Vampire Crusader

Blood and Soul 2: Vampire Crusader Kate Hill All rights reserved. Copyright ©2004 by Kate Hill No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Changeling Press LLC. ISBN 1-59596-042-2 Formats Available: HTML, Adobe PDF, MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader Publisher: Changeling Press LLC PO Box 1561 Shepherdstown, WV 25443-1561 www.ChangelingPress.com Editor: Sheri Ross Carucci Cover Artist: Sahara Kelly

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under-aged readers.

Contents Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Epilogue

Chapter 4

Chapter One Marie’s pulse raced as she walked to her door. Glancing out the nearby window, she noticed the full moon glowing in the otherwise black sky. Her breath came in nervous sips. “I know you’re in there.” The deep voice outside echoed in the still night. “I can hear your footsteps.” “And if I don’t let you in?” “You know what I’ve come for, my lady. I’ll not leave without claiming what’s mine.” Closing her eyes, Marie drew a steadying breath. She clenched her trembling hands into fists. On bare feet, she padded closer to the door. Her hand was on the lock. She no sooner turned it than the door burst open. Crying out in surprise, she backed away from the imposing, black-clad man striding toward her. Tall with broad shoulders, he exuded savage strength that sent chills down her spine. The muscles of his long, lean legs strained against his trousers. “You belong to me, Marie.” “Never!” she snarled, planting her feet firmly and refusing to retreat another inch. “I belong only to myself. If there’s a shred of decency in your dark heart, you’ll leave this house. Leave my people in peace and return to your hellish fortress.” Reaching out a long arm, he grasped her hair and wrapped it around his hand. Marie gasped, her neck arching as he dragged her so close to his chest that she felt the

heat of his body. At one time she had imagined a vampire would feel cold. That was before she learned what they were really like. He was so warm. He breathed and his heart beat, slow and steady. “My wrath has sent warriors fleeing in fear.” He spoke against her lips. “My sword and teeth alone have destroyed armies, yet I’m tempted to obey your wishes. Why?” At the first stroke of his tongue against her throat, Marie shivered with need. He lapped slowly and gently, like an animal soothing its mate. How much she wanted him! “Because in your heart you know what’s right.” She reached up and stroked his face. Beneath his blade sharp cheekbones, he wore a full beard. It was wiry and nearly black in color -- a startling contrast to his pale gray eyes. Those eyes were hard. They’d seen all the ugliness of life and death, yet somewhere in their depths was a spark of gentleness. It was that gentleness combined with his rugged exterior that had lured her from the first. “Right. Wrong. It doesn’t matter anymore.” He used the tips of his fangs to caress her throat, careful not to break the skin. The sensation was nothing more than a tickle, yet it sent waves of desire crashing over her body. “I’ve never wanted a woman this badly.” “I will not give myself to you.” She twisted in his grip and shoved him hard. Though his hold loosened, she knew it was not due to her attack. A mere mortal’s strength meant nothing to him. Not bothering to consider what his next action might be, she lashed out at his face. Before she reached her mark, he caught her wrist and dragged her to him again. Her breasts flattened against his rock-hard chest. Marie’s libido sang. Never had she met such a man. This vampire lord was like no other and he belonged to her, if she wanted him. Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her so they were almost eye to eye. “Marie.” His lips hovered close to hers. Trembling, she awaited his kiss. Suddenly he released her and turned to the door. “You’ve claimed my heart. I will not force you to mate with me and I cannot make you love me.” “Wait!” She grasped his arm. Pausing, he gazed down at her. His magnificent eyes gleamed red with bloodlust. The sight of it inspired passion and a hint of fear. “I’ve -- I’ve changed my mind.”

“Be careful what you say, sweet lady. If I take you as my mate, there is no turning back. We will be forever bound. Are you prepared to couple with a vampire?” “Yes, my lord. Oh, yes.” Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her up the stairs to her bed. Incense wafted on the air, a thick, sensual aroma that she knew was his favorite. Candles bathed the room in their flickering light, comfortable for vampiric eyes. Earlier, she’d made the bed with red satin sheets and dusted them with white rose petals. Though she couldn’t catch their scent over the incense, she knew he could. His senses were so powerful she couldn’ t begin to imagine the pleasure and the pain they brought. Placing her on the bed, he began unfastening the ties on her nightgown. She ran her fingertips over the backs of his hands, marveling that they could be so large yet so gentle. “My beautiful Marie.” He kissed her brow. Beautiful. Right. He was playing his role to the hilt. Surprisingly, after two years, he was more convincing than ever. So convincing that she actually believed he found her, a woman with hips, thighs, a belly, and bottle-thick glasses beautiful. After looking in the mirror, everyone else must seem intolerable to him. He was so incredibly handsome, and yes, she’d learned that his kind could look in a mirror. “Marie,” he whispered in her ear before tracing the shape of it with the tip of his tongue. She shivered with desire and wrapped her legs around one of his steely thighs. His cock pressed against her aching clit. How she longed to tear off their clothes and have that thick erection fill her. No one could pleasure her like he could. “Take me. Please, please take me. I’m yours.” “And I’m yours.” His mouth covered hers. Marie’s eyes slid shut and she threaded her fingers through his hair, savoring the kiss. His moist lips parted and he slipped his tongue into her mouth. It caressed and explored, mating with hers. Slipping down her nightgown’s lace straps, he broke their kiss to run his lips down her neck. As he bared her breasts, he kissed them. Slow, tender kisses that left not a bit of flesh unloved. He tugged her nightgown over her hips and sat back on his heels to remove it completely. Staring at her naked body, he licked his lips. The tips of his incisors were visible. Vampires were the most beautiful creatures in the world. At least this particular vampire was. She nearly shuddered when she thought

about the stories he’d told her of the evil ones he had encountered over the years. No laws existed among his kind, yet Charles believed it was his duty to fight the wicked. The thought of him in danger terrified her, but the power that enabled him to fulfill the difficult tasks he set for himself thrilled and aroused her. Stroking her own nipples, she stared as he removed his black shirt and tossed it aside, baring his gorgeous torso. His broad shoulders and chest rippled with muscle, as did his arms and chiseled abs. A mat of hair thick enough to run her fingers through covered his chest and tapered down his belly. He removed the trousers next. Pleasure darted through her when she saw that he wore no underwear. His cock bobbed, thick and well veined, in a thatch of black hair. Heavy balls that she ached to grasp dangled beneath. Marie’s pussy dampened. Her clit ached and lust coursed through her entire body. “Now. Take me now.” Nodding, he gazed deeply into her eyes as his body covered hers. He supported most of his weight on his forearms while prodding her slick entrance with the very tip of his cock. “Oh, yes.” She sighed deeply, locking her arms around his neck. Tightening her grip, she shifted her hips and wrapped her legs around his, forcing him to penetrate more deeply. He accommodated, though slowly, tenderly, but she wanted him fast and hard. As he thrust, she squeezed her inner muscles around his cock. A low groan escaped his throat and he arched his head back, his eyes slipping shut. His lips parted, giving her a full view of his gorgeous fangs. Finally he was in to the hilt. He remained still for a moment. Marie was ready to burst from need. She’d waited all day for this and could no longer control her desire. He began thrusting in a slow, steady rhythm. His velvet-skinned cock swept in and out of her heated body. Digging her fingers into his shoulders, she gasped with pleasure. “Yes, oh, yes.” A few more thrusts and she’d explode. The orgasm had been building all day. She’d scarcely been able to think of anything else. Each time she had imagined this moment, her clit tingled and her pussy flooded. Now she could endure no more. As if sensing her need, he increased his rhythm, driving in and out of her heated body while running his lips along the side of her neck.

Suddenly she burst. Throbbing waves of pleasure wracked her body, momentarily blinding her. All she could do was cling to him and cry, “Yes. Yes. Oh, Charles, my love. I need you so, so much!” The massive pulsations faded to tiny ripples. Then she lay still beneath him, except for her racing heart and the rise and fall of her chest as her breathing returned to normal. Warmth and utter joy filled her. Smiling, she opened her eyes and found him staring at her, his expression intense. His cock was still hard inside her. “You didn’t want a taste?” She touched a finger to her neck. “The night is still young, love.” “Charles, I love playing vampire lord and lady.” “So do I.” He kissed her upper lip, then her lower. “You’ve been very enthusiastic, considering how you claimed to hate role playing when we first met.” “That was before I knew how much fun it could be.” Love for him filled her. She felt privileged that he had confided in her about his vampirism, yet never demanded that she provide him with blood or become what he was. The blood she gave him was freely offered, and of late she was seriously considering asking him to make her a vampire. The idea of becoming a creature of legend both excited and frightened her, especially since their engagement. Though she loved Charles with all her heart, she simply wasn’t ready to risk her mortal life for the possibility of an eternal one. “What’s wrong?” he asked, as if sensing the direction in which her thoughts had drifted. Perhaps he had. After all, his kind possessed keen telepathic skills. “Nothing.” “Wrong answer.” He pulled out of her slowly and rolled onto his back. Grasping her, he tugged her on top of him and caressed her shoulders. “Talk to me.” Marie trailed her fingertips across his brow and down his cheekbones. Tenderly, she kissed his upper lip. “You are so handsome. Such beautiful cheekbones. Sexy eyes. Lips that a woman would die to kiss. I know women must have been telling you that for centuries, but --” “You’re the one I like to hear it from, my Marie.” He nuzzled her throat. “But lovely as this conversation is, you’re using it to avoid my question. What’s wrong?”

“I’m just thinking about the change again. I want to be with you forever, and I know it shouldn’t be a hard decision --” “But it is.” He brushed her hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “I know it’s not easy for you. That’s why I wanted to give you the choice, not only about making the change, but about taking a vampire as a lover. If you’ve changed your mind about me and it would be easier for you without me… ” “Don’t be ridiculous.” She took his face in her hands and kissed him. More than anything she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Charles. Suddenly a horrible thought struck her. Perhaps he no longer wanted a human lover but desired another vampire to match his supernatural strength. “Please talk to me, Marie.” She gazed at him, wanting to discuss her fears, but afraid of the answers she might receive if she did. “Don’t ever shut me off from your emotions. I love you.” “I love you, too, Charles. So much.” She rested her head against his shoulder and cuddled close. “But if you no longer want to marry a human --” “Marie, I love you more than anything. All I want is to please you and make you happy. If you never want to become a vampire, then I will not leave you until your last mortal breath and carry your memory for eternity.” She smiled, though tears misted her eyes. Damn, she hated acting like a wimp, but no one had ever made her feel so loved and protected. “You make it hard for a woman to act tough.” “If I wanted a tough woman, I’d have chosen someone else.” “Is that an insult or a compliment?” “I love your gentleness, Marie. I love your innocence, even your mortality.” “I love you, too, Charles.” Cuddling closer, she kissed his cheek. “I never imagined spending my life with the most gorgeous, perfect man in the world.”

*** Charles left Marie’s home just after midnight. He inhaled deeply, imagining nights long ago when he and his regiment camped beneath skies so clear it seemed one could reach up and touch the stars. Smog filled the skies now. The sound of engines replaced the echo of hoof beats. Sometimes Charles missed the old days, but he also

loved the modern age. Each time brought with it new hardships and wonders. Best of all, there was always a call for a warrior, a man of integrity who understood his destiny. Smiling wryly, Charles glanced at the city lights gleaming in the distance. Before meeting Marie, he had avoided New York for years. His Master lived there, the one who had given him the power of vampirism. A thousand years ago, Zigor had opened his veins and poured part of his soul into Charles, changing him from mortal to vampire. Charles loved and admired Zigor, but they had always disagreed. Though Zigor rarely harmed mortals, and never innocent ones, he also believed vampires should keep to themselves unless directly confronted. Remain aloof and hunt alone had been his philosophy. Like his Master, Charles possessed a domineering personality. No one would tell either of them what to do. Both demanded their own way. Zigor was older and more powerful, yet the knowledge that he would most likely lose to the Master in a fight didn ’t thwart Charles. What drove him away from his creator was pure respect. To keep peace with his Master, Charles had left him and made his own way in the world. He fought his personal crusades. Several times he nearly died confronting older, stronger vampires, yet Charles somehow always arose victorious. Over the years, he and Zigor had crossed paths. It was impossible for them to avoid one another forever. The link between them was strong. Since arriving in New York, Charles had visited Zigor’s club, Burgundy Peak, where vampires and their mortal donors mingled under the protection of the ancient vampire. Charles had been surprised to learn Zigor had finally taken a permanent mate. A passionate woman called Melinda. Perhaps his Master was becoming more reasonable after all. Soon Charles entered the heart of the city. He followed several dark streets leading to Burgundy Peak. The scent of blood and terror filled the air. Pausing, Charles sniffed, his senses springing to life. Turning suddenly, he raced to an empty church parking lot where another male vampire was toying with a young mortal woman as a cat toys with a wounded insect. The vampire grasped the woman’s shoulders so hard that she cried out in pain. Baring his fangs for added fear, he waited several seconds before biting. That pause was his mistake. Charles raced across the lot and tore the monster away from its victim.

