Neeman returned from the court hearing in a foul mood. He didn’t say anything to Mason about it, but anger and frustration rolled off him in waves. He pulled Mason into the training center, working without a break for the three final hours preceding dawn. He pushed Mason harder than ever.
The following evening Neeman returned in the same foul mood, and announced that the next day Mason was leaving. Mason spent that entire evening training.
The entire Tracking Squad attended the session. They worked him with drills, then simulated situations that he might encounter. He spent most of the night controlling his mounting anxiety about being surrounded by so many Vampires at once. But he’d held back his beast and hadn’t lost his temper. Finally they went random. Attacking as a group, then individually, and ending with Mason and Neeman.
By four in the morning, Mason was winded, and every part of him ached. He hadn’t given it his all yet, and somehow Neeman knew that. What Neeman didn’t know was what giving his all meant.
“It’s you and me now and we’ll keep going till one of us gives in, or passes out.” Neeman’s voice was deadly.
Mason nodded. He’d have to judge this carefully; he didn’t want to hurt Neeman. Before Mason was ready, Neeman was on him so fast that all Mason could do was push him off. He kicked Mason in the gut and Mason staggered, but caught himself on one knee. Mason got up in time to see Neeman’s fist flying through the air. He whirled sideways and Neeman’s blow landed on the floor. Neeman came at him again, pummeling him. Neeman had a wild gleam in his eyes. In the weeks previous Neeman had been training him, guiding him, trying to help him improve. This time was different. This time it was personal. Mason didn’t know why, and he didn’t care. He waited till the right moment, and then he struck.
Neeman’s favorite move was a complex maneuver where he would attack, then feint to the right, spin, and knock down his foe from behind; and Mason saw it coming. So when Neeman feinted to the right, Mason did the same. Instead of attacking, he spun around to face Neeman, who was ready to attack. As Neeman struck out, Mason countered by hitting hard, knocking Neeman off his feet. Mason took the advantage and hit him again. Then picked Neeman up over his head and threw him across the arena. Neeman hit the opposite wall with a crack. Plaster rained down as part of the wall gave way. And that was it for the fight.
Neeman lay unconscious. Mason stood breathing hard, while the other trackers ran to Neeman’s aid. They stared at Mason. But Mason stood, head held high, daring them to come at him again. Like a pack of dogs, once their alpha was down, no one else attacked.
Guilt stirred in Mason’s gut for having used his strength, but he’d had no choice. His blood was hot in his veins, and he felt the burn of his skin. He was glad they were all a good forty feet away, because had they been nearer, they would’ve felt it as well.
Blinking, Mason breathed deeply, using the techniques Neeman taught him. It was several minutes before his temperature cooled and the rage tapered off. He stretched his arms and walked in a circle. The glint of something shiny caught his eye. It was a small knife. Mason’s heart thudded. It must have fallen off Neeman when Mason threw him. The trackers were busy with Neeman, so Mason crossed over and picked it up, pushing it into his boot.
Neeman sprang to his feet a moment later, his eyes alight for danger. He located Mason and relaxed his stance. Neeman sent everyone out¸ assuring them he was uninjured.
“I’ve never seen a human like you before, but I’m sure you get that a lot,” said Neeman. “There’s something you haven’t told me about yourself. I won’t pry, it isn’t my place. But I will say this. The Vampire lord you are going to guard is someone whom I respect, and care about. Guard well and do your duty. Don’t let your rage or your emotions take over. Guard with your life, or you and I will meet again, under very unfavorable circumstances, I am afraid.”
Mason nodded.
Neeman turned to leave, then stopped. He stood for a moment, then bowed to Mason. Mason’s brows furrowed. A Vampire or vampyr showing a sign of respect to a human was unheard of. Mason bowed in return.
“You’d be a worthy vampyr. I pray someday your new master may see that as well, and do you the great honor,” he said in a strange voice. “You will be a great strength to your new owner.”
It would never happen. “Thank you.”
