Forgotten Lover

Caveat Emptor 5: Forgotten Lover Zenobia Renquist All rights reserved. Copyright ©2011 Zenobia Renquist ISBN: 978-1-60521-681-2 Formats Available: HTML, Adobe PDF, EPub MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader Publisher: Changeling Press LLC PO Box 1046 Martinsburg, WV 25402-1046 www.ChangelingPress.com Editor: Katriena Knights Cover Artist: Marteeka Karland

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Caveat Emptor 5: Forgotten Lover Zenobia Renquist Can she bring herself to resume loving a man who is supposed to be her enemy? Captured by mages, Medusa is more upset at her own weakness than the mages’ idea of torture. Once free of them, she plans to slaughter them all. Except, there is one mage who awakens long-buried memories of desire from a past best left forgotten. She knows this man to the depths of her soul, but she and Darius are on opposite sides of a war that has raged for centuries. It’s more than her heart at stake if she gives in to her desires.

Chapter One Medusa didn’t react as her thick dreadlocks rained down around her ankles, shorn from her head by the grinning mage across the room. In fact, she couldn’t react. The mage had locked her mind under the powerful spell of a docility charm. She gave the charm more credit now that she could feel the power of it firsthand. Even though she fought it with all her might, she couldn’t break its hold. She stood naked before the leering mage because she had no choice. He’d commanded her to strip. The charm had made her obey and bare her long, lean body to the mage. The mages were truly cruel bastards to inflict such an imprisonment on anyone, to leave the mind aware yet powerless. Medusa no longer condemned those of her brethren who had slaughtered their captors once freed of the charm’s power. She had plans to do likewise. Such revenge didn’t begin to amount to correcting the shame and forced feeling of helplessness she endured. Perhaps she would find a way to revisit this horror on her mage captor. Only then, after he learned her pain, would she kill him. Yes. That idea made her want to smile. She couldn’t. She had no control over her body. “Are you angry at my actions, vampire?” the mage asked in a taunting voice. He flicked his hand at her. Medusa could see the arc of power headed toward her and felt it shear the hair from her head once more. The mage had amused himself with this game for the last ten minutes. Everyone knew that cutting a vampire’s hair was futile. The hair grew back exactly the same in a matter of seconds -- minutes if it was longer like Medusa’s anklelength black dreadlocks. The mage had started with the dreadlocks she kept encased in metal links. He made a big production of tossing each thick lock into a molten fire so she could watch

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the hair burn and the metal melt. She didn’t care. She treated her hair in a like manner all the time. Her hair was of a length that washing it was a pain. Rather than go to the trouble, she simply cut off the entire lock at the scalp. The hair that grew back in its place was perfectly clean. She had only to reapply the metal links that graced each length from root to tip. Her twenty lock-whips were her most lethal weapons. That was all she saw the hair as. A weapon. She had trained for decades, learning to wield the weapon with deadly ease. Losing it amounted to the same as losing a sword or a gun -- annoying, yet easily replaced. She would have told the mage as much if he asked. He didn’t. Instead, he laughed at his own cleverness at torturing her with a punishment she cared nothing about. He waited a full minute, allowing her dreadlocks to grow down her back, before he cut them off again. His cackling laughter made her want to sigh and roll her eyes. She wished he would get on with whatever else he planned to do to her. She had a fairly good idea of what he wanted. He had her standing naked before him with her feet shoulder-width apart, which spread her long, slender legs open. The mage had corrected her posture, ordering her to arch her back so she jutted out her small, pert breasts and pointed her semi-erect nipples in the man’s direction. Both magical and electrical lighting brightened the room to the point where it pained Medusa’s brown eyes. Like any vampire, she preferred darkness. She could only guess the lighting was another form of torture. The mage approached her, still laughing at his own joke. “You are mine, vampire. You will do all that I say the moment I say it.” Medusa said, “Understood.” She hadn’t wanted to speak at all. This accursed charm was the only true torture she acknowledged.

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His gaze roamed over her face. “I have many vampires already. They serve me well enough. You will have only one use in my household.” He reached toward her breasts. Here we go, she thought with mild annoyance. Except she didn’t feel like standing there and taking it. Those days were over. She wanted to wring the man’s neck. That want -- the strongest desire she’d had in over a decade -- allowed her to curl her hands into claws. The charm’s magic might be strong, but she’d seen Theron fight it. If his will could overcome it, then so could hers. “Get away from her!” That command was shouted by another mage who entered the room. The mage threw power at Medusa’s captor, tossing the man against the far wall. Her captor righted himself and lifted a glowing hand at his assailant. “You dare attack me, Darius?” “Quincy, you are an idiot.” Darius gestured to Medusa. “Look at her eyes.” Medusa managed enough control of her body so she glared at them both. Quincy stared at her in shock. “That cannot be.” He shook his head as though that would make everything better. “The charm is active. She should be nothing but a doll.” “She would have killed you the second you touched her. Obviously your magic isn’t up to the task of containing her.” Darius held up an envelope. “I’m willing to take her off your hands.” “How much?” “Well over what you would get if you sold her through normal means.” He tossed the envelope. Quincy held out his hand and beckoned, making the envelope zip over to him. He thumbed through the contents. “You think your magic can overcome everything. Your arrogance will get you killed. Have her, then. When she disposes of you, I will laugh at your stupidity and take her back.” Quincy left the room. Darius watched the man go before facing Medusa. He sighed and shook his head. “Come, vampire.” He turned and walked away.

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Medusa didn’t want to follow him. The charm overrode her senses again and made her walk. Rather than waste energy she might need later, she simply allowed the charm to function. Once night fell, she would have more freedom. She would leave this place, killing as many of the mages as she could in the process. Starting with the mage she followed. This mage was shorter than she was by four inches. That would make him about five foot seven. He was lean, but she didn’t mistake that for weakness. The way he moved spoke of a body trained for fighting. A martial art of some sort, possibly. Most mages were soft from depending on their magic for everything, but not this man. Martial arts training would mean he had speed. Medusa remembered the way he had arced power at Quincy. The spell had moved quickly, not even allowing Quincy enough time to shield. This Darius might not have vampire speed but he would be a formidable opponent if Medusa didn’t time her attack properly. Some primal part of her cautioned her to be wary. The man walked with his back to her, knowing she could fight the power of the charm. That had to mean he didn’t fear that she might attack him, because he knew his powers could overcome any attack she launched. She sensed none of Quincy’s stupidity in this man. That was dangerous. Darius stopped at a doorway, opened it, and then stepped back, waving her forward. She walked to the middle of the room and then faced him. Now what? Would he continue what Quincy had started? If that was his plan, he better do it quickly. She could feel the sun moving across the sky. The man had less than two hours before sunset. She had no qualms about killing him mid-coitus if it meant she would be free. He closed the door behind him before stripping off his floor-length mage cloak. The thick, black cloth fell to the floor with a soft thud. Darius rolled his shoulders and then his neck as though happy to be free of the burden. He said, “Now then.”