Snarling, the vampire struggled against Charles’s unbreakable hold. Beyond the reek of the woman’s fear and the vampire’s rage, Charles caught the scent of other mortals. Then agonizing pain struck his face and neck. The vampire he held began screaming shrilly as a thick mist of molten silver sprayed them from all sides. Squinting against the deadly storm, Charles suddenly realized they were surrounded by mortals wielding guns that sprayed heated silver. The agony was unimaginable. He struck out, managing to tear the weapon away from one of them. Silver dripped down his face like acid and he was forced to close his eyes before the deadly metal blinded him. Sightless, he ran, swiping at his eyes. It felt as if his flesh was peeling off, but at least he was able to see enough to find his way to a back alley. His heart pounding, his every nerve raw and exposed, he ran toward the one place where he might find help. The gun-wielding humans must have been vampire hunters. He had crossed paths with them before, and while he understood their plight to protect their kind against evil, he knew most of them were just as dangerous as rogue vampires. Some of them understood that not all immortals wished them harm, while others simply wanted to exterminate creatures they dubbed minions of the devil. Groaning, Charles dragged himself over a chain link fence and dropped to a squat. The pain was so severe now that he struggled to keep conscious. Silver could destroy a vampire. If he had remained under fire any longer, he would not have survived. Perhaps he wouldn’t, after all. With the silver eating away at his flesh, muscle, and bone, his strength was depleting at an alarming rate. Even through his clothes, his flesh burned and blistered. Through hazy eyes he saw the dark silhouette of Burgundy Peak about a block away. He staggered toward it and pushed open the door. A tall, ebony-skinned man with stern eyes stood in the foyer. Onan. One of Zigor’s eldest children. Surprise shone in Onan’s dark gaze. Wordlessly, he slipped an arm around Charles to support him, ignoring the silver scorching his own flesh in places. Charles gasped with each agonizing step as they slowly made their way up the stairs. His heart beat so hard he thought it might burst through his chest. Upon reaching the top of the steps, Charles faced his Master. Zigor stood nearly as tall as Charles. Curly black hair hung wildly to his waist, almost blending with the

black clothes draping his muscular frame. Charles’s vision was too blurred to discern if his Master appeared worried, disgusted, or welcoming. Unable to remain conscious a second longer, he collapsed at Zigor’s feet.

Chapter Two Charles awoke in pain. Searing, ferocious pain focused mostly on his face and neck. Fear gripped him, not so much from the agony, but because he was unable to see. When he reached for his face, more agony shot through his body. His skin stung and tightened unbearably. “Marie?” “It’s Zigor.” A hand rested lightly on his shoulder. Zigor. He had come to his creator after the incident with the silver. Crawled to him, was a more accurate description. “Master, am I blind?” “You’re not blind. I think these can come off now.” With surprising gentleness, Zigor unwrapped bandages from Charles’s face, yet even that slight contact was painful. “Do you remember coming to Burgundy Peak last night?” Charles remained still for several moments, listening to his heart pound in time with his throbbing flesh. Yes, he remembered. The woman, the vampire, and the hunters. If he had absorbed any more silver, he probably would have died. The way he felt at the moment, it might have been better. If only Marie was with him. No. He wouldn’t want her to see him like this. “There were guys with guns that shot molten silver.” “I know. Hunters. They’re dead. So is the other vampire.” “Who killed them?” “The silver destroyed the vampire, and I killed the hunters. No one does this to one of my children, even a stupid one, and lives.” “Stupid?”

“Your damn integrity is going to get you killed. There is nothing wrong with coexisting with mortals, but to dub yourself their savior is insane, especially when most of them would kill us in a heartbeat.” “You would have tried to help that woman, too, if you had been there.” Zigor shrugged, his expression indifferent. “I suppose I should thank you for discovering those hunters before they could do more damage. It has been years since we ’ve had such a problem in this neighborhood.” “Because you keep your territory safe. Hunters are only trying to protect their kind.” “Fool!” Zigor curled his lip. “Even after they nearly destroy you, you still defend them.” Before Charles could gather the strength to argue, the door opened and Zigor’s lover, a tall, sinewy woman, stepped inside and approached the bed. She carried a crystal glass. “Drink this. The blood will help heal you and the herbs will dull the pain.” “Thanks.” Charles reached for the glass. Sheer horror zapped through him at the sight of his hand wrapped in a bloody bandage. The partially exposed skin of his fingertips and wrist was mottled, grotesque. He forgot about the drink. “Do you have a mirror?” “Why don’t you give yourself a little time?” Mel suggested. “You just got hurt last night.” Charles pushed himself out of the bed. Still weak from trying to recover from the damaging silver, he nearly collapsed. Zigor guided him back to the bed. “Bring him what he asked for, Melinda.” Mel obediently walked to the trunk across the room and removed a small round mirror. She handed it to Charles. For a moment he forget to breathe. His face was a horrific mass of thick black and reddish scars. “I have a friend who works with silver for scarring and tattoos,” Zigor said. “Last night, I invited him here to assist me in caring for your injuries. As you know, silver does permanent damage to us. Unlike a mortal, plastic surgery is out of the question for you. Only silver molds and scars us. Any attempt to reconstruct your face, and the results will most likely be as bad as what you see now. It is best to let the centuries heal you.”

“Centuries!” “Our gift comes at a price --” “Master, please. I don’t need any lectures about vampirism.” “You will recover from this in time.” Yes. Charles took control of himself. He was a warrior. This was merely another trial to endure. “Would you like us to send for Marie?” Mel asked. “She’s bound to be worried.” “No! I don’t want her seeing me like a slab of over barbecued meat.” One thing he did know about Marie, she appreciated handsome men. So many times she had remarked on Charles’s appearance and how much he had attracted her when they first met. He had been a handsome vampire. Yes, he had been a little vain and proud of his looks. Now they were gone. If Marie met him now, would she still want to be with him? Probably not. If she knew what happened to him, she wouldn’t turn away. Marie was too kind for that, but he didn’t want her to be with him out of pity or generosity. That sort of relationship wouldn’t do for either of them. God, how would he live without her? Even now, he wanted to hold her and talk to her. What if she no longer wanted him? The shock of the accident must have still been with him, because at that moment he couldn’t bear the thought of her disgust and rejection. “I didn’t believe you would enter a superficial relationship.” “My relationships are none of your business, Zigor.” “I also thought you had more confidence in yourself. Are you turning into one of the weak, pathetic males of this modern time? Have you lost your warrior’s heart?” “Shut up about your ancient alpha bullshit!” Zigor’s steely gaze met Charles’s. “Because you are in pain, I will allow such impertinence this one time.” “I shouldn’t have come here.” Charles stood painfully. “That’s why I left your instruction years ago -- because you demand too much from every one, Master.” “Get back in the bed,” Mel ordered. Charles walked to the door, his legs trembling. “Thank you for your help, Mel.” Mel turned to Zigor. “You can’t just let him leave like this.” “Silence, woman! I will not tolerate obstinate behavior from either of you.”

Of all the men he had ever known, Charles respected Zigor the most, but the ancient vampire was arrogant beyond belief and far too set in his ways. He tried to dominate everyone and everything, which was why, after accepting the change to vampirism, Charles eventually left him. They kept in touch and shared a strong connection, but Charles possessed too many alpha traits of his own to bow down to Zigor. The ancient Master recognized Charles’s willful nature and, in his way, respected it. The two could never share the same territory, yet they could depend on one another in a crisis, or so Charles had thought. The way Zigor insisted on baiting him now, he wasn’t so sure. Charles stumbled as he neared the door, but Zigor slipped an arm around his waist. “I don’t need your help.” Charles tried pushing him away, but at that moment he was no match for his powerful friend. “Stay here and regain your strength.” Zigor dumped him on the bed. Pain shot through Charles’s entire body. He willed himself not to groan as he rolled onto his back. Closing his eyes, he lay there, his heart pounding from the simple exertion. Damn, he hated this weakness! “Here.” Mel held the glass to his lips. Charles drained it. Before drifting to sleep, he recalled one of Zigor’s earliest lessons. Vampires were not meant to mate for life. Perhaps he should have paid closer attention to his Master’s teachings.

*** The following evening, Charles felt much better. The horrific pain had almost completely faded, but the scars were as ugly as ever. The sickening image of him as a rogue vampire, hiding in the shadows and using mind tricks to steal human blood, filled his thoughts. Vampires reveled in their power. Now he was a freak among them. He dressed in black pants and a blue shirt Zigor loaned him and stood for several moments, gazing out the window at the nighttime street below. Someone tapped on the door. “Come in.” Mel stepped inside carrying a tray of food. “Hungry?” Charles shrugged. Actually, he was starving. He hadn’t eaten food since before

the incident with the hunters. “How are you feeling?” “Marvelous.” Charles’s voice dripped sarcasm. “At least the pain is gone. What about you? How’s everything with you and Zigor?” “Great.” “Is he still angry with me?” “You know Zigor.” She smiled. “He’ll get over it. If he loves someone, he’ll give them infinite chances. Marie came here looking for you earlier.” “What did you tell her?” “I told her we hadn’t seen you. I don’t understand why you won’t talk to her, and since I’ve never been one to mind my own business, I’m going to ask you why.” “What do you think?” “I have no idea. Whenever I’m away from Zigor, I can’t wait to see him again. I can’t imagine excluding him from my deepest problems. Lovers are supposed to support each other.” Charles drew a deep breath. Anger simmered inside him, though he wasn’t sure if it was directed at Mel or himself. “Look, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but Marie is my business, not yours.” “Fair enough, but if you want to talk, I’m here, and I know Zigor would never turn you away, either.” Opening up about his emotions had never been one of Charles’s strong points. “Anything else I can bring you?” “No. I’ll be leaving tonight, but I would like to speak to both you and Zigor first.” “He’s in his chamber. Come with me.” Charles’s heart pounded as he followed Mel down to the club section of Burgundy Peak. Though he kept his posture straight and his gaze fixed ahead, he was aware of others staring at his mottled face. Their reaction only reinforced his decision about Marie, yet part of him still thought he was crazy. All his life he had waited for the perfect woman, and now that he found her he was going to end it. Still, it was better than having her end it, which would eventually happen. Even if she stayed with him out of pity, how long would it last? She would find another man, perhaps even another vampire, to share her bed and her life. Since they met, she had made several friends

among his vampire acquaintances, including Mel. She and Zigor owned Burgundy Peak. It was the perfect place for vampires and the few mortals who knew about them to mingle. The few times he had brought Marie there, Charles had seen the lusty looks in patrons’ eyes when they gazed at the beautiful mortal woman. Though she didn’t consider herself attractive, Charles knew better. At the back of the club, Charles and Mel ascended a long, dark staircase that led to Zigor’s private chamber. The ancient vampire knelt on the stone floor of the empty room. Wearing only black trousers, his bare torso glistened with sweat as he raised two curved swords above his head. He must have just completed practice, since this posture was part of an old ritual he had taught Charles long ago. He was giving thanks to the night for his warrior’s power. After a moment, Zigor stood and returned the swords to their place on the wall above the hearth. He glanced at Charles. “What do you want?” “I would like you to deliver a message to Marie. Tell her I was killed by hunters.” Zigor’s jaw tightened and his gaze alone revealed the depth of his disapproval. “Do you have any idea how that’s going to make her feel?” Mel’s brow furrowed. “She’s in love with you.” “Really?” Charles curled his lip, wondering if the gesture was discernable in a face that looked like clay stretched over cactus skin. “And do you think if she met me for the first time now she’d fall in love with me?” “So you’re saying she only wanted you for your looks?” “Why not? Men approach women because they find them attractive, why shouldn ’t women do the same?” “Because the two of you didn’t simply have a one-night stand. You’ve been together for two years.” “Such a small amount of time.” “Even when dealing with a mortal?” “If you were in my place, what the hell would you do?” “She would return to me because she knows my love for her transcends the physical,” Zigor stated. “And I would do the same, should I be the wounded party.” “Yes.” Mel lifted her chin. “I would take every chance I had to tell Zigor how much I love him. I would not hurt him with such a lie. To let her think you’re dead just

so you can wallow in self-pity is despicable.” Zigor’s gaze switched to Melinda. The slightest smile touched his lips, then faded as if it had never been. “Well said. I refuse to lie for you, Charles, and I do not believe that two years with this woman means so little to you. A vampire who forgets how precious time is loses his passion. I know that has not happened to you. You are alive, so be grateful.” “I’m living. It takes a lot more than walking and breathing to feel alive.” “Are you bored with her, is that it?” Zigor asked. “Is this just an easy way to get rid of the human?” Charles bared his teeth and stepped chest to chest with Zigor. The ancient Master growled, rage simmering in his eyes, yet for some reason he kept his temper in check. “Struck a nerve, did I, Charles?” “I love Marie. The thing I want most is to see her again and know that nothing has changed between us, but things have changed.” “Your skin has changed.” Zigor clasped Charles’s shoulders hard, yet the touch itself was almost welcome. It made Charles feel grounded. “Your heart is the same.” “I don’t want to see repulsion on her face when she looks at me. I don’t want to sense her cringing when she feels obligated to kiss me.” “So I guess if the roles were reversed, you’d reject her?” “Never.” “Really?” Charles drew a deep breath and squatted by the fire. He stared at the dancing flames. “I never had a shortage of women. Years back, when I was a knight, do you remember what they used to call me? Sir Charles, The Handsome Giant.” Mel burst out laughing. “The Handsome Giant. Oh, brother.” “Melinda, try to control yourself,” Zigor snapped, though at a glance Charles saw amusement glistening in his Master’s eyes. “Zigor, you of all people should understand. What the hell is she going to want with me? It’s bad enough if you’re normal sized and ugly. I’m enormous and ugly.” “You know I think Marie is a fine lady, but she is not what many in this ignorant modern world would deem beautiful. Now skinny women are worshiped, not buxom ones.”

“She has the most beautiful body I’ve ever seen. And since when do you like the anorexic look?” “I was only trying to make a point. It doesn’t matter what a person looks like, it’s how they feel about each other, or is it? Say Marie suddenly got thin, would you hate her?” “Of course not.” “Say she was the one whose face was destroyed. Would you leave her?” “Never.” “So you don’t think that a person’s worth is measured by his looks?” “No.” “How can you be so open minded when it comes to everybody else and a superficial asshole about yourself?” Mel blurted out. “Are you that fucking vain?” “Melinda, please.” Zigor held up his hand, his expression annoyed. “If you cannot control yourself, then leave us.” “This is my decision. Not yours,” Charles snapped. “In the long run, this is best for her. I will not burden her with my problems.” Mel raised her eyes to heaven. “What a cop out.” “How about this.” Zigor paced the room slowly, his brow furrowed in thought. “I ’ll tell her you encountered vampire hunters and haven’t been seen since. I’ll give you three months to come to your senses before I tell her you’re dead.” “No.” “Excuse me?” Zigor glared. “I think I’m being very generous, considering this entire conversation sickens me. You are acting like a coward, boy. That’s not something you learned from me.” Charles’s teeth ground. The coward comment didn’t sit well with him, but he was in no position to goad Zigor further. If he did, the ancient might not help him at all. “I think it’s better for her to just get over me and go on with her life.” “Well I don’t. And one more thing, if you don’t confess to her and I ever find out you have taken up with another mortal, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. Do you understand?” “That might not be so easily done.” Fury filled Charles. His fists clenched at his sides. How he longed to ram Zigor’s arrogance down his throat once and for all. What

enraged him most was that his Master was right. He was taking the coward’s way out. He’d endured torture at enemy hands, had fought through the worst battles in history, but nothing had ever frightened him as much as the thought of being rejected by this young mortal woman.

