Chapter Two

Saloni stared at Rahul, her pulse racing. Love and regret shone in his eyes and her anger slipped the slightest bit. She couldn’t surrender to him. Not again.

“It’s too late, Rahul,” she whispered, unable to completely keep the sadness from her voice.

“We’re different people now. I’m not an innocent young girl anymore. I’m a two hundred year old vampire and an assassin for The Wakened Veils. I’ve broken the ties to my mortal life.”

“If that’s true then you never would have gone after me for revenge. You wanted to punish me, Saloni, and I don’t blame you, but you didn’t hate me enough to want me executed.”

“That doesn’t mean I still love you.”

“Did you ever love me?” His brow furrowed and his dark eyes took on an intensity that threatened to burn her alive. When he looked at her like that, she nearly melted.

Summoning the inner strength that had come from learning how to survive in a harsh world, she said, “This is pointless, Rahul, and I will not discuss it.”

This time when she tugged her hand, he released her.

“We will discuss it, Saloni,” he told her. “Perhaps not now, but before our sentence is up we will sort this out.”

“There’s nothing to sort out.”

With swiftness that took her by surprise, he wrapped an arm around her and covered her mouth in a searing kiss.

Saloni stiffened but didn’t pull away. Warmth from his body seeped into her flesh and his cock pressed against her. Such intimacy made her tremble, almost overwhelming her with emotion.

Her passion rose to a dangerous level and she hated how he turned her on. If only she could get over him and get on with her life.

His lips moved teasingly against hers and she couldn’t help responding. The tip of his tongue traced her lips then thrust possessively between them.

A wicked thought darted through her mind and she acted on it. Her fangs sank into his tongue.

Rahul grunted, a sound of pleasure-pain. The taste of his bittersweet blood filled her mouth, rousing the vampire in her. Waves of intense pleasure broke over her and she cursed herself silently. In her attempt to hurt him, she had only succeeded in further tormenting herself.

Rahul growled and tightened his arms around her. Her eyes closed to better enjoy the sensations, Saloni thrust her pelvis against him and gyrated, hoping to appease the delicious sexual ache that was quickly consuming her.

At that moment, they were distracted by the sound of metal sliding against metal. A slit at the bottom of the door opened and a tray of food slid inside.

“Saloni? Are you all right in there?”

It was Kesi, fellow vampire, a great warrior, and the woman who had introduced Saloni to The Wakened Veils. Kesi was also a good friend. At least she had been until she’d found out that Saloni had told a few lies to encourage The Wakened Veils to help her seek revenge against Rahul.

Saloni felt badly about what she’d done, but more than anything she’d wanted to get back at Rahul. Worst of all, she’d been far more angry over his engagement to another woman than what had happened between them so many years ago. She had been as much, perhaps more, to blame for their initial falling out and the tragic loss of their child. She couldn’t bear knowing that he had somehow managed to forget her and fall in love with somebody else. She had tried to do the same, but to her no man compared to the weretiger.

“Saloni?” Kesi repeated, harshly this time, but Saloni knew that only meant her friend was concerned. Kesi often disguised what she considered “soft” feelings with a brusque attitude.

“Girl, you better answer me or else I’ll kick your ass and I’ll definitely kick that pussycat’s ass if he’s done anything to you.”

“I’m fine, Kesi,” Saloni said. “But if you’re so worried about the pussycat hurting me, why did you put me in this cage with him?”

“I didn’t put you in the cage. It was the decision of the First Wraths.”

The First Wraths were the three supernatural women who had founded The Wakened Veils.

“You agreed with them,” Saloni retorted. “I thought we were friends.”

“We are, but you can’t use the sisterhood for something stupid, like jealousy because the pussycat got engaged to another woman.”

“Enough with the pussycat!” Rahul growled.

Saloni glanced at him and saw anger gleaming in his eyes.

“Here, pussy, pussy, pussy,” Kesi called. Saloni didn’t have to see her to know she was sneering.

