Chapter Two

Lowan sat in his favorite antique chair, a replica of a Pharaoh’s gilded throne. Sure, he was as blue-blooded as any good Englishman, but there were none in this day and age as ruthless or as cunning as the old conquerors of the East. Their absence resulted in a breed of vampires who were soft and easily herded. If he had his way, he would pick up where good old Hatshepsut left off. Yes, even his kin would kneel in surrender and call him a God.

Just like the beautiful female kneeling at his feet paying homage right now. Oh, she was so good. Skilled in all the ways of pleasing a hot-blooded vampire. After all, he’d had the pleasure of schooling her personally. It had taken some breaking on her part—she had put up a good fight after being stolen from her supposed mate. But given enough time and incentive, any woman could be taught to heel. And like it.

She chose that moment to look up. What pretty hazel eyes, such a light brown, rimmed with gold and glazed with passion. So eager in her ministrations. Lowan gasped audibly as her talented tongue snaked out to circle the head of his cock before she took him clear to the back of her throat.

Oh yes, on her knees was where she worked best. And after she sucked him dry, she would go about her duties and service the other males in his specially chosen company. Rogue or not, he was Clan Hatsept and his harem was a place of order. Duties of both the household and amorous kind were undertaken by all of his women to the best of their ability, favored or not.

The first signs of a glorious climax simmered just underneath his full sac. The sweet high-voltage current circled his balls and inched its way up to the base of his cock. She sucked harder, suctioned him into her warm mouth.

Fingers buried to the scalp in her dark, curly hair, Lowan couldn’t help pumping his hips up to meet her luscious lips.

“Oh yeah, suck it for me, love. Suck me dry.”

Her answering murmurs of approval urged him on, faster, harder. She liked it that way, strong and deep no matter which hole he used. The humming around his cock combined with the building pressure was so acute, he slammed his head back against the backrest of his throne as he shot his seed deep on a bellow of approval.

She licked him clean while he gently eased his fingers through the thick curls on her head. Such an obedient and compliant lass. Now that she was trained, Lowan never had to tell her what to do. And she was so passionate in bed, it was almost as if this calm and docile side was some kind of alter ego.

He stood, folded his arms over his massive chest. She rose with him, her fair skin aglow from the small golden flames of the candles he’d asked her to light earlier. Interesting. She used to be uncomfortable being completely naked while he was fully clothed. Now she seemed to enjoy prancing around for him.

Lowan nodded towards his semi-hard cock but didn’t say a word. She understood. He watched her small but strong fingers gently tuck him back into his loose-fitting pants and tie them closed.

“Myles,” he called to the quiet figure seated across the room. Shrouded in shadows, his best friend and Second rose and walked silently across the hardwood floors until he reached the carpet that marked the edge of sacred territory. Lowan’s throne sat in the middle of that sacred space and no one dared step onto it unless given permission.

“Come.” Before Myles could bend to untie his boots, the female was there unlacing them, then helping him toe them off so he could step onto the large carpet.

“Report?” Lowan sat down in his place of honor and waited.

Myles opened his mouth to speak. Instead of a report, a harsh groan slipped out. She’d already undone his belt, unbuttoned and eased the flap aside on the front of his gray and black camouflage pants.

Lowan felt one side of his mouth kick up into a smirk at the look of bliss on Myles’ face. The man moved his lips twice more in an attempt to speak while she eased his quickly hardening cock out of the fly of his boxers.

On the third try he said, “The Seekers we bought off in London have…oh God!” Myles’ fingers clenched into fists. He resisted the urge to take up the duty of running his hands through her hair while she sucked him with perfect cherry lips. But no one dared touch Lowan’s personal “guests”, recipient of hair-raising blow job or not.

“Sher,” Lowan crooned. “You’re so good, sweeting. Back up so Myles can form a complete sentence.”

Lowan patted his thigh. Her big light brown eyes sought those of her master as she released Myles’ now wet cock with a soft popping sound. She left Myles just as he was, turned and climbed into Lowan’s lap. He could have sworn he heard a quiet purr as she settled down so he could pet her.

