Intimate Relations

# Blood and Soul 4: Intimate Relations Kate Hill

All rights reserved. Copyright ©2004 by Kate Hill No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Changeling Press LLC.

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Chapter One

Autumn caught his scent as soon as she reached the sidewalk in front of the members only club called Burgundy Peak. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. Ignoring the scent of the others mingling inside the club, she focused on his aroma. Rolon Adler. She immediately guessed the scent belonged to him, since it was clearly that of an ancient alpha male. The only two other vampires who had scents as powerful were the club’s owner, Master Zigor, and his eldest offspring, Onan. Anybody who knew Zigor realized that no ancient alpha besides Onan would be allowed to set foot in Burgundy Peak without his permission. Since there was no sign that anyone in the club was engaged in a fight to the death, she knew the owner of that marvelous scent must have been invited. In spite of the way Adler’s fresh, wild aroma fascinated her, Autumn raised her internal shield, preparing to ignore any attraction she might feel for him. She had been subjected to the arrogance and cruelty of an ancient for too long to ever bind herself to another. For over a thousand years, Autumn had developed her talents and built a reputation as an old and respected Intimate, a vampire who shares his or her sexual expertise and discipline in exchange for blood. Now she controlled the pleasure of the males she bedded and was not subject to their whims. She demanded and they obeyed. Becoming an Intimate was no easy task. It took years of practice to develop physical, emotional, and psychic discipline beyond others of her kind. According to information from an accurate source, she knew this aromatic singer was also an Intimate, and two such dominant creatures could never mix. Mix! What the hell was she thinking? A man whose scent was as powerful and thrilling as a stormy ocean was not the sort she wanted in her life. Besides, she hadn’t yet seen him. For all she knew, he was

a scrawny runt with crooked fangs. Still, his aroma was so wonderful she almost doubted it would matter what he looked like. He could probably hypnotize a woman with his scent just as most vampires could hypnotize a victim with their gaze. When she reached out to open the door, she realized her hand was trembling. Never had a man’s scent affected her in this way, not since -No! She would not think of the past. Never again would she be a weak, vulnerable thrall. She would kill -- or die -- first. It was ridiculous to question herself simply because a man’s scent attracted her. This wasn’t the first time an aroma had lured her and it wouldn’t be the last. Shaking off her doubts, she opened the door and strode inside with confidence. In the foyer, keeping watch over the entrance to the club’s main floor, stood a tall, powerfully-built black man. “Good evening, Onan.” He nodded, meeting her gaze. Sometimes Autumn wondered if he ever smiled. His handsome face seemed to be carved from marble. She didn’t doubt that Rolon Adler’s presence affected Onan, as well. It amazed her that a vampire such as Onan still peacefully coexisted in close proximity with Zigor, but the Master and his offspring shared a closeness rare in ancient males. “Sounds like there’s quite a crowd in there tonight,” Autumn said. “Yes. Rolon has a vast following in this city, and he hasn’t visited us since the nineteen thirties.” “What do you think of him, Onan?” “He is very talented.” “I mean what do you think of him personally?” An annoyed look glistened in Onan’s ebony eyes, though whether it was directed at her or reflected his feelings toward Rolon, she couldn’t be sure. “You’re expected at Master Zigor’s booth.” Autumn smiled. “Hate him so much that you don’t want to talk about him. I understand.” “I do not hate Rolon.” Onan’s broad chest expanded beneath his black leather coat. “But he can be difficult.” “As if any of you ancient males are easy to get along with.” “I do not appreciate such a generalization.” Autumn tossed another smile his way before she stepped through the door to the club area. Saturday nights at Burgundy Peak were usually busy, but tonight’s crowd was unprecedented, at least

for the thirty years she had patronized it. Vamps and mortal donors were almost crawling over each other on the dance floor. Customers literally covered the bar, and not a single empty table existed. Autumn could only begin to guess the amount of money the club was earning tonight. Still, as she approached the owner’s booth in a relatively secluded corner of the room she noted that Master Zigor’s attitude seemed fouler than usual. The tall, black-haired vampire’s piercing gaze swept the club like a tiger seeking its prey. Beside him sat his wife, Mel, whose wild reputation preceded her. Autumn couldn’t understand how a vampiress with Mel’s strength could tolerate marriage to such an aggressive ancient. Years ago, while seeking the skills to establish herself as an Intimate, Autumn had spent several sessions with Zigor and despised every moment of it. Still, he had given her valuable skills. The man was a master of control, both of himself and his partners. Across from Mel and Zigor sat another couple. The man, impeccably dressed and graceful as a panther, exuded tremendous power for a vampire only a few centuries old. Woodrow Quint’s telepathic skills were even the envy of some ancients. Dark glasses concealed his sightless eyes, but Autumn knew better than to think Woodrow’s blindness made him vulnerable. Zigor had trained him to be one of the fiercest vampire warriors in existence, and he never hesitated to defend what was his, particularly the lovely vampiress seated beside him. Dechrista leaned close to her husband, her arm linked with his, and whispered something in his ear that made him smile. It was Dechrista who glanced at Autumn first and waved to her as she approached the booth. Slipping into the seat beside Woodrow, Autumn exchanged greetings with her companions, except for Master Zigor who was still too busy glaring around the club. “Looks like you’re having a great night.” Autumn grinned, perhaps to taunt Zigor a bit. She and the others knew he hated the idea of having a strange ancient male in his club, even for a single night. Still, he hadn’t been able to resist the financial benefits of allowing Rolon to sing there. “Rolon has a big following here in the US, even if he hasn’t graced us with his presence since the nineteen thirties,” Woodrow said. “Yes. Just after he came the stock market crashed. I wonder what the hell will happen this time?” “Zigor, can’t you ease up a little?” Mel said. “Rolon’s only going to be here for one night.” “Yes, and you are the reason, Woodrow. If not for my affection for you, I would not allow Rolon through the door of Burgundy Peak.” A smile flirted around Woodrow’s lips. “It’s funny, Master, but according to Rolon, had it not been for me he would never perform in a dilapidated den of evil such as Burgundy Peak.” Zigor growled and his eyes flashed red with rage. “He said that?” “In all honesty, no, but he did think it.” “When you were young, Woodrow, did I not arrange for you to learn from the world’s greatest music teachers? Why did you decide to become the student of an arrogant ass like Rolon?” “You wouldn’t know a thing about arrogance, would you, Zigor?” Autumn couldn’t resist the opportunity to rib him. “No one asked for your comments.”

“I don’t need an invitation.” “Here you do.” Woodrow said, “I trained with Rolon because he is the oldest and most talented vocalist in the world. You know how much music means to me, Master, and I learned more from Rolon than all the others combined.“ Autumn ceased paying attention to the conversation as Rolon’s delicious scent grew stronger. Everyone focused on the small stage across the room on which stood the most captivating man Autumn had ever seen. Hair the color of warm chocolate hung just past his broad shoulders. The planes and chiseled angles of his face reminded her of some primitive creature, yet the pale blue eyes gazing from beneath savagely arched brows revealed keen intelligence and the wisdom of an ancient. For a moment, his gaze drifted in Autumn’s direction. A ripple of pure desire rushed through her from scalp to toe. When he began singing, she realized why so many vampires adored him. Not only was his voice as pure as an arctic breeze, but it seemed to combine styles from every age since the beginning of time. For the next two hours, no one except Rolon existed. Through the wonders of his clear, perfect voice, she seemed to relive past centuries and experience times before her own existence. Still, she rebelled against her desire for him. His power and arrogance were as obvious as his vocal talent, and the last thing Autumn wanted was to develop a crush on a man like him. Only when he left the stage did she realize the entire room had fallen silent. Everyone gazed at Rolon, entranced by him. Suddenly they erupted into screams and applause such as mortal children at a pop star’s concert. The noise jarred her from the carnal thoughts about Rolon. “That was something all right,” Mel said, swallowing her whiskey in a gulp. She tossed Zigor a sidelong glance. “I even sensed you getting into a few of his songs.” “Melinda, now is not the time to goad me.” “I’m not --” “Silence.” Zigor held up his hand and turned his gaze to Rolon who was approaching the table. The guests he passed stared at him, but none dared approach him. “That was fantastic, as always, Rolon,” Woodrow said as the ancient paused beside the table. The others agreed, except for Zigor and Autumn. Everyone knew Zigor would rip out his own tongue before complimenting Rolon, and Autumn refused to help feed what she guessed to be his massive ego. How could someone like him not be self-absorbed? He had everything a vampire could ask for: age, beauty, talent, and power. While he talked to the others and accepted their praise, Rolon’s gaze constantly drifted toward Autumn. Though she stared at him with equal intensity, inside she quivered. God, this man could almost make her forget her own power, or perhaps tempt her to revel too fully in it. At that moment, all she could think about was fucking him until neither of them could move. His strong, heady scent filled her, almost making

her dizzy. “Several women have been selected for you to choose from,” Zigor stated. “If you would like to get right to it --” “And out of your sight?” A slow smile spread across Rolon’s sexy lips, yet the gesture never reached his eyes. “Hopping from one performance to another without pause doesn’t appeal to me. You should look happier than you do, Zigor. I’m sure this establishment hasn’t had such a prosperous night in --” “Burgundy Peak has prospered since the late eighteen hundreds. Just because you stop here every now and then to clear your throat, don’t presume to --” “Clear my throat? I should be amused by how little you’ve changed over the years, Zigor.” Once again Rolon’s pale eyes fixed on Autumn. “How rude of us,” Dechrista said. “Rolon Adler, this is Autumn Arienn.” Autumn slowly extended her hand. He reached across the table and took it. He kissed the back of it, a slight smirk on his lips. The gesture appeared harmless enough, but Autumn sensed his mental challenge. Just as she knew by his scent that he was an ancient, he also knew by hers that she was one as well. As she sensed his power, he sensed hers. To kiss even her hand without permission was almost like extending a challenge. His gaze revealed his desire and curiosity. Releasing her hand, he slipped into the seat beside Zigor and didn’t bother looking at her for the next several moments. Inside, Autumn seethed. Why should she care whether or not he challenged or acknowledged her? She wanted no part of an arrogant, aggressive male. A man such as Rolon had already caused her enough pain. She had been lucky and courageous enough to free herself from her former master’s grasp and would never place herself at the mercy of another ancient alpha, no matter how much he aroused her. *** While engaging in conversation with the others in the booth, Rolon gazed at Autumn from the corner of his eye. Though he longed to stare at her and drink in the beauty of her large, dark eyes, he refused to give her the satisfaction. His desire for her had begun before he even knew what she looked like. From the moment he caught her scent when he was warming up his voice in a back room of the club, he wanted her. Her sweet yet powerful scent intoxicated him and had nearly driven his thoughts from his upcoming performance. Before stepping onto the stage, he had glanced around the club, searching for the owner of such a marvelous aroma. When his gaze fell up on Autumn, desire such as he hadn’t felt in ages shot through him. His pulse had actually quickened and he’d been unable to control his smile. It had been years since he’d encountered a female ancient who exuded this woman’s strength. Her exotic face, supple form, and piercing gaze tightened his insides and made his cock spring alive. Not exactly the way he wanted to present himself in front of an audience. It had taken him several moments to control his desire enough to take the stage. When he had, he allowed himself only a brief glance in her direction, then tried pushing thoughts of her to the back of his mind while he sang. Music meant the world to him. Until now, only one other person had ever been able to distract him from it. Memories of Cleo were what finally interrupted his daydreaming of the lovely

woman in the audience. The last thing he needed in his life was a woman who consumed him. He was an Intimate. Women knelt at his feet and willingly offered their bodies and blood in exchange for the marvelous sexual gratification he provided. Feeding his almost insatiable physical desire was all that mattered. He didn’t need to get emotionally involved with anyone. Such closeness distracted him from his music and charged a spiritual toll he was no longer willing to pay. Still, the woman intrigued him. Such a feeling made his head spin more than the finest blood-laced wine. His interest in her was the only thing forcing him to share a table with Zigor. His only link to the other ancient male was through Woodrow, one of Rolon’s favorite students. During the years he spent training the blind vampire as a singer, he had developed a great admiration for Woodrow’s perseverance and many talents. Rolon and Zigor hated each other on sight, yet Woodrow had always managed to prevent a full-blown war between them. Besides, there were some things about the arrogant prick Zigor that Rolon almost respected. “Too bad you don’t come here more often, Rolon. The customers seem to love you,” Mel said. She was a fine woman. Rolon wondered why the hell she had married Zigor. “Don’t speak so quickly, my dear. The last time he sang here the stock market crashed and I nearly lost the club soon after.” Rolon’s anger bristled and he resisted the urge to growl. “Your memory fails you, Zigor. You were nearly destroyed due to the crash and I sang here as a mission of mercy to help save your business.” “If anyone was performing a mission of mercy, it was me.” Zigor glared, the scent of his rage almost overpowering. “You hadn’t performed in years and I agreed to let you sing here to help you get over yourproblem .” Nearly blinded by fury, Rolon allowed warning growls to rumble in his chest. “As if I would ever require your help to get over even the most insignificant problem. Count your earnings carefully tonight, Zigor, because this is the last time I’ll ever sing in this dump again. Forgive my harshness, Mel.” “Who gave you permission to address my wife?” “Is this argument necessary?” Woodrow stated. “Never ask me to allow him to perform here again, Woodrow, for the answer shall be no.” “I wouldn’t perform here again if you begged me on bended knee.” “What really happened?” Autumn asked, a taunting gleam in her eye. It was as if the woman wanted to goad them. For some reason, this increased Rolon’s desire. Such a woman presented so many thrilling challenges. “I saved his business.” “I saved his career.” “Woodrow, who is telling the truth?” Autumn pressed. “Yeah, I’d like to know too.”

“You doubt my word, Melinda?” “Zigor, I don’t doubt you, but I know you have a lot of anger toward Rolon, and --” “They are both telling the truth. Master Zigor’s business was suffering a bit due to the Depression and Rolon hadn’t performed publicly in almost a century,” Woodrow said, an amused smile on his lips. For a moment, Rolon wished the bastard could see so he could fling him one of his most ferocious glares. “Why had you stopped singing?” Autumn gazed at him, her eyes seeming to penetrate his soul. The last thing he wanted was to discuss the most vulnerable time of his life in front of an audience. The waitress who approached the table to take his order saved him from answering, or so he thought. He had no sooner asked for his drink than Autumn reminded him of her question. “Personal reasons kept me from performing,” he replied. “I’m much more interested in hearing about you, Ms. Arienn.” “Are you?” Another sexy little smile flirted with her lips. For a moment, the attraction buzzing between them seemed to block out everyone in the club. It was as if only the two of them existed. Reaching out telepathically, he tried to enter her thoughts only to find that she was attempting to probe his mind as well. Perhaps it was due to her age and experience, but never had he felt such gentleness in a telepathic exchange. Her mental hand seemed to caress his soul, asking rather than demanding his thoughts. Such tenderness made denying her more difficult than fighting off a ferocious attack. Yes, this woman was as intelligent as she appeared. Hiding most of his thoughts from her, he vowed not to succumb to her charms so easily. She also disguised her innermost self from him, though he sensed her attraction. Catching a glimpse of both of them wrapped naked in each other’s arms, he allowed himself to indulge in a similar fantasy. For a brief moment, it was as if they shared the same daydream. Her smooth, dark skin slid sensuously over him. Tickled by her long, silky hair gliding over his skin and tantalized by the thought of her deep, wet kiss, his felt his heartbeat quicken. Simultaneously, they broke off the telepathic connection. Drawing a deep breath, Rolon sat back, wondering if his expression revealed the passion crashing through him. His cock ached and throbbed, pushing against his trousers in the most wonderfully annoying way. Autumn drained her glass of water. Her scent had grown stronger and Rolon resisted the urge to smile. It seemed he had tempted her as much as she tempted him. The others at the table had gone suspiciously silent. Dechrista and Woodrow excused themselves to dance while Zigor and Mel said they had business to take care of upstairs. Alone in the booth, Autumn and Rolon faced one another. “Discreet, weren’t they?” Rolon said. “I suppose.” She removed a compact from her purse and glanced at her reflection. The woman was deliberately sending mixed messages, hot one moment, cool the next. Still, her scent and heartbeat didn’t lie. “Would you like to dance?”

