Prince Vampire

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Prince Vampire ISBN 9781419920653 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Prince Vampire Copyright © 2009 Amarinda Jones

Edited by Helen Woodall Cover art by Syneca Electronic book Publication May 2009 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

PRINCE VAMPIRE Amarinda Jones Dedication To the dreamers—there is a hero out there for you. I know it. And to the true believers in all things vampire—thank you.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following word marks mentioned in this work of fiction: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Prologue Prince Valdemar’s hand stroked his long, thick shaft as the water ran down his body. His cock jumped with tension as he fisted it and milked it slowly, his head flung back, his long hair sleek and wet against his body. The loud groan that wrenched from his lips was one of pure and utter aggravation.

Aureliann O’Neal turned the page of the book and sighed. She could picture so clearly in her mind the sight of the naked prince as he fisted his penis in the shower to remove tensions within. Her own fingers moved down under her panties to between her legs to massage her clit as she read on, visualizing in her mind the wet sheen of the taut muscles of ass and shoulders. She knew of his frustration. It was spelled out very clearly in the pages of The Vampire’s Kiss. Aureliann had the same feelings. It was a longing to find true love. The hunger for that one person who knew your needs like no other. No book had ever made her feel so lonely and needy before. “Where is she?” His hand pumped faster and his powerful thigh muscles clenched as he looked for release. “I cannot go on without her.” “Oh boy, I am here just waiting for you, my lord.” Aureliann’s hand moved faster as she spread her legs farther apart. She was so hot and wet that she knew it would take nothing to make her come. “If only I had you.” She wanted to feel his hands on her body and his cock surging hard within her. It was something she knew she could not have but then the best dreams always were. Valdemar growled in frustration as a milky jet shot forth from his cock and disappeared in the water. He shook and shuddered as he pumped his shaft dry. His despair could be heard throughout the land. “Oh what a waste,” she moaned as she came under her own hand. Aureliann knew all about despair and need. “Please bring me Prince Valdemar.” “Please bring her to me.” “Snap.” If only life was a book.

***** “You are being called,” the older man said as he looked into the green eyes of his prince. “You have to leave.” “How can I leave things as they are, Thomas?” Valdemar could hear the call. It stirred his blood and the need to answer was overwhelming. His beloved cried out to him and his heart beat rapidly in response. She needs me and I long for her. I must go to her. Valdemar sighed in frustration and ran his hand through his hair. Yet how could he leave his homeland in a state of turmoil? Did he follow his heart to find his true love or stay and do as honor had decreed for thousands of years? “How can you not go to her?” Thomas Gwyddein had no doubt in his face. “We both know how long you have craved this moment.” “Forever.” Or so it seemed, and Valdemar could hardly believe he was about to find her. But he was worried about Thomas. While it was true he was a survivor, he was ninety years old and placing added burdens on his shoulders was wrong. “You are in danger.” Thomas shrugged. “I would be whether you were here or not. Your cousin will not hurt me.” That was true. He suspected Victor secretly feared the older man. “Victor wants to kill me.” It no longer pained Valdemar say that. Once they had been close but the control of a kingdom had ended that. “He has always wanted what he cannot have.” “The throne?” Valdemar did not understand his cousin’s lust for power. “I care not for it.” There were more important things in life than the weight of royalty hanging on your brow. Thomas smiled a soft smile of understanding. “I know but your people need you.” “All the more reason not to leave.” But how can I not go to her? It would be like denying himself oxygen.

“And leave the love of your life in danger?” Thomas shook his head at the idea. “You know if Victor finds out about her first she may not survive.” They both knew of the family history. When a true love called to you it was impossible not to answer. “You have found each other as we always knew you would. Go to her, make her yours and keep her safe.” “Victor.” There was only one person to protect her from. “Yes, he will want her too.” Valdemar slammed his fist on a nearby table. “He cannot have her. I will not allow it.” “Then you know what you must do.” Thomas reached over and covered Valdemar’s hand with his own. “You must bond by midnight on the day you meet or you will die and the kingdom will collapse under Victor’s rule. You must taste her blood by nightfall of that day or all is lost. You need her love to guide and strengthen you in the dark days that will come to our land.” “She will be mine. It cannot be any other way.” It was not a question of if she would be. It was fact. True love was meant to be and nothing could hold it back. “Not even a kingdom,” Thomas said, guessing his thoughts. He pushed at the prince’s arm. “Go now but remember they are not like us. She will not understand at first. She will most likely try to resist you. But she loves you already. The book has made it so.” “Aureliann,” Valdemar sighed. “I am coming for you, my lovely.”

Chapter One “Nope, I don’t get it.” The blonde woman shook her head and handed the book back to her friend. “It’s just not that good.” Aureliann O’Neal looked at her in surprise. This book meant everything to her. How could Zoe not feel the same intense feelings she did? Her hands tingled just touching the book. “Really?” She looked down at the glossy cover. The Vampire’s Kiss was the most exciting book Aureliann had read in a long time. And the cover model with his beautiful green eyes, luscious mouth and long, auburn hair was so hot she wanted to lick every inch of his half-naked body. There was something about him that made her hot and shivery and she had no idea why. Maybe the drought in her sex life was to blame, yet Aureliann knew she could have any man she wanted. But I don’t want just anyone. I want him. “You read page thirty-two and you felt nothing?” How could that be possible? Aureliann knew the book word for word but then she had read the book seven times in the last week. And I still want to read it again. It was almost like living it with the character herself. Zoe shrugged her shoulders. “Aureliann, it’s just a book about a weird guy.” What? How dare Zoe say that? Did she even read the book? “Who is not only a vampire but a prince,” Aureliann pointed out, wondering why she cared whether her best friend liked the book or not. She had never worried in the past. So why now? Because this book is different. This was a story that was so real it almost jumped off the pages and dragged her in. She felt like she knew Prince Valdemar. “So?” “So?” Aureliann repeated, dumbfounded at Zoe’s response. She had lain awake at night wishing for the book’s hero prince to come to her. That’s what his quest was. To thwart evil and find the love of his life. Sigh.

He was exactly the man she wanted. And yes, he was a vampire but Aureliann knew after reading the book there were different types of vampires and Valdemar was not inherently evil. There was something about him that spoke to her more than any other fictional character ever had. “It’s romantic and passionate.” “And bloody,” Zoe added. “Prince Valdemar only sucks the blood of bad guys. He never attacks the innocent and not all vampires are bad.” The need to defend a paperback hero was maybe a little weird but Aureliann felt a fierce loyalty for him and would not have anyone think ill of her prince. My prince? “Uh-huh.” “What?” Okay, Zoe thought she was nuts. Maybe I am but I don’t care. Aureliann had not cared for anyone or anything for the longest time, since her brother had died. This book mattered to her. She clutched it to her heart and felt a surge of heat through her veins. “It’s a book, Aureliann. It’s not real.” “I know that.” I wish it was. I want Prince Valdemar. She knew Zoe would think she’d flipped if she said that out loud. “I still think it’s a great book.” “It is not. Your prince has an evil cousin, a demented old mentor and a kingdom under threat. It’s so bloody soap opera-ish. You can see any of that every day after five o’clock on the television.” Aureliann sighed. “You just hate romance.” Zoe shook her head. “No, I’d love it if the guy was real and wasn’t a vampire.” She looked puzzled. “How is being a vampire even sexy anyway? And why doesn’t he cut his hair? That’s so eighties. Besides he’s not even a real vampire. Everyone knows they have midnight black hair and jet black eyes. Your prince has long auburn hair and green eyes for God’s sake.” Aureliann ignored her friend’s eye roll and looked down at the cover of the book. A man stood before the background of a gothic castle. His chest was bare and muscular, his long hair tied behind his back. His whole being suggested a wild sexy strength that made her want to sigh and curl up into a ball of blissful contentment at his feet. “Because he’s a lost soul wanting to do good but he has to fight his nature and his environment.” Prince Valdemar wanted more in his life, however he was held back by tradition and responsibilities. Surely she wasn’t the only one who understood that. “And I think long hair, especially auburn, is sexy on some men.” “Why do you care whether I like it or not?” “Because it’s a fantastic story that should be read.” It called to her like no other book ever had. After reading it, Aureliann had been so stirred that she had wanted to see if it was just she who had such strong feelings for a vampire who was looking for his soul mate and would know her when she called to him. None of it was real of course but it did not stop her calling his name each night. “If it’s that fantastic then why can you purchase it on any discount table in Brisbane? See?” Zoe pointed to the bar code that had been cut out. “You don’t get it.” Was Aureliann caught up in some fantasy world that was easier than living her own dreary life? Probably. There was nothing in her life to get excited about. Just work and home. No man had ever appealed to her like Prince Valdemar had. And I want him. I love him. It was crazy but it was the truth. “I get that you’re in love with a fairytale prince who is a freak.” “He is not!” Aureliann snapped then stiffened for a moment when she realized she was so caught up in a fictional character that she was prepared to fight her best friend over it. What the hell is wrong with me?

Zoe blew out a sigh. “Aureliann, you are my best friend and I feel I can say this to you—you’re insane. Now snap out of it and go and find a flesh and blood man.” She threw her hands up in the air in exasperation. “Hell, his name is Prince Valdemar and he’s a vampire from a book for crying out loud. He’s not real.” Aureliann knew there was no point trying to discuss the book with her friend. It was impossible to explain what she felt for this book and the hero. It felt real to her, like she knew this character as well as herself. “You need a man—an actual, three-dimensional man who you can have a nice, sinus-clearing hard fuck with. That’d sort you out. Your hormones need flesh and blood, not a paper man—oh pardon me—vampire.” Zoe rolled her eyes in exasperation. Aureliann looked down at the darkly handsome face on the front cover of The Vampire’s Kiss. The thing was, Zoe was right. But she didn’t want just any man. Aureliann wanted a fairytale prince. She wanted Prince Valdemar. Am I losing my mind?

Chapter Two “Oh. My. God. It’s him. The prince, er, cover model.” Aureliann nearly choked on the french fry in her mouth. This was the man she had been talking about only yesterday with Zoe. The bag dropped from her suddenly nerveless fingers, sending french fries scattering everywhere as she watched the man walk into the laundromat. She swallowed hard. Who would have thought it? A cover model coming in to wash his skivvies on an early Sunday morning. To think if I had not decided to do the laundry today I would have missed this. What the hell was he doing in a laundromat let alone one in a strip mall in the western suburbs of Brisbane on a Saturday afternoon? It was hardly a glamorous place. Damn he looked good. Tall, wild and sexy. Oh and that hair. Long and sleek and tied back with what looked like a leather thong. Aureliann looked down at the cover of The Vampire’s Kiss on the seat beside her. She carried it everywhere, even to do the laundry. Yeah that was Prince Valdemar all right. Her eyes snapped open wide as he headed in her direction. Holy crap. He was walking straight toward her. Her whole body tensed in shock and anticipation. Look in lust or pretend not to notice? She had dreamed so many dreams of this man that she no longer knew what reality was. Please don’t let me dribble. “Hello.” Aureliann closed her eyes for a moment and savored that warm, smooth chocolate voice. She felt an instant wetness between her legs in response to that one word. I just know I will have an orgasm if he speaks a whole sentence. When she looked back into his eyes, the feeling of intense attraction made her want to throw herself against his body and never let go. “I… er, um, don’t have change for the machines.” Realistically Aureliann knew that was the only reason he would approach her. She was no raving beauty. Only a raving lunatic in love with an imaginary man. Or maybe not so imaginary. She shook her head. Snap out of it. He’s a guy who posed for a photo shoot for money. He is not Prince Valdemar. Aureliann licked her lips, hoping no drool was visible. Zoe was right. She needed a nice, hard fuck to snap her out of her obsession with Prince Valdemar. Despite the beauty of this man, he wasn’t it. Aureliann knew sex with him would ruin her for other men. He smiled. “I don’t want change.”

Be still my heart. “Oh?” Aureliann felt like she was drowning under that smile. She could feel the interested gaze of the other laundromat patrons on them. This beat watching their washing tumbling in the suds and doing crossword puzzles as they waited. “I want you.” He held out his hand toward her. Aureliann made an unattractive, tortured, gagging sound of disbelief. “You want what?” The surprise of his words made her drop her purse to the floor. He actually sounded like he meant it. Half of her wanted to scream hallelujah and the other half told her to snap out of it. Men like him did not pursue women like her. His type preferred bony-assed, stick-thin models, not women with love handles and large asses. He bent down and picked her purse up. “You heard me.” He handed it to her. When his hand touched hers, Aureliann felt a jolt of awareness shoot through her. Oh boy, oh boy. “Who the hell are you?” “I am Prince Valdemar and I have crossed dimensions to be with you.” Aureliann snorted. “Of course you have.” Although he had only glimpsed her in his dreams, Aureliann was everything Valdemar knew she would be. The delightful shape of her mouth made him want to pull her into his arms and kiss her until they were both breathless. Valdemar was prepared for the voluptuous redhead’s surprise. He knew this first meeting would not be easy yet even with her cynicism, he saw recognition mixed with disbelief in her eyes. Aureliann held up the book. “Is this a case of life imitating art? Do you pick up women this way?” Her voice was full of sarcasm. “’Cause I’m not that desperate.” Valdemar smiled. He would have expected no less than this woman to challenge him. Thomas’ words came back to him. Go now but remember they are not like us. She will not understand at first. She will most likely try to resist you. That was okay. Valdemar had waited forever for this moment and he would put up with whatever suspicion and confusion he had to in order to be with Aureliann. Uncertainty hovered in her blue eyes. At least I have her full attention. How many other women would have called him crazy and walked away? Many. Only those with no scruples would have accepted him purely on the invitation extended. Valdemar did not want one of those women. I want my true love. I want Aureliann. “I don’t play games with women and I am using ‘art’ as you call it for my own means.” “Huh?” “The book was written to find my true love.” Valdemar knew this buxom beauty was it. The rapid rise and fall of her full breasts in the simple blue t-shirt and the shape of her lush thighs in those jeans made his cock harden in excitement. He was not the sort of man who liked to rush a woman. Normally he liked to seduce and tease. However Valdemar knew his control was perilously close to being lost after so long a search for this woman. I must bond with her. I must make her mine. Every fiber of his being longed for such completion. Aureliann tapped the book to her head as realization dawned in her eyes. “Oh I get it. Zoe sent you, didn’t she?” “I do not know a Zoe.” Valdemar took the book from her, placing it on the seat beside her. He wanted to hold both her hands. He could feel the shiver that ran through her body. She was as excited as he was. “Damn you’re good. I actually want to believe you are Prince Valdemar.” “I am.” Valdemar pulled her to her feet. “Come with me.” He wanted to be with her somewhere quiet and romantic. He wanted to concentrate totally on making love to this woman. The first experience was always the

most memorable. “Oh whoa.” Aureliann tried to pull her hands away. “While it’s been great to meet you, ‘Prince’, I’m not going anywhere with you.” “Then it must be here.” There was no other choice. They had to bond immediately or everything he knew and loved would perish, including Aureliann because she was a part of him, as he was her, whether she accepted it or not. This is not where I wanted to meet or how I wanted our first time to be. But I must make do. Valdemar smiled to himself. My true love had to be an independent, cynical woman. But I would want no less. He looked around the dingy surroundings. There were too many people watching and he would never shame his woman by taking her in front of others. He waved his free hand and all but the two of them disappeared. Aureliann’s eyes goggled at the suddenly empty room. She stood up and spun around. There was no one but them in the laundromat. It was empty. The washing machines and dryers still chugged, the only evidence that there had been anyone there at all. “What the fuck?” She closed her eyes and opened them again quickly. “Where is everyone? What the hell is going on here?” One minute she was sitting there regretting not separating her colors from the whites before putting them in the wash and the next the man of her dreams had walked into her life and made everyone vanish. Have I inhaled too much soap powder? “They are not important, lovely one, only we are.” Lovely one? “We”? Valdemar pulled her against his body. “Oh!” She gasped as the heat from his body seeped into hers. Delicious. Aureliann inhaled the spicy smell of him and wondered if he would taste the same. Huh? What the hell am I doing? I don’t know this man. “Let go.” The words sounded weak to her but who could think when this man was all hot and hard and his hands had slid down to cup her ass. She felt like she was dissolving against him as her body naturally molded itself against his. Was he really Prince Valdemar? How could that be? The whole making-peopledisappear thing was pretty impressive though. That was not something you saw every day. And what if he was a storybook hero come to life? Should she be carrying on this way with a man, even a fantasy one, she didn’t know? Or did reading a book seven times make a relationship? Crap, what that hell am I thinking? Dreams did not come true. “Um, who are you?” The sweet smile of understanding he gave Aureliann made her body sag against his. “I am your prince. I am the man you called to each night. I heard you speak the words from your own sweet lips.” Aureliann pushed her hands against his chest. That would be right. He was a peeping tom cum cover model. Typical I’d get one of them. He probably thought she was desperate, and maybe she was a little, but she wasn’t easy. “You’ve been standing outside my window?” She knew she talked in her sleep and wondered what else she had blurted out. Valdemar shook his head in bemusement. “No, I have been in my castle, lovely.” His castle. The man knew the book. She had to give him that. It was smart to cater to a woman’s fantasies. Aureliann almost wanted to believe him. The making-people-disappear thing was hard to dismiss. Time for a

test. If he was playing a part, despite the whole vanishing people thing, she was going to catch him out. No one knew The Vampire’s Kiss better than she did. No one. She had lived that book. “That would be your castle in—” “In Serawych,” Valdemar responded as he started moving her backward. Aureliann’s back hit the long communal bench that was used for folding clean clothes. “With?” He smiled. “With Thomas, my mentor.” Even though that was an easy question, a cold shiver ran down her spine. This, whatever it was with this man, felt so right it was freaky. “And your cousin?” “Victor.” Aureliann saw the sudden pain in his eyes. That was not fake. It was genuine and heartfelt. “Can’t you talk to him and somehow—” Oh crap, what am I saying? She wanted to reunite cousins who did not exist. Yet she was falling for this and him and for the life of her she didn’t want to stop the fall. He sighed. “My cousin is beyond talk.” Valdemar lifted one hand and caressed her face. “I need you, Aureliann.” She gasped in surprise. “How do you know my name?” The rest he could have gotten from the pages of the book but her name? “I know you as I know my own heart.” “Damn you’re good.” He was saying every single thing she had wanted the storybook Prince Valdemar to say to her. She was feeling everything she longed to feel. Freaky stranger or fantasy becoming real? “I want to believe you.” I want you to be real. “I am Prince Valdemar. I do not lie.” His eyes locked with hers, his words strong and resolute. Aureliann needed more proof. It was not every day that a stranger walked into your life and told you he was the hero from your favorite book. “Where is the royal tattoo?” Only a real The Vampire’s Kiss fanatic or Prince Valdemar would know that. It was a stylized gothic ankh symbol that meant eternal life. It was on his body in a certain place that she had often fantasized seeing. Valdemar smiled. “On my ass. Do you wanna see?” His hands left hers and dropped to unbuckle his belt. Yes please. “No.” It could have been a lucky guess and yet in her heart she suspected it wasn’t. There was something that rang too true about this man. She licked her lips at the hot man with his buckle undone. It would take so little to pull those trousers off his lean hips and… whoa! Snap out of it, woman. And yet it was hard to because this man was exactly as she imagined Prince Valdemar to be. “Fangs. Where are they?” She was well aware of the answer to that. Was he? “And it’s daylight. Everyone knows vampires can’t handle the sun.” He laughed. “You and I both know that my fangs only appear when I want them to and daylight does not affect me. Nice try to catch me out, lovely.” Valdemar reached out and pulled her back against him. “Don’t fight what is meant to be.” His hands caressed her hips. Her loins rubbed slowly against his. This was everything she wanted but it had to be too good to be true. “Who are you?” I want to believe in you. “I am your vampire prince.”

