Last night had been last night. She’d thrown herself at him, begging him to stay, pleading with him to fuck her. She probably looked pretty pitiful in his eyes. Cassie hadn’t cared last night and tonight she found she wanted him even more. His abrupt departure made her wonder if he had another woman waiting. Maybe he left because it was a one-time thing. Despite that, he’d told her he’d come to her. Would he? He certainly kept her surprised, showing up at the oddest moments. She loved it but it also disturbed her. He had said he was responsible for her. Was that what this was? Was she just a responsibility? It couldn’t be. His reaction to their lovemaking couldn’t be faked. He’d acted like he couldn’t get enough. He’d called her name, not someone else’s when he came, repeatedly. So, what if he didn’t leave a note or call? Seeing Marcus tat the bar brought last night’s memories crashing down on her. She felt her body reacting again. Her pulse increased, her heart fluttering. She felt a spasm pass through her body, a convulsion in her muscle contracting. She looked at her arms and saw a wave ripple through it. Kind of like the alien from some movie she’d seen. She stared at her arm, saw the movement go up into her shoulder and felt her spine tingle with the sensation. It then moved back down towards her hand. She flexed and squeezed her fingers, and then it was gone. What in the hell just happened? She took a shower and changed into her sexiest pajamas, a short satin and silk nightgown her friend Miranda had given her for her last birthday. She remembered opening it, laughing that she had no one to share it with. Miranda said she wanted Cassie to be ready when that special man walked into her life. Marcus was definitely that man. 74

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While she waited for Marcus, even though she told herself she wasn’t, she prepared for work the next day, picking clothes out and worked on the ‘Demon Worshiper’s’ article. The band surprised her. Though their sound was laden with heavy metal overtones with lots of bass, their lyrics spoke of lost loves and lives taken by unknown beings, forces that could build you up but also tear you down. She enjoyed herself despite the lead guitarists heavy strumming. The singer, Bryan Donovan, otherwise known as ‘Dracul’ to his fans, had a great voice but at times seemed to be competing with Jonas, Mr. Fang, for air time. Hopefully her review would put ‘Fang’ in his place. The band needed to work together, not try to outshine each other. She’d seen bands fade from less. Around one-thirty in the morning, Cassie finally made herself go to bed. Marcus hadn’t come to see her, nor did he call. She knew he wouldn’t but still hoped to be proven wrong. She told herself it didn’t matter. He got what he wanted. He was done with her. He’d taken her like a storm and left her adrift. Her last thought before she fell asleep was ‘fuck Marcus’.

*** She lay in a field of flowers, the ground soft and springy. The sun had set, a lower overcast glow left shooting across the sky when day turns to night. Around her she could still see the flowers, brightly as if it was full daylight. Their colors mixed like a rainbow, blowing gently with the slow breeze. She sat up and looked around. Below her, her body was covered in white silk, a gown she hadn’t worn to bed. Its wide straps lay on her shoulders and ran into a bodice cut like a corset, pushing her breasts up and out. The silk flowed down to her feet which were bare. She pushed herself up and stood, looking around the fields. The flowers went on and on, rippling in waves as a breeze flowed over them. It was the most beautiful field she’d ever seen. “Do you like it?” a voice asked from behind her. She quickly turned around and saw Marcus step out from behind a large tree overlooking the field. He wore a white shirt open to his navel that billowed around him with the wind. His legs were covered by leather pants and he wore brown riding boots up to his knees. Marcus stepped away from the tree, floating more than walking towards her. She saw his dark hair fall over his brow, covering an eye. The clothing made him appear 75

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more dangerous, almost lethal, but also devastatingly handsome. He smiled as he approached her, eyeing her body enclosed in silk. “Do you like it?” he said, gesturing out to the field. Cassie looked out again over the field and said, “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen.” And it was. “I come here sometimes to think, to get away from things.” “Where is here, Marcus?” Cassie asked. “How did I get here?” “I think you know the answer to that one, Cassandra,” Marcus said, looking at her. “I don’t think I do.” “I said I’d come to you. Events prevented me from physically being with you, so here I am. Here you are,” Marcus said, holding both arms out wide away from his body. “What do you want, Marcus?” Cassie asked him the same question he’d asked her so many times, hoping it was the same thing she wanted. “I want you. So here we are, in our dreams.” He moved closer and put his hands on the sides of her face. He leaned down and placed a warm kiss on her lips. Cassie closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the contact between them. Her body immediately heated up; it did every time he touched her. He held her face, kissing her lips, running his tongue down her jaw, along her neck. He moved into her, gently pushing her body backwards as he stepped forward. He kept coming towards her, holding her, tasting her, walking her until she hit the tree he’d walked out from. He let go of her face and ran his hands down her shoulders to her hands. He grabbed her hands and her fingers entwined in his. He slowly lifted her arms over her head, holding them tight against the tree. Then his hands were running down the front, over her breasts, pushing her mounds together. Cassie opened her eyes and saw Marcus no longer held her arms over her head. She looked up and saw branches held her hands in place. She started to pull at them and he saw her struggling. “Don’t,” he said as a warning. Cassie looked at Marcus’ face and saw flames flickering where eyes should be. Passion red burned there. She saw and knew it because she felt it herself. “Let me go, Marcus,” Cassie said, her voice low, almost a whisper, trying to sound unafraid. 76

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“I can’t, Cassandra. Last night…last night you were very wild. I had some difficulty controlling the beast in you. Some of the marks you left on my back took hours to heal.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Marcus. Let me go, now.” Her voice was no longer quiet. “Let’s play it this way, Cassandra. I want to control tonight’s action. I alone will be providing the pleasure. You will receive it.” He stared into her eyes. As scary as being tied up was, of not being in control, she liked the thrill it gave her. He must have seen the look because Marcus smiled at her and said, “Let me, Cassandra.” He didn’t wait for her answer as he placed his mouth on hers again. His hands covered her breasts, holding one in each hand. He kneaded her fleshy mounds, pushing them together. He lowered his head and ran his tongue down her neck and then outlined her breasts he pushed upward. He stabbed his tongue into the cleavage he made with her breasts and she felt warmth touching both of sides. His thumbs fanned over her nipples, rubbing them through the silky material. As they passed over, her nipples tightened more. Her pussy clenched with each passing. She heard herself making whimpering noises each time his hands moved. Marcus’ movement followed the material of her bodice, leaving wetness, bites that made her juices begin to flow. Marcus lifted his head and kissed Cassie again. His hands grabbed the front of the bodice like he was going to rip it from her body. “Don’t,” she said. “It’s the most beautiful outfit I’ve ever worn.” “I’m glad you like it, Cassandra. I’ll get you another one, but right now it’s in my way,” and he ripped the bodice open. Her breasts spilled out, exposing her. She looked at her breasts and back at Marcus. She knew her eyes told of the longing she felt. Marcus touched her breasts again, cupping them, bringing them together. He lowered his head, licking one nipple and then the other. Each strike of his tongue sent lashings of desire to her groin. Her body jumped when he pulled a nipple into his mouth and sucked it harder than before. Sizzling sensations ran through her veins. Cassie moved her body to rub against Marcus but he held himself out of her reach. She struggled with her hold and felt it tighten against her wrists. “Don’t struggle, Cassandra. Let this happen. Take what I give you.” She stopped struggling and let Marcus take over. He grabbed the open bodice and pulled again. Her gown ripped down to the hem, leaving her naked before him. Marcus 77

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stared at her body, drinking in the sight of her milky white skin, her lush breasts, the indents and curves of her hips. He ran his fingers over her body that was feather light. She felt herself squirming at his light touch. He squatted at her feet, caressing her legs and thighs. He moved his hands to her thighs and pushed her legs apart. Cassie watched Marcus as his eyes consumed her mound. She knew she was leaking, her juices running out; she could feel them on her thighs. Marcus looked up at Cassie and she saw flames of desire dance through his eyes. He did not move, just stared at her. She whispered one word: Please. That was all the prompting he needed. He moved his face into the juncture of her thighs, breathing in her scent. He rubbed his face against her hair and the moisture that gathered. The intimate contact had Cassie moving towards him, wanting more of this gentle touch. Marcus lifted one leg up to his shoulder, opening her for him. He moved closer and ran his tongue from her clit down to her pussy. She shuddered and held her breath. He did it again. Marcus stroked the inside of her inner thigh, running the length with his fingers and then he slid his fingers into her hole. She felt stuffed as more than one finger moved into her, stretching her. She was wet and he moved his fingers in and out with ease. His lips held her clit in his mouth, running his tongue back and forth. He let go and ran his chin and cheeks over her clit, causing her to jump at the roughness. Cassie felt another finger push its way into her, sliding in and out, filling her. Then she felt a finger pushing its way into her ass. There was no hesitation. She didn’t stop him, knowing the sensations it was going to give her. With fingers probing deep inside her, moving, flexing, Marcus licked and sucked on her clit. Cassie felt her body writhing around her, sensations taking over her. She didn’t control her body. Marcus did, causing the sensations, applying the pressure, setting the pace. Cassie hung on, hands high, body stretched and pulled. Marcus kept up the pace, moaning into her body that sent vibrations of electrical pulses through her. She was losing herself, her body, her mind. She was consumed by another being, a being she didn’t know but she welcomed. Her moans grew; a low growl coming from her throat, rising up from her womb. Cassie felt herself begin to crumble, the tightness in her body…the walls of her pussy begin to shake…quivering. Her body was ripping apart in slow burning pieces. Cassie raised her head, growling in a low voice that soon rose into a howl. She couldn’t 78

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stop the noise, couldn’t control her action. Marcus pushed her over the edge, nipping at her clit, teeth dragging over her sensitized skin. Her scream broke into the night, echoing the howling throughout the field. Marcus stepped away from Cassie, watching her body thrash about, her head thrown back. The sounds coming out of her mouth weren’t normal reactions to having an orgasm. He’d witnessed her coming several times last night, each one becoming more intense, more animalistic than the last. Her howl, rising in tone, sent shivers through his body, setting his cock on fire, wanting to drive him right into her. Watching her contort and twist, Marcus knew her coming was an all-body experience, one he’d never seen before. Cassie lifted her head to him and stared into his shadowy eyes and said, “Don’t leave me like this, Marcus.” She wasn’t finished, only temporary sated. “Fuck me, Marcus. I need you. I need it. Now!” Her last word was a command, a dark growl thrown at him. Marcus move towards Cassie, opening his pants and pulled his cock out. Touching himself, he felt a raw burning sensation run through him. He lifted Cassie up, putting his hands under her ass and slid inside her without hesitation. Cassie roared to life, thrusting back at Marcus, hard, pulsing, and squeezing her cunt against his cock. Marcus couldn’t hold off, not with the way she was reacting to him. Just touching her sent flickers of desire to every part of his body. He wasn’t controlling his body, Cassie was and she was going to milk him dry. He moved towards her throat, her voice screaming to the wind and he cut into her neck, sucking her blood to feed his soul. He held on, slamming into her wetness, her tightness. Driving in, sliding out, his seed pumped out of him coating Cassie’s pussy, marking her, as he should. Holding on as Cassie rode him, Marcus felt her body coming down. He felt her pulse slow down as he released his mouth; her breathing beginning to be normal again. He held her, feeling her regain control of herself. She laid her head against his chest, felt her pulse and breath become regular. She let out a shudder. “Oh, God. What are you doing to me?” she whispered. Marcus touched her wrists and she was let go. Cassie moved her arms around Marcus’ neck, hanging on. He moved them to the grassy fields and knelt down with her. He laid her on the soft grass, their bodies still attached. He ran his hand over her face, touching her neck. He leaned in and licked along her throat. 79

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“Go back to sleep, Cassandra,” Marcus said and Cassie saw his face turn misty and disappear as she lay on the grass, enveloped in warmth.

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Chapter Ten

Cassie woke and saw her clock flashing 8:43 AM. She was late, very late for work. Funny, but she didn’t seem to care. Where she would normally chastise herself for doing something wrong, this morning all she wanted to do was stay curled up under her warm covers and sleep. She rolled over slowly, feeling her body aching. Every part of her was sore, begging her to not move. She remembered going to sleep and having the sexiest dream about Marcus. That he’d tied her to a tree while he fucked her. That thought made her squeeze her thighs together, squeezing her clit. She felt jolts of excitement course through her body. Cassie moved her hand between her thighs and she felt just how wet she was. It must have been a really good dream. She then realized she was naked. She looked around the bed and then the room. Her outfit was lying on the chair. She didn’t remember taking it off. It had to have been a really, really good dream. Cassie made it to work by ten. She wore a skirt she wouldn’t normally wear because of Bert’s ‘suggestive comments’. Today she didn’t care. She walked to her desk to finish her article on the ‘Demon Worshiper’s’. As soon as she sat down, she heard Bert yelling for her. He had to have eyes in the back of his head. Cassie entered Bert’s office without knocking and sat in her usual chair. Bert didn’t look up at her when he said, “Where is Karl?” Cassie hadn’t noticed him when she came in but that didn’t mean anything. Her mind was on other things. “I don’t know where Karl is, Bert.” “Since you were both late, I assumed you decided to give him a few lessons outside of reporting,” Bert said, lifting his head with a smile. “You’re a pig. Do you know that, Bert?” God, he could be so disgusting. 81

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“Yes, I know. So why are you late? I got Karl’s excuse of too much partying with the fellow Goths. So what’s yours? Another late night getting screwed?” “Bert, I’ve never been late, so lay off. I overslept. Okay?” He wasn’t going to get the delicious details of the dream that made her late. “You overslept? I’m sure you did. Where’s my story on Mr. Devaux?” “Bert, don’t start. There is no story. Go look elsewhere.” “Why are you protecting him, Cass?” “I’m not protecting him, Bert. He shows up and then he leaves. I don’t even know what he does for a living. The only thing I know about him is that he attracts women like a magnet.” “Would you be on that list?” Bert stared at her, looking for her reaction. “Bert, lay off. Unless you give me some proof there is a story and no, your gut instinct isn’t enough, find someone else to get a story on Marcus. Otherwise, leave me alone.” “The lady doth protest too much.” “Don’t start quoting this early in the morning. What did you want?” These daily sessions with Bert could be fun but today he was hitting too close to home. “The Mayor’s daughter is missing,” Bert said, putting his editor’s face back on. “You’re joking, right?” she asked. “No. I may kid about a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them, Cass.” Bert looked at her and noticed her eyes widen. “What do you know?” Cassie stared at him, remembering seeing Belinda at the club, hanging on a man. Not just any man. Tane. Shit. “I saw her last night at the club. She was with a guy I met the other night.” “What’s his name?” Bert asked. “I only know him as Tane.” She paused. “Bert, the man she was with runs a tough crowd.” “What do you mean?” “I got jumped the other night, by some people who work for Tane.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, concerned. He may be a prick, but it was good to know he did care. “What was I supposed to say? Hey, everyone, I got beat up pretty bad but don’t have a bruise to show for it?” Her hands gestured towards her face. 82

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“When did it happen?” “Two nights ago.” Just remembering it made her shudder. “How did you get away unscathed?” Cassie paused. She had been hurt, bleeding but then Marcus came to her rescue and everything else paled in comparison. “Marcus showed up and they left.” “Ah, Marcus. So you are protecting him.” “Bert, what am I protecting him from? You? I barely know the guy.” So not true, Cassie thought. You know that man’s body better than your own. “Cassie, this is a hot story. I need more info. Find out what you can. Talk to this Marcus, see what he knows. Did Belinda leave with this guy, Tane?” Bert asked excitedly. Nothing like a story to get his blood pumped. “I think so. One minute Tane was talking to Marcus and the next he was gone. Marcus left almost immediately...” She stopped herself. He’d left because he said he had something to take care of. Was he involved with Tane? They seemed to hate each other. Could Belinda be the reason Marcus left so abruptly? Was she a game to him like he mentioned at the ball, someone used to anger a friend? Was Marcus working with Tane, even though he showed absolute displeasure every time she saw them together? Was Belinda in serious trouble? “Did Marcus go with them?” Cassie stared at Bert. How could she tell him that Marcus left just as quickly as Tane did? That he had something to do, something that didn’t include her but possibly Belinda? She didn’t know where he went or what he was doing. He had never shown up at her apartment as he promised. “I don’t know where Marcus went.” There, it wasn’t a lie, because he hadn’t told her. “Has anyone checked out a boyfriend or something? Maybe she just crashed somewhere.” Now she knew she was grasping at straws. “The police are checking all angles as we speak. I’m going to forward what you mentioned to the chief, Cass. It might give them a lead. They might want to talk to you.” Bert eyed her. “I hope you’ve told me everything, Cass. If anything happens to her and you know more than you’re telling, it’s going to get real bad.” The look of concern in his eyes had Cassie wondering if there wasn’t a real human being inside of his body. “I’ve told you all I know.” Cassie got up and walked out the door. 83