Myles cleared his throat and tried again.

“The Seekers we bribed in London haven’t been seen in a few days.”

Lowan eased his hands around two perfect breasts and gently played with the puckering nipples. “And this is significant because?”

“Because if they’ve been reassigned, it’s possible that the V.C.O.E. might send him here to figure out why you haven’t at least been spotted by those assigned to this region.”

Him. Lowan knew exactly who Myles meant. Alaan Serati, the meanest fucking Seeker the vampire nations had ever known, outside of Jon Bixler. And for those considered outlaws by the Council, neither of those vampires stalking anywhere within a hundred miles of them was a comforting thought.

“Sher, leave us.”

She hopped up and left the room without a word, her beautiful breasts bobbing as she went. When she reached the huge double doors, she turned and waited. Lowan nodded his head and she pushed the little button on the wall and walked down the long hallway. Lowan watched her shapely backside until the doors slid closed.

“It may be nothing, sir, but I can’t recall London ever lacking Seekers, especially in Knightsbridge.”

Lowan rose and bore down on his man. “Find out what the hell is going on, Myles. The last thing I need is Alaan Serati prowling around this city or anywhere in England. It was bad enough to have him on my ass before we left the Western territories.”

“Not to mention the woman,” Myles said quietly, looking down at his deflating cock’s sudden burst of life at the mention of her.

“I’m not worried about that. She is, and will remain, mine and mine alone.”

“Yes, sir. Good night, sir.”

Lowan sat on his throne, stroked the hieroglyphs painted on the gilded, paw-shaped armrest and pondered the words of the man making his way towards the door. V.C.O.E. had managed to thwart all his attempts at planting a mole among their ranks since the last one was uncovered three years before. Alaan played a hand in capturing the rogue, Aleth Sidheon, along with the liaison for the Western territories. Rather, the former liaison for the Western territories.

No hope in that quarter. So, perhaps it was time to call in a favor? After all, rogue or not, he was still a Hatsept.

 

 

 

The Council Chamber doors stood open to admit fifty of the Full and Beta Seekers assigned to protect the Western territories. Iudex Judges accompanied them into the vast hall, filling less than a quarter of the huge room. The rest of the force, on assignment throughout the U.S. territories and around the world, stood by waiting to be conferenced into this morning’s briefing.

All ten clans were represented here among the soldiers and the Council Elders seated around the raised half-moon dais on one side of the room. The Vampire Council of Ethics convened here in the Western U.S. territories during the winter months. The Elders responsible for the U.S. Eastern territories, as well as those in Europe, Asia, the Pacific Rim and Africa, had the duty spread among them during the rest of the year. With spring quickly approaching, the Council Elders and their mates, which included Alaan’s parents, would be off to Europe to meet with the constituents there. And now that he and Bix were responsible for all Seeker activity throughout the vampire nation, he still occasionally ventured abroad to meet personally with their subordinates to keep the force running smoothly.

Though most clan members had their own holdings, all V.C.O.E. properties were unique, tastefully done and oversized to accommodate the number of vampires that might gather at any one time. Given the vast riches of the collective clans, they could afford to build and own vast estates of extreme beauty. But this chalet-style mansion was home, spread over four hundred and fifty acres in the Flathead Valley of Montana. Alaan had been born here, embraced the changing of the seasons on this land. The subtle transformation of thick green tree-covered hills and rolling meadows into an explosion of gold, red and rust-colored leaves called to his soul every fall. Walking across the snow-blanketed lands was just as cleansing to his spirit as hiking through newly sprung grass and wildflowers in the springtime.

Finally, the Council filed into the round, opulent space through a side door. All ten Clan Elders and their mates walked up the carpeted steps to the high dais to the only seats arranged in the room. Nine sat down at the table. Matriarch Alaana Serati and her mate, Ralen, Elders of both Clan Serati and the U.S. Mountain region, were responsible for these proceedings. They remained standing as the Seekers and Judges settled into their ranks in an orderly fashion, their voices at a low hum. Alaan and his elite team stood at the front of the ranks, side by side. All were present…except one.