Before Aureliann had time to say anything further he kissed her and whatever she was thinking of saying disappeared from her mind with that first taste of his mouth on hers. It was everything she craved. Soft, firm yet passionate. She could not help but wrap her arms around his body and pull herself closer for more. Aureliann had the overriding need to feel every part of his body against hers. Hmm, lovely indeed. The vampire’s kiss was just as she imagined. Valdemar’s mouth left her lips. “I would have preferred somewhere more romantic than here.” “Huh?” Aureliann murmured incoherently. She no longer had any idea where she was other than she was with him and that was all that mattered. “For what?” “To make love to you, lovely.” Valdemar grinned at the look on her face. “I like how your mouth drops open in surprise like that.” He took advantage of that and kissed her again. Aureliann had been kissed before and it had been nice. This was way beyond nice. This was a hot, sexy duel of mouth and tongues with desire and need racing through bodies that were destined to unite. “This is crazy,” she panted as she broke off the kiss. Her whole body was trembling. “No, it’s not.” Valdemar ran his finger along her swollen lips. “I need you as you need me. We must be together. You feel that as I do.” His mouth descended once more on hers with a hungry burst of kisses. “I am the only man who will ever love you.” As lines went, it was ten out of ten and exactly what she longed to hear. He looked like Prince Valdemar. He spoke the words as Valdemar did in the book. But am I losing my mind? “You need me, Aureliann.” And he was right. That was the only thing she could think of. I have to be with this man. There was no way it could be otherwise. Was he Prince Valdemar stepping from the pages of The Vampire’s Kiss? Her heart and mind were one. Yes. Was she insane? Most probably. “I don’t just—well, you know—with anyone.” In fact there had only ever been that once. It had been her first time and so awful that she had never wanted to try it again or even talk about it until now. “I’ve only ever once and—” Aureliann clapped her hand to her mouth when she realized what she had said. “I know and this time will be much better because of love.” Valdemar’s hands moved to the bottom edge of her t-shirt. He thought this was about love? The look in his eyes made her want to believe him. But then am I so caught up in fantasy that I’ll believe anything? “What did you do with those people?” He smiled at her concern as his hands pulled the fabric up. “They are resting.” “Um. Stop.” Aureliann grabbed his hands. She looked down at them. They were real man’s hands—large, long fingered and scarred by life. She wondered momentarily how they would feel on her bare skin. “What?” He seemed to sense her hesitation. How did she say naked didn’t work for her, that it made her feel anything but sexy? “Are you sure you want me? This is not some mistaken identity thing?” “You are the only one I will ever want, lovely.” Valdemar waited for her consent. “Easy to say when you’re in heat.” And he was. She could feel his cock pushing hard against the fabric of his trousers as his hips grazed hers. Valdemar raised one hand to cup her chin. “This is about you and me, nothing else. Do not judge me as you do other men, Aureliann. I need you for who you are. Any flaws you believe you have are in your mind.” Wow. This man knew exactly what to say to her. Realistically she knew there was no way this could be

Prince Valdemar for he was a paperback hero. He did not exist. He was the stuff of dreams. But then dreams sometimes came true and she felt more alive now than she had felt in a long time. Her body tingled and her pulse raced. Aureliann took his hand and placed it back on the edge of her shirt. “Thank you,” he breathed out, almost as if in relief. Valdemar peeled the cloth from her torso. “Oh dear lord… ” Aureliann instantly understand what that meant. “It’s okay, really.” She crossed her arms over her breasts. The bra she had on was hardly sexy. It was industrial-strength boring cotton and designed to hold up her large breasts. She could see how her overflowing curves could be a turn-off to a man in an age where slim and toned was prized. Valdemar pulled her arms away. “No.” “But—” “I don’t think you understand how gorgeous you are. For the first time in my life I am scared of rushing and losing control.” “Huh?” Me? Gorgeous? Aureliann’s head dropped back as his hands caressed her bra-covered breasts. No man had ever touched her with such tenderness. “May I?” When she nodded, Valdemar reached around and unhooked her bra. “I wanted to go slowly the first time.” First time? The thought that this was not a one-off had her inner thighs sweating. When his mouth descended to suck on her nipple Aureliann thought she would faint. She grabbed at his shoulders and hung on, pulling him closer for more. She could vaguely remember the sex she’d had once before. It had been more a case of slotting A into B. This was different. This was hot and earthy and all about need. Aureliann knew in her heart this was what sex was supposed to be. Valdemar’s hands circled her waist and he picked her up and sat her on the table behind them. His mouth switched to the other breast as his hands pulled at the snap of her jeans. Aureliann pulled his head from her breast and held her hands up for him to stop. “Wait.” Her whole body throbbed with need. Was this a good thing? Should she make love to a stranger just because she could? Was desperation to believe in a fantasy vampire prince driving her on? “Yes, lovely?” There was patience and barely controlled lust in his eyes. He is not a stranger. How Aureliann knew that she wasn’t sure. I just do. “Do you have a condom?” It was crazy and wanton of her. But I need him. “I will always protect you.” Valdemar reached into his pocket and pulled one out and placed it on the bench beside her. “Is that a yes?” “Yes.” To have said anything else would have been a lie. She lifted herself up to allow him to pull her jeans off. Aureliann wished she had worn better knickers but then she had not known the man of her dreams would want to be taking them off her. She looked at him in wonder as she heard Valdemar’s growl of satisfaction when she was totally naked before him. “Beautiful,” he murmured as he spread her legs apart and moved in between them. Even though she was sitting on a hard wooden bench and she was bound to get a splinter in her ass that she would not be able to explain to anyone, Aureliann did not care. When his fingers trailed down her body and slid into the curls of her pussy she jerked forward. His intake of breath made her look at him. “Damn, woman, you are so wet I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

This was like the ultimate fantasy. The hero wanted her with such desperation that she had the power to grant or refuse him anything. “So don’t wait.” To deny him would be to deny herself. And I need to feel him inside me. I need to feel whole. Aureliann stiffened at the idea that this man was that important to her. The intense passion and love she saw in his eyes could not be feigned, surely? And why do I crave him like no other? Valdemar fiddled with the wrapping of the condom. In his haste he was getting nowhere. “Damn, I feel like I am a teenager again.” Aureliann grinned. This was so good for her ego. She took the condom from his fingers and unwrapped it. “You are all man to me.” Valdemar leaned forward and kissed her until she was breathless. “You make me feel so good.” She watched as he unzipped his trousers and his cock rushed out. She swallowed hard. All that for me? “Need a hand?” Aureliann was quite fascinated that so much flesh could go into something so small. “Touch me there and I will explode, lovely.” When the condom was in place, he kissed her once more as his hands went down to her hips to move her forward to meet him. “Are you sure?” “Do you think you could stop now?” Aureliann was more certain of this than she had ever been of anything in my life. The muscle in Valdemar’s jaw jumped. The man was on edge. “I would if you asked.” “Make love to me, Valdemar.” “Thank you, lovely,” he breathed against her mouth. Their eyes locked as he entered her body for the first time. The shock of it made her gasp. Hot, hard flesh pushed inside without stopping. It was like the need to connect fully was the only thing that mattered, that it was more than just sex. Aureliann held onto his shoulders and saw the pleasure in his eyes as he finally filled her. They stayed still for a moment, savoring the intensity of their joining. Aureliann now understood the whole concept of two becoming one. “Please move,” she murmured against his mouth, her tongue darting out to trace his bottom lip. Valdemar sucked her tongue into his mouth and kissed her hungrily as he began to thrust within. The push-pull motion of his shaft inside made her feel dizzy with pleasure as his pubic bone rubbed against her clit. Aureliann wound her legs around his waist and held onto Valdemar. He was in control and she was happy to go along for the ride. No words had to be said between them. They were both caught up in the desire of the moment. Valdemar’s hips started to piston against hers, setting off a chain reaction of sensation through her body. Aureliann panted as she tried to keep pace with his thrusts. “Oh, oh, oh!” Her last “oh” was swallowed by Valdemar’s mouth as the orgasm hit. Her whole body stiffened and she closed her eyes, giving in to the sensation. She felt hot and weak and yet at the same time strong, as if he had given her power she had never had before. Valdemar was so overcome with the moment and his intense love for this woman that he never wanted to leave the confines of her body. Aureliann was so tight inside that the minute he entered he had wanted to come. But Valdemar wanted to give her pleasure so he made himself keep control. Only when Aureliann had closed her eyes and he had seen the rapture on her face did he allow himself to totally become lost within her arms. That this beautiful woman gave herself to him was a gift he would never forget. Valdemar clasped her to

him as he shuddered and jerked against her body in release. “Oh boy,” Aureliann sighed as she tried to catch her breath. They were still locked together in each other’s arms, neither wanting to move. Valdemar knew only one more thing would make this perfect. The total bonding of flesh and blood at the same time. His mouth moved down to nuzzle her neck. The smell of her drove him wild. I must make her mine completely. Valdemar licked the tender skin and found her jugular vein. He needed only the smallest amount of blood from her. Aureliann pushed him away as his teeth grazed her neck. “What are you doing?” “I need to taste you.” The urge was so overwhelming Valdemar was scared he would lose control and take without asking. That was not what he wanted this bonding to be. Aureliann had to agree. “Look, you don’t have to play the whole vampire part.” Valdemar let his fangs descend so she understood fully that this was not a game. “It’s who I am, lovely.” “Holy fuck!” Which was probably the wrong thing to say under the circumstances. “Are you a-a—” “A vampire? A prince? Your man? Yes.” Valdemar kissed her jaw and moved down to her neck once more. “Wait, wait, wait.” Aureliann held him back. This was a total head spin. Those fangs looked like real teeth and kind of sexy and… She mentally slapped herself. Vampires did not exist. “Sex was one thing but you’re not biting me.” “I love you.” Aureliann weakened at his words. Damn and I want to believe it when you look at me that way. “I don’t care if you shower me with diamonds. No biting.” Didn’t most kids learn that in kindergarten? “I need to bond fully with you, Aureliann.” The look in Valdemar’s eyes surprised her. There was such passion and need. “Bond?” And why am I still attached to this man? His cock was semi-hard inside her and it would take so little to push them both over the edge once more. “Become one forever.” “Uh? I, er— No.” Aureliann pushed him back until his penis slid from her body. “I scare you.” Valdemar touched her face gently. “You terrify the crap out of me.” His fangs were still visible but they didn’t frighten her. It was more the fact that she wanted to believe him. Valdemar nodded his head as if he understood. “We have a little time, lovely.” “For what?” What is happening here? “I’ll come to you tonight.” His kissed her once and disappeared. “What the—” The man was gone before she could speak. Aureliann jumped off the table and pulled on her clothes. It was just as well she did as the people suddenly returned and the machines hummed. “Was I hallucinating?” What did those french fries have in them? She shook herself hard. “Nope, I’m definitely awake.” Cover model. Sex. Vampire. “Not something that happens every day,” Aureliann mumbled, not worried about the looks she was attracting. Am I so fixated on someone who does not exist that I want to believe anyone can be Prince Valdemar? Did I black out and dream it? Her tender thighs and the radiant heat inside her body said no.

“Hey, where did the hot guy go?” one laundromat patron asked. Okay, proof that I was not dreaming. “Good question.” Aureliann went back to the book on the seat. She picked it up and looked at the man on the cover. Every instinct told her this was the man who’d made love to her. “Could it be true?” Did Prince Valdemar actually exist? “And what am I going to do about it?”

Chapter Three Prince Valdemar had left her to give her time to think. He sensed she needed that. He wanted Aureliann but not through fear or intimidation. Valdemar wanted her to come to him as if to do anything else would have been impossible for her. “I want Aureliann to love me for myself.” He closed his eyes for a moment and remembered the heat of her body against his and her sweet breath on his lips. That she was virtually untouched both amazed and yet did not surprise him. That no man had appreciated his good fortune with Aureliann made mortal men fools. He also sensed she was not a woman who threw herself at any man. Aureliann had pride and dignity and few people did. Valdemar could see that as he roamed her world. It wasn’t a pleasant place. The newspaper he picked up reinforced that. There were wars and hate crimes and people cheating and harming others just because they could. But then Serawych was not a pleasant place to be at the moment either with Victor and his jockeying for power. His cousin was lining influential and evil people up against him to take the crown as his own. It was sad to think that his father had only been dead a month and they were fighting each other already. Vampires had always ruled Serawych. That was the way it was. The people knew and accepted that. His clan had ruled for a thousand years. It had never been a peaceful reign but it had been controlled. When his father had died a month ago, the crown had passed to Valdemar as the oldest born male. Victor had not been happy. He never had been since he understood that the throne would not be his by right. Victor’s father had been younger than Valdemar’s father. Unless death claimed the rightful heirs, then the throne was never to be Victor’s. So Victor chose force to take it and in a month where they were supposed to be mourning and planning a coronation, plots were being discovered and destroyed. So far no one held the crown. Despite the urging from his people Valdemar would not take it until all resistance had been quashed. He did not want to rule in turmoil. “I want peace.” He would have quite happily given up the throne. He never wanted it. He wanted a simpler life like the one his human mother had taught him about. All the men of his family took human wives. They had for centuries and the intermixing of blood made them stronger. They also lost their immortality when they found true love for who would want to live forever when the one you loved most was no longer with you? That was the reason for the book. Thomas had concocted the scheme. To have a book about his life written so his true love would be drawn to him. Similar schemes had brought true love to his parents, grandparents and ancestors for centuries. The males of his line could only find their true love when she called out to him. And he had been waiting for what seemed like forever for Aureliann. “What a woman.” The taste of her was still on his tongue and her luscious body had been so wonderfully tight and welcoming. She had given of herself like he dreamed she would. Tasting her blood would seal them as one forever. While he needed blood to survive, the blood of innocents was never taken without their consent. That was law. It was only those who sought to do evil who paid the price in blood. Their blood did not taint Valdemar for he was immune to evil. When he had Aureliann in his life the bloodlust would lessen

after he had the taste of hers. Valdemar knew he had only a short time to take her fully or he would lose everything. “I cannot lose her or I lose myself.” “Okay, so you have a vampire issue and you’re not sure how to handle it.” “It’s kind of complicated.” Aureliann looked at the woman before her. She was not what she expected but then it had been a day for the unexpected. This woman looked so normal. Or maybe it was the coffee shop they were in that made it seem like a mundane happening. “Vampires always are. They’re not all the bloodsuckers people think.” After what had happened at the laundromat, Aureliann had pulled all her half-washed, sopping wet laundry out of the machine and dragged it out dripping to her car. She had driven home as if the hounds of hell were snapping at her heels. The whole sex in the laundromat thing had scared her. Not because of the sex. That was fantastic. And damn it I want to do it again. It was more the fact that she was beginning to believe he was who he said he was. Prince Valdemar. Aureliann wasn’t sure how to handle that. It was one thing to wish for something to happen but another to have a real vampire prince declaring you were his. The minute she had gotten home, Aureliann had jumped on the internet and began searching for answers about what to do. Realistically, avoiding the crazy man who said he was a prince was the thing to do. But trying to ignore someone as wildly passionate as Valdemar would be like denying a piece of herself. He had completely taken her over in that moment in the laundromat and she had let him. But how smart was that? And who did she talk to about it? Zoe would think she was nuts. So Aureliann banged on the keyboard of her computer for hours looking for information. Textbook answers were no good and weird little people who thought themselves vampires could not help her but they would sell her their latest book or send her a fake vial of blood. “Frigging nutcases.” She eventually typed in a stream of words. Prince Valdemar, vampires, bloodsuckers, Brisbane. A subgroup labeled “Help and assistance with Brisbane vampires” popped up. That was how she found Temperance Larkin. “He’s a prince. Prince Valdemar.” Aureliann waited for Temperance’s response. “Hmm, I can’t think of any the crowned heads of Europe called Valdemar. However royalty is not immune to strange behaviors and there have been incidents of vampirism covered up before.” “Ah no.” Aureliann knew what she said next would test this woman and her belief system. It was all very well providing help and assistance but how much could Temperance really aid her? “You see, Prince Valdemar is a character from the book The Vampire’s Kiss.” Temperance arched one eyebrow in cool surprise. “A book?” “You’ve probably never read it.” It seemed like Aureliann was the only one who ever had but then Valdemar said the book had been specifically meant for his true love. The thought that some other woman may have read the book and taken a fancy to Valdemar sparked sudden anger in Aureliann. One quick shag and I think I’m in love and ready to fight other women for him. “Prince Valdemar is a vampire prince who has amazing powers and lives in another world from ours.” And how crazy do I sound right now? “He’s not real? He’s fiction?” “Yes and before you think I’m insane, this is real.” “No, actually I don’t believe you’re mad,” Temperance responded in a calm voice. “I have seen way too much to know that things are never what they seem. And no, you don’t want to know what.” She critically surveyed the woman before her. “So what’s the story on this prince of yours?”

Aureliann breathed out a sigh of relief. Someone believed her or was as crazy as she was. Whatever. She was going to run with it. “I read the book and Valdemar came to life.” Temperance tilted her head to one side in thought. “Huh, interesting. I have not heard that one before.” Seeing that she was not laughing at her, Aureliann told her everything she knew. “I actually really like the book and I read it over and over and I wished for someone like the character of Prince Valdemar in my life and he appeared.” “Wow.” “Pathetic, huh?” Temperance smiled at her. “Yeah, kinda.” “I think I’m losing my mind.” That or I need to get out more. Maybe start a hobby before I start reporting myself being abducted by UFOs next. “Not necessarily,” Temperance said, a hint of amusement in her voice. “Vampires are complicated souls and they can drive you insane if you let them.” “You believe me?” Her best friend wouldn’t, yet this woman, a stranger, did. “Well, this is unusual but I’m used to that.” Temperance assessed her as if deciding her ability to cope. “This is a case of thoughts into action. Thought transference. I’m new to all this freaky stuff. I understand vampires but the rest I’m learning about. I’m sure Sybylla would know more on this. She’s a lot smarter than me.” “Sybylla?” “She’s a friend of mine who happens to be witch. Sybylla is also in love with a vampire.” Temperance said it matter-of-factly. Aureliann felt the relief rush through her. Two weeks ago if someone had said to her what Temperance just had she would have told them they were insane. “So vampires really exist? I’m not going crazy?” Temperance laughed. “I can’t vouch for your sanity but yes they do exist.” The soft look in the other woman’s eyes could only mean one thing. “You’re in love with a vampire too.” “Head over heels, but Asher is reformed.” “Huh?” Wasn’t it a case of once a vampire always a vampire? “It’s a very long story that ends in love.” Temperance told her some of what she had gone through in her own life. “Is this prince threatening you?” “Sort of.” If the promise of enduring love and excellent sex could be a threat. “Sort of?” “Valdemar seems very determined that we must be together.” And Aureliann had to admit there was a sexy possessiveness that turned her on. However she was also a woman who wasn’t about to be pushed into anything, no matter how good it felt. Temperance rolled her eyes knowingly. “Tell me about it, sister. So this vampire, is he trying to seduce you?” Tried and succeeded. Aureliann ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t think of anything but Valdemar.” “Oh yeah, been there, done that,” Temperance mused with a smile. “Have you had sex with him?”

“Well,” Aureliann hesitated. What did she admit to? That she was hesitant about the whole vampire thing but willing to have him jump her bones after one soul-spinning kiss? It made her sound like a slut. Temperance wagged her finger at her. “Yeah, you have.” “Was it like this with you?” Aureliann needed to know she wasn’t the only one who found herself doing crazy things. She had a feeling this woman was a kindred spirit. “Oh yeah, in a graveyard.” Temperance laughed as Aureliann’s mouth dropped open at her word. “You?” “Laundromat on the folding table.” “Whoa, kind of adventurous with all those people around.” “He made them disappear with the wave of his hand.” That Temperance did not laugh her ass off told Aureliann two things about the woman. She was open-minded and probably a little crazy. But crazy was okay. “Valdemar tried to bite me.” Aureliann remembered the look of desperation in his eyes. What was it he said? That he wanted to bond fully with her? She shivered at the thought and it wasn’t fear that made her tremble. It was need. “But you wouldn’t let him?” “I don’t know him.” The minute she said that Aureliann realized how dumb that sounded. “Uh-huh, but you had sex with him?” Temperance shook her head. “No, truly I understand. Vampires have a way of getting to you. They mess your mind up with hot, sexy thoughts and you have no idea what to do other than to go back for more.” “Have you been bitten by a vampire? Did it hurt? Were you bonded?” Was it like in the schlock 1950s vampire movies? Did you become a vampire after being bitten by one? “Yeah, but not the way you mean. Asher had his teeth ground down.” In this short talk with Temperance, Aureliann was learning more than she thought she would. Her mad moment of desperation had led her to the internet to find help, all the time expecting some wannabe dressed as Buffy the Vampire Slayer would turn up and not someone like this woman who seemed to take everything she was saying in her stride. “Have you thought about getting rid of the book?” Yes, of course that would be the obvious thing to do. “I don’t want to.” What if she got rid of it and Prince Valdemar disappeared as well? Temperance nodded. “When is he coming to you next?” “He says tonight.” The thought of being with Valdemar once more made her body tremble in lustful anticipation. “Does he frighten you?” “No.” Aureliann had been surprised at the passion of their meeting but not scared. “I just didn’t know what to do.” Temperance nodded in understanding. “Yep, I know that feeling. Vampires are just like you or me except for the whole teeth and blood thing. They want to be loved.” She tapped her finger on her lips and was quiet for a moment. “You know I’m thinking if he came to you through the book then maybe you have a connection that cannot be broken.” Is that what I want? “Like it was meant to be?” Yes. “Aureliann, I can’t tell you what to do. I think you already know but you need to accept it. But call me if

you need help.” Temperance reached out and squeezed her arm in reassurance. “This just may be the love of your life or a terrible mistake.” “It’s not a mistake.” If Aureliann knew nothing else, she knew that. “See how quickly you answered that? You’ll know what to do when you have to do it.”