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At her desk, she called Parthenon’s, Archer’s business, hoping to get a hold of Marcus. She wasn’t sure what she was going to say. She just wanted him to say he had nothing to do with the Mayor’s daughter’s disappearance. She wanted him to confirm that he was a good man, a man she could trust. “Parthenon and Associates. How may I direct your call?” a voice asked. “This is Cassandra Hamilton from The Daily. I need to speak with Marcus Devaux. Is he available?” “Mr. Devaux is not available until after seven this evening. Can I leave a message for him?” the woman asked. Cassie left her work and home number and an urgent message to contact her immediately. There was nothing she could do but sit and wait. Several hours later Cassie managed to get one story completed and off to editing. She felt her mind and body working in slow motion. Her night filled with passion seemed to be overshadowed by her knowledge that Marcus was somehow connected with the disappearance of Belinda. What was she supposed to do with this knowledge? Should she tell the police? What if she was wrong? What if Marcus had been telling the truth? What was the truth? She was still having difficulty with what her grandmother told her. In fact, it was freaking her out. Since Marcus showed up, her world seemed to have tilted into the bizarre. Her grandmother losing all sense of reality bothered her just as much as the possibility that Marcus had harmed Belinda. Later as she sat and ate her lunch, looking out the window and wishing for an answer the mailroom clerk came sauntering by her desk. “Hi, Cassie,” Phillip said as he stopped at her desk. “I’ve got some mail for you.” He held out three letters for her, then turned and pulled out a small box and said, “You need to sign for this one.” Cassie looked at the box and signed where Phillip pointed to. Cassie said thanks as Phillip moved along to finish his mail delivery. She opened the letters and received two invitations to parties and a piece of junk mail that went into the garbage. She lifted the box, turning it over and noticed no return address. She looked around the office and noticed that everyone was busily working. She ripped off the tab and opening one side of the box. She reached in and pulled out something soft wrapped in tissue paper. She laid the item on her desk and 84

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lifted the paper off the article. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized she was staring at the gown she’d worn in her dream the night before. It’s not possible, she told herself. It was a dream. It wasn’t real. It had been her dream; she was the only one in it besides Marcus. How could the outfit that Marcus tore from her body last night be sitting on her desk right now? It didn’t make sense. He’d told her he’d get her another one and here it sat. That could only mean he’d really been there, in her dream. How was it possible? None of this is possible. Cassie sat, thinking about the dream. She remembered each visual detail: from the swaying flowers in the field to the dusk settling in on the horizon, to her silky gown and Marcus’ leather pants. To the tree holding her while Marcus ravaged her body. To her moans and groans that grew into howls of pleasure. Howls? This she didn’t get. What had possessed her to act in such a way? She knew she was vocal during sex with Marcus. She’d pleaded enough with him to fuck her, to take her. She knew sounds came out of her when she was climaxing. But never howls. She’d sounded like a wolf, in a field, overlooking the grounds, howling its claim of the land and all around her. She’d howled when Marcus bit her, when her body convulsed with an orgasm that overtook her. He bit her. She stared around the office, unsure if she’d spoken out loud and saw nobody looking back at her. Yes. He’d bitten her and it hadn’t been the first time. He’d bitten her their first night together. The memory of it seemed distant but she was so sure that he had. She remembered the blood on his lip, tasting it in her mouth as he kissed her. When he bit her, her body had flown higher. She’d felt herself convulse with the pain and pleasure when he grabbed her neck and clamped his teeth upon her. Yes, he had bitten her. Cassie moved her hand to touch her throat and knew this was the spot he’d kissed her in his most intimate way. What was he? Who was she? How did this happen? What was she supposed to do now? She didn’t know but maybe Nana did.

*** At dusk, Marcus entered Archer’s office. He was on the phone. Marcus took a seat in front of the desk, waiting for him to finish. When Archer placed the phone down, Marcus asked what Archer wanted. “Just a moment. I’m expecting someone.” 85

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Marcus normally was a patient man. But tonight, patience was not on his list of virtues. He wanted to find Cassandra. He’d left Cassandra and the bar in an attempt to find Tane and stop whatever madness he planned on pulling with Belinda. Marcus might not like the rules but he knew which ones not to disregard. When Archer, the master of this region gave an edict, you followed it or you paid the price. Marcus had put such edicts out on his own turf. All were to respect these rules as they visited anyone’s domain. The outer door opened and Davis walked in. Marcus looked up and saw Tane walk in behind him. He jumped to his feet, ready to rip Tane to shreds for disobeying a direct order from Archer. “Sit down, Marcus,” Archer said. “Don’t, Archer,” he said, pointing a finger at him. “This is between Tane and me.” Marcus knew his eyes were swirling greens and reds. His anger was heating up to a fury he wasn’t sure he could contain. “Marcus,” Archer said, putting a hand on Marcus’ arm, “I said sit. I told Tane to be here. We three need to talk. Tane, sit down.” Tane moved to the other chair and sat, glaring at Marcus. Marcus finally sat down. “Why am I here, Archer?” Tane asked. “I have a question to ask you both and you know I’ll know if you’re lying.” He looked from one man to the other. “Where is Belinda Martin?” Archer asked. “What are you talking about?” Marcus’ head swung towards Archer as if he’d been slapped. “The Mayor’s daughter is missing. She went to a club last night and people saw here there, with both of you. However, she never made it home after she left the club.” “Why don’t you ask Tane, since he left the club with her last night,” Marcus said, staring at Tane. “I don’t know where she is,” Tane said blankly. “Archer. You saw me with her at the ball. You told me to not fuck her and I didn’t. The only other time I’ve seen her is at the club with Tane, under his control,” Marcus said. Archer looked from Marcus to Tane. “Speak,” Archer told Tane. “True, she was with me and yes, I did some mind control. We did fuck, and by the way, Marcus, she wasn’t a virgin,” Tane said, winking at Marcus. He then said, “I 86

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didn’t take her. We just screwed around and I took her home. End of story.” Tane shrugged like the girl’s disappearance meant nothing to him. “Then where is she?” Marcus asked, accusing Tane. “Marcus, I don’t know. I took her home. What she did after that, I haven’t a clue.” “Why’d you do it? Why did you fuck her?” Marcus asked. Tane said nothing; he just sat smiling at Marcus. Marcus flew out of his chair and had his hand around Tane’s throat even before Tane saw him move. Marcus lifted Tane out of his chair and held him up with his arm. His fingers began crushing Tane’s wind pipe and Marcus saw him straining to breathe, to move. Marcus dug his fingers in deeper. “Marcus, don’t,” Archer yelled. “Put him down, Marcus, we need him.” Marcus looked at Archer, his friend, colleague and blood brother and saw the anger in his eyes. Marcus threw Tane down into the chair and he slumped down to the floor, clutching his throat, gasping for breath. “I should kill him now and save us all this trouble,” Marcus said to Archer “Agreed, but I can’t let you,” Archer replied. “I need him.” Tane pulled himself up into the chair, still catching his breath. He looked at Archer and said, “When I got word you wanted to speak with me, I thought you were going to give me my assignment. I don’t appreciate being accused.” His voice was calm but scratchy, anger apparent but controlled. Archer stared at Tane. “You will get your assignment when the Council gives you one.” Anger flowed around the room. “You’ve disobeyed an edict I made to protect the people in my city. Don’t think you won’t go unpunished.” “What are you going to do? Kill me?” Tane laughed. “I’m already dead, Archer. Close to five hundred years.” His eyes held an anger Marcus hadn’t seen before from Tane. Archer stared at Tane, and walked over to where he sat. He looked down his nose at Tane and said, “All it takes is one word from the Council and your five hundred years will be over.” Marcus could swear Tane’s face blanched. Archer had the power to take everything away from Tane, even his life. Marcus didn’t think Tane had believed it, until now, that is. 87

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Neither man said anything. They stared at each other, tension thick in the air. Marcus cut it. “Why did you change Jillian, Tane?” Tane broke away from Archer and stared at Marcus. His fear of Archer seemed to have resided, replaced by anger. “What does it matter, Marcus? It was a long time ago.” “It matters to me. I’ve done nothing to you--ever. I just want to know why you took the woman I loved away from me. Why you changed her, knowing my plans for our future. Why?” Old memories crashed on Marcus like a wave. He had adored Jillian. He would have given her the world, anything, to make her happy and then Tane showed up, out of the blue, and that world he’d dreamt of died. “You left me, Marcus. That should be reason enough.” Tane’s brown eyes showed his anger of betrayal towards Marcus. “You left me for Jillian.” “You were jealous, so you took my woman? Is that what you’re telling me?” Marcus asked. Tane said nothing. Archer stared at the two men. He’d witnessed this problem for too many decades, not sure how to stop the anger each caused the other. Every time they were within eye distance of the other, tension flew, fights started. “I loved her, Tane,” Marcus said. Tane shot his head up, looking Marcus in the eyes and said, “I loved you. And you left me.” Marcus stared at his old friend, his ex-lover, his brother. A man he’d shared himself with, women with, a blood oath with. This man was in love with him. Not that it changed anything. His time with Tane was a mere moment in his life. Meeting Jillian changed that. He had wanted a new life with her. He’d loved Tane but had not been in love with him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” Marcus said. “How could you not know, Marcus? You were my world, my companion, and my friend. My equal.” Tane’s pain was evident, his face drawn, loss visible. Maybe he had known; maybe that’s why he left. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to leave because he wasn’t in love. Maybe that was why it was easier to be with Jillian because when he was with her, he felt whole. Very much like the feeling he felt with Cassandra. Ah, sweet, delicious Cassandra. He needed to find her. He rose. “Where do you think you’re going?” Archer asked “To find Cassandra,” Marcus said. 88

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“We’re not done here. Sit down.”

*** “Nana, where are you?” Cassandra said, walking into her grandmother’s house. “I’m out back,” Nana called to her. Cassie walked out to the sunroom where Nana was watering her plants. She looked up as Cassie came into the room. “What’s the matter, Cassie?” She stopped pouring water and looked at Cassie. “What’s happened?” “What do you know about Marcus Devaux?” Nana put the water can down and sat in the closest chair. Cassie’s questions meant something was happening and the more Cassie knew, the better she could make decisions. Maybe she was ready to accept the truth, and her fate. “I know he works with Archer Parthenopolis. They’ve been friends for years. He shows up in the city every so often. He’s a businessman in Europe. I think, if I recall, he owns a shipping company and a few other things. Rumor has it that he’s actually a very wealthy man and I’m not just talking millions. From the picture I’ve seen, he’s also a very handsome man.” Nana looked at Cassie’s face, looking for some sign that what she said is what Cassie was looking for. “What is Marcus, Nana? Can he call this ‘beast’ you say I have in me?” Nana put her arms around herself and looked out the windows. The moment of truth was here and she found it more difficult that she could have imagined. “There was a rumor,” she began, “about a group of vampires living amongst us.” “Vampires?” Cassie laughed. “Oh, this is rich. First it was werewolves and now its vampires. What’s next? The Creature from the Black Lagoon?” She saw her grandmother’s look and said, “I’m sorry.” “It is the truth. I have friends who know several in our community. The master is Archer Parthenopolis. He controls all activity within our area. All vampires are accountable to him.” “So we’ve not only got werewolves, we’ve got vampires.” She shook her head. The day just kept getting better and better. “Yes, there is the pack and there are the vampires. Two unnatural beings living side by side. Until recently, neither group had anything to do with the other. But times are changing. The two groups are talking.” 89

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“Why are they talking now? What’s changed?” Cassie asked. “I don’t know. However, the feeling of the group is that there is a danger heading our way. What, I don’t know, but the two groups are now banding together.” Cassie said nothing, letting the words float around her mind. Werewolves. Vampires. Archer, possibly. But Marcus? “Nana, is Marcus a vampire?” She waited while her grandmother mulled over the question, looking at her granddaughter. “I was once told there is a vampire who could call the wolves. It was his animal of choice. No one believed it; thought it was a rumor the pack made up to keep us in line. But knowing what I know about you and that your mark is being called, knowing the way the pack is acting lately, I’d say yes, Marcus is a vampire. A vampire that can call the wolf.” If any of this was true, Cassie was in deep trouble. If the mark was real, she would turn into a wolf, calling her beast. If Marcus took her blood, she’d turn into a vampire. If a danger was coming, where did she fit in and why her? Why now? “I’ve been bitten twice by Marcus, Nana,” she said, looking at her grandmother’s smooth, youthful face. “What happens to me now?” Nana looked away, seeing the darkness envelope her back yard, blackness seeping out of the forests. She turned back to Cassie, a tear running down her face. She shook her head. “I don’t know, Cassie. I just don’t know.” Her grandmother got up and walked over to her. She closed her arms around her granddaughter, holding her tightly. “But Henry will know.” “Nana, somebody’s kidnapped the Mayor’s daughter and I think Marcus may be involved.”

*** Washington, D. C. Higgins Dock Yard Even though it had been over fifty years, the city hadn’t changed much in his absence. Politics and lies were floating in the air along with the fresh scent of blood. Valderick stared out at the Potomac River, flowing silently against the shore. Bodies bobbed along the shore were he’d thrown them when he was done drinking their 90

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blood. His thrall did a better job providing his meal tonight. He’d get them to dispose the bodies soon. A group of tourists, lost in the wrong part of town, were now lost forever. With cameras strapped around their necks, so caught up seeing the sights the city presented they hadn’t seen their attackers come. The warehouse, his new home and base, loomed in the background. One body moved south, taken by the water out to the Atlantic. It would be days before anyone realized that they were missing. A great wave of satisfaction swept over him. He stood on the eve of a great victory. Soon he would rule this city and country and then…well who knew how far he could go. He had followed the plan the Dark Emissary had laid out. On the pretext of having important information concerning the Circle of Darkness’ plot, he had lured the Elder Quirinus to his lair in Oradea. As Quirinus pored over the documents the Emissary had provided, Valderick struck. The Dark Circle’s rune blade had pierced through the Elder with ease. To Valderick’s surprise, it was over in seconds. He had killed an Elder! Overcome with pride, he sought the Elders throat to taste the still pulsating blood. As he sucked, power surged through him…he felt his strength and his awareness grow. With his new power, his ambition had grown as well. Why should he wait to rule with the Circle of Darkness when he could rule on his own? Acting quickly, he had abandoned his lands and with his retainers headed west. He had also gained knowledge in drinking the Elder’s blood. Knowledge of another vampire, one with two marks. By taking him, he would gain even more power and then he would implement the plan to achieve his ambitions. A sob brought him back from his reverie. His guest sat in a solitary room, scared, frightened. She should be. She’d slept with his enemy, that slut. He’d get the information he needed from her and then he’d kill her…slowly…painfully…exquisitely… or maybe he’d keep her. That should shake this town and the man who was supposed to protect it… from things like him.

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Chapter Eleven

“Sit down, Marcus. You two still have some things to get settled,” Archer said, sitting down into the leather chair behind his desk. Marcus sat, not because he wanted to but because Archer was right. “Why did your men attack Cassandra the other night?” Marcus asked. “What did you say?” Archer asked. “Tane had Stefan hunt down Cassandra two nights ago and when she wouldn’t go willingly, Stefan started smacking her around. Isn’t that right, Tane?” he said, staring at his old lover. “It hurts to lose something you love, something you want, doesn’t it, Marcus?” Tane responded, anger searing from his mouth. Marcus got up and stood in front of Tane. “Is this how it’s going to continue? That every time I meet someone I want, you’re going to step in, change them, take them, to hurt me because I left you?” “This will continue until I’ve decided you’ve been punished enough for what you did.” “And just what was it that I did, Tane? Not love you? Tane, we can’t help who we love,” Marcus said. Tane looked at Marcus. “You’re right. We can’t help who we love.” Marcus knew the anger Tane felt wasn’t going to die. He’d hold this grudge forever. Marcus looked at Archer. “I’ve got to go find Cassandra, Archer.” “Not now, Marcus. I’ll have someone check on her. We’ve got a meeting with The Brotherhood. It’s time to get everything on the table.” The door to the library opened and Pieter and Ian walked in. “The others are coming,” Pieter said, taking a seat on the leather couch. 92

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“This better be quick,” Tyler said, flying through the door. “I’ve got a date with Misha tonight, and that is one lady I do not want to keep waiting.” His smiled held his excitement of the upcoming events. Archers face was blank, serious. “Sit,” he commanded to his seven brothers.

