Kiss Me Sweetly

KISS ME SWEETLY by

Kendra Clark

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com

Copyright  2006 by Kendra Clark Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 1-59374-575-3

Credits Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Dave Field Printed in the United States of America

Dedication Thank you to my parents for teaching me through hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Thank you to Emma and Toni, the most fabulous critique partners a gal can have, for all your hard work and support! And thanks to my husband for putting up with my late nights on the laptop.

Chapter 1 It was a freaking white nightmare. Mounds of snow packed the solid, wooden doors of Lucien Portuer’s secluded cabin. The blizzard had dumped at least twelve feet, caging the exterior walls along with every entrance and exit to the newly-inhabited place. Damn, Mother Nature. He shook off the draft seeping through the broken window pane, and shot it a middle finger. Followed the gesture by a stream of curses so foul it almost made his mouth taste bad. Almost. “You have no right to keep me,” Nina reminded him, her nostrils flaring in anger. She was right. He had no business keeping her, but after a two-day hunger spell and no sign of more food than was in the cabin already for days to come, it didn’t look like freedom was a feasible option. For either of them. Neither man nor beast dared venture out in this much snow. And Lucien’s body craved nourishment, demanded it. Aching for blood and sex with a force so intense, it shattered every voice of reason his conscience threw at him.

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And little Nina had just been unlucky enough to seek shelter in his home during the storm. Of course, he’d taken full advantage. “You are welcome to leave any time, my lady,” he said, gesturing toward the door theatrically, mocking their situation and his own crude demeanor. Being alone for two centuries did that to a man. Made them cold and hard and gave them a twisted sense of humor. He wasn’t apologizing for it. Hell, he’d rather enjoyed tuning the fine art of ‘smart ass’ to a level of mastery. “You only untied me because you knew I couldn’t go anywhere,” Nina shot back as she folded her arms across her breasts. He groaned. Like he needed something else to draw his attention there. Lucien’s cock shot to attention just imagining what they’d feel like in his palm. In his mouth. Almost trembling with need, he forced himself to look away from temptation. As hungry as he was for blood and sex, it just asked too much to be this close to a beautiful woman. “Are you thirsty?” He asked, extracting two wine coolers from under the bar. He offered one to her and fought the steady rhythm pounding his eardrum. Lub-dub…lub-dub…lub-dub. Fangs burst in his mouth, aching, begging to sink into her skin. “No,” she asserted, but he could sense she wasn’t telling him the truth. His entire body shuddered, shivering with need beyond anything in a mortal’s comprehension. Damn, he’d never heal unless he sated his body’s needs—and quick. 2

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Then his eyes fell to the smooth, supple skin at the dip of Nina’s neck. Just one sip. Just one little taste… No! He groaned. The little scuffle he’d had with the boys from the Manaro Pack had damned near killed him. And his hunger raked with such force, such brutality. He’d drain her dry. Every last drop. He couldn’t do that. “You have to drink,” he informed as he waved the bottle of crimson liquid. She chewed at her bottom lip indecisively. “Okay.” Good. He couldn’t have his food supply getting dehydrated. Made for skinny veins. And a hell of a time to feed… Lucien approached her cautiously. With each labored step, he winced at muscles still sore from the onslaught of the recent attack. Closing his eyes, he forced the rage from his mind and concentrated on steadying her heart rhythm to match his. That’s it doll, steady, steady. He sent the message to her mind, weakening before he could fully calm her. Damn, he didn’t want to hurt her, not unless he had to. Besides, he’d taken a pint in her sleep and he’d damn near lost control then... Quickly, she jerked the bottle from his grasp, not even thanking him. “This doesn’t have poison in it does it?” He suppressed a chuckle, “No.” “Good, because if you kill me, I’ll come back and kick your ass.” And then she did something that shocked him. She smiled. Creator, she’s a piece of work. Long, ebony strands of hair spilled around her face and feathered the tops of her 3

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shoulders. A small portion of soft skin exposed as her shirt spilled off her shoulder. At least it looks soft; he closed his eyes, forcing the image away. What would it be like to run a finger over her skin? A tongue? Lucien stepped back, forced his fangs to withdraw and shuddered. Quickly, he uncapped the bottle, and took a long, fortifying sip of ‘wine.’ Relaxing as his favorite flavor replenished his withering cells. Life roared within him and the hunger left from damn near two day’s starvation ebbed. O-negative truly was the universal donor. A smile played at the corners of his mouth as his gaze swept over the source of sweet nectar. Pink, full lips curved over the mouth of the glass bottle and drank its contents in tiny sips. Now what to do about his other favorite flavor. The one he hadn’t had in months. **** Something was wrong. Well, something more than her recent hostage situation and a blizzard the size of Mt. McKinley outside the door. Nina rested her head in a palm, wishing with everything in her she hadn’t come here. So, she wanted freedom. She wanted independence from her brother’s constant prodding. But she hadn’t wanted this. Maybe she should’ve gone somewhere else. Yeah, right! Where? This place had been in her family for years. And it wasn’t like she would’ve gotten far in the blizzard anyway. So here she was, snowed in and held captive in her own home. And Prince Charming here wasn’t your average host. Something she’d known from the moment she’d gained consciousness, finding herself bound to a rickety wooden chair. 4

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Nina sipped hungrily at the wine and prayed she’d regain strength. It wasn’t the same drink as Lucien’s. And thank heaven for it. She was many things. Stupid wasn’t one of them. She’d recognized the scent of her own blood the moment he’d uncapped it. Damn vampires. At least Weres weren’t ruthless killing, bloodsucking fiends. She shuddered. Being captured and injured had left her feeling like a caged animal and nearly as restless. They’d had little to eat and even a smaller amount of sunlight. Her body howled to tromp through the snow. Be one with the wilderness around. And succumb to the alluring pull of the moon’s first light. Born to the leader of a pack, she’d always been independent. Females of her kind were strong even beyond the males. But not Nina. She-wolves didn’t come into their full powers until they mated. And thanks to the relentless efforts of her seven older brothers, her virginity had remained intact. She hadn’t known whether to thank them or smack them. Now, smacking seemed to be most appropriate. “And you’re thinking of what, doll?” The faintest trace of a French accent lingered on his voice. Sweet and sexy and causing her to shiver all over. Nina shook her head. He wasn’t sweet. And yet…she studied the tortured expression on Lucien’s handsomely twisted face. Inhaled the aroma of pungent spice. No, definitely not sweet. 5