Snapping the compact shut, she cast him an appraising look that he found most irritating. An ancient male of his nature wasn’t accustomed to women rating him. He was invariably an eleven on a scale of one to ten, yet this bitch glanced at him as if he scarcely reached the five mark. Funny her scent didn’t match her expression. “Why not?” He offered her his hand and they walked to the dance floor. The music was slow and romantic, perfect for seduction had he been with an average woman. Autumn was far above average and would not be lured easily. Knowing that only made him want her more. Not for anything permanent, of course. All he needed was to fuck her once and take the edge off the brutal need that had been building since he first caught her scent. His arm slipped around her waist while her hand fell lightly on his shoulder. God, her touch seemed to burn right through to his core. Her small, soft hand fit his perfectly. “You know, I’m going to tell you straight out that I’m an Intimate,” she said, gazing into his eyes. His insides fluttered and he resisted the urge to tighten his grip on her. Her revelation certainly didn’t surprise him. How could a vampire of her age and power be anything less? “I know you’re one too,” she said. “So anything more than dancing is impossible.” “Nothing is impossible, Ms. Arienn.” “Unless you plan to accept me as a Mistress it is.” He couldn’t resist smiling. “Such a tempting offer.” “You want to take it?” “I don’t think so.” His arm tightened around her waist and he lowered his mouth to hers, not kissing her, but feeling their breath mingle. Her scent filled him and her heart pounded against his chest, or was it his own heart? Her dark eyes gleamed with the same passion he felt and she gripped his shoulder tighter. Her hand dropped from his waist, then slid up his back. Just before he kissed her, she slipped from his grasp. “The song’s over.” She held his gaze, her expression taunting yet passionate. “Thanks for the dance. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Adler.” “Are you leaving?” “I’m hungry.” “Would you like a hunting partner?” She smiled and flung his words back at him. “I don’t think so.” Rolon stared as she grabbed her purse and wove her way through the crowd to disappeared out the door. For several moments he stood, inhaling her fading scent, oblivious to everything around him. His

mind churned with thoughts of lovely Autumn Arienn. Nothing tempted a man more than the refusal of a woman who he knew wanted him as much as he wanted her. “Excuse me, sir.” A feminine voice interrupted his thoughts. Rolon glanced at the young vampiress, one of Zigor’s employees. “Master Zigor said whenever you are ready the hopefuls have been assembled.” Rolon drew another deep breath, savoring the remnants of Autumn’s scent, before following his hostess out of the club’s main floor to the rooms upstairs. In spite of how he goaded Zigor regarding the quality of Burgundy Peak, he had yet to find a club anywhere in the world as well run. Only the finest food, wine, and blood were served. Every corner and crevice was sparkling clean, and Zigor’s employees, from the prostitutes to the janitor, were paid good wages and enjoyed the ancient Master’s protection. One of Zigor’s few admirable qualities was that he defended his own. Like Rolon, he was as powerful as he was harsh, and heaven help anyone who harmed someone connected to him. Upstairs, the vampiress opened the door to a large room. Decorated simply yet elegantly, it was the perfect place for a romantic interlude. Four women stood in front of the drawn black drapes that blocked out the glow of moonlight. A thick pillar candle flickered on the round table in a corner of the room, providing ample light for vampiric eyes. The women gazed hungrily at Rolon, though they remained at silent attention while he strode in front of them, his hands folded behind his back. They were an attractive lot and pleasantly varied. There was a voluptuous brunette with slanted brown eyes. The tips of her tiny fangs rested against full red lips. Beside her stood a charming redhead with marvelous curves and a pale neck simply made for biting. Two blondes, fair skinned and full breasted, gazed at him with lust gleaming in their pale green eyes. He knew by their scent that they were more than ready to fuck the night away. His slight telepathic probing revealed their submissive nature. They would provide their blood willingly and comply with each of his demands. They longed for his guiding hand and the pleasure only an ancient alpha male could bestow upon their ravenous flesh. For several moments he paced slowly in front of the women, listening to their heartbeats and inhaling their lusty scents. “Please, Master.” The redhead dropped to her knees in front of him, her blue eyes daring to meet his and reveal the depth of her need. “Master.” The blondes also sank to the floor at his feet, followed by the brunette. “Please.” “Take me.” “My blood is yours.” “Master --”

“Please --” Rolon reached over them and opened the drapes. Drawing a deep breath he gazed at the moon severed by a skyscraper. These girls were lovely and would surely taste delicious. Their blood would appease the hunger that had burned inside him for too long. Fasting made one stronger, but too much denial was dangerous for a vampire. He liked testing himself to the point of starvation, but anything more would tempt the violent frenzy that overtook a vampire just before the point of death. Rolon had experienced that horror once and had no desire to repeat it. Still, he didn’t want these young vampiresses who were so eager to please. Someone else had caught his fancy. An older woman, one who oozed sexuality and knew her own mind. What would it feel like to love Autumn Arienn? Drawing a deep breath, Rolon turned from the window and strode across the room, leaving the hopefuls on their knees. When he stepped out of the club, he found Zigor standing there, one of his shoulders resting against the brick building. Though they had never fought, he almost longed for a good old-fashioned brawl with a vampire like Zigor. He exuded physical, emotional, and telepathic strength that might just match Rolon’s. “Were the women not to your liking?” Zigor asked. “No. They were very well chosen.” “You want blood. I can smell it.” “A man of yourexperience must know that abstinence is good for the soul.” “I think your refusal of those women has nothing to do with spirituality, but you merely wish to taste the cream of a different cat.” Rolon’s gaze fixed on Zigor’s. Had his attraction to Autumn been so obvious? Regardless, Zigor’s uninvited familiarity irritated him. “I suggest that you attend to your own affairs and leave me to mine.” The slightest smile touched Zigor’s lips. “See you next century?” “Perhaps.” Rolon continued down the street to his rented car. While visiting New York state, he was staying with Woodrow and Dechrista. He wanted to reach their home as quickly as possible and put his plan into action. Upon arriving at Woodrow and Dechrista’s house, he found the couple seated on the floor in front of the living room fireplace, a tray of tea and cookies nearby. “Come in and join us,” Dechrista said. Rolon smiled. “No. Thank you. Tea in front of a fireplace is meant for two, not three. I have some errands to do this evening, but I needed to ask you something.” “What is it?”

“Is Autumn Arienn a close friend of Zigor’s or of you?” “Zigor has known her for years, but she’s actually a good friend of mine,” Dechrista said. “Excellent. May I inconvenience you by asking you to invite her to dinner this week?” Both Woodrow and Dechrista grinned. “We would be glad to.” Woodrow turned in Rolon’s direction. Sometimes Rolon swore his friend’s blind gaze unsettled him more than that of a sighted person. Woodrow’s telepathy could even challenge someone as old as Rolon, if he didn’t keep his guard sharp. “I won’t presume to ask her address --” “We couldn’t give it,” Dechrista said. “Autumn can give you that herself.” “I was asking if you would have orchids delivered to her and send me the bill.” “Oh.” Dechrista smiled. “I should have let you finish your sentence. Sure. Orchids.” “Make sure they’re potted, not cut.” Rolon wouldn’t dare insult a woman like Autumn by presenting her with dead flowers. She deserved a gift as beautiful and alive as she was. “Well, that’s sure to get her attention.” Dechrista smiled. “Autumn is a botanical enthusiast. I’ll be glad to send the flowers for you.” “Thank you.” “We’ll ask her over on Monday.” Nodding, Rolon left the room, his pulse quickening with the thought of seeing Autumn again.

Chapter Two

During her drive home, thoughts of Rolon filled Autumn’s mind. Never in her long life had she been so attracted to a man. A Mistress of sexuality, Autumn reveled in physical pleasure. She demanded and bestowed pure gratification, and those who were lucky enough to share her body in exchange for blood almost always fell in love with her. Though she treated her donors with kindness, she never allowed herself to become emotionally attached. She made her intentions plain from the first time she allowed a lover into her bed. If one seemed too possessive, he was reprimanded swiftly and never allowed to return to her again. A woman in complete control of her life, Autumn had sworn long ago never to bow to any man or place his wishes above her own.

Her intense reaction to Rolon Adler tempted her to break her vow to herself. Such an impulse frightened and disgusted her, yet she couldn’t seem to thrust him from her mind. Everything about him set her aflame. His scent beckoned her. His voice enveloped her, and his touch consumed her. Even now, standing in her driveway drawing deep breaths of chilly night air, she felt encompassed by him. He was just as attracted to her. She sensed it, especially during that brief moment when their thoughts had mingled and they shared the same carnal daydream. Walking to her front door, Autumn caught the aroma of the man waiting inside. One of her regular visitors, the young mortal appreciated dominant women. The boy was eager to learn and willing to give of his thin, sweet blood. While this boy was tasty enough, she knew Rolon’s blood would be far more delicious. The ancient alpha would taste hot, thick, and rich enough to make her head spin. Autumn’s visitor waited inside the foyer. Naked, his lean young body looked good enough to devour, yet for some reason he didn’t stir her. Upon seeing her, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “I’ve missed you so much, Mistress.” She stroked his fine blond hair, watching the golden locks slip through her fingers. At that moment, all she could envision was Rolon’s chocolate-colored tresses. Would they feel silky or coarse? Did he like a woman to run her hand through his hair? How did he like to be touched and kissed? “Please.” The mortal boy tilted his head, baring his neck. It was an attractive neck, strong looking with blue veins visible beneath the pale skin. “Not tonight, Stephen.” Disappointment shone on his smooth face. “Have I displeased you in some way, Mistress?” “No.” She took his hands and guided him to his feet. “Of course you haven’t. I want to be alone tonight, that’s all. Gather your clothes and go.” Lowering his head, he walked up the stairs. Stephen was a nice young man and she didn’t like turning him away, but she was in no mood for intimacy with him tonight. Not when thoughts of an older, stronger male spun through her mind. Yes, her entire body throbbed with need. Yes, she wanted sexual release. Usually she would have no qualms about playing out a fantasy using one of her thralls, but not this time. Even if she closed her eyes and lost herself in her wildest dreams, she could not substitute a mortal boy for an ancient vampire male. Within moments, Stephen had gone, leaving her alone in her large, modern-style home. She ripped off her clothes on the way up the stairs, leaving a trail of shoes, dress, stockings, and undergarments throughout the house. Sprawling naked on her bed, she gazed at her body atop the pink satin sheets. Slowly she ran her hands up and down her stomach, then cupped her breasts. Her thumbs rolled over and over her nipples, tightening them to hard beads of desire. It didn’t take much to excite her. All she needed to do was concentrate on Rolon. Closing her eyes, she imagined his large, strong hands roaming over her body. She thought about how good it would feel for his lips to cover her nipple and suck upon it while his tongue swirled over it. Drawing a deep breath, she raised her knees and slid her hand between her legs. One of her fingers

slipped inside her pussy, finding it drenched with passion. Slowly, she slid her wet finger up and down her clit. It ached and throbbed beneath her touch. For several moments she stroked herself slowly, sweeping the entire length of her index finger along her ultra sensitive flesh while imagining Rolon touching her. His pale blue eyes flashed across her thoughts. She imagined his handsome face so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her lips as his rock hard cock drove in and out of her body. Her heart pounding, Autumn stroked her clit faster. She could allow herself one fast orgasm to take the edge off her desire, then perhaps she would spend the rest of the night testing herself. She liked to use not only her hands but a variety of toys to tempt her body to the edge of desire without surrendering to climax. Stamina had been difficult to build at first and after twenty minutes she would writhe and pant in ecstasy. Eventually she was able to play with herself for hours, then cease without coming once. Sometimes she teased herself for several nights, many times with partners. When the orgasm finally arrived, it was earth shattering and well worth the wait. Damn Rolon Adler for ruining her control. Autumn’s entire body tensed, every muscle straining as her hand rubbed even faster. Any second she would shatter… The phone on her night table rang. “Damn!” She snarled, her teeth clenched. Her heart pounding wildly, she reached for the phone. “Who is it?” “Autumn? I’m sorry. Is this a bad time?” “Hi, Dechrista. I was just going in the shower.” “I wanted to know if you could come over for dinner on Monday?” Autumn’s pulse quickened even more. Rolon was staying with Dechrista and her husband. With any luck, he would be at dinner too. It would be a perfect chance to see him again. Not that she would necessarily act upon her desire. The last thing she wanted was to encourage a man like him, but she would like to feast her eyes on him again, purely for his aesthetic value. “Will your houseguest be gone by then?” “Actually, no.” Dechrista sounded a bit hesitant. “I see.” “I’m not going to lie to you, Autumn. He asked me to invite you over. It seems you made quite an impression on him.” “Really? I didn’t notice.” “Yes, you did.” Autumn smiled. “Maybe a little.”

“And you thought he was pretty hot too.” “Did I?” “Unless your scent was that strong over somebody else?” “Intimates don’t mix with each other.” “Who says?” “The unspoken law of vampirism.” Dechrista laughed. “Who are you kidding? There are no laws among vampires. So will you come on Monday or not?” “What time?” “Nine o’clock.” “I’ll see you then. Goodbye, Dechrista.” Autumn hung up the phone, an unfamiliar tingling sensation coursing through her. Accepting the dinner invitation was a mistake, especially after learning that arrogant alpha bastard had arranged it. Still, curiosity and desire had gotten the better of her. Perhaps it was best to face him again and make certain that she could resist him. If she could keep her hormones in check around Rolon Adler, then she was even more worthy of her title of Intimate than she realized. *** Autumn sat in her car for a moment, glancing down at the black dress cut to accentuate her curves without appearing cheap. She detested women who blatantly flaunted their sexuality. Subtlety was far more appealing and attracted a better class of man. Any slut could pour herself into tight jeans and slip on a tank top, but choosing classic garments that displayed one’s unique attributes was an art in itself. Only if the evening progressed to the bedroom would she tantalize her guest with sizzling hot undergarments as carefully chosen as her outer attire. Beneath her dress, Autumn wore her best black lace. Somehow she sensed that Rolon would appreciate the sensual simplicity of black. She had little doubt that if the evening went well, he would be in her bed, rough and hard between her legs. Two Intimates tempting and testing each other was practically unheard of, yet Autumn wanted him so badly that she could almost imagine how he tasted. There was no doubt Rolon was trying to get to her as well. He made his desire plain, first by arranging tonight’s dinner, then by the two gifts he had sent. On Saturday, the most beautiful orchids were delivered to her home, not cut, but live. Autumn fell in love with the gift and wondered if Rolon had asked her friends about her career. Flowers had been an important part of her life for as long as she could remember. A man who was perceptive enough to send her potted ones instead of cut made him even more intriguing. Yesterday Rolon had sent a box of Autumn’s favorite confection, cherries dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with pecans. He had obviously asked her friends about her taste in food, and though she was a bit annoyed by his aggressive behavior, she couldn’t help being flattered too.

Rolon’s scent reached her from inside the house. It was as wild and sensual as she remembered from the other night, yet something was a bit different. She approached the front door and knocked on it. Woodrow answered. “Come in. Dinner will be ready in a little while.” She followed him to the spacious living room. Celtic music played softly in the background, and the room was pleasantly dim. Her gaze immediately fell upon Rolon who stood by a table pouring wine. Suddenly she realized what was different about his scent. Hunger. By the look in his piercing eyes and the subtle difference in his scent, she guessed he was quite hungry for blood. A thrill coursed through her at the thought of him drinking of her. He glanced at her, the slightest smile touching his lips. Autumn’s entire body heated from the lust burning in his pale blue eyes. Her heart fluttered as he approached. “Ms. Arienn, it is so nice to see you again.” “You as well, Mr. Adler.” She offered him her hand which he raised to his lips. Before he could kiss it, she slipped from his grasp. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if Dechrista needs help in the kitchen.” Woodrow left them alone. For a moment they stood in silence, yet the attraction between them was louder than a scream. Autumn willed herself to relax. “Would you like a drink, Ms. Arienn?” “Yes, thank you.” Autumn sat by the fireplace and gazed at the dancing flames. Watching firelight always calmed her. Years ago, when she had been trapped with a cruel, unloving creator, she had often sat for hours, watching firelight and dreaming about what life would be like if she were free. Sometimes she would fall asleep by the hearth only to be awakened by violent growls and vicious hands squeezing and tearing at her flesh. “Is something wrong?” Autumn’s gaze switched to Rolon who stood beside her chair, offering her a glass of wine. She accepted the drink, her fingertips brushing his. The beauty of his hands fascinated her. His fingers were long, the nails short and clean. The pattern of veins on the backs of his hands reflected strength and virility without appearing corded and ugly. Those hands seemed made to touch a woman. Recalling the sensation of his hands on her when they danced on Friday, Autumn longed to feel them on her body. “Why should anything be wrong?” “You just looked distracted for a moment.” “I was thinking about something that happened a long time ago. It’s not important.” “It’s easy to get lost in thoughts of the past, especially for vampires as old as we are.”

Autumn shrugged and took a sip of wine. She allowed it to roll around her mouth then slide down her throat. It was excellent wine, aged to perfection, like the magnificent vampire beside her. If only he would keep their conversation superficial, she could fully enjoy him. All she wanted was his body. His thoughts and feelings meant nothing to her, at least that’s what she kept repeating to herself. “Thank you for the flowers and candy you sent.” “You’re welcome. Dechrista tells me you have an interest in flowers that goes beyond the usual feminine adoration.” Autumn smiled, not wanting to discuss her personal or professional life just yet. “Yes. Since I’m not a woman who enjoys playing games, I suggest we make our intentions clear.” He raised an eyebrow. “Now?” Clearly he relished the hunt and her statement surprised, perhaps even disappointed, him. Would he lose interest once he realized she was willing to share physical pleasure with him? It was best to find out now. She had told him what she was from the first, an Intimate. A woman accustomed to getting what she wanted when she wanted it. If he had fantasies about her possessing underlying submissive tendencies, then he had better face reality immediately. Better that he cease his charming yet obvious pursuit and return to the adoring, weak-willed females she knew ancient alpha males preferred. “Yes.” She held his gaze. “Now.” “All right. I want you in my bed, Ms. Arienn.” “As a worshipper?” His pale blue eyes darkened with lust. “As an equal.” Autumn smiled. Neither of them was experienced in equality, but the idea challenged her. Could such a relationship exist between them? Impossible. One of them must have a stronger will than the other. Perhaps finding out which one would be a thrilling ride in itself. “I shall consider it, Mr. Adler.” He nodded and raised his glass to her. She touched hers to it and both of them sipped. “Dinner is ready,” called Dechrista. “Ms. Arienn.” Rolon gestured for her to lead the way. Autumn swept by him, deeply inhaling his scent. It had grown stronger throughout their conversation, the same as hers. Her clit buzzed and her nipples ached with lust. This was going to be a most thrilling yet frustrating meal as they struggled to appear collected while inside they burned with need. ***