*** Moistening her dry lips, Marie followed Mel and Zigor into a private room at Burgundy Peak. She and Charles sometimes spent an evening at their friends’ club. Zigor was Charles’s vampiric creator, and Charles had told her many stories of the old days when they rode together as warriors. Something about Zigor intimidated her. He rarely smiled and possessed such a discerning expression in his dark blue eyes that he made a person feel completely naked. His companion, Mel, was his opposite. She was outspoken and had a wonderful sense of humor. She and Marie became friends as soon as they met. When Charles had disappeared two days ago, she had immediately contacted Zigor and Mel to see if they knew where he was. This evening when she stepped into Burgundy Peak and they asked to speak with her privately, she sensed something was terribly wrong. “Sit.” Zigor offered her a chair. Marie’s pulse raced so that she almost felt faint. Sitting beside her, Mel placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Charles had a run in with some hunters and he’s missing.” “Missing?” “I have searched for him and will continue to do so,” Zigor stated. “However, when a vampire is trapped by hunters, the odds are rarely in his favor.” “What -- what happened?” “I’m not sure of all the details, but it seems he was on one of his moral crusades again.” Drawing a deep breath, Marie fought back tears. Damn Charles and his integrity! Most vampires kept to themselves. Self-preservation was even more rampant among their kind than among humankind. Why did he have to play the part of a hero? Still, his sense of honor was one of the things she loved about him. She just prayed that it would not destroy him. Wherever he was, she hoped he wasn’t suffering.

“You know the relationship Charles and I share.” Zigor held her gaze. “He once asked me to tell you, should anything happen to him, that you are to go on with your life.” “He is my life.” Unable to control the tears trickling from her eyes, she swiped them with her hand. “I’m sorry.” “It’s all right.” Mel hugged her. “Is there anything I can do to help look for him? I’m human, maybe it would be easier for me to find the hunters.” Zigor and Mel exchanged glances. “No,” Zigor stated. “These hunters are known to us. They would sooner expose themselves to a vampire with the hope of trapping him than welcome a strange mortal into their circle. Please believe that my acquaintances and I are doing everything in our power to return him to you.” “Would you like me to take you home?” “Thanks, Mel, but I need to be alone for a while.” Standing, Marie walked to the door. “Please keep me posted on what you find.” “We will.” Numb, Marie walked to her car. She sat for several moments, trembling, her heart breaking. Charles couldn’t be dead. Gazing at the engagement ring sparkling on her finger, she never felt so empty in her life. I love you, Charles. Wherever you are, I love you so much. Please come back to me. I don’t care how long I have to wait.

Chapter Three Three Months Later October 28th Growling, Charles blinked sweat from his eyes and slashed the air with his twin

swords. For several moments, he fought with his shadow cast on the concrete wall of an abandoned parking garage. A fire burned in the center of the garage, its scent reminding Charles of nights long ago when he had trained for battle amidst the ruins of his family’s ancestral home. Since sustaining his injuries, he had spent most of his time practicing with his swords and other weapons of his youth. It helped keep his mind off his problems, though it couldn’t sway his thoughts from Marie. Mel said she’d been quite upset when they’d brought her the news, but she’d held up with admirable strength. “She’s a survivor,” Mel had said. “She has courage.” “Remember what that’s like?” Zigor had taunted. It seemed everyone was pissed off about his decision regarding his fiancée. His friends had lectured him more times than he cared to remember. Though he tried avoiding everyone, he had been paying for bottles of blood at the bar at Burgundy Peak, so his path had crossed Mel and Zigor’s several times. Mel and Marie saw each other often. The times when he’d caught her scent on Mel had been almost too much to handle. It seemed to clutch him in the heart and the cock at the same time. No one understood that he was doing the right thing by leaving her. Even if she did accept his deformity, it wouldn’t be the last time his life was in danger. Something inside him refused to turn his back on evil. He felt there was a purpose to his vampirism. In his mortal life, he had been a warrior, a protector of his people. Deep inside, he believed he had been fated to become immortal and use his power to right the wrongs of the world. Most other vampires scoffed at his philosophy. By nature, they were predators who preferred to hunt alone. Though Zigor spent centuries battling with Charles over his decision to sacrifice himself for people in need, he knew his Master at least understood his desires. Zigor relished his power and enjoyed dominance over all those surrounding him, yet he had never deliberately harmed creatures weaker than himself. Perhaps through the sharing of their blood, the ancient Master’s code of ethics had reinforced Charles’s heroic nature. Heroic. Of late, Zigor considered him nothing but a coward. Zigor couldn’t understand that Charles wanted to protect Marie as well as himself. Over the past two years, he’d seen fear and worry in her eyes too many times when she learned of his

confrontations with other vampires, not to mention the hunters. She needed a more dependable man, one who refused to engage in private wars no one else seemed to care about. “That is good. You remember all I taught you.” Charles spun, his chest heaving from exertion, and stared at his Master who stood on the chipped concrete steps leading down to the garage. Moonlight illuminated Zigor’ s tall, sinewy form and glinted off his waist length black hair. “Practicing helps me focus.” “Unless you are completely honest with yourself, there will never be balance in your life.” Charles grunted. Sheathing his swords, he approached Zigor. “Have you or Mel seen Marie lately?” “Yes.” “How is she?” “How do you think?” “I thought she might have forgotten about me.” “Even mortals’ memories aren’t that short.” Charles rolled his shoulders and stretched his arms. He’d been training since dusk and it was nearly midnight. His sweat soaked clothes clung uncomfortably to his skin. It was time for a hot shower and a meal. Moments like this he especially missed Marie. Every night he longed to talk with her, eat with her, and sip her delicious blood. He wanted so much to sweep her into his arms and make love with her. It was so long since he’d been touched by her. His cock leapt at the image of her sensual lips parted in a sigh of pleasure. The thought of her full, creamy breasts tipped with rosebud nipples sent his pulse racing out of control. “She misses you so much. With love comes responsibility. You are shirking yours, unless of course, you never truly loved her.” “I love Marie more than anything.” “You have a strange way of showing it. The woman is sick with worry.” Charles’s heart seemed to drop to his feet. “Are you serious?” “Yes, I’m serious. She’s scarcely been working.” “What about her graphics business?”

“She doesn’t seem to care that much about it anymore. The few times she’s gone out with Mel it was nearly impossible to make her leave the house. She keeps waiting for some word about you.” “She’s a strong woman.” Charles tried ignoring the guilt inside him. “She’ll handle it.” “I think you did do her a favor. She is too good for you.” “She always was.” “Fuck it!” His fangs exposed and his eyes flashing, Zigor shoved Charles full in the chest. “What is wrong with you? I know you, Charles. I made you. You fight for what is yours. You don’t slink away from it!” Instinctively, Charles bared his fangs and rammed Zigor against the wall, not caring if he incited his creator’s wrath. “I do, but Marie is not property. She’s an individual and deserves the best.” The men stepped away from each other, growling deep in their chests. Zigor glared. “At one time I thought you were the best.” Surprised, Charles paused. The Master’s praise was difficult to earn. Never before had Zigor bestowed such a compliment upon Charles. Unfortunately, the qualities that made one “the best” to another man were insignificant when applied from a woman’s point of view. Of course, when he ran a similar observation by Mel, she had disagreed. Surprisingly, she had given him the best advice in learning to deal with the stares he drew from almost everyone he passed. Usually, he glared at the onlookers, even growled or picked fights with them. Mel had suggested that he smile instead, as they were most likely curious but ignorant. Surprisingly, many times they smiled back. What he wouldn’t give for one of those smiles to belong to Marie. Instead of becoming easier, each day without her was pure torture. He wanted to go to her and tell her everything, regardless of whether she welcomed him or looked upon him with disgust. Something stopped him. As he said, she wasn’t property or a puppet to be used for his whims. He made a decision and needed to stand by it. “There will be a masquerade party this week at Burgundy Peak. You will come.” “I should.” Charles snorted. “I’ve got a permanent costume.” “Your self-pity is wearing thin, Charles.” “I’m not in the mood for parties.”

“It might be enjoyable.” “You hate Halloween parties, Zigor. Your employees hold one every year and I don’t think you’ve ever been.” “This year I have decided to indulge Melinda. We will be attending as a Viking warrior and maiden.” Charles snorted with laughter. “Might be worth going just to get a look at that. I hope you’re not wearing one of those silly horned helmets.” “Of course not. No man wore such a headdress into battle. I will be in a replication of the armor I wore back in 950.” Shaking his head, Charles headed for the stairs. It was really time to go home and take that shower. If only he could share it with Marie. Marie. She would love the masquerade. Masquerade! Charles’s pulse raced and his mouth went dry. Could he pull it off? Pausing, he tugged a picture of Marie out of his pocket. Her beautiful green eyes, so kind and filled with humor, stared at him, almost scolding. Those full, sensual lips reminded him of so many nights of hushed conversation and soul stealing kisses. His plan was crazy, almost childish, but at least it would be a way to see her again without being forced to reveal himself. Bastard. You are a rotten, self-centered bastard, Charles Free. But he missed her too much. He needed to see her again, touch her. Halloween, the most mysterious of all holidays, was the perfect night for a secret admirer to finally approach the object of his passion.

*** Marie glanced at her friend. “Mel, I’m really not in the mood for a party.” “As a favor to me, please come.” “Why is it so important to you?” “Because you’re my friend and I’m tired of coming here and seeing you in your bathrobe looking depressed. You need to get dressed, go out, and start living again.” “Every time I think of something fun to do, I remember Charles.” “I don’t think he would want you to wallow in depression. I think he would want you to take up your life again and go on.” Marie shook her head. “If I thought he was dead, I might eventually be able to do

that, but not now. He could still be alive out there, suffering.” “Or maybe not.” “If he was able to get back to me, don’t you think he would? God knows what those damned hunters have done to him.” “Please come tonight.” “I don’t have a costume.” “You don’t need one. Just put on a sexy dress.” “I don’t feel very sexy.” Marie glanced down at her full breasts and rounded belly poking against the terrycloth robe. She’d never been uncomfortable with her body, but had never thought it beautiful until meeting Charles. He made her feel like the sexiest woman in the world. Without him, life seemed to have lost its glow. “Halloween is magical. Zigor says it’s a sacred night. Come to the party.” “I guess it’s better than staying home and handing out candy.” Mel smiled. “There you go. As good a reason as any to have fun. Zigor and I will come by around seven to pick you up.” “I’ll get there myself.” “No, we’ll come for you. Otherwise I’m afraid you’ll change your mind.” “Don’t worry. I won’t.” Once Mel left, Marie walked to the bathroom and ran warm water in the tub. She poured in coconut scented bubbles, Charles’s favorite. She smiled, remembering how he loved to massage her entire body with coconut scented oils and lotions. He bought her all kinds of coconut shampoo and soap, then invited her in the shower so they could wash each other. God, that man had loved to play and she had been a most willing playmate. She was about to step into the water when the doorbell rang. “I’m coming,” Marie grumbled. Dragging her robe back on, she hurried down the stairs. A glance through the peephole revealed an empty hall. She opened the door and was surprised to find a large package on the floor. Her brow furrowed. It was addressed to her from the Godfrey Costume Company. Smiling, Marie brought the box to the kitchen and opened it. Mel was such a great friend. She must have sent the costume since Marie didn’t have one.

“Wow.” She lifted out the white gauze gown trimmed with fine gold thread. It reminded her of something from ancient Rome. No wonder. The card resting beside a pair of gold sandals at the bottom of the box read Venus. The goddess of love and beauty. A tingle spread through Marie. The idea of attending the party suddenly seemed almost fun. What she wouldn’t give for Charles to be with her tonight. That would make the evening perfect and as magical as Mel had said. “Keep dreaming.” Depression washed over her, burying that momentary spark of excitement. Charles was alone somewhere, probably starving and abused, and she was on her way to a costume party. Was she being selfish? Maybe she shouldn’t go. She had to go. She had promised Mel, and all this sadness was starting to destroy her. With or without Charles, life would go on. She could either bow down to it like a coward, or conduct herself like the strong woman Charles had always thought her to be. Shaking her head, she took the dress to her bedroom.

Chapter Four “You’re sure she’s coming?” Charles called from where he stood in front of a mirror in a room he’d rented at Burgundy Peak. “Yes. We’re picking her up,” Mel replied. “Good.” He adjusted his long black toga. The garment draped one shoulder, wrapped around his middle just below his chest, and hung to his ankles. The scarring on his chest, back, and arms wasn’t as severe as on his face, and most people at the party would probably assume it was part of his costume. Charles glanced at his reflection in the glass. A mask which gave the illusion of metal concealed his face, except for his eyes and scarred lips. Yellow and black snake-style contact lenses concealed his gray irises. The entire image was creepy and mysterious, perfect for the role he would play tonight.