*** “Henry?” a soft voice asked over the phone. “Yes?” he answered. “It’s Mira.” Mira. Just the sound of her voice brought a caress to his body, remembering the sweetness of her flesh, the rush of her kisses, and the ecstasy of her love. And then pain. “Mira. It’s been a long time,” Henry said. “I know.” Her voice was quiet, unsure. “What an honor to have you call.” He tried despite his efforts to keep sarcasm out of his voice. After twenty years, he still felt the pain slice through him as if it had been yesterday when she told him to leave, to never come back. He’d pleaded with her, begged her to not sever the relationship, that they would find a way to work it all out. He never meant to harm anyone, least of all Mira. But all his words, his words of love and devotion, wouldn’t persuade Mira. She sent him away and all he’d done was protect her granddaughter, a girl he loved as if she were his own. His heart broke, lost without Mira. He’d found a home with her, a life, a love he hadn’t had before or since. “I need help, Henry,” her voice wavered, getting the words out. He heard nervousness, an uneasy tone. Something wasn’t right for her to call after all this time. Something forcing her to break a promise she’d made to herself all those years ago to never see him again. “What is it, honey? Tell me.” The words slipped out, so easy to remember the past, and the best time of his life. “It’s about Cassandra, Henry.” She paused and he waited for her to find a way to tell him. “She’s changing.” Henry felt his stomach lurch, like he was going to be sick. His greatest fear, the reason why he was sent away, was a reality. Mira had sworn she loved him but he needed to go. For Cassie’s sake, she said. Walking away knowing he’d caused the pain, and perhaps infected her despite being done to save a life, tore at his soul. And the worse 93

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part, the part he hadn’t thought of when he latched onto her arm, his teeth cutting into her small and skinny child’s arm and tasted her blood. Teeth that could have snapped her arm in two, pulling her away from the well, dragging her to safety. The worse part was that he transferred what he was to her, that in securing her safety, he doomed her to a life she couldn’t even begin to imagine. It wasn’t done out of passion, like Mira, but out of love for the child’s safety. And now she was changing. Why? If she was really infected, she should have changed earlier, he thought, before now. All reports of bites indicated that the changes happened much earlier in life, usually prior to adulthood. Why now? Cassie was almost twenty-eight. Too old for a change to start and Henry hadn’t felt it. That frightened him even more. “I’m sorry, Mira.” She heard him sigh. She knew he was sorry, that he’d never meant to hurt Cassie, never meant for this to happen. “I’ve got a meeting I cannot get out of. I’ll come after. I’ll come see you.” “We’ll be waiting, Henry,” Mira said. Henry’s heart felt a small shimmer of hope. Maybe he could right the wrong he’d done.

*** “I’m sure you all have been wondering why the Council would call us all together,” Archer said, seeing several heads nodding. “It’s time to discuss what has happened, is happening and is going to happen.” Archer stared at each of the vampires that comprised his group. Vampires bound by a blood that flowed through their veins. Each owed the other, in some form or fashion. Each would shed blood for the other, picking up the pieces, mending the vampire, body and soul and move on. The council had chosen these men for their loyalty, their fidelity to the group. The Elders of the Council possessed gifts, skills, not normally seen on this natural earth. Older than time, these members had skills unknown to man and vampires, knowledge long lost when ancient cities and empires died. These Elders were the keepers of the old, directed the new and maintained the balance of the world. Who they were, very few knew. Hidden from all, they sought you out, not the other way around. The men around the room had met the Elders. Individually, they were brought before the Council and questioned, put through tests of endurance, skill, loyalty. These 94

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eight survived, drawing on the others for strength, power, and ability. The Council nurtured their bond, their tie to each other. They cultivated it. They used it. Archer, Marcus and the others served as the executors and enforcers of the Council’s will. They ruthlessly and efficiently implemented the Council’s policies and plans. At times, those plans were mysterious and their ends indeterminate. Neither quality prevented the eight from carrying them out without question or hesitation. Either would have meant a short, painful end to their power and indeed their undead existence. Tonight, they would exploit it to its limits. Never had all eight been in one location, drawing off of a power of unknown origin. “Each of you has done something in your past, something that tied you to the others in this room,” Archer said, watching his men stare at each other. “That tie gave you a power you didn’t have before. Feel the air in this room. It is teeming, exploding, trying to escape. It’s almost too dangerous to have us this close to each other.” “Is it dangerous?” Ian asked. “It can be…if used for the wrong things.” These eight could raze the world in a matter of weeks if they chose. The eight of them could destroy each other, if they wanted to. Their bond was designed to prevent such things happening but nothing was ever foolproof. “The Council has brought us together because we have a rogue vampire.” Archer saw several heads turn in his direction. No, they wouldn’t know these things. The Council gave gifts of insight but could also block out information if they wanted. Frustrated at times, Archer had learned to take what the Council gave and dig for what they neglected to tell him. “I believe you all know the name Valderick.” All nodded. “I believe some of you knew him personally,” he said, staring straight at Tane. Tane looked at Archer, a questioning look in his eyes. Archer’s face turned to look at Marcus, who nodded. When Tane and Marcus were together, they had met Valderick in Istanbul. That had been well over three hundred years ago when it was still called Constantinople. They saved Valderick from a mob determined to kill him for defiling a farmer’s daughter. Their time together was brief, almost uncivil. Both men wanted away from Valderick. Evil permeated throughout his whole being. “You may also know that the Council gave him the Slavic provinces to watch over. He wasn’t happy with their choice. He wanted a region, here in this country. In 95

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fact, he wanted this nation’s capital, where we sit today. The Council denied his request and off to Bucharest he went.” “But that was over a hundred years ago, Archer. Why is he acting up now?” Lucas asked. “Good question. I don’t know but we can’t let it interfere with the Council’s plan. They are making some changes that he doesn’t like…major changes, in fact.” “What kind of changes?” Darius asked. Archer looked around again. “The Council has expanded its reaches. It will soon include all unnatural beings. Not just vampires, but shape shifters of every form, and anything else that hasn’t been named yet or discovered.” “When did this come about, Archer?” Marcus demanded. “It was finalized about two weeks ago. Parties from each of these clans, groups, met and decided we needed to present a unified front.” “That doesn’t sound good, Archer. A front for what?” Pieter asked. “Are we starting a war?” “Not a war, Pieter. A union.” Archer paused. “A union with the undead and selected humans.” None of the eight said anything for a while, muddling over what Archer said. “So,” Tyler jumped in, smiling as usual, “we’re coming out of the closet, is that it?” He was actually laughing. “Yes,” Archer laughed, thinking of the words. “We are letting some of the world know we exist.” “You’ve got to be fucking joking, Archer. This is insanity. We could all be killed,” Tane said. “Possibly,” he shrugged, “but I doubt it. The Elders, which you have met, seem to know more than they are saying. I don’t trust a lot of people but I’ll be honest, I do trust them. Besides, what choice do we have? Does anyone want to challenge their decision?” All looked at their feet or a corner of the room. Only Tane made as if to speak…but then thought better of it. To challenge the Elders was to sign one’s own death warrant. “What about Valderick? Where does he fit in this picture?” Marcus asked.

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“All I know is he wants control here, in the U.S. What he’s always wanted is power. To be honest, this couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Elders. He could upset their entire plan for the future.” “So, what’s one master? There are eight sitting in this room. It should be a walk in the park,” Ian mentioned. “Let’s go find the bastard.” “We don’t need to find him. He’s here in the city. He’ll let us know when he’s ready to talk.” Archer knew exactly where he was. This city was his. He knew everything that went on here. “So, why are the eight of us here? Why eight masters?” Darius asked. Archer let out a sigh. “Valderick killed an Elder about two months ago.” All eyes looked at Archer. Everyone appeared to be in shock. They hadn’t heard of an Elder who went down. The Elders were the strongest of their kind. “Nobody is exactly sure how it happened. But he was able to pull this Elder’s power into his own.” “Why didn’t the Council kill him then?” Pieter asked, still not believing what he’d heard. “My guess is they wanted to see what would happen. Now they’ve seen it. A vampire like Valderick doesn’t use his powers for good. He’s gone on a rampage, killing lesser masters, making their lieutenants and thralls his. The Council no longer knows how much power he has. That is why we are here.” “What do we do now?” Lucas asked. “We…” Archer began as a knock rapped on the library door. Archer gave permission to enter. Martine stepped inside. “My Lord,” she said, “the pack is here.” “Are the other representatives here also?” Archer asked. “Yes, my Lord. They are waiting in the salon.” “Thank you, Martine. We’ll be out in a moment.” Martine left, closing the door quietly. “The pack is here? Why? We don’t need them to deal with vampire issues,” Lucas said. “True, but they were called,” Archer pointed out. “By whom?” Ian asked. Archer turned his head and stared, “By Marcus,” he said, looking into the black depths of Marcus’ eyes. “Unconsciously, he’s been calling them since he stepped off the 97

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plane two weeks ago.” The other six heads turned and looked at the man who could call the wolf. Marcus stood alone with Archer. The others Archer dismissed, telling them to mingle with the guests. “Why wasn’t I told, Archer? How could the Council keep a secret like this from me?” Marcus’ voice held some anger, frustration at the Council’s deliberate ruse to keep knowledge hidden. “Marcus, you know my answer. They only allow what they feel we need to know.” “How long have you known?” he asked. “When you arrived, the air changed. I could feel movement from the pack. You’re being here allowed me to feel them. I asked what gift you were given and I was told to just feel. I then knew you could call the wolf, Marcus.” He paused, touching Marcus lightly on the shoulder. “If I could have told you I would have, Marcus. Believe that. I do not like having secrets from you.” “Your secrets give you a lot of power, Archer. You can’t tell me you don’t like having the power.” “Along with the power comes great responsibility and sometimes regret, Marcus.” “What regret do you have? You lead the eight of us. You have the Council’s ear on everything. What regret do you have?” Marcus asked. “Regret that I might be too late in sharing the information or that by sharing, a decision will be made and someone will get hurt.” “Will this information hurt me somehow, Archer?” “Not even the Elders can foretell the future, Marcus. I can only pray this information helps you. Come. Let’s meet this pack that you’ve called. They are anxious to meet the man who possesses such ability.” “What about Cassandra, Archer?” “What do you mean?” “Archer…” he paused, “…I’ve marked her.” Marcus paused again. He waited for Archer to reply but he kept quiet. “I’ve marked her twice.”

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“I see you’ve taken your job of protection quite literally, Marcus,” he said, dryly. “Come. Some things will sort themselves out without any intervention.” They walked towards the door. “Go see Cassandra later, Marcus. Let her know how you feel.” The comment stopped Marcus in his tracks. “How I feel?” he asked. Archer laughed as he walked out of the room.

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Chapter Twelve

“Cassie, stay. Henry will be here soon and we can talk to him.” “Nana, I can’t. I’m restless. I’ve got to go, do something.” Cassie paced her grandmother’s kitchen “You speak to Henry, and then call me.” “Cass, he needs to hear it from you. Just sit and I’ll make you some tea to calm you down.” Cassie couldn’t stay. She felt her body being pulled back to the city, her mind telling her to go find Marcus. Her urge to run to him had been quiet all day until an hour ago when she felt something take over her, pushing her towards the door. She’d paced, thinking it was nerves about meeting Henry again. But the more she paced, the more agitated she become. She needed to leave, to close the distance between her and Marcus. To close the gap of her heart and mind with his, to feel his hands touching her body, to take her body and give it to Marcus. To taste the blood on his lips, her blood he’d taken from her. Blood she now wanted him to take. She grabbed her purse. “I have to go,” she said, rushing out of the house. She heard Nana say, “Cassie, wait.” Over her shoulder, close to the car, she yelled, “I can’t. He calls to me,” and she drove off in her car.

*** Marcus felt Cassie’s movements as he walked into the salon to meet the ‘pack’. He felt her distress, her confusion, her frustration. He needed to see her, to comfort her, to help her. He would do anything to take away the confusion she was feeling. Archer had been right. He wanted her. Not just sexually, but her. She pulled him in, fed his body and his soul. He found every waking moment filled with thoughts of her, wanting to be with her, sharing this life. Get through the meeting, Marcus. Then see her and tell her. 100

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“Marcus,” Archer said, “I’d like you to meet Henry Warren, Ulfric of the Fenri Ullr clan.” Marcus held out his hand and a large man, close to two hundred pounds of muscle, with eyes as brown as dirt and hair matching, closed his hand around Marcus’. “Henry is their leader, their master. It is his people you called.” “Henry,” Marcus said. The man before him stood almost as tall as Marcus, certainly bigger everywhere else. Henry’s short brown hair fell across his forehead, covering an eye. It made him appear younger than he probably was. He looked around thirty-five but his eyes, his eyes said that he was much older, wiser than his boyish looks said. He had shoulders like a linebacker and arms that looked like tree trunks. Marcus knew this man was a force to be reckoned with both physically and mentally and that he took his job seriously. “It is an honor to meet you, Ulfric of the Fenri Ullr.” Henry eyed Marcus, his dark looks menacing behind his even darker eyes. Their handshake caused a tremble within both men. The unwavering look they gave each other spoke volumes. Both might be in a situation they couldn’t control, but it didn’t mean they had to like it. “If you bring hurt or harm my people, I will kill you,” Henry said. Marcus eyed his newest ally and knew he didn’t want him as an enemy. “I would expect nothing less, Ulfric. You are their leader. I respect that.” Marcus meant every word. Henry turned and waved his hand. Several men, almost as large as Henry, stepped forward. “This is Xavier, my lieutenant. When I am unavailable, call him. Maxim is next in line,” Henry said. Marcus shook both men’s hands. “This,” he said, holding the shoulder of another man, no less in size but younger in age, “this is Dominick. He will be your eyes during the day. He is young, but he is good. He fought many to win this honor.” Marcus eyed Dominick. He was much younger than Henry but possibly bigger, looking at both of them standing together. Marcus wondered how such large men could become even deadlier in wolf form. He hoped he wouldn’t have to find out. Marcus held out his hand. “Dominick, it is an honor.” The young man smiled. “Sir, it is I who is honored.” Shyly, he dropped his head in a slight bow. Marcus asked, “Your lupa? Is she present?” Marcus felt it was best to meet all for approval. 101

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“I don’t have one, yet,” Henry said. “Hopefully tonight that will change.” He smiled slightly. “And you, where is your mate?” “Like you, I am currently working on that,” Marcus said smiling in return, hoping he wasn’t making a mistake, like the one he’d made with Jillian.

*** Archer walked across the room, the Mayor, Police Commissioner and several city representatives following him. Both the vampires and the wolves circled around them. “It is time, everyone. The Council has spoken,” Archer said. “What are they doing here?” Tane asked, pointing at the humans. “These men and women know of us, Tane. They know what we are. They are going to help us…what was the saying, Tyler? ‘Come out of the closet’? But first, we must discuss the disappearance of Belinda Martin. It may be the case that this affair is linked to the activities we discussed earlier. Commissioner?” He gestured toward the policeman. “What we know so far is that Belinda went to a club last night where she was seen with this man,” he said, pointing to Tane. “Mr. Tane has an alibi for last night.” Marcus looked at Tane and saw him nod at the Commissioner. “Belinda was dropped off at home, which her father will verify around 12:30 A.M. When the household woke up, she was not in her room, nor did it appear she slept in her bed.” “What else?” Ian asked. “There was no sign of struggle, no forced entry. The house was protected with security alarms; however, her window was bypassed. Again, confirmed by the Mayor, because he set the alarm.” The Mayor nodded, his face filled with regret for allowing fresh air to forgo his daughter’s safety. “Talking with Mr. Parthenopolis and Mr. Warren,” the Commissioner said, pointing to Archer and Henry, “we know that no one within your circles took her. We are not ruling out any humans and have policemen currently working the case. However, our concern is your newest visitor. A Mr. Valderick, which my men can’t seem to locate as of yet.” “You told them about Valderick?” Pieter asked. Archer nodded. “Valderick, if he has Belinda, will not harm her,” Archer said. 102

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“How can you be so sure, Archer? We are talking about my daughter,” the Mayor said, his voice close to cracking. “Mayor, he needs her. As leverage against us. We will get her back. We just need to be patient.” Archer, forever calm in the worst of situations. “You better be right, Archer, or I will take action on my own,” the Mayor shot at Archer. Archer nodded at the threat, knowing he could move so quickly, the Mayor would never see his throat torn out until his soul stared at him from above. Archer let him have his moment of veiled superiority. There. The moment was gone as soon as the words hit the air. “Mayor, we will find her. She will be safe,” Archer said. “And we will help, Mayor,” Henry said. “My pack will check places your men probably don’t know even exist.” The Mayor nodded at Henry and then looked back at Archer. He nodded to him as well. There didn’t seem to be any more to say. Until the twin problems of Belinda’s disappearance and Valderick’s activities were solved, there could be no further progress on fostering the Elder’s idea of a unified front. The Mayor and his entourage moved off to talk with Henry, discussing some courses of action and locations to look. Archer’s men mingled with the wolves, each warming up to the other. Tyler and Pieter had disappeared, preferring the warmth of Misha and Sasha to those of the men in the room. Marcus spoke with Dominick, learning more about his human eyes. He broke away and approached Archer. “I must go,” he said. Archer nodded. As Marcus turned to go, he heard Archer say, “Third times a charm, Marcus. Don’t hesitate this time.” Damn you, Marcus thought, leaving the mansion.