Rolon gazed across the table at Autumn, enveloped by desire as he watched her raise her fork to her lips. Though he longed to stare at her as if she were the only person in the room, he refrained out of politeness. Ignoring his host and hostess who had arranged the dinner for his sake would be incredibly rude. Though the meal was delicious, his normally healthy appetite had disappeared, chased off by the excitement of pursuing Autumn. He could almost feel her lush body close to his. He couldn’t wait to find out what her full, beautiful lips tasted like. “How long will you be visiting?” Autumn asked. “Only two more days.” “I see.” He reached out telepathically and was pleasantly surprised to find that she had also done the same. Though she carefully hid her core, she left her feelings of desire and curiosity bare. “I wish you would reconsider singing on my CD,” Dechrista said. “I can’t believe you’ve never recorded your music. With your popularity, you could probably make a fortune.” “Dechrista,” Woodrow said, a hint of warning in his voice, “you know how Rolon feels about recording.” “It just seems like a shame not to make the most of such a beautiful voice.” “Your offer to sing with you flatters me, Dechrista, but I won’t use my music for financial gain. It’s difficult to explain my feelings on the matter.” “I don’t understand.” Autumn held his gaze. “I thought singing was your career.” “No, it’s my passion.” He flashed her a wolfish smile. “Or should I say one of my passions.” “Can singing not be both a passion and a career? Dechrista seems to have blended the two.” “Many people can, but not me.” He felt her probing his mind, then she drew back sharply. At first he thought she retreated because of the mental barriers he tossed up, then he caught a glimpse of her internal battle. Part of her wanted to know more about him while another part refused to satisfy her curiosity. With each passing moment this woman intrigued him more and more. He knew his own reasons for rebelling against an emotional bond, but what was her excuse for reining in her desires? Was she afraid of losing some of the power she had worked so hard to achieve? Even the strongest female ancients harbored some fear of their male counterparts. Not that they didn’t have reason. Some males simply couldn’t learn the art of tempering dominance with compassion. Though he enjoyed taking control of his partners, Rolon had never understood the desire of some males to bully a weaker creature. Rolon preferred giving and receiving pleasure. Violence should be reserved for enemies, not lovers. “Well, my passion is chocolate cake.” Woodrow stood and gathered several of the dishes. “Dechrista,

help me get the dessert.” Autumn and Rolon started to help the couple clear the table, but Dechrista said, “You’re guests. We’ll take care of it. Why don’t you wait for us in the living room? It’ll be nice to have dessert by the fire.” While their host and hostess disappeared into the kitchen, Rolon offered her his arm in a manner only an older vampiress would appreciate. Old-fashioned politeness was completely lost on the new generation. Autumn’s deceptively fragile-looking hand rested lightly on his forearm as they walked to the living room. The slight touch set his entire body on fire. He could only imagine how it would feel to finally lie naked with her. His cock leapt at the thought of it. Autumn gazed at him with a knowing smile. This woman was absolutely adorable. If he didn’t get her in bed, she’d haunt him forever. Moments later, the four sat by the fire, sipping tea and eating chocolate layer cake. Watching Autumn lick frosting from her lips excited him so much that he had to glance away while they ate. Though both of them appeared outwardly composed, there was no way they could disguise the scent of their lust from their host and hostess. The remainder of the evening would have been pleasant had Rolon not been obsessed by thoughts of what her response would be to his final advance. “Thank you for dinner,” Autumn said to Woodrow and Dechrista, then her gaze fixed on Rolon. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Adler.” “I was on my way to hunt,” Rolon said. “Would you care to accompany me?” Autumn lifted her chin and met his gaze. “I would love to.” Together, they left the house. “So, Mr. Adler, what sort of blood do you prefer? Vampire or mortal? Evil or good?” “Since you expressed a preference for directness earlier, I won’t waste time with games. I want your blood, Ms. Arienn.” Autumn paused in front of her car. He could hear her heart pounding. She turned and nearly bumped into his broad chest. Touching his hand to her chin, he lowered his face slightly as if to kiss her. Instead, he spoke against her lips. “I want to touch you, kiss you.” Amusement and desire glistened in her eyes. “Do you want to fuck me, Mr. Adler?” Grasping her shoulders, he covered her mouth with his. Her lips felt so warm and pleasantly moist. The tip of his tongue slid along her lips before thrusting inside. Standing on tiptoe to better reach him, Autumn locked her arms around his neck. Her tongue met his stroke for stroke. She tasted of chocolate and hot, sexy woman. Stepping closer to the car, he pressed her against it. Her soft yet strong body thrilled him. Beneath her dress, her nipples sprang to life. The tight buds rubbed against his chest. More than anything he wanted to tear off their clothes and feel her skin against his. Slowly, he broke the kiss.

“Yes, I want to fuck you, Ms. Arienn. I want to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before.” She chuckled, a lovely, sensual sound. “That’s a lofty aspiration, Mr. Adler. Follow me home and we’ll see how close you can come to your goal.” Without another word, she slipped from his grasp and stepped into her car.

Chapter Three

During the drive home, Autumn kept glancing in the rearview mirror at Rolon’s car traveling behind her. Her stomach churned with excitement when she thought of the night to come. Everything about the man, from the sound of his voice to the way he moved, turned her on. Even the telepathic caress of his mind on hers made her ache for more. The man was a dangerous temptation, yet she couldn’t resist spending this single night in his arms. She parked in front of her house and walked to the front door without so much as casting a glance in his direction. His arms slipped around her from behind and he nuzzled her neck. Tiny shivers of delight coursed through her and she closed her eyes, leaning into his embrace for several seconds. “You are so beautiful.” He spoke close to her ear, one of his arms wrapped around her and holding her close to him while his free hand gently caressed the slight curve of her belly. His body felt so hard and he emanated such power that for a moment her legs weakened. Damn! It had been literally ages since she had felt so vulnerable around a man. Funny that she didn’t hate the sensation as much as she once had. Perhaps it was because this night promised pleasure rather than pain. No longer young and inexperienced, Autumn was in full control of her life. She was with Rolon by choice, not by force. “Wait.” She stiffened in his embrace. “What?” His lips trailed over her neck and she resisted the urge to melt against him. Instead she pushed away and faced him. “Before we go inside, I want to make one thing clear. After tonight, we owe each other nothing. No strings.” “Of course not.” For a long moment they held each other’s gaze, each probing the other’s thoughts only to be met by unbreakable barriers. Autumn turned and unlocked the door. She had given her maid the next day off. She wanted absolutely no interruptions during her time with Rolon. They stepped into the spacious foyer of the home she had designed to her specifications. The enormous white brick and marble home was styled after an ancient Greek temple. The kitchen, living room, indoor pool, and garden were on the first floor. Several guest bedrooms as well as the master suite were on the

second. Most of her antique furnishings had been with her for centuries. Unlike many of her kind, Autumn preferred bright décor. On their way up the winding staircase, Rolon gazed at the paintings covering the wall. Most of them were stunning male nudes, yet somehow Autumn guessed that none of them would compare with the body hidden beneath her guest’s understated black shirt and pants. Autumn kicked off her shoes and walked barefoot down the hall. “Your home is lovely. It suits you.” “I think so. Here’s my room.” She stepped into the large room she had so lovingly decorated. The plush pink carpet felt soft beneath her feet. The cream-colored wallpaper was scattered with pale pink roses. A large bed covered in pink satin sheets stood against one wall. The night tables and armoire across from it were white trimmed with gold. In a corner of the room stood a life-size statue of a nude man, his face cherubic and body cut with lean muscle. “Would you unzip me, please?” Autumn glanced at Rolon over her shoulder. He approached and slowly slid down the zipper on the back of her dress. Parting the fabric, he swept his palm down her back, then trailed his fingertips along her spine. His touch sent little tremors of desire through her. This night was going to be wonderful. Sliding the dress off her shoulders, Rolon kissed the back of her neck. Autumn allowed the black fabric to pool at her feet so she stood in front of him wearing only her carefully chosen undergarments. The nipple area was cut out of the black lace bra, the openings rimmed with seed pearls. The black lace panties were also decorated with pearls. When he stepped in front of her, lust shone in his eyes. His lips parted slightly, revealing the tips of his gleaming white fangs. The scent of his hunger wafted heavily on the air. Not only did he want to make love to her, but he was almost desperate for blood. She wondered why he had waited so long before satisfying his hunger. Though she enjoyed testing herself when it came to lovemaking, she didn’t believe in torturing herself through starvation. Such practices were dangerous and, to her, pointless. Still, she knew some ancients believed in fasting for purification. She almost asked him about his reason, but stopped herself. She didn’t want to know anything about him. Tonight was to be strictly physical. Cupping her face in his hands, he covered her mouth with a soft yet demanding kiss. His lips were firm and moist. Their warmth spread throughout her, stirring her desire even more. Simultaneously, their tongues sought one another, stroking, thrusting, and tasting each other’s mouths. Autumn grasped handfuls of his hair. It felt so incredibly thick and smooth it was like running her fingers through fine satin threads. He lifted her in his arms and strolled slowly toward the bed, his lips still covering hers. She broke the kiss, irritation and desire battling inside her. “Who gave you permission to pick me up?” “You invited me here to make love with you. I’m not one of your thralls who won’t move without your order. If that’s what you want, then we can say goodnight right now.” “I’ve already told you I’m accustomed to being in control, not the other way around.”

“I’m not trying to control you. I want to make love with you, but I can’t do that if you’re obsessed with losing a bit of power.” “Power wasn’t as easy to achieve for me as it was for you. I’m not willing to part with it because you threaten to leave my bedroom.” “I’m not asking you to surrender your power, but use it as you never have before. If I wanted a submissive woman, I would have stayed at Burgundy Peak. You claim to be an Intimate. Show me.” Autumn’s pulse raced. His thoughts mingled with hers, enforcing his desire. He wanted a blending of their strength, for them to push each other to their limits. “I want your raw passion, Ms. Arienn.” Gazing deeply into his eyes, she experienced that same moment of weakness as she’d felt when he’d first kissed her. If she allowed herself, she could drown in his gaze and lose herself in his thoughts. “This excites you. I can tell.” “Yes, it excites me. As much as I excite you. I understand you now, Rolon. You’re bored with slaves crawling to you on their knees. A man like you needs challenge to really be stimulated.” As if unwilling to admit such a desire yet unable to deny it, he merely held her gaze and smiled slightly, almost wickedly, before kissing her again. His tongue slipped into her mouth and she trapped it, sucking on it while tightening her grip on his hair. He dropped her on the bed, not viciously but roughly enough to excite her. Sitting on the bed beside her, he used the tip of his finger to trace the pearls on her bra. She waited in anticipation for him to touch her nipple. Already the pink bud stood out hard and yearning. “Such tantalizing undergarments.” He swept his hand down her stomach and rested his palm over the lace covering her soft mound. His thumb stroked the pearls along the top of her panties. “How are yours?” He smiled slightly, his fangs glistening against his lips. “I’m not wearing any.” “Subtle, Rolon. Like most ancient males.” “Direct, Autumn. To the point, just as you like.” She grinned, more anxious than ever to rip off his clothes. She wanted to see his cock and balls. Run her hands over them and study their shape, texture, and scent. Grasping the front of his shirt, Autumn tugged him closer and kissed him. She took his lower lip between her teeth and bit it, not enough to draw blood, but almost. He growled, a low rumble in his chest that she felt more than heard. She had almost forgotten how exciting the growl of an aggressive male sounded. Bracing a hand on each side of her head, he kissed her harder, opening his mouth and using his teeth and tongue to deepen the sensations. Their teeth clicked for a second before his tongue swept over one of her fangs. The taste of his blood sent a rush of passion through her, tightening her nipples even more and

turning her pussy into a molten pool of desire. He growled again and sank his fangs into her lip. As his tongue caressed the tiny wounds, his body heated and his scent grew so strong that she felt intoxicated by it. His almost desperate need for blood cried out to her. More than anything she wanted to keep feeding him. She needed to feel his fangs and tongue as much as she needed his cock buried deep inside her. Tearing his mouth from hers, he stared at her with lust burning in his eyes. His chest rose and fell with each excited breath. Damn. Even the way he licked the glaze of blood from his lips turned her on so much that she could hardly contain herself. He began unbuttoning his shirt, but far too slowly for her taste. She sat up and yanked his shirt from the waist of his pants, her gaze lingering on the sizeable bulge of his crotch. Unable to resist, she traced his cock with her fingertips. Tightening her grip, she felt the pattern of veins and even the ridge along the underside. Her brow furrowed when she felt something hard yet foreign at the head of his penis. By the shape, she guessed it was some kind of piercing. Though teasing him through the fabric was pleasant enough, she needed to feel his skin. She unbuttoned his pants and slid down the zipper. The most gorgeous cock she had ever had the pleasure to see sprang into view. Long, thick, and perfectly shaped, it was enough to send her pulse racing out of control. Several prominent veins shone beneath the pinkish flesh. A thin steel ring hung from the smooth, rounded head. Autumn slipped her finger through the ring and tugged, using only the slightest bit of pressure. “I’m almost afraid to ask how you manage to keep the piercing from sealing up.” “The vampire who did it used a silver needle.” Autumn wrinkled her nose, nearly shivering at the thought of how painful the piercing had been. Silver was just about the only substance that could scar, even kill, a vampire. “Was it worth that much pain?” He shrugged, touching two fingers beneath the head of his penis and bobbing it up and down. “It wasn’t that bad.” Slowly, she slid her fingertips up and down the shaft. “This is a beauty. Eight and a quarter?” “Eight and a half.” Autumn smiled and lifted her gaze to his. “Perfect.” He had finished unbuttoning his shirt and discarded it along with his pants, shoes, and socks. Autumn had seen many men in her lifetime, both human and vampire, but never one who attracted her as much as Rolon. It was as if he had been created just for her. His body was exactly the kind she dreamed of. Tall and supple, lean yet powerful, he exuded a warrior’s power and a dancer’s grace. His pale skin was hairy in all the right places and smooth exactly where a man should be. Beneath the crisp dusting of chest hair, she noted a scar in the shape of a cross that extended across his pecs and ended in the center of his flat belly. “What is this?” she asked, tracing the age-whitened scar with her fingertips. “More silver?” “Yes.”

She sensed a wave of emotion that he shielded quickly. Her gaze locked with his. She already knew that his psychic barriers were powerful, yet whatever memories were attached to this scar were so strong that he had momentarily lost control. Curiosity gnawed at her, yet she knew that becoming emotionally involved with him would be a mistake. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked. “Not at the moment.” “Good.” She reached for him, but he grasped her wrists and forced them behind her back. His piercing gaze held hers, penetrating her. Her nipples pressed against his bare chest. Their skins warmed one another, inspiring even greater lust than they already felt. Her vulnerable position incited a touch of fear and anger. Baring her fangs, she glared at him. “If you like it painful, you can get the hell out of here right now.” “I don’t want to cause you pain, Autumn. Lovemaking should never hurt.” She stared at him warily. “I agree with that, even though there are times when I like it rough.” A slight smile touched his lips. “Then I’m sure we’ll get along well. Since you seem determined to keep me out of your deepest thoughts, I’ll have to depend on you to tell me how rough you like it.” “Don’t worry. I don’t have a shy bone in my body.” Still holding her hands behind her back, Rolon covered her mouth with his. Slowly he released her and wrapped his arms around her. Autumn slid her hands up his back and gripped his shoulders. While their tongues did sensual battle, his fingers deftly unfastened her bra. She released him only long enough to discard it, then clung to him again, loving the sensation of his chest against her bare breasts. Rolon drew his mouth from hers and covered her neck with soft, lingering kisses. Several times he paused and rested the tips of his fangs against her flesh. In spite of his hunger, he didn’t break the skin. Autumn’s belly clenched. His self-control turned her on so much. The tips of his fingers swept up and down her spine and across her shoulders. He gently pushed her onto her stomach and swept aside her hair. From nape to buttocks, he covered her with tender, languid kisses that both soothed and aroused her. Slipping his fingers in the waist of her panties, he tugged them down the length of her legs and kissed the backs of her thighs and knees. As he discarded the panties, he licked her ankles and calves, sending little ripples of desire pulsing through her. Her excitement was so keen that she wanted to push him onto his back, mount him, and ride him to ecstasy, but she would wait. If he wanted restraint, she was the mistress of it. She vowed that each and every teasing pleasure he bestowed upon her, she would pay back with a vengeance. His tongue lapped the backs of her thighs, then laved her bottom cheeks before he pierced one of the fleshy globes with his fangs. His bite thrilled her. With every sweep of his tongue over the tiny wounds his fangs had created, she quivered with passion. It seemed his reputation as an Intimate was well deserved. If he could provide such pleasure with a shallow bite, she could only imagine how it would feel when he completely satisfied his hunger.

He kissed and licked her back, his tongue sweeping around her sides and tracing each of her ribs. By the time he reached the back of her neck, he was growling again, louder and more demanding. He rolled her onto her back and covered her body with his, a forearm braced on each side of her head. The expression of raw vampiric lust in his eyes made her gasp. God, he was the sexiest man she had ever known. His dark pupils nearly filled his pale blue irises. A tinge of bloodlust red tinted the whites of his eyes. Fangs glistened against his full, glossy lips that she couldn’t resist kissing. Locking her arms around his neck, she tugged herself upward and covered his mouth with hers. The scent of his hunger and arousal excited her almost to the point of madness. Using every bit of her strength, she pushed him onto his back. Still, she sensed that he had allowed himself to be moved. She might have been his match in age and skill, but his physical power far surpassed hers. This both thrilled and frustrated her. Since she had already invited him into her bed, she decided to take advantage of the feminine emotions he raised inside her. Smiling slightly, she straddled him, her hands splayed across his chest. Even the most powerful man became vulnerable in the hands of a woman who understood his desires. Though she and Rolon had just met, she felt she knew enough about him to captivate him. If she allowed the relationship to progress, she didn’t doubt she could claim his heart, if not his soul. The idea tempted her, yet she also sensed that to make him hers, she must give up more of herself than she was willing to share. She decided not to spoil the night with such deep thoughts. Beneath her lay the perfect specimen of a male vampire, and she intended to enjoy every moment with him. Her fingertips outlined the shape of the cross on his chest. Once again she wondered why he bore such a strange mark. So many vampires feared any kind of religious symbolism, yet he wore a most powerful image on his skin. Autumn had long ago lost her fear of the legendary vampiric trappings, so the mark on his chest intrigued rather than repulsed her. “Maybe someday I’ll tell you about it,” he said, a slight smile on his lips. “I couldn’t help sensing your curiosity.” “I don’t want to know anything about you, Rolon, except your sexual inclinations, because as the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat.” He shrugged, an amused gleam in his eyes, and placed his hands on her waist. Slowly he stroked upwards, caressing her belly and ribs. “Didn’t satisfaction bring her back?” Autumn purred, her eyes slipping shut as his fingers danced over her nipples. He seemed to know exactly how to touch her. With the perfect amount of pressure, he rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefinger. Shifting her position slightly forward, she pressed her clit against his hard, velvet-skinned cock. While he continued stroking her breasts, she reached down and curled her fist around his rod. She caressed it slowly at first, then faster. Their breathing quickened along with their movements. Grasping the base of his cock, she stroked upward until she reached the top, then she used her thumb to caress the underside of his cockhead. With the utmost tenderness, she caressed his piercing with her fingertip. More than anything she longed to feel him deep inside her, thrusting with his magnificent cock while they drank each other’s blood. Of course, she would wait to quench her thirst. She wasn’t entirely greedy. At the moment, she merely wanted his blood for pleasure, but he required nourishment. Raising herself on her knees, she opened her eyes and gazed at him. He stared at her and she sank into the intense beauty of his eyes. The man was fascinating, hypnotic, and so damn hot. She lowered herself onto his erection, using her hand to steady it. Trembling with desire, she slowly took every magnificent inch of him inside her. Thick and hard, he felt like satin over steel.