Rahul drew a deep breath and released it slowly. When he spoke, he’d regained his composure and said, “What else can I expect from an old bat?” He glanced at Saloni and added, “Forgive me. Two old bats.”

“As long as you’re okay,” Kesi said. “I need to leave. While Raine and Sanjay are taking care of business in India, I’m taking over her duties in the USA.”

“Has my father already left?” Rahul asked.

“He and Raine left early this morning,” Kesi told him, referring to his father’s fiancée.

Rahul gritted his teeth and slammed his fist into his palm. Saloni nearly laughed aloud.

Apparently he’d hoped his father had remained behind and would perhaps try to convince the First Wraths to free him early.

“What did you expect?” Saloni said. “He did promise you he would go to India and explain to your fiancée why you’re going to miss the wedding.”

Ignoring her, Rahul snatched the tray of food and brought it to the table.

“Is there anything you need before I go?” Kesi asked.

“Separate cells,” Saloni said.

“You know I can’t do that. You’ll just have to work it out with the pussy--” This time Rahul roared, a tiger-like sound that shook the walls.

“Work it out with him,” Kesi said. “I wish you luck. Sounds like you’ll need it.”

“Thanks a lot,” Saloni said before Kesi closed the slit, once again leaving her and Rahul completely alone.

Her arms folded beneath her breasts, Saloni paced the cell.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” Rahul asked. He glanced at her then back to the tray as he divided the bread, fruit, and meat between them. “Oh yes. Raw meat.”

He dipped his fingers into a bowl, removed a chunk of juicy steak, and popped it into his mouth.

Saloni curled her lip and raised her eyes to the heavens.

“Don’t look so disgusted,” he said. “You’re the one who considers blood ambrosia. See. Your sisters haven’t forgotten you. Here’s a bottle of Type O Positive.”

“I don’t think you’re the least bit funny. I never did.”

“Who’s joking?” He picked up the wine bottle and pointed to the typed letters pasted to the side.

“It says right here. Type O Positive. I know so little about vampires. Tell me, how many people do you kill to fill these bottles?”

“I don’t kill anyone. I prefer to take a little from willing donors.”

“Really?” Rahul grinned, his white teeth gleaming in contrast to his dark skin. Five-o’clock shadow dusted his handsome jaw line, reminding Saloni of how it had tickled her face when he’d kissed her. He continued, “I’m most interested in hearing about these donors. Do you just drink their essence, or are there other perks to providing the lovely temptress Saloni with blood?”

“Is sex always on your mind, Rahul? Do you think of nothing else?”

“Of course, but if our goal here is to speak the truth I must admit that it’s difficult not to think of sex when I’m trapped in a room with you.”

“Then I suggest you take a cold shower.”

“Like you did?” His eyes gleamed with mischief.

With a snort of annoyance, she stepped closer and snatched the bottle from his long, lean fingers.

“As I said, I don’t know all that much about your kind, but if you prefer your blood fresh rather than from a bottle, I am at your disposal.” He bowed from the neck but the teasing glint in his eyes contradicted the respectful gesture.

“Don’t tempt me, Rahul, or you might just become my first kill.”

“Why not? I have been your first for other things.”

Her teeth clenched and heart pounded with fury. The man was pushing her past the limits of any normal woman.

Rahul grinned, took another chunk of meat and chewed it slowly while keeping eye contact with her. He ran the tip of his tongue over his full lips.

She quickly took a plate of bread and fruit along with the bottle and sat on the bed to eat.

“Don’t drop any crumbs,” he said.

Glaring, she turned her back to him. His amused chuckle irked her, but she refused to continue their verbal sparring match. Perhaps the best way to get through their sentence would be to ignore him.

When they finished eating, Saloni placed their dishes on the tray and left it by the door. When she turned around, Rahul emerged from the bathroom wearing black shorts.

“You could at least put on a shirt.”