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“You think you’re slick, don’t you?” she asked, like she wouldn’t recognize the scent of her own blood. “Slicker than you know, doll,” a dangerous voice caressed her spine, affecting her the same way it had the first time she’d heard it. Her nipples pebbled instantly as his velvety voice trickled over her senses. What would it be like to have that voice whisper endearments in her...to talk dirty in her ear? “I’m not your doll,” she retorted, still trying to figure out how he’d gotten her blood without her knowing it. Unconsciously, she raised a palm to her neck, pushed at her flesh in search of two miniscule puncture wounds. Nothing. Vampires can heal that sort of thing, can’t they? And there’d be no way she’d know if he’d bit her or not. For one thing, she didn’t have a lot of experience with vampires. Truthfully, she’d never had experience with anything much. Being the kid sister to seven brothers, hadn’t allowed her much freedom. “Lose something?” he asked, just before he returned the bottle to his lips and finished the last of its contents. Quickly, she lowered her questing fingers. Think, Nina. Don’t let him know you know “My necklace. A silver locket, shape of a heart. You haven’t seen it, have you?” “Not likely.” He narrowed ice-blue eyes in suspicion. Oh God. If he suspected she knew what he was, she’d never make it out of the cabin alive. Raven’s Falls was a town of its own accord. Vampires, Werewolves, the occasional demon, but most important to Lucien—self-proclaimed vampire slayers. Hunters that’d stalk him until they’d driven a wooden peg so deep in his heart he’d 6

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never again hurt another human. He’d think she’d lead them to him. And he’d never let her go. “So, Portuer, what’s the plan?” she asked, trying to divert his attention. “Little secret—we’re not friends,” he said, more of a warning than a statement. So why does that give me just a glimmer of excitement? Even though her instincts screamed Lucien was trouble, she couldn’t take her eyes of the mesmerizing man. Towering at least six feet five inches, he radiated power, dominance—much like a pack leader. His sandy blond hair was cut close to the scalp with just enough for him to slick back. A ripped, sheer button-up shirt with white strips left a visible outline to his firm abs and chest. Black jeans topped off the vamp look and even blacker boots clomped against the floor every time he took a step. Who wouldn’t know what he is? Well-defined cheek bones cut into his face, a jagged scar just below the left eye. Damn, he defined ‘bad-boy sexy’. Scuffling more than a bit in his time. And from his cordiality, she saw why he wasn’t very popular. If Nina hadn’t been scared for her life, she might found his sinister attitude kind of attractive. But he was a vampire. And they were cold-blooded murderers. Nothing could change that. “How about you?” she challenged. “What?” He tilted his head, furrowed a brow. “Lose something?” He circled her, slowly, like an animal on a predatory prowl. “What do you think I have to lose?” “Like your house maybe?” Nina tipped a defiant chin. 7

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He lifted his lips in an arrogant smirk. “No, I’m fine, thank you.” “You’re something,” she shot at him. “Make you mad, did I?” he mocked. She tempered herself, and began again. “How long are you staying here? I mean surely you have somewhere to go.” “Lady, I live here,” he said, recapping the drink and placing it back into the refrigerator. “No, you don’t. This cabin belongs to me.” Nina tugged at her ankles, bound by unraveling, itchy rope. At least he’d untied her shoulders. She rolled them experimentally, easing the tension knotted in them. Damn it, if she’d only come into her powers before now, she’d shift and her ankles would slip out the binding. She could fight him as a She-wolf. Power crawled deep within her, itching to emerge. A virgin She-wolf who remained in human form wasn’t very powerful at all. Nina sighed, looking down at the red marks the rope had left. They were raw, sore and burned deep. But nothing like the burning desire pooling between her legs every time he drew near. “Thinking of running somewhere?” He gestured a finger to the bound ankles, a wicked smile forming as he thumped up a single cigarette from its near-empty pack. Resting the filter between sinful full lips, he allowed the cig to dangle like James Dean did in one of the old films. She fought the urge to hobble over, jerk the cancer stick from its perch and smack the arrogance from his face. Well, it wasn’t a cancer stick for someone immortal, but it shortened a Werewolf’s life by some years. Even though they had a long lifespan, they weren’t immortal like vampires. 8

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“Your day’s coming, Portuer,” she warned. Then a slow, calculating smile curved to her lips. “Oh wait, by the looks of you, it’s already been,” she couldn’t control the sarcasm dripping from her mouth. Actually relished it. His green eyes cut a deadly glare. “Watch it, doll. You’ll end up with a taped mouth if you’re not careful.” Oh yeah, I got to him. It’s just how she craved to get to him that bothered her. Never had she been so drawn to someone. Especially someone she damn sure didn’t need to be tangling with. Warmth flooded her cheeks. Damn it, she wasn’t of an inferior race. Werewolves were far superior to soulless bloodsuckers like Lucien. But something about the way he looked at her…like he could devour her or sip the very life from her, was enough to let her know to watch what she said. To hear her brothers tell it, vampires were beyond ruthless and only looked after number one. Heck, they didn’t even protect their own—not like the pack. They’d rip each other’s throats out just to see them bleed. A knot formed in her throat. She hadn’t really believed her brother’s stories, had she? And why hadn’t she asked them for help when she’d lost her job instead of running up here and trying to make it own her own? Pride. Nina had been too darn proud to go to her overbearing brothers. Instead, insisting on making it on her own, and ending up in the clutches of a vampire that would probably suck her dry before the last snowflake melted. **** Lucien couldn’t take his eyes off her—he studied Nina aka his food source with a methodical gaze. Fingers itched to seep into her long ebony hair, rake it from her face and dip his head to the bend of her neck. 9