*** Secured behind closed doors, Cassie paced. She left her grandmother’s, speeding towards the city. She tried calling Marcus several times, getting a recorded message that Parthenon and Associates was closed and to please call back during business hours. She didn’t know where Marcus was living and didn’t want to be outside, at night, alone. Not after what happened the other night with Tane’s goons. She drove home as quickly as she could, almost rear-ending an older couple taking in the sights. Locked in her apartment, she couldn’t seem to calm herself down. She had to know if Marcus was involved with Tane and if he was linked to Belinda’s 103

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kidnapping. The thought seemed ludicrous, funny actually. Marcus may be scary, even threatening with his size, but she knew he wouldn’t do this. Deep in her heart, she knew she could never love a man who would do such a thing. Love? Where had that come from? She barely knew the man, and yet she did love him. Cassie felt she knew him better than any person she’d known in her life. How could she love him? She’s just met him. A man, who bit her, took her blood and showed her physical pleasure she’d never even known was possible. She couldn’t possibly be in love. But she knew she was. She chose a shower to help her relax, and then put on the gown he had sent her that afternoon. The soft silk washed over her body, stroking her. The memories of the previous night’s dream floated through her mind. Her nipples tightened, rubbing against the silk like soft caresses of fingertips. The bodice held her breasts firmly, the skirt flowing around her legs and hips as she walked into the kitchen. She was famished, having not eaten since lunch. A sudden knock on the door made her jump. She walked quickly, hoping behind the door Marcus would be standing there. She peered through her peephole, seeing his face shadowed by his hair. She quickly unlatched the locks and opened the door. Marcus lifted his head, seeing Cassie standing in the gown he’d sent. She looked ethereal, angelic, soft, and beautiful. “You came,” she said softly, her chest tightening in anticipation. “Nothing could stop me,” he said, walking forward. Cassie closed the door as he touched her face with his hands and held her to his lips. “You look just as beautiful as I imagined,” he murmured as his lips scorched hers. He ran kisses up her face, lightly placing them on her eyes, her nose and back to her lips where he plundered inside. Deep, hard, tasting each part of her mouth, his tongue tangling with hers. Their breaths quickened. “At least I wasn’t getting beaten up this time,” she said with a small giggle, breaking their kiss. He ran his fingers over her face, tracing the soft skin that had been bruised and bloody days before. Tonight, her pale, translucent sheen showed no signs of her battle. Her lips blushed red from his kisses, her eyes sparkling as he ran his thumb across her 104

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lips. Her tongue darted out, testing the salty taste that lingered there. They both stared into each other’s eyes, their lust, desire playing tricks, telling each of the want they felt. “Marcus…” she whispered at the same time when he said, “Cassie…” “I have something to tell you,” Marcus started. “Is it about the Mayor’s daughter?” she asked. “How did you know?” he asked. She was a reporter, idiot. Of course she knew. But that wasn’t what he wanted to talk about. “Did you have anything to do with her disappearance?” she asked, standing away from him. “How could you ask me that, Cassandra?” “I saw you and Tane with her last night, Marcus. I have every right to ask this.” “You think I had something to do with her disappearance? Because I was near her? Because you caught me in a game where she was the bait the other night? Is that why?” he asked, not believing she’d ask such a question. “No,” she said. Having him in front of her, seeing the look of pain, betrayal in his eyes, she knew he had done nothing wrong. “No, I know you didn’t…but I had to ask.” “I have never harmed a woman in my life, Cassandra. Never.” His voice was hard, cutting. Cassie felt instantly afraid, his words slicing through her. “I’ve never hurt you and I never will,” he said, softer, gentler. “No. You’ve never hurt me.” She smiled shyly thinking of the things he had done to her. There may have been some pain but the pleasure overrode every bit of pain. Marcus let out a sigh, running his hand through in his. It swept around his face, falling back to his shoulders. “Did Tane do something to her?” she asked. She needed to know if the man who said she was his had taken his anger out on another. She couldn’t stand to be the cause of such pain. “No, he didn’t. I have proof which I am not allowed to share, but he wasn’t involved.” Cassie felt her shoulder relax, her tension floating away. Relief. “Thank you,” she said. “For what?” Marcus asked. “For telling me. I know you don’t do it easily. You normally ignore my questions. Thank you for answering them tonight.” 105

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This made Marcus grin and then laugh. “I find I want to tell you everything, every secret I have, Cassandra. I don’t know what you’ve done to me.” “Then let me show you what you’ve done to me,” she said, her hand reaching behind her. He saw a tie in hand as she pulled her arm away from her body and the gown loosened from her skin. She crossed her arms across her body and took the straps down from her shoulders, her breasts springing free of the bodice. The gown fell loosely around her hips and dropped to the floor, presenting a very naked Cassie. Her eyes glued to Marcus’ face, she saw him drink her in, take his fill of her body, the curves of her hips, her breasts firm, nipples pointing out at him. She felt her body blushing, a heat rising from his gaze. Instantly, she felt him pull her away from herself, into him, always to him, pulling her beast, her hunger, her want. Cassie dropped to the floor, on her hands and knees. She moved slowly across the hardwood floor, her hands and legs moving like an animal, slinking towards its prey. She stopped in front of him and looked up at the man who stole her breath away. She could see his erection pressing against the front of his worn jeans, pushing to get out. She lowered her head, rubbing her face against his thigh, like a cat waiting to be petted. She felt the hard muscles of thigh contract at her touch, felt his body shudder as she turned her head the other way, still rubbing, feeling. Up his thigh and down, she moved to the inside of his legs, rubbing, smelling, and licking her lips. The crown of her head rubbed against his groin and she lifted her face, her cheeks rubbing the hardness held between his legs. She rubbed up one side and down the other. She felt his cock stir, become harder, bigger. Marcus took his jacket off and threw it. He pulled his shirt over his head, baring his chest to her. She stared up from his hip, looking at sculptured planes of hard muscles that sang as they moved. Her tongue darted out, tasting his belly, running over the tattoo that climbed out of his jeans. Marcus’ sharp breath escaped, a moan coming. He pushed his body into her, feeling her tongue wash him, her hair leaving silky caresses against his skin. He reached between them, unbuttoning the first button of his jeans, exposing more skin. Cassie stared up at him, watching his eyes blazing with desire. Another button popped. His movement was slow, deliberate. She felt her mouth watering, wanting the taste of him inside her mouth, washing over her tongue, down her throat. 106

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Again, another pop and she stared at him, seeing his cock spill out of his jeans, striking a pose for her. She leaned forward, seeing the hard head a deep purplish shade, felt the blood flowing through him. Her tongue darted out, swiping the tip and he let out a moan. Again, another button and then his fly lay fully opened, for her tongue, her hands, and her mouth. She put her hand around him, holding him with her fist, feeling his hard length. She held him while her tongue traced lines up one side of him and down the other. She felt him pull at her, telling her to take more. Her mouth closed around him, taking as much as she could into her mouth. She felt hardness hit the back of her throat and slide back out. She moved again, sucking, feeling the soft, silkiness against her tongue. Out, she held him as she licked the juice spilling from the top, running her tongue along his small slit. In, she pulled him, sucking, running her tongue around his cock, feeling him stir against her tongue. Her hand found his balls, soft skin but hard, ready to explode. She held them firm, grazing her nails over the skin, feeling him shake as she did. She lifted her head and ran her tongue from the base of his cock up the middle of his belly, tracing the lines of his tattoo, leaving wetness, soft kisses along the colored curls and lines. Back down, she ran her tongue around the base, lower, tasting his firm sacks and sucking them into her mouth. Something so soft, so powerful glossed over her. She nipped lightly, felt him jump. She let go and went back towards his cock when Marcus lifted her up by her arms. “Enough,” he said, his voice shaking as much as his body, as he nestled her body into his, her pussy against his cock, her heat against his. He turned with her and pushed her back against the door, lifting her thighs and placed the head of his cock at her entrance. His hand moved from under her thigh, touching her wetness, running a finger along her slit, rubbing her moisture around her lips to her anus. Cassie shuddered at his touch, wanting to feel his fingers all over her body. In her, on her, and probing all her holes, digging into her body, pulling her out of herself. She moved at his touch, pushing herself onto his hand, wanting his fingers inside of her. He slid them in and spread them out, opening her. Cassie felt her pussy convulse, wanting more than his fingers. She moved against his hand, wanting to be spread open, wide open, to be taken. 107

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He pulled his hand away and then lifted her body onto his cock. At first touch inside, he stopped, staring into her eyes. His passion flowed from every pore of his body, marking her. Cassie felt her body shifting inside, changing, expanding, and stretching to escape from her skin. Trying to crawl from the inside out. Marcus pushed inside, filling the tightness with his hardness, the walls wet, slick, tight. Back out, he slid in again, less resistance, pushing against her thrashing body. She was being consumed whole; her head reared back, her breathing in pants, short breaths, her eyes squeezed tight. Again, she felt him slamming into her. She felt him graze the top of her womb, her sheath clamping around him. She gasped at each thrust, clawed at Marcus’ shoulders, pushed her pelvis at him as he moved. Lowering her head, she looked at Marcus, her green eyes flashing yellows, reds. He saw her mouth, open, gasping for breath and her teeth, two sharp points glaring out from under her top lip. Mother of Heaven, what had he done? Panic washed over him instantly. He froze. Cassie moved against him, riding his cock, pulling his body into hers. “Bite me,” she gasped. She had her eyes closed again. Her body squirmed against him to take every inch he had into her. “Bite me,” she said again, the tone in her voice changing from a request to a command. He couldn’t. He’d already lost control twice. A third time would mean her death. He couldn’t do this without telling her. He couldn’t make the choice for her. She had to consent. She had to want this. He knew he should tell her about the choices already made for her in the heat of passion. He couldn’t take what she hadn’t given freely. “No,” he said as her pussy squeezed his cock hard. He wanted her, wanted to finish loving her, to take her to new heights but he couldn’t bite her. Not again. “No,” he said again. Cassie leaned her head forward, kissing his chin, running her tongue along his jaw. She licked at his ear, felt Marcus moving against her again, tasting the side of his neck. She nipped him gently as he slammed his cock into her pussy again and she lunged forward, her teeth piercing his skin. Blood rolled onto her tongue and Cassie felt a wave of power wash over her. Marcus felt a sensation like none other he’d ever felt. A power coursed through his veins, boiling him, burning him. He squeezed Cassie’s ass tighter as he pulled her onto him more, driving his cock into her like a sledgehammer, over and over again. He 108

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felt her spasms racing through her, her body twisting about. He felt her muscles contort, writhe, distort. Her skin moved, misshapen, not her but her. Cassie moaned as she clung to his neck, tasting Marcus’ blood, feeling it pour down her throat. She felt his power rein over her, pull her, tug the line that separated her from him, felt the rope tighten between the two of them. She crawled inside of his body, his muscles hers, his shaking hers, his orgasm, theirs. She let go with a scream as she rode the climax they’d created, a power washing over them, stealing their breath away. Slumped against the door, Marcus couldn’t breathe, let alone stand. The wall held them up, allowing them to recover, to gain some semblance of what had just happened. When he found his voice, he asked, “What are you?” Cassie stared at him, her green eyes laced with gold. “I don’t know,” she whispered.

*** Marcus sat quietly in Archer’s library, dark red liquid swirling around his glass. The room was dark, streaks of moonlight painting the floor. He stared out the window, stars shining against the dark night. He’d left Cassandra after placing her in her bed. She’d protested, begging him to stay. He wanted to. He wanted to stay and curl up against her body, feel her warmth as she nestled into him. But he couldn’t. He needed to leave, to try and understand what was happening to him. He’d tucked her in, pulling the blankets up tight, her hair flaming red against the peach colored sheets. He sat with her, calming her. She thought she’d done something wrong. She didn’t want him to go. His mind heard her, his heart pounding, wanting to do as she asked. But he needed answers, ones she couldn’t give. He ran his hands over her hair, touched her face and the silky smoothness of her neck. He trailed his fingertips over her bare arm, rubbing gently until she fell asleep. He walked around the apartment, ensuring all her windows were locked and walked to the front door. He found her gown where she’d let it fall. He picked it up, remembering how beautiful she had looked in it. Marcus put on his shirt and then his leather blazer and let himself out of her apartment. The answers he hoped for didn’t come. He wasn’t even sure of the questions. All he knew was he loved Cassandra. As little and as much as he knew of her, he couldn’t 109

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get enough. She pulled at him, making him want. Not just sex, though making love, fucking, screwing, it all drove him insane with pleasure. He wanted her; to own her, possess her mind as well as her body. He’d never been with a woman who reacted to him in such a way. For most women, it was easy for him to walk away. It had just been sex. With Cassie, he wanted more than sex; he wanted all that was inside of her. He wanted the feelings she made him feel when he was near her, with her. She held a power over him. He couldn’t describe it but he felt it wash his skin like a breeze. When she asked to be bitten, his first question was how she had known. He thought he’d been careful to hide it, to ensure she didn’t know. But somehow she had. And she wanted more. He wanted to give it to her but could see she was out of her mind, delirious with pleasure. He thought it was her orgasm talking, not her. Remembering Jillian, he recalled his love for her. It was nothing like loving Cassandra. Jillian had been innocent, pure, and shy. Jillian would have done anything he wanted, he just needed to ask. He’d been devastated, hurt when Tane had taken her. He felt her betrayal burn through his body like a cross, marring his soul. He’d walked away from both of them, left them to deal with the mess they’d created between the two of them, one for love, the other for punishment. Jillian’s body lay still on the bed where Marcus found her, her body drained, dead. Tane sat in the chair by the fire, a cruel smile on his face. Marcus had been furious, words flying at Tane and then he lost it, beating his fists into the man who had taken Jillian from him. He had wanted to be her one and only. But Tane had beaten him. Tane who had no morals or scruples, damaged everything to get back at Marcus, even killing the woman Marcus loved. Tane said he loved Marcus but Marcus knew Tane didn’t love, couldn’t love. The only thing Tane could offer was his anger. Tane stood there, taking the pounding Marcus gave, taunting him, telling him how he took Jillian quickly and forcing her change too fast. Tane told Marcus that Jillian came to him, trying to understand Marcus and why he didn’t change her. In his sadistic manner, Tane told of how he took her, and how she tried to stop him, how she’d made a mistake, a mistake she regretted until her body died. Tane stood before Marcus, Jillian’s body lifeless behind him. He laughed at how easy it was to take her from Marcus. Marcus stood there, hearing Tane mock her, heard Tane tell him he didn’t love her, that she was a pawn in another one of his games. Marcus saw his world fall apart; his hopes died as Jillian’s body and life withered away. 110

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He’d heard later that Jillian stayed under Tane’s control, but never again shared his bed. He had beaten Marcus. He’d taken some sense of innocence from both Marcus and Jillian and destroyed it. As payback. And paid, they all did. Marcus, in the form of never getting close to another, and Jillian, in the form of seclusion, afraid of any kind of intimate contact. And now, he had a chance to have it all again. Cassandra was not Jillian. She was not innocent, pure, nor shy. Even though she knew nothing of him, his life, she wanted him, regardless, just him. Not Tane, whom she fought against. She feared Tane, which she should. No, she just wanted Marcus. And that scared him more, that she would want him, that she would want him to bite her. He had felt her body changing under his hands, a second body moving within. Her reactions to him were not simple, normal female desires. They paled in comparison to easy sex. They were in overdrive, overpowering her and pulling at him. And he became lost every time he kissed her, touched her, as she held him close, inside her. He forgot who he was, the pleasure of her touch wrapping him in silk and floating him across clouds. And all he needed to do was bite one more time. She’d be his to call. She’d answer to him; do as he asked, just because he asked. He wanted her more than the next night to fall, the next drop of blood to touch his lips. He wanted this woman who slept peacefully now, her beast resting inside, secure. He wanted…. The door to the library opened, spilling Archer and Martine into the room. In the darkness, he saw their figures, holding each other close, lips kissing, hands running the length of the others body. As Marcus watched, he felt a longing, a desire to have as Archer did. A woman that was his own, to be with, to share with. He wanted Cassandra. He saw Archer’s hand lift the edge of Martine’s dress, her thigh shining in the moonlight. Marcus heard Martine’s moan as Archer’s hand moved between her legs. Marcus felt himself getting hard, watching Archer and his lover, wishing it was himself with Cassandra right then. He let out a silent breath. “You’re almost as quiet as me, Marcus,” Archer said, his face buried in Martine’s neck, his hand rubbing her mound. Martine rubbed her body against his hand, wriggling for more of his touch. “I wasn’t expecting you back tonight,” he said, turning his face to Marcus, holding his head on Martine’s shoulder. 111

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Marcus said nothing, staring at two people who were in love, a love Marcus hoped he could have. Archer said something to Martine who kissed his lips and left. Archer walked to the couch and laid his body across it. “What happened tonight? I smell blood. Did you give the third bite?” “The blood’s mine,” Marcus said. “You let her drink?” Archer laughed. “You must be in love if you let her drink, Marcus.” “I didn’t let her, Archer. She took it.” “Umm. I like how this woman thinks. She sounds like a tigress.” His laughter cut the dead air. “Archer, she’s not like any human I’ve ever known. I mean, she knew I bit her and asked me to do it again,” Marcus said. “So, why didn’t you?” Archer asked. Marcus didn’t answer, letting silence speak for him. “It’s because of Jillian, isn’t it? How many times do I have to tell you, Jillian made a choice, a bad one, but a choice just the same. She didn’t know that if Tane took her, she’d be his. She just wanted it to change her, so you’d want her more.” “And if I’d have done the right thing at the right time, Tane wouldn’t have her now.” “True, but then you wouldn’t have met Cassandra now, would you? Jillian would have hated you for what happened, the way she hates Tane. Granted, his methods are not as smooth as yours, she’d have still hated you. She was too innocent for this life. Cassandra, however, sounds much different. Her actions, taking your blood, tell me so.” “What is she, Archer? I mean, how can a woman possess a power over me I’ve never felt before? A power no man has held over me except maybe you or the Council?” Archer sighed, shifting his body on the couch, flexing his legs. “For one of the sharpest men I’ve known in my lifetime, Marcus, you often seem to be the densest. You called the power she has over you.” “The beast.” Marcus said. “You’re catching on, my friend.” “What the fuck have I done?” “Nothing, except be the man that you are, Marcus.”