He took her hands, entwining their fingers so she could use him as leverage while rocking upon him. Strange how the joining of their hands seemed as intimate as the joining of their sexes. Their fingers clenched and caressed to the rhythm of their thrusting pelvises. Amidst the pleasure, a hint of fear nagged at Autumn. Never had a man’s cock felt so perfect inside her. It was as if she and Rolon were made for each other. Instinctively, their rhythms matched one another’s and their hearts beat in union. Her vampiric senses reeled with the sound of blood rushing through their bodies and the scent of their desire. “Oh!” She gasped and writhed, riding him faster and harder. Her thighs clenched and her fingers squeezed his tightly. “That’s right, Autumn. Oh, yes, this is how I knew it would be with you.” The sound of his sexy voice, so husky with emotion, nearly flung her over the edge. He pushed her onto the mattress, his cock never leaving her wet, aching pussy. Their fingers still entwined, he pinned her hands beside her head and thrust so fast that she nearly lost her breath. Gasping, she locked her legs around him and shifted her hips frantically, trying to match his pace, then she gave up. All she could do was cling to him and enjoy the ride. He was so strong and wild, so completely vampiric, yet in spite of his animalistic motions, he never hurt her. Somehow he had mastered the art of tempering fast, almost savage thrusts without pounding the hell out of his partner. It was pure bliss, so much that Autumn let go of everything. She no longer cared about their battle of wills or whether or not his thoughts mingled completely with hers. All she wanted was to reach the peak to which he was relentlessly driving her. Through their telepathic bond, she sensed his passion was as great as hers, and his hunger almost agonizing. Drink of me, Rolon. I want to feel your bite. I need you, Autumn. I’m yours. Amidst the thrilling pleasure, she forced her eyes open, wanting to know that he was as lost as she was. His eyes were closed, his long lashes fluttering against his deliciously pale flesh. Panting, he arched his head back for a second before burying his face between her shoulder and neck. His bite was swift and so erotic that she came upon penetration. He released her hands to brace his forearms on either side of her head, and she clung to him tightly, her fingers sinking into his shoulders. Lapping her blood, he grunted and growled in ecstasy. Autumn thought she had experienced every carnal pleasure possible, but never had she felt such a powerful orgasm. Each massive pulsation was so intense that it bordered on pain. Amidst the waves of climax, she felt him lunge hard and explode inside her. Tearing his mouth from her neck, he released a savage cry that stirred her to her very soul. He fell upon her, his body nearly crushing her. Their hearts pounded together and the sound of their harsh breathing filled the room. Though it took only moments for their preternatural bodies to recover, the emotional impact lingered. Instinctively, Autumn wrapped her arms around Rolon and stroked his smooth, warm back. His breath fanned her shoulder and his eyelashes tickled her neck. Usually after sex she felt nothing except physical satisfaction. This time everything was different. Her thoughts still mingled with his. She felt his fulfillment as

keenly as her own. Lifting his head from her shoulder, he gazed into her eyes and stroked wisps of hair from her face.One night won’t be enough, Autumn . For a brief moment she allowed their thoughts to continue mingling before she closed her psychic door. He held her gaze for several heartbeats, as if trying to figure her out. Then he rolled off her and stood. Autumn resisted the urge to lick her lips at the sight of him. Damn, he had the most beautiful body, so lean yet powerful. “Where’s the bathroom?” She pointed to a door across the room. Her gaze fixed on his tight backside as he walked away and disappeared into the bathroom.

Chapter Four

It was past dawn when Rolon stirred, as if roused by an internal alarm. He glanced at Autumn who slept deeply beside him. She looked lovely, soft, and feminine. With her vibrant blue eyes closed, no one could guess the power inside her. Though she tried to seem hard and emotionless, he sensed that she was hiding a wounded soul. The way this woman guarded her strength and independence reminded him of a slave who had finally won her freedom. He didn’t doubt that her past had been harsh. Most vampires as old as she -- himself included -- had experienced more than their share of horrors. Some were lucky enough to grow past the lingering memories of ancient agonies, yet certain torments were harder to release than others. Rolon knew that well enough. He had agreed to a night of sex without strings, and for a short time he had actually believed it was possible. Now he knew better. She had touched his soul in a way he never believed a woman could again. Drawing a deep breath, he left the bed and pulled on his clothes. He glanced at her, knowing that if he acted upon his feelings, he would be exposing himself to the same potential sorrow that had once nearly destroyed him. What was the point in considering a relationship now? Before he could think about his personal life, he had a final task to complete. Not that he expected to fail, but when answering the call of the Dark Rhythm, there was always the chance he wouldn’t survive. Before he left the room, he glanced over his shoulder at Autumn. In spite of the house’s bright furnishings, heavy shades blocked any outside light, yet when he opened the front door and stepped outside, sunlight brightened the day. Like all vampires, Rolon didn’t enjoy the sun. His skin prickled almost painfully and his eyes stung, but like all of the Dark Rhythm, he had spent years conditioning himself to the daylight. Such tolerance was an important weapon in the battle he fought. This would be his final one, at least under the direction of Dark Rhythm. He had to admit that they hadn’t ordered him this time. He had agreed to serve them to avenge an old friend.

You should be done with vengeance, Rolon. It’s what trapped you in this whole mess to begin with . Inside his car, he checked the messages on his cell phone and found the one he had been expecting. Dialing the dreaded number, he waited for the familiar voice on the other end. “I almost thought you turned traitor and decided not to fulfill your obligation after all,” Lao said. “Dark Rhythm is no longer my obligation.” “No matter what you think, we will always be your obligation, just as you will always be ours.” “Yes, because Dark Rhythm cares so much for its slaves.” “You thought yourself a slave? That is a lie and you know it, Rolon. You came to us as a creature seething with rage and we offered you revenge.” “No, Lao. You exploited my grief for your benefit.” “Did we not free you from your vows?” “And nearly killed me for it.” “You and Apollo have been a great loss to us. We valued your skills.” “Will Apollo be joining me?” The silence on the other end confirmed Rolon’s suspicions. “Just as I thought, Lao. He refused.” “It is just as well. His sanity has always been questionable.” “You question the sanity of anyone who dares leave Dark Rhythm, yet you are obsessed madmen.” “Madman are needed to fight other madmen. You are a fool if you think we’re not needed, Rolon. If not for us, how many vampires would die at the hands of hunters? You know the damage they can do.” “I know that some humans are as narrow-minded and violent as Dark Rhythm.” “I don’t wish to argue this old topic with you. In two days the hunters will be gathered on schedule in the place we discussed. We expect you to --” “It shall be done. When it is finished, you will call me no more.” “So much skill and experience. So much ferocity. You will be sorely missed, Rolon.” Rolon clicked off the phone and sat for a moment, his eyes narrowed against the sunlight and his teeth clenched with frustration. From the back seat, he took his duffel bag containing a travel-sized toiletry pack and a change of

clothes, then walked back to the house, undressed, and slipped into bed. Autumn rolled close to him. When he draped his arm around her, she rested her cheek against his chest. “Where did you go?” “To the bathroom.” “You needed to put on all your clothes to go to the bathroom?” She lifted her chin and gazed into his eyes for several heartbeats. “Forget I asked.” “I needed to go out to my car to get my travel bag, unless you would prefer that I didn’t stay for the day.” She wrinkled her nose. “You went out in the sunlight?” “It won’t kill us, you know.” “But why --” She paused and shook her head. “I guess it doesn’t matter. It’s your skin, even if it is too nice to let the sun ruin it.” She caressed his chest and shoulder. Running his fingers through her hair, he asked, “I know last night was supposed to be a one time deal, but I’d like to see you again.” Her fingertips traced his ribs, their feathery touch stirring him nearly as much as a kiss. They had spent the entire night making love, but he already wanted her again. As proof of his desire, his cock hardened and rose against the sheet. “I had a good time last night,” she said. “Just good?” “Okay.” She glanced at him, a smirk on her lips. “I had a great time, and coming from me that’s no small compliment.” “So I guessed.” “I still don’t want any strings.” “Neither do I.” She gazed at him, her thoughts brushing his. He nearly smiled. She wanted to know if he was lying, and not just because she didn’t want an emotional bond developing between them, but because part of her actually did want one. Autumn Arienn was a complicated woman, and so far everything about her fascinated him. “I expect to spend this coming night with you, Autumn. After that I have business to attend to. It should take me no more than two days. When I return, we can decide if we want this relationship to continue.” She raised an eyebrow. “Demanding bastard, aren’t you? I could tell you exactly where to stick your

expectations.” “I don’t think you will.” “Really?” She glared at him, then pressed the tips of her fangs into his lean, hard chest. She licked his blood and circled his nipple with her tongue. “You taste too good to turn away, Rolon, so I suppose another night in your company can’t hurt me.” “You don’t have to keep reinforcing that you don’t want anything more than a sexual relationship, and you needn’t fear me.” “Why should I be afraid of you?” With the utmost tenderness, he caressed her cheek. “You shouldn’t be.” “I’m tired. Good day, Rolon.” “Good day, little beauty.” Moments later, Autumn drifted back to sleep, but Rolon couldn’t. Past memories refused to let him rest. Lao was right. No matter how much he tried to change the course of his life, the blood on his hands was permanent. Such blood was vile and poisonous as silver. After so many centuries of killing, he finally realized that no matter how many hunters he destroyed, nothing could make up for losing the woman he loved. Only time had calmed his rage enough for him to see that the society he had joined was as savage as the hunters he sought to punish. Dark Rhythm claimed their sole purpose was to protect vampire kind. At one time, that might have been true, but over the centuries they had warped into a small group of murderers who hated all of humanity. They had forgotten that vampires, in spite of the powerful changes in their bodies, were still human. Ignoring the hunters who only destroyed vampires in self-defense, Dark Rhythm killed any human they perceived as a threat. Blinded by grief and rage, Rolon had welcomed their invitation to become one of their soldiers. Just when he had finally freed himself from them, they asked him to fulfill one last duty. One of their members, Ellis, had been slaughtered by a small group of hunters. Rolon and Ellis had been recruited at the same time, along with another vampire, Apollo. The three became close friends, as loyal to each other as to Dark Rhythm itself. When Rolon and Apollo chose to leave the society, a crime punishable by death, Ellis had spoken for them. After undergoing an exit ritual that nearly killed them both, Rolon and Apollo were freed from their vows. In spite of their differences of opinion regarding Dark Rhythm, the three men remained close. A month ago, Rolon had learned of Ellis’s execution by hunters. Because of his superior skill, Rolon was asked to destroy Ellis’s killers. In spite of his sadness over his friend’s death, Rolon knew that the hunters might simply have been defending themselves against an attack by Ellis. He investigated the group and found that they were the dangerous sort of humans who wished to destroy all vampires. Only then did he agree to dispose of them. The time was nearly at hand for him to fulfill this final task. Then he would truly sever all ties with Dark Rhythm. He sighed, almost envying Apollo’s ability to ignore the same call for help from their old society. Still, Apollo had his reasons for hating Dark Rhythm. Though Rolon no longer believed in their creed, he didn’t hate them. All he wanted was to be left alone and escape some of the violence that had ensnared him for centuries. ***

Rolon awoke to a barrage of wonderful scents. There was the delicious aroma of flavored coffee, maple syrup, and fresh fruit. Autumn’s irresistible scent overpowered them all. Smiling with pleasure at the thought of spending another night with her, he stretched, yawned, and rolled out of bed. The shades were open on the glass doors across the room. He stepped onto the balcony overlooking her spacious backyard. In the distance, a mass of perfectly trimmed bushes and trees captured his interest. He would have to take a closer look at it later. Drawing a deep breath of cool night air, he nearly smiled again, then a feeling of dread settled in his gut as he remembered tomorrow’s duty. He walked inside, showered, and dressed. Wearing nothing but jeans, he stepped into the bedroom. Autumn strode in through the open door and his cock nearly leapt through its denim cover. A pale yellow body stocking hugged every gorgeous curve from her calves to her shoulders. Her pink nipples shone beneath the see-through lace, as did the trimmed thatch of hair covering her feminine mound. High heeled sandals, the same vibrant red as her lipstick, adorned her feet. Her black hair was arranged in a French twist with several loose tendrils framing her face. Smiling seductively, she leaned in the doorjamb. Her gaze lingered over his body, particularly his bulging crotch, before she met his stare. “Breakfast is ready. Are you hungry?” “Starving.” “So am I.” She approached, splaying her hands across his chest and caressing it. “God, there’s nothing like a man with a hairy chest. It’s so virile.” Grinning, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, trapping his erection between them. “It takes more than that to establish virility.” “True, but you seem to have all the rest that goes with it.” Brushing his cheek against hers, he relished the softness of her skin before covering her mouth with his. She responded passionately, clutching his head and holding him nearer while her tongue toyed with his. When the kiss broke, she looked at him and giggled. Using her thumb, she wiped his mouth. “That lipstick isn’t your color, Mr. Adler. Come to the kitchen and have something to eat.” Rolon reached for his shirt, but she took his hand and tugged him toward the door. “Don’t bother. Give me something pretty to look at across the table.” Like the rest of the house, the kitchen was spacious and bright with yellow walls and wood cabinets. The breakfast table stood in front of a picture window that overlooked the back yard. Rolon walked to the window and once again gazed at the display of trees and shrubs. “Interesting landscaping.” “Isn’t it nice? It’s a maze.” “Ah.” “It’s a great place to play hide-and-seek.” Grinning, he turned to her, unable to keep his gaze from lingering over her backside as she placed two plates of food on the table. “Aren’t you a little old for that game?”

“Loosen up, Rolon. No matter how long we live, it’s important to stay young at heart. Besides, the way I like to play is for adults only.” “I’m intrigued.” “Good. After breakfast we can play. It’s a beautiful night. Clear. Full moon. The only problem is it’s a little chilly, but I imagine you’ll keep me warm.” “It will be my pleasure.” He wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled her neck. His hands roamed over her belly, then one of them dipped between her legs, massaging gently, while the other fondled her breasts. She leaned against him, her breathing quickening as her desire grew. She slipped from his grasp to sit at the table. “The food will get cold.” Growling, he resisted the urge to say to hell with the food. By the look of the table, she had made quite an effort to fix the meal, so the least he could do was enjoy it. He took his place and reached for the fruit salad served in a pretty crystal cup. A look at waffles topped with warm apples and walnuts made his stomach grumble and he realized he was actually quite hungry. He couldn’t keep from staring at her. The sight of her full breasts beneath the yellow lace and the loveliness of her mouth filled him with desire. It was refreshing to see a woman with a healthy appetite. So many of them starved because they thought it was fashionable. Rolon and Autumn came from another time when womanly curves were a thing of beauty. He noted her gaze lingered on him, paying particular attention to the cross on his chest. Thinking about how he had received the symbol once again darkened the happy moment. He rarely spoke of his past. Only certain members of Dark Rhythm and a few close friends knew any of his secrets. Sometimes he longed for a soulmate, someone to share his deepest thoughts and feelings with. He and Cleo had once been that close, and he missed such intimacy. Still, it had come at a heavy price. No physical pain had ever matched the emotional torment he felt when she died. “All right, what is it?” Autumn placed her fork aside and held his gaze. “Excuse me?” “What’s wrong?” “I thought you didn’t want to get personal?” She sighed and he felt her sifting through his thoughts with that gentle yet almost irresistible psychic touch. In spite of his need to talk about the past, he closed his mind to her. Not only was he not fully prepared to trust someone with his most personal memories and feelings, but any of Dark Rhythm’s issues must be kept secret from everyone except its members. That vow was one that he could not break, even after leaving their society. His very existence depended upon his discretion. Should they ever learn that he had betrayed them, they would hunt him down as savagely as their human prey. “If you don’t want to talk about whatever is bothering you, then why don’t we find a way to keep your mind off it?” He raised an eyebrow in question.

“Care to play hide-and-seek?” “All right.” “Good. Let me make a few arrangements. Why don’t you go swimming or take a walk in the garden downstairs? I’ll let you know when everything is ready.” “Anything I can do to help?” She stood and walked to him, taking his face in her hands and speaking against his lips. “Just think of a few positions we didn’t try last night.” He pushed his chair away from the table and tugged her onto his lap. Gazing at her, he noted once again the vulnerability beneath the cool surface of her blue eyes. Perhaps her evasive nature made him want to know her better, but the more time he spent with her, the more he realized that a strictly sexual relationship with her would never be enough. “What was your time?” she asked, running her fingers through his hair. “I mean, when did you become a vampire?” “I don’t remember exactly.” “It has been that long, huh?” He nodded. “Me too. Most of the memories are fuzzy. It’s only the feelings I remember.” “Were they happy?” Her mouth tightened a bit and a pained expression surfaced in her eyes, only to be quickly hidden again. “You can answer that, can’t you? It’s not as if you’re giving me any details about yourself.” “No. They weren’t happy memories.” She tried to stand, but he continued holding her. “Let go of me.” “Not yet. Look at me.” She held his gaze, and for a moment their thoughts mingled. She was more fearful than angry, fearful about something in her past. “We can play this game all night, Rolon, but you won’t find what you’re looking for.” “Unless you give it to me.” “We have a fun thing going. Don’t ruin it.” “I’m not trying to ruin it. You’re an intriguing woman and I would be a liar if I said I wouldn’t like to know you better.”

“Why? So you can find a way to control me?” He laughed. “As if any man could.” “Just remember that.” “I’m quite sure you won’t let me forget it.” Leaning closer, she kissed his upper lip, then his lower. “Let me go.” He released his hold on her. She slid off his lap and walked to the kitchen door. Before disappearing into the hallway, she glanced at him over her shoulder, a curious expression on her face. He sensed that in spite of her vow to keep their relationship superficial, she was as interested in him as he was in her. If only he didn’t have to leave so soon. Still, if everything went as planned, he would return in two days, maybe less. There was nowhere he would rather be than with Autumn, trying to learn why such a charming woman had built a wall around her heart.