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Medusa readied herself to endure as he reached toward her. He touched the charm nestled at the base of her neck. A surge of power shot through her body and then he stepped back. “There.” What? Medusa lifted her hands. Her movements were her own. Her body obeyed her, and she hadn’t had to wait for sunset. She looked at Darius, instantly on guard. “What are you doing? What trick is this?” “No trick.” “You’re the idiot you proclaimed Quincy to be if you think your magic is faster than me.” “Attack me if it pleases you.” He backed away from her and sat on his bed, giving her an expectant look. She didn’t trust his open invitation. It was a trick of some kind. He had a magical trap waiting that would damage her as soon as she neared him. “No.” He raised a questioning eyebrow and looked amused. “Really? Such a pity.” “Are you hoping for death, mage? Is that why you brought me here?” “Death? No. I hope for something else entirely.” He stood and walked over to her. “You would have been wasted on Quincy. I make a much better partner.” With a speed that rivaled her own, Darius grabbed her to him and laid his lips on hers. She stared at him, too surprised to pull back or push him away. He ended the kiss and smiled at her. “You are as sweet as I remember.” “What? I don’t know you.” “How cruel of you to say you don’t remember me. I remember you quite well. You were so shy in those days.” She pushed away from him then. “What are you talking about? What days?” “When you were human, Medusa.” He nodded at her wide-eyed shocked expression. “My name. How do you know my name?”

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“You told it to me.” “You’re human,” she whispered. “You cannot have known me when I was human. That was back in the eighteen hundreds.” “I am a mage, Medusa. Not only am I a mage, I am a mage lord. Immortality is child’s play to me.” She could only stare at him. A distant memory tickled the edges of her mind. A memory from her time as a weak, subservient human who had cowered at the sight of her own shadow. She hated remembering those days. She wasn’t that woman any longer. But this man… His face triggered those memories. Odd eyes, one blue and one brown, held laughter and mischief in equal parts. His brown hair riddled with streaks of blond and red brushed his neck and the tops of his ears. Not enough to pull into a ponytail but enough for a lover to run her fingers through. Medusa knew the softness of that hair. It was like petting a cat. Hair so fine should never top a human’s head. At the time she had thought he was some wild beast that had taken human form. She stumbled back a few steps, not believing the direction of her thoughts. It couldn’t be. The man she had known in the past was human. The man before her was human too. But he said he possessed immortality. If that fact had been true then as well… She rasped, “Lord Arundel?” “The same, sweet Medusa.” He bridged the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers once more. “I will remind you of what you have forgotten.” One part of her fought against the memories his kiss invoked while another part reveled in their return.

Chapter Two Nineteenth century, Henwick Manor, England Medusa handed her mistress a light blue fan and then reached to open the bedroom door. Miss Adelaide swept past Medusa without a word, her stiff skirts rustling as she hurried to greet her guests. Viscount Henwick and his wife had returned from the London season with several friends in tow, many of whom the couple had handpicked as suitors for their daughter. Bachelor lords and sons of lords, accompanied by one or both their parents, made up the guest list. Medusa had seen a few of them as they were shown to their rooms. One guest looked as old as Miss Adelaide’s own grandfather. For her mistress’s sake, Medusa hoped that man was the father of a suitor and not a suitor himself. Medusa followed Miss Adelaide down to the salon. She kept close to the walls as she entered the room so no one would notice her. One man cleared his throat, bringing the attention of all in the room to him. “I must say, Lord Henwick, I do find the attire of your servants a bit distracting. In a good way, mind you.” The man chuckled as he swept his gaze over the men and women standing along the walls with Medusa. Lady Henwick echoed the man’s laughter with a bit of her own. She fluttered her fan. “Well, that is the general idea, Lord Kilburn.” “I don’t remember seeing these particular servants when I visited your London house. I only remember the Chinese ones.” Lord Henwick said, “The Chinese are our London servants. Their attire is entirely more appropriate for London sensibilities. Here in the country where we keep our Indian and African servants, we hold no such standards.” “Indeed.” Lord Kilburn made an appreciative sound as he gazed over the servants once more.

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They referred to the harem pants Medusa and her fellow servants wore. The women wore blue pants with gold embroidery and matching fitted vests while the men wore gold pants with blue embroidery and matching loose vests. The men’s vests hung long to their knees, but the women’s vests stopped just below the bust line, leaving their bellies bare to the leering eyes of Lord and Lady Henwick’s guests. “So it is true that you have only foreign servants. Are they all indentured?” another gentleman asked. “Not all, Lord Crowle,” Lady Henwick replied. “The majority have paid back their debt to us and now remain out of loyalty. Medusa, for instance.” Medusa barely kept the surprise from her face at Lady Henwick’s words. Her debt was paid? Since when? No one had told her of this. True, she hadn’t asked, but that was only because she had been punished the last time she had. Such a lesson only needed to be learned once. Lord Crowle asked, “Which is Medusa?” “Guess. I dare say you’ll know right away.” Lady Henwick laughed at her private joke. Her husband and daughter joined her. Lord Crowle made a thinking noise. “Could it be… but no, it cannot. That would be too obvious.” Miss Adelaide said, “Sometimes, my lord, the most obvious answer is the right one.” “Then that one there. Those ropes atop her head do remind me of the mythical Medusa. Am I right?” “You are,” Miss Adelaide said with a giggle, clapping her hands. “Medusa, come.” Medusa rushed to Miss Adelaide’s side and bobbed a curtsy. Miss Adelaide turned Medusa so she faced the room of guests and said, “This is Medusa. Papa brought her from the Dark Continent when she and I were both children. Her parents abandoned her. Papa could not do the same, so he brought her here.” She pulled Medusa down.

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Unsure what her mistress wanted of her, Medusa went to her knees. “This, Lord Crowle, is not rope. It is her hair.” Miss Adelaide picked up one of the thick strands that hung to Medusa’s neck. “It is knotted. Mama likened it to snakes, as you did, my lord. For that reason, Papa named her Medusa.” Lord Henwick said, “In fact, many of our servants have mythological names.” One of the ladies giggled. “Oh-ho. And which of these lovelies is Aphrodite?” Lady Henwick replied, “Aphrodite is Lord Henwick’s pet name for me, isn’t it, my lord?” “Indeed.” Lord Henwick kissed his wife’s hand. Miss Adelaide made a small shooing motion with her hand. Medusa stood, bobbed another curtsy, and then returned to her spot. The discussion of the room turned to guessing the servants’ names. Of course everyone started off guessing the names of gods. They were wrong on all counts. Lord and Lady Henwick gave no servant the name of a god. They saved such praise for themselves and their prized horses. Medusa hadn’t learned the true meaning of her name until four years ago when Miss Adelaide’s tutor had started teaching Medusa reading and writing out of sheer boredom. Medusa found a new joy in reading the many books contained within the Henwick library. The books took her out into the world beyond the Henwick country estate, a place she had never left since arriving there as a child. She shared her new knowledge with other servants who wanted to learn. However, the gift had made her think above her station for a time. That was when she had questioned Lord Henwick about her indentured status, a word she hadn’t known the meaning of until after learning to read. Her goal had been to find out how long until she earned a wage she could spend buying more books. Lord Henwick had viewed the question as an offense deserving twenty lashes. Medusa never asked again.