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She’d tasted so sweet and spicy he’d love nothing more than to sink his fangs into her and suckle from the warm source. But even Lucien couldn’t rid himself of his only source of nourishment. And fine nourishment she’d been. Power surged through him, his body humming to life—after just a pint. Truthfully, he’d never tasted anything quite like it. If he wasn’t looking directly at her, he’d think she wasn’t human. Maybe it was the starvation talking. Maybe it was being beaten damn near to death, but she tasted different, spicy, pure and…wolf! An unmated She-wolf! Why hadn’t he noticed it before? Well, it wasn’t as if he’d tasted wolf, except that one time in the nineteenth-century streets of London, but that had been by accident and only that once. Lucien clucked his tongue, prodding, “So, you have a little man who’ll be scouring the earth in search of his lost love?” “None of your business,” she bit out, wriggling her ankles and trying to free the binding rope. He would’ve untied her; however, he didn’t feel like having his head chopped off in his sleep or a wooden table leg pierced through his heart. “Be a good little girl and put your hands behind your back again,” he ordered, feeling a small twinge of regret for the way he’d been treating her since she awoke. And for the erotic thoughts sailing through his mind at the mere thought of her being tied up. He’d taken good care of her while she’d been unconscious. Checking her breathing patterns. Letting her rest on the old iron-posted bed while he slept on the sofa. But she didn’t need to know that. She needed to think just what she did. He was dangerous. A killer. Not as far from the truth as he would’ve liked. 10

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Nina complied, crossing her arms over the small of her back. Marks circled her dainty wrists. He reached behind her, keeping the unlit cig in his mouth, and ignored the warm brush of her skin against his as he retied the rope—loosely. “You might want to do better than that,” Nina warned, scooting her round bottom along the base of the brick-layered fireplace. He bit back the lust shooting between his legs as he watched the curve of her backside scrape along the rigid texture of the brick. “Yeah, well, you’re hurt.” He looked at the burn marks circling her wrist. Damn. She turned and faced him, moving her head within an inch of his face. Warm breath tickled his nose, his chin. “And whose fault is that? Look, Portuer, I don’t think you know just who you’re messing with here. I might be small, but I have a temper and your guard will go down. And guess who’ll be there when it does?” She’d held her own, put him in his place. It amused him—almost. Of course the boldness is because she has no idea what I am. “You’re either very brave or very stupid. Haven’t really figured out which,” he admitted, resting his hand on the brick and leaning even closer. The faintest traces of her perfume still lingered around her. A combination of rose and musk. The warmth of her breath fanned his mouth and he let the cig drop, bounce off the brick. Damn, he wanted to taste those full, delectable lips. Drink them like the fine champagne they were. Just one taste of her had sent his senses reeling. And he wanted more... A glimmer of mischief twinkled in her eye. Was she thinking the same thing? Or was this a way to distract him and 11

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attack? Fine hairs stood on the back of his neck at this proximity. “So, did I tell you I have no man roaming the earth looking for me?” she said, an obvious tease. What was the little vixen planning? He didn’t know yet, but something was definitely up. He groaned inwardly at the pun. Christ. Didn’t she know it was not good to tease vampires with sex? Especially one damn-near starved vampire. And especially since, sex, warmth, and blood were the essence of life. He’d had some blood. And it was warm near the fire. What he hadn’t had in so long, he couldn’t even begin to imagine with this magnificent creature. “Listen, Nina, you were right. No need to get into your personals.” Then why was his mouth still inches away from hers and why wasn’t he moving? “Yeah, well,” she said, turning away from him, “I think we crossed that line when control of my life was taken from me, don’t you?” She stiffened—he got up and took a seat in the old leather, lounge across from her. “Listen, doll. I haven’t had many choices lately myself.” She rolled her eyes. “No, it’s true. When you opened that door, I’d been hiding out for a few days. You startled me is all,” he admitted, crossing one boot over the other, clunking them down beside her. “No kidding. So why did you hit me on the head? Do I look like the person that did that to you?” An adorable crinkle formed between her eyes when she asked the question. Don’t go and get all giddy over this woman, Luc. She’s not worth the trouble. “No way to be sure you weren’t at the time, now was there?” Lucien leaned forward, ignored the widening of her 12

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eyes, grabbed the cig from the fireplace then settled back in the chair. “You could’ve waited. My wrists hurt. Why don’t you just untie me? It’s not like I’m going anywhere? We’re snowed in!” Nina’s voice raised a few decibels and to her, he guessed the logic made sense. “Shit. You are innocent aren’t you? Although,” he paused, curved an arrogant, twisted smile, “you don’t sound innocent.” Piercing blue eyes cut him almost in two, “What’s that supposed to mean?” Oh yeah, he’d touched a nerve. Although she pretended to be tough. Hell, maybe she could kick some ass if the situation arose. But as far as being a woman, she was pure as the driven snow. Oh yeah, freaking Snow White. And Blood doesn’t lie. “Don’t get your panties all twisted. I mean you pretend to be more experienced in the ways of the world than you are.” Nina’s chin lifted a fraction. “You might be surprised.” “Doubt it.” “What makes you the expert?” “Well, Doll, for starters, I don’t untie you because I value my throat. You can’t dig a snow-hole to freedom, but you damn sure can slit my throat in my sleep can’t you?” He rested the cig between his lips and gnawed at the filter. A nervous habit he really needed to stop. But hell, it wasn’t like it’d kill him. “I’m no killer,” she informed glaring directly at him. “I didn’t peg you for one, it’s just, different people do different things when challenged.” He crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back. “Yeah, well I don’t. I just want to walk around, stretch my legs, and take a bath.” She stuck out her bottom lip, unintentionally he was sure, but he couldn’t help notice. Along with a smear of dirt on her right cheek. 13