The house’s lower level was amazing. The greenhouse was filled with a variety of exotic flowers and trees. It seemed sending her the orchids had been an excellent decision. Though he had intended to go swimming, the greenhouse captured his interest for so long that he still hadn’t finishing looking when Autumn joined him. She had loosened her hair from its twist, and it tumbled over her shoulders in glossy tendrils. A yellow satin robe concealed her figure and long gold earrings dangled from her ears. “Nice place, isn’t it?” she asked. “Beautiful.” “I love flowers.” “You’re excellent with them.” “I should be. They’re not only my passion, but my profession.” She smiled pointedly at him. “Ah.” He caught her jibe at his feelings regarding music. “In what way?” “I own a chain of florist shops called Goddess Petals, here and in Europe.” His fingertips brushed her cheek and lips. “A fitting career for a woman as beautiful as an exotic flower.” “You’ve spent too many years among worshipping young women, Mr. Adler.” She smiled, taking his hand as they headed for the door. “Are you ready to see the maze?” Outside, the evening was cool and moonlight bathed the yard. The lush grass was pleasant to walk upon as they made their way to the maze’s entrance. The scent of fire wafted on the air, and smoke spiraled above the maze. “I’m guessing you wouldn’t be this calm if your yard was burning down?”

Autumn chuckled. “I built a fire to keep us warm later.” She turned and placed a hand against his chest. “Wait here. I’ll call you when I’m ready.” A moment later, she disappeared into the maze with animal swiftness. He glanced down the path between the trimmed bushes and gnarled trees. A bat flapped its wings in one of the tallest bushes, and moonlight reflected off the eyes of squirrel clinging to a tree trunk. To a vampire, the night was filled with beauty and excitement. Not once did Rolon ever miss his ability to fully enjoy the day. “All right. Find me.” Entering the maze, Rolon listened for the echo of her heartbeat and deeply inhaled her scent. His keen eyesight detected where her feet had left impressions on the grass. A slight smile touched his lips when he followed a false trail to a dead end. Around another turn, he found one of her earrings in the grass and picked it up. A short while later, he found another. At first he thought she was leading him on another wild goose chase, but when he next found her robe spread on the ground, then her panties and bra hooked on tree branches, he knew she intended him to find her. His pulse quickened when he realized she was completely naked, awaiting him somewhere in the maze. Then he heard her heartbeat, or perhaps it was his own, pounding in anticipation. Seconds later, he stepped into a clearing and felt his temperature rise in spite of the night’s slight chill. A fire crackled in a stone hollow. Nearby, hot coals burned in a red cauldron. Autumn gazed at him from where she lay on a white faux fur blanket, her nipples hard in the cool night air, her gorgeous curves bathed in moonlight. She gazed at him with a coquettish expression that made his cock leap. “You lost a few things.” He knelt beside her and dropped her clothes and jewelry. “Thank you.” Reaching into the yellow satin bag beside her, she removed a handful of rose-scented incense and tossed it into the cauldron. The aromatic burst stirred him. Her entire seduction act thrilled him. This woman seemed to know exactly what he wanted, but why shouldn’t she? Just as he had spent his life mastering seduction, she had done the same. She was too accustomed to being in control, and it was time she learned what it was like to surrender. Unlike most of the women he had been with, blatant force would not make her bend, even if it meant giving up her chance for pleasure. Any man could force a woman to submit using his superior physical strength or mental abuse, but to make a woman surrender in a way that broke neither her body nor her spirit was an art so few ancients understood. He stood above her, his gaze fixed on hers. In spite of her cool veneer, lust glistened in her eyes. Her breasts swelled as she drew a deep breath. “Unzip me,” he said. She raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?” He smiled, and for several moments they stared at one another, a battle of wills. Both of them wanted relief from the passion consuming them, but neither was willing to make the first move. Thus far, Rolon had allowed her to take the lead. Now it was his turn, and he would suffer with a century-long erection before giving in to her this time.

The slightest smile curved her pretty lips before she pushed herself to her hands and knees and crawled toward him in a shockingly submissive gesture. For a brief moment suspicion nearly overtook him, only to be forgotten when she positioned herself in front of him and unbuttoned his jeans, using her teeth to tug down the zipper. His cock popped free and she rubbed her smooth cheek against it while she slid the denim down his legs. He lifted first one foot then the other to accommodate her as she pulled off his shoes, socks, and jeans. Starting at his right ankle, she kissed her way up his shin and trailed her lips and tongue over his thigh. Once again she brushed his cock with her cheek before kissing his left leg from thigh to ankle. Sliding closer, she clutched his buttocks, her hands kneading the globes. He drew several deep breaths, his heart pounding with anticipation. For a woman who swore she had not a submissive bone in her body, she was doing incredibly well. “Ow!” He growled, shoving her away from him so hard that she landed on her elbows. He glanced down at his cock, two beads of blood marking the velvety flesh where she had viciously sunk her fangs into it. Unless the vampire was very young, his bite only hurt if he meant it to, so there was no doubt the bitch had done this on purpose. “I warned you about trying to control me.” Gritting his teeth, he willed himself not to grab and try shaking some sense into her. “You’re right.” He stretched out beside her. She gazed at him warily, as if she expected him to repay her violence with violence. Instead he caressed her hair and ran his hand down her shoulder and arm. “Why are you so afraid of giving up even a bit of yourself?” “What?” “You know what I mean.” “I told you, I have no interest in anything but sex.” “The horny young fools you’re accustomed to sleeping with might believe that, but give me some credit. I’ve glimpsed of your thoughts, just as you’ve glimpsed of mine.” “I don’t see you pushing to learn more about me either.” “I’d like to, but not now.” She studied him carefully, then nodded. “I suppose that’s fair enough.” “Then you would like to keep seeing me?” “Yes, but I’m not making any promises.” “I have business to attend to tomorrow, but I should be back no later than the following day.” “What kind of business? We never did get around to discussing your career.” “No. We didn’t.” “Now who’s being secretive?”

“Like you, I need time.” “All right. So in the meantime?” He offered her a wicked grin and rolled her onto her back. Positioning himself between her legs, he draped them over his shoulders, then slid his hand beneath her buttocks. At the first lick of his tongue over her clit, she sighed with pleasure. Her fingers threaded through his hair and her legs tightened around him a bit. Everything about her thrilled him. Her scent and the texture of her skin drove him wild. If he could stand the excitement, he could lick her all night, but this was not the sort of woman he wanted to test his control with. Even if he did manage not to come in her presence, he would need to jerk himself off by the time the night was through. As much as he had loved Cleo, even she hadn’t physically aroused him as much as Autumn. The tip of his tongue rode up and down the side of her clit, then tasted the front of it with slow upward strokes that soon had her writhing. He held her steady with his hands, unable to restrain the growls of desire rumbling in his chest. “Oh, yes. Rolon. That’s perfect. Don’t stop.” Her fingers tightened in his hair. Grinning wickedly, he slowed his movements even more. He licked upward, centimeter after centimeter, so that by the time his tongue left her, she was trembling with need. He repeated the torturously slow pleasure for several more licks, then swirled his tongue inside her. Damn, she was wet and hot. By the echo of her heartbeat and the raggedness of her breathing, she was just about to come. He pushed himself to a kneeling position and turned her roughly onto her stomach. “Hurry up and finish it!” she snarled, little shivers of desire running down her spine. From their experience the night before, he knew her to be a woman in full control of her desires. Realizing that he excited her so much that she was practically begging for release thrust his own passion to fevered heights. Rolon molded her body to the position he desired, on her hands and knees before him, her gorgeous ass thrust upwards. He caressed each globe before kissing and nipping them with his fangs. Leaning over her, he grasped her plump breasts and gently pinched the nipples. She moaned and wriggled closer to him, her bottom brushing his belly. His cock felt ready to explode. Soon. Very soon he would end their delicious torment, but first he wanted to play with her breasts a little longer. They were so beautiful, their flesh satiny against his palms, the nipples taut, like sleeping flowers curled against the night. Autumn leaned forward even more, supporting most of her weight on her forearms. In spite of the coolness of the night, their bodies were warm, due more to their love play than the heat of the fire. Rolon’s fingers danced over her nipples, circling them and gently tugging on them. She moaned and growled, like a wild animal in heat. He could wait no longer. Grasping her hips, he held her steady and slid his cock into her, inch by inch, drawing out their pleasure. Her gorgeous bottom pushed against him, wiggling and bucking. Slowly he pumped into her. She came almost immediately, her pussy pulsing around his painfully hard cock. Rolon drew long, slow breaths, his heart racing with desire. Yes, hell yes, this was better than any sex

he’d had in centuries! He continued thrusting at the same time he pumped her hips with his hands. He felt her rising pleasure in the tightening of her pussy and the harshness of her breathing. The scent of her and the sound of blood rushing through her body turned him on so much that he couldn’t resist speeding his thrusts. Faster and faster he pumped, his breathing ragged. Closing his eyes tightly, he clutched her hips hard and lunged with dizzying speed. The climax seemed to hurl him into another world. Every nerve ending in his body was aflame and the marvelous orgasm was like nothing he had ever felt before. He collapsed atop her, both of them panting and trembling on the faux fur blanket. This woman was his perfect match. How could he ever give her up, yet how could he possibly surrender to the feelings she stirred?

Chapter Five

Rolon crouched in the shadow of a tall, old tree, all his senses sharp. Even from such a great distance, he could see inside the kitchen window of the Vermont home. He had been there for several hours, waiting for all five hunters to assemble. Like most fanatical groups, their number was small. The larger organizations of vampire hunters usually consisted of humans who understood the difference between vampiric criminals and those who survived without causing harm to others. These groups usually left immortals alone, providing the vampires respected human life. Nowadays most vampires agreed with the live and let live attitude. It wasn’t like old times when immortals flaunted their power. Rolon remembered those times well. Like some vampires, certain hunters longed to destroy any immortal they could find without bothering to decide if they were good or evil. Stake first and ask questions later was their attitude. The scum inside the house had been responsible for the death of nearly a hundred vampires, and only a small portion had actually deserved it. This group had slain Ellis, but Rolon hated to admit that his friend was probably among those who deserved death. Perhaps so should he. How many humans had Rolon himself killed by order of Dark Rhythm when he had been too filled with rage and grief to question his duty? At least he had decided to turn his life around before he either lost it or slaughtered more, possibly undeserving, hunters. This was the last time he would kill in Dark Rhythm’s name. Never again would he fulfill a task for them, no matter what reason they gave. Even though he knew the men he was about to kill wouldn’t hesitate in destroying the most harmless of his kind, he felt sick over taking their lives. This questioning proved that staying with Dark Rhythm, even if he had the desire to, would be a foolish, dangerous error. Hesitation meant putting his life, and those of any partners, at risk. As much as he disagreed with Dark Rhythm’s ideas regarding hunters, part of him knew their style of punishment was sometimes necessary. It was nearly time. Rolon checked his weapon. With his speed, accuracy, and superior vision, he could most likely shoot all five before they realized they were under attack. He wiped sweat from his eyes with a gloved hand. The damn uniforms Dark Rhythm had acquired of late were nearly as bad as the chain mail he had worn in the Middle Ages. The outfits were made of a

form fitting, rubbery substance, fairly easy to move in but incredibly hot. Several years ago, they had started wearing the uniforms for certain tasks after two vampires had been attacked by hunters wielding guns that shot molten silver. Though neither vampire belonged to Dark Rhythm, the society had taken the attack as a warning that they needed to improve the defenses for their soldiers. Though he hated the uniform, Rolon knew it was better to suffer a little discomfort rather than risk death or deformity. Fixing his gaze on the house, he aimed his gun. His gut tightened and he nearly reconsidered, then he recalled the vampires slaughtered without hesitation by these same men. Like he had so many times before, he locked his emotions in the back of his mind and numbed himself to the violence he was about to commit. His first three shots found their marks and killed the hunters instantly. Two of the mortals dove out of sight. One of them rose the slightest bit and fired. The bullet embedded in the tree beside Rolon who returned fire so quickly that the man hadn’t time to drop out of sight and Rolon’s bullet killed him as well. He was about to approach the house to kill the last hunter when the wind changed direction and he caught two scents, one familiar, the other not. He spun and twisted out of the path of a silver arrow fired by a sixth hunter, perhaps a new recruit, considering Dark Rhythm hadn’t mentioned him. Before the mortal could load another arrow, Rolon shot him and turned back to the house. Beyond the thick scent of spilled mortal blood, he detected the aroma of his old friend Apollo. When he turned to the house, a tall, dark figure stood in the kitchen window, then quickly disappeared. As Rolon neared, Apollo stepped from around the side of the house. Lean yet powerful, Apollo carried himself like the god he was named after, but that was the end of the similarity to his namesake. Rather than golden and boyishly handsome, Apollo’s hair and eyes were dark, his face pale and almost gaunt, yet captivating even to men. His blade sharp cheekbones seemed to have been chiseled from marble. Full, vampiric lips marked his savage beauty. “The fifth one is dead,” Apollo said in a deep yet soft voice. For centuries Rolon had tried convincing him to sing. Any man with such a captivating speaking voice would surely have talent as a vocalist, but Apollo wanted no part of it. “I’m surprised to see you here. Lao said you refused to come.” “I didn’t come for the sake of Dark Rhythm, or even for Ellis’s sake. He’s dead and I can do him no good. I came for you, should you require my assistance.” “Thanks. I’m glad you did. I wasn’t expecting the sixth hunter.” “For a moment I thought you might not go through with killing any of them. You hesitated.” “This is the last time. I already told Lao.” Rolon knew in his heart that he could no longer live like this. Already his guilt and disgust at his actions had returned in full force. He wanted nothing more than to get away from this place and finally put killing and Dark Rhythm completely behind him. At that moment, he wished he were back with Autumn, buried deep inside her soft, warm body, so lost in her that nothing else mattered. He fantasized about confessing everything to her, his past, his guilt, and his loneliness. In spite of how he had spent centuries distancing himself emotionally from his partners, he longed for a soulmate. Still, even a soulmate couldn’t erase what

he had done. “I have to dispose of the bodies,” Rolon said. “I’ll help you.” “Thanks. I have to get out of this first.” Rolon peeled off the hated uniform. Beneath it his clothes clung to his body with sweat. The chilly night air felt wonderful, but he had no time to enjoy it. Rolon and Apollo worked together swiftly, as they had so many times before. Soon there was no sign that anyone had ever visited the house that night. The bodies would not be found, no blood or glass remained, and they repaired the broken window. It was close to dawn when they finished. Absorbed in their work, the men had scarcely spoken to one another. Now they stood beside Rolon’s car several miles from the scene of the killings and engaged in conversation. “How is Mansi?” Rolon asked. “She is well.” “And you?” “Fine.” Rolon stared hard at his friend, not quite believing his words. Apollo hadn’t been fine since the death of his and Mansi’s third partner, Ambrose, over a century ago. Just seeing him tonight was a surprise, considering he and Mansi had been mourning in seclusion since losing Ambrose. It was the young man’s death that finally pushed Apollo over the edge and forced him to leave Dark Rhythm. Rolon, Apollo, and Ellis had lost more than they ever gained due to the society they had once worshipped. Ellis had lost his life. Apollo lost his lover, and Rolon lost his integrity. “How about you? Is there anyone in particular or are you still indulging your Intimate behavior?” Rolon’s thoughts drifted to Autumn. A slight smile tugged at the corners of Apollo’s solemn mouth. “There is someone.” “Not really. I just met her. Besides, it won’t work out in the long run.” “Why not?” “Because I don’t want it to.” “Two thousand years is a long time to be alone.” Rolon offered an evil smile. “I’m rarely alone.” “In body perhaps, but what of your soul?”

“It is better off in isolation.” “Even you don’t believe that. So tell me about this woman.” “She’s fascinating. Lovely, strong. She’s also an Intimate.” “Ah.” Apollo nodded, his dark eyes glistening with amusement though his face remained as stony as ever. “Your equal in every way. Sounds intriguing.” “Not really.” Before this night, Rolon had been thrilled over the idea of seeing Autumn again. Now that excitement was tainted by dread. This brush with the hunters and Dark Rhythm had stirred so many old, painful memories. Perhaps he would be better off without Autumn and she would undoubtedly be better off without him. “I suggest you see this woman of yours, Rolon. At times even the toughest of us need something soft to lean upon.” Rolon’s brow furrowed. “That doesn’t sound like you, Apollo.” The other man shrugged. “Just an observation. I must go. Mansi is awaiting me.” “Thank you for coming.” Rolon extended his hand which Apollo grasped firmly before he turned and walked toward his car a short distance away.

Chapter Six

“Autumn? Hey.” Dechrista gently shook Autumn’s shoulder. Awakening from her daydream about Rolon, Autumn forced a smile. “Sorry. Did you say something?” “Girl, you have been on another planet all night. It’s him, isn’t it?” Autumn couldn’t help smiling. “I don’t know why I’m thinking about him so much. He’s just another man.” “Not according to the look in your eyes whenever you mention him. Admit it, there’s a chance he could be the one.” “Dechrista, I just met him.” “That’s how it was for me and Woodrow, at least from my point of view. The first time I saw that man, I wanted him so badly I could taste it.” “Then you admit it’s just lust. I mean, how can I possibly give a shit about a man I hardly know?” “There are three kinds of men in the world, my friend. First there’s --”

Autumn laughed. “Words of wisdom from a vampiric infant. Darling, you haven’t even had your fangs for a full decade yet. I don’t need you to tell me about men.” “Just hear me out. There are men who you never want in your bed. Then there are men who you wouldn’t mind in your bed, but there’s a slim chance for anything deeper. Then there’s the sort of man you’re desperate to get in your bed and make you hungry for something more. Those are the sort of men you know right from the start you can fall in love with.” “Love is overrated.” “Not from where I’m sitting.” “You’re lucky. Woodrow is a good man. He cares about how you feel and doesn’t treat you like property. An ancient like Rolon could never respect a woman that much.” Dechrista’s brow furrowed. “He is an awful lot like Master Zigor, and no offense to his wife, but I don’t know how she can stand him.” “My point exactly.” “But Rolon isn’t Zigor. How was he with you?” A smile spread across Autumn’s face at the memory. Her entire body tingled just thinking about the mind-blowing sex they had shared. “He was fantastic.” “I don’t mean that.” Dechrista laughed. “He has a reputation for being fantastic. I meant was he considerate? Did he talk to you? Did he --” “I didn’t want to talk to him, at least not about anything that didn’t have to do with how fast, how hard, and how often.” Dechrista stared at her, stunned. “How the hell do you expect to know if he’s good for a relationship if you don’t talk to him?” “I have enough relationships.” “No, you have brainless slaves who jump when you snap your fingers.” “I’ve been an Intimate for some established professionals. How about the brain surgeon?” Dechrista giggled. “The one who liked wearing the dog collar and having his butt spanked with a spatula? I wouldn’t have wanted him working on my brain.” “Like many intellectuals he was incredibly repressed and had too many subordinates kissing his ass on the job. He needed me in more ways than one.” “If you ask mehe needed brain surgery,” Dechrista muttered. “What about the head of that computer company? He was a genius.” “Didn’t he get rushed to the emergency room with a sex toy stuck up his ass?”