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Chapter Thirteen

“I spoke with the Police Commissioner. The lead you gave didn’t pan out. This Tane guy had an alibi. He was with the cheerleaders from the Sentinels, fucking all those tight ass bitches. He then drove to Jersey and spent the rest of the night gambling,” Bert said, staring at Cassie as she looked out the window, her eyes squinting a bit. “That’s nice,” she murmured. “Cassie?” Bert said. She continued to stare out the window. “Cassandra?” he said louder. Cassie turned away from the window and stared at Bert. He’d called her in the office to tell her something and her mind was a million miles away. He’d been telling her about the case and all she could think about was Marcus. Tasting him again. Having him again. “What, Bert?” she asked. “You haven’t heard a word I said, have you?” he asked. “Sure, Bert.” Yeah, right, Cass. You’ve been in Oz since you met Marcus. Today is no different, except today, you know how he tastes and you want more. You’re sick, girl. “What’s going on, Cass?” Bert asked. The motherly tone didn’t sound good coming out of his mouth. She almost preferred to hear his sarcasm and bullying. That she could relate to. “Nothing, Bert.” She smiled. “Everything’s fine.” You are such a liar, Cassie. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I’m just tired, Bert. Just a little under the weather.” That was the truth. She’d woken up this morning, exhausted, aching everywhere. Muscles she didn’t know she had had been screaming in pain, begging to be let out. She popped some aspirin and took a shower. Eyeing herself in the mirror, she saw the same body she’d always had, trim and 113

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firm but now looking different. She wasn’t sure how it was looking different, but it just felt different, like there was more to it than what she could see. She’d gone to work, dreading a day of researching, finishing stories, waiting to see Marcus. Oh, God, Marcus. The things she done to him last night, the way she acted, made her cringe. She must be some freak, biting into his neck, tasting his blood. And yet, she couldn’t stop herself. She was half out of her mind, reeling in the lust of Marcus, begging him to bite her. He’d said no but that didn’t stop her. She bit him, tasted him, the sweet metallic taste coating her mouth, making her suck harder. She wanted to eat him alive, consume him piece by piece, to have all of him within her. She wanted to crawl under his skin, feel his body moving, and be every breath he took. Being that deep inside of him, to know every thought or movement he made. She felt like she was dying of an illness that had no cure, slowly fading away. Wanting the medicine that would heal her, make her whole. “You don’t look well, Cassie. I want you to go home,” Bert said, standing up and pushing her out the door of his office. “Get some sleep. Call me in the morning and let me know how you are, okay?” Cassie nodded and walked towards her desk. Maybe Bert was right, some sleep is what she needed. These late nights with Marcus were taking a toll on her body, if not her mind.

*** Cassie crawled in bed, still dressed, pulling the covers over her chilled body. She’d added a sweatshirt, trying to warm the cold that was eating away at her. She’d settled herself and started to drift when her phone rang. Barely awake, she saw the clock next to the bed read at 11:43 A.M. “Hello?” she answered. “Cassie,” a male voice said, “it’s Henry.” Henry’s voice brought her childhood memories rushing down on her, of her running in the field, flying a kite Henry held up for her. Of making cookies and Henry being the guinea pig of her designs. Of a dog, of that Henry, large and brown, chasing her around as she gathered flowers. Of Henry, the man that had captured her grandmother’s love. She suddenly felt very sad that Nana had given this man up for her. “I called your work, they said you went home.” “Yeah, I’m feeling a little under the weather, Henry.” “What does it feel like, Cass?” 114

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“I’m chilled but hot. Tired but awake. Anxious, nervous but calm. I can’t explain it except I’ve never felt sick like this before. I think it’s just the lack of sleep, Henry.” “Been keeping some late nights, have you?” Henry said. She was sure he said that with a smile. Her grandmother must have told him everything. “A bit,” she said. “Cass, we need to talk. Mira told me you’ve been bitten twice by a vampire. Do you know what this means, Cass?” “Only from books and movies…and who knows how true they are,” she laughed nervously. “Poor representations, those things. Cass, the truth is if a vampire bites you three times, you change. You become one of them.” This comment made Cassie think of Marcus saying no, he wouldn’t bite her. He must have known the third bite would change her. She’d begged him and he still said no. “However, we’ve got the compounded problem of my mark, the one I gave you a long time ago.” “Yes, Nana told me about that,” she said quietly. “Cass, I’m real sorry; sorrier than I can say. I never meant for you to get involved in this.” “I know, Henry. You did it to save me. Trust me, I understand,” and she did. She knew he would have never intentionally hurt her. “What’s going to happen to me, Henry? Am I going to become a vampire or a wolf?” “Honey, I don’t know. I’ve never seen nor heard of anything like this. The problem I’ve got is that I didn’t call the mark. I haven’t been anywhere near you in twenty years. I didn’t bring the beast alive in you, Cass. Someone or something else did it.” “With two separate marks, will I still be me? Or will something happen to me? Because I’m feeling really bad right now and it doesn’t make sense.” “Your body is changing, Cass. As the beast gets called out, your body is now learning how to form the beast; the bones are growing, muscles stretching. Your mind is learning new things about your body it hasn’t had to comprehend before.”

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“So, what do I do, wait for a full moon and hope I change so I can feel normal again? What about these bites? I knew I was bitten; hell, I even asked for the third one last night.” “Who bit you, Cass?” Henry asked, slowly, waiting. “Marcus Devaux,” she said. “Son of a bitch,” Henry hissed into the phone. Cassie heard her grandmother in the background, asking Henry what was the matter. He asked Mira, “Why didn’t you tell me it was Marcus?” Cassie listened to muffled sounds between Henry and her grandmother. He finally directed his comments to Cassie again. “I know who called your beast, Cassie,” Henry said. “It was Marcus, wasn’t it?” she asked. “Yes.” “How could he call my beast, Henry? He’s a vampire.” “Cass, that vampire can call all the wolves, that is his power. Did he know you were marked?” “Henry, I didn’t even know I was marked. I can’t even believe any of this. Up until a couple of days ago, I had a normal life. I meet a man, a man I really like, whom I’m now told is a vampire and I let him bite me. Oh, and by the way, I was marked by a werewolf years ago. Don’t you think this resonates of a bad horror flick?” “Does he know you are marked, Cass?” “How could he know? I didn’t even know. Nothing has happened to me in over twenty years. So why now?” “Did you tell him anything about what your grandmother said?” “God, no. He’d have thought I was insane. Frankly, I feel like I am insane. I’m having a hard time coming to grips with this. I mean what was I supposed to say, ‘Well, Marcus, I was marked by a werewolf when I was four, when did you become a vampire?’ I’m sure that would have gone over well.” “He doesn’t know what he’s done. How is that possible?” Henry paused, talking to himself. “He doesn’t know what he’s done…” His voice trailed off. “Somebody has done something, Henry because I feel like death right now. What am I supposed to do now?” “Stay put. Sleep. Get some energy. Eat something. I’ve got to talk to some people. Your grandmother or I will get back to you, okay?” 116

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“Yeah, Henry, okay. I’m just going to sleep for a while.” Cassie laid the phone down and drifted off to sleep. *** The chains rattled as she moved. Her body lay on a cot, her arms extended over her head. With chains secured around her legs, she could barely lift her feet. She noticed she still wore her clothes, which she thought was a good sign. She scanned the room, the stone walls, marred gray with age. A small window sat close to the ceiling, allowing for some light to come in. It wasn’t evening yet but she could see the swirls of sunlight fading. The floor was cement, dirty, a musty smell hanging in the air. She could see well out of her left eye, but her right one was closed halfway. Lifting her buttocks to get more comfortable, she felt aches in her body, her backside sore with bruises. She looked up, turning her head, seeing her arms chained above her. Bruises ran up her arms, knots of purple, bluish tinges, swollen lumps of contusions. Her face must look like this, a swollen mass of flesh, colored in a way it was never meant to be. What happened? She looked around the room, searching for something that would give her a clue. She’d gone to bed, laying on her side, thinking about that man, the one who captivated her with his eyes, his voice, remembering his body as he rode hers like no other lover before. She knew she’d fallen asleep, dreaming of her lover, wanting him to touch her again and she woke later in a room very similar to this one or maybe it was this one. She had been tied to a chair, sitting, her head hung forward. The effort to keep it up was too stressful on her neck. Somebody had pulled her head back, holding her by her hair. Another smack came across the face. She heard words, foreign words, and men’s voices, deep and angered, yelling at each other. She must have passed out. The voices rose in crescendos, rising, as two men, standing toe to toe in front of her, their hands clenched fists at their sides continued to yell. And then it stopped. Like a crisp breeze halted them in place. Another voice, one she hadn’t heard before, stopped them, froze them. They turned, now facing her. The voice came from behind. She felt its softness, gentleness, but yet a commanding tone, taking over the room. The two men stepped away from her, and another stepped into their place. He stood in front of her, his words unfamiliar to her, talking to someone, was it her? 117

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A hand reached under her chin, lifting her face until she saw eyes darker than night, enclosed by hair just as dark. She looked at the man’s face, seeing its angelic beauty and wondered how something as beautiful as this could allow her to be hurt. His mouth opened, words flowing out like a soft symphony to her, words she couldn’t comprehend. She didn’t understand, couldn’t understand how she came to be here. She’d done nothing. The man looked behind her, his eyes changing from black to crimson, blue colors shooting across them, like lightening in the sky. He held her chin as anger poured out of his lips, the men behind her speaking quietly, fearfully. He continued with what must be chastisements at them for they both fell quiet and then shut the door behind them. Her captor held her chin, gently. Her one eye saw him clearly, wanted to implore him to release her, she’d give them what he wanted but no more beatings. But she said nothing, unsure how this man could allow this to happen, or why she came to be here. He broke her thoughts, opening his beautiful lips to her. “I am sorry this happened,” he said, his accent gracing each word. He couldn’t be from here, she thought. She’d been to many social events and had never seen this man before. He was a foreigner, from some other country. “I meant for them to get information from you, however, my men take their job very seriously, which I do appreciate, but sometimes they don’t know their limits…especially with someone as beautiful as you.” She stared, unsure of what information he could want from her. She knew no one, knew nothing. She recalled his men’s questions, questions of did she know this person, that person. She could only shake her head, and say no over and over. She knew people but all she could think of was to protect them, even if she didn’t know them. Their questions ranged from key government leaders to the local Police Commissioner. She was so frightened, and didn’t know anything. And then the hitting started, the slaps, the bleeding and then she must have passed out because she didn’t remember anything for a long time. “What do you want?” she asked the man with the beautiful face. He perused her face, her body, his eyes back to the deep blackness again and said, “I want answers, Belinda.” And she told him what she knew. Who she knew. How she knew them. She couldn’t help herself. She told him things she’d kept from his men, things that got her 118

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body bruised, bleeding, and sore. And then he stopped. He called the men back, who untied her and took her away, yes, to this room where they tied her down to the cot. They lingered, staring at her body, one reaching out to grab her breast. He was stopped by his partner’s sharp tone, words alien to her and then they both left. What had she done? She told them everything, from who held what power to the parties she attended to Archer Parthenopolis to Marcus to Tane. His questions focused on these three men, continual questions about their behavior, conversations they held that she’d heard, things she’d seen. She told him what she knew, unsure because none of it made sense to her. And then he kissed her on her forehead, thanked her for telling him the truth. As she began to exit the door of her torture chamber, he spoke again. “Do not fear, Belinda. No one will harm you again.” She’d looked back at him, not sure if he was telling the truth but hoping it was so. “Soon, I will make you mine.” He actually smiled when he spoke the last part. For some reason, she knew he would do it, whatever that meant. And disgustingly, deep inside, she did want him to make her his. She felt her body convulse at the thought, turning her head sideways, hoping not to be sick on herself. God, help me, she thought, as she passed out again.

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Chapter Fourteen

The Brotherhood of eight sat in the library, nobody speaking. Each man eyed another, got contact and turned to look at another. It was like a game of who could hold out the longest, who could force the other to turn their stare away. None seemed able to beat Marcus. He held his gaze longer, harder, burning into the other man’s soul, so that they broke contact than rather maintain the burning glare. “What are we waiting for, Archer?” Darius asked. With his hands locked across his chest, his long legs crossed at the knee, he looked tense, even anxious, and ready to pounce at the slightest move. Archer sat behind his desk, his elbows resting on the leather chair, his fingertips steepled under his chin. His eyes were closed, his lips pursed as he touched them to his fingertips. He seemed not to hear Darius. In fact, he seemed to not be in the room at all. Tyler jumped up, saying, “I could tell you about my date last night with Misha, if that will make you happy, Dar.” His face smiling, Tyler seemed to be the most lighthearted, never worried. Sometimes it was hard to imagine that such a man who presented the boy-next-door look could be so deadly or so old. Maybe that’s why his bed was never empty. And now he wanted to share the intimate details of Misha for all to hear. “Somebody save us,” Darius said, not smiling. “Tyler,” Marcus said, taking his glare away from Tane, “shut up.” The smile fell away from Tyler’s face. He didn’t like people raining on his parade but he sat quietly anyway. Several minutes passed, each lost in their reverie. Archer stood and said, “It’s time.” The door to the library opened. Henry, Xavier and Maxim walked through. Henry walked towards Archer and said, “I’ve got two things to say.” “Go ahead,” Archer said. “First, we’ve found Belinda.” 120

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“Go on.” “She’s being held in a warehouse in the harbor district.” “I know,” Archer said. “You knew? And yet you said nothing? What kind of sick bastard are you? She is just a kid,” Henry said to him. “And now I know the pack has the right man as their leader, Henry. Our visitor will not harm Belinda. I gave you my word on that. Now, what is the second thing?” Archer’s unruffled demeanor made them all uneasy. They didn’t know Henry or what he was capable of. They did, however, know Archer. The more he was threatened or harassed, the calmer he got, which made him deadlier. “Tell me how vampires who can call the lycanthrope not know the woman he bit twice was marked by a wolf? Tell me that, Archer, because I think she’s dying and we don’t know what to do.” “Who’s dying?” Ian asked. “Her name is Cassandra Hamilton,” Henry said, staring at Marcus. “What did you just say?” Marcus said, jumping to his feet faster than anyone saw. “What’s wrong with her?” Henry stared at the man who could call him for anything and felt nothing but loathing. “Your bites are making her sick, Marcus.” “My bites? That’s not possible. I’ve only bitten her twice. She should have no effects. Nothing should be happening.” Marcus stared at Archer who stood with his eyebrow raised. “Marcus, she was already marked. Marked by a wolf,” Henry said. “Who marked her? How do you know about this?” Marcus asked. “I’m the one who marked her over twenty years ago.” Marcus stared at Henry and felt as if his old world of Jillian and Tane had just met his new world of Cassandra and Henry. This couldn’t be happening again. “Marcus, you’ve taken her blood, twice. Cassie had yet to change to wolf form. We never expected this to happen. When she didn’t change in her teens, we thought the mark didn’t take. But this has caught us all by surprise.” Henry shook his head, looking at Archer for some help. 121