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“We might arrange something to that effect,” he said, allowing his hungry gaze to travel the length of her. Nina in a bath, now that’s something I’d love to see. Obviously, she’d read his mind because she lunged at him, hitting his bruised leg. “Well, Mister ways-of-the-world. What are you doing all alone? Don’t you have a family to love? A wife? Why are you hiding like a coward in my cabin? Would Mister Big and Bad like to answer that one?” He went stone cold. “Personals. Thought we’d decided not to touch upon them.” he sauntered to the kitchen leaving her by the fireplace, unable to move. “You didn’t mind asking me.” “I have no family,” he admitted, letting out an unexpected sigh. Who needed protection of the Clan anyway? He wouldn’t beg their forgiveness for the broken alliance with the Manaro pack for all the protection in the world. Couldn’t help it if that bunch of testosterone-filled Weres wanted more power than they’d needed. He’d seen it. And Lucien had done more than his share of embarrassing things in his life. Bowing to a wolf wasn’t one of them. Or another vamp for that matter. Especially if it means following that prick Craven’s orders. Craven’s been more than a pain in the ass since I met the powerhungry would-be-good-guy vampire. ‘Would-be’ was the operative phrase. No good guy would’ve ratted me out to the pack and left me for dead. But Craven had. Just hadn’t counted on me surviving is all. Well, payback was a bitch. And revenge was a bigger one. Lucien would survive. He’d done it for centuries. Even if it meant milking lovely little Nina every day until the snow melted in the summer. He’d do it. Just have to be careful. 14

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“Okay, Portuer, make you a deal, you untie me and I won’t ask you about family again. Deal?” He smiled at her persistence. Guess it can’t hurt to untie her a little while. Hell, he’d regained some strength and could surely defend himself against a mere She-Wolf woman. Lucien strolled over and untied her arms and ankles. She smiled at him with what he believed was a genuine expression, “Thanks, Portuer.” He stared at her a moment. Many ways you can thank me, starting by relieving this constant throbbing in my cock. Was what he wanted to say. Instead what came out was, “Why do you keep calling me by my last name?” “Tradition. In my family we call people we don’t know very well by their last names,” she informed, stretching lazily in the lounge chair, fire lighting up her pale, ivory skin. “In that case, what shall I call you?” he mocked. “Manaro.”

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Chapter 2 “What?” Lucien annunciated the word, still not believing his ears. “Manaro,” Nina repeated and arched a dark brow in suspicion. Then, she sat. Eerily still, like he was going strike at any moment. “Why?” Just when he’d thought his luck had run dry. Fate, the fickle bitch, had smiled on him. He smiled big. “No reason.” Lucien nibbled on the cig. A habit he’d had ever since the tobacco industry admitted they were bad for you. Settled his nerves. “Just thought you said something else is all,” he lied. He couldn’t be certain of relationships, but looking at her…yeah, oh hell, yeah...those eyes were a spot-on match to Rydan’s. The oldest and biggest pain-in-the-ass of the pack. Lucien studied Nina carefully. Pale skin, dark features. Fucking hell, I’m holed up with the baby of the Manaro pack! And she’d be his bargaining chip. Or the quickest way to obliterating into a pile of dust. A tic worked its way along his jaw at the last thought. He couldn’t go out like that. The Brothers Seven had been responsible for his present state of aches and pains. No doubt he could take them out one by one, but an entire pack at once was another matter. 16

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And Craven, that no-good blood-sucker, had one coming. Head of the vamp empire of Raven’s Falls, known as the ‘Coven’, Craven had let the power go to his head. Hell, they used to be practically family. Not any more. Lucien just wanted to be left alone for the remainder of his existence. The way he’d been his entire afterlife. Maybe that’d made him the easy one to pin a murder on. But he didn’t care. He was innocent. He just had to convince the pack of it. Maybe it would feel too good to fuck a Manaro— literally. Damn, she was a hot little piece of… “Why do you keep looking at me like that?” “Like what?” he asked, pretending he wasn’t staring at her, imagining her body writhing under his in pleasure. It would take some getting used to, having her around. Hell, he’d lived the past two hundred years for himself. By himself. And without owing anyone an explanation for anything. His eyes fell to the curve leading to her ass. “Like that,” she said. Maybe it wouldn’t take some getting used to. “So, you hungry?” he asked, quickly changing the subject. “No.” “Sure?” “I said ‘No’, didn’t I?” she challenged, then stood to face him. When did he miss how tall she was? He was no short thing himself and she was only shorter than him by a few inches. Heat radiated off of her body. And the air thickened between them. Why does she choose to play these games? She wanted him every bit as much as he did her, but if that’s the way she 17

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wanted, I’ll play. “Don’t really care what you said.” The corners of his mouth curved in a calculated smile. He so loved being the aggressor—in every situation. Oh, Creator, I’d love to bend her over the table and eat her pussy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. His cock lengthened at the image. If this train of thought didn’t stop soon, he’d be in the bathroom, jerking himself off. Again. But hell, he needed the feel of a woman. “You know, Portuer, you’re not as much of a bad-ass as you think you are,” she said smugly, closing the gap between them. Really? How amusing she isn’t frightened of the man she’s no doubt heard killed their leader. Matter of fact, he found it mysterious. Challenging and oh-so-sexy. “Seems you’re interested in finding out,” the words rolled out perfectly as his hungry gaze traveled her entire frame. What would it feel like to have those long legs wrapped around him for a night? To sink his ready cock in that tight, virgin pussy? “Maybe,” she challenged, and took five more steps toward him. That’s it, Doll. Come get me. The scent of musk and roses floated through the cabin. She did add a pleasant aura to the place. And ‘pleasant’ wasn’t something Lucien had experienced in a while. A pleasant aura? What the fuck am I thinking? Sweet Creator, he had to get out of this cabin soon and away from Miss–pureas-the-driven-snow before she rubbed off. But, looking at the little goodie standing before him... Lucien took a fortifying drag off the cig and inhaled deeply. Imagining each roll of smoke was the smooth, coppery 18

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taste of blood flowing over his tongue, his fangs. And he had Miss Manaro filled to the brim with a serving of stuffed cock. To say such a find was a rarity was an understatement. Even when he and Craven had gone on the hunt—virgins were elusive and sparse. Unless they were too young, like Marie Claire… Lucien swallowed the metallic taste forming in his mouth. He’d never hurt a young girl. Ever. He was a monster, through and through. But he hadn’t been one long enough to forget what happened to his little sister. “Why is it you’re not frightened of me? Sparred with a lot of men in your day, have you?” He moved closer, ignoring the call of pure blood. “Maybe,” Nina said again, squaring her shoulders. “You know any other words?” he asked, moving slowly, even slower until he stood less than an inch from her face. Toe to toe. “Maybe.” A splintering pain crackled through his jaw and sent him sailing backward. Lucien’s back smacked the paneled wall and slid the entire jagged length down. Ignoring the burning sensation dancing down his back, Lucien lifted himself from the splintered mess created when he’d hit the wall. Experimentally, he slid his jaw to see if it remained attached—which it was. Hell, baby sis punched me! And baby sis is one tough bitch.