His entire body tingled when he recalled all the times he and Marie had interwoven role playing with lovemaking. How he missed those games, but more than anything he missed her. He longed for the talks they shared and even the silent moments when they didn’t need to speak, but simply enjoyed being together. “I still don’t understand this whole charade,” Zigor stated. “I think you should have just told her the truth.” Mel shrugged. “Some people might say what he’s doing is romantic.” “I can’t believe you went along with his foolish plan, delivering that invitation and practically forcing Marie into coming.” Zigor wrapped an arm around Mel’s waist and hauled her to his chest. “You deliberately went against my orders.” “I’m sorry.” “No, you’re not, but later you might be.” Charles raised his eyes to heaven. Zigor and Mel’s DOM/sub relationship made no sense to him, but as the old saying went, to each his own. “Do you think she’ll wear the costume?” “I’m sure if you personally brought it to her she’d have worn it.” Charles sighed. “You never give up, do you, Zigor?” “You know,” Zigor circled Charles with an appraising look, “your costume is rather good. You look like some sort of demonic philosopher.” “It’s Vulcan.” “I think it’s so romantic.” Mel grinned. “He’s going to sweep her off her feet and tell her how sorry he is that he’s made her worry and that he wants to spend his immortal life with her.” Charles laughed. “You’re as bad as Zigor, only nicer about trying to get what you want.” “We had better go if we’re to escort Marie to the party.” Zigor grasped Mel’s upper arm and guided her to the door. “Thank you for doing this. Both of you.” Growling deep in his throat, Zigor left with Mel. Charles’s pulse leapt when he realized that within the hour, he would see Marie again. With any luck, he’d be talking to her and dancing with her. Drawing a deep breath, he left the room and headed for the downstairs club

where the party was already underway. The scent of vampire blood, perfume, alcohol, and delicious food wafted on the air. People dressed in a variety of costumes sat at booths and tables or stood around the bar while others made use of the polished dance floor in the center of the room. A soft, new-age type song with lovely strains of a flute added to the magical atmosphere. Usually, Charles would have enjoyed a party like this, but tonight he was too nervous. Though he appeared calm, his stomach twisted with anxiety. He had to be crazy to pull a stunt like this. Though it had not been his intent, he suddenly realized it seemed like he was toying with Marie’s emotions. Regardless of whether he revealed himself to her, he should have told her the truth from the first. If she did look upon him with disgust tonight, he deserved it. Stopping by the bar, he waited for the bartender, dressed as a giant mouse, to approach. “What can I get you?” she asked. “Rum.” “What kind? We have --” “I don’t care.” Nodding, the bartender filled his order while Charles stared at the door. When the drink was placed in front of him, he swallowed it in a gulp. It was ultra sweet, just like Marie liked it. Rum was her favorite drink. He asked for another. Suddenly she stepped into the room. Charles’s heart slammed against his chest, as fast as a mortal’s after a sprint. The drink arrived just in time. His mouth had gone completely dry. He swallowed it fast and remained at the bar, staring at Marie. Venus. The goddess of love and beauty. No woman could have fit the description better. The flowing white stola was gathered at the top of each shoulder, leaving her rounded, creamy arms bare. The incredibly low neckline revealed a healthy portion of her big, beautiful breasts. As she walked, the gauzy material clung to the slope of her belly and the fullness of her hips. He almost envied the material itself as it molded to her thighs. The gold sandals looked gorgeous on her feet with their red painted toenails. Drawing a deep breath, he released it slowly. His cock leapt as he remembered the sensation of her soft feet running up and down his legs. Sometimes she’d even stroke his cock with them. God, it felt so good.

He noted that she wasn’t smiling. Unusual for her. One of the things that had initially attracted him to her was her cheerful, infectious smile. She looked a bit paler than usual, her skin like porcelain. Faint shadows marked the flesh below her beautiful, catlike eyes. Had she been missing sleep over him? Was he an egomaniac to even think that she was? Mel and Zigor said she had been upset. If she was unhappy, he was to blame. I’m a selfish son of a bitch. Suddenly her gaze fixed on him. A faint blush rose in her cheeks and from across the room he heard her heartbeat quicken. His mimicked its rhythm. God. It was now or never.

*** While Mel and Zigor stopped to talk to a friend in the hallway, Marie decided to join the party. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. At least she’d get to see a lot of nice costumes. And couples dancing and having a good time. Sighing, she realized she never should have agreed to come. It was stupid. A waste of time. It only made her feel worse about Charles’s absence. Stepping into the dimly lit room, she stood against the wall for a moment until her eyes adjusted. Charles had been gone for so long that she’d stopped using candlelight and the fireplace and had gone back to electric lights like a normal person. He’d never been demanding about dim light, but since she knew it was more comfortable for him, she had gladly adjusted her lifestyle. Not only that, the soft light of flames was so much more romantic. Since he’d gone, her sense of romance had died. It took only a moment to accustom herself to the hall’s atmosphere. Flames danced in black lanterns on each table. Most of the guests were in costume. There were ghosts, cats, gypsy dancers, knights, an Egyptian queen, rock stars, and countless others in fantasy dress. To her left, the buffet offered a variety of food. Sandwiches, salads, vegetables and chips with dip, Halloween cookies, and a table full of pumpkin pies with whipped cream were enough to make her stomach grumble. She was about to try some of the food when her appetite suddenly faded. Her stomach tightened and her heart throbbed wildly in her chest. A man with a drop dead gorgeous body accentuated in a black toga-like costume stood at the bar. A metallic mask, strangely eerie, concealed the upper half of his face. A dark beard covered most of his jaw, but his neck and lips

were warped by some kind of fake latex scars. The outfit left his massive, beautifully muscled chest and arms bare. Even from across the room, she noted the dark, curling hair covering his pectorals and more of the fake scars on his torso. The dark, ankle-length material draped one shoulder, leaving the other exposed. She hadn’t seen a body like that since Charles. God. What was she thinking? Her lover could be suffering or dead and she was ogling some bozo at a costume party. She tried tearing her gaze from the stranger, but couldn’t. Something about him drew her, reminding her of the pull she had felt for Charles when they first met. That was why the man attracted her. With his height and build, he was too much like her lover. “Are you all right?” Mel touched Marie’s shoulder. She jumped, placing a hand to her breast and forcing a smile. “Sure. Mel, see that guy at the bar?” “Which one? Zorro or Tarzan?” “The one in the toga thing.” “Oh, yes.” “Does he remind you of anyone?” “Yes, Satan.” “No, not Satan.” “Who does he remind you of, Marie?” Shaking her head, Marie couldn’t bring herself to form the words. Her friends already thought she obsessed about Charles too much. This would probably confirm their worries. “He just -- he’s sort of attractive, that’s all.” “Even in that costume?” “It’s kind of sexy in a weird way.” “What about all that scar stuff?” Mel asked. “A lot of people here are in gory makeup.” “What if it turns out not to be makeup?” Marie’s brow furrowed. “That’s a strange thing to ask.” “So, what would you think if they were real?” “That’s a rather tacky question, Mel, but why should it matter? With a body like

that, who needs skin like an airbrushed magazine photo?” Guilt suddenly washed over Marie. “I’m not going to cheat on Charles.” “There’s nothing wrong with finding a man attractive. Why don’t you try to have a nice time tonight?” “I will. I guess. I -- God, Mel, he’s coming this way.” “Good. Maybe he’ll ask you to dance.” “Me? I doubt it. He’s probably coming to hit on you. God, Zigor won’t like that.” “Then I had better go join my Viking for the night.” Grinning, Mel walked across the room and stood with Zigor at the bar. To Marie’s surprise, the object of her attention hadn’t so much as glanced at Mel. That was highly unusual. Mel was stunning. Most men couldn’t keep their eyes off her. This guy seemed fixed on Marie. Impossible. She glanced behind her to see if there was some other woman standing there. The gorgeous giant stopped in front of her. Through the eyeholes in the mask, his yellowish eyes gazed at her. She wondered if his eyes looked like that naturally, or if he was wearing contacts. They looked almost serpent-like, not like the eyes of any vampire she’d ever met before, yet there was something familiar about this man. Her gaze drifted to his lips peeking through his heavy beard. They were thin on one side and much thicker on the other. Their color was the strangest pink. His neck and torso were also mottled pink and white, the scars appearing almost too real. Suddenly she wondered if Mel was right. Perhaps the man wasn’t wearing makeup after all. “Excuse me, Miss, but I couldn’t help noticing your costume.” A ripple of pleasure-pain coursed through Marie’s entire body. Pleasure because his deep, rich voice touched with a British accent was beautiful to hear, pain because in spite of his accent, his tone reminded her too much of Charles. “You are supposed to be Venus, are you not?” “Huh? Oh, yes.” Marie’s pulse leapt. “Do you know who I’m supposed to be?” Mel’s guess popped into her head. “Satan?” God, what a stupid thing to say! What the hell was wrong with her? His funny mouth turned up in what looked like a smile. Suddenly she wondered

how those lips would feel against hers. He was probably a wonderful kisser. No man could remind her so much of Charles and not kiss well. “No, not Satan. Vulcan.” “Oh.” Marie tried not to look as ignorant as she felt. The name sounded familiar, yet she couldn’t quite remember the character. “In Roman mythology, he was the god of fire, the smith god. He was also married to Venus.” Resisting the urge to close her eyes in ecstasy from the sound of his voice, she willed her heartbeat to slow. In spite of the excitement this man roused within her, terrible sadness weighted her heart. What she wouldn’t give for the man dressed as Vulcan to be her Charles. “Oh. That’s funny.” “Are you here alone? You must know someone at the party since you’re one of the only humans here.” “I came with my friends… ” Marie’s voice trailed off as she looked around the room for Zigor and Mel. They seemed to have disappeared. “They were just here.” “Would you like to join me until they show up?” “Thank you, but I’m engaged.” “Ah.” Again that slight smile touched his lips. “I see. Where is your fiancé?” “He’s --” She glanced away, unsure of what to say. Talking about Charles stirred such sadness inside her. It was so difficult to put up a strong front when she missed him so much. “He’s away on business.” His gaze bore into her and a familiar tingle shot through her. For a moment she felt like she was staring into Charles’s eyes. “He’s a lucky man.” “I’m not so sure about that,” she whispered. “Would you share a drink with me in friendship, then?” Damn. This guy was going to be harder to get rid of than she thought. “I’m sorry,” he said. “That probably seemed terribly forward of me.” “No. It’s all right. I was going to get a drink anyway.” She headed for the bar and he fell into step beside her. The bartender glanced at her companion. “What can I get you?” “Two vanilla rums, please.” Marie fired him a look. For a moment she forgot to breathe.

His strange yellow gaze fixed on her. “I’m sorry. I should have asked you first. Would you rather have something else?” “No. That’s my favorite drink.” Her brow furrowed. “Did you read my mind?” “Excuse me?” “I know about your kind and mind reading. I don’t appreciate that sort of invasion.” “I assure you, Miss, I did not read your mind.” “Then how did you know --” “You just seemed like a woman who would enjoy vanilla rum.” The bartender placed their drinks in front of them and they each took a sip. Marie’ s gaze lingered on his throat as he swallowed, then trailed over the corded muscles of his exposed shoulder and broad chest. “What’s your name?” “John Brookfield.” “Are you just visiting the US?” “No, I moved here.” “Like it?” “Well enough. What’s your name?” “Marie Connor.” She finished her rum and ran her tongue over her bottom lip, catching the last of the strong, sweet flavor. His hungry gaze followed the motion, sending a spark of desire through her. It was wrong to be sitting here with such an attractive man who could have been Charles’ cousin or brother. “Is something wrong, Marie?” “No. You --” “Talk to me.” The back of her neck tingled. Talk to me. One of Charles’s favorite phrases when he tried guiding her out of hiding her emotions and into serious conversation. A haunted sensation stirred deep within her and a crazy idea kindled in her brain. It was impossible. Stupid. Ridiculous, yet was it true? This man couldn’t be Charles, could he? The music suddenly changed to a soft rock song, perfect for dancing. If he put his hands on her, held her, then she would know. No one could ever make her feel like Charles. No man could fit perfectly to her, body and soul. “John, would you tell me

more about Vulcan and Venus?” “I’d love to.” “Would you tell me on the dance floor?” “If you like.” He stood and offered her his hand. It was huge and mottled, like the rest of him. The fingers were long and gnarled yet shockingly gentle as they folded around hers. His thumb stroked her palm in an achingly familiar manner. Marie swallowed hard and forced herself to remain calm. This couldn’t be. It just couldn’t. When they reached the dance floor, it was all Marie could do to keep her knees from buckling when he held her. The position was so familiar and so intimate. His arm slipped around her waist. His opposite wrist turned so that instead of holding her hand properly in the air, the back of it pressed against his shoulder in a more intimate gesture. No man but Charles had ever held her in this way. Settling her hand on his waist, she relished the closeness of his powerful body. Her breasts pressed gently against his torso. The man was made of solid muscle, hard bone, and warm skin. His breath, pleasantly scented with mint toothpaste and sweet rum, aroused wonderful memories of deep, tender kisses. God, this had to be Charles. No matter what his accent or what color his eyes. No matter how gnarled his hands, or twisted his lips. She didn’t care if his flesh was covered with strange makeup. No two men could be so much alike. Why was he playing this game and why hadn’t Zigor and Mel told her he had been found? Perhaps he was still in danger because of the hunters? No. That would be too much like some cheesy movie or daytime melodrama. Besides, wouldn’t he be safe enough at Burgundy Peak? Good sense told her this was all a big coincidence, or that she missed Charles so much she was going crazy and imagining he was here when he wasn’t. Yet in her gut she knew the truth. “You wanted me to tell you about Vulcan and Venus.” “Yes.” Marie wasn’t sure how she formed the words. Her entire body felt numb. Blinding excitement, rage, and lingering disbelief battled inside her. “Vulcan was madly in love with the beautiful Venus, but she didn’t feel the same. How could she? The smith god was ugly. He limped, a flawed god. Still, he was given Venus as his wife. He adored her. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her, but she

wanted nothing to do with him.” Marie smiled a bit and gazed into his strange yet compelling yellow eyes. “You mean she didn’t want him because he was ugly?” “Like I said. She was the goddess of love and beauty.” “How could she be the goddess of love but not see the beauty inside him?” “Sometimes the outer package is so horrible, any goodness inside is hard to see.” Marie sighed. “It’s funny, but I was almost happy to put on this costume tonight. I didn’t know I was dressing up as a bitch.” Laughing, he tugged her a bit nearer. Marie resisted the urge to close her eyes and melt against him. “I’m sure you could never be a bitch.” “What do you look like beneath that mask?” “Unlike Vulcan, I don’t dare reveal my ugliness in the face of such beauty.” He released her hand and caressed her face with his fingertips. They trailed down her cheek to the side of her neck and rubbed a tender circle over the place marked with two faint scars, little more than pinpricks. It was the place where Charles often took her blood when they made love. Taking blood not only sustained him, but provided intense pleasure for them both. The song’s rhythm slowed and he bent his head. His breath warmed the side of her neck. Marie’s breathing deepened. Standing on tiptoe, she leaned closer to him. His lips almost touched her flesh. Their warmth made her tingle from head to toe. “Do you miss your fiancé?” he asked. Tiny ripples of passion coursed through her. He had only to move the slightest bit and his lips would rest against her flesh. “More than anything.” “It’s wrong of him not to be with you.” “His beliefs make a normal life difficult sometimes. He’s very dedicated to his cause.” “Nothing should mean more to him than you.” “I know if he could be with me, he would.” Suddenly he stepped away. His gaze held hers with such raging guilt that Marie no longer questioned his identity. This was Charles, but for whatever reason he had chosen to lie to her tonight.