Once before, someone had tried to turn him, but it hadn’t worked then, and it wouldn’t work now. It didn’t matter anyway though, because Mason had formulated his plan. When he was delivered to the Vampire lord, he would wait until they were alone. And then, when Garon was most vulnerable, Mason would strike. He would kill the Vampire lord and make a run for it. Mason prayed that in doing so, he wouldn’t have to kill too many of the trackers. He liked them, especially Neeman. Besides it would bring pain to the female Vampire lord Danika, Neeman’s mate. And as much as he didn’t want to be anyone’s slave, Mason didn’t want to cause her pain, either.
“Bathe and prepare,” said Neeman. “We go to your lord when we rise.”
* * * *
The atmosphere in the SUV was tense. They left the naval base and headed south. The driver sped as if he couldn’t get rid of Mason quickly enough.
All around, closed businesses were mixed with open establishments. So many stores and businesses had gone under after the outbreak. It wasn’t uncommon to have a boarded-up building right next to a freshly painted one. The closed ones stood like vacant memorials to their dead owners.
Mason pulled at the collar of his dress shirt, and turned the slave collar underneath. Then he rubbed his palms on his designer pants. He felt like a showpiece. He preferred comfortable to formal. He shifted in the tight-fitted clothing trying to get comfortable.
After ten minutes, they drove into a nicer area. They passed an abandoned college, a golf course and a beautiful brick library. The car pulled off the main street and down a winding residential boulevard. The road was wide with an island in the middle, lined by trees and flowers. The houses were large estates set back from the road, each one surrounded by fenced grounds. Mason figured that when Vampires took over, most of them secured the nicest areas for themselves. However, many of them probably lived as millionaires before the outbreak. Following the road, they ended up at a metal gate. The driver lowered his widow and pushed a button at the entrance.
A camera moved and a voice came over the intercom, “Welcome to the Coven House, what can I help you with?”
“Siad, it’s Rod, Neeman, and Ian. We have the Vampire lord’s new minion, as requested,” he answered.
“Hang on,” came the reply.
There was silence for a minute, then a creak as the gates opened and swung inward. The car crept forward up the drive toward a formidable, ancient-looking mansion. More than a half dozen guards stood outside the house: Two by the entrance, two down on the driveway, and another two walking the perimeter of the grounds. Rod pulled up and stopped in front of the two standing on the drive.
Rod, Neeman, and Ian got out. Mason sat and watched as they exchanged warm welcomes. He assumed they had trained together at some point. After a minute, Neeman motioned for him to get out. All eyes were on him, inspecting him in his suit. He let them look, refusing the impulse to pull at his collar again.
Two held automatic rifles, and the other four wore guns in a shoulder holster. He imagined those would be just the beginning of the arsenal of weapons they all carried. Mason broke their gazes and took in the grounds, wondering how many guards Lord Garon had brought with him altogether.
Finally a guard said, “Let’s get him inside. He is awaited.” Ian, Neeman, and Mason walked into the house. Rod remained outside talking to the other guards.
Good. That meant when it was time, Mason wouldn’t have to deal with him as well.
The entrance hall was grand, with a wide staircase heading up to a landing that wrapped around the entire second floor. Sounds of a dinner party came from a side room.
Neeman looked at the closed door and walked toward it. As he was about to turn the handle, footsteps rushed down the staircase behind them.
A young vampyr came toward them. He had light brown, stylish hair slicked back the way Mason had tried, but failed to do. He was lean and lanky, but had a graceful manner about him. His pale blue eyes didn’t miss a thing, shining with an inner glow. His boyish handsome face was familiar to Mason, making him wonder if the vampyr had come to the auction house.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. We have a few things going on tonight. This way, please.” He smiled, his short fangs ever present.
Neeman nodded and the young vampyr walked up the stairs. He led them down a small hallway to the first door, pushed it open, and they stepped inside. It was a simple room, but expensive. The bed was large enough even for him; covered in a blue silk comforter and more pillows than Mason had seen in the last twenty years. A low dark dresser stood below a picture window. A bathroom on the opposite wall shone brightly with sconces hanging above a dark wood-framed mirror.
“How are you, Mason?” the vampyr asked, pulling Mason from his inspection.
Mason turned and again was struck by the sense that he’d met the young vampyr before. Having made a point to avoid them in the last hundred years, he couldn’t imagine where he would’ve seen him before.