She needed him to put on a shirt, damn it. Gazing at those gorgeous pecs and chiseled abs was getting to be too much to handle. Her hands itched to caress him. With his broad shoulders and sleek chest dusted with black hair, he was the epitome of raw virility. His thick, dark hair randomly streaked with lighter shades of brown brushed his shoulders, reminding her of how tufts of the tiger’s striped fur framed its face.

The first time she’d seen him shift shape, she’d been overcome by a combination of fear and awe. He’d only done it a few times in her presence, once to prove to her that he was indeed a creature of myth, then a couple of other times when she’d asked to see the tiger. To a mortal woman the idea of shape shifters existing was almost beyond comprehension. Now, as a supernatural creature, she was thoroughly aroused by one of the few beings more powerful than herself. Not many creatures compared with weretigers in sheer power or ruthlessness. Though most saved their savage tendencies for the hunt or for their enemies, some clans had sunk to murder. They flaunted their power, slaying humans as well as their own kind if they so desired.

Saloni knew Rahul’s clan was honorable. His father, Sanjay, was a good leader and made sure his tigers abided by the ancient rules provided by the goddess who created them. She didn’t doubt that when it came time for Rahul to lead, he would make his father proud.

She shook her head. When had she started to admit that part of her respected him? Who was she trying to fool? She had made a terrible mistake in refusing to marry him. Instead she had bound herself to a cruel, violent man whose abuse had taken something from her she could never get back.

“What’s wrong?” Rahul asked, stepping nearer.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because you looked sad just now.” He cupped her cheek and used his thumb to gently stroke her flesh.

Saloni nearly closed her eyes from the pleasure. Instead, she walked away.

“We’re going to be here for a month,” Rahul said. “Can’t we use the time to get to know each other again?”

She turned to him and arched an eyebrow. “I don’t believe you, Rahul. Aren’t you an engaged man?”

“You know my father has gone to call off the engagement. Even if I wanted Nidhi after this, I doubt I could ever make up for missing our wedding.”

“Why should it matter? With your track record, you and she have probably already enjoyed the wedding night.”

“I’ll have you know that Nidhi is a respectable lady.”

“Meaning I’m not?” Saloni glared. “The world has changed, Rahul. Women no longer have to be pure or dependant on men. At least when I gave you my virginity, I loved you. Can you say the same?”

“How many times do I have to say it?” he shouted. “Time and again I told you I loved you and wanted to marry you. I talked to your father and your mother, but they wouldn’t listen to reason any more than you did. They wanted you to marry a man of their choosing. One whose family could improve your father’s business. I did the honorable thing and stepped down so you could be happy.”

“Happy? You think I was happy with a man who took pleasure in abusing me? My family was all I knew. When they threatened to disown me if I didn’t marry Geet, I didn’t know what to do.”

“You could have gone against them.”

“Would you have gone against your father and your clan for my sake? You said you loved me, yet you kept your feelings for me a secret. You never even told your father about us until The Wakened Veils tried to kill you.”

“We were both wrong, Saloni, but if you want the truth then here it is. If you had agreed to marry me, yes, I would have left my father and my clan for you.”

She held his gaze. “And if you hadn’t left India, I would have left my husband for you and for our child.”

“Saloni.” He took her in his arms and held her close to his warm, hard chest. She rested her cheek against it, her body tense. More than anything she wanted to surrender to him, but she couldn’t. “I wish I could go back and change everything. If I had known you were pregnant, I never would have gone.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore. I have my own life now and you have--what’s her name? Nidhi.

Don’t worry about her not wanting you. She’ll take you back.”

“I’m not going back.” He stepped away and paced the cell. “It wouldn’t be right. I don’t love her.”

“Then why--” “Because I need an heir for my bloodline.” He paused and shook his head. “That’s not true, either. By tradition I should have an heir, but after talking to my father I know he would not force it upon me. I don’t love Nidhi and I see now that marrying her would be wrong.”

This time when he took her in his arms, she welcomed his embrace. His mouth covered hers, their tongues stroking and hands caressing as much of each other as they could reach. They poured two centuries of denied love into the kiss.