At first she felt a rush of utter relief that he was safe. Then anger filled her. How dare he toy with her and make her worry? Finally understanding breached her fury. He must have a very good reason for acting this way. Obviously he’d taken great care with his costume so that he wouldn’t be recognized by anyone who didn’t know him as intimately as she did. The best thing to do would be to play along until he was ready to drop the charade, or until her anger finally got the better of her. Still, it was hard to be angry when she was so happy to see him again. “Would you like something to eat?” “Yes. Let’s find a table.” Smiling, she squeezed his hand. Walking off the dance floor, Marie noticed Zigor and Mel seated at a corner booth. She and her companion approached. “Zigor, Mel, this is John Brookfield.” “I know who he is,” Zigor said flatly. “I’ve never met him, darling.” Mel smiled almost too sweetly at her lover. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Brookfield.” Marie’s heart sank. “You know him, Zigor?” “Of course.” “It’s nice to see an old friend again,” John said, stepping aside so that Marie could slide into the booth first. She had been so certain it was Charles, yet Zigor recognized him as someone else. Vampires’ sense of smell would never lie, regardless of how a person looked. He would have known by scent if this man were Charles. “How long have you known each other?” John said, “A hundred years,” at the same time Zigor said, “A thousand years.” “Well which is it?” “We met in France a thousand years ago,” John said. “But we didn’t start socializing until a hundred years ago.” “I see.” Sighing, Marie glanced at the door. A sudden hope sparked inside her. Perhaps Zigor was also playing along with Charles’s charade. If that was the case, then something dangerous must be going on, something they either couldn’t or wouldn’t drag her into. “Would you like to go for a walk?” John’s gaze fixed on Marie. Her pulse quickened. God, it was Charles’s subtle yet burning look when he wanted to have sex. Her nipples tightened and she resisted the urge to writhe in her seat.

Taking her lower lip between her teeth, she considered his question. Somehow she knew that if they went for a walk it would lead to so much more. If she weren’t so damned confused this evening would be so much more pleasant. Though her heart told her it was her lover in costume, common sense warned that she really couldn’t know for sure. Once he was out of costume with his naked body possessing hers, she would be certain, but if she was wrong -- the consequences were too terrible to think about. She glanced at Zigor. “He’s your friend. Is he safe?” “He’s broken a few hearts, but he’s not a crazed killer or rapist, if that’s what you mean.” Zigor’s gaze suddenly fixed on Marie. A chill crept up her spine. The ancient vampire had never looked at her in such an odd way before. Even stranger was that she could almost hear him in her head, telling her she was right in believing John was Charles and that she should give him time to reveal the truth in his own way. Was this the telepathy she heard so many vampires talk about? Some humans could catch onto it, but she had never done well with it, so Charles rarely tried using it on her. Zigor was older and she had heard stories of his powers, so maybe he possessed the skill to easily enter her mind. Zigor suddenly spoke aloud. “I think you both have much in common. You will learn from each other, if you remain open to the truth.” A growl rumbled deep in John’s chest. Marie jumped, startled. She knew enough about vampires to recognize the difference between an angry growl and a playful one. In spite of the smile on his twisted lips, John’s yellow gaze seemed to fire a warning in Zigor’s direction. Then he stood and turned to Marie, his expression gentle yet full of desire. “If you would rather not join me, I understand.” “No. I could use a walk.” Picking up her purse, Marie accepted the arm he offered and the two of them ascended the stairs to the upper floor of Burgundy Peak.

*** Walking alongside Marie, her soft hand curved around his forearm, Charles was almost overwhelmed with love and desire. Approaching her earlier had been as hard as a forced march in daylight. When he’d held her on the dance floor, it was like a fantasy come true. More than anything he longed for her naked body to be wrapped around his. The scent of her hair

and skin, the sensual pulsations of her mortal heartbeat, and the sweetness of her voice filled him with such joy. Yet the thrill of being with her was tainted by guilt and worry. He got the feeling she was starting to recognize him, but he couldn’t be sure. Though he could communicate telepathically with his own kind, he found the human mind more difficult to enter. It frustrated him that Marie in particular seemed to possess a mental barrier he had trouble breaching. He could not use telepathy without her knowing it and exposing himself. One thing he would wager on was that she thought his scars were part of his costume. Though she’d spoken with distaste of Venus after hearing the story he spun, she was only human. When faced with the reality of a disfigured lover, would her convictions hold? “Where are we going?” Marie’s question dragged him out of his thoughts. He turned to her, relishing the lovely curve of her face and the beauty of her large green eyes beneath her glasses. “Zigor has added a new room down the hall. It’s done like a Roman bath. Quite lovely.” Her smile warmed him deep inside and stirred his cock. How much he would love to taste her voluptuous red painted lips, or even better, feel them slide over his cockhead. A ripple of passion trickled down his spine. His balls tightened and his heart slammed against his ribs. It had been too long since they had shared such intimacy. Just thinking about making love with her, he could almost taste the feminine honey drenching her pussy. His tongue ached to stroke her clit and thrust inside her until she writhed and quivered in climax. Charles drew a deep breath. His temples throbbed and his stomach clenched as lust grew. Still, he tried to remain outwardly calm. “Did you see Rome?” “Not in its Golden Age, as this bath replicates. I’m not quite that old.” “I didn’t think so.” “I would love to know what you do think of me, Marie.” Though it was a risk to say her name, even with the accent, he couldn’t resist. It teased his tongue and rolled off his lips, the most beautiful word a man could form. He prayed she wouldn’t recognize the desire and affection with which he spoke her name. He had probably given himself away already. Part of him at least hoped he had. No

matter what she looked like or what voice she chose to use, he would know her anywhere. Of course his sense of smell was far keener than a human’s, but even if it disappeared altogether, he would feel her in his heart. Perhaps he had not only toyed with her emotions in this endeavor, but underestimated her as well. “I think that mask hides more than you like people to believe.” “Well.” He grinned, his pulse quickening. “You do like to get to the heart of things, don’t you.” “I’m guessing you won’t be quick to tell me your secrets.” “I will tell you one. I know you’re a promised woman and this must seem terrible of me, but I can’t let this night pass without telling you how I feel.” Grasping his hand, she stopped and tugged. Though her physical strength meant nothing to Charles, her emotional hold dragged him close to her. His hands rested on her hips. They were broad and smooth beneath the gauzy dress. How he longed to caress their delicate white flesh and cover them with kisses. He imagined pressing his face to her soft belly and licking and kissing until her tender, human warmth seeped deep into his vampire body. His cock pulsed and ached as he remembered how it felt to be buried to the hilt in her hot, slick passage. He could almost feel her inner muscles squeezing until he exploded in blinding passion to the pulsations of her velvet pussy and the taste of her delicious blood. “Tell me,” she breathed, standing on tiptoe and slipping her arms around his neck. “Tell me how you feel.” “I’m filled with passion such as I’ve never known, yet at the same time I’m awed by you. I could never take anything from you that you didn’t freely give, Marie. I have waited centuries for a woman like you. If I could simply taste you and hold you for this one night, the memory would remain with me for eternity.” “Why me? There are other women. Vampires, prettier mortals.” “There are none as beautiful as you.” He drew a deep breath, his heart so filled with love for her that he was on the verge of baring his soul completely. Perhaps now was the time to share at least some of what was in his heart. He gestured to his mask and mantle. “I chose this costume because Vulcan is not unlike me, at least what’s in his heart is like what’s in mine. Right now, I’m looking, with the soul twisting combination of reverence and lust, at a goddess who is too beautiful for me in every way, yet I can’t

help myself.” Gasping, Marie stepped away. She wrapped her arms around herself and she shook her head. “That is so untrue. I’m not beautiful. I’m certainly not a goddess.” “You’re wrong, Marie.” He grasped her arms and turned her to face him. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he lowered his head and spoke against her lips. “Your beauty, inside and out, calls to me. Let me answer. Please. Give me permission to answer.” Wrapping his arm more firmly around her waist, he supported her completely. She sank against him, her eyes fluttering shut as his mouth covered hers. Charles’s heartbeat raced. Every nerve in his body sprang alive. His very soul bellowed with all the passion he’d been harboring for this woman who meant more to him than anything in his life. How had he managed to stay away from her for so long? How had he deprived them both of the love that had grown between them? Marie’s lips parted beneath the tender stroking of his tongue. He tasted every inch of her mouth. God, she was sweet. She was soft and warm. Her hands tangled in the hair at his nape. Full breasts tipped with plump, stiff nipples pressed against his chest. A groan escaped his throat and he deepened the kiss. He sucked on her tongue in a gentle rhythm that soon had her panting and gripping him tighter. The kiss left them breathless. Her power over him struck him like a silver arrow. He held her gaze. “I want you to come with me to my room here.” Slowly, she nodded, the faintest smile on her lips. Elation filled him, then shock and rage. To her, he was a total stranger. A one-night stand. She believed he, Charles, was in hunters’ clutches, yet she was willing to make love with masked John Brookfield? And it wasn’t as if Charles had been gone for years. It was only three months. “What’s wrong?” She slid her arms around him and stroked his back. The touch felt so good, so arousing. “You would do this? Join me in my room?” “Yes.” Why shouldn’t she? After all, Charles had wanted Mel and Zigor to tell her he was gone. He claimed to want her to pick up her life and go on without him. Now that she was about to do just that, he felt jealous, like a spoiled brat. Well, damn it, if he was

going to act like a spoiled brat, he would play the part to the hilt. He would take her upstairs and make love with her. He would feel her body writhe and her heart pound. He would revel in the hot pulsations of the multiple orgasms he vowed to bestow upon her. When she lay sated, her gorgeous body slick with sweat and her beautiful cheeks flushed pink with fulfilled desire, he would plunge into her and explode for the last time in the body of the woman he loved. Charles needed her this one last time, then he would allow the beautiful Venus to find love with a normal man possessing a normal face, just as he had intended.

Chapter Five Marie’s heart pounded wildly. She glanced at Charles’s masked face and wondered if he would finally reveal himself once in the privacy of his room. The kiss they had shared moments ago had wiped out any lingering doubts that this man might not be Charles. His lips and tongue had moved in the tender yet demanding way she well remembered. His taste and the rhythm of his breathing were distinctly Charles’s. His eyes flickered in her direction, sending a spark of raw desire through her. It seemed like forever since they had been together. This was like a dream. The most wonderful fantasy was about to come true. Her lover had come back to her. More than anything she wished for him to tell her, to sweep her into his embrace and drop this secrecy hanging between them like a heavy velvet drape. At the end of the hallway, they paused outside a door. They had postponed their visit to the replicated Roman bath and opted to satisfy the lust threatening to burn them alive. Charles unlocked the door and switched on the light for Marie’s sake. Glancing around the room, she noted many candles were arranged on a square wooden table. A tall metal candelabrum that held three red pillar candles stood near the bed. The faint scent of vanilla and coconut wafted on the air. “Would you like a drink?” he asked. “No thank you. The rum was enough.”

The door closed and Charles placed a hand on her shoulder. Marie jumped, her nerves frayed from the excitement of seeing him again. “Are you afraid?” “Of you?” She smiled. “No.” His eyes narrowed slightly and his lips tightened a bit. Though she wished to see her lover’s handsome face and feel his soft, finely drawn lips against hers, there was something oddly compelling about his costume mouth. It was ugly yet arousing. The odd shape of it had felt so natural when he kissed her. She wondered if the makeup on his shoulders and chest felt as real. Tentatively, she lifted a hand and rested it against the hard curve of his shoulder. She used her fingertip to trace the outline of his veins beneath the whitest sections of flesh. Drawing a deep breath that expanded his broad chest, he watched her caressing hand with such intensity that her nipples tightened and her clit ached. As she swept both hands over his chest, her breathing quickened. Her palms rested flat against the warm flesh, smooth in places, roughened by hair and scars in others. How could a costume feel so real? Suddenly his hands covered hers. He pressed them hard to his chest. His heart pounded in an unusually fast rhythm. A smile tugged at her lips when she realized he was as turned on as she was. “I have a request.” His deep voice was soft yet demanding. This was clearly more than a request, but something he wanted badly. “What is it?” “I want to play a game.” Her smile broadened. “I thought we already were.” “Yes.” His jaw tightened. Was he angry? Upset? Of course he was. Whatever kept him playing the role of John Brookfield must have been worrying him. It had something to do with the hunters, that she knew. Zigor said he would tell her in his own way, so she wasn’t going to waste time trying to drag it out of him now. Maybe later when she lay in his arms, she would whisper in his ear how much she loved and missed him. “I want us to play the parts of Vulcan and Venus, only I want you to surrender to him. I want you to give him his deepest desire.” “You want me to make love to you?” Her clit throbbed and her pussy moistened at the thought of seducing him. This game excited her. He knew how much she loved to

incorporate role playing in their lovemaking and had planned this night for the two of them to enjoy. Another man she might have questioned, but she had grown accustomed to the quirks of a thousand-year-old vampire. Later she would ask for answers. Now she intended to enjoy each and every moment of their reunion. “No. Vulcan’s deepest desire is to seduce Venus, to please her. That’s what I want. In pleasuring you, I will find my fulfillment. I want to kiss every inch of you and taste you in places that make you scream with passion.” His eyes closed and he breathed deeply, his lips parting slightly, exposing the very tips of his fangs. “Already I can taste your sweet, plump nipples on my tongue and feel the velvet slickness of your pussy when I thrust my fingers inside you.” “Oh, God,” Marie sighed, her face hot with desire. “Does it bother you to hear this?” “No. Please go on.” His fingers threaded gently in her hair and he leaned closer, speaking against her lips. “I want to kiss and lick every inch of you, my beauty. I’ll pleasure you with my lips and tongue. Can you feel me licking and exploring your soft flesh? I’ll make you come over and over. I’ll sate you. Worship you. Love you. My cock aches for you, Marie.” She knew it did, for its steely length pressed hard against her. Reaching down, she traced the shape of it through his toga. He growled deep in his throat and she smiled. His vampiric growls, grunts, and hisses were so familiar to her. She knew the difference between a growl of anger and one of lust. This was definitely one of pure, scarcely controlled passion. Her hand curved around his cock as well as she could with the material between them. She reached lower, grasped his balls, and squeezed with the amount of pressure she knew he loved. “Tell me more of what you’ll do, Vulcan.” “After I’ve licked and sucked you, after I’ve kissed and caressed you from your silken hair to your beautiful toes, I will take you. When you’re begging to be filled with a man’s flesh, I will thrust my cock deep inside you and bury my fangs in your neck. I will thrust and suck until you’re sated, then and only then will I allow myself release.” “Only then?” Her eyes flickered open and she gazed at him. She knew vampires needed little or no recovery time between orgasms. How many nights had she literally fallen asleep with him buried inside her?