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The sound of the dinner gong pulled her from remembering one of the most painful nights of her life. She looked up and watched the guests file into the dining room. The servants followed after. Medusa took up her normal spot behind Miss Adelaide’s chair. She watched her mistress flirting with every man within her reach. Her parents urged her on when the conversations would have faltered. Every man seemed receptive to Miss Adelaide’s attention. She was a very beautiful girl who had inherited her mother’s looks and her father’s golden hair. Of the two, Medusa thought Miss Adelaide more deserving of the moniker Aphrodite than her mother. Lady Henwick reminded Medusa more of Hera. She was just as vengeful and jealous when Lord Henwick turned his attention to one of his scantily clad servants. Thankfully, Medusa’s one folly had earned her dishonor in Lord Henwick’s eyes. She hoped it remained that way, because she had seen the damage left on the women Lord Henwick had deemed worthy once his wife was done with them. “Medusa.” She jumped when the unfamiliar male voice said her name. She looked around quickly to see who had called her. The man seated on Miss Adelaide’s right said, “A truly tragic heroine in Greek mythology. I cannot help but feel sorry for the poor creature.” Lady Henwick gave an unladylike snort before she sipped her wine. “I shouldn’t see why, Lord Arundel. That Medusa should have known her place. Our Medusa has no such issue. Do you, child?” Medusa hung her head lower, frightened of being the center of attention again. “No, my lady.” The man who had spoken shifted in his seat so he looked over his shoulder. “Do you know the story of your namesake?” Medusa looked up at him and found herself caught by his strange gaze. Strange only because one of his eyes was blue and the other brown. She had never seen that before. She didn’t know how long she stared but Lord Henwick cleared his throat.

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She turned her gaze to the floor once more. “Yes, my lord. I do know of the tale.” Lord Arundel asked, “And is your story similar?” “No, my lord. I cannot turn men to stone.” Many around the table laughed. Lord Henwick said, “Of course she cannot, or else poor Lord Arundel would be a statue by now.” Miss Adelaide shifted closer to Lord Arundel. “I would not mind overmuch if he was. That would mean he would stay here.” Lord Arundel toasted her. “Such a fate is not unwelcome.” He took a sip of his wine. When he lowered his cup, Miss Adelaide raised her hand. Medusa jumped forward with the decanter and poured more for him. She chanced a glance at Lord Arundel, wanting to see his eyes again. Such strange eyes. He smirked at her. She stepped back quickly and tried her best to blend in with the wall hangings. The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Soon Medusa followed Miss Adelaide back to her chamber and helped the woman undress for the evening. Medusa was glad to see the day finished. She only hoped the coming days would be less eventful. She also hoped Miss Adelaide chose her future husband soon so the other guests would leave. Medusa didn’t like the way some of the men stared at her or the other girls. Miss Adelaide sat at her vanity penning a letter. Rather than interrupt, Medusa started inching quietly to the door. “Be still, Medusa. I will need you to deliver this once I finish.” Medusa nodded and stood as still as she could. It only took a few minutes more before Miss Adelaide finished her letter, folded it, dabbed it with a bit of perfume, and then held it out. “Deliver this to Lord Arundel. Make sure no one sees you, especially not Mama and Papa. I want to know his reply immediately.” “Yes, miss.” Medusa took the letter, curtsied, and left the room.

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Lord Arundel’s room was the last on the hall and the farthest from Miss Adelaide’s. Medusa moved on silent feet as she trotted down the hall. A few servants passed her as they went about their tasks. They didn’t acknowledge one another. She arrived at Lord Arundel’s door and scratched at it. “Come.” She frowned a little. He hadn’t asked who she was. Had he known to expect the letter? Medusa opened the door only a little and peeked around the edge. “Lord Arundel?” she asked in the barest whisper. “Come in and close the door, Medusa.” He didn’t bother looking at her as she did as he bade. Like Miss Adelaide before him, Lord Arundel sat at his vanity. He was reading letters rather than writing them, though. Medusa stayed near the door and waited for him to acknowledge her. She kept herself from wringing her hands because that would crumple the letter she carried. Her mistress would be angry if Medusa did such a thing. Lord Arundel finished reading his letter before facing her. He smiled slowly. “This is a welcome surprise. Why are you here, Medusa?” She crossed the room and held out the letter to him. “My mistress, Miss Adelaide, sends this for you, my lord.” He took the letter. When he would have set it aside, Medusa said quickly, “My mistress wished a reply, my lord. She said I am not to leave until I receive it.” “Is that so? Well, then…” He opened the letter and read the contents with a bored manner before tossing it aside. “Such a trying and needy woman. Not at all attractive in the least.” Medusa didn’t say anything. It was normal for the aristocracy to speak their minds openly as though she weren’t there. She had heard many damning things in her years as Miss Adelaide’s servant. No one thought she would repeat any of them. She

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hadn’t. She wouldn’t. It was enough that she knew them. It felt like power of some kind. Lord Arundel reached for her. She thought he would touch her hair. He and the others had seemed enamored of it and the mythology of her namesake. She jumped with a startled squeak when he cupped one of her breasts instead. She looked at him in question. “My lord?” “You, on the other hand, are very beautiful, Medusa. I would not mind taking what Adelaide offered from you instead.” He stood. Medusa shook her head at him. “I am not… I could not possibly… Miss Adelaide will want me to return with your answer.” She looked at the door quickly, wondering if she could run to it in time should Lord Arundel attack her. “That little twit will wait with bated breath until the end of time so long as she thinks she will gain what she wants. So let her wait.” He flicked his free hand at her. All of Medusa’s clothes flew from her body. They landed in a neat, folded pile near the door. She couldn’t understand what had just happened. How had he done that with only a gesture? Her questions would go unanswered, as she had other things to worry about. Lord Arundel bore down on her, herding her toward the bed. She sat against its softness, staring up at him. He said, “There’s no need to be frightened. I plan to make you feel very good, Medusa. I have wanted to touch you since first laying eyes on you earlier this day. It is my luck that Adelaide was foolish enough to send you to me with a late night message.” He smoothed his hand up her leg. Medusa didn’t know what to do. If she denied him, Lord Arundel might accuse her of trying to seduce him. That would make Miss Adelaide angry, and the woman might force Medusa to leave. Medusa had no other place to go. She sat still as he touched her stomach and her breasts. Fine shivers shook her body.