Saloni sighed. “Well, perhaps this sentence was good for something. At least we saved one woman’s heart from breaking.”

Cursing softly under his breath, Rahul released her abruptly and strode toward the bathroom.

“Where are you going?” she demanded.

“To take a cold shower.”

While Rahul disappeared into the bathroom, Saloni decided some yoga practice would not only help to pass the time, but also keep her focused. She needed something to maintain control around Rahul. The man either aroused or infuriated her. A month seemed liked an impossible amount of time to go without attacking him one way or the other.

When he finished showering, he joined her in practice. Unfortunately watching his gorgeous body move into the different positions was terribly distracting.

After several hours, their next meal arrived and this time they sat at the table to eat.

“I must admit I found it strange to learn that you and your father own an architectural firm,” she commented.

“Why?” he asked.

“I was under the impression your kind prefer the wilderness to the confines of an office building.”

“We do, but what you seem to forget is we are weretigers, a combination of man and beast. We have tiger instincts yet the needs of men.” A flirtatious grin curved his lips when he mentioned the latter. He picked up a thick bone from his plate and used his fangs to crunch into it. At times she still found it odd how he could manipulate different parts of his body, easily shifting teeth, claws, even his facial shape, without completely changing into the tiger.

“Tell me more about Nidhi.” She forced her jealousy into submission and tried to appear genuinely interested.

Rahul laughed. “You don’t want to know about her, just as I have no interest in the men in your past.”

“What do you mean in the past? Perhaps I have a man in my life right now.”

“You do.” His steady dark gaze held hers and her appetite vanished, at least her appetite for food.

The need to taste his blood again, to feel his body close to hers almost overcame her. She wanted him so badly she was tempted to crawl across the table directly into his arms.

“Then don’t tell me about her,” she said, pushed her plate aside, and left the table. “You can collect the dishes this time. I’m going to sleep.”

“It’s a little early for that.”

She spun on her heel and glared at him. “What else is there to do?” His lips parted as if to speak, but she held up a hand to stop him. “Don’t answer that, Rahul. I have had more than enough of your lewd innuendos.”

“You’re determined to make this sentence miserable for both of us, aren’t you?”

Ignoring him, she walked to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Afterward she went to bed.

Rahul, who had been pacing the cell, placed the tray of dishes by the slit in the door, then lay beside her. His arms folded behind his head, he stared at the ceiling.

“I thought you said it was too early for bed?” she asked.

“I did, but you’re right. What else is there to do? At least here I can close my eyes and imagine--” “You’re with Nidhi?”

He glanced at her, an annoyed expression on his face. “No. I was going to say I could imagine I’m home in the jungle. Remember the times you walked through the jungle with me?”

“Yes. I was terrified of being bitten by a snake or eaten alive by some other animal.”

“No you weren’t. I was there to protect you and I was the only thing eating you alive.”

“Rahul, that’s disgusting!”

“Is it?” He rolled onto his side, supporting himself with his elbow. The play of his sleek muscles beneath dark brown skin fascinated her. “I remember a time when you begged for the caress of my lips and tongue.”

“I never begged you for anything.”

“Only to leave you alone so you could marry Geet.” Once again he flopped onto his back. At least he had the decency not to taunt her by asking what her husband had been like in bed. In truth he seemed angry and disgusted that Geet had mistreated her. Even her parents hadn’t been concerned for her welfare. She had done everything they asked, everything to be the ideal daughter and wife, and what had it gotten her? Physical and emotional pain.

Without further conversation, she slipped into bed and lay with her back to him. She had finally begun to relax when she felt him shift position.

“Saloni.” He rested a hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. Warmth from his palm seeped into her and she nearly melted.

“What?”

“I know you still feel something for me. If you didn’t, you would have asked your sisters to execute me right away. My father wouldn’t have had a chance to track me down, let alone stop the fight between us. And again at the trial, you had the chance to see me and my father killed on the spot, but you stopped it.”

“I wanted you punished, Rahul.”

“But not killed.”

“No.”