“Yes. It’s Vulcan’s payment for having his desire fulfilled. He will wait in delicious torment before surrendering to the passion that is consuming him.” “It is?” “More than you realize.” He drew a sharp breath and covered her hand which was still stroking his cock and balls. His fingers tightened on hers slightly. “Already I could explode from your touch alone, but I won’t. I want this desire to keep growing until it pushes me near madness. I have needed you forever, Marie.” Charles had always been a creative lover and good with words, but this was unprecedented. Never had she felt more loved and desired. Her arms locked around his neck and she tugged his face closer until their lips touched. Their tongues met, stroking and thrusting, while their bodies pressed close, warmth sinking into warmth. Marie needed to see him. She wanted to cover his face with kisses. She reached up to unfasten the mask, but he caught her hands. “No, Marie. The mask must stay.” His gaze bore into hers, as if he was trying to send her a message that this night must be his way or no way. A hint of desperation sparked his eyes, so she decided to continue playing along. If he truly couldn’t reveal himself, then he must be involved in something horrible, probably another of his private campaigns against evil. Why else would he stage such a production? Fury rose inside her. The man was going to drive her insane! She should question him before this went any further. Suddenly she recalled with frightening clarity the sensation of Zigor in her head, telling her to let Charles disclose his secrets on his own. Surely the Master knew his offspring well enough for her to trust his judgment. Once more her anger faded. No matter what his reason, she was grateful that Charles was alive and with her again. She clung to him tightly, not wanting to let him go. His arms slipped around her, and for several moments they stood locked in a fierce embrace. Pressing kisses to the side of her neck, he growled again. The flickering of his tongue over her flesh sent ripples of desire down her spine. “This is no longer a hotel room.” He moved away slightly and caressed her face with his fingertips. “This is Vulcan’s private chamber. From now on, we are the smith god and his rebellious wife. Stand still, my ivory goddess, while I disrobe you.” Nodding, Marie stared at him, trying to keep the smile from her face. Though his game was highly erotic, she also saw the humor in it. This was very different from their

usual vampire lord and lady scenario. He slipped the silky dress off her shoulders and down her arms. Warm fingertips caressed her upper arms as he bent and kissed one shoulder, then trailed his lips across her collarbone to her other shoulder. Her ample breasts held up the front of the dress, though the delicate material had dipped so much that the very tops of her pink areolas were exposed. Sinking to his knees, Vulcan tilted his masked face up to her. With a slight tug, the dress dropped to her belly, completely baring her breasts. “So beautiful.” He cupped the smooth, pale globes in his hands and kneaded gently. His thumbs rubbed tender circles on the underside of each breast. The sensation tickled and she quivered a bit. “Yes, sweet goddess, you like that, don’t you? So do I.” He dropped one hand and cupped her bottom cheek. Leaning forward, his lips replaced his thumb under her breast. He kissed and licked the flesh and she writhed, giggling. Holding her fast, he continued the delicious torment until her legs almost collapsed from laughter and desire. Finally he sat back on his heels and stroked a long fingertip between her breasts. An endearing smile twisted his funny lips. Grasping the dress, he tugged it over her belly and hips. The fabric pooled at her feet. She stood before him wearing nothing but lace trimmed satin panties. At one time, she might have felt a little uncomfortable standing naked in front of a man. Her hips and belly were very round, as were her thighs. Though she wasn’t modern society’s vision of beauty, Charles said she was the traditional image of sexuality and loveliness. How many scrawny classical statues had she ever seen? When a man took a woman to bed, did he really want a skeleton clinging to him? His lips parted and his gaze fixed on her satin-clad feminine mound. Placing his mouth over her clit, he exhaled slowly. Heat and slight moisture from his breath surrounded the passion-swelled nub. Desire struck her like a magical thrill. Her trembling fingers wove through his hair as he began licking her through the panties. The material dampened. The stroking of his tongue against wet silk created such marvelous friction. Moaning softly, she grasped handfuls of his hair. His caress stopped for only a few seconds during which he slipped her panties down to her ankles. She kicked them aside along with the dress. Suddenly his lips were on her exposed clit.

Marie cried out, thrusting closer to his lapping tongue. If he kept this up, she’d come right where she stood. Suddenly his tongue moved to the joining of one of her thighs. He licked it and nipped her hip before sitting back on his knees and tugging her close. Still standing, she straddled his lap while he covered her thighs with kisses. His deft fingers unfastened the straps on first one sandal, then the other. He rubbed and caressed her ankles and calves. Grasping her bottom in both hands, he lapped her navel. He stood, lifting her into his arms, and carried her toward the bed. “Oh.” She giggled and clung to his neck. “I’ve almost forgotten what this is like.” His eyes narrowed in question. “I’m not exactly the kind of woman most men can literally sweep off her feet.” She gazed deeply into his eyes, pouring all her lust and affection into her expression. “I love when you look at me like that, Venus. Tell me you want me.” “Oh, I want you so much. You have no idea how much I want you.” “You’d be surprised, my goddess.” He placed her on the bed. Closing her eyes for a moment, she squirmed with pleasure against the black satin sheets. With a sweep of his hand, he caressed her from breast to knee. Before turning away, he stared at her for a long moment. His gaze was filled with such burning desire and affection that she longed to call him by his true name and tell him how much she loved him. He turned off the light. For several seconds the room was so dark that she couldn’ t see anything. Then the light of a single candle flickered across the room. One by one, he lit the candles on the table. He had removed his toga and stood in all his bare magnificence. Oh yes. She knew his body well, except if possible his muscles appeared even harder and more chiseled than before. Whatever had happened to him these past months must have required tremendous physical demands. His buttocks, legs, and torso looked as if they had been carved from granite. The markings on his flesh even gave him a rock-like appearance. Her brow furrowed. He certainly had taken the makeup to an extreme, even using it on the parts of him that the toga had hidden. Suddenly a sick feeling wrapped around her. The scars couldn’t possibly be real? Had he been permanently injured while in the hunters’ clutches? She shuddered to consider the sort of torture that could defeat his power of regeneration. There were so many questions that needed answers.

He turned to her. Flames danced across his body and reflected in his yellow eyes. His broad chest rose and fell as he approached. Marie’s gaze riveted to his cock that stood so thick and proud amidst a nest of wiry black hair. The heavy balls beneath looked tight, the crown of his erection so thick with need. Seeing him so aroused was an amazing turn on for her. The sudden urge to lap his cock and suck it deeply into her mouth almost overcame her. She loved to watch him writhe with impending orgasm and feel his giant muscles tense with passion. His growls and groans of desire did unimaginable things to her libido. “Venus.” He approached the bed, striking a long match and lighting the three candles on the nearby stand. “Tonight you will give yourself to me and I will please you like no man ever has before.” “I hate to break the moment.” Marie raised herself on her elbows. Truly she didn’t want to upset the fantasy, but what about her questions? “I need to know something.” “What?” “Are you able to show me who you really are, the man beneath the mask?” Her gaze bore into his as she tried impressing upon him that she knew exactly who he was but would keep her silence if necessary. The look in his eyes told her everything. Love shone there, but also sadness. He couldn’t speak freely. God, did the hunters have some way of hearing his private conversations? Perhaps someone at Burgundy Peak itself could not be trusted? That seemed impossible. Zigor would never allow hunters in their midst. Whatever Charles’s reason for secrecy, if he was with her now, it was because he needed to see her. She would have to trust him. “I am Vulcan. Flawed, miserable, and desperately in love with you.” His words tugged at her heart. This role playing no longer seemed like a joke, for she had no doubts those words were real, spoken by Charles, not the fire god he pretended to be. Nodding, she swallowed past the tightness in her throat and lay on the bed. “Then show me how much.” “As you know, my work is often harsh.” He sat on the bed beside her. His hand hovered over her throat and breasts, not touching her flesh but stirring her through the heat of his palm. Ever so slightly he brushed the tips of her nipples. “My hands are

knotted and rough from the forge, but they’ll never hurt you. How I’ve longed to touch your softness.” Marie placed her hands over his and pressed them to her breasts. Yes, his flesh was rougher in places than she remembered, but these were his hands, and she loved every part of him. “Close your eyes, Venus.” She obeyed, her heart thrumming. The bed moved and she heard the nightstand drawer open. His hands, slick with coconut scented oil, massaged her shoulders. She inhaled deeply, relishing the scent. He rubbed and caressed, easing tension from her shoulders and moving to her arms. Slowly he stroked her collarbone, then the tops of her breasts. In spite of her relaxed state, excitement stirred inside her. The sensation of his hands on her breasts turned her on so much that she could scarcely wait for him to finally reach her nipple. He played with her for such a long time that she started squirming. Opening her eyes, she caught his aroused gaze and arched her breasts against his hands, hoping to encourage him to pay at least some attention to her stiff, yearning nipples. Leaning over, he whispered against her lips. “Patience, beauty.” “But I want you so much.” “I will give you everything you want and more, but I won’t rush. Not with you.” Again he reached into the nightstand drawer and withdrew a shimmering silver scarf that gave the illusion of fine metal. “I want you to surrender to me. Trust me. For this one night, love me.” “This love will last far beyond one night. This is forever. Whatever happens, don’ t forget that.” The strangest expression shone in his eyes. Was it guilt, confusion, disbelief, or a combination of the three?

*** Charles stared deeply into Marie’s eyes. Did she have any idea how much her words touched him? The urge to rip off the mask, bury his face in her neck, and beg her forgiveness was almost overwhelming. Something in her eyes told him she knew who he was, yet something else told him that even if she did, there was no way she could possibly have learned of the accident. She probably thought his scars were part of a

disguise. How often had he told her about the crazy things vampires did over the years to protect their secrets? So many times they changed their names, their appearance, their entire identity. Why would she think this was any different? Once again he was jumping to conclusions. Perhaps she didn’t know it was him. Were her words simply part of the game? Was she playing her role to the hilt to attain sexual gratification? He knew how much she enjoyed acting out whimsical scenes as a prelude to mind blowing sex. Damn it, he was more confused than he had ever been in his entire life. Worst of all, he didn’t deserve to question her loyalty. He had lied to her and now he was trying to satisfy his needs by approaching her with a lame idea of playing out a love scene between ancient Roman deities. If she ended up kicking him in the balls, he deserved it. “Sit up,” he commanded. She did as he asked and he tied the scarf over her eyes. “Now lie back and let me pleasure you. No more interruptions.” “But --” “You’re my wife and you will obey me.” “I don’t think I like this game anymore.” She reached for the blindfold, but Charles grasped her hands and gently pinned them above her head. Desire washed over him as her breasts flattened beneath his chest. He kissed her forehead and the tip of her nose. “Trust me. I will make you happy.” “So I’m supposed to sit still while you do whatever you want?” “No. You can writhe and thrust those gorgeous hips. You can wrap your beautiful legs around me and squeeze with all your mortal strength. You can call my name and moan in ecstasy. When I kiss you, you may kiss me back. Use your tongue. Your lips. Your teeth. You may do anything to enhance your pleasure except for one thing.” “What’s that?” She sounded so enticingly breathless and her heartbeat echoed in his ears. “You can’t rush me, beauty. You can’t ask me to cheat you out of pleasure. Now, if you want me to take off the blindfold, if you want me to stop, I will. We can play another game, but you will be missing out.” Charles stared at her parted lips, waiting for her reply. His cock, wedged between their bodies, felt like steel. Suddenly he wondered if he could fulfill his promise of

waiting for release until she was completely sated. Whether he had one orgasm or fifty didn’t matter to a vampire, especially one with his physical conditioning. He could literally come all night long and still hunger for more, but he wanted to wait. The postponement of his climax would drive him absolutely wild. Already his heartbeat quickened just thinking about it. The sensation of her body growing hotter and pulsing around his fingers, cock, and tongue would drive him insane with need. The scent of her arousal filled the room, intoxicating him. Keeping both of her hands captive in one of his, he shifted position slightly and stroked her inner thighs. “I’m going to caress you. I’m going to stick my fingers inside you, love. Do you want that?” “Yes.” “Good.” His thumb circled her damp pussy lips, then he inserted his index finger and stroked gently. She was so warm and wet. Their game had obviously aroused her so much that he doubted she would want to stop, but he had to be sure. Two of his fingers were inside her now, exploring her slick pussy. At the same time, his thumb circled her clit. “Oh,” she moaned, wiggling her hips a bit. Ever so slowly he removed his fingers. They were glossy with the evidence of her passion. “You’re so wet.” He kissed her lips. “What is your answer, Marie? Do we play our roles or try another game? Do you want to be claimed by the god of fire?” “Yes. I do. I want him -- I mean you. This. I want this.” “Then, my beauty, you will not rush me again.” “No. I won’t. Not again.” Charles smiled and released her hands. He covered her body with his and supported his weight on his forearms. “Good.” With the utmost tenderness, he kissed every inch of her face. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the sensation of her smooth flesh beneath his lips. Slowly, he kissed his way down one of her cheeks, over her jaw, and up her other cheek. Finally he reached her throat. He trailed the tip of his tongue over the column of soft skin, then he lapped it.

