Michael knew it hurt when he drew blood. It was purposeful. He insisted the blood used for their magic had to be gained through violence. His continued success bore witness to that, but he used especially painful techniques because he enjoyed their suffering.

Jill lay face down on the white marble altar in their basement, wearing only jeans. Michael sat on her upper thighs. His erection pressed into her rear end as he leaned forward to draw the blade across her back. His cut mirrored his previous slice on the other side. “How can They not know?” Jill insisted through gritted teeth. Blood welled up and ran down her ribs to flow through the altar’s strategically carved channels and into collection bowls.

“The veil keeps them from seeing.” The Gods of Old couldn’t tell them who exactly needed to die. It was up to Michael to find the right ones. He was Their chosen. The right combination of blood on the bone dagger They had given him would turn it into an unstoppable weapon capable of killing anyone with the slightest of cut.

Michael slashed two more matching lines just below the first set. The high priestess was the first donor of the night so the carved canals were dry. She would have to donate until all the lines flowed red and each of the four bowls carried her blood.

He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “I will come to your room after the last donor is done. I will need relief before I can ask her for the next name.”

His cock ached. He would cut every girl here tonight. Some of them might even cry. God, he loved that. Not as much as he loved it when his girl cried but it was still good. Ceremonial blood drawing was the best night of every month.

The wounds’ flow slowed and Michael pushed at them, forcing more blood out of each cut. It must have hurt because Jill arched her back, lifting her shoulders off the altar. Her jaw clenched, the muscles in her face twitching in an attempt to hold back any sound. She didn’t mean to, but she let out a whimper.

That sound made his heart pound. Michael exhaled a ragged sigh. The pleasure was short-lived since it was quickly won. Jill was too…easy. His girl had always held out so long, making him work hard to garner that sound from her. How he missed her strength, her high tolerance for pain, her hot angry tears, her sweet and powerful virgin blood.

“She’ll tell me who they are. She has to mark them for death. Nathalia will know where to find them.”

AARON SAT at the bar on the upper deck where he had a clear view of the dance floor. It was the exact spot he had been when he saw her for the first time. How many nights had passed since she’d spent the night at his condo? He couldn’t remember, but he’d spent every one right there waiting. He glanced at his watch and then downed the rest of his drink with one gulp. He leaned forward, craning to look around the stranger sitting next to him, caught the Rob’s eye and tapped the top of his glass. The bartender nodded and headed over to serve Aaron one more. Lucas’ hand shot out and snatched the glass away before the bartender could fill it.

“I think he’s had enough,” Lucas said as he sat down beside his lovesick friend.

The bartender joked as he refilled Aaron’s glass, “He’s only drinking Diet Coke, but he is on his eighth, so maybe he has had enough.”

“Why on earth are you drinking that nasty shit? Wait, don’t tell me…that’s what she drinks. Seriously man, you gotta get over this girl. She’s obviously over you.”

Aaron winced at the verbal blow. “I know I should and she said it would get easier, but I feel sick without her. Physically ill. I know it sounds crazy, but I think we’re meant to be together. I have to be here, in case she shows.”

“And if she did, would you spout all this ‘meant to be together,’ ‘sick without her’ bullshit directly to her face?” He shook his head, tisking at Aaron. “You can’t sound this needy and get a woman like Maeve.”

Aaron’s heart jumped at the mention of her name. The pull in his chest was sharp and undeniable. He stood up. “I think I’m gonna to drive over to the compound.”

Lucas snatched up the keys lying by Aaron’s drink and shoved them into his own pocket. “Going over there right now would be a serious mistake. A girl like Maeve doesn’t like clingy men. You’ve gotta be more aloof. Maybe even make her a little jealous.” Lucas whipped his head back and forth, searching the crowd. “See that girl over there? Her name’s Star. Go talk to her, maybe you’ll get lucky.” Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he pulled out his cell phone and put it to his ear. He shouted, “Hello, Lucas here.” The music volume swelled and he plugged his other ear with his finger. “Hey JD, it’s been ages. Where the hell are you these days?”

Aaron never even looked over at Star. Sleeping with some club kid wasn’t “getting lucky.” But maybe Lucas had a point. He was coming off too desperate. If he and Maeve were meant for each other, she’d come to him. Wasn’t that how the saying about loving someone and setting them free went? Aaron absentmindedly rubbed his chest with the heel of his hand. He wasn’t sure he could resist the urge to go to her for much longer.

“Yeah, Aaron and I are at Heaven. He’s great, never better. He’s flirting with Star right now. Looks like he’s taking her home too. Really? Wow, man, congratulations. I’ll tell everybody I see. Okay, so we’ll see you later, hey, and don’t think because you aren’t sleeping at home that you don’t owe rent! Love you too man. Later.” Lucas shoved the cell in the same pocket as Aaron’s keys. He clapped Aaron on the shoulder and said, “JD and Jolie are getting married!”

Aaron hit the hand away and swiveled his bar stool toward Lucas. “Why’d you tell him I was going home with a girl?”