***** Victor had come to the mortal world and tracked down the woman called Aureliann. He knew Valdemar was caught up in his quest for true love. That suited Victor as it weakened his cousin and made him careless. Victor was surprised as he stood watching his woman talking to another. There was nothing particularly special about this Aureliann. The women in their own homeland were more beautiful than her. “So this is the woman my do-gooder sap of a cousin is in love with?” Victor was only too aware that tradition decreed that the men in his family married mortal women. It was said to give them strength. Any male children from the bond were vampires. Victor had never understood how such pale and uninteresting creatures could provide the strong heirs that they did. They seemed too weak and placid to him and he believed that being mated to one of these women was where the problems started. It weakened a vampire being attached to a mortal. He had seen it in his father. He had been besotted with his mother. Victor had never understood the attraction. While he had respected his mother, Victor had never taken the woman seriously. She had not been a vampire and therefore she had been inferior in his eyes. Oh yes, this woman looked beddable enough with those buxom curves but she was not someone who would be anything more than a good fuck. And yet, like all of his line, Victor was expected to hear the call of a woman and fall victim to her and lose his immortality. “I will never answer any call. I will not fall. I refuse to,” he spat the words out angrily as he watched the woman. If he helped his cousin with the woman then his cousin was weakened and that worked in Victor’s favor. However he also knew it was believed that the right woman strengthened his kinsman and the kingdom. Victor blew out an angry sigh. Killing Valdemar would be the best option as whatever power the woman had over him would die as well. The problem was that Victor knew the people of the realm would rise up against him. He had too few allies there. That was another reason he had come to this city of Brisbane. He was looking for some scum-of-the-earth mercenary vampires to aid him. They lurked in all cities. Victor planned to find them and promise them anything they wanted in order to help him succeed. “Then I will crush them as I plan to crush the plebs.”

Chapter Four “He doesn’t even know where I live so why am I getting all worked up over nothing?” Aureliann paced around her living room wringing her hands. The talk with Temperance had helped but the problem still remained. Was Prince Valdemar who he said he was? “Do I believe him or do I check myself into a hospital room with rubber walls? The laundromat thing could have been a fluke and— Oh great, now I’m talking to myself.” She threw her hands up into the air. “I just know he knows where I am.” Aureliann felt it in her bones and as much as this scared her, she wanted him to come to her. She walked over and peered outside the window once more. The street outside looked the same as it did any other night. Aureliann had changed outfits a dozen times since showering, finally settling

on a nightdress to indicate she did not care whether he came or not. “Anyway, that’s the plan,” she muttered and jumped when the doorbell rang. She had not meant to race to answer it. “But then I never meant to have sex in a laundromat.” Aureliann threw the door open. The three small bodies belonging to the kids across the road clutching books of raffle tickets stood there. “Oh what are you kids doing wandering around in the dark?” She grabbed her purse and bought some raffle tickets as they knew she would. She was a soft touch. “Now go home.” Aureliann stood and waited until they were safely inside their own home before shutting the door. She looked down at the tickets. “Great. Just what I need. A trailer full of beer.” “I have never understood the human need for intoxication.” Aureliann screamed and the tickets and her purse flew out of her hands. She swung around and saw him. He was everything she remembered and more. She felt hot and dizzy like she had drunk too much wine. “How did you get in here? What took you so long? Why are you here?” The questions shot out of her mouth before she gave herself time to think. Valdemar laughed in delight. “Hmm, which question do I answer first, lovely?” He moved toward her. “I have the ability to appear when I want. I wanted to give you some time to think and you know why I’m here, Aureliann.” Oh boy. The look in his eyes made Aureliann’s heart beat wildly. I want him. I want him. I want him. “I don’t need you,” she lied as she backed away from him. If he came any closer, Aureliann knew she was going to indulge in something really dumb and wonderfully delicious. “Liar,” Valdemar responded, the words soft and filled with knowing, as he circled her. The way he stalked her made Aureliann shiver in anticipation. She moved as he did. “You’re an interruption in my life.” She knew her boring, tedious life would never be the same again. Valdemar nodded as he continued his pursuit. “As you are to mine but I welcomed it when you called me.” Aureliann gulped. It would take nothing to rush into his arms and taste him once more yet this was all too soon, too sudden. Surely there had to be something wrong with this? Why can’t I work out what? “But many women must read that book and call out to you.” And when did I accept you were Prince Valdemar? Or have I always known? “There are no women for me but you, Aureliann.” He reached forward and took her hand. Aureliann trembled as his lips grazed her palm. “That’s all very romantic but I think my desperation for sex called you more than any idea of linked souls calling out to one another.” Having an obsession for the book was one thing. Making someone, even a paperback prince, believe it was another. It was wrong to lead anyone on. “No, I’m here because I have waited for years for you to call. I have dreamed of finding you, touching you, loving you.” Valdemar’s voice was low and husky with emotion. “Maybe there is a desperation in that. Needing to be with the only one you could love can make it so.” Love? Aureliann felt hot and cold chills run through her body. “Dreams are one thing, prince, but reality is another. And I want more than just sex.” The Vampire‘s Kiss was more than just sex. It was about love and longing and the desire to be who you wanted to be with the only person who understood you. “As do I.” When she looked into his eyes, Aureliann wanted to believe the whole fairytale she was caught up in.

“I don’t do uncomplicated sex. The laundromat was unusual.” Bizarre. Crazy. Wonderful. Valdemar pulled her body against his and sighed. “I want complicated with you, Aureliann.” “I am the queen of complicated and this is not rational,” she squirmed against him, unsure whether she was trying to free herself or mold her body to his. “You’re not supposed to exist.” He smiled. “Yet I do.” “Yes.” The heat of his body was so good against hers that she gave in and relaxed against him. “What are you thinking?” Valdemar placed soft kisses on her forehead, then her temples. Oh boy. When he kissed her nose and rubbed his against hers, she sighed. He was so sexy and sweet it was hard to concentrate on all the reasons she shouldn’t be curling her arms around his body. “You don’t know me and what I know about you I have learned from a book.” And yet as silly as that sounded, Aureliann knew that was not the reason she was fighting what she was feeling. She was scared of giving too much of herself and being left wanting more. Valdemar kissed each cheek then sucked on her chin. He grinned as she gasped. “Let’s learn more about each other.” His hands slipped the straps of her nightie down. Aureliann grabbed at the fabric before it could fall at her feet. “You want to learn by sex?” “It’s a good way to start or we can chat,” Valdemar added, his voice light and casual even though they both knew the moment was anything but. “Tell me about your life, your family.” The sudden pain in her eyes was evident to him. He reached out to her. “They’re all gone now.” Aureliann explained in a calm voice what had happened. Maybe it should not still hurt as much as it did but it was not a feeling she could stop no matter how much she told herself to toughen up. “My cousin was the last one left and he couldn’t deal with the pain of my parents’ passing. He killed himself.” Even though it had happened two years ago, the pain was still raw. “Life is not fair sometimes.” “No.” But whining about it got you nowhere. She wanted to get back to the topic at hand. “Why are you here? Why me?” Aureliann was no more special than anyone else. “I told you why.” The answer was obvious to Valdemar. His total faith was amazing. “Yeah but it has to be more than just some strange woman calling your name.” Valdemar shrugged his shoulders. “Why? Can’t it be something as simple as love?” Could she love this man? Oh yes. “What if I’m not the one? What if you have it wrong? What if I wake up and—” “And I’m gone?” he added. “Yes.” The proverb about it being better to “have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” was a load of crap in Aureliann’s mind. It did not fit the real world. “That will never happen. I am not a man who makes decisions lightly, Aureliann. I am ruled by instinct and fact. The fact is we are meant to be together.” Valdemar took her hands and placed them on his chest. Her nightdress slithered to the floor. “I feel it in my heart.” His heart was beating at the same pace as hers. When Aureliann looked into his eyes she wanted to believe him and she rarely felt that way about anyone. “If you really feel that this is wrong for you then tell me to walk away and I will, Aureliann. I would never

ask anything of you that you did not wish to give freely.” And that was the thing. She could not tell him that. Those words would be impossible to speak. “I can’t say that.” “Then let me love you as you should be loved. That’s all I ask.” There was only one possible answer to his request. “Yes.” She gathered up her courage and stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Kissing Valdemar was such a sensual treat, as he made her mouth feel like it was the most delicious thing he had ever tasted as he devoured, sucked and licked. “You have too many clothes on,” she mumbled breathlessly as they parted. If she was going to do this, Aureliann wanted it done properly. Valdemar did not need to be told twice. He undressed so quickly that he stumbled against her in his haste. Once naked, his cock jabbed at her stomach, bringing back memories of the first moment she held him within her. “Turn around. I want to see your royal ass, your highness.” Valdemar grinned and turned at her request. He jumped when Aureliann stroked the tattoo. “Very nice.” The dark blue ink etched the intricate ankh perfectly into his flesh. It was even better than she had imagined it would be. His butt muscles flexed under the caress of her hand. “It’s all for you, lovely.” “You say the nicest things.” He turned and moved toward her. “You make me want to be nice.” Before she could speak his arm curved around her waist and his mouth was on her nipple, sucking hard. Aureliann’s hands moved to his hair and tugged at the leather tie. She wanted to see the beautiful hair flowing free over his shoulders. On any other man it would not have looked sexy but on him it was so hot that she felt a rush of moisture between her legs. “Oh Val, you are gorgeous.” And he is mine. Valdemar’s head jerked up and his eyes met hers. “You called me Val.” “You don’t like it?” Aureliann was not big on nicknames herself but the name just seemed to come naturally to her. His response was to kiss her so hard that she staggered against him. “I love it.” His head once more went to her breasts, lapping at her soft flesh. Valdemar’s hands were on her ass and Aureliann knew that his control was shot just like hers. Her legs hit the sofa. “Condom.” She was on fire with need. “Of course.” He let go of her and rifled through his pockets, retrieving several. Valdemar’s eyes glowed with hunger. “On the sofa on your hands and knees, lovely.” “Um… ” “Ass up.” “Oh… ” Aureliann had a flabby ass and it was not something she wanted on display. Valdemar shook his head. “Stop agonizing about unimportant things.” He ripped the condom from its packaging. His cock was pointing skyward and any thoughts of her fat ass melted. He was right. It wasn’t important, only their being together was. Aureliann climbed on the sofa on her hands and knees. She looked down. “Oh look, a two-dollar coin and my red hair clip. I have been looking everywhere for that.” Sex was indeed a good thing.

Valdemar laughed at her words. “No one is like you, Aureliann.” He moved behind her on the sofa. She heard the intake of his breath as his hands went to her ass. The heat of them meeting her bare flesh was exquisite. “I want to come just looking at your ass, lovely.” “Really?” Aureliann usually wanted to puke when she saw it. She had spent most of her life covering her butt. She could feel his cock prodding at the crack. Now he was going to cover her ass and that was better than any fabric. She spread her legs wider to receive him. Aureliann sighed when he leaned over her body and his hair fell down to brush against her skin. “You are so sexy.” “But only for you.” Valdemar thrust inside her in one long stroke then pulled out completely and did it again. Aureliann cried out each time as he filled her fast and left just as quickly. It was an exciting rush of feeling that made her want more. As he impaled her once more, she said, “Stay.” His growl of satisfaction made her push her ass back for more. Aureliann dropped her face down against the cushions and enjoyed the man who rode her with such a furious passion. When he slipped his finger into her anus and moved it back and forward in time with his cock, she gasped. It was such an unusual and not unwelcome feeling. When a second finger pushed through the muscle, she moaned incoherently against the padding below. “What?” Valdemar asked as he stopped momentarily and kissed under her ear. “I said you are fucking fantastic,” she told him, neglecting to add the bit she mumbled about loving him. That had come as a surprise to her and Aureliann wanted to sit on that feeling for a while. Valdemar laughed at her words and spanked her butt with his free hand. “Want me to stop?” he teased. “I will kill you if you do.” Aureliann never wanted this feeling to stop. It was all about heat and passion and a need so urgent that it was beyond rational explanation. “I can’t have that, lovely. We have much to enjoy in our lives.” He started pumping in and out of her once more. Aureliann yelled into the cushioning as the orgasm tore through her body. His cock and his fingers drove on relentlessly, making her shake as waves of intense pleasure exploded throughout her body. “You are so good at this,” she panted as she gripped the sofa and tried to give back what Valdemar had given her. The man was a human pile driver as he pistoned on within her. When she felt him shake and shudder, Aureliann smiled. She was not the only one out of control here. Valdemar fell forward over her body, squashing her down against the cushions. “You exhaust me, woman, but I like it.” He pulled out from her body and rolled them around so she lay at his side. “And I love you, Aureliann.” She was not ready to say those words back, instead she kissed his lips and snuggled against him to enjoy the moment. Valdemar smiled. This was the happiest he had been in a long time. His woman was wrapped in his arms and there was a peacefulness he felt with Aureliann that he felt with no other. I would give up the crown just to be with her. He sighed. Unfortunately it wasn’t as simple as that. If he gave up and Victor won then his people would be under constant threat and he could not allow them to suffer because his cousin was jealous of him. “You will like my home.” Valdemar knew the simple act of having Aureliann by his side would make a huge difference in his life. He wanted to share his days, his thoughts and his concerns with the woman he

loved. He wanted to shake off the loneliness of immortality. He wanted those things that only true love could bring. Aureliann turned in his arms to look at him. “Is it really a castle?” Valdemar smiled at the awed tone of her voice. That was one of the many things he loved about her. Aureliann was unpretentious. She said what she thought and her words were not measured as if she was scared of what others would think of her. That’s how he wanted to rule his world. And with her by my side I will. That she believed he was who he said he was made everything so much easier. “Yes, and we’ll be happy there.” Valdemar kissed her lips, savoring the taste of her. He longed to taste the life force of her blood but he would wait until she was ready to permit him that privilege. “We?” Aureliann looked at him in confusion as she started to sit up. “What do you mean?” Wasn’t it obvious? “You’re going to marry me, lovely, and live with me in Serawych.”

Chapter Five “Oh no I’m not.” Marriage? Living in a fairytale land? Aureliann pushed away from him. The loss of his body heat was like a reality check to her. “You have to marry me.” Valdemar made it sound like there was no other way. Sentences with “have to” in them always irritated Aureliann. She was not someone who took kindly to anyone arranging her life in accordance with what they wanted from her. “Why?” “What do you mean why?” He looked at her in puzzlement. “We love each other.” “Says who?” Aureliann sat up and grabbed at a nearby cushion and used that to cover her body from his gaze. It was a little too late for that of course but the direction of this conversation required focus on the facts at hand and not the body parts that were to hand. Valdemar raised up, totally oblivious to his naked state. “Are you serious?” “Are you?” The concern in his voice scared her. Calling out his name and him turning up was one thing. Marriage and castles were entirely another. “Look, prince, we had sex. I don’t know how it works in your world but it doesn’t mean the whole ‘I do’ thing naturally follows.” “What does it mean?” “Okay, I actually accept you’re a prince from a faraway land. I accept you’re a vampire but I’m not marrying you or anyone because I don’t want to.” Marriage was not something Aureliann had ever contemplated. That was for other people. He looked at her in amazement. “I don’t believe this. You called me. Thomas said that you would—” “Oh right, Thomas is your mentor, isn’t he?” Aureliann remembered him from the book. She would have liked to have met him. He sounded like an interesting man. “How is his arthritis by the way?” She recalled reading that it had slowed him down from a once active lifestyle. Valdemar raised his eyebrow in disbelief. “You’re more interested in discussing Thomas?” That was because Thomas wasn’t there in front of her all hot and naked and now cranky looking. Aureliann wondered if many people disobeyed Valdemar. Just because he was royalty didn’t mean she was about to bow and scrape and fit in with his whims.

“Well, he’s an old man.” “So it’s safe to be interested in him and not me?” Valdemar growled the words out in frustration. “Scared of giving yourself, Aureliann? Scared of grown-up emotions?” Yes. “Oh bite me.” Aureliann wasn’t about to allow herself to be bulldozed into anything by a bossy vampire prince. “I would love to,” Valdemar responded, his eyes hot and passionate on hers as he moved toward her. “I crave it. I need to taste you fully.” Aureliann wiggled backward on her ass, clutching the cushion to her for protection. “You put fang marks in me, prince, and I’ll kick your royal butt.” She was in a dangerous situation. He was a man who could quite easily overpower her and do whatever he wanted and it would probably turn out to be something she would enjoy. But agreeing to anything in the throes of passion was not something she wanted to chance. “I’ve read the book, remember. I know what happens when you bite me.” Valdemar would lose his immortality and she would be bound to him for life. It was way too soon to be thinking about any of that. “Do I mean anything to you?” When he looked at her with such soulful eyes she wanted to agree that he meant more to her than she could ever imagine anyone ever could. But Aureliann also needed time to think. In a matter of hours she had gone from dreaming of him to the reality of him and she wasn’t at all sure what her own reality was at that moment. “I just frigging met you.” Her head was spinning from him. “So you would do this with any man?” Aureliann snorted. “No, but that’s not the point.” Valdemar ran an agitated hand through his hair. “What’s wrong with you, Aureliann?” “Me?” She was affronted he was arrogant enough to suggest she was somehow to blame for whatever this was between them. “You knew I was hot for you because of that book. You deliberately planned to sweep me off my feet because you thought I would be desperate and grateful enough.” Admittedly it took very little to seduce her. He was so damned sexy and she had fallen in love with him as a character in a book. But reality, such as it was at that moment, did not have her about to declare love for him and to willingly fall in with whatever his plans were. Valdemar looked angry. “There was nothing deliberate about it. We were meant to be together. It was fate but you’re too stubborn and stuck up.” “Fate, my ass,” Aureliann snapped out as she maneuvered herself to stand up. “And you can call me whatever names you like, my lord, but I’m not marrying you just because you say so.” She pulled the cushion from her body. Let him look. It was the last time he would be allowed to. “I don’t know what women in your country are like but we Brisbane girls don’t follow orders. And you may be as sexy as hell but even I’m not that desperate.” Valdemar’s eyes roamed her body before stopping to rest on her face. “Weren’t you?” “What? You don’t learn manners at prince school?” Arrogant sod. Okay, yeah, maybe he was right. That was what pissed her off. There had been an element of desperation but it was tacky for him to bring it up. Aureliann knew Valdemar had just said it to annoy her. He smiled. “And here was me thinking you were sweet.”

“I am but just to people I like.” “I think you’re a coward, Aureliann O’Neal.” Valdemar’s words were direct and to the point. “And I think you should haul your tattooed ass out of here, your highness.” Valdemar did not move, instead crossed his legs. “I’m not leaving.” “Well, floor or sofa then?” Aureliann smiled over-sweetly when he swore under his breath. When he rose up to his full height, it took everything she had not to back away from him. Prince Valdemar was one hell of a man and naked he was mind-boggling. “This was not how my ancestors had mated surely.” He snatched up his trousers. “I need to go out.” “Who’s stopping you?” “Certainly not you.” Valdemar disappeared. “Bloody hell what am I doing?” Aureliann slapped her forehead. One minute she could not get enough of him and the next she was kicking him to the curb. This was the man she wanted and dreamed of, yet she was scared that he was finally there in her life. It was one thing to want from afar but another to be up close and personal talking about commitment. That’s what marriage was to Aureliann. Maybe celebrities could meet someone and get married the next day but she was not like that. Marriage was for life. Before her parents died she experienced that. They would have grown old together if not for the car crash. The problem was Aureliann liked the idea of forever when it was a faraway concept that was unlikely to touch her world. “I don’t want him, yet I want him.” She blew out a sigh and put her head in her hands. “That’s real rational, Aureliann.”

***** Valdemar was as angry as hell. She didn’t want him. No woman had ever denied him. He was a prince, a nobleman, a vampire. Women in his own country lusted after him. He was a prize, a catch. He could marry any woman he wanted. He did not have to follow tradition. That some pipsqueak of a woman told him “no” maddened him. Who was she to deny him what he wanted? He stopped and thought about Aureliann. You put fang marks in me, prince, and I’ll kick your royal butt. Valdemar smiled as he remembered her words. No woman had ever said that to him and as much as it irritated him, he also liked it. Aureliann was no pushover. She did not want him because of what he was—a prince or a vampire. In her eyes he was just a pushy man and she was not going to play by his rules. She was hot, feisty and he wanted to turn her over his knee and spank her then make love to her until the only answer from her lips was, “Yes, Valdemar, I will marry you”. He loved her. He did not doubt that. He now had to make her believe that life and love could come from the pages of a book. While Aureliann was a realist, she was also a dreamer. That she had avidly read the book told him that. “So how do I make her believe her dreams can come true?” Before he could think further, a high-pitched scream of terror broke into his thoughts. Valdemar walked swiftly in the direction of the cry. Whoever it was sounded like they were in great distress. He turned a corner and saw a man beating a woman up. Men in his country did not act this way. They had more honor. Valdemar launched himself at the man, pulling him from her with one heave. “Are you okay?” he asked the woman. The man charged him. Valdemar smacked him in the jaw and knocked him down. The woman nodded, staring in amazement at the half naked man with the flowing hair. “Leave us,” Valdemar told her. He watched as she hobbled away, looking back only once as if amazed at her luck. Valdemar deflected another

blow the man aimed at him. He knew this type of man. He was a lowlife who used and abused for his own gratification. “Who the fuck are you?” the man asked as he reeled under the blows. “That’s not your concern.” Although Valdemar could the feel the waves of evil coming from the man, he was useful to him. He needed blood and Valdemar never took anyone innocent. He grabbed the man by the neck. “What are you doing?” Valdemar allowed his fangs to appear. He saw the fear in the man’s eyes. It would have been a similar fear to what his female victim would have felt. “I’m going to use you and discard you without a backward glance. I believe it will give you some idea of how your victims feel.” As his teeth sunk into the man’s jugular, Valdemar forgot whose throat he sucked as the life force of blood rushed through his body, revitalizing him once more.