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Lord Arundel said in a soft, soothing voice, “There’s no reason to be afraid, Medusa. I will not hurt you. Just the opposite.” He dropped to his knees before her and smiled up at her. “Open your legs. I’ll show you what I mean.” She hesitated for only a second before doing as he bade. “Wider.” She opened her legs more. Embarrassment made her whole body flush as Lord Arundel stared at her pussy. What did he plan to do? He drew his fingers over the insides of her thighs. “A little more.” She nodded. She had to brace her hands on the bed and scoot to the edge so she could open her legs as wide as they could go. Lord Arundel leaned in close to her. She could feel his breath on her intimate flesh. She wanted to close her legs. “Have you ever felt a man’s touch, Medusa?” “Yes, my lord.” “Oh? Who?” “Achilles. He’s a stable hand. We… once, out of curiosity, we embraced.” Lord Arundel rested his chin on her thigh. “Did you enjoy it?” She shook her head. “No, my lord.” The encounter had hurt. She couldn’t understand why the books had described such an act as pleasurable. It had been fumbling and awkward and messy. When Achilles would have engaged her again, she refused him flatly. They hadn’t spoken more than was necessary since. Lord Arundel chuckled, sending his warm breath over her skin. “This Achilles did not know what he was about if he could not satisfy you. But I am not upset by his misstep. It means the pleasure of hearing your first cries of orgasm will be mine alone.” He spread her pussy lips wide and then ducked his head. She felt his hot velvet tongue tease her hole and then drag up to her nubbin. The sensation made her squirm back on the bed to get away from it. “Easy, Medusa,” Lord Arundel said in a low voice. “Come back.”

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“Yes, my lord.” She moved herself forward again. “Good girl. And you may dispense with the formality. Call me Darius.” “I cannot.” “Yes, you can. Try it. Darius.” She opened her mouth, trying to push his name past her lips. She had never called a Henwick guest by anything but their title. Such an infraction would surely see her punished. “Darius,” she whispered. “Good girl.” He laid a kiss on the inside of her right thigh. “Again. Louder this time.” “Darius,” she said in her normal voice. “Like music, as I knew it would be.” He laid a kiss on her belly. “Now then, my sweet Medusa, I would like you to put your hands on my head.” She reached out, only to stop before touching him. He smiled at her. “Go on.” She laid her hands on his head, ready to pull back. The softness of his hair surprised her. She’d only felt the likeness on baby chicks and some cats. Such fine hair didn’t belong on the head of a man such as Lord Arundel… Darius. She smoothed her fingers into his hair, enjoying the softness. He rolled his head beneath her fingers and made a rumbling noise almost like a cat purring. The sound made her giggle. “Do I amuse you, Medusa?” She gasped and yanked her hands away quickly. “I apologize, my lord. I did not mean to laugh at you. I would not --” He covered her lips with a finger. “Laugh all you like. I enjoy the sound. I imagine I will enjoy all the sounds you make. Return your hands to my head, if you please. Your fingers are quite soothing.” After she complied, he said, “And remember, I told you to call me Darius.” “Yes, Darius.”

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He bent his head forward, and the feel of his tongue returned. Darius moved his tongue in long, quick strokes between her pussy lips. Heat built within her body, and tingles spread through her stomach as the contact continued. He licked her a few times and then sucked at her nubbin and then licked her more. Back and forth, over and over, until Medusa found herself breathing hard. She clutched at Darius’s hair, unable to stop herself. She also couldn’t stop her hips from rocking against his mouth. She tried to hold still, but her body moved on its own. Something like an explosion occurred around the area Darius touched. She bowed over his shoulders as she cried out in surprise and wonder at the sensation. Darius’s chuckling brought her back to reality. She straightened and looked down at him. His odd-eyed gaze mesmerized her as it did every time she saw it. He asked, “Did you enjoy it?” She nodded, too in awe to speak. “I should have guessed by the way you are trying to crush me.” He looked pointedly at her legs, which gripped his shoulders tightly. “Oh!” She opened her legs, not sure when she had closed them, and sat back on the bed. “Such beautiful legs. So strong.” He kissed one leg and then the other. “Alas, my shoulders are not where I want to feel them.” He braced his hands on the bed as he moved over Medusa. She still had her hands on his head. The look in his eyes scared her a little, but she didn’t push him away. She did feel the need to point out one obvious fact. “I will be missed. Miss Adelaide will want her reply. I cannot tell her of this.” “I did not expect you to mention it. This --” He slipped a single finger deep into her pussy, making Medusa gasp and squirm beneath him. “-- is between us and us alone. No other need know about it. Do not worry, Medusa. I will write Adelaide’s

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reply when we finish. You will simply tell her that I wished the words to be perfect and that was the cause for the delay. Agreed?” She nodded. “Good. Legs around my waist, if you please.” He removed his finger from her and tapped her leg. She wrapped her legs around his waist, hooking her ankles behind his back. Darius lifted up and carried them both farther back on the bed. He then lowered himself so Medusa lay against the cushion of the mattress. He pressed his lips to hers. She opened her mouth when she felt his questing tongue, allowing him entry. He tasted sweet. She slid her tongue across his to taste more. She felt him smile against her lips. Good. She had pleased him. That was good. Darius spread her pussy lips wide as something hard and blunt pushed at her entrance. She knew it was his cock. She also knew the pleasurable feelings of before would end with grunting and pain. She only had to endure it. Darius pushed his hips forward a little only to pull back. When he pushed forward again, he went deeper but pulled back before he was fully within her. He continued his slow entry until Medusa’s pussy had accepted all of him. It felt different from her time with Achilles. Better. There was no pain. She wasn’t sure if she should do something as well, so watched Darius for any type of cue. He pulled back from their kiss and drew in a breath before he moved his hips, pulling almost all the way out of Medusa before driving his cock home once more. She cried out in surprised pleasure. This wasn’t the same. Not at all. When Darius retreated a second time, she found her hips moving on their own, meeting Darius’s thrust halfway, trying to feel him deeper. Could he go deeper? He gripped her leg, digging his fingers into her thigh, as he moved faster. Medusa found herself panting loudly. She slapped her hands over her mouth to keep the sound from carrying. She didn’t want anyone to hear her and interrupt this wonderful feeling. It was as sweet and decadent as the books had described.

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Darius bent over her and took one of her nipples into his mouth. He swirled the tip of his tongue over and around her nipple before sucking at it. Medusa arched into his mouth, moving her hands from her mouth back to his hair to hold him in place. He only released her nipple long enough to switch to the other. Passionate moans filled the air. It took Medusa a moment to realize the sounds were hers. She didn’t recognize her own voice. And it was loud. She didn’t care any longer. Let the others hear her. Her sudden boldness made no sense. Nothing made sense except the feel of Darius. She cried out his name as an explosion much stronger than the one from before crashed over her. Above her, Darius pulled his cock free of her body and spilled his seed on her belly. He jerked a few times as the hot liquid left him. Medusa reached one hand between them and touched it, Darius’s essence. Hot and sticky. She wondered if it was as sweet as his tongue. Darius caught her hand before she could taste it. He gave her a rueful smile. “Do that, and it will force me to take you again though I know I must send you away.” She stared up at him in confusion. He only laughed as he backed off the bed and pulled her to her feet. A damp cloth appeared in his hand. He used it to wipe off her stomach and between her legs. She didn’t move as he attended her. It was the first time someone had seen to her needs in such a way. Darius helped her dress, which was a good thing because Medusa was in a daze. He turned her so she faced him and placed a light kiss on her lips. “Return here tomorrow night.” She nodded. “Good girl. Go back to your mistress now. Give her this.” A letter appeared in his hand from thin air. Medusa took the letter but didn’t move. She didn’t understand what was happening.