“All right, so he had no common sense, but that has nothing to do with intelligence.” “Exactly. You Intimates are all alike. You choose partners who make you feel superior.” “We are superior. That’s the whole point of a Dom/sub relationship.” “Don’t you think you’ve limiting yourself to a certain type of man because you’re afraid?” “Afraid of what? Ending up in chains again? Fucking right I’m afraid of that scenario. You have no idea what the alpha bastard who created me was like.” “Not every alpha is like your master. Some of them are decent. I mean, you’re old and powerful, but you’re a good person.” “Am I? Sometimes I think I’ve forgotten how to be.” “I know you’ve always been nice to me. I’ve learned a lot from you.” Dechrista’s words touched Autumn more than she thought possible. Sometimes Autumn believed she’d grown so cold emotionally that nobody could touch her. “All I’m saying is eternity is a long time to be alone. You deserve to be happy, Autumn. Sharing my life with Woodrow is the best thing that ever happened to me. If you find a man who might be the one for you, take a chance on him. Remember, we’re still in Zigor’s territory. If anybody gives you trouble and he finds out, they won’t live to see another moonrise.” Autumn’s anger bristled. “I don’t need Zigor to protect me, and I can also handle Rolon.” “Good. Now you’re talking like the ancient bitch we all know and love.” Dechrista slipped an arm around Autumn’s shoulder. “Do you like this guy as much as I think you do?” “Young woman, you need to learn to respect your elders.” “Would you please answer me, Mistress?” Autumn laughed and shoved Dechrista playfully. “Submissive behavior doesn’t become you.” “I know. Thank goodness Woodrow doesn’t like it. So do you like Rolon or what?” “Yes, I like him.” Autumn more than liked him. Her entire body caught fire just from thinking about him. Though pride kept her from fully discussing her feelings regarding him, she sensed that he was the rarest of creatures, a compassionate alpha. He didn’t seem obsessed with superiority. He wielded his power with complete confidence without the need to intimidate those around him. Perhaps Dechrista was right. Maybe it was time for her to reach beyond the wall around her heart. Two thousand years was long enough to hide. *** Autumn glanced at the kitchen table set with her favorite floral china, including matching candlesticks.

There was nothing like dinner by candlelight for a getting to know you session with a man. It had been so long since she had tried establishing an emotional link with a lover that she felt like a nervous wreck. After all, she had made it clear she wanted nothing from him except a night or two of sex and blood sharing. Now she was contemplating real conversation, like what were his favorite foods and hobbies? Did he have a pet? Had he ever created vampiric children? Was he the kind of guy who liked to receive aftershave and silk boxers as presents, or did he prefer a gift certificate to a hardware store? Most curious of all, why did he have a cross burned onto his chest? God, she was getting ahead of herself. Take a deep breath, Autumn, and whatever happens maintain control. You don’t even have to go through with this idea if you don’t want to. What if he didn’t want to? She had seen interest in his eyes, but what if he changed his mind? She glanced at her reflection in the picture window and thought she looked pretty damn good. Her hair was arranged in the French twist he seemed to have liked, and she wore a black lace lounge dress, fitted at the breasts and flowing at the hips. Rather than shoes, black lace socks adorned her feet. When he had telephoned earlier that night and said he would like to see her, she’d invited him to dinner. Other than when she invited her married friends over, he was the first man she’d cooked for in ages. She’d been completely surprised by her urge to make him breakfast the other morning, and even more shocked by her desire to cook him dinner tonight rather than order out. After so many years with her despised creator, the whole domestic thing had left a bad taste in her mouth. Until now. The sound of a car in her driveway sent her heart pounding. “Calm down, Autumn. As the mortals say nowadays, be cool.” She breathed deeply and tried to unclench her belly. Partially succeeding, she reached the front door just as the bell rang. Rolon’s scent enveloped her even through the barrier and she closed her eyes as pleasure washed over her. She opened the door and gazed into the eyes she had obsessed about since the last time she was with him. Immediately she sensed something was wrong. Though she hadn’t tried probing his thoughts and his expression was as stoic as ever, deep in his eyes she saw that something had changed. Was the bastard bored with her already? She contemplated tossing the meal she’d slaved over in his face. “Are you going to ask me in?” She turned and headed for the kitchen. The door closed and though he walked so softly that even she couldn’t hear his footsteps, she knew he followed her. His scent was strong, and when she concentrated she could hear his heart beating. It pounded rather quickly for a vampire, so she guessed that in spite of his calm, almost distracted expression he was anxious to be with her. “Did your business trip go well?” “Everything went as planned.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “You sound like a spy on a secret mission.” Rather than appear amused at her teasing, his expression became even darker.

“Are you hungry? Dinner is just about ready --” He grasped her upper arm and tugged her close, embracing her tightly and burying his face in the hollow of her shoulder. His distress was almost tangible. She nearly panicked. How did one show concern, affection even, without sex? It struck her that she had never held a man in comfort. Her master had never touched her for reasons other than sex or to establish control over her. When she finally escaped him, she’d spent years mastering the powers of her body and mind, but ignored her emotions. She had many slaves and donors, but no lovers. Rolon sighed deeply and nuzzled her neck. Warmth from his body seeped into her and she closed her eyes, caressing his back and threading her fingers through his hair. “Rolon, what do you want from me?” “What?” “I mean, what’s wrong?” “Why do you ask?” “I don’t need telepathy to get the feeling something is bothering you.” “Why do you care?” He drew back slightly, his gaze hard. “I thought you didn’t want to know me, remember? No strings.” “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.” The hint of anger faded from his expression. He shook his head and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m sorry. It’s just business trouble that’s been on my mind.” “Can I help you forget about it for a while?” “I hope so.” “Sit down. We can talk more over dinner.” Smiling slightly, he did as she asked while she brought two bowls of salad to the table. “It’s not often that I’m surprised.” “By salad?” she teased, taking her seat across from him. “By you.” He caught her hand and gazed into her eyes, his thumb gently massaging her wrist. “To be honest, I’ve been hoping you’d change your mind about our no strings arrangement. It’s too much like bedding a thrall, and that’s not what I want from you, Autumn.” “I must admit, I’m curious about you as well.” “I warn you, some of my secrets are dark.”

Though she tingled with excitement and wariness at his statement, she tightened her grip on his hand. “So are mine, Rolon.” “I believe you. Perhaps we’re a better match than we first thought.” “I’m ready to find out.” *** Rolon’s insides churned with romantic excitement he hadn’t felt in ages. Until meeting Autumn, he hadn’t realized how bored he’d become with his partners and thralls. Most of them were nice enough women who knew how to pleasure a man, but they always did exactly what he commanded. By remaining in complete control of his partners, there was no emotional risk, no chance that someone might pry into that dark, secret place he guarded so fiercely. Opening up to someone like Autumn and also feeling her open up to him meant that they would join as intimately in mind as they already had in body. Not since Cleo had he shared himself completely, and even with her there had been part of him that held back. He had been so involved in his duty that all too often he thrust aside her affection. “You look sad again,” she said. “I’ve noticed that happens to you quite often.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. Do you want to talk about it?” “Yes and no.” He shook his head and forced a smile. “I think we both need to relax.” Autumn’s hand closed over his. “Some pair we make. We’re acting like a couple of novices.” “Aren’t we? At least in this particular game? I haven’t shared my feelings with anyone in a very long time.” A smile flickered across her mouth. “Then you’re more experienced than I am. I’ve never shared my feelings, at least willingly, with anyone.” “What do you mean willingly?” She tried to tug away from him, but his hand tightened on hers. “Please don’t pull away, Autumn. I really want to know you. It has been centuries since I’ve felt this drawn to a woman. Even before I saw you, your scent fascinated me. I had to have you in bed and I thought that would be enough, but I want more.” He held her gaze, his pulse racing at what he was about to suggest. Perhaps it was last night’s killings, but he was tired of being cold, alone, and haunted by the past. Though he hadn’t intended to bare himself to her that night, when she opened the door, he hadn’t been able to resist holding her. Strangest of all, it wasn’t a gesture meant only to enjoy the sensation of her curves against his body, but it was a needful embrace. He needed to hold someone, to feel comforted, to experience a human connection. How many vampires tried to forget their human side, yet it was that vulnerable part of them that kept them from becoming total beasts -- the same kind of beast he turned into each time he carried out Dark Rhythm’s

plans. “Some Ancients say that admitting one’s needs and vulnerabilities is a character flaw, that it is unmanly,” he continued. “I once believed that, but no longer.” Autumn stopped trying to pull away. He guided her onto his lap and caressed her face and throat. “Rolon, I was created by just the sort of man you described, and he wasn’t strong. He was vicious, cruel, and insecure. The only way he could feel like a man was by torturing and intimidating those around him. That is not a man, but a beast.” “Where is he now?” “Dead,” she whispered, a pained look flashing through her eyes. “Where he belongs.” “How did he die?” “Staked in his sleep by one of his slaves.” “A courageous move.” “Or a desperate one.” She sighed, slipping her arms around his neck. For a moment they sat, holding one another, listening to the sound of flickering candle flames. Finally she lifted her head from his shoulder and gazed into his eyes. “What do you remember of your creator?” “That I loved her deeply, yet not enough.” Autumn’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand.” “When I was young, I let my ambition overrule my heart.” “Ambition isn’t a bad thing.” “It is when you lose someone you love because of it.” He wished he could close his mind to the memories. Autumn’s thoughts touched his and out of habit he raised his psychic defenses. “Don’t,” she whispered, resting a gentle hand at the base of his throat. “Let me in this time. Even if it’s just a little.” His insides tightened, rebelling against her suggestion. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her inside him, but there were still secrets he must keep and vows he could not break. The sensation of her mental fingers caressing his mind was almost irresistible. So many vampires tried using force to steal another’s thoughts and control their mind, but not Autumn. She didn’t try disguising what she wanted, but her style was so disarming, so relaxing, that he didn’t want to fight her. What a wonderful, dangerous skill this woman possessed. Bit by bit, he lowered his mental shields, remembering the years he spent with Cleo. In spite of how much time had passed since he last saw her, he could still envision her clearly. Sometimes he thought he caught her scent or heard her whisper in that mystical place between wakefulness and sleep.

Autumn caressed his hair. “I can feel how much you loved her.” “She was my world for millennia. My earliest memories are of living with her and our tribe where Sweden is today. I don’t know how long we might have existed before that, since I have no clear memories of my change into vampirism. All I know is she was my creator, my lover, and the only family I knew. She told me I had been born to the tribe, but that was long after she’d migrated from a distant land.” Autumn didn’t speak, but she listened to both his words and his thoughts. He felt her empathy and it touched him enough to continue. “The tribe I spoke of was very peaceful. We were hunters and farmers. Cleo and I would disappear every decade or so and live on our own so that we wouldn’t rouse their suspicion about our nature. Then we would return to them. Even back in those days I was drawn to music. I created stories and songs about our experiences. I loved rhythm and voice, and it seemed important to keep our history in some way. I don’t know what it was about me, but despite how much I liked our world, I wanted more. Eventually the people of our tribe died off or left our land. Cleo wanted to remain in that abandoned place, or travel west. I pushed for east, and she appeased me. If I had only done what she’d asked.” “What happened? There is so much bloodshed in your memories, yet it’s unclear to me where it comes from. You’re deliberately keeping me out.” “Some things are too ugly to reveal.” She took his face in her hands and brushed his lips with a chaste, almost comforting kiss. “You can show me.” Shaking his head, he kept certain thoughts firmly locked away. Still, he didn’t want to shut her out and was surprised by the relief he felt just from talking to her. “We joined other tribes in eastern Europe. I knew Cleo wasn’t happy there. Our home tribe had been ruled by women. There was little violence. “In the east, everything was different. Men ruled through the power of their bodies and the strength of their will. I spent almost every waking moment learning all I could from their warriors, which was necessary because other vampires flourished there and they were as vicious as the humans. I told myself that I embraced the violent path of a warrior to keep us safe, but that was only a partial truth. Though I had been a vampire for centuries, this was my first real taste of blood. Not just a drink for sustenance or pleasure, but rivers of it. Rivers of death.” Autumn’s heartbeat echoed in the room, or perhaps it was his own? He waited to feel her mind recoil from his, but she continued gazing at him, waiting for him to continue. “As much as it disgusted me, I enjoyed being in power. Soon, I led my own tribe. In spite of how the violence had captivated me, deep inside I still believed in peace. I thought now that I had power, perhaps I could improve life in my new world.” “That’s a good thing, isn’t it? All the men I knew during that time wanted bloodshed more than peace. At least you were trying to turn in the right direction.” “That’s what Cleo said, but she also realized that I had set an impossible task for myself. Life for those people had been too savage for too long. We were constantly at war with those around us, and I became

consumed by leadership. All the things I once held dear, like my music and Cleo, I neglected. Perhaps it was vampiric leaders from another tribe, or maybe it was one of the few humans we confided in, but somehow vampire hunters learned about me and Cleo. While I was away in battle, they captured her. By the time I returned, they had turned my tribe against me. She was killed, and it was only by chance that I escaped.” He paused, trying to master his emotions. Whenever he thought of that horrible time in the hunters’ clutches and of Cleo’s death, the pain was as fresh as when it first occurred. “What happened to you after that?” Drawing a deep breath, Rolon stood, setting her back on her feet. His fists clenched as he paced the room, shutting her completely out of his thoughts. No matter how he longed to release these feelings of sorrow and guilt he had carried for so long, he could not tell her the rest, at least not all of it. “You don’t have to go on,” she said. “God knows there are some things in my past that make me cringe at the thought of someone discovering them.” “I’ll tell you this, when I recovered, I took revenge on the hunters and every hunter I could find thereafter.” For the first time, he sensed fear from her. His brow furrowed and he held her gaze, trying to discern the violent memories lurking in the shadows of her mental barrier. She was hiding something from him and though he wanted to know what it was, he hadn’t the right to ask. Not when there were so many dark secrets he still kept from her. “Rolon, not every hunter wants to destroy all vampires.” “I know that.” “Do you still hate all hunters?” “Only the ones who killed Cleo. If the others leave me in peace, I also leave them.” Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair. “Still glad we started with this getting to know you agenda?” “Yes.” She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. “I’m so sorry you lost Cleo.” Rolon embraced her tightly, touched by her unexpected words of comfort but somehow all the more guilty because of them. After the wrong he had done, he didn’t deserve her sympathy, yet he found he couldn’t resist it. “What about you? Tell me about your past, little beauty.”

Autumn tilted her face up to Rolon’s, her pulse quickening. While he had told her about himself, she had been surprised by the depth of her feelings for him. He had admitted to being the sort of man she despised, yet through their telepathic bond, she knew how much he regretted his actions. She never imagined that a man could actually change the course of his life or would even want to. Though she sensed that discussing his past was painful, even shameful, he had still opened up to her. In

spite of that, she found she wasn’t completely ready to tell all. Touching a hand to her chin, Rolon smiled slightly at her. “Not fair, Autumn.” “I’m sorry. I just need --” “I forgive you.” He swept her into his arms and knelt, placing her on the tile floor. Its coolness through her flimsy lace dress made her shiver. Desire burned in his eyes, sending little ripples of pleasure coursing through her. She thought she’d made love just about everywhere, but never on her kitchen floor. “Close your eyes,” he ordered. Autumn did as he asked, her pulse quickening. Ever so gently, her mind reached out to his and he accepted the telepathic link. Making love to a man while bonded in such a way made the sexual experience even more intimate and fulfilling. Usually she possessed far more psychic power than any man she bonded with. This would be the first time in a thousand years that she joined with a man who was her psychic equal, perhaps even her superior, for she knew from the story of his past that he was even more ancient than she was. Rolon caressed her forehead and traced the shape of her face. His lips touched hers with the utmost tenderness before they traveled over her neck. He slipped her dress straps down her arms. When she arched her body upwards, he tugged the entire dress off. Opening her eyes slightly, she watched him toss the garment aside, then sit back on his knees and gaze at her while stroking her from breast to belly. He unbuttoned his collarless shirt and tugged out a thick pewter chain that he slipped over his head. Autumn stared, wondering why she didn’t protest when he reached for her wrists and gripped them in one of his fists. Holding her gaze, he wrapped the chain around her wrists, then raised her arms over her head. He trailed his fingertips up and down her torso. They danced over her nipples and dipped into her navel. Leaning close to her, he kissed down the length of one arm. When he reached her armpit, he kissed that too and used the tip of his tongue to tease it. She laughed, her body jerking with pleasure as his beard tickled her. His mouth covered one of her nipples and as much of the surrounding breast as he could manage. His warm, wet tongue lapped the tight bud. He sucked on it, sending waves of pleasure crashing through her. Squirming, Autumn wrapped her legs around him. It felt like he was going to devour her breast. The sensation was so marvelous that she couldn’t help moaning. Best of all, she felt his excitement through their telepathic bond and knew that he was deriving as much pleasure from their actions as she was. He moved to her other breast, licking and sucking with fervor. Thrusting her hips against him, Autumn rubbed her clit against his hardness, wishing he would rip off his pants and fill her with his magnificent erection. Rolon tore his mouth away from her breast. Gasping, he slid down her body, pressing kisses to her stomach, until he finally settled between her legs. Autumn’s eyes closed tightly and she draped her legs over his shoulders. He slid his hands beneath her buttocks and squeezed while holding her steady against his mouth. His tongue swirled over her clit, then dipped into her pussy and explored with tender strokes. Lost in a haze of sensation, Autumn moaned and

gasped. She twisted her hands in the pewter chain, but only managed to tighten her bonds. She could snap the metal with her vampiric strength, but didn’t want to break his chain. Still, if he didn’t show some mercy she might snap it anyway. What was wrong with her? When he touched her, she lost all of the self-control she had spent her life working toward. Don’t you understand, Autumn, it’s not meant to be controlled between us. We were made to be wild and passionate with each other. His telepathic voice in her head spurred her desire. “Rolon, oh, please!” she gasped. I love hearing you ask for it, Autumn. Ask again. Please, Rolon. Don’t stop. Don’t! He began sucking and lapping her clit, pushing her over the edge of desire. Without meaning to, she jerked her hands hard enough to break the chain. Bits of pewter clinked on the tile floor, but at least she was free. Grasping handfuls of his hair, she pressed his face as close as possible. He licked her until the last wonderful ripple rolled through her. For several moments, Autumn lay on her back, panting, her entire body flushed and tingling in the aftermath of one of the best climaxes she had ever experienced. Rolon slipped from between her legs and lay beside her. She rolled toward him, resting her cheek against his chest and draping her leg over him. “Sorry about your chain.” He chuckled. “I hoped you’d break it. When a woman does that, it means she really enjoyed herself.” “You know I did. You were right in my head.” “Such a wonderful place to be.” A feeling of dread settled in her chest. “Not always.” Stroking her hair, he waited in silence for her to continue, as if concerned that any word from him would prompt her to withdraw. Her pulse quickened. Never had she spoken in depth to anyone about the early years of her life. “I was a slave who worked in Kiril’s garden. I remember little about my mortal life, except for the night he made me a vampire.” The memory of that night sickened Autumn, as did the countless horrible memories that followed. The vulnerability she still felt whenever she thought about her creator disgusted her, which was why she didn’t usually talk about him. For some reason, in Rolon’s presence, she lost some of that fear. Realizing this, she almost ended the conversation. The last thing she wanted was to depend on a man.