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**** Nina stared blankly at the evil glowering at her. And at that moment, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, this man could and would destroy her. Well, if he classified as a man. Vampires were things, not people. Evil, vicious, soulless things. Creatures of the night. Bound to wreak havoc on all who dared cross them. And she’d more than crossed Lucien Portuer. “What in the hell did you do that for?” he demanded, rubbing his jaw with the back of his hand. “Well, y-you tied me up,” she stammered. “And, I untied you.” “You kidnapped me,” she accused, pointing her index finger at him. “Hardly, and I thought you were here to finish the job.” “You know, you never mentioned why someone beat the living shit outta you. Have you? But meeting you it isn’t hard to guess why.” “The little girl knows a curse word. Be careful your tongue doesn’t rot off,” he mocked, kicking the skittered woodchips with his foot. He bent down to retrieve the cigarette. “Bastard,” she whispered under her breath, but he heard it all the same. “Personals, Doll.” Lucien extracted a match from the tattered shirt pocket. Ran it along the wooden wall, and watched it flicker towards the tip of the cigarette. Took a long drag and shook the flame out, then smoothed the unruly tufts of spiky hair back again. He was more than dangerous. The worst possible creature she could be holed up with. So why did he look so sexy when his lips curved around the filter in a wicked caress? 20

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Because he’s a creature of the night. She almost laughed out loud at the thought. And the irony of it burned her. If he’s a creature of the night then what am I? My kind howls at the full moon. And as barbaric as I think he is, I lowered myself to punch a beaten man. Just to prove I could... The full moon drew near. As a matter of fact, it’d appear in just a matter of days. Nina didn’t need a calendar to know. She felt it to her bones. In her skin. And the one time she was away from her brothers and could run freely, she was practically kidnapped. Shit. Lucien blew out a steady stream of smoke and eyed her again. Something’s brewing in the back of his mind. She was sure of it. But what? Double shit. In her wolf form, she’d have enough strength to overpower him if she needed to. She’d have the strength to prowl alongside her brothers instead of being treated like a fragile china doll. It was what she’d left to find—she needed to change. She felt it—the urge raked her to her very core. Cells pleaded to morph into the wolf she knew she was. But with the help of her brothers, aka the chastity belts, no-one in the pack would dare go near her. And she deserved the right to romp through the wilderness with her brothers. Most of all—looking at Lucien, the need to mate called to her like the howl of the cool, winter wind. And something violent rose in her like never before. She needed to change. Being around Lucien did something to her. She was drawn to him like a bride to her groom. 21

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“Tell me, Portuer, why are you so fired up on me not knowing your business? Afraid I’ll blab when you turn me loose?” She moved to the sofa and sat, waiting his answer. Creator, the way she moves. “No.” “Why not? I might have the biggest mouth in Raven’s Falls for all you know,” she reiterated, tilting an arrogant chin in his direction. “You might. Why are you so fired up on knowing my business?” “I know more than you think,” she challenged. “Suspect you do,” he said, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. Does he suspect I’ve figured him out? The way he smiled made her wonder. Would he bleed me dry now? Or maybe just keep me around to bleed me slowly. “I do,” she replied. “Yeah, you’re real up on the ways of the world.” Frustration charged through her. “Why does everyone keep saying that? I’m twenty-two years old and in dog years that’s like one-hundred-fifty-four.” She said it without thinking. Dimples cut into his cheeks when he smiled even bigger. Oh shit—again. Big mouth. “I’m bored, Portuer,” Nina said, quickly changing the subject. “We have no DVD’s or even a good book to read. The only thing grandpa left is that out-of-tune piano in the back room and it’s so dusty and damp the keys probably stick.” He paused. “You get bored easily.” “Yeah, I’m not one to sit still, you know. As soon as you let me go, I have a list of things I need to finish.” 22

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“I’m not letting you go,” he said, flicking ashes to the floor. “Excuse me?” “You heard me,” Lucien’s boots clunked along the semibroken tiled floor as he drew near. With each crunch under his boot, fine hairs on the back of her neck stood. “I don’t think I heard you right,” she said, rising to face him yet again. Change, come on, Change! “Oh, you heard me right,” he said it as if it were nothing. “You might want to rethink that,” she challenged. “No,” his words were short and curt and made her sorry she was sorry for hitting him in the first place. Who in the hell made up the rule I have to be deflowered before I can change anyway? Whoever it was, she’d like to pummel them good after she finally embraced her inner wolf. Right after she kicked Lucien Portuer’s ass. A growl sounded low in her throat. Lucien jutted a flaxen eyebrow upward in amusement. Where did that come from? She’d never growled at anyone or anything in her entire life. Didn’t even know she could. Not without the prerequisites. The energy from it made her blood pump— hard. Lucien’s eyes burned indigo fire. He threw the cig down, stomped it with the toe of his boot and grabbed both of her shoulders, pinned her hard against the wall. “Looks like you want to be tied up again.” Anger pumped in her veins. Change! Her body screamed for the attack, but she couldn’t. Not matter how much she willed it. “You’d better not,” she warned. 23