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Darius chuckled. He turned her toward the door and gave her ass a light pat. “Go now.” Medusa managed to go all the way back to Miss Adelaide’s room, but she didn’t remember the journey. She scratched at the door. It flew open, startling Medusa out of her stupor. Miss Adelaide snapped, “Where were you, you stupid girl?” Medusa held out the letter. She said in a shaky voice, “Da… Lord Arundel wrote his reply.” Miss Adelaide’s anger turned into instant glee as she snatched the letter out of Medusa’s hands and tore it open. Whatever the contents of the letter, it made Miss Adelaide very happy. So much so that she hugged Medusa. Not knowing how to react, and her body still sensitive from Darius’s earlier attentions, Medusa simply endured the young woman’s embrace. Miss Adelaide didn’t seem to notice the lack of reciprocation. She pulled back and read the letter once more. With a big smile splitting her lips, she said, “Make sure to pull out my summer dress with the red trim for tomorrow.” “Yes, miss.” “Good. Now go away. I need rest. I must not look tired. Lord Arundel will want to see me at my best.” Miss Adelaide hustled Medusa out of the room and closed the door. Medusa walked slowly to the stairs. Each step made muscles twinge that she had never used before. The twinges reminded her of the sweet time spent in Darius’s arms. It also reminded her that he would do it again tomorrow night. She couldn’t wait.

Chapter Three “Did you hear about the murdered girls?” Medusa stopped setting the tray before her and looked back at Circe, another servant. They were all in the kitchen going about different tasks. Medusa asked, “What murdered girls?” “How could you have not heard?” Electra said, “Everyone is talking about it, Medusa.” Medusa shook her head at the women. “Talking about what? What has happened?” Circe said, “Seven girls killed in the last five days. Each was found completely drained of blood. And that’s not all. Each was left in a lewd position with a man’s seed spread over her as though she were involved in fornication.” Merope joined the group and said, “I heard one was found with her skirts flipped over her head and her legs spread.” Circe said, “Even worse still, each girl was a servant in one of the nearby manor houses. Many of us think one of the lords is taking advantage of girls and then killing them when they forget their place.” Everyone looked at Medusa. She ducked her head and returned to setting Miss Adelaide’s tea tray. Merope said, “You need not bother denying it, Medusa. We all have ears. If Lord or Lady Henwick discovers your actions, death is the least of your worries.” Medusa shook her head. “I am doing nothing wrong.” Of course, she was lying. Wrong was the only definition for what transpired between her and Darius. She had spent the last ten nights in his arms and enjoyed every second. He assured her they would never be caught. She believed him.

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So what if the others heard? They hadn’t informed the Henwicks of Medusa’s actions, so they must not disapprove too greatly. Circe laid a hand on Medusa’s shoulder. “You cannot believe anything will come of this. He is courting the young miss. He will probably marry her. You are a servant, completely beneath his notice except for in that one instance.” Medusa pulled away from Circe and shook her head. “I do not… He said --” Electra said, “Do not, Medusa. Do not delude yourself into thinking something more than what you already have will come of this dalliance. We only ask that you be cautious. There is a killer on the loose.” The women went back to their separate tasks, turning their attention away from Medusa. She stared at the tray in her hands when it started rattling. It took her a moment to realize she was shaking. With a deep breath, she stilled her nerves and her hands. She wasn’t an idiot. She already knew she had no future with Darius, not the type of future Miss Adelaide might have. Medusa couldn’t bring herself to deny him, to deny herself. She felt so much when he held her. She rushed out of the kitchen toward the solarium. She had taken too much time preparing the tray. Miss Adelaide would be angry. “Ah, there she is,” Darius said in a jovial voice once Medusa entered the solarium. Miss Adelaide snapped her fan closed and shot Medusa an annoyed look. “It took you long enough, you silly thing.” “Now, now, my dear. There’s no need to be cross.” Darius kissed Miss Adelaide’s hand, which made the girl giggle and flare her fan so she could flutter it quickly at her flushed cheeks. Medusa tried her best to ignore the exchange and how Darius kissing Miss Adelaide’s hand made Medusa want to stab the woman with the sugar spoon. Medusa had become well acquainted with these strange urges over the last few days. She had

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learned to ignore them. She could only guess this was the jealousy many of the books in the Henwick library had mentioned. She didn’t like the feeling. There was no way to avoid it, either. She had to serve Miss Adelaide, and Miss Adelaide preferred Darius’s company. Even though her parents scolded Miss Adelaide for ignoring the other guests, the girl continued favoring Darius over all others. It both annoyed Medusa and made her simultaneously happy because it allowed her to be with Darius during the day. The sunlight gleaming over his face made him glow like an angel. At least, she imagined angels glowed. She indulged her little fantasy while staring at the back of Darius’s head. He and Miss Adelaide had their backs to Medusa. Miss Adelaide only had attention for Darius and so didn’t notice Medusa staring. Miss Adelaide reached toward Darius’s hair. Medusa clenched her teeth and fisted her hands at her sides, pushing them against her legs so she wouldn’t be tempted to lash out. She didn’t want the girl feeling the downy softness of Darius’s hair. Only Medusa should be allowed to enjoy that pleasure. Darius caught Miss Adelaide’s hand in his before her fingers brushed his hair and held her hand to his cheek. “You honor me each day with your presence, Miss Adelaide. I do fear that you upset your parents in doing so.” “Nonsense, my lord. My parents understand affairs of the heart. They may wish me to court a title but will not deny me if my heart leads elsewhere.” “I have a title as well, though my title is only that of viscount like your father.” “For that reason, he cannot disdain you, my lord.” “Indeed.” Medusa turned from the pair, ready to invent some random task that would take her away. She almost collided with Prometheus, Lord Henwick’s valet. She bobbed a quick curtsy and stepped out of the man’s way. Prometheus snapped his heels and bowed slightly. “Miss Adelaide, your father summons you.” He straightened and gave Miss Adelaide a pointed look. “Now.”