Alaan glanced to his left the second he sensed Tameth enter. God, he could practically smell her as his eyes took in the lithe movement of her limbs. She strolled across the floor, all confidence and feminine grace. More than enough woman for any vampire, she was a lean, mean fighting machine, yet so soft and compassionate he wondered how she managed to have two such opposing inclinations housed in one lovely body. The long leather trench denoting her rank as Seeker draped over a form-fitting leather shirt and matching leather pants, all done in a shade of turquoise that set off the blue highlights in her long coal-black hair. The exotic beauty was all business, bristling with knives and weapons, some seen, some unseen, he was sure. He caught the dull glint of the hilt of her sword poking up from the hidden sheath between her shoulder blades as she strolled to her place at the head of the pack awaiting her orders. Damn, she was glorious.

And five minutes late.

If she noticed that all of the Seekers on the property were present rather than just their extraction team, she gave no indication of it as she took her position next to him on the front line.

The second she reached his side, his irritation at her effect on him spilled out.

“Glad you could join us, Mizz Serati-Cole,” he drawled for her ears alone.

“Thank you for waiting, Barry,” she answered sweetly. He bristled, hating the nickname bestowed on him by none other than Tameth herself. After hearing him speak for the first time years ago, she’d claimed his voice was so deep it reminded her of Barry White. The woman had even begged him to sing her a song. And she’d teased him ever since.

Separating himself from the ranks, Alaan walked to the base of the dais and stood on the bottom step. Silence filled the room.

“Elders, we are ready to begin the briefing.”

“Go ahead, Seeker.” This from the Matriarch of Clan Serati. Alaan repressed a knowing smile as his mother gave him the order with a sneaky little gleam in her eye. He’d shared Bix’s orders with her regarding Tameth before entering the Chambers and she was well aware that those present were in for a surprise. But he wondered if his mother had a surprise or two for him as well.

The soft leather of his trench swirled around his booted feet as he turned to address his subordinates.

“For the rest of my time as Head Seeker in Bix’s place, Tameth Serati-Cole will act as my Second.” He almost laughed out loud at the echo of gasps quickly swallowed up by Seekers immediately regaining their composure. But an expression of shock skipped across Tameth’s lovely features. From forehead to chin, the muscles of her face twitched underneath her flawless skin as if they had trouble deciding whether to appear happy, humbled, or flat out amazed.

Continuing quickly, he said, “She holds the highest rank next to Bix and myself. She is also second to none in blade skills and combat experience. Now, for the next couple of weeks, or however long the hunt requires, I and a select team will be away from headquarters. Those on the extraction team for this mission have already been notified and should be prepared to depart on Stealth Two exactly one hour after this briefing.”

He glanced over at Tameth’s still-changing face and quirked a brow.

“For those on this mission, be advised that if you have any questions about the coming hunt, please see Seeker Serati-Cole before you bother me.”

Well, he hadn’t intended to be quite so glib, but he was too amused watching Tameth to be serious at the moment.

“Seeker, are you with us?” he queried, wondering if she realized her mouth had fallen open and remained wide enough to catch flies. And such a lovely mouth, too. Lips so lush and full. The thought of pressing his mouth to hers flash-flooded his thoughts. And what about having those lips wrapped around various parts of his body? He hadn’t allowed himself to consider such things since Sher’s death.

Aw hell, he’d done it again, let his head get away from him, and in the middle of a briefing, of all places. Well, if he wanted to keep the rumored size of his cock from being proven true or false through his pants right this moment, he’d better get it together.

Shut it down, man! Think about something else, like extremely wrinkled grandfather vampires in the shower. Better yet, old people sex! Alaan cringed at the self-inflicted ghastly image. Okay, that did it. He was definitely under control and breathed a sigh of relief as the cock that had threatened to rage only moments ago settled down to sleep against the inside of his thigh.

Addressing the Seekers once more, his voice rang clear throughout the huge chamber.