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“Doll, you don’t know what you deal with. It’s better you listen to me now and save yourself a good schooling,” his harsh words bit at her. “Is that right?” “Yeah, Manaro, that’s right.” What is he thinking? Looking into his clouded eyes, she couldn’t be sure. They were blank, emotionless. Breath fanned her face, heavy, angry. He’d surely bite her now. She felt his hunger. Raw energy. Staring at his face, she cringed at the new bruise forming on his jawbone. Bright purple, intermingling with the faded blue-green ones. Who did this to him? So many puzzle pieces to be put together, and Lucien wouldn’t help with any of them. And at that moment, Nina realized he’d been hurt more than his fair share. And she’d just added to it. “Why have you claimed my family’s home for your own?” Nina asked, ignoring the strong hands on her shoulders. She half-expected an answer. Half-expected nothing. Right now she should fear for her life, but… “Nina,” he said, easing his grip a little, “I didn’t see as I had a lot of choices.” “And how can you NOT have the choice to break and enter? Can you tell me that?” His expression changed. Does he want to tell me? “Because I had no where else to go,” his admission threw her for a loop. And she found herself searching for his softer side. How could a vampire that had lived for who knows how long not own a place to live? “How’s that possible? You’re homeless?” 24

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“See, the thing about that, Doll, is I’m not exactly homeless now, am I?” he said, laughing at her once more. It should’ve pissed her off, but the fact was, it didn’t. “You will be as soon as the snow melts,” she said through clenched teeth. “Now let go of my shoulders.” “You’re quite the little spitfire aren’t you? Your brothers know what a fire-cracker they have on their hands?” he asked, but his voice danced over her spine. I can’t think with him this close. “H-How do you know my brothers?” “Small town, Doll. A pack of Weres isn’t hard to spot. Really, you’d think they’d learn to split up like vamps. Hardly as recognizable.” Now he mocked her family. “You’d think,” she agreed, sarcastically. “So, little sis not too happy with the pack?” he mocked. “Let’s just put it this way—when you let me go, it won’t be back to them.” She was sick of her brothers. Always telling her what to do. She’d left to make it on her own and damn it, she would too. “So, the famous Manaro Pack is minus a member,” he whispered darkly, cocking his head to the side as if to study her expression. It was the sexiest thing Nina had ever seen. The confidence he held surpassed anything she’d ever witnessed. Although her own lack of confidence had more to do with never experiencing anything instead of the way Lucien made her out. “I’ll make you a deal,” Nina found herself saying. “Yeah?” “You can stay here after the snow melts for a few weeks until you find somewhere else.” “Catch?” “No catch.” 25

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“So just out of the goodness of your heart, you’ll let a stranger live in your house.” “If you let me go.” His eyes changed a little, softened. “Can’t.” He’d said it like he didn’t want to keep her against her will. It made no sense. A small trickle of blood flowed from the cut on his jaw. Damn, I caused that. “Lucien,” she called him by his first name. Really, she didn’t know why. “I want you to know I can and will defend myself.” “Yeah, no kidding,” Lucien said, releasing his grasp. “You’re the big bad wolf.” Arms fell limp by her side. If only that were true. “Not really.” “Sure you are. When do I get to meet your furry side? Oh, that’s right,” he said, winking, “not a full moon yet now, is it?” “No, won’t see it then,” she said, averting her eyes. “And why’s that? I’m not granny and you won’t gobble me up?” He laughed a genuine laugh, and then winced. “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she lifted a palm to his bruises, expecting him to jerk away from her touch. But he didn’t. “No one ever does,” the words came out effortless. And Nina had no doubt he’d spoken the truth. Something clutched her heart tightly. How did it feel to be a part of the most loathed race of the planet? Nina couldn’t know. Werewolves had their share of enemies. Mostly from fear, but they were thought of highly in the paranormal communities. Where vamps, on the other hand, were all but shunned. Not trusted. 26

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And this man had been hurt, more times than just the fresh wounds on his face. Lucien closed his eyes, tilted his head into her palm. Cool skin drank the warmth of her caress. And it stole her breath. Tingles shot up her arm and down her spine. Awareness of his strong male presence seared her palm. This truly was a creature with feelings. True, feelings. And suddenly she wanted to feel the rest of him. His hard muscles, the hard chest peeking from behind the tattered shirt. What are you doing? Immediately, she dropped her hand. Backed flat against the wall. And as far away from Lucien Portuer as she could. **** “Make you nervous?” his hard tone resurfaced as he rested a hand on the rough wall beside one Nina Manaro. He smelled her fear. She’d never let him know deep down she was afraid, but his vampire senses told him otherwise. And it was something he could work with. Hunger beat at him once more. Being this close to her was driving him crazy. His cock stayed hard—constantly. Creator, he wanted to fuck her, slide his dick into her honeyed center. To come inside her with her screaming his name over and over and over. But recovering had taken a lot out of him and he hadn’t eaten a good meal in days. Weeks actually. Probably wouldn’t have the strength even if she’d let him. “Your family’s probably worried sick over a pretty little thing like you.” The rhythm of her heart beat a dull melody in his ears. He grew hungrier… 27

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In more ways than one. Damn, have to move away from her and quick or I’ll take her now. Allowing his eyes to dip to the pulse in her neck, his fangs lengthened uncontrollably. Nina backed away from him. Each moment, she slipped further away from him. Why’s she doing that? Hell, she isn’t scared. She’s already clocked me a good one. “I...I’m sure my brothers are already scouring all of Raven’s Falls by now,” she said, a look of uncertainty tinged with fear on her face. Then it hit him. She wasn’t afraid of him physically. Hell, she wanted him. Evident by the scent of her thick, musky arousal. No, Snow White was afraid of how much she wanted him. And how much pleasure he could give her. Because then, she would be right back where she started. In control of a man. And that realization made him rock-hard and ready. “Do you want to be rescued?” he asked, noticing the growl in his throat. Damn. The tug of Nina’s pure blood pumping two inches before him was unbearable. Lucien’s resolve slipped every minute he was near her. And before he knew it, his powers to seduce took over. “You going to rescue me?” Nina asked, her voice laced with sarcasm. Oh, hell yeah. He crooked a finger under her chin, tipping it up as if to kiss her. “Do you want to be rescued, Snow White?” Vampires were first and foremost sensual in nature. It was in his blood. In his being, and it had damn near made him shudder with lust for this girl. And if his cock throbbed any 28