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Miss Adelaide made an annoyed sound as she snapped her fan shut and stood quickly. “Papa is such a bother. What could he possibly want?” Darius stood beside her. “I will await your return here.” She smiled back at him. “I shall return quickly.” She swept her skirts around the chairs and all but stomped to the solarium entrance. As she passed Medusa, she said in a low voice, “Get him whatever he needs and make sure he stays here.” Medusa bobbed another curtsy. She kept her head bowed so Miss Adelaide didn’t see how happy that order made her. Miss Adelaide followed Prometheus, leaving Medusa and Darius alone. Darius heaved a sigh and ruffled his hair. “Such a trying girl. I wish she would turn her attention to someone else.” He looked at Medusa. “Do you not agree, my dear?” Medusa looked back at the doorway and then at Darius. She shook her head, indicating she couldn’t answer in case someone was near. Darius spared the doorway a glance before facing the gardens. “It’s such a lovely day. I think I will take in the air.” He pushed open the solarium doors and stepped out onto the balcony. Medusa followed him only to ensure she performed her job. She chanced stepping up to his side so she could see what he saw. The majority of the guests, along with the Henwicks, enjoyed a picnic in the garden. Miss Adelaide joined them. She and her parents had a brief exchange before Miss Adelaide flopped over onto a set of pillows near her parents. She exuded annoyance. Her gaze snapped up to the solarium balcony. Medusa stepped back quickly, hoping Miss Adelaide hadn’t seen her standing next to Darius. Even if she had, Medusa could excuse it as listening to a request of Darius’s. “You cannot see anything from there, Medusa.” Darius grabbed her hand and pulled her forward once more.

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She tried to pull back but his strength was more than hers. He held her at his side at the railing. Medusa knew that yelling and shouts of insult would start any second. Her panic grew when Darius took up a position behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist. “Much better, though now I cannot see the garden.” He sniffed at her hair and laid a kiss on her neck. Medusa tried to get away from him and duck at the same time. “My lord, you cannot. The others will see. I will be punished. Please stop.” He whispered into her ear, “They cannot see us.” He lifted her hand so she waved to the people below. She tried to pull away but couldn’t free herself from Darius’s grip. None of the people below waved back or scolded Medusa for her insult. They didn’t acknowledge her at all. She could only guess they refused to pay heed to Darius’s antics. “You see?” He laid another kiss on her neck and then her shoulder. His hands on her waist slid upwards so he cupped her breasts. Medusa grabbed his hands and tried to remove them. “No. Please, my lord. Someone will come.” “You.” He chuckled as he shook off her hands with little effort. She wasn’t fighting him as hard as she could. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted everyone to see that Darius craved her body, not Miss Adelaide’s. Even knowing it would mean her punishment, Medusa wanted him to continue. That thought scared her. She shouldn’t be so wanton. Cool air made her nipples harden when Darius undid the laces of her vest and exposed her breasts to the elements. Medusa squeaked and huddled in on herself, covering her chest with her arms. Her actions pressed her ass against a very hard bulge in Darius’s pants. She looked back at him with wide eyes. He couldn’t mean to do what she imagined. She shook her head at him even as he leaned in and claimed her lips.

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Darius captured her chin with one hand, holding her in place. He slipped his other hand beneath hers and massaged one of her breasts. A tiny moan of pleasure slipped from Medusa’s mouth to Darius’s. Her whole body burned in anticipation of whatever he would do to her next. He released her mouth and trailed kisses down her neck and back. His every touch sent shockwaves of pleasure through to her very center. Her pussy burned to feel him deep inside. She pushed her hips back, grinding her ass against his cock. Begging with her body when her voice failed her. Darius hooked his thumbs into the sides of her pants and eased them down her legs. Medusa tried to push back from the railing to hide her state of undress, but Darius kept her in place with his hand on her back. He bent behind her and stripped her pants from her completely. She tried to squirm away. “Please, stop, my lord. Someone will see.” “No one will see us. No one will hear us. Simply enjoy what I do to you.” He straightened behind her, spread her legs, pulled her hips back toward him and then drove his hard cock deep inside her. Medusa cried out with pleasure and then slapped her hands over her mouth, looking around. No one noticed them. The people didn’t even act like they were there. Darius leaned over her back and whispered into her ear. “See?” She looked down at the garden picnic and the guests. They continued eating and conversing. Not even the servants glanced toward the balcony. Even if the nobles pretended to ignore Medusa, the servants wouldn’t. No one could see them or hear them. She looked over her shoulder at Darius. “How are you doing this?” “That is my secret.” He moved his hips. Medusa’s whole body went weak. She leaned heavily against the railing, pressing back against Darius. She wanted him deeper, as deep as he could go. Even if it

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was the whim of a noble dallying with a maid, Medusa wanted to feel as much of him as possible. She opened her legs more and arched her back to give Darius better access. He pounded his cock into her depths with each stroke. She still wanted more. Darius rubbed two fingers over her nubbin. Medusa’s legs almost gave out. She clutched at the railing to keep from falling, to keep from breaking her contact with Darius. “More,” she whispered. “As my lady wishes,” Darius said in a rough voice. He grunted as he pushed his cock deeper still. He rotated his hips before pulling out and then returned and repeated the action. Over and over, stirring her, teasing her from the inside out. She panted hard. Footsteps clicked in the hall. Someone was coming. They would be caught. The thought made her body hotter. She heard the door to the solarium creak. Her whole body clenched at the thought of everyone finding out Darius wanted her, not Miss Adelaide. She came, screaming her pleasure long and loud. Behind her, Darius echoed her cry as he buried himself deep. The afterglow didn’t last long. Medusa found her wish to be discovered waning rapidly. She pulled away from Darius, emitting a kittenish cry as his cock caressed her pussy on its way out. She dropped to her knees and searched for her clothing. “Medusa, stand up,” Darius said in a calm voice. Prometheus asked, “Is something amiss, Lord Arundel?” Darius said, “Not at all. Medusa seems to have tripped over nothing.” “I am very sorry for that, my lord.” Prometheus rushed forward, grabbed Medusa’s arm, and hauled her to her feet. “Stop with your silliness and present yourself properly.” Medusa couldn’t understand what was happening. She had been naked a moment ago. The second Prometheus spoke, she had found herself clothed. Even Darius’s clothing was straightened. It looked as though it had never been mussed.

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Darius said, “Do not be harsh with her. She must be nervous to be alone with me. I wonder at Miss Adelaide’s delay. I thought her errand would be a quick one.” “Lord Henwick called Miss Adelaide to join him and the other guests. He has extended the invitation to you as well, my lord.” Darius glanced over the railing. “Alas, I do not feel very social at the moment. I think I shall take a ride.” He smirked at Medusa. “Would you care to join me, Medusa?” She held his gaze for only a second before bowing her head. “You jest with me, my lord. I cannot accept such a request.” “Never say you do not know how to ride. I simply will not believe it.” She heard a hint of teasing in his words. She shook her head at him and bowed her head further. Darius tsked. “Such a pity.” To Prometheus, he said, “Give my apologies to Lord and Lady Henwick. I go to enjoy the countryside.” He left the balcony, brushing Medusa’s hand as he passed. She thought she heard him whisper a single word. Tonight. She bobbed a curtsy while Prometheus bowed. Prometheus released her arm. “You would do well to stay away from him, Medusa.” “Miss Adelaide left me to serve Lord Arundel. I do only as I am told.” “You do more than that. If you continue, I will have to alert Lord Henwick to your actions as well.” He gave her a superior look before leaving the room. Medusa watched him go. Her gaze strayed to the balcony. A small, drying puddle was the only evidence of what had transpired between her and Darius. The man had some kind of strange power that he used to his advantage. It was to Medusa’s advantage as well, it seemed. If Prometheus had caught them, the situation would have ended in a completely different manner.