How he ached to bite her, to plunge his fangs into her flesh while he thrust into her pussy. Allowing himself the slightest, most pleasurable tease, he rested the tips of his fangs against her neck without breaking the skin. Moaning softly, Marie tensed even more and arched against him. A grin tugged at his lips. She loved to be bitten. Most humans did, as long as the vampire was experienced in providing pleasure. The urge to taste her blood sent waves of pure passion through his entire body. Groaning, he parted her thighs with his knee and rested his swollen cock between her legs. “Oh, yes.” She entwined her legs with his and rubbed her clit against his steely erection. For a moment he almost lost all reason and took her hard. His hunger was ferocious. He felt like a wild animal made foolish by the scent of his mate in heat. His fingernails dug through the satin sheets to the mattress below, ripping as he clenched his fists. He would owe Zigor for a new bed, but at that moment he didn’t give a damn. Besides, such incidents weren’t unheard of at Burgundy Peak. Edging his way down her body, he licked and kissed every inch of her torso, careful not to touch her nipples. Those spiky jewels would wait, aching and desperate, until he returned to pay them proper homage. His hands caressed her hips at the same moment his tongue explored her navel. God, it was like kissing Venus. She was so smooth and pale, so plump and feminine. His entire body tingled and buzzed from touching her. He had dreamed of lying with Marie in a bed of black satin. Now the dream was real. She surrendered to him, yet in that surrender she demanded ultimate pleasure. Pausing over her clit, he breathed on it, hoping it provided the same thrill as when she breathed on his cockhead. He didn’t lick or kiss the flesh, however, but turned his attention to one of her thighs. Licking and kissing his way to her knee, he reveled in her moans and panting breath. Her body tensed with need and she used her foot to stroke his shoulder and hip, the motion incredibly arousing. His lips moved to her calf and ankle. When he finally reached her foot, he covered it with kisses, too. He ran his thumb along the arch, and she jumped and giggled. Oh, yes. She was so ticklish there. Moving to her other foot, he repeated the same slow, carnal ritual up her leg to her hip. Looming over her, he gazed at her face. Damn, she looked so sexy with the scarf

covering her eyes, her cheeks flushed a charming shade of pink, and her full lips parted. Her enticing breasts arched toward him, the nipples taut. They had waited long enough. Taking one pebble-hard bud between his lips, he sucked and licked it. She cried out, a high-pitched sound of delight, and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Her fingers sank into his shoulders, and Charles groaned with desire. Using the tip of his tongue, he circled her areola before teasing the very tip of her nipple. He traced its shape and tenderly nibbled it with his lips until the scent of her lust filled him and her breathing grew ragged with impending orgasm. Slowly, he moved to her other nipple. “Oh, God, I don’t think I can take much more,” she panted. “I want you so, so badly.” He chuckled deep in his throat, too busy with her nipple to reply. With a final lick, he slid down her body and settled between her legs. Lying on his side, he lifted her legs over his shoulders and thrust his tongue into her pussy. “Oh! Please. Please!” Her fingers dug into his scalp. She tried writhing, but he held her hips steady as he explored her soft feminine flesh. Turning his attention to her clit, he ran his tongue down one side of it, then up the other. At the first stroke directly on the passion-swelled nub, she came, moaning and panting, her legs clamping around him. Charles continued licking and sucking her clit until the very last ripple coursed through her body. He slipped from where he lay trapped between her satin-skinned legs. Glancing at her, he was shocked to realize she was crying. “What’s wrong?” When she didn’t reply, he gently shook her shoulder. “Talk to me, Marie.” Drawing a deep breath, she tugged off the scarf as she turned to him, her eyes glossy with tears. “I’ve just missed… I’ve missed Charles so much. It seems like forever since I’ve felt that unconditional love he had for me. He’s the only person who has ever loved me like that.” Why did she have to say that? Guilt washed over him. He felt so terrible that he nearly lost his erection. She missed him, yet here she was with John Brookfield. Or was she? Did she or did she not know? More importantly, could he continue with this lie? No. It was over.

“His love did have a condition.” He shook his head and stretched out beside her, though he didn’t look at her. Instead he gazed at the candles flickering on the stand. “He could love you as long as he retained his ideal image of vampirism.” “What do you mean?” She reached for a tissue on the nightstand. Taking it from her hand, he wiped her eyes and held it over her nose. “Blow.” She did as he asked, unable to keep from laughing a bit. Her fingertips brushed his as she took back the tissue and finished the job herself. Sighing, she stared deeply into his eyes and tossed his words back at him. “Talk to me.” “Charles is a coward, Marie.” “What?” This time she didn’t try stifling her laughter. “It’s true. He’ll face his enemies and would give his life to defend the weak, but he is terrified of losing you.” Looping her arms around his neck, she straddled his waist. “He could never lose me.” “I can’t lie anymore. It’s me.” He dropped the accent, or actually picked up his American one. Over the centuries, he’d learned to speak in so many ways. After using American English for the past hundred and fifty years, it had become as comfortable to him as his birth accent. “Thank goodness we can drop the act after all. For a while I was worried you were being followed or the room was bugged or something.” She reached for his mask, but he stopped her, a wave of surprise crashing over him. “You knew?” “Of course I knew.” She curled her lip. “Give me some credit, Charles.” “I thought you might know, but you didn’t give much indication.” “I thought you were in disguise because of the hunters. Why didn’t you contact me before this? I have been worried sick about you.” She embraced him tightly. “Oh, Charles, it has been so horrible not knowing if you were dead or alive. What’s going on?” “Marie.” He held her, closing his eyes tightly. It felt so good to hold her while being himself again, though he was not really the same man she remembered. The moment he feared had arrived and there was no time for cowardice now. “I have more to

tell you. The hunters I encountered were killed three months ago. I was never held captive.” “But Zigor and Mel told me you were missing. Then down at the party I thought I felt Zigor in my mind telling me not to question you but let you confide in me in your own way, so I thought you must have had a very good reason for this charade.” “My Master.” Gritting his teeth, Charles shook his head. “He can never mind his own business.” Charles knew the extent of Zigor’s powers. If the ancient one had impressed a thought upon a mortal, even one with a strong mind, they would not be able to resist. Had it not been for Zigor, Charles would have been saved these past several hours of confusion and guilt, but he realized that was probably the reason Zigor had interfered. “I want to know what is going on, Charles.” “I asked Mel and Zigor to tell you I was dead.” Sitting back, she stared at him with a combination of rage and pain. “You wanted me out of your life? You could have at least had the decency to come and tell me yourself without making me worry all this time --” “Will you be quiet and listen to me? I didn’t want you out of my life. I needed you so much, Marie. You can’t imagine how much I’ve needed you with me.” “Then why?” “I’m not like I used to be. Hunters confronted me while I was fighting off another vampire who was attacking someone. All this.” He pointed at the scars covering his body. “It’s not part of a costume. It’s real, and it might take centuries to fade.” Her brow furrowed and she nodded slowly. “I thought it might have been something like that.” “You did?” “It felt too real to be makeup, but I wasn’t sure. Did something happen to your eyes, too? Is that why they’re yellow?” “No.” He reached under the mask and removed the lenses, relieved to be rid of them. Smiling, Marie edged closer. She touched his bearded jaw and ran her fingertips over his lips while gazing into his eyes. “That’s better.” Charles’s heart pounded. Every muscle in his body tensed, for he knew what was

coming next. She reached behind his head to unfasten the mask. “Let me see your face.” He remained statue still as she untied the mask. Inside he screamed and fought against revealing himself to her. With the ties undone, she tugged the mask off. Her loving yet sorrowful gaze never faltered. “How did this happen?” “Silver melted down and poured into spray guns. The hunters surrounded me. I guess I’m lucky to be alive.” “You guess? I’d say you’re damn lucky, and so am I. Oh, God, Charles, I love you so much.” She threw her arms around him and buried her face between his shoulder and neck. “Why didn’t you let me know?” “I was afraid you wouldn’t want me, or worse, you would just stay with me out of pity.” “Pity? You big dope! Do you know the kind of hell I’ve been through these past months? Charles, there’s only one way I’d ever leave you, and that’s if you ever pull another stunt like this again.” She lifted her face and stared deeply into his eyes. “I can accept the dangers of your private crusades, but I cannot accept this kind of dishonesty.” “I’m so sorry.” He caressed her face. Indescribable happiness flooded his entire body. For a second he felt like crying, too, but the old fashioned warrior in him just wouldn’t allow it. Instead he held her close and kissed her hair. “I love you so much, Marie.” Then she kissed him. Her soft, beautiful lips moved sensuously against his. Using the delicate tip of her tongue, she traced the strange shape of his scarred lips. She thrust her tongue into his mouth. Groaning deep in his throat, he met her stroke for stroke. While she kissed him, her hands touched every inch of his face. Sitting back on her heels, Marie continued exploring his forehead and cheeks with her fingertips. She stared at the mottled skin with curiosity rather than the disgust he had expected. “I’m so sorry, Charles. God, I don’t want to think about how much pain you were in.” “It was pretty bad, but it was worse because I didn’t have you with me.” “I wish you would have let me be there. Swear you will never do anything like

this again. If you’re able to send for me, promise me you will. When you asked me to marry you, Charles, I thought we were agreeing to share everything, good or bad. That’s the only arrangement I’ll accept.” “I love you so much. I am so lucky to have you, Marie.” Her lips turned up in a sweet smile. “Those are lovely words, but I want a promise from you, Charles.” “All right. I promise. I will never do anything like this again. I will never lie to you to suit myself, and I will cherish you forever.” “And I promise the same.” She hugged him tightly. “Now are you going to finish making love with me, Vulcan? You promised me a night of decadence.” “Oh, God. Yes, beautiful Venus. I have planned a night you won’t soon forget.”

*** Marie doubted anyone could be as happy as she was at that moment. She couldn’ t tear her gaze from Charles, and not because his handsome looks had been ravaged, but because she was thrilled he was with her again and no longer in danger. How could he have thought she wouldn’t want him? He was the most important person in her life. Her heart and soul belonged to him. She would willingly give her life for his, yet he had doubted her affection? No. She didn’t believe that was the truth. If he had truly doubted her, he wouldn’t have come here tonight. The horrible accident itself had shaken his confidence. Charles had always seemed so invulnerable. He had seen it all and done it all. He wore his warrior image with pride. No one would ever doubt his courage or think he was afraid of anything, but like everyone else, Charles had his weaknesses. If only he had allowed her to share in his pain -It didn’t matter. They were together now, and she intended to make up for lost time. “Oh, Charles.” She embraced him again, closing her eyes and rubbing her cheek against his while her hands massaged his back in gentle circles. “I can’t stop telling you how much I love you.” “I’ll never grow tired of hearing it. I love you, too, Marie.” Gently, he pushed her onto her back. Marie gazed up at him and smiled. It felt so good to look into his familiar gray eyes. They were so beautiful, so strong and loving. She could spend eternity staring into those eyes and never grow bored. She reached for him. “Kiss me.”

Covering her body with his, he kissed her upper lip, then her lower. Marie wrapped both of her legs around one of his and threaded her fingers through his hair. Her clit and pussy tingled with desire. The steely erection pressing against her teased and aroused her. If only he’d stick it deep inside her. She wanted to be full of his stiff, velvet-skinned cock. “Please take me, Charles. I don’t want to wait any longer.” Lifting his face from hers, he smiled the slightest bit and stroked wisps of hair from her forehead. “I told you I didn’t want to rush. That wasn’t just a game, Marie.” “But you don’t know how much I need you.” “Yes, I do.” For emphasis, he rubbed his cock against her. “I’m ready to explode with desire, but I want to give you more.” Closing his lips over one of her nipples, Charles sucked and licked the tip at the same time his fingers slipped inside her. He caressed her slick passage and used his thumb to circle her clit. She moaned, thrusting her hips against his hand and arching her back in an attempt to force her nipple deeper into his mouth. With a lusty growl, he sucked harder on the plump pink jewel. His thumb rubbed faster over her clit. Being sucked and rubbed by the man she desired more than anybody in the world stirred her to incomparable heights of passion. Unable to contain herself, Marie came long and hard. He continued his carnal ministrations, drawing out her pleasure until she lay still, a joyful smile on her lips. Again the nightstand drawer slid open. Marie watched with interest as he removed two containers and several strips of black satin. His gray gaze, filled with lust and a touch of mischief, flickered in her direction. “In the mood for something different?” Her smile broadened. “You mean even more different than acting out the parts of gods in love?” “More of a continuance of the game. Venus, knowing Vulcan’s adoration and respect of her, has challenged him to tie her up and make her come.” A thrill coursed through Marie. Her nipples and clit tingled at the thought of being bound with silk. But what were the bottles for? “I’m sure he doesn’t need to tie her up to make her come, but I love the idea. Could we leave the blindfold off this time?