***** Victor did not have to go inside the woman’s house to know that his cousin was fucking the woman senseless. It was exactly what he would do given the invitation from the curvaceous Ms. O’Neal. Victor could have slipped quietly into the house and watched but he knew his cousin would have felt his presence if he got too close. “Though he would be stupid to think I am not following him.” And he knew Valdemar was anything but. He was surprised when his cousin appeared suddenly outside, half-naked, hair abound, as if he had stormed out in a rush or been thrown out. It was funny to think that a woman would deny his cousin. Few did. “Interesting.” Valdemar looked pissed off. The woman clearly wasn’t as enamored of him as he was of her. But then Valdemar always was the romantic one, throwing his heart and soul into everything. Victor smiled as his cousin disappeared just as quickly. He knew he would be needing blood, especially if he had been shagging that woman. It gave Victor an idea. “Hello,” he greeted the woman as he appeared in her home. Aureliann looked at him. “What are you doing back here?” She had put on a robe and was sitting hunched up on the sofa. “I could not leave things as they were.” “No,” she agreed as she stood up. “Come to me, Aureliann.” Victor held his hand out to her. Aureliann looked at the hand that was reaching for hers. The veins stood out harsh and gnarled on the pale skin. The fine hairs on the back of her neck prickled in awareness that something was not right. She looked up into the green eyes that stared back at her. Aureliann saw no love or passion within. Those eyes were dead. Though this man was almost the spitting image of Valdemar, he was not the prince she knew. “Victor.” The evil cousin. Cue the dramatic music. It was like she had walked into a soap opera. He smiled. “Very good, my dear.” It was exactly how she expected a snake to smile. “Where is your cousin?” If he was here and Valdemar wasn’t then that didn’t bode well. The thought that Victor could have done something to Valdemar made Aureliann angry. While it was true that she found Valdemar’s presumptions arrogant, she did not want him

out of her life just yet. There were things about him that she needed to get her head around. “Hmm, let’s see,” Victor murmured as his eyes raked her body with an insolent glare. “You threw him out.” “As I will you.” Aureliann re-tightened the robe around her body. The way he leered at her made her sick. Victor laughed at her words. “Oh, I’m not my soppy cousin who allows himself to be pushed out the door. I plan to stick around and have some fun.” Aureliann knew what that look meant and if he touched her she would fight like a woman possessed. “You can’t have me. I belong to your cousin. We bonded.” “There are no marks on your neck.” He started to circle her like a predator looking for weaknesses. “You may be bonded by sex but not blood. That’s a big difference.” She made sure she did not have her back to him. Where was Valdemar? How the hell do I deal with this pretentious prick? In her mind she called to Valdemar. Surely if we are connected he will come to me. “Touch me and I will scream and I can scream really loudly.” She looked at him in distaste as he laughed at her words. “Maybe that won’t save my life but it’ll give you a really bad headache.” Victor looked amused at her threat. “Deny me, woman, and I will make you suffer.” “And I will kill you.” Valdemar appeared suddenly in the room. Aureliann did the girly thing and ran to him. She had been worried about his safety and his strength renewed her own. Valdemar arched his eyebrow as he pulled her to his side for protection. “So you want me now, lovely?” “Shut up.” She was glad to see him but he still annoyed her. “How did you know I needed you?” Had the mind thing worked? “We are linked and nothing can break that.” He turned to his cousin. “What do you want, Victor?” Valdemar’s voice was harsh. Victor laughed in contempt. “Cousin, you know what I want. I want everything you have, including the woman.” “Oh puke,” Aureliann muttered in disgust. “’Like I’d go for sloppy seconds.” “Bitch,” Victor snarled. “Wannabe,” she retaliated. Valdemar silenced her with a look. “You know that will never happen. You cannot have what is mine.” “Then I will destroy you and you know I can. Besides, this woman is not fully yours and you only have a short period of time to make her so. From what I can see this bitch may want your cock but she wants no part of your life.” “Oh you pus bucket of scum—” Aureliann struggled as Valdemar held her back from launching at Victor’s throat. “If you want a fight I will meet you on home soil and do it.” Valdemar’s mouth was tightened in anger. Victor bowed. “So be it. I wonder how dear Thomas will feel when I dump your broken body before him? He does seem like the sensitive sort to me.” He waved his hand and disappeared. “What an asshole.” Yet because of him Aureliann’s mind was churning. Valdemar’s life and the future of the people he loved were at stake. She could help him but the cost scared her. “Him or me?” Valdemar quipped in wry amusement. “You didn’t like me before.”

“Because you were being pushy.” She moved away from him. Aureliann needed time to think and touching him discombobulated her thought processes. Valdemar nodded in acceptance of that fact. “How did you know Victor was not me?” “I just knew by his hands, manner and the hard look in eyes.” Because I know you as I know myself. But Aureliann wasn’t about to say that as it would give the man ideas. “You may be almost identical but your cousin is a pale imitation of you.” “Aureliann, I don’t want to lose you.” The quiet look of desperation in his eyes was almost her undoing. “Or is it more you don’t want to lose power?” It was a hard thing to say but she wanted to know the truth. Where do I stand with you? Make me believe that this is more than just one crazy moment in my life. Valdemar sighed and sat down on the arm of the sofa. “While it’s true my people need me, I would not take from you what you do not want to freely give me. If you doubt my love for you than I cannot make you love me.” Her heart flip-flopped at the sincerity in his voice. If Aureliann was honest she was already in love with the man. The character from the book was just that. Loveable, sexy and strong as was the real-life man. But Valdemar was more than that. He was also vulnerable and not afraid to show it. That he could be himself around her without any pretension showed great strength and Aureliann admired that. “So if I let you bite me I’m stuck with you for life?” That thought was not unpleasant—more scary. If she was honest it was not the possible pain of being bitten, it was the giving of herself totally to one person. She had no practice at doing that. Valdemar smiled softly. “It could be worse and I think we’d have a lot of fun.” Yes they would. Aureliann could feel that. In the short period she had known him, she had enjoyed herself more than she had in a long time. “But you would become mortal and that would weaken you.” And she knew Victor would take advantage of that. He shook his head. “No, it actually works in the reverse. Your bond with me strengthens me.” Aureliann understood that. She felt strong with him beside her and she was not someone who had ever needed a crutch to lean on. But there were other types of strengths. “What about the vampire thing?” “I am who I am, that does not change.” “So you still go around biting people?” I’m not sure that I like that. “While I do lose my immortality, I still rely on a small amount of blood.” Valdemar looked her straight in the eyes as if wanting Aureliann to understand what she was letting herself in for. “I would rely only on you for sustenance in times of stress.” “O-kay.” Aureliann pondered that for a moment. It was weird yet there was also a rightness to it that seemed logical to her. A week ago she was wondering whether to buy new brown shoes or new black shoes, and here she was deciding whether to throw her lot in with a vampire prince from a storybook and she still hadn’t decided on shoe color. “The women of my family are the power behind their men. There is no question of that. We as men know it. They give their blood with love because they love their men. If you cannot do this I would not ask this of you, Aureliann. It’s a big step for a mortal woman to take.” She realized the only pressure she was getting was from herself and that was led purely by fear. Two things were in her mind. One was the definite realization that this man, this vampire prince, was the love of

her life. While it was madness to fall so fast it did not mean it was not real. The other was that she had no one or anything of note to leave behind her. “What if—” “What?” Valdemar stood and waited for her question. “What if you get sick of me? I’m not the most placid or easy person to live with.” “Really? I cannot imagine that.” Valdemar grinned at her words. “Seriously? That would never happen, lovely.” He had the sweetest smile. “What if I get sick of you and want to leave?” Even as she said the words Aureliann knew in her heart that would never happen either. He shrugged his shoulders. “I could not stop you.” “Right,” Aureliann murmured as she looked at him thoughtfully. She had an escape clause. And I don’t want one. Most confusing. So why am I holding back? Great sex, a new life with a gorgeous man who wanted to cherish her. What more do I want? “I love you, Aureliann. I know what I ask is too much and you have every right to say no.” Valdemar turned to leave. “I’ll leave you in peace.”

Chapter Six Aureliann sucked in a deep breath. “Bite me.” There was only ever one decision she could have made. She wanted Valdemar for better or worse. Valdemar swung around and looked at her. “What?” There was hope mixed with disbelief in his eyes. “You heard me, prince.” Aureliann pushed her hair back to expose her neck. “Why?” He came to stand before her, his eyes searching hers for answers. “What do you mean why? I have to save your tattooed princely ass.” There were other reasons but hiding behind flippancy was safer than analyzing the whys and wherefores. “Besides I can’t have creepy Victor winning. That’s against all soap opera rules.” “It has to be more than that, Aureliann.” He linked her hands with his. The heat of his touch surged through her veins. “Yeah, well it probably is.” Just saying the words was hard. “Probably?” Valdemar smiled at her hesitation. “Okay, it is, but I’m not sure what so I’m going to see where this takes us.” He chuckled at her words. “That’s not the most romantic offer I have heard.” Aureliann pulled his hands to her chest. “Oh Prince Valdemar, suck the essence from my body and make me yours,” she moaned dramatically before winking at him. “Is that better?” “You know I swear this was not how I visualized soul mates becoming one.” “Soul mates? Becoming one?” Could Valdemar feel the wild beat of her heart? Did he understand how she felt? “Prince, I’m always going to be me, a separate entity, no matter what happens between is. The idea of soul mates is romantic but don’t you want someone realistic and honest? Don’t you want someone who can stand beside you when things are bad or to tell you the truth even though it’s not what you may want to hear?

Don’t you crave someone who you can trust, who understands you may not be perfect but who loves you anyway?” Or is that just me? And can it be you? “Yes.” Aureliann could see in his eyes he understood every word she had said. “Well here I am, my lord. I’m not perfect and I expect I’ll make a mess of things but I happen to think at this moment you need me to save what is important to you.” Though how, she wasn’t exactly sure but her own words had given her strength and she was willing to see where the vampire prince would take her. Valdemar reached up and cupped her face in his hand. “Are you sure, Aureliann? It is a lot to ask you.” “Yeah, you’re damn right it is.” She grinned at his look of amusement. Aureliann had a feeling that not a lot of people spoke to royalty the way she did. “As to if I’m sure? I don’t know why but yes I am.” “You know why.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on her lips. “You’re just too scared to admit it.” Valdemar’s hands ran down to the tie on her robe. “Take your robe off.” Aureliann shrugged it off. “Is naked part of the ritual?” “No,” he answered with a wicked smile. “Pervert.” She stuck out her tongue at him. He licked his lips in response. Aureliann shivered as she watched Valdemar’s clothes fall from his body with a wave of his hand. “Wow, you never told me you had that power.” It was a damn good one to have. What others did he possess? “I want to maintain as normal a life as possible but sometimes speed is of the essence.” That was fair enough. “Are you still going to be able to do that when you lose your immortality?” That would be a shame if stripping by magic disappeared. “That and other interesting stuff, lovely.” Valdemar reached out to her and hugged her to his body. The steely strength of his cock thrummed against her body. “Is this biting thing going to hurt because I can be a big wuss sometimes.” Paper cuts made her wince. Valdemar threw back his head and laughed. “You always make me smile. I believe you have more courage than you think and no, it won’t hurt.” Aureliann pulled back from him. “How do you know? I mean no one’s ever done it to you, have they?” “No but no one’s ever complained before either.” “Would they be game to, you being a prince and all?” Valdemar shook his head in wonder. “You’re not the slightest bit in awe of me, are you? Most people are.” Valdemar actually scared her more than she would ever let on. “I’m not most people, prince.” He slapped her butt. “I’ve noticed that. And when are you going to call me ‘Val’ again, lovely?” “When you deserve it.” “I will work very hard for that honor.” He kissed her again. “Are you ready?” “Suck away.” Aureliann gripped his shoulders, her eyes on his. The tenderness she saw inside them made her heart melt. He really loves me. “Life with you is going to be interesting,” he murmured against her mouth before sliding his lips down her neck, kissing, nuzzling, whispering strange words as his fangs extended and grazed the surface of her neck. Aureliann stiffened and closed her eyes as his teeth sank into her skin. There was a rush of pain and a blinding white heat that seemed to light up the room. She clutched him to her, not wanting to break the hold as

a wild rush of pleasure shot through her body. Her skin began to tingle as his mouth sucked hard. It was almost like a love bite but different. It was more intense, urgent and sexual. That was not something she expected to feel. Aureliann felt his hot, stiff cock at her stomach, her thighs wet with need and her lover at her throat taking his fill. I love him. Valdemar had dreamed of this moment for the longest time. The sweet rush of her blood sent a fire through his veins that he had never felt before. All his senses lit up and were totally attuned to the woman in his arms. “Oh Val,” Aureliann sighed in contentment. That she was enjoying it as much as he was made Valdemar feel stronger than he ever had. He felt like he could do anything with Aureliann beside him. But he had to be careful. This was her first time and her blood was so sweet that he did not want to weaken her. Valdemar reluctantly lifted his mouth from her neck and licked the wound until the blood stopped flowing. “Thank you, lovely. That was a gift I will always treasure.” He saw the soft look in her eyes. “Are you okay?” “I want you.” And he wanted her back. “Maybe you should sit and relax and—” Aureliann grabbed his shoulders and kissed him hard. “I need you now.” Valdemar wasn’t about to refuse his lady. He was amused at how she pushed him down on the sofa. When she dropped to her knees before him and took his cock between her hands he groaned. “Aureliann, you don’t have to.” “Oh but I want to and I am,” she responded as she stroked his cock in a milking action between her hands. Her eyes were on his, watching his reaction. When Aureliann dropped her head and licked the tip of his shaft, Valdemar gripped the cushions and started to recite the alphabet backward to refrain from exploding in her mouth. “This is interesting.” Aureliann’s tongue flicked against the turgid flesh once more. “How so?” His voice was so hoarse that Valdemar wasn’t even sure he had spoken the words out loud. “Different from what I expected.” Her lips moved down the length of his cock, following the large, bulging vein. If Aureliann plans to kill me then this is the way I want to go. “Good or bad?” It was very good for him. “Oh most definitely good.” Valdemar almost swallowed his fangs when Aureliann sucked his penis inside past her lips. He retracted his fangs quickly and concentrated on the suction of her mouth. That Aureliann was an amateur at this Valdemar did not doubt. Yet her enthusiastic exploration of his shaft and balls with her tongue and hands almost paralyzed him with enjoyment. “Um, Aureliann.” This was excellent but he had other goals in mind. “Yes, Val?” His cock popped wet and well-sucked from her lips. “If you keep doing that then I will come all over you.” Valdemar could see her consider that possibility and it did not appall her. “I want to be inside you when I come. I want to feel you on me.” “And I am happy to accommodate that need.” Aureliann stood up and wriggled onto his lap so she was facing him.

He waved his hand and a condom appeared. “I thought you did not want to use your powers? That you wanted to remain as normal as possible.” “Fuck that.” Valdemar struggled to get the rubber over his wet cock. “No, fuck me,” she whispered against his lips. Valdemar almost ripped a hole in the thin latex at her words. He could feel the slick wetness of her pussy on his thighs and all he could think of was being inside her once more. “I don’t think I will ever get enough of you, lovely.” “Sounds good to me.” Aureliann lowered herself down over his covered penis. “O-oh-ohh.” “I love the way you love me.” Valdemar’s mouth met hers and they kissed hungrily. Aureliann rocked herself up and down on his body, her hands curled up in his loose hair. His hands were on her breasts, kneading the flesh he loved. He could feel her body go faster, tensing in its need to release all the pent-up energy inside. Aureliann cried out as she came, her head falling to Valdemar’s shoulder. Her teeth lightly nipped his skin. It was then that Valdemar gave himself permission to explode inside her. The waves of pleasure racked his body as her vagina took hold of his cock and milked him dry. “Whoa, I got a little crazy there.” Aureliann remained against his chest, panting, his hair on her shoulders like the warmest blanket. “I liked it.” “What now?” At that moment in his life Valdemar had never felt more powerful. He knew his immortality was gone but he couldn’t care less. He had his true love at his side and he was eager to see where life took them. He gently stroked back the hair from her face. The tiny puncture marks on her throat made him wince in guilt thinking of the pain he must have inflicted on her. “I’m sorry.” Valdemar’s fingers moved over the wound. “Truly, it did not hurt, my lord.” She is so beautiful. I almost forget to breathe when I look at her. “We go to Serawych.” Valdemar longed to show her the world that he had come from and hoped she would be happy in. “Right,” Aureliann murmured in concern. “Don’t look so scared, lovely. This will work.” With her by his side Valdemar felt he could do anything. “Oh sure. I’m going to a country I have no idea where it is with a vampire prince who is fighting his evil cousin for the crown. What’s to be scared of?” And yet he knew despite her bravado that Aureliann was scared. Not of him but the world that awaited her. That was sensible. Yet Valdemar knew she would not admit it. That she was going with him indicated the depth of love Aureliann had for him. He longed to hear her say the words but he knew it would take time. This had happened so suddenly that Valdemar had to accept she was going to hold some feelings inside until she was certain of her surroundings. Yet unknowingly Aureliann had already told him she loved him with every touch and every look. “Thomas will love you.” His cock was still ensconced in her body and she was in no hurry for it to leave.

He could feel it already hardening in response to the soft flesh of her butt on his thighs. “Why? “He always said I needed a strong woman who would not fall at my feet.” He saw the sudden rush of pink to her face and remembered once more how she knelt before him and sucked on his cock, making him wild with passion. “Before was different, lovely. You give to me willingly and I am honored.” And I want you again. Valdemar knew by the way she was wiggling on his lap and the wetness on his thighs he was not the only one in need. His arms tightened around her. “I love that you speak your mind, that you care deeply and love passionately. We must leave for Serawych as soon as possible.” “Not yet.” “What?” Valdemar longed to slide inside her once more. Was Aureliann denying him that pleasure? She pushed her hands against his chest. “I can’t just leave yet. I have things to do here first.” “Like what? Do you have ties?” As soon as Valdemar said the words he regretted them for he saw the sadness in her eyes and was immediately angry at what he said. He knew she had no family. Valdemar hugged her close to his body and she leaned against him for comfort. “I have to quit my job, close up the house or rent it out.” “Sell it.” Aureliann would want for nothing. He would see to that. “I may need it.” It was selfish and arrogantly male of him but Valdemar wanted to be the only thing she needed. “What do you feel for me, lovely?” “I really don’t know. I have an intense passion for you but I don’t know if it’s love.” Aureliann sighed as her hands curled into the long length of his hair. “I also want to hate you for making me so weak and needy.” “And yet you love me.” He could hear it in the frustrated tone of her voice. “I‘m not sure what I feel.” “If I left without you would you follow?” “Yes.” The words were out of her mouth instantly, no thought required. “But only because I have a feeling you will get in trouble without me.” That made Valdemar smile. He had a feeling he was going to get into more trouble with her but that didn’t matter. He wanted whatever moments he could with this woman. My woman. My love. “So this has nothing to do with love?” It had everything to do with love. “I’m not like you. I can’t just say—” she hesitated. Why can’t I say it? It’s what I feel. I have to stop being a coward. “I know but you will.” Valdemar looked certain of that fact. “No pressure— Hey!” Aureliann clutched at him as he rose to his feet. He was already hard inside her and she wanted him again. From no sex to great sex. It was the best way to go as she was more alive then she had ever been. “Again?” Yes please. She wrapped her legs around him and was happy to go wherever he wanted. “I don’t think I will ever get enough of you,” Valdemar carried her to the dining room table and laid her down. He pulled out from her body. Aureliann’s legs were spread wide apart and she was totally exposed to this man and she did not care. He made her feel safe and loved. There was nothing to fear from him and only great love to be gained. She

watched as one condom was removed and a fresh one applied. I could get used to magic. Valdemar lifted her legs up over his shoulders as his mouth descended toward her pussy. Aureliann’s head jerked up, her eyes open wide with surprise. “What are you doing?” “Giving back what I got.” Valdemar sucked down on her clit. Her head dropped back on the table with a crash as Valdemar’s tongue dragged backward and forward from her clit to her anus. It was the most amazing feeling. Aureliann’s whole body shook and she started to cry. Valdemar stopped instantly. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you, lovely?” The worried look on his face was sweet. That he cared so much about her was such a powerful thing. “No,” she muttered, surprised she was crying as Aureliann rarely ever did. “You make me happy.” “So you cry?” It was a typical male response that made her laugh. “Yes, now please come inside me.” He looked disappointed. “But I haven’t finished.” “You can later.” In fact she would be more than happy for him to. “I need you.” Her eyes locked on his, giving him no doubt as to her feelings. “As you wish, lovely.” Valdemar positioned himself so he thrust into her in one stroke. “Oh yes.” This was exactly what she needed. Valdemar leaned over her, cradling her in his arms as he kissed her lips. “How was I so lucky to find you?” The gentle yet persistent rocking motion of his hips continued on. “You were probably a good little vampire and avoided wooden stakes.” She looked at him in concern. “Can they actually kill you?” There were so many myths about vampires. Valdemar was teaching her a lot about vampire stuff. “Yep, me and everyone else who has a heart. It’s a dramatic myth.” He grinned down at her. “Actually I was a good child. Victor was the problem one.” Aureliann did not want to think of anyone else but them. “Victor who?” She would worry about him later. There was only now. “Harder,” she ordered. Aureliann wanted to feel his balls slapping against her flesh. “Are you sure?” “Yes, now do it.” He did and she groaned loudly. “You’re very bossy.” Valdemar did not sound like he minded one little bit. “You have no idea,” she panted as once again the most amazing feeling shot through her body. “Is it always going to be like this?” Aureliann did not realize she had said the words out loud. “Always and forever, lovely.”