“Because part of you still loves me. Look at me.”

“No.”

“Why? Because you’re afraid I’ll see the truth in your eyes, just like I always have?”

She turned toward him and met his gaze. “It doesn’t matter whether I love you now or ever loved you.”

“It matters to me.” The sincerity in his eyes touched her deeply, nearly forcing her to surrender.

“Then why did you ask Nidhi to marry you?”

“I told you why. The question is, why didn’t you come to me right away when you found out I was alive? Why did you spy on me then wait until I finally decided to marry before acting against me?”

“Because you were already engaged to Nidhi when I located you. What was I supposed to do?

Throw myself at an engaged man?”

“I did for you. Threw myself at an engaged woman.”

“Maybe I learned from our first mistake.”

“Up until now, neither of us have learned anything,” he said. “No don’t turn away.”His hand on her hip guided her back into position so they continued facing one another. He cupped her chin in his hand. “We lusted after each other, but we could have had more. I wanted you then, Saloni, and I want you now. When you said our imprisonment saved Nidhi from heartache, you were right. I don’t love her. I would have done my best to be a good husband, but I could never feel about her the way I feel about you.”

“Rahul, please don’t do this.”

“Why? Are you stupid, woman? We have been given a second chance. Even for immortals that’s a rare opportunity when it comes to love.”

“As a vampire I might not be able to give you children, and if we do have a child who knows what will happen to your bloodline? Maybe he will be a tiger, maybe he will be a vampire. There are no guarantees.”

“There are never guarantees in life.”

“Rahul, I just don’t know--” “Then take this time to find out.”

Before she could reply, he covered her mouth with a gentle yet probing kiss. Pushed beyond the brink of passion yet still in emotional turmoil, she surrendered. Her arms slipped around his neck and she pressed her body close to his.

Rahul groaned with pleasure and held her closer. Saloni’s hips moved in time with the slow, steady rhythm of his tongue against hers. For two centuries she had yearned to make love with him again. Now she would wait no longer.

He rolled onto his back, his arms still wrapped around her so that she lay atop him, breast to chest, pelvis to pelvis. Moaning softly, Saloni caressed his face while her tongue explored every inch of his mouth.

Rahul broke the kiss and trailed his lips along the side of her neck. He cupped her breast in his large, warm hand and kneaded gently. The pad of his thumb brushed her nipple and the flesh stiffened to a sensitive peak. It felt so wonderful that Saloni purred with pleasure. Rahul dipped his head lower and took the hard bud between his lips. His tongue ran over it, then he nibbled it gently. Gasping, Saloni tensed with anticipation. Already she wanted to feel his thick, hard length inside her, but he seemed in no mood to hurry. He used the very tip of his tongue to tease her nipple by tracing tiny circles around its taut core then widening them to encompass the areola.

“Oh!” Saloni gasped. She arched against him and clutched his head, holding him even closer.

“Rahul, please!”

Growling deep in his chest, he sucked her nipple hard, then released it, leaving it stiff, yearning, and chilled by the air. He lapped the soft flesh beneath her breasts. After kissing her stomach, he began sucking and licking her other nipple. While his lips and tongue teased her breast, he reached down and parted her thighs. He stroked them gently and used a fingertip to trace the ticklish joining of her inner thighs and pelvis. Saloni wriggled, a smile on her lips. This experience was too wonderful for words. His hand covered her soft mound and he stimulated her with his gently kneading palm.

Saloni’s heart raced with desire. For so long she’d dreamed about being with Rahul again. Vivid memories of the times they’d made love filled her mind, yet nothing compared to actually touching and kissing him.

“Saloni,” he murmured, his deep voice raw with emotion. His lips roamed over her breasts while at the same time he slid a long, slender finger into her sheath. A second finger joined it and he stroked her hot, wet flesh.

Moaning, she tightened her vaginal muscles around his exploring fingers. Such stroking felt good, but she knew it wouldn’t compare to the sensations when he finally filled her with this steely cock.