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She rushed out of the solarium headed for the garden below. She had to attend Miss Adelaide. A task that didn’t seem nearly so annoying after feeling Darius deep inside her pussy. That encounter would carry her through the rest of her day.

Chapter Four “You lied, lovely Medusa. You do know how to ride.” Darius laughed beneath her. Medusa braced her hands on his stomach as she moved her hips, riding his cock as hard as she could. There was no need for urgency. The entire household was asleep. No one would interrupt. Still, she wanted as much of him as she could get in what little time they had together. Night never came fast enough for her anymore. She always rushed Miss Adelaide’s nightly preparations as much as she dared so Medusa could see Darius that much sooner. They never spoke. Darius always greeted her with a searing kiss that led her straight to his bed. She felt his need for her in every inch of him that penetrated her body. He was in this state because of her. She knew Miss Adelaide annoyed him. His body only responded to Medusa. She stopped her movements when she felt close to climax. She huffed as she tried to catch her breath. Stopping didn’t halt the sensations deep in her pussy. Her inner muscles clenched against Darius’s solid cock. He cupped her cheek. “Why stop?” She shook her head, unable to speak since she had her teeth clenched in concentration. She didn’t want to come yet. She wanted more. So much more. A tear slipped down her cheek. Darius brushed it away as he sat up. “Why tears, Medusa? Is my company so unwelcome to you? Are you forcing yourself?” She let loose a pained cry as she flung her arms around his shoulders. “I want more,” she said in a voice thick with tears. “I cannot. I know I cannot. Yet I want it.”

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Darius’s arms closed around her, holding her close. “Why can you not?” “You are a lord.” “I am.” “I am a servant. This is a distraction to you. I mean nothing.” She shook her head against his shoulder. She didn’t want to admit aloud what she had always known in her heart. Saying it out loud made it real. Darius shifted his hips, pressing his cock against a sensitive spot deep inside her. She arched back with a passion-filled cry, barely holding back her climax. He moved again, and she was undone. Her body clenched, wringing a climax out of Darius as well. Medusa felt tears of regret flowing down her cheeks. The night was over. Darius held her. “Stay with me tonight, Medusa.” She thought she misheard his words. Her tears dried as she pulled back and met his gaze. “What?” “Stay here.” He nodded and gave her a soft smile. “Greet the morning in my arms. That is what I want. I want you to greet every morning in my arms and know that is where you belong. No other.” “You make no sense, Darius. Why are you saying this?” She pushed up on her knees to get away from him. He tightened his hold, pulling her back to him and burying his cock deep within her once more. Her body awakened to the promise of more pleasure. She couldn’t let physical wants distract her. Darius said, “I care not that I am a lord and you are a servant. I want only you, Medusa. I want you at my side always.” “You want to confuse me. You do not mean these words. Stop saying them.” She covered his mouth with her hands. He licked her palms. When she would have pulled her hands away, he grabbed her wrists and held her hands to his mouth so he could lick each finger in turn. He said, “Your taste, your smell, your warmth, your passion -- I want all of it to be mine alone. I will renounce all that I am to convince you to stay at my side.”

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She couldn’t answer because he kissed her lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth to caress hers. His words felt as sweet as his tongue tasted. He wanted to be hers. She wanted very much to be his. To tell the world that Darius, Lord Arundel, wanted her, a lowly servant with no background. He leaned forward so she lay beneath him and then started moving. He didn’t break their kiss. She looped her legs around his hips, holding him close as he moved within her. Her fingers sought the softness of his hair, but she found herself clawing at his scalp. As though digging in her nails would keep him close to her. He didn’t complain. He continued moving, giving her pleasure, making her feel what he had conveyed earlier with his words. A hot flame blossomed between her legs. She opened her mouth to give voice to the feeling. Instead, a cry of passion escaped her lips as she came. Darius followed her climax with one of his own, spilling himself deep inside her. He whispered in her ear, “I will keep you with me, Medusa. You are mine.” She nodded against his shoulder. When he would have pulled away, she tightened her legs, keeping him sheathed. “Stay. Please.” “You are tired, my heart. You need to sleep.” “Stay.” She met his gaze and pleaded with her eyes for him to understand. He cupped her cheek as he returned to her. “You do understand this position will mean I might avail myself of you whilst you sleep.” “I care not so long as you stay.” “As my lady wishes.” He let his full weight settle on top of her. She welcomed the burden, happy that he indulged her whim. She fell asleep to the feel of their bodies joined. She woke some time later and realized Darius had resituated them so they were no longer connected. He lay on his back with his arm cushioning her head and her body curled around his side. She sat up slowly so as not to wake him.

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Darius. She smoothed the hair away from his forehead. Even though every logical part of her cursed her for a fool, she believed his words. She wanted to stay at his side as a beloved instead of a mistress. Even if they could not marry, so long as he didn’t marry any other, she would be happy. But that time was far away yet. She looked toward the window. It was still night. She needed to go back to her room. The time to test Darius’s resolve hadn’t come yet. Soon, but not yet. She slipped out of the bed with a silence born from years of being a servant and dressed. After one last look at Darius’s sleeping figure, she let herself out of the room. The household still slept. She could return to her room, change her clothes, and be back in time to wake Miss Adelaide for breakfast. No one need know that Medusa had spent the night in Darius’s bed. Not yet. “You smell of sex.” Medusa whipped around at the sound of a man’s voice. She didn’t see anyone. Curtains fluttered due to wind coming from a window that shouldn’t be open. Before her eyes, a tall man split from the shadows. She fell back a few steps with a muffled gasp. He had powers like Darius. The man smiled at her. His elongated canines gleamed in the moonlight. “You smell of recent sex. I like it.” Medusa turned and ran. The man caught her before she had managed to go two steps. He trapped her against his body with his arms around her waist. With a loud, inhaling noise, he sniffed the skin of her neck. “I love this smell.” Medusa tried to get free, but the man’s hold was solid. “Please release me. I have duties to attend.” “You will have to miss them then. You are mine now.” “No, I am not.” “Oh, but you are.”