Chapter Seven “You wouldn’t have anything to do with this influx of vampires on our doorstep, would you?” Temperance Larkin asked as Aureliann opened her front door the next morning.

Aureliann had just come from a slippery hot shower with Valdemar and she was feeling very much at peace. Sex was good. Making love to the man you loved was even better. The bite to her neck had left no side effects whatsoever. It just looked like a normal love bite. Aureliann could feel Valdemar at her side, edging her back as if concerned about who these people were and why they were at her door. That he wanted to protect her made her feel all soft and girly. She shook her head. I am losing my mind over this man and that will not do. Aureliann bumped her hip into his to let him know she could handle this. When Valdemar smiled down at her in amusement, her heart softened once more. “Don’t blame me, it’s all about him.” In so many ways. Valdemar scowled. “I wanted to leave but you tell me you have to stay and finish up your life here.” Aureliann turned on him, ignoring anyone else. “I’m not finishing it, I’m putting it on hold, Prince Valdemar. That’s a big difference.” “Why?” “Because.” That was all the answer she planned to give him at that moment. Aureliann did not want to continually explain herself. “Chickening out already, lovely?” Valdemar looking at her meaningfully. “I see I am no longer ‘oh Val’.” Aureliann blushed at the sexy way he said it. She looked at Temperance. A man with long white hair stood beside her, nodding in indulgence. He looked young despite the hair color. Was this Asher? Aureliann was about to ask how they had tracked her down but some things were just better left a mystery. “You’re in love,” Temperance murmured, a look of understanding in her eyes. “That’s sweet but we have a problem.” “Asher Marriott.” He held out his hand to Aureliann and Valdemar in turn. The look the two men exchanged was one of kinship. “We suddenly have a lot of vampires who aren’t friendly showing up in Brisbane.” “Actually they are aggravating pains in the ass.” Temperance rolled her eyes at the thought. “What my love means is that the vampires we already have in Brisbane are under control. They are known to us,” Asher explained. “These new ones are causing havoc.” “Us?” Valdemar invited them inside. “I’m with the police.” Aureliann was impressed with Asher. Sexy and a cop. Temperance winked at her. “Are these vampires killing people?” There was great concern on Valdemar’s face. Asher shook his head. “Not yet. They are biting and running.” “Not before enslaving women,” Temperance added. Both women looked at their men. A look of mutual understanding passed between each couple. Valdemar’s eyes locked on Aureliann. “You have to want to be enslaved to be enslaved.” Aureliann snorted. “I’m not enslaved.” I ache with need for him. That’s completely different. Sort of. “You’re in love with me.” Valdemar looked happy about that fact. She prodded her finger into his arm, the hard muscles making her think once more about the other muscles of his body and how beautifully they flexed under her hands. “I’m more in lust with a dash of whyam-I-doing-this.” “Man, this sounds familiar.” Asher’s eyes locked with Temperance whose hands went to her hips

defensively. “You vamps are very pushy and don’t give a woman time to catch her breath.” The looks the two people shared were caught by Aureliann. I want that. Her eyes went to Valdemar. I have that. So why am I fighting it? That was the question. For someone who considered herself pretty tough, she was actually pretty pathetic when it came to dealing with love. Valdemar gave Aureliann a sudden wink, making her jump in surprise. Damn, he is sexy. “From what you say the vampires you have here are different from the ones in Serawych. We live normal lives and vampirism is considered normal in the community.” “Well, it would be for you because you said vampires rule in your town so it’s not like the plebs are going to pick a fight with you, are they?” Aureliann pointed out Valdemar. “You’re their prince. It’s not like someone is going to piss you off without incurring your royal wrath.” Valdemar smiled at her knowingly. “Are you wanting to start an argument with me, lovely?” Maybe. The idea of being angry at him was easier than admitting to loving him. If he left her then she would not have to make a decision about being with him. Aureliann sighed. If I had never picked up that halfpriced book then none of this would have happened. “For you information, we not only have vampires and ‘plebs’ as you call them but we also have elves and—” Aureliann looked at him in surprise. “Elves? They exist? You never told me about them.” “If you recall, we had other things on our mind when we were together. Besides you read the book.” “Yes, but I was concentrating on other stuff and must have missed the pixie thing.” Valdemar shook his head. “Elves get really cranky if you call them pixies so I would strongly advise against doing that.” “Are you scared of them?” Aureliann could not imagine this man scared of anything. “Just remember I warned you.” Asher cleared his throat. “Okay then, we can talk to Marlow. He knows most of the fringe-dwelling vampires in the city.” “He is Sybylla’s man.” Temperance added the extra information for Aureliann. “Oh right. The other vamp.” Aureliann turned to Valdemar. “Sybylla’s a witch.” “Of course she is,” he responded urbanely. “Okay, we should go.” Asher handed them his card. “Call me if you need help. I will be in touch.” “And if you need to talk email me and I’ll be right over,” Temperance told Aureliann before leaving. “So, we’re all alone, lovely,” Valdemar murmured as he shut the door and leaned back against the wall and watched her. “Yes.” When he looked at her like he wanted to devour her Aureliann got all fidgety. Her hands wanted to reach out for him but her mind kept reminding her that she barely knew this man. “Maybe we should slow down.” Those words sounded dumb to her own ears especially after the very un-acquaintance-like things they had done together. “Aureliann.” “Yes?” Damn, now I’m sounding breathless. “What do you feel at this moment?”

“That I shouldn’t have left the wet, soggy washing in the plastic washing basket this long.” Hard to believe so much had happened since then and she had no clean clothes left. “Woman, you are going to drive me mad.” Before she had time to react, Valdemar was on her and picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. “Hey!” Manhandling was good. “We have things to discuss.” Valdemar walked to her back door and opened it. “Outside? People will see.” It was a small courtyard with fences that people could look over if they wanted. And why does that turn me on? “I want everything between us out in the open and I could not care less about other people,” Valdemar replied as he stalked over to a sun lounger and dropped her none too daintily upon it. Aureliann tried to get up but Valdemar gave her a look that made her sit back down. A shiver ran down her spine. Yum, forceful men. “Yeah well, I live here.” “Not for long.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Says you.” “Damn right I do.” Valdemar dropped down beside her on the lounge. “What are you scared of?” “Nothing.” What was there to be scared of? She was in love with a vampire from a novel who wanted her to drop her life and go to another world so he could fight his evil cousin. It was not like it was uncommon. Turn on the televisions and any soap opera could provide the same. The thing was her looking off into the distance with a meaningful stare on her face would not solve her problems. “Come on, Aureliann, tell me the truth.” Valdemar started to tickle her. This was her weakness. She was very ticklish. “That is the truth,” she gasped between giggles. “Stop it.” Valdemar grinned at her helpless laughter and tickled her harder. “Only when you are honest with me.” A minute later Aureliann gave in. “Okay, it’s you. I’m scared of you.” She saw the worry flare in his eyes. “Me?” Valdemar’s hands stilled on her body. Aureliann sighed. This was not all his fault. “I’m also scared of me and the way I feel.” “How? And be honest because I will tickle you again.” As torture went that sounded pretty good. “You make me feel like I would do anything for you.” Valdemar looked at her in confusion. “Is that a bad thing?” “What if I’m not sure if it’s the right thing for me?” She reached out and touched his hand. “If you’re not happy tell me. I would do anything for you, Aureliann.” “I know, Val, and you make me happy but, well, you’re overwhelming. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going with you.” This was so confusing. She wanted him but she didn’t, but if she didn’t have him then she would miss him. Aureliann pulled him down toward her so his head was level with hers. “Just give me time.” Two days was not long enough to get her mind around the sudden turn her life had taken. She was normally quick on her feet but there was nothing normal about any of this. “Okay.” Valdemar’s breath was warm on her cheek. “Okay? Just like that?” “Yeah.” He kissed her nose. “Because I want you in my life and I will do whatever I have to in order to keep you there.” “Good.” Valdemar was warm against her body and she snuggled in closer to him. She smiled to herself.

He saw that. “What?” “Well, I thought—” “Yes?” His hands caressed her gently. “That we were going to have sex out here when you went all caveman on me.” Valdemar snorted in dismissal. “No, I would never let anyone watch us. It’s too personal.” “You are so sweet.” They lay wrapped in each other’s arms in the sunshine, content for the moment.

***** Charles Marlow, reformed vampire, went to his old familiar haunts around Brisbane looking for trouble and he knew how to find it. Before he found Sybylla, the love of his life, and cleaned up his act, he enjoyed being the bad boy. “So who’s the new vampire I heard was among us?” he asked a clutch of vampires milling aimlessly down on the docks on the Brisbane River. There was no moon and only those wanting to see trouble would find it. “Not sure,” a very laid-back vampire known only as Arrow replied. “He seems to be recruiting an army.” He looked Marlow up and down. “I heard you turned straight. That you were pussy whipped.” “Yeah, turned by the witch,” another chimed in. Marlow shook his head. “Nah, man, just doing what I have to do to be with the lady any way I can.” Ribald laughter followed his statement. Vampires. Always thought with their cocks. Nothing changes. “Is she a good witch or a very naughty witch?” Arrow guffawed and made suggestions about what he would like to do to the woman in question. Had I ever been one of them? Their comments were crude and purely sexual. Next to bloodlust, the need for sex was paramount to a vampire. “She is the best.” Sybylla had changed his life forever and he owed her everything. Marlow wanted to kill them for even speaking of Sybylla that way. But he had a job to do. Maybe afterward he would knock a few heads together. Thinking about that made him feel better. “So nothing’s changed with me. Tell me, what’s going on?” “This new guy turns up offering all sorts of things if we help him.” Arrow leaned back against a balustrade on the pier. “You know, all the riches and power we could desire. Like we care about that stuff.” He snorted in contempt. That was true. Vampires were essentially after thrills. They were lazy, self-indulgent blood suckers who only did what they wanted when they wanted to satisfy their senses. “No deal, huh?” “Then the prince offered us something more to our liking.” “Prince?” This had to be the guy Temperance and Asher told him about. “Well, Marlow, you know how much I care about what people choose to call themselves.” This was the odd thing about Arrow. He was as lazy as the others and yet there was something that was intriguing and hidden about him. Marlow knew it was highly unlikely he would ever know what that was. “What’s the deal?” He knew it had to be good to get this lot off their asses. “The blood of thousands of innocents.” The thought chilled Marlow to the bone. Even though he was a reformed vampire, he knew what the lust for blood was like. En masse, blood-crazed vampires were frightening and unbeatable. He knew the people in question would belong to this other world he had been told about. “It sounds good. How do I get in on the

deal?” The more he knew then the more he could take back as a warning. “Stick around. The prince will be here later.” Arrow looked him up and down, neither impressed or unimpressed. They had known each other too long to care what the other thought. “What about your witch?” “The witch is not your concern.” And if you touch her I will kill you. Marlow had lost his immortality but not his heart and soul and they were for Sybylla. Loving and protecting her were the only things that mattered. Marlow stayed around long enough to hear the pitch of the prince. He was a complete and utter evil bastard who was only interested in taking the crown and dominating a kingdom for his own greed. Marlow was glad to leave. When he met Valdemar, the other cousin, and told him what was planned, he instantly noticed the difference between the family members. One was born to be king and the other would perish in flames as the evil always did. “Good luck.” Prince Valdemar was going to need it.

Chapter Eight “You sidetracked me into bed.” Valdemar’s voice sounded lazy and contented as he lay beside the woman he loved. “I did not.” Aureliann scoffed at the suggestion. “Dropping your clothes and announcing you wanted me to fuck you until you couldn’t stand was a huge sidetrack.” She loved the feel of Valdemar’s hair flared out on her skin. It was ticklish yet wildly sensual. “Okay, so maybe I did but you needed a diversion.” What Marlow had told them had shocked them both and maybe her actions were not politically correct at the time but she wanted to calm Valdemar down before he went off halfcocked. Aureliann feared that would land him in more trouble. He sighed deeply. “I have to go home.” Yes he did. That was a fact. It would kill her if he left without her. Aureliann still hadn’t made up her mind what she was going to do. The sidetrack into making love was for her as well as him but it did not solve the problems they faced. In some ways it made them more difficult. Do I go or do I stay? “And we have to stop doing this.” Surely they would exhaust the world’s condom supply if they kept this up. “What?” Valdemar’s eyes were keen and bright on hers. “This… sex.” Aureliann felt like she could not get enough of him. She wanted to be with him all the time. That thought was so alien to her. Going from having nothing to everything. It scared her that she needed Valdemar so much. Valdemar rolled over so their upper bodies mashed enticingly together. “We’re in love.” Maybe. Possibly. Okay, yes. “You also have your deranged cousin wanting to kill you in order to become a dictator to your people. We should be focusing on that.” We? When did I start thinking in “we” terms? “You’re right.”

“Yeah well, take your hand off my butt.” His hand was lodged in the crack of her ass, stroking her flesh. Aureliann was still wet from their “sidetrack” from before. The feel of his hands so intimately on her body set off sparks of anticipation within. Valdemar rolled Aureliann onto her stomach before she had a chance to react. “I love your ass.” He kissed each plump cheek. He lifted her up so she was on her hands and knees. “What are you doing?” It was a dumb question when a cock was prodding her butt. “Trust me.” He reached over and grabbed a condom from the supply he had stashed beside her bed. “I believe you will enjoy it.” Aureliann turned her head around to look at him. That he was erect and ready to go again was no surprise to her. In fact it delighted her to know she was the reason behind it. “You’re not going to… ” Aureliann could not finish the sentence. What she hoped he would do was not something a good girl would do. “You don’t want me to?” Valdemar snapped the condom into place. He looked around the room. He smiled when he saw what he needed. “Well, yeah but… ” “What?” He mounted himself on top of her, his cock rubbing the flesh of her ass. “Worried about how naughty it is?” Valdemar chuckled as she shivered at his words. “I plan to do lots of naughty things with you, lovely. Now do not move.” He got off the bed and headed to her dressing table. Aureliann could vaguely remember her grandmother telling her when she was ten that men preferred “good girls”. At the time she had not known what the woman had meant. Now she knew, and “bad” worked better for her. She jumped in excitement when Valdemar moved back behind her. “Relax,” he murmured as he nudged her legs apart and slipped his hand in between. “I love how you are always wet for me.” With his other hand he flipped the lid on a bottle of lotion he had found on her dresser. “What is that?” Aureliann heard the sound of squirting but the way Valdemar had positioned himself she could not see what was going on. “Lotion.” He lathered his condom-covered cock. Aureliann gasped. “Which bottle?” “Does it matter?” Valdemar squirted some of the cool cream into the tight puckered hole of her ass. “Whoa.” That was a weird yet exciting feeling. “One bottle cost me a gazillion dollars.” Men. They never understood the important things in life. “Is it in a pale blue or a white bottle?” “White.” Valdemar pulled her cheeks apart and moved in tight behind her. “That’s okay then.” The white bottle was from a chain store. Valdemar sat back on his haunches and laughed. “Seriously? Why would you care?” Aureliann craned her neck around to look at him. “You may care when I’m eighty and a wrinkled-up old prune.” He smiled. “I love the thought of you and me together at eighty.” Valdemar slipped one creamy finger inside her anus. “I love that we will be having sex when our knees are failing us and our eyesight is shot. I love the fact that you will be worried about what lotion I use to pleasure you when neither of us may be able to make out the writing on the bottle.” He pushed a second then a third finger in, thrusting back and forward, preparing her for more. “But most of all I love you.” “You are the sweetest man.” Aureliann loved the idea of growing old with him, which was insane considering they had met barely two days ago. Sometimes things just happened for a reason and she knew

better to question that. And at that moment, she loved the way his fingers filled her ass. It made her crave another type of filling. “I think you may love me too.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Do you want me?” “No, I’m just writhing on the bed for effect,” Aureliann quipped as she undulated back and forth on his fingers. “I need action here.” Valdemar slapped her butt playfully. “You have a smart mouth, lovely.” “Yeah well, talk is cheap and I’m seeing no action from you, prince.” He removed his fingers. “So I’m back to being the prince again?” “Until you prove yourself to me.” Aureliann liked this teasing banter with Valdemar. It made it so much more fun and exciting. “Would this do it?” His cock nudged at her anus. Aureliann was startled. She knew the size of his penis and suddenly the idea of all that in such a small area did not seem like such a doable thing. Valdemar seemed to sense her hesitation. He wrapped one arm around her waist. “This will work. Just push back on me, lovely.” She did as he said and slowly he pushed the head of his cock into her tight puckered hole. “Oh Val.” His entry was so slow and hot that it almost felt that time stood still. It was uncomfortable yet nothing would make her ask him to stop. She wanted him any way she could have him. Discomfort turned to another feeling that she knew slow-moving friction would make even better. “Oh indeed.” No further words were spoken as they both gave in to the moment for what it was. Once he was fully inside, Valdemar licked her neck. “May I?” That low, husky voice in her ear made her tremble. Aureliann knew what he wanted, what he needed and she remembered how it had made her feel. “Yes,” she breathed the word out. As his fangs sank into her neck, Valdemar started to pump inside her. Aureliann closed her eyes and gave in to the rush of heat that surged through her ass and veins. Their joining was so intense that she had no idea where she started and Valdemar ended. The sucking on her neck and the thrust of his cock made the orgasm that hit so intense that her arms shook and threatened to give way. Valdemar caught Aureliann to him. His mouth left her neck. His tongue stroked the pierced flesh like a balm. “Beautiful, lovely Aureliann,” he growled as his stroke increased and his balls slapped at her backside. She panted and closed her eyes, taking all that he could give her. When he groaned in satisfaction and his cock jerked hard within her body, Aureliann fell down on the bed. All her bones felt like liquid and she lay in a sensual daze. “Bloody hell.” Her words were barely coherent. Her ass was throbbing pleasantly. “We have to—” She stiffened and tilted her head. “I hear someone outside.” Who the hell could it be? And how embarrassing would it be if they walked in now. “Get off me.” Valdemar heard the sound of a man clearing his throat. He lifted himself from Aureliann and jumped out of bed, ready to defend his woman from this unannounced guest. “Do an old man a favor and put on some clothes, boy,” Thomas Gwyddein’s voice called out in amusement from the other room.

“Thomas, what are you doing here?” Valdemar discarded the spent condom and reached for his trousers. He was surprised but not as much as Aureliann. Her mouth was in that cute “o” shape he loved. Valdemar did up the snap on his pants and kissed her quickly. “Button up, lovely. He’s an old man but he’s not dead.” He threw her his shirt. Aureliann’s hands flew to the task. “Thomas from the book?” She looked agog. The last button was in place as Thomas came into sight. “You’re not how I pictured you.” She jumped up to stand beside Valdemar. The smell of sex filled the room and she blushed. “Hello, my dear.” Thomas had a twinkle in his pale blue eyes as he grinned at her. “We rarely are as others see us but you know that.” He moved to her and reached for her hand, patting it with his own. “Pleased to meet you and while your bedroom is lovely I think we would all be more comfortable in the living room.” They followed the older man out. Aureliann did a double take as she looked at the people waiting for them. “Those are elves.” Valdemar was amused at her reaction. It was going to be exciting to show Aureliann even more new things. He smiled at how large and loose his shirt was on her much smaller frame. It covered all the beauty that only he was aware of. As pleased as he was to see Thomas, he really wanted to be back in the bedroom with Aureliann enjoying themselves as only they could. He arched his eyebrow at the three elves leaning against the furniture with a bored look on their faces. These pointy-eared weird little guys were incorrigible and nothing, not even vampire royalty, could change them. Elves were stubborn individuals who bowed to no one. They were dressed in the standard green uniform of their elven clan. Though they barely were at his waist level, Valdemar knew their strength could never be underestimated. “She’s quick but ugly,” one of the elves said as he looked Aureliann up and down in dismissal. “And I thought humans were dumb,” another one added sarcastically and they all laughed. Aureliann narrowed her eyes at them. “And I thought elves were sweet little pixies with girly voices and bells on their shoes and not short-assed little beings with small man’s syndrome.” “Hey!” the third one spat out. “We’re not pixies, lady. Pixies dance and skip and have high-pitched voices.” He shook his finger. “We don’t do any of that. And we’re not short. You’re just unpleasantly tall.” “Pixies are also obnoxiously nice.” The elves made that sound like a terrible thing. “Hmm, I see,” Aureliann replied, her eyes on theirs in challenge. “Whereas you lot appear to just be obnoxious and kind of grotesque.” Valdemar laughed as the elves stamped their feet as they were wont to do when things were not going their way. “Give up, boys, my lady is not in awe of you.” He knew elves enjoyed stirring people up. He was pleased to see after her initial surprise, Aureliann was cool and calm. The elves muttered under their breath and shot pissed-off glances at the woman in question. Thomas laughed with delight. “Aureliann, my dear, you are going to fit in nicely at the castle.” He winked at her. “Elves need a firm hand.” Valdemar shook his head in wonder. My life is crazy at the moment yet I love it, and her. My woman. “Thomas?” “Oh yes, why I’m here.” He reluctantly let go of Aureliann’s hand. “You’re in trouble, my boy.” “Yes, Victor showed up here.” Valdemar quickly filled him in on what had transpired so far. In a couple of days, he had lived more than he would have in a couple of years.