You have me curious, Fire God.” “Your desire is mine.” Taking a strip of satin, he grasped her wrist and pressed a tender kiss to her palm. The binding slid around her wrist and he tied her arm above her head, not tightly enough to cause any discomfort, but enough to ensure she couldn’t free herself. He repeated the action, kiss included, on her other hand. Moving to her foot, he kissed and caressed it before tying her ankle to the bedpost. Marie’s heart throbbed with anticipation. Damn, this was so sexy! The silk actually felt good against her skin, and his kisses on her hands and feet drove her wild. Her pussy ached for him so much. Though the two orgasms she’d already experienced had been wonderful, she wanted him to ram his cock deep inside her and thrust until she exploded. Then she wanted to feel his muscles tense and hear his excited breathing as he came. She wanted to be filled with his creamy essence. If she decided to become a vampire, they would have centuries to play like this. A ripple of pure pleasure coursed through her at that thought. Sex with Charles for centuries. Something told her no matter how long they had, it still wouldn’t be enough. This man was part of her soul. “Marie, my love.” He knelt on the bed beside her, stroking her breasts and belly. She was fully exposed to him, her breasts thrust high, her legs spread, her delicate folds of moist flesh completely at his mercy. Sitting there, he did appear as she would imagine a fire god to look. So big and beautifully muscled, his scarred flesh reminding her of leaping flames. The man simply oozed sex appeal. Nothing could ever change that. Such quality emanated from within. It was evident in his scorching gaze. It shone in every powerful yet graceful movement of his giant body. It echoed in the deep, soothing tone of his voice. Squirming with sudden need, Marie glanced at the bottles on the nightstand. “What’s in them?” He took one and removed the cap, spraying a wonderfully scented creamy substance on her nipple. Bending, he licked it off. “Banana split.” He sprayed some on his finger and held it to her lips. She licked it, savoring the tasty cream almost as much as the sensation of his flesh against her tongue. She ran the tip of her tongue along the length of his finger, then dipped it between the webbing. She moved to his other fingers. Delight raced through

her when he closed his eyes and groaned with pleasure. When she finally stopped, he opened his eyes and gazed at her with enough heat to burn her up then and there. “When you untie me, I’m going to lick your cock as thoroughly as I just licked your hand.” “Now you almost tempt me to rush.” “It’s about time!” “Just a little more.” She laughed, writhing as he sprayed the flavored cream all over her breasts and belly. It was a little cool. Goosebumps rose on her skin, but his lips and tongue were soon warming her from the tops of her breasts to just below her navel. By the time he reached her clit and began lapping it with fervor, she was just about ready to come again. This time, he mounted her, sliding his big, hard cock deep inside her. Marie arched, straining against the bonds. How she longed to wrap her arms and legs around him! “Come for me, my beauty,” he purred close to her ear. His hips thrust fast and steady. Slick with her juices, his cock slid in and out of her pussy. His balls tapped against her, echoing the rhythm of his hips. “Oh, Charles. Oh!” Her voice rose and her entire body trembled as she neared her climax. Suddenly he reached up and ripped her bonds loose. She clung to him tightly as she came. Waves of marvelous pleasure broke over her. Never had Marie felt such an intense orgasm. It was absolutely wonderful. As she lay, panting, her heartbeat slowly returning to normal, he slipped from her and removed the bonds on her feet. Kissing his way up the length of one leg, he paused at her clit and ran his tongue down each side of the supersensitive flesh. Marie groaned. The touch was gentle, yet she was so stimulated it was almost painful. She wanted to be wrapped in his arms with him buried inside her again. It felt so cold and lonely without him. “My love.” He kissed her and rolled onto his back, tugging her atop him. Straddling him, she lowered herself onto his rock-hard cock. Her eyes closed. Inch by wonderful inch, she filled herself with him. Opening her eyes partway, she gazed at him while rocking atop him. His hands slid over her waist and traced the shape of her belly and breasts. His neck arched as his

passion grew. The massive expanse of his chest rose and fell as his breathing deepened and he drew sips of air through parted lips. “Come for me again, Marie. Use me for your pleasure.” Trembling, she slowed her movements, then quickened them, hoping to make him lose control before she did. She wanted to make him fling her onto her back and drink her blood while thrusting inside her. She should have known it was impossible, at least while she was still human. With his vampiric stamina, no matter how aroused he was, he would out-last her. Why was she even trying? Here was the man she loved, the one who turned her on like no one ever had, and she was holding back? Groaning and gasping with pleasure, she rode him in a frenzy. “Oh, Charles! It feels so good! I’ve wanted this for so long!” He growled deep in his chest and gripped her hips a bit harder, his own thrusting up to meet her. Panting, she rocked faster. Almost, almost, almost -With a cry of raw passion, she came, moaning and panting, her inner muscles clamping hard around his cock. He released a savage growl and flung her onto her back. Marie clung to him with her arms and legs, murmuring encouragement as he thrust fast and hard, rekindling her passion. She was going to come again, and this time would be earth shattering. Charles’s ragged breathing echoed in her ear. His lips moved to her neck, his tongue flicking over the flesh as he continued his wild thrusting. Orgasm rocked Marie from head to toe. Her vision blackened and she was lost in wave upon wave of ecstasy. Through the incredible pleasure, she felt him pierce her throat. His entire body tensed. Lapping and groaning, he shot his essence into her, longer and harder than she would have expected, even from a vampire. Finally he rolled onto his back and dragged her close to his side. Marie rested her head against his warm, hard chest and sighed with fulfillment. Beneath her cheek, his heartbeat slowed to its normal vampiric rhythm. “I love you so much, Charles.” “I love you, too, my beautiful Marie.”

Chapter Six Marie stretched, a smile on her lips, and kicked away the sheets wrapped around her feet. Reaching for the empty bed beside her, she buried her face in Charles’s pillow and inhaled his scent. After clicking on the lamp beside the bed, she stood and walked to the window. Parting the curtains, she gazed at the dark sky and streetlights glistening below. A glance at the clock told her it was seven in the evening. She walked to the bathroom where a note was stuck in the mirror’s frame. Charles wrote that he had gone for a workout and would be back to share breakfast with her. Breakfast just after dusk. It was like old times. She glanced over the toiletries and smiled when she found coconut scented shampoo, conditioner, and soap. He had even provided her with a new toothbrush and a bottle of her favorite perfume. Coconut scented bubble bath rested on the edge of the sunken tub. After washing up, she combed her hair and returned to the bedroom. Searching through the closet, she was surprised to find a silky pink robe with a matching lace nightgown, a gray and white flowered sundress, jeans, and a jade green peasant-style shirt, all in her size. Her heart warmed with affection. Charles had planned this meeting to the last detail. Slipping on the robe, she sat at the breakfast table and awaited his return. Moments later he stepped into the room wearing blue jogging pants and a sweat soaked tank top. Her heartbeat quickened with lust just looking at his gorgeous body and sultry eyes. In the lamplight, the scars were a little more pronounced than in the soft candlelight of the previous evening. She hoped he didn’t misread the intensity of her stare. “Thanks for the note.” Smiling, she approached him and slipped her arms around his neck. His palms slid up her back, their heat seeping through the robe. Burying his face in her neck, he kissed the flesh, his beard tickling her. She entangled her fingers in his damp hair and closed her eyes, loving the marvelous sensation of being in his arms. “And for the clothes and the perfume.”

“You’re welcome.” He covered her mouth with his. Marie clung to him. How she loved the taste and feel of him! When the kiss broke, he continued holding her with one arm wrapped around her waist while his hand tenderly explored her face. His gray eyes stared deeply into hers. “I couldn’t sleep today. I was too excited.” A slight smile touched his lips. “I thought I’d exercise until you awoke. We have a room in the basement we use for sword practice.” “Sorry I passed out on you. It’s this human body.” “I love your human body.” “Will you love me as much when I’m a vampire?” “Yes. God, yes.” He kissed her again. “I actually wanted to talk with you about that.” “I’m listening.” She grinned, tugging the sticky tank top up his torso. He bent and she pulled it off entirely. Splaying her hands across the damp expanse of his chest, she kissed across his breastbone, then began licking one of his nipples. He drew a deep breath and released it slowly, encircling her with his arms. “You make it hard to think, let alone talk.” “What about me taking the change?” “Are you absolutely certain it’s what you want and that you want to be with me?” “What do you think?” “I love you, Marie, but deep inside, I know I won’t be able to ignore my calling.” “To use your powers to help others?” He nodded. “I cannot watch others of my kind abuse their vampirism by torturing mortals, and now that I’ve been injured by hunters, I realize that my kind are also in grave danger.” “But you’re not responsible for the whole world!” “No. Only the part of it I can touch. Will you accept this belief of mine, strange as it might seem?” “What’s strange is the part of you that makes me afraid for your life is one of the things I most love about you.” Marie slipped her arms around his neck. “I believe what you’re doing is right, and I want to be a part of your life now and always.” Charles closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He brushed her lips with a tender

kiss. “Thank you, my darling Marie. One last thing.” She was almost afraid to ask. “What?” “I was hoping you might want to attempt the change this week and maybe push up the wedding.” “Why?” “Because I don’t want to live a moment longer than I have to without you as my wife.” “I love you so much, Charles. How about if before breakfast we fill up the tub with hot water and coconut bubbles and take a dip together?” “I guess you got my subtle hint with the bubbles sitting right there on the edge of the porcelain?” “Sort of.” She slipped off her robe and tossed it on the bed before walking into the bathroom. While she ran the water and poured bubbles in the tub, he undressed. Bending over to test the water, she suddenly felt his arms encircle her. She purred and arched against the steely erection pressing against her bottom. “I’ve been starving for months, Marie.” He took her earlobe between his teeth and gently toyed with it. His hand stroked through the curly triangle between her legs, then caressed her inner thighs. With the utmost tenderness, he stroked and rubbed her clit and pussy. Marie’s heart throbbed. Leaning forward, she braced her hands against the edge of the tub. Her pussy heated and her clit ached. The sensation of his cock prodding her from behind and his hot, powerful body pressed against her sent ripples of desire coursing along her spine. His long fingers gathered her honeyed essence before stroking her clit. Running his tongue along the side of her neck, he used his hand to part her legs slightly. Marie tightened her grip on the tub and gasped when his cock slid slowly into her. Moaning, her heart pounding madly, Marie met his thrusts. “Oh, Charles. Oh, my love. Yes, please. Yes!” His raw breathing mingled with animalistic growls. In spite of the tension in his powerful body, he never pushed too hard or stroked too roughly. At the same moment orgasm broke over her, he sank his teeth into her shoulder and came. If he hadn’t held her, Marie would have collapsed onto the tile floor. Grinning, he lifted her in his arms and placed her in the tub. He sank into the

opposite end and stretched his chiseled arms on the rim. The position tightened the muscles in his powerful chest. Marie actually licked her lips at the sight of him. Smiling, she wiggled her toes against his beneath the water. The scent of coconut and the feeling of the hot water lapping her skin was pleasantly soothing after such a wonderful physical release. She moved closer to him. Positioning herself between his legs, she rested her back against his chest. His arms encircled her, and he kissed the top of her head. “You don’t mind not having enough time to plan a big wedding?” “I want a small one, Charles, with a few people we really care about.” “Zigor was right. We do have much in common.” She cuddled closer. Soon, her dream would come true and then they would be bound by law as they were already bound in their hearts.

Epilogue One Year Later Halloween Night Growling deep in her throat, Marie, the most feared space pirate in the galaxy, ran her tongue over the tips of her tiny fangs. She stood naked, except for a pink mask and pewter anklet, and gazed at the sensual giant chained to the brick wall. His beautiful gray eyes stared with such intensity from beneath his scarred brow that her pussy burst into flames. The scent of his cologne mingled with the delectable aroma of his natural musk. One of the most wonderful things about becoming a vampire was the increase in sensation. She could see, hear, and smell things she never imagined possible. Torchlight flickered across the giant’s flesh, accentuating the hard planes and chiseled muscles of his magnificent body. For the past hour, she had licked, kissed, and sucked every inch of him. Though he struggled in his bonds, she refused to allow him release from the sexual tension flooding his body. His need was apparent in his bulging

muscles and ragged breathing, not to mention his thick, pole-hard cock pointing at her like a huge, accusing finger. The little eye in the bulbous, ruddy head glistened with his essence, just waiting to burst forth in a shower of lust. “Tell me you’re my slave,” she goaded. “Never! You might have captured my ship and stolen my cargo, but I will not surrender my soul to you, woman!” “Then you will suffer for eternity in my lair.” She approached, running her fingers across his chest and down his abs. His muscles clenched and strained. Sinking to her knees, she took his cockhead between her lips and sucked. Her tongue teased the underside and the tip of one fang slipped into the little eye. That did it. The chains ripped apart and his hands were suddenly free. “Damn it, Marie, I can’ t take anymore. Fuck the space pirate scenario. I need you now.” Charles grasped her arms and pinned her to the wall. His heaving chest pressed against her breasts while he licked her neck. “Finally. I thought you were going to take all night.” Panting, she spread her legs to accommodate his engorged cock. “I am, but let’s take the edge off first, wife.” A thrill of desire coursed through Marie from more than just the physical need he inspired. Several months ago, she and Charles had settled in their new home not far from Burgundy Peak. It was a whole new life for Marie, being a wife and a newly made vampire, and she loved every moment of it. As a wedding gift to each other, they had created a basement room in their house with real brick walls, a hot tub, and a multitude of huge satin pillows to spice up their love games. They kept a variety of shackles, silk bonds, and delectable, edible creams for added fun. “Umm.” Marie tilted her head to the side, allowing his fangs easier access to her neck. “You won’t get any argument from me. Just keep showing me how much you love me, Charles.” “I do love you, Marie. Forever and ever.”

The End

Blood and Soul 3: Vampire Guardian by Kate Hill When her latest john offers to make her a vampire, Dechrista Davis is too strung out to care. Come on. The guy’s cute enough, but who would believe a line like that? She must have passed out, because she can’t remember much beyond thinking she’d heard of worse fetishes. She wakes up in the care of a handsome, mysterious man she’s never met before. Even worse, he shares her john’s delusions. He calls himself Woodrow Quint, and he offers to be her vampire mentor. When reality sets in and Dechrista realizes her new set of fangs are not the result of cosmetic dentistry and her increased strength is not simply part of a lingering drug-induced nightmare, she should be horrified. On the other hand, she’ll never have to be homeless or hungry again. But right now, all she’s hungry for is the one man she can’t have -- her vampire guardian Woodrow Quint -- her exact opposite in every way.

Kate Hill Kate Hill’s fiction and poetry have appeared in publications both on and off the Internet. When she’s not writing, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her family. Visit her online at www.kate-hill.com