The vampyr stood for a moment, then ran his fingers through his hair and cleared his throat. “My lord will be up momentarily. A coven celebration has just started in the dining hall. I’ll go and deliver the news of your arrival. Please wait here. Neeman, if you’d wait outside.” He stared at Mason for a moment longer, opening his mouth and then closing it again. He nodded to both of them in turn and left.
Mason crossed to the window and looked out across the expansive, lush green grounds. On the other side of the grounds was a large garage, as well as some sort of dormitory. Humans sat on a couch or milled about. Metal fencing surrounded the edge of the property, and beyond that stood a thicket of trees, a perfect place to make his escape.
He inhaled deeply, trying to clear his head for what was coming in the next few minutes. Getting out the gate in a vehicle would be too difficult, but on foot, through the woods, he’d be able to find a vamp’s car and get out of town much easier. It might also be possible that he could find a boat if he could make it down to the lake behind the estate.
He was calculating the distance to the fence and trees when he heard voices in the hallway. He couldn’t distinguish anything they were saying, but his adrenaline kicked in. His blood began to pound in his ears. Turning toward the window, he pressed the palms of his hands into the warm wood. He tried to focus his energy as he steadied himself for what was coming.
He went over scenarios in his head, determined to keep calm until the right moment. The door opened and his mind already raced. He was ready. He concentrated on the tree line. When the door clicked closed a moment later, the scent that hit him almost knocked him to his knees.
* * * *
Danika excused herself from the Expectation Celebration when William came in to let her know that Mason had arrived.
It was a strange thing that had happened between her and William. They’d bonded slave to master, but he was now a fledgling vampyr, a newborn in need of support. There were no direct rules for this type of thing. It happened, but not often, so no laws had yet been enacted by the Council as to what should be done when it did. However, for the moment, William seemed pleased with the change, and Danika hadn’t yet had the chance to figure out what would be best.
The evening after the appellate court hearing, Danika had gone to William and his wound had healed. She’d awakened him enough to help him drink from her, but it hadn’t been just a little bit to continue the bonding process. He’d drunk from her hungrily, drawing from her until she had to stop him. When she’d in turn taken from him, she tasted the change in his blood. The human part of him was dying, and his blood was cooling. By the second night, he’d changed. His face had taken on a more refined quality. His jaw was stronger and his cheeks not quite so round. He’d sat on his bed studying her as she entered. She’d joined him on the edge of the bed.
“How are you feeling?” She watched his chocolate orbs, which burned with light from within.
“Better than I ever have. Is your blood causing that?”
“Yes.”
“Will it wear off, or is it part of the bonding?”
“It won’t wear off, but it’s not part of the bonding.” She wasn’t sure how to tell him. He smiled. His teeth were both brighter and straighter. And the gums above his incisors appeared swollen.
He studied her face and then nodded. “I’m becoming like you now, aren’t I?”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen, but you needed as much of my blood as I could give. I should have stopped you, but I was so afraid…” Danika looked at her hands. She hadn’t realized how fond of him she’d become until she’d almost lost him.
“I feel wonderful. I can see better, hear better and move better. The skin coloration will take some getting used to. What does this mean for us though? I can feel you inside me.”
“I’m not sure yet. The bonding is all but complete at this point. Even as a fledgling vampyr you would need a sponsor to take you in and raise you for the next couple of decades to help you transition into our world. I’ve never had a fledgling before, but as we’re already mostly bonded, I believe it might work. However, if you don’t, then I’d feel compelled to let you go, while offering you the protection of my Coven House until you find an outside place for yourself. Whatever you choose though, you will need a guide. The hunger hasn’t hit you yet, because you still have so much of my blood inside you, but in a few days, you won’t be able to control it without help. I let you make the decision.”
“I can feel you in my head.” He studied her. “Your concern, your trepidation. But I also know you won’t hurt me, and you’ll teach me what I need. I don’t want to go somewhere else.”
Danika smiled. The scent of lust swirled around them. That wasn’t something she needed. “All right then, I’ll sponsor you through your fledgling period. Which means I’ll take responsibility for your actions and receive the punishments on your behalf. It also means that you are subject to my commands and must obey me as you would have minded your human mother. Are you willing to do that?”