Aureliann half listened as she traded pulling faces at the elves. In her defense, they had started it and she wasn’t about to be stared down by a trio of small green men. “So what do we do?” The elves rolled their eyes at her. “And why exactly are they here?” She pointed to them and they mimicked pointing back. Aureliann had to admit they were fun but she wasn’t about to share that knowledge with them. “They are our protection,” Valdemar explained. Aureliann snorted in amusement. “What? These little boys?” She was pleased when they scowled. “We’re not boys, we’re men,” an elf snapped at her. “Yeah? Wanna see?” They each grabbed their belts and started to unbuckle their trousers. “Cease and desist.” Valdemar’s tone was one of warning. The elves instantly removed their hands. “This is my lady and you will treat her with the respect that your people have always given all my ancestors’ ladies.” Thomas smiled at Aureliann. “It can take awhile though.” Valdemar pulled her close to his side. “They are here, lovely, because they have great power and have guarded my country for years.” “And we will need them.” Thomas sounded sure on that point. “As much as I am pleased you have found each other there is a kingdom in peril. There will be plenty of time for fun later. Have you found out what Victor’s plans are?” Aureliann gave Valdemar a significant look. “Told ya.” They had to work out the whole life and death thing before they enjoyed themselves. Added to that it gave her some breathing space to think about all that had happened to her. It had all been such a rush that she needed time to breathe. “I can see from the mark on your neck you have bonded. Valdemar gets his strength from you now and that is a power that is hard to destroy. Added to that Victor cannot harm you for to do so kills him.” Thomas saw her confusion. “If he so much as grazes your skin he will be poisoned.” “That’s right, lovely. My cousin and I cannot take each other’s mates as we are related by blood.” He nodded at Thomas’ words. “And yes, you are what makes me strong.” This was a complete head spin. That she was, as a woman, considered powerful, she always knew. All women were, but prejudice against her gender was always there somewhere below the surface. “Some men still think women are weak.” “They are,” one elf murmured, then tried to look innocent when Valdemar shot him a look to silence him. Aureliann chuckled. “I like Bob, Bill and Binky here.” The elves looked at her in surprise. “They’re not our names.” The elves stamped their feet in unison. “You couldn’t even pronounce our real names.” “Maybe, maybe not but I know you are pissy little things and I like that.” She was surprised when they blushed and shuffled their feet, seemingly taken aback by her words. Elves—like all men they were easy to work out. Thomas nodded his head in approval of her. “Women in Serawych have quiet, unbreakable power over all men regardless of race or species. The bond is so great no one can break it.” He then listened as Valdemar filled him in on what Marlow had found out. “We must go back to Serawych. We cannot have this played out on the streets of this innocent city.” Valdemar was adamant on that.

Thomas nodded in agreement. “Yes and you need to rally the people.” “What about the people? The castle?” There was great concern in Valdemar’s voice. “Everything is under control,” Thomas assured him. “As you know they are strong and do not need to be led by the nose but if this dark force approaches—” “You need to be there.” Even Aureliann could see that. A good leader always thought of his people and she could tell by the look in his eyes Valdemar wanted to go home. “Come with me.” Valdemar spoke the three simple words to her. Aureliann took a deep breath. She could feel all eyes upon her. There were so many reasons for not jumping into whatever this was she was mixed up in. She had her house, a job and bills to pay. No one Aureliann knew would consider this a normal thing to do. Though she was scared, she could not let go of Valdemar now. “Yes.” “Good woman,” Thomas said with approval.

Chapter Nine “Okay, so I didn’t tell you,” Valdemar said as he stood before her. “You should have.” It was not a small detail that he should have left out. It was life- changing stuff and to forget to mention it was dramatic. “Would it have made a difference?” “Well… yes… no… I don’t know, but the thing is you should have told me, prince.” Valdemar raked his hand through his hair. “You are the most frustrating woman, Aureliann.” She rolled her eyes at his words. “You’re no walk in the park either. Besides, if you love me as you say you do, then you’ll put up with me.” Aureliann was aware how totally selfish that came across but his news had caught her off-guard. “As will you.” They stared at each other. Both wrong, both right and both in love and apt to say or not say something they should. “I’m sorry, lovely.” The look in his eyes made her melt. Valdemar was so damn sexy and sweet. Aureliann found it impossible to remain angry with him. “Well… ” “I was scared you would not come.” Before they left Brisbane she had suggested inviting the vampires they had met along to aid them in the upcoming struggle with Victor. “No need for that. We have a strong power base in Serawych,” Valdemar had said. “But Marlow and Asher seem pretty switched on and—” Valdemar interrupted Aureliann. “They may not be able to go back, lovely.” She had stood gobsmacked as he explained in some cases people from other worlds had been trapped in Serawych. Apparently, as dimensions went, it was sometimes reluctant to let travelers passing through leave.

Aureliann may not have come with him if she had known there was the chance she would not get back home. She looked at Valdemar. Despite his momentary lapse, the man was strong, smart and loving. So where was home now? In Brisbane or with him? “What?” He reached for her hand and linked it with his own. “I don’t know.” I thought I used to know stuff but more and more I am out of my depth. Valdemar pulled her to him. “It will work out.” Aureliann knew she should have been more upset at him but she was helpless to do anything but mold herself to the heat from his hard body. “It had better.” She stopped when she realized how that sounded. Aureliann did not want to come across as a harpy but she was scared of not being in control. She seemed to be losing it a lot with Valdemar around. “I’m sorry, Val.” Aureliann reached up and stroked his face. He caught her hand and kissed it. “Lovely, you never have to be sorry. Damn… ” “What? Did I stand on your toe or something?” “When you call me Val and look at me that way… ” Aureliann knew what he meant. There was a fierce hunger for him that she doubted would ever be quenched. “You have to go do prince stuff, remember? The whole ‘save your people and the kingdom’.” A week ago that statement would have made her snort in amusement. It was so soap opera. And yet I seem to have walked into one. “Yes, I do.” Valdemar’s mouth descended onto hers and kissed her with the hot, needy passion of a man in love. They walked out to the forecourt of the castle. Aureliann had not seen much of her surroundings but what she had seen was mind-boggling. The building they were in was a huge gothic castle set on the rise of a hill. The city below seemed to spread out for miles. She had to admit she was eager to further scope out new surroundings. “Wow.” She watched in amazement as what seemed like a battalion of elves stood ready, waiting to serve the heir to throne. “They are very loyal men.” The original three elves who Aureliann had taken to calling Bob, Bill and Binky appeared. “They will look after you.” Aureliann liked these men and enjoyed battling wits with them. “What do you do?” She arched her eyebrows and looked at them with mock interest. “Bite people’s ankles if they attack? Maybe gnaw on an enemy’s toe?” “You’re a bitch,” one of them retorted with a reluctant smile. “But we kind of like you,” another one added. “Ah, you’re just saying that to get on my good side.” It was nice to have someone other than Valdemar in this strange land. While she loved him, she knew he had his duties to perform. She expected no less of him. But having someone else to talk to, albeit a challenge, was a bonus. “Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t.” Aureliann put her hands on her hips and looked down at them. “Listen, don’t try to do inscrutable with me.” They stamped their feet. She stamped hers back. “You’re not going to rattle me, lads. I’m a bigger pain in the butt than all three of you combined.” Valdemar shook his head in amused confusion. “Are you all going to play nice?”

“The gnomes—I mean elves—and I are just having some fun.” Aureliann stuck out her tongue at them. “Yeah, she’ll be fine with us, your highness.” All the elves nodded. “We’ll show her where she can swim in the tar pits and maybe let her play in the snake house—” “Oh boy,” Valdemar murmured in concern. “Maybe I had better stay.” Aureliann put her hand on his arm. “Bill, Bob, Binky and I will be fine, Val.” She leaned in and kissed him, savoring the taste of pure male on her lips. “Oooh Val,” the elves all cooed in girly-sounding voices as they made smooching noises and hugged themselves. Aureliann pushed him away. As she watched him go, she wanted him back already. Yeah, I’m in love. She turned to the trio. And I have smart-ass elves. What more could a girl want? Valdemar did walk away but stopped and turned back to stand behind a pillar. While he trusted the elves, if anything happened to Aureliann it would kill him. He smiled as he heard Aureliann’s voice. “So, do you lads have girlfriends?” Valdemar smiled. Few people understood elves straight away but she did. Elves liked to test people. They came across as nasty and a pain in the ass to some. But others, like Aureliann, understood right from the start that it was all an act on their part. Once an elf gave you loyalty, it was forever. Valdemar admired her more than he could put into words. He had given her the shock of her life and yet here she was ready to stand beside him and face whatever would come. “We have hundreds of women.” “Of course,” Aureliann responded cynically. “Elves are highly prize for their sexual prowess.” “Wanna know why?” “Gee, no thanks.” Valdemar could almost see the look of amusement on his beloved’s face. He suspected Aureliann was unaware of how expressive her features were and how they often gave away what she was feeling. That was how he knew she loved him. “So you read the book and fell in love with the big guy.” Valdemar was about to move off but stopped when he heard the elf’s words. He needed to hear her response. In fact he longed to hear the words from her lips. That Aureliann loved him he did not doubt. Women like Aureliann did not throw themselves at any man. They had too much pride and class to be with just anyone. Women like Aureliann wanted more than a meaningless fling. “Why do you want to know?” Aureliann asked. “Because he’s our prince and if you mess with him you mess with us.” “Well that just scares the crap out of me—not.” Valdemar held back his laughter. “You talk tough,” an elf pointed out. “So do you,” she responded. “Well?” There was a moment’s silence before Aureliann spoke. “I love your prince.” Valdemar felt like he had been given the greatest gift in the world. He wanted to rush back and hold her to

him and never let go. “You’re a big softy.” The elf’s voice, although harsh, sounded pleased. “So you’ll be our queen.” “Yeah and you’ll have to obey my every command.” Now Aureliann sounded pleased. The elves all laughed. “Yeah right. Sure.” “Let’s go see these tar pits,” Aureliann interrupted their mirth. “I’ll jump in after you do.” “But you’re our guest, you must go first… ” As they walked off Valdemar shook his head. “I love my life.”

Chapter Ten Victor looked at the thirty or so mercenary vampires he had collected from Brisbane and sneered. They were an indolent lot but then what could one expect when you sought out the scum of the earth? He had virtually no followers of his own in Serawych that he had not paid dearly for. It angered him that his cousin was the popular one. How could the people mistake his kind, calm words as strength? He was exactly like the old king and he had never capitalized on the great wealth that could be used for the benefit of their family. Instead they lived in an old gothic monstrosity of a castle that sucked the money out of the family purse because his uncle had not wanted to burden the people with the repair of the castle. One of the first things Victor planned to do once Valdemar was dead was to knock down the castle. Neither his cousin nor the castle would remain. They were symbols of the past and Victor saw his future very differently. He was going to use every single asset that Serawych had for his own pleasure. That was what kingship was about, otherwise what was the point of the crown? Since these mercenaries had arrived they had lolled around, argued with each other and made spectacles of themselves with the whores of Serawych. They were not like the vampires Victor knew. Vampires were lords in his town. They had class. They had breeding. This lot had no self-control but then they did not have a kingdom to conquer. Victor did not have time for indulgences. Already Valdemar was back and amassing his army. Many were loyal to him including those vicious elves who knew how to fight and win despite their size. “If only I had them on my side,” Victor muttered to himself. Elves unquestioningly followed their leader. They were also skilled in war and if called upon knew how to make a human suffer unbearable pain. “Out!” he ordered as his surveyed the half-dressed women. The vampires of Brisbane narrowed their eyes at him as the women fled. If Victor had been a lesser man he would have been afraid of these men but he wasn’t. There was no time for fear. He was on a timetable to take the crown. Victor had been planning this since he was old enough to know he would never inherit and Valdemar would. But for the fate of his father being the younger son, he would have been the heir. It still galled him that he both missed out on the crown and had the misfortune to look like Valdemar. It was a queer genetic trait that often happened in their family. Some thought the likeness was cute. It only reminded Victor of what he did not have and what he planned to take. As Victor and Valdemar were the last ones standing he planned to obliterate his genetic competition. “You know what I want from you.” “To cause chaos,” one murmured lazily as if it seemed fairly obvious to him. “Yes,” Victor hissed, the anger inside him making that one word sound snakelike. He knew Valdemar

would strike soon and he needed a comparable force to match that of his cousin’s. The vampire called Arrow approached him. “And we want blood. So far we have not been allowed any.” He did not look pleased as he flashed his fangs at the prince. Victor was not worried by those pointed weapons. Vampires never sucked the blood of their own kind. It made them sick. “You will get it when the job is done.” Not that Victor planned for them to stick around and indulge in an orgy of blood. He would have them staked through the heart by then. “The thing is, prince, we cannot survive without blood.” Arrow’s eyes were cold on his. “As you need us more than we need you, we can quite easily get rid of you.” A threat. This was more like it. He wanted evil bastard vampires not Lotharios intent on getting their cocks sucked by whores. Victor smiled at them. Fine. He would give them blood. He needed them strong. What he planned to do would also serve as a warning to Valdemar. “Follow me and I will allow you to feed.” The vampires stood. “But after that you must do as I bid.” Arrow nodded. “Where are we going?” “To a little place I know.” They would get no resistance there. It was a place of spiritual contentment and peace. The dwellers did not believe in aggression. They would be like lambs to the slaughter for these vampires. “I promise you much blood.”

***** Aureliann was impressed by all that she saw on her wanderings with the elves. They had shown her much and, despite their initial pithy reluctance, had patiently answered her many questions. The book, The Vampire’s Kiss, did not do justice to the land, the castle and the people of Serawych. “The people are so friendly,” Aureliann had said as she was greeted with great interest everywhere they went. “That’s ’cause you’re the prince’s main squeeze,” the elf she had chosen to call Bob replied. “Only squeeze.” The thought that any other woman could come between Aureliann and Valdemar was not an option. She did not share. She was also quite surprised at how possessive she was. Bill eyed her and nodded. “Yeah, I reckon you’re right. Besides why would he want two mortal women? One of you is more than aggravating enough.” It had been a good day of trading banter and seeing new things. Aureliann had arrived back at the castle tired but happier than she had been in a long time. She had been eager to look around the aging fortress but weariness had overtaken her so she gratefully allowed the elves to escort her to Valdemar’s quarters. “Bloody hell,” Aureliann had murmured once she was alone. His bedroom was the size of half her house and its opulence was astounding. “You can bet nothing here was put together with an Allen key.” This was solid old furniture that bespoke age and wealth. And the carpet! Aureliann kicked off her shoes and let her feet sink into it. Orgasmic. She walked over to the massive bed. It looked like six people could quite easily sleep in it without ever touching each other. Aureliann flung herself down on it and looked up. “Oh my God!” She burst out laughing. There was a mirror on the ceiling. She rolled from side to side and watched her reflection. “I look pretty good.” Aureliann struck a couple of seductive poses before rolling onto her back and flinging out her arms, wondering what it would be like to look up and see Valdemar’s firm, tattooed ass in the mirror as he ploughed inside her body. “Excellent,” she moaned softly as she felt the familiar wetness between her legs. That mirror was so sexy and not even green-eyed thoughts of other women

in this bed could turn her off. Damn, where was the man? Aureliann needed him. As if in answer to her call Valdemar appeared. Yay! “Hi,” she sat up and smiled her most saucy smile at him. She stopped when she saw the tiredness in his eyes as Valdemar came to her. His clothes were dusty and the lines of stress on his face were evident. “Hello, lovely, how did it go today with the elves?” He sat down tiredly on the edge of the bed. Aureliann scooted over toward him. “What happened?” She touched his arm and felt the tension within. “Victor and his mercenaries took a small, peace-loving hamlet west of here by force.” Valdemar’s eyes were sad. “The people still live. Just. My cousin allowed his vampires to almost suck the life from the people.” She did not know what to say. This was so completely beyond her realm of experience that “I’m sorry” was not enough. Aureliann wrapped her arm around his broad shoulders and nestled in close to him, giving what comfort she could. “Victor did not kill them because he wanted me to see the shattered wrecks who could barely crawl from where they fell.” Aureliann closed her eyes at the horror of it. She knew she had to be strong, Valdemar needed her. She reopened her eyes and listened as he explained how they had spent hours helping the victims. She saw the guilt in his eyes. “This is not your fault, Val.” Aureliann used her other hand to stroke his face. “Victor is a madman bent on something he cannot have.” Valdemar sighed. “I feel so useless.” “You are anything but, darling.” He jerked against her. “You just called me ‘darling’.” The pleasure on his face made Aureliann feel like she had given him a precious gift. “Well, you are.” Why deny it? In the space of a couple of days this man had become her world. “Do you know how much I adore you?” Valdemar’s eyes were so soft with love that for a moment she thought she might burst into tears. So this is happiness? I like it. Aureliann smiled at him and crawled off the bed. “I believe I do.” She stood before him and held out his hand. “You need to relax.” And I need to be with you. “I am quite relaxed here with you.” His hand engulfed hers. “Come here, lovely.” “No, you come to me.” Aureliann had a good grasp on the strong flesh. She knew he could quite easily pull her back into bed with him but she wanted to do this her way. She dug her heels into the carpet and pulled. Valdemar laughed as she made no headway into making him move. “I want you here.” “And I want you to come with me.” Aureliann continued to pull at him, trying to make him stand. “What incentive do you give, madam?” “Well, I plan to strip you naked and then bathe you.” She could tell by the increasing bulge in his trousers that he was as turned-on as she. He arched his eyebrows. “Do you offer this to other men?” “I only offer it to the one I love.” Aureliann gave a start when the words came out of her mouth but she did not regret them. They were easy to say when you did not think about them.