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Something sharp scraped along her skin. She froze in abject terror. The conversation about the women being attacked flooded back to her. This was the man. He was a vampire, something that should be nothing but a legend. She wouldn’t believe it if she hadn’t beheld so many fantastical things in Darius’s presence. It all made sense now. This monster had emptied the women’s bodies of blood and left them in disgraceful positions. He would do the same to her. She opened her mouth to scream, but his hand was there, smothering her cries. Tears cascaded down her cheeks. She didn’t want to die. She’d only just discovered passion and love. Why would God be so cruel as to give her such joy and then rip it away from her? Why? The man behind her laughed in her ear. “Your tears only make your blood sweeter. Cry some more.” He bit down. Medusa screamed against his hand as pain rippled through her body. She could feel herself growing weaker with each passing second. Darius. She wanted to see him, to tell him all that was in her heart. She at least wanted to say good-bye. Her heart conjured up a hallucination in her dying moments. Darius stood before her, naked and glowing like the angels she always compared him to. She reached out to him with a sad smile. “Medusa,” Darius roared. The man who held Medusa released his hold on her neck and laughed loudly. “Is she yours, mage? That’s too bad, then. She’s mine now. Suffer knowing that she will be my whore for the rest of her days.” Everything faded away. Medusa’s last memory was of Darius calling her name and reaching for her. She imagined that she felt the tips of his fingers, but that couldn’t be true. It was all the delusions of a dying woman.

*** Present day, Mage Lord Darius’s chambers, USA

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Darius left his bed and Medusa’s arms. She sat up and watched him stalk across the room. He punched the wall. “I hunted that bastard. If only my title within the nobility had matched my mage title, you wouldn’t have had to suffer. I was a mere page within the mage ranks when he took you. I rose from a page to a lord in record time all so that I could have my revenge. I finally caught up with him a century later. He was still taunting me with the knowledge that he had fucked you over and over for decades even as I choked the life out of him with my bare hands.” Medusa left the bed and went to him. She pulled his fist down and cupped it in her hands. He looked at her, pain making his eyes glitter. “You were mine, and I couldn’t protect you. Forgive me, Medusa.” He dropped to his knees and bowed his head against her stomach. “Forgive me.” How could she have forgotten this man, her first true love? No, that was a stupid question. She knew how. It was the only way to keep from going mad. Valmont, the vampire who had kidnapped her, had tormented and tortured her for years. He drained her to the point of death and then fed her the blood of his subordinates to bring her back. To feed her his blood after draining her would have tied her to his life and given her power over him. He didn’t want that. He only wanted her alive so she could suffer. Day after day after year after decade… It felt like she had endured him for the length of forever. He had killed all the other women, but he had kept her alive. The blood of his subordinates kept her young. All because she had had a mage as a lover. It piqued Valmont’s childish sense of revenge knowing Medusa had belonged to a mage. He’d thrown it in her face every time he fucked her. From the depths of her soul she had found the strength to break free of him. She threw herself on the mercy of a visiting vampire, a man who had felt more powerful than Valmont. The man had taken pity on her and removed her from Valmont’s home.

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He had even offered her freedom. Something she had never known and didn’t know how to utilize. She was displaced from her time with no home to which to return. To go back would mean not knowing anyone. She had begged her savior to change her, to let her be a vampire so she would never be under the power of another ever again. He agreed. He changed her and had never asked for anything in return for rescuing her or giving her freedom. Though he never asked it, she pledged herself to him, to Theron. She trained day and night to become his strongest, fiercest ally so that she could repay his kindness to her. She had forced her past as a human into the deepest, darkest recesses of her soul and left it there so it could never drag her under again. That woman was dead. Or so she’d thought. Standing with Darius before her, holding her as he apologized, the heart of that woman resurfaced. A heart that wouldn’t and couldn’t deny her one and only love. Tears rolled down Medusa’s cheeks as she bent over Darius, folding him into a hug. They were together again. After nearly two hundred years apart and so much pain, they had found each other again. Darius cupped her cheek as he met her gaze. “I love you, Medusa. I always have. I always will. No other could take your place in my heart.” She smiled through her tears as his words ignited a fire in her heart that burned away the ice. “I love you, my lord.” Darius leapt up, crushing her in a hard embrace. She could take it and did. She wanted to feel every part of him. They had endured so long away from each other to finally be reunited. It was like a dream she wanted to never end. “Well, isn’t this interesting?” Medusa and Darius pulled apart and faced the intruder. Quincy stood near the closed door with a knowing grin splitting his lips. Darius placed himself in front of Medusa and held out a glowing hand. “You have one chance to leave this room alive, Quincy. It’s all dependent on whether you keep your silence.”

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“You think you can threaten me?” Quincy laughed. “I’m not the idiot you think I am, Darius. I didn’t come here alone. And I am not the only one to bear witness to your betrayal.” Several more mages appeared in the room. Medusa stared at them all. An old fear gripped her heart. Not again. She didn’t want to be separated from Darius again. A voice boomed over the whole room. “Mage Lord Darius, you are under arrest for crimes of treason and collusion. How do you plead?” “Not guilty.” Darius turned, sending his arm out in a wide arc. A bright light shot out toward the mages, who fell back and shielded themselves. Darius grabbed Medusa to him. “Hold tight.” She sank her clawed hands into his waist, determined not to lose track of him again. His power surrounded them both, and she felt the shift when they started to transport. Magic crackled around them as the other mages tried to stop them. Darius gritted his teeth in obvious pain but didn’t stop the spell. Everything faded. There was a moment of weightlessness before they dropped to the ground. Medusa looked around quickly for any kind of threat. There was nothing. They were on the sheer cliff of a mountain overlooking a vast forest. She turned her attention to Darius. The tension left her body and a soft smile curved her lips. She feathered her fingers over his sweating forehead. Darius looked up at her and gave her a weak smile. “You’re not hurt?” “Don’t worry about me. You’re the one who looks like hell warmed over.” He chuckled, winced, and then sucked in a pained breath. Medusa hugged him tight. “You better not die on me, damn it.” “I won’t, my love. I’m only hurting. That was the biggest spell I’ve ever cast. I felt the mage king’s powers, and even he couldn’t stop it. I’d be more proud if I didn’t hurt so damn much.” He tried to sit up but she tightened her hold. “Sit still,” she snapped. He relaxed against her once more. “You were never this forceful before.” “I’ve changed.”

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Caveat Emptor 5: Forgotten Lover

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He cupped her cheek. “You are still the woman I love, though. That part of you hasn’t changed. It never will.” Even though his words made her heart sing, she had to keep the practical in mind. She looked around at her surroundings once more. She had traveled the world many times over. In all that time she had never seen a forest like the one before her. She shifted Darius so he could see the sight as well. He whispered, “Beautiful.” “Yes, it is. Now where are we?”

Zenobia Renquist Whether as D. Reneé Bagby or Zenobia Renquist, Reneé lives in her imagination. When not traveling through her fantasy worlds, she can be found in Hawaii living with her husband and two cats. She is an Air Force brat turned Air Force wife, which means she’s accustomed to travel and does it whenever possible (so long as she doesn’t have to fly). Her favorite pastime is torturing her characters on their way to happily-ever-after for the enjoyment of her readers. On the few occasions her muse flees the scene of the crime, Reneé likes to read (comics, manga, and romance), go to the movies, play a few levels of whichever puzzle game has hijacked her interest or experiment with a new chain maille weave. Be sure to visit her website at http://zenobiarenquist.com.