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Surprise was an understatement. Marcus didn’t know Cassie was marked. He didn’t even know until recently that he could call the wolf. Too many things were coming to a head too quickly. He’d bitten her because he couldn’t help himself. He had felt her pull him, draw his bite. He couldn’t resist her, no matter how he tried. And when he wouldn’t bite her, she in turn, bit him. Marcus shook his head, all becoming clear. Cassie was a wolf. He’d bitten her because he couldn’t resist her pull to him. He’d called her beast, brought it out of her. She didn’t know she had it. It had been his calling that brought her to him. Marcus focused back on Henry who was pleading with Archer. “Her body cannot handle the change, Archer.” Henry’s face looked lost. “We’ve never seen this before. A marked wolf not changed, bitten by a vampire. We don’t know how to help her. We don’t know which of the two marks will keep her alive or if she is going to die.” “How can she be sick?” Marcus asked. “What signs is she exhibiting?” “Marcus,” Henry said, unbuttoning his shirt. He pulled it open, showing the chest area around his heart. “Six hours ago, this wasn’t there. I’m tied to her, Marcus and I can feel her sickness. It is right here,” he pointed to his chest covered in black and blue spots, “and it is getting larger.” All of the other men stood, staring at Henry’s chest. “You really fucked up now, Marcus,” Tane said. Marcus wasn’t sure if he was happy or angry, as his words were delivered monotone. “The old books say that a vampire bite and a lycanthrope bite cancel each other out. She should be fine. But she’s not.” Henry’s eyes were pleading at Archer. “We have got to find a way to help her, Archer; she’s one of my clan. She is mine. You want our help. Then help me help her!” All stared at Henry, then Archer. His face was serene, blank, and expressionless. His eyes, normally blue, flooded with green, stray lines of red running through. He appeared trance-like, invisible except for his physical presence. The door to the library flew open, Dominick, Marcus’ wolf servant, rushed in followed by Davis, Archer’s human servant. “She’s gone,” Dominick stammered out at the men. “She’s gone.” He fell to his knees in front of Henry. “I am sorry, Master. She’s gone.” “Who’s gone?” Pieter said. 122

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“Cassandra,” Dominick said, breathless. “What happened?” Marcus said, squatting with the man on the floor. “I did as I was told to do. I watched her. She left work early. She did not look well. I kept my distance and made sure she got home safe. I stayed until Davis came and said she was needed here.” Marcus looked up at Archer who nodded. “And then what?” Marcus addressed to Dominick. “I went inside to get her and her bed was empty. I thought she was in the shower so Davis and I looked,” he said, lowering his eyes, “but the entire apartment was empty. I am so sorry I failed you, Ulfric.” His raised his head as he kneeled in front of Henry. “I will deal with you later on this,” Henry said, putting his hand down. Dominick understood the gesture of his Alpha and rubbed his face against Henry’s hand. “Valderick has her,” Archer said, his eyes their deep sea blue again. “How do you know?” Henry asked. “It is my job to know,” Archer said. He faced the others. “The Council has spoken. We move out tonight. Come, we have preparations to make. Davis, contact the Mayor and the Police Commissioner. Get them here ten minutes ago.” Archer walked out of the room, his circle of vampire brothers following behind, the pack bringing up the rear. “No police,” Archer said. “Listen, Mr. Parthenopolis. You may be,” the Commissioner pointed at him, his arm waving about, “whatever it is you are,” seeming afraid to say the word vampire, “but this is my city and the police will be there.” “Chief Johnson, your men will only get themselves killed. I know you mean to help, but I’m afraid in a situation like this, with a creature like Valderick, your men are defenseless. I cannot provide security for you and also do my job. Your men will die. Are you ready to introduce vampires to your community this way? Mayor, some help here,” Archer said, imploring the Mayor to step in. “Robert,” the Mayor said, touching the arm of the Commissioner, “let Archer do this.” He paused. “We cannot unite our people under these conditions, with the press and everything. I don’t know what we are up against, but Archer has always kept his word, as a businessman and as a friend.” The Commissioner nodded unhappily and walked away. 123

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“Thank you,” Archer said to the Mayor. “Don’t thank me yet. My daughter is still missing,” the Mayor said, leaving them to talk to the Commissioner. “Let’s go, guys. I’ve got vehicles waiting.” Archer paused, looking at Henry and his men. When the meeting started, it had just been Henry and his two top lieutenants. Thirty plus men and women joined the meeting over the last hour. “Are you coming?” he asked Henry. Henry stared at Archer and then looked at his wolves. He turned back to Archer and said, “We’ve got your back.”

*** Belinda woke, hearing voices, yelling, two, maybe three men. They were outside her door. Her body tensed, hoping they weren’t coming in to torture her some more, or worse, rape her. She wasn’t a virgin but imagined these men could hurt her in the worst way imaginable. She’d told the one man everything she knew. She hoped he kept his word; she prayed he would. Her door opened and two men entered the room. They quickly set about untying her legs and then her arms. She tried to get the blood moving again into her wrists, sore from being tied over her head. They walked her out to a rather large common area. Lying on the floor, a woman lay like a heap of body parts. Her body shivered, chilled. Belinda could see her muscles clenching, then relaxing only to clench again. Her breathing was heavy, short, almost like panting. She shuddered, lying on her side, trying to straighten out limbs that wouldn’t move for her. She doubled up suddenly, letting out a low howl, pain wracking her body. “What have you done to her?” Belinda screamed. “Let her go. She’s sick.” “We haven’t done anything to her, Belinda,” the man with the soft voice said, coming out of one of the side rooms. “She was like this when we got her. Do you know who she is?” One of the men knelt on the floor, and pulled the woman’s head to the side so Belinda could see her face. Pale skin screamed out at her, sweat covering all her skin. Her eyes had shadows around them in deep purples but they weren’t bruised. Her cheeks were sunken in, her bones showing. Reddish brown hair fanned around her face, eyes of green staring out from the depths of hell. 124

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“No, I don’t. But she needs a hospital fast.” Belinda stared at the man who spoke to her. “From the looks of it,” he said, touching her swollen eye, “you could use one too.” She winced when his finger touched the swelling on her face. “What do you want with us? She doesn’t know anything, let her go,” Belinda pleaded with him. “You don’t know what she knows, my dear Belinda. Besides, it’s too late,” the man said. “We’ve got company coming and you two are the main attraction.” He looked away from her and spoke to his men in his language. His men grabbed her again and Belinda was strung up to the wall, writhing, begging, and pleading for these men to let her go. They then went to the woman lying on the ground and picked up her limp body and brought her to the adjacent wall. They did not tie her but chained her to the wall. Too sick to keep it up, the woman’s head hung, lolled back and forth, her body shivering, convulsing. After the men were done, the man with the voice said, “Now, we wait.”

*** “Man, I love Hummers,” Tyler said, driving the large beast of a vehicle through the city. “Got me one at home for the ranch. There’s nothing like cruising the back roads at a hundred miles per hour in one of these things.” “Thought you rode horses, cowboy?” Ian said, laughing at Tyler’s love of toys. “Yeah, got a lot of those too, but it’s easier to take a gal out in one of these baby’s versus trying to do it on a horse,” Tyler answered, grinning from ear to ear. “Tyler,” Marcus said, “shut the fuck up.” Marcus heard Tyler muttering under his breath. Fuck him. Fuck. This was his entire fault. His attraction to Cassandra caused this. He knew he shouldn’t have bitten her the first time; he never asked permission. The second time, he hadn’t thought either but he couldn’t help himself and now the woman he loved was gone, in the hands of a monster and she was sick. Dying from him or from being marked by Henry? He didn’t know which one, but it didn’t matter. It was his fault she was in the situation she was in. All of this was his fault.

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He didn’t care what happened to himself. He wanted Cassandra safe, healthy, happy. He knew he’d do anything to make that happen. He’d rather die than see her die. She didn’t deserve this. They pulled into the harbor front, parking their vehicles in a row. They got out and clustered around Archer. “If we’re going for a surprise attack, Archer, I think we’ve kind of given ourselves away,” Lucas said, shaking his head. “What are we going to do, just walk in the front door?” “Yes, we are,” Archer said. “Tane, Luc, and Dar take the back. He’s on the second floor. Don’t look up but the roof is covered with his vampires, ones he’s created within the past thirty days. They don’t know much about being a vampire, let alone how to use their powers or fight. Tyler, handle them. Leave none alive,” he said, seeing Tyler nodding at his orders. “Pieter, Ian and I will take the front. Henry, get your men to cover the building. Anyone leaving the building that isn’t in this group, you need to take care of. Go for throats first, and then separate the hearts from the rest of the body. Tyler will take care of that also. Let’s go.” Everyone looked at Tyler, wondering what he was going to do that none of them could. “You expect me to stand out here, with my thumb up my butt, while the woman I love is in that building with Valderick?” Marcus asked. “Glad you finally admitted that, Marcus,” Archer said, a smile covering his face. He turned to Henry, “Told ya.” Henry just shook his head. “I’m coming in with you,” Marcus said, firmly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Archer said, still smiling. “Let’s move.”

*** She stirred against the wall. Her body had stopped convulsing and rippling but she felt tightness in every part of her bones. She lifted her head and saw another woman. Belinda? Yes, the Mayor’s daughter. She was tied to a wall. Cassie looked up and saw chains. Chains were clamped over her wrists. She looked down and she saw another pair covering her ankles. The clamps hurt, not due to tightness but due to a burning sensation against her skin. It made her want to crawl out from under that skin, to get away from the burning. 126

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She didn’t know how she got here. She’d hung up with Henry and fallen asleep instantly. What happened from that point on was a mystery. Her illness hadn’t abated; in fact it seemed worse. She’d never been this sick. Death seemed like it would be a blessing. She didn’t know why she was here, or why Belinda was here. She was a kid, for God’s sake. What would anyone want with her? She looked at Belinda. Her face was swollen, much worse than the beating she got from Stefan the other night. One eye was almost closed, her mouth and lips bruised and bloody. She had bruises on her arms. God, she hoped there was no damage to her under those clothes. No one was in the room beside the other girl. She spoke. “Are you all right?” she asked Belinda. The girl lifted her head and stared with her one eye. “Yes…are you?” “No, I’m not. But this isn’t from these guys. I was like this before they got me.” “Are you ill?” Belinda asked. She nodded, “But I don’t know from what.” Cassandra looked around the room, trying to figure a way out. “We’ve got to get out of here.” “I know,” Belinda said, struggling with the rope around her wrist. “I’ve been out of it so much that I haven’t really tried.” “Who took you?” Cassie asked. “That would be me,” a silken voice said. A figure entered the room. He was tall, about six feet five, black hair framing his face of porcelain white skin. His dark eyes glowed drawing Cassie’s attention to them. Cassie just stared at the man, wondering what kind of evil being he must be to do this to women. “What do you want?” she asked, as her body shook while as she spoke. “What I want will be mine within the hour. You just hold tight,” he laughed at his joke, “it will be over soon.” “What’s going to happen in the next hour?” Cassie asked. “Your boyfriend is going to try to save you, I’ll kill him and a few others and this city will be mine.” Cassie stared at him. The guy was crazy, fucking crazy. “I don’t have a boyfriend,” she said, dryly, her arm muscles convulsing. The twitching continued down her body, her legs vibrating, sinews flexing. 127

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“He won’t be your boyfriend for long. He never was one for long term relationships anyways. I just need him to complete what he started and then we can get him out of the way.” “Who are you?” Cassie asked. This got his attention. He walked over to her and looked down at her body fluttering. The spasms were coming on quicker. Her breathing was coming out in short breaths, like a dog panting after a hard run. “My apologies, Ms. Hamilton. I am Valderick and soon I will be your master.” He looked up and down her body, slowly perusing each part of her. “I will be your master, indeed.” “I don’t think so, bud,” she said as another convulsion took over her. He quickly grabbed her head, holding her as her body shook. “I will have you like no other, Ms. Hamilton, or should I call you Cassandra? We are going to be very intimate this evening. I think I prefer Cassandra. What do you think?” Cassie stared into the black pools of his eyes. She saw pure evil seated there. “Not in this lifetime,” she said. Chills and sweat broke out again on her already clammy skin. Good job, Cass. Piss off the bad guy. She hoped her body would convulse to death before she let this man have her. Valderick pushed her back and her body slammed into the cement wall, her head hitting hard. She slumped against the wall, too sore, too tired to try to squirm away. “I like a woman with some spunk, Cassandra. The fight adds to the anticipation,” Valderick said. The outer door opened and his minions piled into the room. “They are here,” one said. A smile spread across his lips. “Good,” Valderick said.

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Chapter Fifteen

As Archer walked across the floor, Valderick’s vampires raced towards him. He flung his hand up and bodies were quickly swept up and away. They looked like they were on strings, flying through the air, landing in a heap on the ground. Still others kept coming, attacking, and baring fangs to bite the intruders. Pieter grabbed one, ripping into its throat, and stifling its scream of pain. Pieter threw the vampire aside and wiped his face with his sleeve. Another vampire jumped on Marcus’ back trying to get to his throat. Marcus reached back with both hands, twisting the man’s head and then pulled forward, the man’s head severing from his body. Marcus’ moved in, using both hands he plunged them into the man chests and pulled. A warm, throbbing heart pulsed in his hand. He threw it across the room. They all moved forward, Ian leading, slashing with his nails, cutting deep, exposing hearts. Pieter followed, ripping the hearts out. Marcus saw a couple of Valderick’s newly risen vampires ahead, but they cleared out quickly, seeing their comrade’s fall so easily. They fled, jumping on the wall with their feet and hands attaching to it as they scrambled up and out of the way. Marcus let them go. With the exception of the pillars that supported the ceiling, the second floor was a bare, open space. A faint light shined at the far end. Archer and his men walked towards the light. Valderick sat, leaning against a desk, his velvet-clad body relaxed. He radiated confidence and power. Two dozen thralls surrounded him and guards stood next to both women chained to the walls. Valderick stood, folding his arms across his chest. “I expected you sooner, Archer. You are losing your touch,” Valderick said. “I had a few things downstairs to take care of,” Archer said nonchalantly. Archer felt his Brothers’ walk up. He glanced over his shoulder. Darius nodded. They’d taken care of the remaining vampires in the back. “Tyler is finishing up,” Darius said. 129

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“Good,” Archer said and looked back at Valderick. “Now, what do you want?” “Archer, never one to play games. You’ve changed a lot over the years. Must be all that human contact making you so prim and proper.” Valderick looked past Archer. “Good, you’ve brought Marcus. I need him tonight.” “What do you want, Valderick?” Marcus snarled. “Why, your woman, of course.” He smiled easily and walked over to Cassie. He ran his hand over her cheek. “Jillian was such an easy prey, coming to me willingly.” He paused, looking back at Marcus. “She was divine, tasty in fact. But this one, ah, this one will be even better.” Marcus turned, looking straight at Tane. For too many years, Tane had boasted that he’d changed Jillian. His hate for Tane grew. “Yes, Tane. He took my credit, even relished in the idea of hurting you, poor fellow. However, it was me. And she was delicious, Marcus,” Valderick said. “Probably not as good as sweet Cassandra here. No, this one’s got more fire in her than Jillian ever had.” “You killed Jillian?” Marcus asked unbelievingly. “Of course. She was useless, so wrapped up in pity and self-anger. Don’t worry; I gave her a good-bye fuck from you.” He smiled at Marcus. “You should thank me for putting her out of her misery. That woman loved you more than life itself. It was pitiful and…well…you left her, Marcus. You treated her as if she was soiled. But you’re good at that, aren’t you, Marcus?” Oh, God, he killed Jillian and now he wanted Cassandra too. Everything is happening because of him. He needed to stop it. Marcus was seething, fire raging through his head. He stepped forward. Archer put a hand out, stopping him. In his mind, he heard Archer say, ‘Just words. Let it be’. “And I’ll take her too,” he said nodding towards Belinda. “But this one, I’m not going to kill. No, this one,” Valderick said, stroking Cassandra’s chin, lifting her face to Marcus, “this one will be my mate.” “What do you want from us, Valderick?” Archer asked. “Quite a bit actually. I want Marcus to finish what he started. Cassandra here needs one more bite then she turns. After that, I want Marcus’ heart. We both know he can’t live if I am to be her master. Her maker has to die. Then, I want this city, of course. First I will rule it and this country through the humans. Later, I will rule openly 130