“Yes,” he said. “Does this mean that we won’t complete the bonding?”
“No. We’ve already bonded sufficiently to work together. However, you’ll no longer be a slave, but a vampyr. You’ll be my minion assistant, but you’ll be paid and unshackled. You may stay here, and will be allowed the freedoms of a vampyr. But we’ll talk more about what that entails later. For now, rest. The change takes a lot out of you. If you need anything, I’ll send word that you’re to be attended to, but only by the other Vampires, not by any of the slaves. All you need to do is lift the phone and Siad will answer and send someone up.”
When she’d awoken this evening his change had been complete: his coloring had paled, his eyes were now bright blue, his lips had darkened a few shades to a deep red. He appeared ten years older than two days before. The suit she’d bought him just weeks earlier now fit tighter at the shoulders and baggier at the waist. The slicked-back hairdo was both handsome and sophisticated. The biggest change was he no longer needing the huge ill-fitting glasses. He’d become quite handsome as a vampyr.
She fidgeted with her blouse, her mouth salivating more with every step closer to Mason’s new room.
“Neeman, the collar key.” She held out her hand when she reached him.
Neeman hesitated only a fraction of a second before dropping it into her palm.
She took a moment to compose herself. She wouldn’t let her hormones get the better of her. She’d go in, start the bonding and then leave. That was the plan. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside. Mason stood facing the window, his massive frame almost blotting out the glass panes. The instant she closed the door, he whirled around to face her. He looked amazing in his suit. The vest cut so perfectly to his strong, V-like shape, substantial arms silhouetted by the shape of his taut shirt. His waist was trim, straight, and long, down to the powerful, muscular legs that she knew were underneath his relaxed pinstripe pants. His amber eyes were alight and intense, taking in every inch of her.
The warm air in the room made her head foggy. His scent permeated the air. He stared at her, confused.
“Hello, Mason.” She locked her gaze on his deep, beautiful eyes.
“It’s...you,” he managed.
She chuckled. “Were you expecting someone else?”
“I... There was a male Vampire lord. I assumed...”
“Ahh...” She took a couple of steps toward him. “You were expecting Lord Garon. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but Lord Garon and I came to a sort of arrangement. He let you go, and in return I gave him something he wanted.” She took a seat on the bed.
“You didn’t disappoint me,” he said. She raised a questioning eyebrow. “What I mean to say is, I am glad it is you, and not he.”
“I’m sure you are. There aren’t many who I believe would be happy about an arrangement with Lord Garon.”
“But I don’t understand,” Mason continued. “You already have two slaves.”
“I purchased a guardian for another Vampire couple who is close to me, and I purchased William.”
“William?” Mason’s face hardened. “You mean Whitey. He was the vampyr who escorted us up here. You changed him.” Mason crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes.
“You called him Whitey, but his name is William. And yes, he has changed. He’s no longer a human. He is a fledgling vampyr. But to say that I changed him would imply that I meant to do it. Whereas I did not. It was an accident.” She lifted her head, daring him to challenge her.
“I don’t understand.”
“William was with me at a court hearing. A rogue vamp aimed a gun at me. She fired. He pushed me out of the way and took the bullet. He needed my blood to survive, but took too much. I wanted to save him, not turn him.”
Mason’s posture relaxed and he uncrossed his arms. “He’s completely different now. Taller, thinner, his face, hair, eyes, everything about him is different.” Mason stared at her for a moment. “This was a few days ago, wasn’t it?”
“It was. It’s why I had to have you brought to me sooner than expected. I’m sorry you were unable to complete your training.”
“I was finished anyway.” He waved his hand and then stopped and crossed his arms over his chest again.
“Is that so?”
He clenched and unclenched his fists several times but kept his arms crossed. He had an obvious tension about him. He strained his thick neck against the collar. She didn’t like the collars. They were degrading and uncivilized. And Vampires were supposed to be civilized. Wrist or ankle bracelets were less effective at times, but she preferred them.
“Let me get that for you.” He retreated a step, bumping into the dresser as she neared him. She showed him the key. “The collar, I’m going to take it off.” She pointed.
He nodded and she started forward again.