Valdemar sucked in his breath. “You love me?” His voice was full of wonder. “Well, ya big dope, haven’t you worked that out yet?” Before she could say anything else, Valdemar launched off the bed, taking Aureliann unawares. She was hoisted into his arms within seconds. “Where are we going?” Not that she cared. Her only wish was to be with Valdemar. “You promised nudity and bathing.” He strode with her out of the bedroom. “I’m yours, lovely.” Valdemar went into the adjoining bathroom. “Wow!” The word shot out of Aureliann’s mouth. She was in awe. The bathroom was so elegant she wasn’t sure she should even be in it. She wriggled around in his arms, trying to see everything. There was a huge bathtub that looked out on what appeared to be a private, palm-tree-filled courtyard. Big fluffy towels were awaiting them and the brilliant opalescent sheen on the tiles made the whole room dazzling. “Wow!” Aureliann repeated as Valdemar placed her feet on the ground. “Do you like it?” He looked pleased by her reaction. “Everything is so big here.” Aureliann noticed his amused grin. She looked him up and down, stopping to focus at the prominent erection. She knew what he was thinking and his thoughts matched hers. “Don’t get too cocky.” “Oh but I plan to.” “I’m in charge here.” She reached over and placed the plug in the bathtub. Aureliann felt his hands on her ass. “If you touch me again without permission then you won’t get all that I promised you.” She turned on the water and sprinkled some of the bath salts, which were on a well-stocked shelf beside the bath, into the steamy water that rushed out. The smell of frangipani scented the air. Valdemar swatted her butt before he backed away. “I love forceful women.” “Good, remember that when I am premenstrual.” Aureliann turned to face the man she loved. She wanted so much to ease his pain. “Stand still like a good vampire.” Aureliann’s hands moved to his chest, her eyes locked with his as she undid the buttons of his shirt. She smiled as he flinched when she parted the material and touched the hot flesh below. Aureliann liked being in charge. It had infinite sexy possibilities for her. She moved around his body and pulled the shirt from his shoulders, leaning in to lick the skin on his back in one long stroke of her tongue. “Aureliann.” Valdemar sounded like a man about to lose control. “Do not move.” She came around to the front of him again. His trousers were tight and tenting with a persistent cock that needed release. Aureliann dropped to her knees and worked on his boots. She took one then the other off and threw them in the corner. His socks followed. Aureliann ran her hands up his legs to his thighs, cupping his cock through the fabric, feeling the weight of it. He groaned as if in pain. “’Trying to kill me, lovely?” “Actually trying to seduce you.” Aureliann looked at him uncertainly. “Am I not doing it right?” So far all moves of intimacy had been initiated by Valdemar. “I have never stripped a man before.” “I love it and if you stop I may cry.” His green eyes sparkled down at hers. She laughed at the thought of this tough man crying. Aureliann reached up for his belt. It was a bit of a struggle as he was so tall. She pressed up against him, squirming to free the leather. “Oh man.” Valdemar bit his lip and tried not to react to her breasts rubbing against his thighs. Finally she released the buckle. Her hand moved to the zip. Aureliann was so hot and wet she was wondering how she was going to be able to pace herself and not demand once again he fuck her until she

could not walk straight. His engorged penis came out. As hard as it was to ignore the stiff flesh, she worked at pulling his trousers down. “Lift,” she commanded as one foot then another was released from the fabric until he was naked. She stood up, denying her need to touch him, and went to the bath. The force of the water had the tub half full. Aureliann took his hand and led him to it. Valdemar sank into the hot water gratefully. It had been a horrible day but to come home to Aureliann’s arms made it so much better. And she loves me. I can live on that forever. “Are you joining me?” “Not yet,” she moved around behind him and turned off the water. He turned to watch her every move. He did not want to miss a second with Aureliann. Even the way she lathered the soap between her hands made Valdemar hot. She was the most watchable woman he knew. That she was worried about seducing him was sweet. Aureliann just had to look at him for his balls to tighten. When her hands started massaging his shoulders, Valdemar closed his eyes. “Oh lovely,” he groaned and closed his eyes. She relieved all tension just by being with him. “You like?” She grinned at the large man relaxing in the warm water. “I love you.” Her laughter made him open his eyes. “What’s so funny?” Whatever it was he wanted to keep her laughing as it was a sound he enjoyed. “For massaging you?” “For you alone.” How did I ever live before Aureliann? She gave his shoulder a gentle slap and pulled the tie from his long auburn hair. “Dunk your head” Valdemar chuckled. “Not the romantic response I expected.” “I want to wash your hair.” Valdemar did as he was told. Whatever this woman wanted from him she could have. He came up wet and sleek and ready for her. In fact his cock was so tight with need that he was wondering how long he would last before she allowed him access between her thighs. Aureliann squirted some shampoo into her hands and started lathering up his locks. “When I was reading the book I was dreaming of being with you and doing stuff like this.” “Washing my hair?” He dropped his head back to look at her. The wistful sound of her voice made Valdemar happy that in him she had found what she needed. It was all anyone could ask of another. To be needed and to find a home within loving arms. Her hands massaged his now foamy scalp. “No, it’s hard to explain and kind of crazy to have such thoughts about a man you never believed existed.” Valdemar shook his head. “No, it’s not. I dreamed of you for years, Aureliann. I could not see you clearly but I knew you existed.” She smiled at the thought. “Am I as you pictured me?” He heard the doubt in her voice. “The reality of you is so much better.” The gentle motion of her hands was driving him wild. Valdemar wanted them on other parts of his body. “Are you going to come round and wash my front?” “Keep your hands to yourself and behave, your highness.” Aureliann twirled his soapy hair up into a topknot and giggled. “Come on, live dangerously, lovely. What are you saving your beautiful self for?”

“Dunk your head.” When he came back up she was before him. Aureliann leaned over to wash his chest. Valdemar used the opportunity to grasp her around the waist and pull her into the bath against him. “Hey!” She flailed around and water sloshed everywhere. Aureliann’s sopping clothes molded against her body. His cock jerked in response as her hands tried to get a grip against his slippery body, her wriggling thighs teasing his cock. “Hello, lovely,” Valdemar crooned as he started to peel off her wet clothes. “I’m supposed to be in charge.” Her arms went up over her head as Valdemar pulled her shirt off. “Want me to stop?” He unsnapped her bra and sighed in grateful appreciation when her breasts bounced into sight. Lovely. “No. Do you have condoms in this fancy bathroom?” Aureliann’s hands settled on his shoulders. “Planning on having sex?” Valdemar hoped so. He was hard as a rock and trying to work out how to keep her on him but also get her pants off. Aureliann settled that question. “Just wondering.” She stood up, the water running off her half-naked body. She slapped at his questing hands and stepped over the edge of the tub. Aureliann stripped off the last of her clothes. The curls of her pussy and her thighs were dripping. I am in heaven. “Where are you going?” “Well, if I can’t be in charge then there’s no point in me staying.” Knowing his eyes were on her, Aureliann reached for a nearby towel and started to dry herself off suggestively. She knew his eyes were on her pussy as she rubbed herself in a slow, circular motion. Aureliann was so hot after being in the bathtub with him that to press her fingers too hard would make her come. She could not forget the feel of his cock bobbing in the water, seeking entrance to the hot core of her. “Aureliann.” He said her name tensely. She was pleased he was at the point of no return. It meant she was better at seduction than she thought. “Yes, Prince Valdemar?” She tossed the towel aside so her naked body was on display. Two days ago she would never have allowed herself to be this forward with a man. “I really need you.” And Aureliann could see that. His cock was poking up out of the water like a heat-seeking missile. “Come and get me then, your highness.” She turned and walked out. She smiled as she heard the frantic sound of water sloshing and Valdemar growling in lust. Excellent. Aureliann headed for the big bed and stretched out it. She looked up at her body in the ceiling mirror. “Oh ick, too much information,” she muttered. Valdemar was on her before she could move. “You look beautiful. Stay put.” He looked fantastic in the mirror, all hard muscle and lickable strength. “Condom now.” She could see in his eyes that her words excited him. “You’re very pushy.” Valdemar wrapped her in his arms and rolled them several times, over to the bedside drawers. “Ooh, great ride. I wanna do that again.” She watched as he searched inside a drawer. “Hurry up.” “Woman, you try my patience.”

Aureliann knew if she was trying anything it was the control he had over his cock. “I know what I want and I want you, darling.” “When you say things like that I want to kiss you senseless.” He found a rubber. “And that’s why I say them. But condom first then kissing.” She subtly rubbed her pelvis against his. “Jeez, no pressure.” Valdemar sat up from her and quickly worked on covering his erection. There was a lot of pressure going into the thin latex. “Having performance anxiety, prince?” “You’re cute when you’re mouthy.” Once more he lay back on her body and rolled them several times back to where they had come from. Aureliann ended up on top of him. “Roll me again.” “You got a ticket for another ride, lady?” He moved onto his side and watched her. “I want to watch your ass while we you know… ” Valdemar burst out laughing. “While we ‘you know’?” Aureliann wriggled to lie beside him. “I can’t wait all night.” She spread her legs in open invitation. She was dying for the feel of that first hard thrust. Each time it was so different. So exquisite that she often forgot to breathe. It took no time for Valdemar to place his body on hers. Aureliann lifted her legs and accepted his first thrust with a loud sigh. There was no need for further play. She would want him any time, anywhere, anyhow. She smiled as she looked up in the mirror. His ass was so sexy as his butt muscles clenched and released as he pushed in and out of her hot core. “Excellent tatt.” Aureliann’s hands caressed the patterned flesh of his butt. “Does my ass look big in the mirror?” Valdemar joked. “You are perfect.” “No, we are perfect.” He sighed and began thrusting harder. “I’m not going to be able to hold on long and it’s all your fault for seducing me so.” “I’m happy to take the blame and whatever else you’ve got, darling.” Her eyes locked with his and she knew what he needed. It was what she craved as well. It made their coming together even hotter. “May I?” His mouth grazed her neck. That Valdemar asked made her feel so loved and so powerful. He needs me. It made Aureliann happy. “I am yours.” She stiffened as his fangs sliced into her vein. That combined with the pure, pounding heat of his body made her come screaming. Aureliann held him close, kissing his shoulders and allowing him to take whatever else he needed from her to make him strong.

Chapter Eleven “You look chipper, my boy.” Thomas had a gleam in his eyes as he surveyed the two lovers. The same three elves followed behind. “I am.” Valdemar pulled Aureliann against him and kissed her lightly. She had gone from nothing to everything in a heartbeat and she never wanted it to end. Aureliann nodded to the elves who favored her with a teasing eye roll. She went cross-eyed back at them and stamped her feet. They stamped back.

“How’s it going, lads?” “We would rather be drinking at the tavern but we have to look after you because everyone knows mortals have no sense,” Bill the elf told her. The other two nodded sagely. “Bummer,” Aureliann murmured. “Maybe we can go to the tavern as part of your duties.” Their eyes lit up. Valdemar shook his head in amusement. “God knows what trouble you four would get in to.” “I’m pleased to hear everyone is so happy.” The older man shook his head in mock despair at the elves. They looked back at him in feigned innocence and shuffled their feet. “I am also happy to report we know where Victor is hiding out.” Valdemar stiffened. “How?” “One of the mercenaries he brought to Serawych turned on him,” Binky the elf responded. “Fancy, one unscrupulous bastard turning on another. What were the odds on that?” Serawych was no different from her own world. People were selfish and out for what they could get. Thomas nodded in head. “True, everyone has their price.” “Where is Victor?” Valdemar’s hands were clenched into fists. As much as Aureliann wanted this whole thing with his cousin done and dusted, she was worried about Valdemar. If anything should happen to him… “He is in the old quarter of town where your standard lowlifes hang out,” Bob answered. Valdemar looked thoughtful. “Why did this vampire turn on him? They never do anything without a very good selfish reason.” “Yes, it was simple greed,” Thomas confirmed. “We offered him something he was unaware he needed, the freedom to go back to Brisbane.” Aureliann jumped at his words. “Wait a second, I thought you said there were no guarantees any of us could go back.” What was that about? Loopholes for some but not for others? And why do I care when I have already decided I don’t want to go back? “Do you want to leave?” Valdemar’s eyes were hot with need on hers. I could never leave him. So this was love? I like it. “No but I want to know why him and not me?” Thomas answered that question. “The dimension we are in is like a human being. It will expel evil if it wants it to leave. It’s harder if they don’t, of course and good people it tends to hang on to.” Aureliann surveyed the men in confusion. “You people are weird. Your dimension is weird.” “And yet we adore you.” Valdemar lifted her hand and kissed the palm. “Speak for yourself. We only barely tolerate her.” The elves nodded in agreement. Elves—gotta love ’em. “So what now?” Where did this leave them? Victor was a threat and they had to go face him. Aureliann squeezed Valdemar’s hand. The look he gave her was one of understanding because he knew what she feared. “We have to go, lovely.” “I’m ready.” There was no way Aureliann could send the love of her life into who knew what peril without her by his side. Valdemar turned to face her. “No, you’re staying here.” His tone was definite. “I don’t get to see Victor get his comeuppance?” Instead she had to sit and wait and Aureliann knew she

wasn’t very good at being patient. “Besides, the ending of The Vampire’s Kiss was very vague as to what happened to any of you.” She wanted to make sure it ended the right way. “Because there is no ending,” Thomas told her. “I was waiting for you, lovely.” “Yes that’s very sweet and all but I want to see Victor get his ass kicked.” Aureliann pushed back from him. Didn’t any of them understand that she did not want what started out as a fantasy to end as a tragedy? She did not want the bad guys to win. She did not want to wake up in her bed in Brisbane tomorrow sick with what could have been. What if all that she had vanished because the ending took away the man she loved? “I will not have you in danger. And no it’s not up for discussion, Aureliann.” She tried another tack. “But darling—” Valdemar’s laughter interrupted her words. He hugged her body to his. “And no, you cannot ‘darling’ me into it. I want you to stay here, be safe with the elves. I will come back to you.” Valdemar kissed her and left with Thomas.

***** “Where is this tavern?” Aureliann needed something to take her mind off what was happening and sitting helplessly in the castle was not going to do it. For the first time in her life she felt weak. As an independent woman who was normally in charge of her life, this was not a feeling she wanted to wallow in. It made her feel useless. And damn it, I’m not. One of the elves quirked an eyebrow at her. “The big guy told you to stay put.” That just made Aureliann more determined to leave. She adored Valdemar but she was not one to be “told” things. If she could not go with him, she could not sit and agonize. “Do you lads always do what you are told?” Aureliann could tell by the guilty looks on their faces the answer to that. “No.” “Well, neither do I and besides I have you three strong lads to protect me.” Appeal to male vanity and you’re three quarters to where you want to be. “Well… ” “Come on,” Aureliann could see they were weakening. It would be fun to experience the elves in action at the tavern. I bet they are fascinating drunk. “I want to see everything Serawych has to offer.” Bob sighed. “It’s your idea if we get caught.” “You big wusses.” “Are not,” they chorused in unison, stamping their feet. Aureliann stamped back. “Are too.” “Fine, but make yourself look—” “What?” “Less attractive. We don’t want to be the focus of unwanted attention.” Binky said the words almost as if he knew he would regret them. That was the last thing she had expected them to say. “You think I look attractive?” She was ridiculously pleased she had broken through their tough shells. “I’m flattered, lads.” They all blushed in response. “Yeah, well, just do it.”

“I think you like me,” Aureliann teased. “Do you want to go to the tavern or not? Because we have better things to do than drag your skinny ass there.” Skinny ass? Me? Wonders will never cease. “Let’s hit the town, lads.”

***** Victor knew that by now Arrow would have delivered the message of his fake whereabouts to his cousin and they would troop off to find him and bring him to justice. The only justice Victor knew was his own and he wasn’t about to let anyone dictate to him, hence the reason he sent Arrow to Thomas with the news. He knew they would fall for it and rush to where they thought he was. Victor had his own plan. While they were out doing the righteous thing he would find his cousin’s woman and use her as a pawn to get what he wanted. Realistically Victor knew that he could not win this battle. He did not have superior forces and the people did not back him. In fact they hated him. So he planned to get what he wanted through the woman. She was the key to hurting Valdemar. Once he had her in his grasp he knew the noble Valdemar would do anything to save her. “What a sap he is.” Mortal women had never appealed to Victor but Valdemar’s woman was different. “Maybe I’ll try her out myself and see why cousin dear is so loopy over her.” He swore when he saw one of the outsider vampires approach him. What a waste of time they had been. One attack he had to drag them to, and then nothing other than constant debauchery. The sooner they were gone the better. “What do you want?” All vampires could be killed. You just had to find their weakness. What would it take him to be rid of this useless crew? “Arrow has gone.” The vampire looked at him in lazy contempt. Even the scum of the earth had no respect for him. It would not matter once he was in charge. Those who thwarted or angered him would die. “I know that. Now leave me.” “Do you want to know where?” “What part of ‘leave me’ did you not understand, fool?” “Yes but—” “What?” The vampire looked at him with intense dislike. “I could not care less what happens to you for you are nothing to me. I plan to save my own hide.” “So?” Victor was no fool. He collected these mercenaries because they believed in greed and would do what they had to in order to get what they wanted. “Arrow went to deal with the heir to the throne.” Victor clamped down on his anger. He knew this vampire was trying to anger him. Victor was not about to take the bait. “I know. He did it for me.” He looked at the other man smugly. Your amateur taunts mean nothing to me, fool. “No, he did it for himself. Arrow, like us, is tired of waiting for what you promised.” “I prom… ” Victor hesitated when he heard the noise outside. He stood up and looked out the church window. The priest and nuns cowered as he passed. “Shut up. I should have killed you all when I had the chance.” The idea of hiding in the church had seemed like a good idea at the time—but for the whining of the religious do-gooders who he had whimpering in the corner.

Victor looked out the window. “Damn!” How the hell did Valdemar track him down here? And all those cars. How many were there tracking him? “And fucking elves as well. I hate elves.” Victor knew then that Arrow had betrayed him and instead of leading his cousin away from him, he did the opposite. This ruined his plans. If he was captured now, Valdemar would never let him run free. “Or maybe not.” There was no way Victor would be taken without one hell of a fight. He whirled around and looked at the vampire. “Get out.” “What do we do?” Victor looked at him as if he was mad. “I couldn’t care less what happens to you.” He stalked from the window and headed for the priest-hole. When Victor had first arrived at the church he had scoped it out for possible escape routes. That the ancient priest-hole and escape tunnel, which had once been used to escape religious persecution, was not sealed had been an excellent find. “But we came here for you.” The vampire hissed and his fangs extended. “We are foreigners here.” “You came for yourself.” Victor knew he had to leave now or suffer the consequences of capture. “He’s gone.” Valdemar was angry, yet not surprised. His cousin had always been the slimy sort who managed to escape difficulty. Those he had terrorized by his stay in the church had confirmed it was Prince Victor and that he had bolted down the priest-hole. Of course he was long gone out of the tunnel by the time they found and searched it. After scouring the area, they had only managed to round up some debauched vampire accomplices and local whores. “Where to, your highness?” The captain of the elves waited further instruction. If I were Victor where would I go? A sudden, horrible thought shot into Valdemar’s mind. I would go after the one thing my enemy loved most. “Aureliann.” He ran past the captain. “Back to the castle.” The elf commander sensed the reason for his urgency. “Do you think he would go after your woman?” “He wants to hurt me and the best way to do that is hurt Aureliann.” Valdemar raced outside and to a car. “I will kill him with my bare hands if he does.” He got inside and gunned the engine. The elf just managed to jump in beside him as the car took off. “Your lady is smart. She will hold him off.” Valdemar changed gear viciously. “Yes but for how long?” He had total faith in Aureliann but he knew how hard evil was to fend off. At the furious rate he drove, they were at the castle in no time. The car was still moving as Valdemar threw himself out and ran up the stairs. “Please God, do not allow anything to happen to her.” After a thorough search with the elves scouring every nook and cranny, Aureliann and Victor were nowhere to be found. “Damn it!” Valdemar wanted to hit someone but only his trusted elves were at his side and he would never harm them. Thomas appeared. Valdemar filled him in on what had happened. He confirmed with the prince that he had not seen or heard anything of Aureliann since their earlier meeting. “Maybe Victor has her already.” Thomas looked grim at the thought. Valdemar refused to believe that. I would know if Aureliann was in trouble. “No, the elves would not allow that.” That at least was one thing he could hold on to. The elves would have fought to the death and the evidence of that would splatter the castle walls. And there was not so much as an overturned chair. So where are they? Valdemar slapped his forehead. Of course. “They have gone to the tavern.” Aureliann being Aureliann would do the exact opposite of what she was told. While Valdemar loved that stubborn streak, he feared it would get her killed. “I agree.” Thomas nodded his head. “But Aureliann is with the elves.”

“Who I think are less scary than Aureliann.” That at least boded well.

***** “Uh-oh.” Bill slammed down his tankard of ale and looked across the crowded room. “What?” Were the elves finally drunk or sick? Bloody hell they could drink. Aureliann had sat on her one drink for at least an hour. She was too hyped up and amused by her surroundings. Elves, giants, vampires and what appeared to be normal human beings laughed and drank and fell down when they had passed their limits. “The prince is here.” “Bugger.” Up until then she had been having the best time. Aureliann was amazed how many women approached the elves with a come-hither-and-take-me look in their eyes. It had intrigued Aureliann. But then there was something that was sexy about self-confidence and the elves had it in spades. The three of them now looked at her in warning. “This is all your fault remember.” “Yeah, yeah I twisted your girly arms and made you come.” Aureliann watched him walk toward. A wild chill shot down her spine. If it had only been the difference in his clothing then Aureliann would have thought nothing of it but it was more than that. Aureliann knew instantly it was not Valdemar who approached her. Physically he looked the same but his body language was that of a stranger. The arrogance in his walk and the hard gleam in his eyes were foreign to her. “Victor,” she murmured low. The elves instantly downed their tankards and closed ranks around her. “Stop stamping your feet under the table and act cool.” Aureliann wanted to see what his plan was. It was very cocky of him to approach her like this. Would he pretend to be Valdemar or admit his true identity? “I want to beat his scrawny ass,” Bill spat out in an evil, low voice. “Rip his tongue out,” Binky cracked his knuckles. Bob nodded. “And shove it up his—” “I said cool it for God’s sake.” Victor was almost upon them. “Follow my lead and no shoving things anywhere yet.” Her companions looked at her in disappointment. “Just do it. We have a kingdom to protect.”

Chapter Twelve “My beloved, I’m sorry I took so long to come here.” Scumbag, pus bucket. Be cool. “Is Victor dead?” Aureliann felt rather than saw the elves’ eyes upon her. She knew how she reacted would lead the elves. “He is dead and will bother us no more.” Aureliann bit down on the anger within her. I would know if Valdemar was dead. I know I would. What game was Victor playing and what did he expect to gain from her? “Pond scum like Victor needed to be destroyed. He was an evil bastard.” Aureliann was pleased when she saw the angry gleam in his eye. She felt one of the elves kick her under the table. Another winked at her while another one belched loudly in Victor’s face. A sudden thought jumped into Aureliann’s mind. She remembered Thomas’ words about Victor dying instantly if he so much as grazed her skin due to her being bonded to his cousin. That gave Aureliann an idea.