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as Lord Valderick, Master of all. This means you,” he said, pointing at Archer, “are out of a job.” Valderick grinned maniacally. “You and what army, Valderick? The newly risen I fought coming in are a couple weeks old, children at best. The feel in this room is no one’s over a couple of decades at the most. My men have more centuries under their belt than your entire lackey’s combined. So, I say again, you and what army?” Archer was always good at math. “I don’t need these slaves, Archer. You will do as I say, or I will kill her now and still get what I want.” Valderick made a show of letting his fangs descend, slowly and deliberately. Valderick raised his hands, fanning them out in front of his chest and claws grew quickly out of his nails, replacing his fingers with long seven-inch blades. When Valderick lifted his face, his eyes were completely black, even the area normally covered in white. He radiated malignant power. “Fuck me,” Tyler said, walking into the room a bloody mess. “Did you fucking see that?” “Tyler,” Archer said. The tone spoke more than the words. “Sorry, boss man,” Tyler whispered, “but that was impressive.” “Thank you, Tyler.” He turned back to Valderick and hesitated before turning to Marcus. “Do it,” he said quietly. Marcus’ eyes widened. He would be sending Cassandra to certain death if he bit her. He’d already lost Jillian because of this monster, a friendship destroyed because Tane took credit for something he didn’t do and now he was supposed to kill the woman he loves so another man could have her? Fuck the part about him losing his heart. He couldn’t lose Cassandra too. “NO fucking way,” he said, hissing at Archer. “You heard him, Marcus. Do it. Or I will tear her throat out so she will writhe in pain until she dies and you can watch the whole thing. The choice is yours. I grow impatient.” Valderick’s voice changed as he spoke, becoming more bestial, more guttural. All heads turned towards Valderick and saw him changing again. His forehead was descending, growing over his brow. The muscles in his shoulders were expanding, filling out and then busting through the billowing shirt he wore. Marcus had never seen a vampire do that before. Marcus looked back at Archer, his calm, blank face expressionless. “Do you trust me?” Archer asked. 131

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“With my life,” Marcus said. “Then do it.” Archer turned back to Valderick. “Step away from her. Marcus will do as you wish.” Valderick moved back, his terrifying visage twisted in triumph, his clawed hands held out as if he was surrendering, giving Marcus room. Marcus walked slowly forward towards Cassandra. Her head was barely up, her eyes watching him. He saw her green shimmering with gold eyes plead with him. He hated himself. He hated what he was about to do, to take her in front of all these people, an act so private, so intimate in his mind. He was to take her, to change her, only to save her and then lose her. He prayed Archer was right. Marcus stood in front of her. Her body still shook, mild convulsions breaking out in various places. He loved this woman, more than he loved anything in the world. And he was going to kill her, had been killing her slowly, each time he took her blood. And this last kiss would end her mortal life. Cassie stared at Marcus, the man of her dreams, the love of her life, the one who had rescued her when she didn’t know she needed it. The man she would love forever. She knew what this meant, that the life she had before was over. Another spasm shook her body. “Do it, Marcus,” she whispered, not trusting her own voice. “Do it.” Marcus shook his head. “I can’t,” he said, turning away. “Marcus, look at me.” Marcus turned back to Cassie, fresh sweat covering her face. “Marcus, I’m dying. From what I don’t know, but my body is dying. Just do it.” “But I love you, Cassie, I love you and I can’t do it.” Cassie saw what looked like tears in his eyes. “It’s because you love me you can do it. You cannot let that man have me, Marcus.” She paused. “I love you, Marcus. I have from the moment I laid eyes on you. For me, for whatever brief moments we have had, do it for me.” She stopped, turning her head to the side, exposing her neck. “Please,” he heard her whisper. He leaned into her, his hand holding her face gently. “I will love you forever, Cassandra,” he said, his fangs tearing into her throat. She screamed as her body began to contract. He tasted the blood, felt it pouring out of her body, across his tongue, down his throat. Felt his body filling, boiling. He drank from her fountain, felt her body convulsing under him, felt her heart weakening to a slow beat. And yet he drank and 132

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drank, taking all she had, dying in his hands, slowly, bit by bit. And then she fell limp. Dead. Marcus leaned against Cassie’s drooping body and felt her blood pouring through his veins, filling him up. He’d just killed the woman he loved. “Done,” Valderick said. “What was that next on the list? Oh yes…Marcus’ heart.” A scream filled the room. All eyes went to Belinda whose voice vibrated the entire second floor. “Let her go. She’s not part of this,” Archer said to Valderick. Every set of eyes in the room focused on the man pulling the strings. His body continued to change, growing rapidly. Valderick seemed to double in size, his shirt barely hanging on by threads as his muscles ripped through the last of them. “No. She stays. Now, Marcus’ heart?” Valderick said, pointing a long talon at Marcus. “Yes…” Archer said, staring at Marcus’ back. “After Cassandra has changed.” “Quit stalling, Archer. We both know her change will take hours, and frankly I don’t have the time.” Archer looked at Marcus and then back at Valderick. “Fine,” Archer said. Marcus turned around, stunned and looked at Archer. The son of a bitch was giving him to Valderick. On a silver platter. He looked at Archer, and saw a look of fear or was it something else in his eyes. This wasn’t a game, thought Marcus. He’d just lost the woman he loved and now he was being fed to a vampire. “You goddamn son of a bitch,” he screamed at Archer. “You said you could take him, Marcus. Do it. Quit delaying. The man’s got other things to do, remember?” Archer said arching an eyebrow. Marcus could swear Archer was actually smiling. The fucker was enjoying this. You’re next, Archer, Marcus said. Archer smiled, hearing his friend’s words in his head. You wish, my friend. Now kill this creature. Marcus turned towards the waiting Valderick. If Valderick wanted him, then he’d have to come to him. Valderick didn’t make any of them wait long. He cast out a hand and a wave of power pulsed in the room, throwing everyone back away from him. Marcus slammed into a pillar and fell to the ground. 133

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Valderick walked forward, stopping in the middle of the room. He motioned his hand and Marcus felt himself being lifted from the floor. Marcus looked at his brothers as he rose, seeing the disbelief in their eyes. The power Valderick took from the Elder was unbelievable. I’m a dead man, Marcus thought. Valderick held Marcus in limbo, his body not quite touching the floor but also not floating on air. Marcus stared at the vampire who had taken every thing from his and who would now take his life. Valderick’s jowls were growing, his mouth widening to an enormous size, his fangs growing down his chin. The hand he held to Marcus was pulsing with power. Valderick’s face quivered with change and his eyes flickered, lightening bolts slashing across them. The color lightened, no longer black but turning yellow. His power seemed to be quickening, growing; his body following suit. Its monstrous size was now doubled. He could feel the power of the dead Elder course throughout his body. He was larger and more evil than anything Marcus had ever seen. Valderick dropped his hand and Marcus’ body was thrown to the ground. Valderick walked slowly around, looking at his prey. He stopped again in front of Marcus as if he was waiting for Marcus to stand. Two of Valderick’s vampires rushed forward to finish off Marcus. Valderick watched and then waved a hand in front of him. His two men flew back, their grip on Marcus released as a powerful hand swiped across their bodies, cutting their heads off immediately. “You are fools, all of you,” a bestial voice said, coming out of Valderick’s mouth. The being in front of them was no longer resembled a vampire. Valderick had been transformed into a hulking shape, half man, half beast. “You think I need you,” it said, pointing to his minions. They all fell back, fearing his wrath and the claws he raised at them. “I don’t need you, but you need me,” the Valderick thing hissed at them. “You have no idea of the power I have, the real power I’ve achieved these past weeks,” growled the Valderick thing, staring at Archer, his voice full of disdain for those around him, those who would never understand what he possessed. Marcus stood and watched Valderick move towards him slowly. He tried to anticipate every move Valderick made, cutting left when Valderick went to the right. Before Valderick could strike, Marcus sliced into his skin with his claws. They grappled, pushing at each other, nails cutting into flesh. Valderick’s talons dug in deeper than 134

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Marcus’ could. Fangs bared, Marcus struck at the Valderick creature’s throat but quickly pulled back when Valderick moved in for his jugular. Narrowly avoiding the beast’s vicious fangs, Marcus struck at its chest leaving a bloody swath of torn flesh on its right side. Valderick grabbed and threw Marcus back. He hit the wall next to Belinda, blood flying everywhere. This evoked another scream from her which served to cause the room to break out into chaos. Valderick’s vampires jumped onto Archer’s, talons slicing skin, slicing across backs, grabbing for throats. Valderick flew across the room where Marcus lay stunned. He dropped down in front of Marcus and ran his sharp claw down the front of his chest, lines of blood following each cut he made into Marcus’ chest. “See how easy it is, to take something someone else wants,” Valderick said, smiling. “Killing you is giving me such joy, such pleasure. Taking your woman this evening will bring me even more.” “Why me?” Marcus asked, gasping, trying to break free of ten vampires holding him. “Why you, you ask? You can call the wolf and I want that gift. Archer misunderstood me. He thinks I want chaos. No, I want order, unity…under me and me alone. I will destroy the Council and rule this world not from the shadows but in the open. It will be glorious,” Valderick said, his fangs drooling behind a sadistic smile and then he stabbed his long talons into Marcus’ heart. Marcus felt the pain shoot through him. He’d never come close to experiencing the pain that ran through his body. He hadn’t saved Jillian or Cassandra and now he couldn’t even save himself. He felt the blades cut along the sides of his heart, Valderick’s knives cutting lose the veins, muscles that held his heart in place and then he was drifting, the pain severing any thought. The Valderick creature threw back his head, laughing in triumph. Cassandra was his and Marcus would die. All his dreams were coming true. Valderick didn’t see but felt the impact from his left side, a forceful blow knocking him to the floor. The energy moved him, flew over him, and held him captive. He looked up. Darkness surrounded him, blocking any light. He saw light behind but the dark shadow overwhelmed, consumed his eyes. He made out the outline of an animal, a wolf. He moved to strike but he was too slow and the wolf grabbed his shoulder by its big jaws. 135

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He grabbed the sides of the wolf, claws still extended, driving the sharp edges into the animal. The animal howled, unclasping its jaws. Valderick pulled his hands out and stabbed back again. The animal howled again but this time dove towards his chest, tearing at the muscles and sinew, pulling at the skin. Shots of pain ripped through Valderick as his chest was torn open. His hold on the wolf lessened and his grip on life decreasing. He called to his vampire minions, telling them to come, to help. The wolf dug deeper, blood pouring out quicker. No help came. The wolf lifted its head, blood, and skin dripping from its mouth. It looked into the eyes of its victim, pools of black running red. The wolf’s green eyes shone brightly. The wolf lowered its head, growling and then tore into Valderick’s throat. Valderick screamed, from pain, for his lost dream and, from whatever one screams in pain for, until there was nothing left of his neck except for a splintered spine. The wolf tore Valderick’s throat apart and moved back to his chest and dug with its claws and its teeth, tearing what flesh was left until it grabbed onto his heart and pulled hard. The bloody piece of flesh filled the wolf’s mouth and then the wolf dropped Valderick’s heart next to his body. The wolf climbed off of Valderick and then collapsed. Around the room, Valderick’s vampires fell, their bodies in seizures as their bloodline died before their eyes. Bodies began to smolder and then burst into flames. Archer’s men backed away as the bodies spontaneously combusted, burning themselves alive. Tyler wove his way around the burning flesh until he stopped next to Valderick. He looked at him, his throat completely gone, and his chest with its hole. He saw Valderick’s heart lying next to him, still beating. He stared at it for a few moments and it too burst into flames. Tyler turned back to his friends, smiling. His work was done. “That,” Lucas said, grinning from ear to ear, “has to be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” Tyler was all grins. “I know. Found out tonight I’ve got the gift. Praise the Elders for their timeliness.” “Get Belinda down,” Archer said, moving across the room towards Marcus. Pieter and Ian went to untie a much shaken Belinda. Across the room, Marcus regained consciousness and staggered toward to the wolf on the floor. Its breathing was erratic, unstable. He put his hand on the fur of the 136

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wolf, its rich red tones highlighted in gold. He looked where Cassie had been chained and she was no longer hanging there. He leaned over, stroking the wolf and its green eyes opened. His Cassandra, his love had turned into a wolf. And saved him. “Out of the way, move,” Henry yelled, running to Cassie’s side. He leaned over her, feeling her body. A woman, who seemed like she was a doctor, looked at the wounds along the wolf’s side. Blood was seeping out of wounds along the side, the chest barely rising in breath. The doctor spoke with Henry in another language. He nodded. Henry turned to his men and they came forward to lift the wolf form up. Marcus stood with them. “Will she be okay, Henry? Tell me she’ll be okay.” His eyes begged Henry, pleaded with him. “We’ll take care of her, Marcus. She is of the pack.” With that, Henry, Ulfric of the Fenri Ullr clan and his people left with Cassandra.

*** Marcus watched Henry and his people leave. His eyes came upon The Brotherhood, the vampires he was sworn to protect. Belinda was in Ian’s arms, her face swollen with bruises and puffy from tears. Pieter and Lucas stood flanking Archer. Both were covered in blood, from the vampires they had destroyed and from the vicious cuts and bites they had suffered. Pieter’s ear hung in tatters. Archer stood in the middle also covered in blood but looking as smug as ever. Marcus walked over and punched him in the mouth. Archer did the appropriate thing and fell to the ground. “What the fuck, Marcus?” Tyler said. “Shut up, Tyler,” Marcus glared and then turned to Tane whose bloody face was looking at Archer on the floor. He slugged Tane too, who also went down, as he should. Tane had enough sense to stay where he was. Archer didn’t. “I deserved that, Marcus,” Archer said, smiling, wiping the blood that came out of his mouth. “But you just needed a little push to get this thing going.” Fuck Archer and his all-seeing eye. “Kiss my ass, you prick. If she dies, I will kill you.” “She won’t die, you have my word.” Marcus eyed Archer. He never promised what he couldn’t deliver. “As for you, you rotten piece of shit, you let me hate you for years for something you didn’t do,” Marcus screamed at Tane. Tane sat up, wiping blood away from his mouth. 137

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“I’m sorry, Marcus. I really am.” He looked into Marcus’ eyes. “Not good enough.” Marcus backed away from them all. “No, it’s not good enough. The Elders have decreed punishment for Tane’s involvement with Valderick and his role in harming Jillian. And,” Archer turned to glare at Tane still sitting on the ground, “don’t forget ignoring my edict in my city.” All heads turned towards Archer. “Six months in the box,” he paused, another smile on his face, “and you move to the Slavic community.” Tane’s body stiffened at the sentence passed down on him. “At least they didn’t kill you,” Tyler said, smiling again. “Nice knowing ya,” Pieter said, holding a hand down for Tane to grab. “Who gets Spain and whatnot?” the ever-ambitious Darius asked, wiping his bloody hands. “We got a replacement that’s requested to come on board. Simon Greene. I believe you know him, Marcus,” Archer said, eyebrow arched. Marcus could only shake his head. He swore Archer was put on this earth to torment him. “I’m going to find Cassandra,” Marcus said, walking out of the room. “Marcus, she’s where she needs to be right now. The pack will take care of her. When she’s ready, she’ll come to you.” Archer’s nonchalance was killing Marcus. “She’s mine,” Marcus said, anger spewing with his words. “She needs time, Marcus,” said Archer darkly. “Fuck off, Archer.” Marcus’ voice echoed across the warehouse. Several of the men exchanged glances fearing an altercation between Marcus and Archer. “You know, we were lucky to stop Valderick. In all my years, I’ve never seen power like that before,” Lucas said, trying to change the subject. “I don’t think we’ll ever know just what his true power was,” Archer replied. “He tried to raise an army in such a short time. He had to have lost some power trying to do that. I’ll grant you the physical changes were amazing.” Archer walked out of the room, The Brotherhood following. “He was one ugly motherfucker,” Ian said. “I’d hate for him to have come into his full powers.” “Who knows what Valderick’s power would have grown into if Marcus and Cassie didn’t stop it today,” Archer said. “Marcus and Cassie?” Tane said. 138

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“Yeah. We were just there for backup,” Archer said, smiling. It’s good to know a lot of things, he thought. “Backup?” Tane asked, wanting more credit than he was due. “I didn’t see you jumping to the front of the line, Tane,” Ian said. “You heard Archer; we were only here for backup,” Lucas said, winking at Ian. Tane grumbled to no one in particular. “Who’s Simon Greene?” Tyler asked, which nobody answered. “Come on guys, who is he?” “Sucks to be the youngest, doesn’t it?” Darius said as he laughed. Archer smiled all the way to the car.