Danika barely came up to his shoulder, and he was three times as wide across the chest as she was. The air around him was warmer the closer she got. His breathing had slowed, and he swallowed hard. From her position in front of him, he would have to kneel so she could reach his collar, and she didn’t want that. She looked around for a stool or chair to stand on, but there was nothing. She spotted the dresser behind him.
She pointed to it. “Please help me up, so I can reach.” Mason eyed the dresser and then her. He licked his lips and then turned, switching places with her, watching her with great intensity. He stepped close enough that their bodies touched. Danika’s breath caught in her throat at the nearness of him. His size, scent, and heat engulfed her.
He placed his hands around her waist, his touch sending goose bumps all over her body. The heat of his skin warmed her through her thin blouse. She placed her hands on his rigid arms. He flexed and lifted her off the floor, then seated her on the dresser.
Neither of them moved. The need she’d felt for him in his cell, and then again when she had seen him at Neeman’s, was stronger than ever. A part of her deep inside called to him. Her mind screamed at her, reminding her of the plan: come in, bond him, leave.
They stared at each other for a long time. She took in every inch of his strong face: his roman nose that had been broken at least once, the reddish-brown stubble upon his cheek and chin, the pink softness of his full lips.
“Bend your neck,” she whispered.
He bowed until his neck was inches from her face. His broad chest pressed close to her. His hands shook at her waist.
He was a human and a slave. She couldn't have another incident like Xenock. She had too much at stake. She tried not to let his closeness affect her, but she couldn’t help it. She dipped her head and breathed in the nape of his neck where his hair fell to his shoulders. His scent was like heaven. It was the most desirable thing she’d ever smelled. She couldn’t even begin to describe the texture of it.
She slid her hands up his arms, feeling every muscle beneath his shirt. Gliding over the collar, she searched for the latch. Mason’s hot fingers pressed into her flesh as she fumbled for the lock. The tension in his body was obvious from the way he tried to hold himself away from her.
Danika’s head swam as his scent swirled in her brain. Her throat felt like dry ice. The need to taste him mounted. Stop! Not another Xenock! Keep it under control! Clearing her throat, she tried to concentrate on her fingertips. The latch appeared and she inserted the key. She dropped the manacle to the dresser and he sighed. Chafing and scraping marred the skin underneath the collar. Instinctively she reached over and licked at the wounds. His fingers dug into her waist, and her senses caught on fire. She felt every fiber of his shirt, smelled the trickle of sweat that ran down his neck, heard the rapid beat of his heart. Mason’s breathing quickened, and as she pulled away from him, the sweetness of his skin lingered in her mouth. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to have him take her over to his bed and smother her with his body.
Her fangs broke through and she gazed up at him. Mason watched her, his eyes alight like flames. He leaned close to her ear and smelled the nape of her neck. A burning need blossomed in her stomach and warmth pooled between her thighs. A sudden feeling of possession overtook her, and at that moment she needed to make him hers.
“Do it. Make me yours.”
She bit down into his firm, awaiting neck. His hands clenched around her waist and his fingers dug deeper into her skin. A low rumble emitted from his chest. An animalistic, guttural sound that made Danika’s inner bad girl beg for more.
The first gulp of his blood was liquid fire. It stung her tongue and seared her icy throat as it went down. She almost pulled herself away, but the taste of it exploded inside her, making her want more, need more. The second gulp was just as hot, but now she was ready. It filled her, making the ends of her limbs tingle. Sitting on the dresser with him bent over, she drank from him greedily. Shifting his body, he stood between her parted thighs, spreading them wide. His body pressed around her, crushing her into him. His breathing quickened as every part of their bodies touched. A moan of desire escaped him. His hot, moist breath tickled her shoulder. Moving aside the collar of her blouse, he playfully bit at her skin. The sensation sent her into a frenzy. More. She needed more of him.
She threw her arms around him, and dug her nails deep into his back. The dresser shook as he slammed his palms onto it, uttering words in a language she’d never heard before. A moment later, a sharp pierce on her neck, and then his mouth was on her skin again; he drank from her, as well.