As much as she loathed Victor, she needed to entice him to bite her. Aureliann sweetly at him. I hate him. I want him dead. This must finish here.

Victor had not believed his eyes when he saw the woman. He had run into the tavern to catch his breath and think what to do next. The castle was not far but he had to be careful of capture. He needed a plan to get there and in without attracting too much attention. The woman was exactly what he needed. She was the key to the castle and to defeat Valdemar. Victor winced with disgust as the elf belched in his face. How did his cousin put up with them? Victor had not been pleased to see the elves. They were vicious little bastards. He planned to ignore them as best he could and concentrate on the woman. That she actually believed he was her sap of a cousin was perfect. At first he had thought that odd as previously she had known straight away he wasn’t. But then maybe sex and love must have rattled her brain. And she was human. They were not known to be smart. Whatever. It did not matter. She was his and he was going to use her to kill Valdemar. Life was picking up. “Let’s go home, my beloved.” Victor held out her hand to him. “Yes, of course,” Aureliann murmured, her hand reaching out for his. “They were here. She left with the elves and, well, you.” The barkeep of the Tavern looked at Valdemar in confusion. “She didn’t look like she was coerced,” he added as it dawned on him what had happened. “Damn! Are we always going to be one step behind him?” “At least the elves were with her,” Thomas pointed out. “Aureliann is a smart woman.” Valdemar sighed. “Maybe too smart.” That kind of intelligence got people into trouble. “You should have used your power to get you here quicker.” Thomas looked at him knowingly. “Victor did not inherit the same power as you so he is on foot. We have the advantage so let’s use it.” Valdemar cursed himself. “You know I want to remain as normal as possible.” He slammed his fist on a nearby table. That stupid idea of his may have killed Aureliann. “Back to the castle.” He waved his hand and they disappeared. “Leave,” Aureliann whispered to the elves. What she planned to do was her own choice and she wasn’t about to drag anyone else into trouble. She knew the risks. Her plan might fail. Maybe Thomas had been wrong. Maybe Victor would get angry and kill her. He hated Valdemar. It was only logical he would try to destroy the one his cousin loved. Valdemar was the reason she was going to take Victor on. She wanted him to have everything he was due. If she had to tangle with Victor then so be it. At this moment, Victor had left her in Valdemar’s quarters before storming off to terrorize the household staff into doing his bidding. The elves shook their heads and stood arms crossed in defiance. “No. We will not leave.” “It’s going to get ugly.” Victor was ugly. Even though he was the spitting image of Valdemar, there was an ugliness that could not be hidden. Bob snorted. “We were handling ugly before you were born, sister.” They were so sweet. In their own peculiar, taciturn way they were trying to tell her they cared. “I’m going to start stripping off my clothes fairly soon.” She did not need to see that, along with the desire to harm Valdemar, Victor wanted her. Aureliann planned to use that to her own advantage. The only thing she had to make sure of was she kept control of the situation. If she acted as she would with Valdemar then hopefully she

could lull Victor into a false sense of security. Her companions looked her up and down. “Yeah, so?” “So, no free show for you. Besides it will look odd if you stay.” Aureliann explained to the elves what Thomas had told her. “I need him to bite me.” “Good plan but we cannot leave you.” Bill’s tone was adamant. Binky agreed. “We are honor bound to protect you.” “Besides I have fifty dollars on whether or not you have a tattoo on your ass,” Bob added. They were in possible grave peril and the elves were more interested in art on her ass. Aureliann shook her head. “I mean it. Leave. Stand outside with your ear to the door if you must.” Actually knowing they would be ready to help if she needed was comforting. “But I need Victor to believe I think he is Valdemar.” “Prince Valdemar has a tattoo on his ass.” “Yes, I know. I’ve seen it.” And I am doing what I must to make sure I see that gorgeous ass again. “So no tatt on your ass?” Binky sounded disappointed. “No.” She walked to the door, indicating they needed to leave. “Ha! I win.” Bob was jubilant. “Pay up, suckers.” Elves cursed as money changed hands. “Take it outside.” “Yell if you need anything and we will come in and kill him.” They all nodded. “It’s our duty.” They were terribly sweet in an unusual way. Aureliann was starting to see why women were so interested in them. “And I am glad you are here. By the way, why would you think I had a tattoo?” “You look the type.” “Huh?” What did that mean? “Wild and sexy.” Before Aureliann could respond, the door flew open, making them all jump back to avoid being hit. “Leave us!” Victor roared at elves. “Yeah, we’re going but we are never far away.” “Detestable creatures.” Victor walked over to the woman. He had no doubt his dear cousin would soon be here to save his woman. In the meantime Victor wanted to taste what he coveted. “I am glad we are alone, my dear.” That she thought he was Valdemar meant she would not resist him until it was too late and the pain started hitting her. Victor enjoyed torturing the women he had sex with. It made it more exciting for him. And this one with her lush curves would be an excellent toy. “I long for moments like this.” Aureliann licked her lips in a slow, seductive motion. She unbuttoned her blouse and dropped it to the floor. Aureliann ran her fingers over her lace-covered nipples. Her eyes locked with his. Victor felt his cock harden as he watched the path of her tongue. That particular instrument would soon be on his cock and he planned to fuck those breasts hard. He smiled, thinking how angry she would be when she eventually worked out he was not her beloved. “You know what I need.” Aureliann pushed the hair off her neck and angled her neck toward him. “You know how hot and crazy I get after you bite and suck me. You know I can’t control what I do.” Really? Interesting. This was going to be better than he thought. His cousin’s woman was a wanton slut.

“Do it,” she urged. “Make me wild for you.”

***** “Aureliann does not have a tattoo on her ass,” Bob added after they had confirmed with Valdemar that she was inside his quarters with Victor. Valdemar narrowed his eyes at the elves. “How would you know?” He had arrived only seconds before and was ready to rush in and save Aureliann. The elves’ statement took him aback. He knew the woman he loved was not one to drop her pants for just anyone. “She told us.” “I don’t even want to know how that conversation came about.” Valdemar charged to the door. He pushed on it. It was locked. “Your lady is in there getting Victor excited enough to bite her,” Binky added helpfully then backed off when he saw the angry scowl on his prince’s face. Valdemar rounded on them. “What?” “Smart girl. Well done.” Thomas smiled in delight. “Aureliann remembered what I told her about Victor being unable to take his cousin’s bonded mate. She plans to poison him.” Valdemar wasn’t as happy with that scenario as his mentor was. Anything that put his love at risk was not acceptable to him. He waved his hand and the door unlocked. Valdemar did not care what the plan was or if he ruined it. He was determined his cousin would not touch her in any way. Valdemar kicked the door with booted force. “Victor!” he roared angrily when he saw his cousin’s hands on Aureliann. “Too late, cousin. She is mine.” Victor sank his fangs into her neck. Aureliann flinched as Victor’s mouth touched the skin of her neck. She wanted to gag but she knew she had to let him bite in order to kill him. She gasped as his fangs sank into her flesh. This was not the gentle, loving bite of Valdemar. This was an angry, black-hearted man who wanted a princely lifestyle he believed should be his. Aureliann saw Valdemar rush at them. She closed her eyes as a wave of pain hit. That he was there gave her hope and she told herself to hang on. Aureliann opened her eyes again and kept them on the man she loved. Before Valdemar could reach her, Aureliann felt Victor stagger against her. Excellent. Poison was indeed a woman’s weapon of choice. Aureliann stepped back as her captor’s arms weakened their hold. As she did Victor stumbled to his knees. “What’s happening?” Victor’s words were thick and slurred as he scratched at the ground, trying to find the strength to rise to his feet. The elves surrounded him. “You’re screwed, dickhead.” “It’s simple karma, cousin.” Valdemar looked down at him. “You tried to take what was not yours and you have paid the price.” He stepped over him to take Aureliann in his arms. She collapsed against him, feeling strangely lightheaded. Aureliann looked up at the man she loved. “I did good?” His opinion meant more to her than anything. “You did better than good. You were fantastic, though I am not crazy how you went about it.” Valdemar’s hands ran over her face and down to her neck. He winced when he saw the bite mark. He pressed his fingers against it to slow the stream of blood. “Are you okay?” “Aureliann is pale because of the reaction to the bite.” Thomas looked at them kindly. “She will be okay

once she has rested.” “What about me?” Victor squealed in his death throes. If he had been any other human being Aureliann would have been on her knees trying to help him. But he was not human and he was beyond redemption. “You’re dying, pus bucket, because you are an evil sod who deserves no less.” She saw the elves nod in agreement. Aureliann did not fight Valdemar as he picked her up and cradled him to her. “Lovely, don’t ever disobey me, okay?” “Sure.” Maybe. Possibly. It would depend on the circumstance and how her hormones were running. “You’re lying.” Valdemar shook his head and smiled. “Yes of course.” She snuggled against him, content in the safe harbor of his arms. “I want to sleep.” “She will be fine after a nap,” Thomas assured him. Valdemar carried her to the bed and placed her down gently. He turned to look at his cousin. Victor’s skin had turned gray and haggard and his breathing was labored. Maybe once Valdemar would have cared to see him in such a state but that was a long time ago and too much had happened for him to feel pity for Victor. Although Valdemar missed his family, he was glad none of his kin were alive to see what Victor had become. “You got what you deserved.” That was a fact. There was no one in Serawych who would mourn his passing. It was sad and it was hard but it was also a fact. “I cannot die. I am the rightful king.” Victor coughed and spluttered the words out. “You are dying and no kingdom would be safe with the likes of you.” Valdemar refused to allow himself to remember the cousin he’d once loved as a boy. That cousin died a very long time ago. “Save me, cousin.” “You could have saved yourself a long time ago, Victor.” Valdemar motioned to the elves. “Get him out of here.” He no longer cared what happened to Victor. Once Valdemar had, but that was a long time ago when they were children. Back then he had not seen the ugly, grasping side of Victor and all the attempts he had made to befriend Victor over the years had come to nothing. That he had tried to drag Aureliann into their fight had been the last straw. Victor’s greed had killed their relationship. It was sad but it was the price Victor had chosen to pay. The elves dragged him out by his clothes, uncaring how roughly they treated him. Thomas went over to the bed where Aureliann lay. “Well done, my dear.” “I don’t have a tattoo on my ass,” she mumbled groggily. The old man smiled and patted her hand. “I’ll leave her to you, my boy.” Once they were alone, Valdemar got on the bed and lay beside her, cuddling her in his arms. “I was so scared.” To have lost Aureliann would have lost him all humanity. She was everything he cherished, loved and believed in. She made him better for knowing her. “I love you, Val.” Aureliann nestled her head against his chest. Valdemar’s heart swelled. “No crown could compare to that gift.”

***** “How do you feel?” Valdemar’s eyes met hers on opening.

“Hungry.” Aureliann stretched beside him. Her thighs brushed his and all sorts of thoughts came to her mind. Valdemar started to sit up. “I’ll go to the kitchen and see what there is to eat.” Aureliann tugged him back toward her. “Not that type of hunger.” She ran her hand down his chest. “You need to rest, lovely.” “I’m not sick or tired.” She pulled and pushed at Valdemar until she had managed to roll on top of him. His sheathed cock nestled between her parted thighs. She rubbed her pelvis against him. “I need you, Val darling.” “You’ve had a shock.” He grasped her hands in his. Aureliann snorted in mock contempt. “And you’ll get one now if you deny me, prince.” When she looked into his eyes she saw so much love for her that it made her both humble and powerful. It was a forever-’tildeath-do-we-part-I’ll-love-you-even-with-scary-PMS kind of love. “As if I would.” “Smart boy.” Aureliann let go of his hands. “Let your hair down.” She wanted to feel their bodies tangled in the silky strands. Valdemar’s hand pulled at the leather tie. “Anything for you, lovely.” Aureliann sighed and shook her head in wonder. Valdemar was beautiful. How did I get so lucky? How was it that this man chose to love me? He smiled at her look. “What?” “I was just wondering. Out of all the women in this world and mine, why me?” “Because I love you.” Valdemar’s words were simple and to the point as if there was no other answer he could give. She smiled at him. “Not only are you gorgeous but you are smart.” “Hey, I have the lady of my dreams on top of me, of course I’m going to say the right thing.” Valdemar rocked his body back and forth, up and down, making Aureliann giggle at his actions. “And you’re terrific entertainment.” Now it was time for some of her own. She lifted her shirt off over her head. “Wanna see more, your majesty?” Before, that title had always seemed so archaic and wrong. Until now, Aureliann believed no one was any more majestic than anyone else. But that was before this man. Valdemar was everything the title implied and he would be king. “Show me what you’ve got, lovely.” “Only for you.” There was an amazing freedom in knowing you could strip for a man and his eyes held nothing but adoration and, of course, lust for what was to come. Aureliann undid her bra and tossed it carelessly into the air. It landed haphazardly over the face of a sculpted male bust. The stern features were softened by the jaunty angle of the cream lace covering. “Relative of yours?” Valdemar looked at her breasts with a hungry gleam in his eyes. “I’m sure he wouldn’t have minded if he was still alive today.” His hands reached out to pull her to him. Aureliann pushed them away. “Now, now, I have more work to do.” She scrambled to her feet. The mattress beneath was thick and plush and it took a moment to steady herself. She stood above him, her legs parted by his body. The bulge in his pants promised an excellent ride. Aureliann worked at the snap of her trousers, wobbling slightly as she removed one leg and then the other from the fabric. Valdemar was lying back enjoying the show.

“Hmm, do you want these off me?” She snapped the elastic band on her knickers back on her flesh. Aureliann wanted them off her. There was nothing better than hot male flesh as a covering. “Yes please.” “What’s in it for me?” Aureliann teased as she ran her hand over the mound of her pussy. She smiled when she saw the muscle in his jaw jump at her actions. “Everything I have is yours. I am yours. I cannot fathom my life but anywhere at your side. You are so much a part of me now that to lose you would be to lose myself. I love and adore you, Aureliann.” His words were soft and husky and rich with meaning. “Now drop ’em,” Valdemar ordered. She giggled at the desperation at the end of his speech. My love wants me. It was exactly as she felt. There was an overwhelming need to be a part of him. “That was pretty poetic until the end, fella.” “You want me and I’m all yours to do with as you wish. Why hide what we feel?” As Aureliann pulled her pants down, she could feel his eyes on her pussy. She was wet. He had to have seen that and yet she felt no embarrassment. Valdemar was right. There was no need for pretense with them. “Ah, my favorite meal of the day,” he growled, his voice low with suppressed hunger. “Want me?” She rotated her hips in a slow figure eight motion. She could see the lust in his eyes. “Aureliann… ” “Yes, Valdemar darling?” The grinding motion of her hips was nothing compared to the motion of his against hers. It was merely a prelude. “As much as I love this I’m going be in trouble soon, lovely.” His hands slid up her legs, urging her down. She sank to her knees willingly. “I love that I can make you lose control.” “As I do you.” “We are perfect for each other.” Aureliann’s hand tugged at his zip. “Who knew my perfect match would be a vampire prince from a two-dollar book on the markdown table?” Valdemar looked at her in surprise. “Two dollars? Don’t tell Thomas that. He spent a lot of time writing that book. You know how sensitive writers are.” Valdemar sighed as her hand caressed his freed cock. His hand stroked her upper thighs. “My, my, you are happy to see me, aren’t you?” His cock sprang out eager and ready for any proposition she had. Aureliann ran her hand down the long straining length. “Stay still.” She lifted off his lap and rolled toward the drawer that held the condoms. Valdemar’s eyes were on her body. “I could have done magic.” Aureliann rolled back and climbed on top of him. “I’m counting on that soon.” She ripped open the packaging and looked at the rubber inside. “What?” “Well, I have only rolled one of these over a banana in sex education classes.” Her first love and Valdemar had handled the protection things themselves. Aureliann glanced from his cock to the condom. How do I get that into this? She stretched the rubber, alarmed at the thinness of it. “You had sex with a banana?” Valdemar chuckled. “Pretty funny for a man whose pride and joy I now have captive in my hands.” She squeezed his cock teasingly. Valdemar jumped. “You’re not going to hurt something you enjoy so much.”

That was true. “Are you going to be good little vampire prince?” “No, I want to be bad with you.” His eyes locked with hers. Aureliann jumped. That look promised so much. “Excellent.” She started rolling the rubber up his shaft. “Do these explode under pressure? What happens then? Is there a warranty you can claim on?” “Aureliann… ” “Yes?” “Hurry up.” Valdemar groaned and bit his lip. She smiled. This man was all hers. Yum. “Patience is a virtue, darling.” “Patience does not help either of us. Your pussy is wet against my leg.” “I never said I had to be patient.” When the condom was finally in place, she leaned over and kissed him with a fierce hunger. His hand went to her breasts, kneading and teasing the flesh. Aureliann raised herself up so that her nipples were in line with his mouth. She moaned as his mouth latched on to one and sucked. Eventually she pushed his head away as the need to be filled overcame her. “I need you.” “Then have me.” Aureliann plunged down on his stiff penis. Valdemar choked and she gasped. “Oh, your majesty.” The strong heat of him surged through her veins. She rode him hard, her body grinding back and forth on his, sending shivers of pleasure through her. Only one more thing would make this perfect. “Bite me.” Aureliann craved the sweet, hungry pain of his total possession. “Taste me.” Valdemar rolled his body until he covered her completely. He kept up a steady thrusting rhythm inside her as his fangs sank into her flesh. Aureliann cried out in ecstasy. She was once more totally one with Valdemar and she never wanted it to end. She wrapped her legs around his waist and urged him on. “Faster.” Valdemar missed not a beat as he began slamming into her with long, hard strokes. Aureliann smiled as the welcome feeling of excitement gripped her body. Pleasure and pain mingled to become one and she screamed as the orgasm hit. It was like her whole body was out of control and she did not care because she was safe in Valdemar’s arms. He removed his fangs and licked her neck as he started to come. Valdemar kissed her hard as he shook and shuddered to his own wild climax. They held on to each other as the aftershocks made them both tremble. “Will you be my queen?” Valdemar stroked her face gently. “Hello?” Aureliann pushed him back from her. “Were you thinking of asking another?” Her words were full of cynical amusement. He laughed. “Promise me you will never change.” “That is a deal.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Val.” “What for?” “Coming to me.” Aureliann kissed her prince and dissolved under the vampire’s kiss.

Epilogue There was no big, expensive coronation of Valdemar the first. It was so unlike her time where royalty expected and got pomp and circumstance at great cost to the public. In Serawych, the crown had been handed

to Valdemar before a massive crowd of people. Aureliann had been quite agog to see how many people turned out to witness the coronation of the new king. Valdemar had accepted the crown and offered his thanks to the people of Serawych for their support. It was as it should be. Simple and honest. People agreed upon a leader then all got on with their lives with no one being deemed any more special than anyone else. Thomas had tears in his eyes and the elves looked proud not just because of their prince becoming king, but for the fact that they had single-handedly rid Serawych of Victor. At least that was the story they were telling everyone. It was worth many ales and fine women to them. When Aureliann and Valdemar were alone, he placed the crown on a nearby table in his quarters. “It was never about the crown.” Valdemar took her hands in his. “I know.” That’s what Aureliann loved about him. He cared more about doing the right thing than doing things for himself. “It was about stability for your people. It was about tradition. You’re a good man, Val.” “Because of you, lovely.” “If I had not bought that book… ” What would have happened? Aureliann would be back in Brisbane and her mundane life without Valdemar and he would still be searching for what he was missing. What we were both missing until we found each other. “You were always meant to read that book and bring me to you.” Valdemar looked certain of that fact. “But what if—” Valdemar pulled her close and kissed her lightly. “We would have met some other way. I know it.” I do too. They walked over to the window and looked out on the lights of the city. It was so quiet and peaceful. Aureliann felt more at home here than anywhere else. But then that had a lot to do with the man at her back. “I want to stay.” Valdemar moved hugged her close. “I‘m glad, lovely. I hoped you would want to.” “And if I hadn’t?” What would Valdemar have done then? While Aureliann believed some people were fated to meet, it did not necessarily always follow suit that they would stay together. “Then I would have tied you to the bed and made nonstop love to you until you gave in and admitted you needed me.” Aureliann smiled. “Damn and I missed that.” “I can find some silken cords, lovely.” She pushed her ass back against his tight cock. “What are you waiting for, Prince—I mean King— Valdemar?” Does that make me Queen Aureliann? How bizarre. “Nothing. I have you and my life is perfect.” Aureliann turned in his arms to face him. “And I love you. Now go get those ropes, darling. Tie me up and keep me forever yours.”

About the Author Amarinda Jones believes anything is possible and sometimes just asking for the impossible will surprise someone enough that they will give it to you. Writing is like that. Put it out there and wait for a response.

There is always the possibility you may fall on your ass, but after all, that’s what cellulite is for. Amarinda believes in taking chances, speaking her mind and aging disgracefully. Twenty years from now she plans on being the neighborhood witch who all the kids are scared of. But then, everyone has to have a hobby. Amarinda welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and e-mail address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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