Please don’t pull away. Lifting her chin from his chest, she gazed into his eyes. How much did she trust him? How much did she want him? “He saw me in the garden late one night. I often slept there because in spite of how much I hated being a slave, I loved the garden itself. He decided to take me, as was his right, but I hated him. Though he wasn’t an ugly man, he repulsed me. Life meant nothing to him. He would often torture slaves to death for the pleasure of hearing them scream. “When he tried to take me, I stabbed him with gardening shears. I knew that defending myself against him meant certain death, but it was better than surrendering to his filthy demands. Of course, I had no idea that he was a vampire and stabbing him anywhere but in the heart with ordinary metal shears would do nothing but annoy him. Rather than have me killed, he said he would make me his eternal concubine. The rest of the night is a muddle, since I was lost to the fever invoked by the change. For the next two thousand years he kept me in chains so that I could fulfill his every disgusting whim.” “If the bastard was still alive, I’d want to kill him myself,” Rolon snapped. “For two thousand years I plotted his death, then one day the opportunity struck and so did I, with a silver pike straight through his heart.” “So you were the slave who killed him.” “I can’t begin to tell you the horrible acts he committed, not only against me, but against his other slaves and vampire hunters too. He took special pleasure in destroying mortals, which is why your hatred of all hunters bothered me so much.” “I regret most of the killings I committed.” “I know.” She pressed closer to him and he wrapped his arms tightly around her. “I sensed that.” “Come home with me, Autumn.” “What?” “I’m leaving in a couple of days and I want to show you my home.” Smiling, she tilted her face toward his. “And where is home?” “At the moment, England.” “Mr. Adler, I would love to visit your home.” “Excellent.” She traced the cross on his chest with a fingertip. “Are you ever going to tell me how you got this mark?” His chest rose with a deep breath that he released slowly. “The vampire hunters gave it to me to inflict pain and fear. It did at first, but I’ve learned to wear the mark with pride and humility. It is a symbol of

goodness and reminds me that I was not the only person to have suffered, that a man without forgiveness will waste his life wallowing in bitterness.” “Noble.” A slight smile touched his lips. “Are you mocking me?” “Not at all. It’s a rare man who can admit when he’s wrong and try to change the course of his life.” “I am trying,” he murmured, “but I don’t always succeed.” “No one is perfect. You don’t give up, and that’s what counts.” Autumn kissed his cheek, then his lips. This night had bound Rolon to her in a way she never dreamed possible. She only hoped that the trust she placed in him would be justified.

Chapter Seven

Several days later, Autumn and Rolon arrived in England. It was morning when their plane landed, and since Autumn detested daylight, they checked into a hotel close to the airport. Rolon’s indifference toward sunlight disturbed her a bit. The only other vampire she knew with such tolerance to sunlight was Kiril. He developed the power to walk by day to facilitate his obsessive killing of hunters. Mortals never expected vampires to appear by day and therefore allowed their defenses to slip after sunrise. She told herself that Rolon was not like her creator. Other than a couple of similarities, they were nothing alike. She sensed no evil from Rolon, none of the hatred that had driven Kiril. Through his thoughts and feelings, she knew that at one time he probably possessed such venom, but no longer. He had matured past taking pleasure in slaughter. At dusk, they checked out of the hotel and took a rented car to his country home. Autumn gazed out the passenger side window, enjoying the beauty of land she hadn’t visited in over two centuries. The road wound through grassy hills and meadows. The distant woods filled the air with the scent of trees and damp earth. “I’d almost forgotten how gorgeous the English countryside is.” “I loved it from the moment I saw it about a thousand years ago.” “It almost looks like this area hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. It has been miles since I’ve seen a house.” “We’re almost home.” “You do have running water and an indoor bathroom, right?” He grinned. “And ruin the old-fashioned charm of the wild?”

Autumn’s stomach nearly dropped to the floor. No toilet? She had grown far too accustomed to modern conveniences. “I’m only joking,” he said. “Good. I’m become too much of a twenty-first century brat to squat over a hole in the ground.” “There it is.” Rolon pointed to what looked like a renovated castle in the distance. Autumn gazed at it, a smile on her lips. “For some reason I had been picturing a cozy little cottage.” “It has some cozy places.” “Such as?” “My bed, for one.” “Subtle, Mr. Adler.” “Never claimed to be subtle, Ms. Arienn.” Moments later, he drove up a long, cobbled driveway. A slender red-haired man with a fiery beard stood outside the enormous double doors. Dressed in jeans and a green T-shirt, he stood like a soldier at attention. By his scent, she knew he wasn’t an ancient, nor was he a novice. “That’s Des, my caretaker.” “Looks like you need a full staff in this place.” “I did have a full staff at one time. It didn’t suit me. A couple of maids come in every week or so to dust. Other than that, Des and I can handle the place.” Autumn resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose. She could only imagine the damage two men living alone could do to a small apartment, let alone a castle. As soon as Rolon parked, Des stepped forward to open Autumn’s door. “Welcome to you, Ms. Arienn.” “Thank you, Des.” “So how has everything been?” Rolon asked. “Fine, sir.” “Any calls?” “Several, but nothing urgent.” “Good. Before I check on my business, I’ll show you to our room.” Rolon smiled at Autumn and took two of her suitcases from the trunk.

“I’ll bring up the rest of the luggage, sir.” “Thank you, Des.” Autumn followed Rolon into the enormous foyer. A Persian carpet stretched across the stone floor and up the winding staircase. The aroma of incense wafted through the rather drafty house. She also detected the scent of cooking food and her stomach grumbled. It had been several hours since they had eaten and she was more than ready for a meal. Following him up the stairs, she noted several antique swords and many paintings of animals hanging on the wall. “My pets,” he explained. “And the swords?” Glancing over his shoulder, the slightest smile touched his lips. “They’re my business. My profession is dealing in antique weapons.” “Ah. So I’ve finally discovered your elusive career.” When they reached the top of the stairs, they continued down a long corridor. Pausing near a door at the end of the hall, Rolon opened it and stepped aside for her to pass. Autumn suddenly understood what he meant when he’d said some parts of the house were cozy. Though the room was spacious, it evoked feelings of warmth from the cushioned chairs clustered around the hearth to the bookcase filled with leather and clothbound volumes. Two cats dozed on the large bed covered with a thick brown quilt. “I like this room.” She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “I’m glad.” “It has a nice big bed.” Wrapping his arms around her, he tugged her so close that her breasts flattened against his muscular chest. The sensation made her tingle from head to toe. “But really, Rolon. Living in a castle? How vampiric of you. When I first saw this place I almost expected to find out that you sleep in a coffin.” “I like my space too much for that. Besides, novices get a thrill out of the coffin bit. I’m far too old to be playing Count Dracula.” Des tapped on the door, then stepped inside carrying the remainder of the luggage. “Dinner is just about ready.” “Good. I’m starved,” Rolon said. “I just want to freshen up first,” Autumn said. “Where’s the --”

Rolon pointed to another door across the room. “Through there.” “I won’t be long.” “Then I’ll return for you in a few moments.” *** Rolon walked down the stairs, Des beside him. “Something on your mind?” Rolon glanced at the other man. “You’ve had several calls from Lao. He’s been quite persistent.” “I’m not surprised.” “If I may be so bold, he thinks he can wear you down because of the recent assistance you’ve lent to Dark Rhythm.” “I told you that was due to an extenuating circumstance.” “All I ask is that you remember what you endured to free yourself of them.” Rolon paused at the door of his study and turned to Des. “I appreciate your concern.” “But you wish me to mind my own business?” A smile flickered across Rolon’s lips. Des had a way of making him feel so damn guilty. “Sometimes I wish you had never taken me to that monastery.” “Your life and your soul needed saving, my friend.” Des grinned. “By the look in your eyes when you gaze at Ms. Arienn, it seems your heart is also on its way to recovery.” “Now I really want you to mind your own business.” Rolon stepped into the study and closed the door behind him, ignoring Des’s fading laughter. Rolon walked to his large oak desk and sat, picking up a list of messages. Des was partially correct. Now that he had fulfilled one last task for Dark Rhythm, Lao would take it as a sign that he might be convinced to rejoin the group. He was about to escort his lovely guest to dinner when someone tapped on the door. He knew by her delicious scent that it was Autumn. “Come in. It’s open.” Autumn stepped inside and all thoughts of business and Dark Rhythm fled his mind. The black skirt and sweater accentuated her gorgeous curves. Her thick, dark hair hung loose down her back, and her full lips were painted the most exquisite shade of red. Unable to resist, he met her halfway across the room. Tugging her into his arms, he covered her mouth with his.

“Am I disturbing you?” “I like this kind of disturbance. Besides, I was just coming to get you.” “Nice den.” She strolled around the room, glancing at the painting over the hearth, then inspecting the spines of several books on the case behind his desk. Sitting in his chair, she gazed at him with a coquettish expression that stirred his cock. “It has a real masculine feel to it. I like that.” “If you want to feel something masculine, I’ll be glad to accommodate.” “Hmm,” she purred. “Do we have time before dinner?” With several long strides, he reached the desk and shoved aside his papers. He picked her up and placed her on the desk. The sound of their heartbeat echoed throughout the room. Rolling her skirt up to her waist, he gazed into her eyes and smiled. To his delight, she wore black lace panties and a garter belt with silk stockings. Such undergarments thoroughly aroused him. His skilled hands unfastened the garters and he rolled a stocking down first one leg, then her other. Removing the belt, he tossed it onto the floor along with the stockings. He drew a deep breath and released it slowly. Sitting in the chair, he rolled between her parted legs and placed his hands on her inner thighs. Gently, he stroked and caressed her smooth, soft flesh. His thumbs traced the edges of her panties, then swept over the silken crotch that was damp with her juices. He pressed his palm over her mound. Uttering a soft moan, she shifted her hips closer to his stroking hand. She lifted herself on her elbows to accommodate him as he slid off her panties and hung them over the arm of his chair. Leaning forward, he encircled her waist with his arms and buried his face between her legs. “Oh, Rolon,” she murmured, threading her fingers through his hair. Almost instantly their thoughts entwined and their passion mingled. His tongue swept over her clit with tender strokes that soon had her writhing. Closing his eyes, he lapped and caressed her soft, fragrant flesh. He tasted every fold, then inched lower and thrust his tongue deep into her pussy. How he loved the taste and feel of her! Autumn fell back on the desk, panting hard when he flicked his tongue over her clit in the relentless rhythm that he knew drove her insane with desire. He sensed that she was trying to keep quiet so Des wouldn’t hear them. The forced silence only seemed to increase her passion, therefore sparking his. She convulsed, throbbing and quivering against him. Using the flat of his tongue, Rolon continued pressing against her clit until her climax ebbed. Her fingers loosened in his hair and he sat back, gazing at her. Her chest rose and fell with each harsh breath and her parted thighs revealed her glistening pussy lips. Rolon’s cock felt like a steel pole. Resisting the urge to adjust it in his pants, he stood and offered her his hand. “Shall we go to dinner?” he asked. “I’m starved.” “So am I, though I must say you were a delicious appetizer.”

“And I still owe you dessert.” She smiled, grasping the bulge in his pants and squeezing it. Rolon drew a deep breath and growled softly. He watched as she slipped her undergarments back on, then he offered her his arm and escorted her to the dining room. *** The following evening, Autumn slept later than usual. She awoke from a dream filled with the most beautiful, haunting chant. Smiling she reached for Rolon, but his side of the bed was empty. She stretched, then lay on her back for several moments and glanced around the room, thinking how perfectly it fit Rolon. Finally she walked to the window and parted the heavy brown drapes. Outside the moon was already high in the starry sky. Autumn sensed that it was going to be the most wonderful night. Chanting, just like in her dream, began echoing faintly from another wing of the castle. Its beauty stirred her soul. She hurried to the bathroom, washed, and dressed. When she descended the stairs, Des was dusting in the hallway. He offered her a smile. “Are you hungry?” “Yes. Has Rolon eaten yet?” “Breakfast, but it’s almost lunchtime now.” “I really overslept. Must be due to the time change.” “I’ll be glad to make you breakfast, Ms. Arienn.” “No, I’ll just have lunch with Rolon.” “He’s in the chapel. I can take you to him.” “That’s all right. Just tell me which way it is and I’ll find him.” Moments later she was strolling down a long stone corridor, gazing at paintings and more antique weapons hanging on the walls. As she neared the chapel, Rolon’s scent grew stronger and his chanting louder. Pausing for a moment, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the haunting beauty of his voice. By the words and style, she knew he had learned the chants from monks. The chapel door was open, so she stepped into the small stone room. Candles flickered beneath a crucifix hanging on the wall facing the door. Rolon stood in front of it, his back to Autumn. Dressed in black with his hair unbound, he appeared mysterious and compelling. His voice rose, echoing throughout the chapel. For a moment Autumn felt as if she were back in the Middle Ages. Finally his voice grew soft, then faded completely. For several seconds he remained with his back to her before he turned. “You have the most beautiful voice,” she said. “Yet I do find your obsession with this religion a bit curious.” His gaze met hers and he approached. Taking her hand, he guided her to the chairs arranged in the center of the chapel, and they sat.

“Remember when I told you I once took revenge on all hunters for what happened to Cleo?” “Yes.” “I was consumed by hatred, yet no matter how many lives I took in vengeance, I only felt more empty. When I had almost completely lost myself, I found Des. He belonged to a monastery, an order whose members were both vampire and human. They helped me expel the demons in my soul. I hate to think of what I might have become, if not for their help. Through them, I learned to release most of my hatred toward all hunters and I rediscovered my music. That’s why I won’t accept any money for performing. When I sing, I feel whole. I’m calm and focused on something other than vengeance. That is more than enough payment for me.” His words touched Autumn and also comforted her. How could she have thought Rolon could be anything like her creator? Chimes echoed throughout the castle. “Doorbell,” Rolon said. Autumn was about to speak when an old, familiar scent struck her. Her heart froze in her breast and a shiver of disgust trickled down her spine. Rolon glanced at her. “Are you all right?” She nodded, realizing that his scent had also grown stronger. Fury emanated from him as he strode across the chapel. “I’ll be right back.” “I’ll come with you.” She hurried to catch up with him, but he turned and grasped her shoulders. “No. Wait here. I have business to attend.” Her heart pounding, Autumn met his gaze. Yes, she wanted to stay behind and hide from the owner of that dreaded scent, but she refused. No longer a frightened novice, she would not be intimidated by ghosts from her past. “I’m sorry, Rolon, but I must come.” “Why?” “You have a guest, and I know him.”

Rolon stared at Autumn, trying to read her mind. He sensed her apprehension and wondered how she knew Lao. The bastard’s scent filled the castle. Rolon simply wanted to toss him out and be done with him and Dark Rhythm, but things had gotten complicated. “All right.” Rolon dropped his hands from her shoulders and led the way to the front entrance. Des’s voice rang out. “I told you to wait here. I will see if Rolon wishes to talk with you.” “Out of the way, monk. Rolon and I are joined in a way a human-lover like you could never understand.” “You make the mistake of believing I’m still blinded by hatred, Lao.” Rolon stepped into the foyer and stared at the ancient vampire. “I told you our business is finished.”

Lao didn’t reply, since his gaze was fixed on Autumn. A quirky smile touched his lips. “Well, I never expected to see you again.” “Nor I you,” she stated, anger rolling off her in almost tangible waves. “Still a vicious little bitch. Be careful with her, Rolon. She’s a vampire killer. Men like us aren’t safe around her.” Rolon stepped between Autumn and Lao, his anger rising. He growled deep in his chest and glared at his old acquaintance. “Leave.” Lao studied him carefully, as if gauging his chances of winning Rolon back. “Only days ago you served us, Rolon. Forget the monk. Drop this woman, and come home. We need you and you need us.” “No one needs the likes of you!” Autumn snapped. Lao gazed right through her, a worse insult than if he had retorted. You are bound to us forever, Lao’s voice echoed in Rolon’s mind.I thought you might have converted these past few hundred years, but you came back and killed for us. That means you are still one of us. You know it and I know it. I gave you my decision, Lao. It stands. Don’t be a fool. Whether you want to believe it or not, our kind is in danger. Without Dark Rhythm, the hunters would rule the night. You know it, Rolon, and one day you will rejoin us. Lao turned to Autumn and reached for her face. Before she could react, Rolon shoved Lao full in the chest, a savage growl erupting from his throat. Lao landed on his backside. Anger flashed in his eyes, but also gladness. He grinned wickedly, revealing his gleaming fangs. “There’s the rage I love. No matter how you try to change, anger will always burn inside you, Rolon. We need such rage for the survival of our kind. You and I are like one soul. Our brotherhood is a single spirit.” “Don’t listen to him, Rolon. Vampires like them are what make humans fear and hate us,” Autumn said. “You arenothing like him.” “He iseverything like me, little girl, just as your master was.” Lao stood and adjusted his coat. He glanced at Rolon. “Play your game. Sate your lust if you have to, but one day you will return to us.” I will never return to you. You are right about my anger, Lao. Leave now or risk my venting it on you. A hint of fear crossed Lao’s expression. Turning, he strode through the door held open by Des. The red-haired vampire slammed it behind Lao, then brushed off his hands. Des glanced at Rolon. “He was wrong.” “No, he wasn’t.” Sighing, Rolon ran a hand through his hair. During their exchange of thoughts, Lao had

made so many implications, not the least important was that his very nature had brought about the death of his vampiric creator. If he developed a relationship with Autumn, would she meet the same fate? Turning, he walked toward the chapel. Autumn followed, but he held her at arm’s length. “I need to be alone for a while.” “Why didn’t you tell me you were tied up with Dark Rhythm?” “I didn’t know you knew about them.” “Kiril was one of them. I can’t believe that you --” “I told you what I was!” he snapped, more angry at himself than at her. “Don’t bother me tonight, Autumn. You either.” He glanced at Des before striding down the corridor, leaving his friend and his lover behind.