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harder he’d die from the shear pain of it, rather than starvation. Nina’s breath quickened and came out hard. “I...I’m tired of men telling me what to do,” she panted, and met his gaze. When he looked into her haunting blue eyes, he saw pain. Misunderstanding. Much the way he’d felt his life. And afterlife. “Tell you a secret, doll?” his face moved so close he almost tasted her mouth on his. “Huh?” Damn, I’m good. She’s ripe for the picking and I’ll pluck this sweet flower from the bed. Or more appropriately—to the bed. “Me too,” he whispered in her ear. Then he dipped his head to the bend of her neck. “Now, be a good little girl and look down.” She complied without protest. Brushing his lips against the soft, supple skin, he reveled at the sweet pulse-beat against his mouth. Oh, sweet sire, this is why I became a vampire. Lucien’s fangs grew to full length. Throbbing for the sweet nectar he’d already tasted. “Oh,” she moaned and leaned her neck to the side. Long tendrils of hair cascaded over her back. His free hand sank into the strands, fingered the softness and urged her head back. Pictures whirled through his mind. Lust-filled fantasies of nude bodies intertwined. Drinking the ambrosia of life while screwing hard on the floor. Then he pressed his hardened cock against her pelvis, leaning them further into the wall. “Oh God, Portuer,” she panted. “Nina,” he said, fighting the monster within. The monster he truly embraced. 29

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“Y...yes,” her voice barely audible, she’d filled it with so much lust. “Run.”

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Chapter 3 Nina didn’t have to be told twice. Looking into Lucien’s eyes—glowing an eerie green— told her if she didn’t, she’d be lunch. But the problem with that is she wanted to be his lunch! She wanted him to practically eat her alive... She felt an unbelievable attraction to Lucien she couldn’t explain. Her mind told her he was dangerous, but her body screamed for him to sink his fangs into her neck. Aching to run her palm over this chest, his stomach, down to his… “I said go!” Lucien yelled, turning abruptly away and slamming a fist at his head in some sort of frustration. He knelt to the ground in order to give her a jump start. Breathless, she managed to do just that. She made her way into the bedroom and quickly secured the door with a latch. After surveying the situation, there was no doubt in Nina’s mind it wouldn’t hold such a strong vampire if he was hungry. And Lucien was hungry…for her. All of her. She’d felt it all over. And she wanted him to ravage her, to lap his tongue all over her body and cause her to tingle in places she hadn’t known were alive with need. God, what’s wrong with me? Quickly, she grabbed the old, dusty dresser and pushed the hefty thing to block the door. 31

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A blood-curdling scream echoed from the living room. And she wondered if he was in pain. Was he fighting his hunger to protect her? No, that’s crazy. Vampires didn’t care who they hurt. Who they kill. As long as they satisfy their bloodlust. If that’s true, why did he tell me to run? None of this made sense. Nina knew one thing for sure. There was a reason Lucien refused to release her and she was going to find out why. But if he’d wanted to kill her—he’d have done it just now. Wouldn’t he? Yeah, like the wolf in you doesn’t want to claw his eyes out and bite him right back. She had to get out of this place. She’d never been so attracted to a man in her entire life. Or confused. It tempted her beyond anything she’d experienced. Nina walked to the bedroom window, still barred from when Grandpa had left, and peered out. Snow packed so tightly it looked as if an avalanche had fallen on them. It was really no use. They’d be stuck at least another week. In the dead of the seventh season and in Raven’s Falls, the temperature wasn’t due to rise for a while yet. Although they hadn’t had a blizzard of this magnitude in over eight years. She was just a pup the last time she remembered something like this. Lifting her palms to the frigid glass of the window the way she had when she was a child, she closed tired eyes and wished this nightmare would end. How many times will I have to run from Lucien to keep from being killed? How many times will I have to run to keep myself from wanting him to bite me? To throw me down and mount me, make me howl with pleasure? No! 32

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Shuddering, Nina, lifted a palm to her throbbing temples. What in the hell’s wrong with me? The wolf urged to burst forth. Beyond anything she’d experienced. Itched to break free of the restraints of her virginity. It was overpowering. Breathtaking. Overwhelming. “Nina,” he called, knocking gently at the door. Even now his voice made her want to unlock the door and let him have his wicked way. His labored breathing sounded through the door, and she pictured him leaning against it in a sexy pose. Had he come to finish what he’d started? But the bigger question was, could she trust herself if she opened the door? “Go away,” she answered, taking her hands from the window, moving to sit on the old, iron bed. Lying down on the musty, dampened sheets, she closed her eyes and wished it all away. “I...Nina, I’m not going to hurt you,” his voice was calm and laced with regret. “Yeah, well...call me stupid, but you’ve given me every reason to believe you will.” A telling silence answered her. Have I hurt his feelings? Good! This man had knocked her out, tied her up, drunk her blood and God only knows what else in her sleep, and most recently added to the list was—hypnosis. She didn’t give a rat’s ass about hurting his ‘sensitive’ vampire feelings. Or did she? So many foreign emotions flooded her. The need to morph into what she truly was, compassion for a creature not like her own, but most of all—lust. Lust hummed through her body when Lucien had touched her neck. Her face. God if it felt that good just to be touched by him what would… 33

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“We need to talk.” “We don’t need to do anything. Just stay away from me,” she warned. “That’s not an option, now is it?” “No,” she admitted. “Nina, open the door. I’m fine now.” When is he not fine? That was more of a problem than she’d realized. And she didn’t want to open the door just yet. Although she couldn’t stay locked in the bedroom the entire time. “So help me Portuer, you try that shit with me again and I’ll stake you. I mean it.” “Yeah, I’ve heard the song and dance before.” “Obviously no one’s played the music loud enough,” she warned, knowing she’d never actually do it. Unless, of course, it was in self-defense. “Suit yourself. But eventually you have to come out. And we’ll talk then.” The fading sound of boot-clunking let her know he left. She blew out a ragged breath. What am I going to do? She had to be able to defend herself. But why is it sometimes I don’t feel threatened by him at all and at others I’m terrified he’ll sink his fangs into me and bleed me dry? But mostly she just wanted him to kiss her, rip her clothes off, throw her to the floor, and make her a woman. “Great independence you’ve gotten yourself there, Nina,” she said out loud. It was true. She’d left home only to be stuck here. She’d always heard of vampires and the psychological powers they used on their victims. No doubt, Lucien had planted the desire that burned for him into her mind so she’d allow him to feed. 34