She released his neck from her eager mouth as a cry of pleasure escaped her lips. It was like nothing she’d ever felt before. The fire and ice between them. Her cool skin and icy blood on his warm body and blood like fire. The exchange was enough to throw her over the edge. Her head spun and desire wracked her core. She was paralyzed with pleasure as he crushed her into him and drank from her. The share of blood between Vampires was so intimate that it was only between mates. Aside from William, she’d never given her blood before. She hadn’t known pleasure like this was possible with a human.
Lights exploded in her eyes and every nerve ending caught fire, and she felt like she was floating. She gasped for breath. Then without warning, his lips were on hers, hot and still dripping with her blood, his need overwhelming. His lips seared hers as he kissed her hard, pulling her to him and holding her close as she wrapped her legs around his waist for support. She’d never wanted another being as much as she wanted him.
She unbuttoned his vest, throwing it to the floor. Then she unbuttoned his shirt and slid it down his arms, baring his large, hairless chest. She grabbed again at his muscular back.
Mason wrapped his hands deep into her hair, crushing her into him. He lifted her off the dresser, his hands roaming her body. She trailed her finger over the edge of his tattoo, tracing the raised detailing. His fevered kisses stopped, and he pulled his face away from hers to look into her eyes.
His eyes burned like flames. She let her fingers drag down, down, down, till they reached his waistband. The tattoo was raised and hard against her fingers, like a flexible plastic under his skin. Breaking away from his gaze, she looked down at his chest. Ancient runes swirled and curved across it. Heat radiated out of them like burning embers. Artwork on his skin, done by a true master.
“Don’t look at them.”
“You’re beautiful.” She kissed them lightly. He wound his fingers more tightly in her braid and gently forced her to look at him.
“Don’t.”
The force of his words tingled and excited her. He was commanding and for a moment she felt like the slave and he the master. He kissed her on the mouth. His need was still apparent, but he was gentler. She wasn’t the one in control of the situation, for the first time in her life. Fear skimmed over her from being so exposed.
There was a sharp knock. Mason set her back on the dresser and grabbed his shirt together.
“What is it?” she called.
“Are you all right, m’lord?” came Neeman’s voice from the other side.
“Yes. I’ll be out momentarily.”
There was silence, as she and Mason stared at each other. He buttoned his shirt with lightning speed, bringing Danika to her senses.
By all the gods, what had she just done? “I apologize,” she said. “It has been too long since I—”
“No, I’m sorry. I know you belong to Neeman.” Mason broke her gaze and bent to pick up his vest.
“Belong to Neeman? What do you mean?”
“You are his mate, or his intended.” He wouldn’t meet her eye.
“Who said that?” she snapped.
His brows furrowed. “I just assumed... I mean, I smelled you on him several days ago, and he was in such a foul mood...”
“You smelled me? How can you smell me on him?” Something was definitely different about Mason.
He stood straight, again showing her the air of royalty she’d seen before. “I can’t explain.”
“I came to the training center to see how you were doing. And he was upset because I would not extend your training time with him. He believes that you’re a danger because you cannot control your rage.”
“He’s right.”
“Is he now?”
“I have something inside, and I don’t control it well. But I would never do anything that would endanger you.” His voice held sincerity.
“I believe you.” Her fangs retracted, but she still wanted more of him. Thoughts of how out of control she’d become moments before made her stomach tighten. She jumped down from the dresser and pushed at her hair. “You should rest. I took too much from you, you’ll tire quickly. However, I don’t think you took too much from me, so we should have no problems with you turning.”
“I won’t turn.”
“I hope not.” She fixed her disheveled clothes. “I paid quite a bit for you to have to let you go. And I can’t have two fledglings on my hands.” She tried to keep her steps steady. The collar and the key still sat on the dresser. She walked back over and picked them up with a shaky hand. “If I leave this off you tonight, do you promise not to run?”
“Yes.” He slightly inclined his head.
“Good night, Mason.”
“Good night, Lord Danika.”
Something about the way he spoke to her showed more respect than anyone else she’d ever known. It was something about the tone of his voice, the softness of his speech.
“This room is yours. It’s already been supplied with clothing and a few toiletries. I can have William get you anything else you might need. The next room over is William’s, and the one after that is mine. If you should need me, that’s where I stay.”
“I’ll do that.”
She hated leaving him standing, looking so alone. But tonight was not the night to bring him to the coven family. She had enough to deal with right now with William.