Lucas shrugged and rolled his eyes. “I’m going to get Becca and we’ll drop you off on our way home. Meet us at the car in fifteen minutes.” Lucas didn’t wait for Aaron to agree before walking off down toward the dance floor level where his girl-de-jour was dancing.

“So, you finally slept with Maeve, huh?” Rob the bartender leaned over, resting his forearms on the bar in front of Aaron. “An impossible task—resisting a girl like that, but you made it longer than anyone I know. At least tell me it was worth it. I hear she’s a real pro in the sack.”

“Look, Rob, you don’t know anything about Maeve.”

Rob scoffed and said, “I know enough. Maeve sleeps around but only once per dick. Tough break, man. Can I get you anything stronger?”

“Yeah, how about an ice cold glass of ‘shut the fuck up.’ Rob, I’m serious. Get the hell away from me.”

Rob threw up his hands in mock surrender and backed away. He jogged off to answer a wave down the bar a bit. Aaron knew he’d be back, though. He was the kind of guy who couldn’t take a hint. He thought everything was a joke.

The stranger on the other side of Aaron leaned over toward him, close enough that Aaron could smell the liquor on his breath. “Look man, the bartender’s a douche. He doesn’t know shit about the sisterhood either. Maeve is the Vinculum Primo, right?” When Aaron nodded, he continued, “Yea, my girl’s a Primo too so I know a little about your situation. I feel a little more justified in offering some unsolicited advice. You can take it or leave it, but here it is: Be assertive and strong. Women like the Daughters need strong men. They need someone to back them against the wall and tell them how it’s going to be.”

Aaron almost did a spit take, but managed to keep his watered-down Diet Coke within his mouth. This guy did know his stuff. “I did that. I did things with her I’d be ashamed to tell anyone about.” Aaron couldn’t believe he was telling these things to a stranger when he had just told someone else to fuck off when they asked. What was it about him that made Aaron feel comfortable talking?

The stranger raised his eyebrows and then smiled. He looked as if he were impressed by what Aaron had just told him. He took a business card out of his pocket and slid it over to Aaron. “I can help you gain control of your…situation. I know it’s not what you want to hear about the woman you love, but she’s probably told you a lot of lies. If you are interested in the truth, give me a call.”

Aaron turned the card over in his hand. There was no name, no address, nothing but a phone number.

As if sensing his hesitation, the stranger added, “If you’re thinking about just waiting here night after night to talk to her you are gonna be sadly disappointed. The Abbess has them on lockdown. Maeve is the only one being let out, but her mate’s always with her.” He gestured to the bartender for another round as Aaron stared at him in disbelief.

Rob made his way back over with a smug look, like he knew they would include him eventually. He filled the man’s order and then stood there waiting.

“What do you mean, Maeve’s mate? Who are you talking about?”

“You’ve seen him dozens of times. Really big guy, hard to describe, tan and usually barefoot.”

Rob jumped in, “Yea, now that you mention him, I remember. Whenever Maeve’s here lately he’s somewhere nearby. He’s usually in the shadows, but sometimes he touches her and she looks like she is going to cream her pants.”

Aaron had seen the look of ecstasy on her face when the tall, tan man had his hands and lips on her. “I think I told you to get the hell away from me, Rob.”

“Look Aaron, this’s my bar post for the next three hours. I’m not going anywhere. You’re welcome to move your ass or I can call the muscle over here to help you move it.”

Aaron would have torn Rob’s multi-pierced ear right off his head, if the stranger hadn’t grabbed his arm and pulled him toward a couch. Aaron went with him. He needed to hear more about Maeve.

When they were out of Rob’s earshot, Aaron asked, “So they’re a matched pair? Maeve and the golden god?”

“Not exactly, but they’re linked in a definite way. They’re always together and she carries his child.”

Aaron felt lightheaded as the blood drained from his face. Could it be true? He thought about how the Guardian had barged into his condo and ushered Maeve away as if he had every right to her. The giant had looked very protective and Maeve had sagged against him as they left. She’d ignored Aaron’s questions and pleading.

“It won’t be easy to get her away from him, but you still have a chance with Maeve.” He gestured to a shot girl, purchasing two and quickly dismissing her. “Here, take this. It’ll help get you your color back.”

The man handed him a shot of something that smelled like bourbon. What the hell, he wasn’t driving. Aaron threw it back and the burn was just the thing to get his mind off Maeve. The stranger gave him the other shot he’d purchased and Aaron downed that too.

“You need to get out to your friend. He’s waiting. But one more thing I have to warn you against before you leave: Don’t confront Maeve’s mate. It won’t work. She’s probably told you that men can’t work magic, but that’s a lie. A few can. He’s one of the few. He could make you forget everything. But, you, Aaron, can work magic too. Let the voice on the other end of that phone number guide you.”

As Aaron stood to go, the crowd went wild, rushing down the stairs, pulling him with them. He allowed himself to be carried away as the deejay announced Maeve’s arrival on the dance floor.