Chapter Eight

For several moments Autumn and Des remained silently in the hall. They exchanged awkward glances. “When he gets in such moods, sometimes it’s best to leave him alone for a while,” Des said. She nodded, forcing a smile. “Rolon told me a little about how you helped him. I’m guessing you influenced him to leave Dark Rhythm?” “He made the decision himself, but the brothers and I helped him when he came to us.” “The brothers. The monks, you mean?” Des nodded. “I’m not sure I understand your obsession with religion. So many believe that our kind are evil and have no right to pray as mortals do.” “I believe faith and redemption have more to do with how you act than what you are.” Studying him carefully, she sensed no deception from him. Unlike Rolon, Des kept nothing hidden from her. “I still can’t believe Rolon is tied up with Lao and Dark Rhythm.” “He is a complex man and he has a beautiful soul. Violence and hatred is often the easiest path to take. He had the strength to turn his life around. Believe me, it was no easy task.” “I didn’t think anyone was allowed to leave Dark Rhythm.” “Most are not. He survived an exit ritual that nearly killed him. He was tortured and starved to the point

of madness. Many would have given in and returned to the society simply to end the torment.” “No. He wouldn’t succumb to weakness once he put his mind to something. Still, Lao said he served Dark Rhythm only days ago. Why would he do that if he suffered so much to be free of them?” “A group of hunters killed an old friend.” Sighing, she closed her eyes. “Vengeance again.” “Not really. He only killed this group because they were seeking to destroy all vampires, regardless of whether they were killers or not. I do not advocate violence, but I understand the need for vampires to protect themselves against such hunters. Unfortunately, Dark Rhythm now believes they can lure him back.” “Rolon won’t be lured. He’s too strong for that.” “He’s lucky to have found a woman like you. No matter how strong a man, there are times when he needs to know he is not alone.” The slightest smile touched Autumn’s lips. “My thoughts exactly.” She turned from Des and walked down the corridor toward the chapel. *** “I said I wanted to be alone, Autumn.” “Ah, yes. I recognize the ancient alpha trait of wanting to be the strong, silent type.” “Just as you have withheld part of yourself from me, I have the same need for privacy when it comes to some things.” “Because you don’t want to admit that Lao frightens you?” He shook his head, his lips twisting into a wry smile. He knew her words were meant to bait him, and he wasn’t in the mood for a lovers’ quarrel. “Lao does not frighten me.” “Dark Rhythm does.” “Only because they’re more dangerous than even they realize.” Closing his eyes, he sighed deeply. “I was once part of them, perhaps part of me always will be. The dark part. That violent part of my soul that ruled me for thousands of years.” “We live long lives, Rolon. We’re bound to make mistakes.” “My mistakes destroyed people.” “You can’t change that, but you must have realized that the future is what you make it, or else you never would have left Dark Rhythm in the first place.” Stepping in front of him, she took his face in her hands and gazed into his eyes. After what she had learned about his evil connections, he thought she would hate him. Instead she was trying to understand him. “Please talk to me, Rolon.”

“You want to know about my fears, Autumn? I fear becoming what I was before. What if the rage I once felt, the thirst for violence, takes over again?” “It won’t.” Her belief in him both angered and soothed him, an impossible combination. “How can you be sure? We scarcely know each other.” “We’ve explored each other’s thoughts. You know that through telepathy we can learn more about each other in an hour than in ten years of verbal conversation. Words don’t have to be true, but feelings are genuine. If I can trust you after the experiences I had with Kiril, then surely you can trust yourself to do the right thing. I spent ages with a man whose heart and soul were as empty as space itself. You are not like him, Rolon.” For several moments, he could do nothing except gaze into her eyes. Her acceptance and love meant more to him than he could fully express in words. He could think of only one way to let her know the depths of his feelings. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her out of the chapel. She smiled, clinging to his neck. “What are you doing?” “I want to please you as much as you’ve pleased me.” Her heartbeat quickened at his words and her scent, so filled with tenderness and lust, enveloped him like a soft yet impenetrable veil. He carried her to his room where he placed her on the bed and sat beside her. Stroking her face and throat, he thought of all the ways he had made love in the past. An Intimate was a master of sexuality, yet for the first time since he was a novice, he questioned himself. He didn’t want to simply bed her, but completely enfold her in passion, the kind only found between lovers who care deeply for one another. Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers in the softest kiss, then whispered, “Close your eyes.” She did as he asked, a faint smile on her lips. With the utmost tenderness, he undressed her. First he cast aside her dress, then her undergarments. He quickly discarded his clothes and rejoined her on the bed. Starting at the top of her head, he kissed every inch of her. His lips brushed across her smooth forehead, down her nose, and across her cheeks. The scent and feel of her excited him, making his cock leap and his pulse race. Never in his life had he wanted to please a woman as much as he wanted to please her now. When he reached her throat, he ran his tongue along the side of it. How he longed to taste her blood, but not yet. While he kissed her shoulders, his fingers danced over her breasts. Tight nipples brushed against his palms. Gently, he pinched them and she moaned, arching against him. “Oh, Rolon, I love how you kiss and touch me. No one has ever made me feel like you do.” Her words thrilled him. Such a compliment from her was not to be taken lightly. It amazed him that he had won the heart of such a woman. As soft as she was strong, she reached the very core of him, the part that even Cleo hadn’t been able to touch.

Sliding down her body, he cupped one of her breasts in his hand and covered the other nipple with his mouth. He rolled his tongue over the plump bud and sucked on it. Autumn gasped and clutched his head, pulling him closer. His tongue flicked her nipple over and over, sending thrills of desire coursing through both of them. Their mingling thoughts spurred their passion. This wasn’t like the desperate, animalistic lovemaking he wanted when they first met, but it was a joining of hearts as well as bodies. Their every thought and emotion mingled together. He knew exactly how she wanted to be touched and he fulfilled her desire without hesitation. Using the tip of one fang, he pierced her nipple and lapped her sweet blood. “Oh! Rolon, I love this! I love what you do to me.” His lips and tongue were too occupied with her nipple for him to reply with words. Instead he responded through their telepathic bond. I love touching and pleasing you. I love how you have opened yourself to me so completely, little beauty. Indeed she had bared herself to him so much that she allowed him to take complete control of their lovemaking. All her Intimate tendencies were thrust aside, and she lay beneath him as a woman seeking the ultimate fulfillment of a lover she completely trusted. Reluctantly, Rolon left her breasts and kissed her stomach and ribs. He lapped her hips and brushed his cheek against her soft mound, loving how the cushion of hair felt against his cheek. Positioning himself between her silken thighs, he held her hips and covered her clit with his mouth. He licked the sensitive flesh in a rhythm that soon had her writhing, then sucked on the plump flesh, so pink and swollen with passion. His hands caressed her hips and thighs while his lips and tongue pushed her desire to impossible heights. Relentless in his pleasurable attack, he listened to the harshness of her breathing and inhaled her marvelous scent, so strong as her climax neared. Gripping her bottom, he pressed her close to his face. His tongue pulsed over her clit until she exploded. Her thighs clamped hard around his head and her hips bucked beneath his tight hold. The sound of her gasps and moans sent his pulse racing out of control. His cock felt ready to burst from passion. Still, he continued licking until her orgasm waned. Only then did he cover her body with his and fill her wet, silken pussy with his throbbing erection. Rolon’s eyes slipped shut and he tried to steady his breathing. It felt so good inside her that he could come upon entry. As if sensing his desire, she squeezed her internal muscles around him and shifted her hips. “Autumn, you’re tempting me like no woman ever has before.” “Just sweet payback for capturing my heart.” He opened his eyes and gazed at her, his heart pounding and his fangs aching for her blood as much as his cock ached for her body.

Gazing at her, he rocked his hips, forcing himself to move slowly. Autumn’s legs and arms wrapped around him and she whispered in his ear, “Fast and hard, my love. You’re so hot and thick between my legs. I don’t want to wait.” Her words sent a thrill of passion rippling through him from head to toe. “I will but I want you to look at me as I pleasure you.” Passion glistened in her eyes. He sensed how deeply his words thrilled her. Her hands braced against his shoulders, she stared at him, unblinking. Rolon drove in and out of her wet pussy so fast and hard that he marveled at his power to hold off the massive orgasm building inside him. When it happened, it might just kill him, but he didn’t care. There was no better place to die than in her arms. “Oh, Rolon!” she gasped, her eyelids fluttering, though she struggled to keep them from closing. Consumed by lust, he thrust even faster, his heart hammering in his chest. Autumn’s lips parted, revealing the tips of her fangs. He sensed that she wanted his blood as much as he wanted hers. Their bodies screaming for release, they clung to each other tighter and simultaneously sank their fangs into each other’s shoulders. She came at the first taste of his blood. Mewling with pleasure, she lapped his shoulder and squeezed her legs so tightly around him that she would have strangled him, had he been mortal. He relished her strength. It fed his desire even more, snapping his fragile hold on his passion. Orgasm slammed through Rolon, overloading his senses with pleasure. The taste of her blood and the pulsing of her pussy sent his desire off the scale. Never in his thousands of years of life had he experienced such a perfect climax. *** Rolon awoke with a pounding heart and a feeling of dread. Centuries of training with Dark Rhythm allowed him to shake off the grogginess all vampires suffered by day. A barrage of scents struck him, most of which he recognized as belonging to members of the dreaded society he had once worshipped. Turning to Autumn who slept soundly beside him, he shook her. “Wake up.” “What’s wrong?” she murmured. “We have uninvited guests.” She snapped awake and he sensed her fear. Since she was familiar with Dark Rhythm, she must have known they were the only vampires who traveled by day. After his earlier words with Lao, any visit by them meant trouble. They dressed quickly, then Rolon led the way down the hall to Des’s room where he opened the door without knocking. Within moments, he had roused his friend and ordered him to go with Autumn to the castle’s lowest level where a secret tunnel led to the field outside. “What about you?” Autumn demanded.

“They’re trying to force me back into the fold. Persuading me through conversation failed. Now it’s time to try violence. It is their way.” “But they freed you,” Des snapped. “Just go. I can handle them.” Both of them started protesting at once, but he pushed them out the door. No sooner had they reached the foot of the stairs than a group of vampires, members of Dark Rhythm, burst through the cathedral-like windows of the foyer. Glass shattered and annoying rays of sunlight poured in. To Rolon’s surprise, rather than attack him, the warriors flew at Autumn. Blinded by rage, Rolon sprang at them. Teeth and claws tore at his flesh. Many of the warriors were armed with silver blades. They swiped at his clothes and pricked his skin, though he managed to avoid any deadly blows. He fought like a demon, his strength and skill overpowering wave after wave of vampires. Des tried aiding him, but was rendered unconscious within seconds. The monk had never been able to abide sunlight even for the shortest time. Autumn fared much better. Though Rolon sensed her discomfort, she forced it into submission. Her skill astounded him as well as their enemies. During the battle, he managed to reach two antique swords hanging on the wall and tossed one to her. They fought, back to back, for several moments before a fresh group leapt in through the broken window. Lao and his seven best warriors forced their way between Rolon and Autumn. While six of them occupied him, Lao attacked her. Consumed by rage and fear for Autumn’s life, he savagely fought men who had once been like his brothers, or so he had thought. How wrong he had been about Dark Rhythm. They didn’t care about individuals, only their obsession with destroying all hunters. Though Autumn was a talented fighter, Lao’s greater experience finally overtook her. Striking the weapon from her hand, he knocked her onto the floor and pressed his silver blade to her breast, just over her heart. “Stop fighting, Rolon.” Immediately he stilled. With fury burning inside him, he glared at Lao, ignoring the small circle of warriors surrounding him. “I can finally understand how you destroyed Kiril.” Lao glanced at Autumn. “If I had realized how skilled you were, I might have recruited you.” Autumn glared at him, the scent of her anger overpowering all other aromas. “However, I need you to serve another purpose.” Lao stared into Rolon’s eyes. “You are one of the finest warriors I have ever known. Dark Rhythm needs you. I need you.” “You need someone to sate your lust for inflicting pain on others.” “You used to understand us once.” “Once I was grief-stricken fool. No longer.”

“I have tried giving you time to yourself. I have tried being reasonable, now I must uphold my duty. If you don’t join us, I will kill her. The death of another lover will be on your soul.” Rolon’s pulse raced. The only other time he had ever been this furious was when the hunters had destroyed Cleo. “I would rather be dead than have you join the likes of them,” Autumn stated, her chest rising and falling with each enraged breath, her eyes glowing red. Suddenly her thoughts touched his. He nearly staggered against the completeness of her exposure. At that moment, she disguised nothing from him. He felt as she felt and he knew that deep in her heart, through to her soul, she would willingly die if it meant thwarting Lao in any way. He was exactly like Kiril. Cold, manipulating, and evil. Drawing a deep breath, Rolon spoke the most difficult words he had ever uttered. “I will not rejoin you, Lao, and if you kill her, none of you will leave my house alive.” “Then you will die as well.” Lao motioned with his hand and his minions drew revolvers. Rolon knew they were loaded with silver bullets ready to pierce his heart as well as Autumn’s. For a long moment, he and Lao held each other’s gaze. Their psychic fingers clawed at each other’s minds, the silent battle draining their strength more than the physical fight. Lao’s face paled and his lips pressed into an agitated line. Rolon’s breath came in harsh pants as he struck his former leader with the brunt of his power. Soft yet strong psychic fingers wove their way through his thoughts to reinforce his telepathy. Warmth filled him when he realized Autumn was lending him her power. Lao broke the connection and stumbled. He caught himself quickly and glanced at the concerned faces of his warriors. “I find I cannot destroy you, Rolon.” Lao sighed. A sad smile touched his lips. “The future is uncertain for our kind. Mortals seek to destroy us. Each day more vampires slip into trusting relationships with them. That is a mistake. They despise us and for self-preservation we must keep their hunters under control. You know I’m right.” “Somehunters must be kept under control.” Lao shook his head. “I know you, Rolon. This peaceful phase will pass because fire still burns in your heart. For now I must wait, but one day you will return to where you belong.” Rolon reached for Autumn’s hand. She clung to it tightly and met his gaze with affection before glaring at Lao. “I am where I belong,” Rolon stated. “We shall see.” Lao motioned for his warriors to follow him out of the castle. Within moments, they left Rolon’s property, their scents fading. “Are you all right?” Rolon gazed at her with concern, using his fingertips to wipe blood from a scratch on her cheek where the tip of a silver blade had struck her.

She nodded and slipped her arms around him. Holding her tightly to his chest, Rolon completely lowered his mental barriers for the first time in thousands of years. His thoughts mingled freely with hers, revealing his love and gratitude for how she stood by him. “I’ve waited my whole life for a man like you,” she said. “I didn’t believe he existed until now.” Her words touched him deeply and he wasn’t sure how to respond. Everything he might say seemed trite when faced with the love and loyalty of such a woman. Des moaned loudly, and the couple knelt beside him. “Somebody shut the shades,” Des moaned. “I agree,” Autumn said. “My skin is burning like crazy.” Together, she and Rolon helped the monk to his feet and back to his room. Returning to Rolon’s bedroom, they dropped onto the bed. He drew her into his embrace. For several moments, they didn’t speak, but their thoughts touched. After what had happened, there was no way they could deny that they were bound forever. They understood each other’s deepest secrets and had stood together against an old enemy that sought to take not only their lives, but their very souls. “Autumn.” He caressed her face and gazed into her eyes. “What you said downstairs about wanting a man like me --” “It’s more than wanting. I said I’ve waited my whole life for you.” “Saying that I love you doesn’t seem like enough.” She cupped his cheek in her hand and smiled. “Try it.” “I love you and I swear that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and happy.” “Rolon.” She cuddled close, her joy bursting forth in telepathic waves that warmed him from the inside out. “I love you too.” “I have one demand.” “And that is?” “That from now on, we are only Intimates for each other.” “Oh.” She smiled and gazed into his eyes. “I like that demand and I agree.” In his youth, Cleo had told him of an ancient ritual forgotten by most of their kind. For years he thought it silly and melodramatic, but suddenly it became serious to him. Taking Autumn’s hand, he pressed it to his chest, just above his heart. “I am yours forever, Autumn

Arienn. I will stand beside you and love you always. Your enemies are my enemies and your friends and children are my friends and children. I will defend all you hold dear from now until the end of time. This I swear on my blood.” Taking her index finger, he used her sharp, vampiric nail to slice his chest. Elation filled him when he sensed that she recognized the ritual. She licked the blood from his chest, then met his gaze. “I am yours, Rolon Adler. I will stand beside you and love you always. Your enemies are my enemies and your friends and children are my friends and children. I will forever defend all you hold dear. This I swear on my blood.” With the tip of her finger, she pierced her breast. When he bent to drink, she threaded her fingers through his hair, her love filling him and banishing any loneliness and doubts. No longer a vampire alone, Rolon had finally embraced his deepest need to share his life with his closest friend and most passionate lover. The equal every Intimate desires, if he has the courage to find her.

The End

Blood and Soul: The Nutcracker

Only one woman has ever captured the heart of the ancient vampire Onan. After she betrayed his trust, he vowed never to forgive her. Elizabeth has always regretted hurting her beloved master. Each Christmas she sends him a letter and a gift with the hope that he will welcome her back, yet each year her peace offering is ignored. This Christmas, however, Onan might just surprise her.

Kate Hill

Kate Hill’s fiction and poetry have appeared in publications both on and off the Internet. When she’s not writing, Kate enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her family. Visit her online at www.kate-hill.com