She stepped into the hall. Neeman looked at her suspiciously and sniffed the air.
“The bond has begun. Thank you for bringing him. I’ll call you if he needs more training in the future.” She wondered if her braid was mussed and if she should go to her room before returning to the celebration. But she didn’t want to give Neeman time to question her. So she continued her quick stride down the hall to the stairs.
“Everything went well then?” he asked.
“Yes.” Her voice held a cold edge despite the blood burning inside her.
She was almost all the way down the stairs when Neeman grabbed her by the arm. “Danika, I—”
She whirled on him, his touch driving her to the height of anger. Without thinking she gave him a light shove, baring her teeth. Somehow the light shove had more effect on him than it should’ve. What was meant to make him let her loose somehow sent him flying onto the hard stairs. He was up on his feet almost as soon as he’d hit them, his posture ready for defense. He watched her with apprehension. She stared at him, filled with the most overwhelming anger and confusion. Why she would feel so angry with him for putting his hand on her arm? He’d done it hundreds of times before. Her mind raced.
“Are you all right, my lord?” came William’s voice from the top of the stairs. He moved to her side.
Danika straightened and tried to calm herself, her eyes never moving from Neeman’s face. “Yes, William, thank you.”
William outstretched an arm next to her. She glanced at it, then set her hand on it.
“Perhaps we should take a moment and freshen up before we return to your guests,” he suggested.
“I believe you are right. Will you go with me, please?”
William bowed to her. She turned to Neeman, who’d assumed a rigid but less-defensive stance. “I apologize for my outburst, Neeman. I didn’t mean to react in such a forceful way to your inappropriate touching. I’m afraid that tonight’s events have been more taxing on me then I’d imagined.”
“Taxing,” Neeman said. “Yes... Well... If and when you decide that tonight’s...events were caused by more than mere taxation, give me a call.” He finished with a bow and walked past her and out the front door, slamming it behind him.
Danika refused to show any signs of embarrassment or anger as he left, though she was displeased with his blatant disrespect. The doors to the celebration opened, and several guests peered out.
“My lord needs a moment to freshen up. She’ll be with you presently.” William led Danika by the arm down the rest of the stairs and toward the rear of the house. The guests waved and smiled, ducking back into the dining hall.
William led her under the staircase and around toward a small den. Danika let go of his arm as soon as they entered the room. She crossed the small study, to the bathroom, closed the door behind her, and fell hard to the floor.
What had she gotten herself into? William a fledgling vampyr, and her his sponsor. Now bonding with Mason. Soon his thoughts and emotions would flow into her, and she didn’t know if she could handle that on top of her own problems. Her bond with William was weak, but even just having his small feelings inside her, along with Mason’s? What had she been thinking? All she’d been thinking was about how good he’d taste in her mouth. To have him hold her the way he had, to taste him once and get it out of her system. The problem was now it was worse. His hot blood flowed within her, warming her and causing her icy skin to take on an almost pink tinge. And the anger, the terrible anger that had arisen within her when Neeman had touched her, what had that been about?
He was right. Bonding with Mason wasn’t a good idea. And what about that strength? How was it possible that she’d hit Neeman with so little effort? Vampires were strong and fast, but even strength took energy. Yet she’d exerted no more force than that used to brush his hand aside. Neeman was the strongest vampyr she’d ever known. When they’d been together, they used to spar. She’d never bested him, not once.
Mason’s blood lingered in her mouth. It made her tingle inside to think of him. What had she been thinking, buying him? She wanted to spend the rest of her existence in his arms. Now she would have to face the reality, every day, that they could never be. This ended here and now. It wouldn’t happen again. She refused to lose everything her family had worked for over a human.
Standing, Danika set her resolve and stared into the mirror. Blood stained her lips. She moved to lick them clean, but stopped herself and wiped at it with her hand instead. Throwing cold water on her face to keep her fangs from bursting through, she focused on her reflection in the mirror. Her braid was mussed up at the base of her neck from where Mason had tangled his hands in it. She undid the braid to the point of messiness and then re-braided it. When she finished, she took one last look at herself, straightened her blouse, and walked out of the bathroom. She would not lose herself over a human.