MICHAEL SAT for a while longer savoring his drink. He noted that the room was spinning a little bit and he smiled at his drink before noticing that Rob was still standing there looking across the bar at him. He looked at the bartender and the man actually pumped his eyebrows at him and made a suggestive movement with his hand. Was this bartender really dumb enough to think that he was a faggot? If he wanted to be treated like a woman, the man could certainly oblige, but he was certain that Rob wasn’t going to enjoy it the way he expected to.

Michael smiled at the tragically moronic bartender and raised his glass to him before downing the rest. Black magic murder was work, but a pleasure kill of a stranger was just what the man needed after a long day. He didn’t even have to feel guilty about this one since it was a man. His girl couldn’t get upset about this. He was just taking out one more undesirable from the world.

He took his empty glass and headed back over to the bar for a refill. It was so rare that he got really drunk anymore and tonight was as good as any. Murder was thirsty work and he could do it blindfolded at this point. Maybe drunk would be a challenge, but he doubted it.

AARON FOUGHT through the crowd until he was close enough to watch Maeve dance. She moved with the same ancient rhythms, but no longer had her usual enthusiasm. The big bodybuilder stood stoic beside her, clasping her hand. His eyes darted around suspiciously. Maeve’s cheeks flushed and she started making matches, never letting go of the giant hand.

Aaron couldn’t stand it any more and pushed his way toward the middle of the room. He was going to talk to her. He had to talk some sense into her.

The giant saw him coming. Maeve didn’t even finish her matches before he scooped her up and carried her off the floor. The crowd opened up to let them through, but did not do the same for Aaron.

He stood helpless and watched them go. His vision was blurred by anger. How dare that man hold Maeve as if she were his own! Even just the momentary glance was enough to reaffirm his commitment to her. Maybe he would call the number. She didn’t look happy. Maybe that big guy was holding her against her will.

THE GUARDIAN had never carried her before. Maeve did not like the feel of his hands on her skin. His magic was never this unfocused. It felt like being held by a live wire everywhere their bodies touched. She noticed the crowd was avoiding his touch, parting to let them through.

She punched his chest with her balled fist once they were outside. “Put me down right now. I did not give you permission to touch me.”

He set her down abruptly, letting go only after she had her balance. “My apologies, Mother.”

“Why the hell do you keep calling me Mother? I’m not a mother and don’t intend to be any time soon.”

“I witnessed your gift to the Maiden Mother at Midwinter. Why would you perform the ritual if you did not intend to conceive?”

Oh, shit. That was an accident. It didn’t count as a votive offering if Marcie asked for it, right? Shit.

He reached out and gently cupped her cheek. “You have made me the happiest on Earth, for you will give birth to the One.”

She slapped his hand away and poked his stomach with her finger. “I won’t warn you again. Don’t touch me without my permission or…or…or you’ll never be allowed to see Her.”

Why had she said that? It didn’t even make any sense. She’d just told him she didn’t intend to conceive and now she was threatening not to allow him access to the One. For whatever reason, it seemed to be working.

“You cannot keep me from the One. I am for Her.”

“If I’m Her mother, I can. You’ll be amazed at the sway a mother has over her daughter. Do not cross me.” She stormed over to their car and got in the driver’s seat. She pushed the ignition button and turned on the heat, but knew it would be some time before she was warm.

She felt bad about getting mad at her Guardian and decided to apologize to him. What was her problem lately?

He got in the passenger side and looked at her, rubbing her arms and breathing into her hands. He seemed smaller somehow, when sitting in the tiny electric car should have made his gargantuan size ridiculous. He threw his cloak open and instantly the air around them was hot. He was radiating. Maybe he was talking crazy because he had a fever. What was her excuse?

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve got the worst mood swings.”

“It is to be expected when a woman is with child.”

“I’m not pregnant. I told you already.”

He bowed his head, but not fast enough. Maeve caught his smirk. How would he even know anyway? She hadn’t even missed a period yet. Impossible.

“How are you so sure?” If he wanted to act so “know-it-all,” he was going to have to back it up. He looked as if he wasn’t going to say anything, so she pushed. “If you insist on being my permanent Guardian you’re gonna have to be honest with me. I can’t have you smirking secretly like you know something that a doctor couldn’t even know yet.”

“I am your Guardian; there is not a choice. She exists.” He said it plainly, and then closed his eyes. “Her heart does not yet beat, but within you, her cells multiply and already…they call out to me. I will protect her and provide for her.”

“I’m not pregnant.”

“Yes, you are.”

He could be so infuriating sometimes. How could she be expected to keep her cool when he was always being so irritatingly stubborn? She didn’t have a pregnancy test at home. She usually just spent an afternoon with Camilla a couple times a week. The Panacea’s ability removed anything that didn’t belong, be it cancer, pregnancy, or an STD. She’d have to stop by a pharmacy on the way. Until she could prove to the Guardian that she wasn’t pregnant, he wouldn’t let her see Camilla.

Maeve pulled out of the parking lot with jerky movements. “I still don’t want you to touch me without permission.”

“As you wish, Mother.”