He withdrew his fingers, damp from her sheath, and began stroking her clit in tender circles that soon had her panting and writhing with need. A shiver of passion raced down her spine. With her eyes tightly closed to better enjoy the sensations, Saloni arched her neck against the pillow and moaned, “Oh, yes! Rahul, oh please!” She teetered on the edge of orgasm, unable to think of anything except how much she needed him.

With swiftness that nearly stole her breath, he moved lower, lifted her legs over his shoulders, and covered her plump, throbbing clit with his mouth. The first caress of his tongue nearly hurled her into bliss. Trembling from head to toe, she clutched handfuls of his thick hair.

Rahul grasped her hips and held her steady as he lapped and sucked her clit.

Saloni hadn’t felt such marvelous sensations since she and Rahul had made love all those years ago in India. Several more slick, upwards strokes of his tongue and she convulsed. Waves of pleasure rolled through her body. Her head thrashed back and forth and her muscles strained as Rahul continued to lick until the last pulsation rocked her.

Before she fully recovered from the intense climax, he covered her body with his. Bracing his forearms on either side of her head, he kissed her. The tip of his swollen cock pushed into her lust-slicked pussy. Ever so slowly he eased into her, filling her with his long, thick erection.

“I’ve dreamed about this, Rahul,” she murmured, clinging to him.

“So have I,” he whispered so close to her ear that his breath tickled her. Then he kissed her again. His tongue traced the shape of her lips before thrusting between them, matching the rhythm of his steadily pumping hips.

The marvelous friction built, heating their aroused bodies even more. Saloni held him tightly, her legs curving around his. Moaning, she drove her heels into his calves and ran her palms over his back. The feeling of hard, straining muscles beneath his warm flesh thrilled her yet at the same time brought forth feelings of tenderness. Long ago Rahul had made a place for himself in her heart. No matter what happened, part of her had always loved him and would love him forever.

Her keen vampiric ears detected his heartbeat, a staccato rhythm that aroused her to mystical heights. His virile, musky scent encompassed her. The urge to bite him overwhelmed her and she sank her fangs into his shoulder. He responded with a growl of pure lust. The taste of his delicious blood combined with the sensual stroking of his cock hurled her into another climax even more intense than the first.

She sucked and groaned, greedily lapping his essence while her pussy squeezed his cock until he exploded inside her.

Panting, she withdrew her fangs, lay beneath his hot, sated body, and enjoyed their closeness.

Her fingers wove through his hair and she inhaled the tempting scent of satisfied male.

With a contented grunt, he rolled onto his back and tugged her close. Saloni rested her cheek against his chest and caressed his sleek abdomen.

“Saloni.” He kissed her hair. “I’ve missed you.”

“Oh, Rahul, I’ve missed you so much. I--I’m so sorry about everything that happened.”

“It was as much my fault. More. No matter what the circumstances, I shouldn’t have left India before being certain you weren’t pregnant. Not only that, I shouldn’t have compromised you, regardless of how much I wanted you. I let my desire and my heart rule when I should have listened to my head.”

“I wasn’t a child, Rahul. I came to you knowing I was engaged to another man. Unless I had the strength to rebel against my family and tradition, I should have walked away from you. And once I knew I loved you, I should have married you. You cared about me, and my family didn’t. I realized that too late and because of that our child--” She paused. Even after so many years, the pain of losing her baby--Rahul’s baby--felt as fresh as ever.

He tightened his hold on her and kissed her again. “I wish I could ease your pain. All I can do is promise to love you. I can’t make up for the past, but I will do all in my power to make your future happy, if you give me the chance.”

“Rahul.” She shifted position so their gazes met. “We’ve wasted enough time. There’s so much we need to learn about each other. What if--” “I’m looking forward to getting to know you again, but the truth is I’ve never stopped loving you.”

“I love you, too, Rahul. All those years ago I was too stupid to fully understand the magnitude of what we shared, but I won’t make that mistake again.”

Smiling, he caressed her face. “Don’t worry. This time I won’t let you.”