“Seeker Xian from Clan Li and Seeker Clouds-of-Light from Clan Akicit will be responsible for the Seekers here while Seeker Serati-Cole and I are away. Judge Earlon of Clan Vanett will be responsible for the Iudex Judges. However, Seeker Serati-Cole is still Second even while she is away on the coming mission. If you must, please contact her on her private vid-cell. And last, you will all work together or you’ll have to deal with Bix, myself, and Seeker Serati-Cole the moment we return. Any questions?”

At the group response of, “No, sir!” he dismissed them and the small horde of the deadliest and most feared vampire soldiers filed out without a sound, leaving Alaan and his extraction team alone with the Council.

Once the massive double doors clicked shut, Alaan motioned them to stand at the foot of the dais below the Elders. Their pilot, Randall, Slade from Clan Li, and Alex from Clan Akicit had all proven their worth during many a hunt. Kenoe from Clan Hatsept and Tameth from Clan Serati were the senior Seekers. Collins, a seasoned warrior from Clan Sewell stationed out of Scotland, would also be joining them.

“The mission is to locate and apprehend the rogue and fugitive, Lowan Shean,” Elder Vannett, Bix’s uncle and the leader of his birth clan announced.

“Who? Sounds familiar…” Tameth said, obviously over her surprise at being announced Second.

All eyes were glued on the huge screen mounted behind and just above the Council dais. An image appeared and a collective silence reigned in the room.

“Lowan Shean,” Alaan said with a growl as the rogue’s photo was displayed on the communications screen. “Lowan Hatsept-Shean.”

 

 

 

Tameth was not easily surprised, caught off guard or intimidated, but two shocks in one day? First, Alaan announced she would be his Second, a position she should have had anyway but knew he was too stubborn to allow her to fulfill. And now, the face that flashed up on the screen looked so much like Kenoe, they could have been brothers, only this man was clearly colder, more ruthless. It was evident in the hard glint in his icy bluish-white eyes and in the harsh lines of his mouth. Thick white hair, a distinct and marking trait of every Hatsept, hung well past his shoulders. Lush but manly lips tipped up into a small smile and gave the only relief to the arctic picture he presented.

Those lips were parted just enough to show sharp fangs. Clan Hatsept males hardly ever sheathed, not caring to conceal their true natures or hide from what most of them considered an inferior subspecies: humans. Amazing they’d never exposed the vampire world in all these many long years. Every Hatsept Tameth had ever met had gleaming white teeth and a respectful and kind countenance, regardless of the fact they tended to horde women. But this particular Hatsept made her veins fill with ice. Something about the bastard screamed cruel.

“Note him well,” Alaan said firmly. “We’ve made several attempts to apprehend this rogue. He is good at flying under the radar, so to speak. It’s been almost six years since we’ve gotten a good lead on Lowan. And if he hadn’t been sighted and ID’d in London by one of our informants, we still wouldn’t know where he was.”

Tameth watched Alaan’s fluid movements as he walked the line of Seekers who would assist in the capture. As he approached Kenoe, she didn’t miss the fact that her good friend, who sported the usual Hatsept ultra fair skin, had gone paler than usual. At the same time her insides were alive with the blaze of Alaan’s passion in regard to this particular mission. Made perfect sense since Lowan Hatsept-Shean had been responsible for Sher’s death. And the outlaw had made it crystal clear he’d taken great pleasure in the malicious act.

Pacing slowly, Alaan said, “This will be one of the most dangerous missions we’ve taken on in a while. More dangerous than the apprehension of Aleth Sidheon. Why? Because this one comes back alive, if at all possible, at the Council’s request.”

The hunt for Aleth Sidheon three years ago had been one of the most important busts in V.C.O.E. history. Vampire law enforcement was a family that looked past clan lines. But the Sidheon bust had caused an elite team to rise from within what had already been considered the best. The team working together in pursuit of this Lowan Shean rogue was part of that special force. The most skilled and ruthless of every rank of Seeker and Judge there was. And Kenoe Hatsept was counted among them.