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Chapter Sixteen

Two weeks later “What are you doing?” Archer asked. “Leaving,” Marcus said. “Giving up so easy. That’s not like you, Marcus.” Marcus turned from folding his clothes. Before him stood the best man he knew. As much as Archer frustrated him with his games of secrecy, he’d never let Marcus down. As long as they’d known each other, this man had gotten him out of trouble. Now, if he could curb his sarcastic comments, he could leave without hitting Archer again. “Archer, I did what you asked. Cassandra is safe. I can do no more.” “Then wait for her. Give her some time.” “Arch, you told me when she’s ready, if she ever is, she’d find me. So far, I’ve gotten nothing, just a few phone calls from Henry and Mira that she is doing well. Nothing else. She doesn’t ask about me, doesn’t call for me. Nothing. I’m going home. At least there I can do some good.” “Don’t give up on her, Marcus. She’s not Jillian. She didn’t betray you. She knew what you were, knew what the third bite meant. She knew what would happen. And yet, she told you to do it. You did nothing wrong to her, nor to Jillian, nor to Tane. You fell in love. It’s that simple.” Archer paused. “But if you feel you need to go, go. I’ve given Davis the summary of actions being presented to the President and Congress by the Council. Read up on it. I’m sure you’ll hear Parliament and your governments speaking of this soon. They are going to need help with the transformation.” “After all this, the Council is still going forward with exposing vampires? You are all fucking insane.” “Insane, no, good businessmen, most definitely,” Archer said, a big smile plastered to his face. 140

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Marcus closed his bag and put the strap on his shoulder. “Tell the others goodbye,” he said, putting out his hand. “Not going to hit me again?” Archer asked. “Shake the hand or I will,” Marcus said. “Tell the guys bye yourself. They’re outside, waiting on you.” Archer grabbed Marcus’ hand and pulled him in for a hug, his mouth next to Marcus’ ear. “You did well, my friend. Truly. Call the wolf, as only you can.” And Archer let go, walking to the door. Marcus left for the airport with Davis, after saying goodbye to the others. They all promised to keep in touch. Pieter quickly discussed a business proposal and they promised to talk later in the week. Ian talked about several items he needed shipped from Europe and said he’d call with specifics. All invited him to their region, especially Tyler, who wanted to show off his wide-open spaces of Texas. Marcus found himself inviting everyone to his estate in France, thinking of a way to bring their new recruit, Simon, into the fold. The only one missing was Tane. When the Council made a decision, it was held. Tane had begun his six months of absolute silence. Soon Marcus was on his plane, getting comfortable. Archer had given him the proposal for unification and Marcus was tasked to start proceedings in Europe. He stared out the window of the city where he’d found love and where he’d lost it again. A part of him said stay, stay and give Cassandra more time. He couldn’t, though. The longer he stayed, the less hope he had for recapturing himself. He needed to get back to his land, get back to his life and begin again. He arrived just before dawn at the Charles De Gaulle airport, his body enclosed in his coffin. He was dead to the world and dead in love. His servant Alexander would meet the plane and his body would be escorted and protected all the way to his estate.

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Chapter Seventeen

Three months later The flowers were brighter than she expected, flowing softly with the gentle breeze. She had spent the afternoon walking amongst them, surprised that this place actually existed. She saw the tree, the one that had magically held her hands while Marcus made love to her body. It was real, majestic, large and overwhelming. She had come out to the veranda that overlooked the field, anticipating her wait until dusk. The field had surprised her. She couldn’t believe it was real, that she was actually standing before it. She soon found herself walking amongst the flowers, her fingers trailing over their soft petals, painted in vibrant colors, almost too bright. She walked to the base of the tree and leaned in, overlooking the whole field that seemed to go on for miles. For this time of year, these flowers should be dead, forgotten until spring. But for some reason, they bloomed, whipping their heads around as a breeze kicked up. She walked forward and saw an imprint in the ground, the place Marcus had laid her after he’d loved her so tenderly, so forcefully. It had been a dream but this was reality and she was here. For him. She’d spent the last three months learning about her change. Valderick had wanted the third bite to change her into a vampire. But Henry’s mark held fast. She was first and foremost a werewolf. She had traits of a vampire but in a lot of ways, she was just as human as the next guy. It had been Marcus’ ability to call the wolf that brought about her change, swift, fast, unrelenting. She learned from the doctor that her wounds would heal quickly, which they did. Valderick came very close to puncturing a lung and severing her heart but somehow she’d managed to avoid death. She hadn’t been sure when she changed back into her own body. However, days later, she was still in bed recovering. Her grandmother had been with her and Henry stayed by her side. Both talked long into the night, explaining things she didn’t 142

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understand but knew one day she would. They were patient with her, helping her through her first change with the full moon. They took her on her first hunt, something she wasn’t looking forward too. But learning to change had come easy and hunting had felt natural. Henry and Mira, along with Xavier took her along a river that cut through her grandmother’s forest and there they spotted a deer. Cassie watched as Xavier maneuvered, getting in position for the kill. He communicated to her, explaining what he was doing and how she should complete the kill. When he was ready, he told Cassie to go, do it and she’d gone, as if she’d been born to do this. Her body flew, barely touching the ground and landing on the deer. Her mouth open, her jaws clamping onto the deer’s neck and killing it quietly and cleanly. As they ate their kill, she began to understand the things Henry said, felt the feelings Mira said she would have and she found herself at peace. Except for Marcus. When she’d finally gotten the nerve to call him, she found out he had gone back to France. She spent time with Archer, learning about the other half of who she was. “Where did you and Marcus meet?” Cassie asked. “Versailles,” Archer answered. They sat in his study, looking over documents, history and lore. Henry pointed out skills she had that no wolf possessed and he hoped Archer would be able to give her answers. “When was that?” she asked. Archer looked away, trying to remember dates. “I believe the year was 1684.” Cassie stared at Archer. That meant he was over three hundred years old. “How old are you?” She still couldn’t get over there were vampires in the world. At times, she couldn’t believe she was a werewolf. “A vampire never tells,” he said, laughing. “Marcus was already at Court. He purchased his title as Court Officer. The Elders sent me to Versailles as a Council of State member. Marcus worked for me.” “What did you do there? I mean, we’re talking the Versailles, you know, French Revolutions, guillotines.” She tried to remember more facts about French history but suddenly found she couldn’t remember much.

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“We worked on the Council that dealt with matters of war and peace. We provided council to the king and court. We helped in the decisions of how the country was run.” “But what about the French Revolution? Did you…” she paused. “Exactly,” Archer said, a smile on his face. Cassie eyed Archer suspiciously. “What did you do, Archer?” “We made sure the monarchy didn’t stand. We pushed the right people at the right time. When they stormed Bastille, we knew it was time to leave.” “But you worked for the king; you were supposed to be loyal to the king. How could you do that?” “Cassie,” he said, shaking his head like he was talking to a child, “we are loyal to the Elders, none else. Our job was to take that government down and we did.” “But how could the Elders decide this? I mean, did they just tell you ‘Go to France and make sure the king dies’? I just don’t get it.” “The plans of the Elders are the plans of the Elders. My purpose is to carry those plans out. When they say go, I go. Meeting Marcus, another vampire, in Versailles I thought was a coincidence. But if I’ve learned anything, there are no coincidences. Take you for example. The Elders said you needed to be protected. Why? I mean, you’re just a reporter, no offense. But somehow, they knew about your mark. Somehow they knew Marcus could call the wolf.” He paused, staring at her young face. “I don’t question the Elders, Cassie. I do what they say needs to be done. I take care of The Brotherhood of eight. I protect them and I guide them. But the Elders, I obey.” Cassie sat quietly, trying to understand all Archer said. “He’s told you more in one sitting than he’s told me in a century,” Martine said, entering the library. Cassie watched as Martine glided across the room. She had an elegance Cassie felt she never would. Martine sat on the arm of Archer’s chair and put her arm around him. He kissed her gently on the cheek. “Not true, my love. I’ve told you all this before.” “Only after hours of begging, Archer,” she said kissing his lips. He liked the begging part. For every nugget of history he disclosed, she performed any sexual act he wanted and Archer had a very vivid imagination. “You didn’t complain,” he laughed. 144

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“No, I didn’t. Off you go, Archer. It’s time for Cassie to learn about being a female vampire.” Cassie didn’t know much about being a vampire. She didn’t feel the need to feed but she had other senses that overwhelmed her, like the ability to read humans thoughts. “Can we speak later, Archer?” Cassie asked as he stood up to leave. “Ask Marcus, Cassie. I think you’d appreciate it more coming from him.” He wasn’t dismissing her; he was telling her to find her answers in the only vampire who could give them. He left them alone and she and Martine talked. Martine discussed vampire relationships and briefly touched on hers with Archer. As a master vampire, he held power over many. He could pick and choose whom he wanted but after Martine arrived over one hundred thirty years ago, Archer rarely took another, which Cassie thought was the way Martine wanted it. They talked about sex and Cassie wasn’t surprised when Martine mentioned the appetite blood gave for sexual release. She remembered exchanging blood with Marcus and the rush it gave her body. As for the increased sexual appetite, Cassie felt it daily. She hadn’t been with Marcus in months but her body hungered to feed with his. Cassie learned about her other gifts. Surprisingly, the sunlight didn’t bother her. In this, she was as rare as the unicorn or the dodo bird, but she was alive and that was all that mattered. Her hearing was more acute, partly because she was a wolf but also, she picked up signals quicker, not having to turn her head to listen. Her strength increased ten fold. Xavier wrestled her one day to test her strength and speed and she gave him a run for his money. She guessed because she was smaller than him, she could move quicker. However, in wolf form, Xavier was faster, moving gracefully in his large form. Through it all, she still saw Marcus’ face. She still felt his pain when he bit her the last time. It tore at her heart. She knew he was dying inside when he bit her, his face not hiding his pain. She’d wished then she could have taken him into her arms, tell him for some reason she knew it was going to be okay, that she was going to be fine. Somehow she knew Archer wouldn’t betray Marcus or her. She knew they would all be fine, that Marcus just needed to end the pain her body was in and then, then they could begin anew. She listened to his friends tell stories about Marcus. Tyler was the most animated, and kept her in stitches. Each man regaled a tale of Marcus from their past, moments 145

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when he had crossed their paths or did an act so unselfish they were left speechless. She felt her love grow for him. He was not like any man she had ever met, nor was she likely to meet in her future. The more she heard about his past, the more she understood the man in his present state. Her admiration of his accomplishments grew and her knowledge of the man himself flourished. The more she listened, the more she knew the longing she felt was due to him, not the changes she’d gone through. So she had packed and took the first flight to France. And now she stood, peering over the cement balustrade towards the field, waiting for Marcus to rise. “Do you like it?” a voice said from behind her. She turned, seeing Marcus walk out of his bedroom, wearing nothing but black silk pajama bottoms. His dark lean figure slowly walked towards her, his muscles sculpture against the sun slowly setting. “Aren’t you supposed to be burning up right now?” she asked, pointing to the sun behind him. He ignored her question, smiling as he walked towards her. “What do you think of the field?” “I thought it was a dream,” she said, remembering their time in it. “It was a dream, but it is very real,” he said, stopping inches from her body. She felt his heat, his warmth radiating off of him, as if he were the sun himself. “You should be inside,” she said, not understanding how a vampire could be standing in the direct light. “Your bite has given me some immunity, my dear Cassandra. The sunlight doesn’t bother me anymore.” He lifted his hand to touch the side of her face. Her cheeks glowed in the cool air, her hair blowing with the wind. “But being without you, now that would kill me.” Marcus lowered his head and kissed her warm lips, lips that drove him mad. He’d waited three months, three months to be able to touch her again. And here she was. She was his and he’d make sure she never left. He lifted his head and stared at her. “Tell me you’re staying. That this isn’t a joke,” he said, unsure how to read her face. Cassandra touched his face, his strong jaw, touching her fingers to his lips. 146

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“This isn’t a joke. I love you. Only you.” She leaned up on her toes and kissed his lips again, putting her arms around his neck. “I thought I killed you, Cass. I felt like dying in that moment,” he said, his breath ragged, his hardness stabbing her stomach. “No, you saved me. Whatever magic you had, you saved me, Marcus.” With that, she grabbed his hand and led him into his bedroom. His large four-poster bed ran to the ceiling with big deep sweeping curtains of burgundy velvet running to the floor. The room was large, a desk and computer covering most of one corner. “Why the curtains and sleeping in the middle of the day if sunlight doesn’t bother you?” she asked, teasing but also curious. “Old habits die hard,” he said, enjoying the tease. “No, really, I’ve been working on the new laws and have been up to all hours of the night working with officials. I sleep when I can.” “Are you sleepy now?” she asked, a sly smile gracing her lips. “You’ve got to be kidding,” he said and grabbed her and lifted her up over his shoulder and moved to the bed. He opened the curtain and placed her body on the satin sheets, still warm from his body. He saw her look around her surroundings “No one has ever been here with me, Cass. No one but you.” His eyes sparkled, revealing the truth, enjoying the smile that came to her face. “Now, get these clothes off quick. I can’t wait anymore, woman,” he said, sounding wounded, in pain. They set about getting Cassie naked and soon, she lay back completely nude on the satin sheets. Marcus stared at her body, seeing the soft curves of her hips, the soft tufts of hair covering her mound, her breasts, larger than he remembered, buoyant, warm and creamy. He looked at her and could barely control himself. He worked his way up her body, touching and kissing her skin, smelling her, licking her, tasting her. He stopped at her mound and rubbed his face against her, feeling the soft hair tickle his skin, her womanly smells seeping out of her. He lifted her legs and spread them wide, staring at her inner core, seeing her wetness seep out of her pussy. The sight flared him into overdrive. He couldn’t wait to enjoy the sights. He dove in, licking her opening with his tongue, running along her labia, 147

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tasting her. He heard her moan and felt his own creep out of his throat, a moan of ecstasy of having her again. He probed her with his fingers, running them up and down to her ass, her moisture covering his fingers. He pushed several fingers inside and felt her body clamp them, holding them within her, squeezing him. He moved forward, flicking his tongue over her clit, again, her moans floating in the air. He held her clit, felt the hard nub under his lips, sucking, biting gently, and bringing her climax quickly. Her body responded, her pussy clenching his fingers that wove in and out of her, rubbing her walls, spreading her out, exposing her desire. His other hand moved under her ass until he found her other hole and he drove in a moistened finger that set her fire rising. He sucked and fucked her with his mouth and his fingers and she came, and came. And then he bit her, along her leg, cutting into her vein and then she came again, her voice screaming, shouting, her body jumping, writhing, spasm after spasm. And then he let go, letting her come back down as he moved up her body, sucking on her nipples, hard, large nubs meant to be sucked and bitten. Cassie untied the drawstrings of his pants, moving the silk off of his muscular ass. She grabbed his erect cock, hard and pulled him towards her center, not caring if she hurt him. She wanted him inside her now and she wasn’t waiting. Marcus quickly complied, feeling the tip of his cock at her moist, warm entrance. He looked into her eyes; saw her desire flaring with green and gold and he pushed in quickly. She yelled in pain, in pleasure of finally having him again. He didn’t stop, pushing in fast, slowly pulling out. She could feel the walls of her vagina spasm, pull, every time he moved. She felt another orgasm rising, felt her own breath coming in short grunts. She looked at Marcus, saw the passion he had flaring around, red, blue and black, and she knew he was coming. She kissed his lips, his chin and down his neck. “Two can play this game,” she said, biting into his neck and he moaned, his cock spurting out months of pent up lust and love for this woman, his body convulsing as his cock kept up the pace, driving into her over and over again. His cock seemed to be filled to the brim, never faltering, slamming him home over and over again. Cassie kept her teeth locked on his throat and he saw all her thoughts, what she’d done for the past three months and knew she’d never leave him. That she would give him everything he deserved. 148

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He knew she’d give him absolute pleasure and utter hell. He so looked forward to both.

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Epilogue

Light from the candles and torches flickered throughout the huge circle of the marble table that sat at its center. Around the table sat twelve dark forms. Power and menace radiated from them. They were the self-appointed chosen ones who would put the world right again. They would usher a new age in. An age of blood and darkness where vampires ruled openly. One of the dark ones rose to address the others. “My brothers and sisters, our plan proceeds on schedule. The pawn Valderick succeeded in distracting both the accursed Council of Elders and its lackeys, the socalled Brotherhood of the Eight. While they concerned themselves with him, our true plans have proceeded undetected.” “And Valderick…” a silken female voice asked from the table. “Dead as expected.” “A pity…he was really quite amusing,” said the female voice. “He was merely a tool to be used for our purposes,” replied the dark figure. “How much longer now?” asked another figure from the table. This voice was rough and hard. “I grow weary of the shadow war and long for true battle.” “Patience, my brother,” implored the standing figure. “The time is all but at hand. Soon we of the Circle of Darkness will rule this world forever.” He raised his golden goblet in a toast. “To a new age. An age of darkness.” The blood flowed as the vampires drank. Soon it would flow across the world.

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About the Author

Michele Imiola is a former Army officer who has served and lived around the world. She uses her experiences for the plots and settings for her books and stories. The mother of two daughters, Michele and her family are still on the move going wherever the Army assigns her husband. When not writing or working, Michele reads voraciously. An avid biker, Michele can be seen riding through whatever town, city or country she lives in this year as she plots her next story.

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