* * * *
What the hell just happened? Mason hadn’t expected her to come through that door. He’d been ready to fight for his life, but instead what he’d gotten was the woman he’d been dreaming of for weeks. When he’d caught her scent he’d lost all control. Control of his emotions, his mouth, and worst of all, his beast. Somehow she’d gotten him to say things that he’d never said to anyone else.
He’d spent all his years on the run from humans, from Vampires, and from others like him. Never getting attached, never letting himself have feelings. Not that anyone had ever caught his eye before this one. And he’d never let a woman touch him before. Not the way she had. He’d been with women, but he’d never let them touch his runes or his back, let alone see them. But with Danika, all he’d wanted was her touch on his skin. Even now, her blood coursed through his veins, cooling the fires that raged within. Calming and soothing what little soul he had left. How was this happening to him? A Vampire. She was a Vampire.
It’d been a long time since he’d had Vampire blood inside him. And that hadn’t been by choice. Mason remembered every stroke of her finger as she’d traced the lines and webbing. Stirring him in places he didn’t want to think about. Parts of him that he’d suppressed for the last two hundred years were waking up and taking notice. Even now that part of him wanted to escape from its prison and stretch its wings. But he refused to let it. If it killed him, he was not going to let that part of him hurt anyone ever again.
The image of her sweet, pale, slender neck pulsing beneath his greedy mouth flashed into view. The way she’d said he was beautiful, and had kissed the runes on his chest, made him believe, for a moment, that she might be the one to accept him as he was, and love him despite himself.
Mason still held the small knife that he’d concealed in his boot. He’d intended to use it to kill Garon. Instead, he’d used it to nick her neck and taste her. It’d been so long since he’d had blood in his mouth, the salt and the iron. Mason had stopped feeding his inner beast a century ago. Starving it into submission, refusing to give the fuel it needed to rise. But her scent, and when she’d bitten into him, had been more sensation than anything he had ever experienced. Her lips, her teeth, her mouth on his skin. The beast had won out in the battle, and Mason had tasted her. She was cool to the touch, like cool spring rain on a blistering hot day.
And that’s what it always was for him inside, a blistering day. He hadn’t counted on what her blood would do for him. Instead of causing his inner beast to take control, her blood had cooled it into submission. The feel of her soft, supple body as it crushed into his overpowered him. The way her thighs had wrapped around his waist. Thoughts of things he’d wanted to do to her in his new satiny blue bed flooded him. His pants tightened around his growing arousal.
Tension built in his muscles and he tried to stretch but was restricted by the tight shirt. His fingers fumbled with the buttons as he removed it. By the time he’d finished he was panting. Free from the shirt, he stretched his shoulders. His skin groaned, like a rubber band pulled too tight, as he did. His inner beast begged to be freed. Mason clawed at the runes on his chest, and wished once more to be rid of his curse. He growled in frustration and blew out a breath.
Damn. What was he thinking? He couldn’t let this happen. It couldn’t be. She was a Vampire. The ones who’d stolen from him, killed his mother and now enslaved him. He would not fall for her, no matter what she made him feel. He had to get away, before someone found out what he was. Garon might have lost him in the auction but he was still out there, and a monster like that didn’t just give up.
He opened the drawer and slid the knife underneath a pair of red silk pajamas. Had Danika had picked them out herself, he wondered, while running his fingers over the soft fabric. Visions of her removing them from his body swirled in his mind and gripped his gut. He swore again and slammed the drawer shut, then threw open the window and let the cool breeze run over his skin in an effort to clear his mind of her. Minutes later, he turned back to the dresser and opened the drawers, looking for something less restrictive to wear.
There were underwear, socks, shirts and other clothing, all marked XXXL. He scratched at his arm thinking of the tight cotton on his body once more. He wasn’t sure how long he could take dressing like an ape in a suit.
He hung the shirt and vest up. Then he shucked off his pants and placed them neatly on a chair. He walked in his boxer briefs to the adjoining bathroom. Throwing on the water, he didn’t even wait for it to warm before stepping in. He needed a cold shower. A cold shower and a whole night to decide what he was going to do. He needed a new plan, a plan that centered on not falling in love with a Vampire lord.