Alaan stopped in front of the slender but athletically built Seeker and quietly asked, “Do you have any problem bringing down a member of your own clan, Kenoe? It’s something I’ve had to ask every Seeker at one time or another. No offense.”

And Tameth was surprised to instinctively know he genuinely meant every word.

Kenoe held Alaan’s gaze with never-wavering blue-white eyes full of something akin to pure hatred. A hatred that flared at Alaan’s mention of Lowan Hatsept being in the same clan as him. Tameth kept her features schooled but made a mental note to ask Kenoe about it later.

Kenoe Hatsept might not be Alaan’s favorite person in the world but he’d proven himself in battle. He’d also saved the V.C.O.E.’s collective asses with what had proven to be a clear aptitude for science. He’d used that scientific gift to help reconstruct Carin Bixler’s biological ammunition rounds and use them to defeat the very rogue who’d kidnapped her—Aleth Sidheon. Those rounds turned Sidheon into nothing more than a black greasy spot underneath a pile of ash.

“No problem taking down a rogue, no matter the clan, sir.” Kenoe’s voice was strong, steady. Tameth felt pride well up in her breast as his words rang loud and clear, spoken with such lack of emotion and conviction, it was clear he was completely serious.

Alaan nodded his respect and turned to answer questions from the other team members.

Tameth followed him with her eyes, but her thoughts and emotions were a swirl of amazement and wonder. Alaan was fronting. The tough guy persona he projected all the time didn’t feel real just now. And she now understood what Carin meant when she said she used to have a habit of projecting her thoughts when she was emotionally overwhelmed. Alaan might not be projecting to the world, but he was certainly getting through to her.

She felt his stance on Kenoe as clearly as if it were her own. So what else could she learn about Alaan with this newly discovered connection? A wicked smile kicked up at the side of her mouth. Thankfully Alaan wasn’t looking at her. Aw damn it! This thing must work both ways. The second she started grinning, he whirled around and pinned her with an accusing glare as if she’d kicked him in the ass or something.

Features schooled once more, Tameth cleared her mind of all thought and returned Alaan’s stare. But it didn’t erase her newfound knowledge that through all his bluster he didn’t really hate Kenoe Hatsept. He just didn’t like the gorgeous white-haired hunk hanging around with…her? Huh. What a revelation, though an unspoken one.

Tameth’s lungs began to burn the longer Alaan held her gaze. Well no wonder—she was holding her breath. She painted on her Seeker’s kiss-my-ass expression, inwardly relieved when one of the team members, a veteran Seeker and Judge named Collins, asked Alaan an important question. One the rest of the team probably wondered about as well.

“Seeker Serati, what about weapons? What have you in store for us this time?” A deep Scottish brogue accompanied a sexy, crooked smile. So, this was the grin that had supposedly stripped off the very clothes of many a vamp female, eh? Not to mention his efficient and clean way of taking down an enemy. The man was almost as feared among vampires as Bix and Alaan. And it was obvious from his question that Collins was eager to stomp a mud hole in some rogue vampire’s ass.

Matriarch Alaana quietly cleared her throat and Alaan turned his clear jewel-blue eyes to meet hers.

“Seeker Serati, if you and your team would please turn your attention back to the video conference screen.”

Alaan cocked his head in question but didn’t say a word. This might be his mother speaking, but she was also leader of every Clan Serati member, no matter where they lived on this earth. And when she stood in her office of authority she brooked no nonsense, especially from a subordinate male.

One of the Council Elders tapped a button on the conference phone sitting in the middle of the large table and a dial tone sounded throughout the room. Seconds later the big screen lit up and flashed as the call connected.

To everyone’s surprise, including Tameth’s, the beautifully vibrant image of Alaan’s adopted sister appeared on the huge video screen—Dr. Carinian Bixler, biochemist extraordinaire and mate to the Head Seeker, Jon Bixler.

Alaan’s deep bellow made the muscles in Tameth’s stomach dance, even as it shook the rafters clear up to the high vaulted ceiling.

“Damn it, Carin, you’re supposed to be resting after having a baby, not working!”

“I have been resting, thank you very much. And I had a baby, not heart surgery, big brother.”

Alaan glared at the video screen, his stare so hot and angry Tameth was surprised the smooth lacquered floor didn’t burst into flame. But Carin wasn’t moved, so everything must be normal.

Tameth stifled a giggle when the woman glared right back and said, “Alaan, don’t you dare tell Bix I had anything to do with this mission.” Amused at Carin’s wit and sauciness, Tameth watched the byplay with a smile. Before Alaan could say another word, Carin, as usual, managed to shut him up. She wondered if Carin could teach her how to do that.

“Look, don’t you piss me off, Alaan Serati, or I’ll fly back to Montana for the sole purpose of kicking your ass. As your adopted sister, I’m a Serati female. Now whatcha got to say about that?”

Alaan’s lips may have pressed into a line so thin you could cut frozen meat with it, but he didn’t say another word. Who wanted to risk pissing of the top biogeneticist in all of vampiredom? Besides, there was nothing quite like a black woman’s wrath, or so Bix claimed. Funny how that statement was always followed by a smart-assed grin and a sated sigh.

“Besides, I have the Matriarch’s permission, as well as the rest of the Council,” quipped the gorgeous, dark-skinned image on the video conference screen.

Whoa! Tameth rocked back on her heels as Alaan’s feelings swept into her head and she felt him clear as a bell.

If only Bix would let me spank her, I’d wipe that damned smirk off her gorgeous face. Damned woman.

She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing out loud. So Alaan wanted to spank Carin? This intuitive empathic stuff was a bit unnerving but highly convenient. Alaan’s feelings for his sister were tender and brotherly, while his opinion of Kenoe was reluctantly respectful. And his feelings towards her? Hell, did she really want to know? Perhaps she was better off without this weird bond thing between them…

Wait a minute. Bond thing? Oh, goodness. No, she was being ridiculous. It just couldn’t be. Could it?

“Now that we’ve dispensed with the family pleasantries,” Elder Ralen Serati chimed in, “let’s get on with the details of the mission.”

Carin nodded with a pleasant smile, then addressed the room in general. “I’ve been working long distance with Seeker Kenoe—” nobody called him Seeker Hatsept, “—and Dr. Lyons to prepare some special items for you. I can see everyone just as clearly as you can see me, so we’ll do this interactively, all right? Boys, if you’re ready, let’s do this.”

As if on cue, Kenoe and Dr. Lyons stepped over to a long, covered table off to the side, picked it up and carefully carried it over to the team. The doctor pulled back the black cloth to reveal a number of shiny and interesting-looking items while Kenoe gathered up a stack of papers and passed them to each member.

“Okay, here’s what we’ve been working on,” Carin began. “The document Kenoe’s handing out has a full description of how this stuff works. Let’s start with the improved allergy shots for those of you still struggling with a silver allergy. And Alaan, your sun allergy is pretty much under control, but your hayfever is going to kick in with spring right around the corner.”

Tameth burst out laughing at Collins’ rough grunt. He obviously wanted to get on to the weapons. But Carin, in typical form, wasn’t moved at all.

Instead she said, “And for you, Collins, I’ve been working on an ugly pill.”

The entire room tried to stifle their humor but Tameth laughed harder. Collins grimaced.

“I also have a nice new set of long knives for each of you. A nasty and very unfriendly bacterial serum coats the blade. Major skin irritant that’ll have you sick as a dog in seconds, so don’t cut yourselves. We also have some new rounds for your pistols. Kenoe will explain what he and Dr. Lyons came up with in that regard. After we cover the new modified weapons and ammunition, Dr. Lyons is going to give you a special inoculation to reduce your body’s need for hemoglobin. Works for forty-eight hours. During that time, you’ll have to increase your protein intake. It’s been fully tested and that should be the only side effect. If it’s not, be sure to let me know.”

As Carin, Kenoe and Dr. Lyons carefully and thoroughly explained all, Tameth felt Alaan’s irritation diminish and his admiration skyrocket. But she couldn’t sort out for whom. Just Carin? Just Kenoe? Or all of them?