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Can’t blame him. Wasn’t like there was anything else with blood pumping through its veins to satiate the savage hunger anywhere in the vicinity? Maybe she was the one starving. Starving to become a woman—a wolf. Every time she’d watched those twisted curves of his lips, she’d felt need pool between her legs. Every arrogant swagger, every sexy pose when he leaned into the wall and propped an elbow. And that tattoo... Two thick indigo bands encircled his right wrist. Shit! She wasn’t supposed to be thinking a vampire was hot. She was a Were. A member of the pack. Well, she wasn’t technically a Were yet. Not fully. She couldn’t change until she had sex. And then it was so clear what she had to do. She had something Lucien needed and he had something she needed. And for once in her life she was going to do something about it. **** Lucien made his way to the extra bedroom—the one he’d claimed as his own—knowing he’d botched it up good. He muttered to himself in frustration. “Don’t eat the hostage, Luc. You’ll totally loose your leverage, you stupid prick.” He ran a brisk hand over tufts of hair, promising himself he wouldn’t try and take while she was awake. But Creator, he hadn’t dreamt she’d taste so good. He pictured the nape of her neck coasting under his lips. The drum of her pulse teasing his mouth, surged life through him like he’d never experienced before. Lucien knew it wasn’t the taste that had him wanting more. It was the girl. Soft, pale skin like fresh petals as she 35

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caressed a palm over his wounds. He wanted that same soft skin caressing his chest, his cock, and any other part she wanted. No one had ever looked at him the way she had. It kind of freaked him out. Had she felt sorry for hitting him? And why had she tried to sooth his pains? It was more than he could take. Yeah, well, it’s being stranded in this godforsaken cabin that’s gotten in my head. And the girl. Damn. The room hadn’t been that bad. He really would’ve loved to live here in real life. Although it needed some work, it had promise. And before the ton truck of snow had been dumped on it, just the correct amount of sun shone in the morning. The log home was nestled in the mountainside, shading him from the harmful rays of the sun. There was no back entrance so if the nest of crazies tried to find him; they had to use the front door. Just when Nina showed up—he’d been so sick. So weak and he couldn’t think straight. And now I think perfectly straight. Well, not counting what I just did. Damn, if I don’t get out of here and feed soon, I’ll go stark raving mad. No, that wasn’t the truth. He’d die. Even now he felt his cells withering from starvation. There was nothing he could do. The dresser in the next room scooted along the floor. She was probably moving it to protect herself from him. Normally he’d storm in there and drain her dry, but something held him back with her. Why can’t I bring myself to finish? To drink and drink until I’m full? 36

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Because, he don’t want to kill her. **** Nina inhaled a calming breath and stepped into the room with her suitcase. She’d found the small luggage bag sitting at the edge of the bed with all items still intact. Which meant she had a change of clothes and all her personal things with her. Good to know because she wanted a bath as soon as possible. Especially before... She let out an exasperated sigh and went to talk to Lucien. When she saw him, he nearly took her breath. Lying on the bed, his t-shirt crumpled up to expose the rippled muscle of his stomach. His gaze met hers, completely unabashed by exposing any skin. He truly was a man not afraid of his sexuality. “Okay, you wanted to talk. Let’s talk,” she said, folding arms and leaning into the door facing Lucien. Just in case she needed to get a quick getaway again. Lucien turned, a little startled. Thankfully when his eyes met hers, they weren’t glowing anymore and he didn’t look at her as if she were dinner. For some reason that disappointed her. Did she crave the animal? He took a few cautious steps toward her and she held up her hand. “That’s close enough.” “Fair enough.” “So, what did you want? Did you want to apologize for using that vampire psyche on me? Because it won’t work, you know.” “Well, Doll, the thing is this,” he explained as he took a seat on the edge of the king-sized bed. “I’m a vampire. You seem like a pretty smart cookie, so I didn’t have to let you in 37

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on that one. But the fact remains, I seduce people for blood. It’s the name of the game. I won’t apologize for it.” “Figures,” she retorted, crossing her arms firmly across her chest—again. “Listen. We’re stuck here for who knows how long. So how about a truce of some sort?” “Yeah?” “Yeah. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but that’s the way of it now. Nothing either of us can do about it. I’m going to feed from you while you’re here. No way around it. If I don’t, I’ll die.” He was right. Seeing any creature starve to death was something Nina could live without. And for some reason, the thought of Lucien biting her didn’t repulse her as much as it should. “You’re not just going to bite me anytime you want.” “No, I won’t do that.” He got quiet. And for some reason, she believed him. Clutching the base of her neck in a protective gesture, she said, “It’s just so...so gross. Drinking people’s blood.” She made a curled face at the thought. “Not so gross. Sexy.” “Sexy?” She laughed. “Yeah, nothing hotter than drinking the very essence of a woman, Doll.” She tingled at the thought. Hard to argue with that logic. “Still a bit gross.” “Ever wonder why you smell blood so well?” he asked and she just stared blankly, wondering where this was going. Was he crazy? I’m a wolf! “Well, I...uh. You know why,” she corrected. “And obviously you don’t.” 38

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That got her attention. She entered the room the rest of the way and squared her shoulder to him. “Just what are you getting at?” “Blood. It’s what you crave too, isn’t it? Maybe not for the same reasons as I do. You see, Weres are actually beneath us vamps,” he said standing to meet her. “How’s that?” “We take blood for life. Weres take blood for the thrill of the kill. For the pure hell of it.” Nina widened her eyes. “You’re lying.” “Suit yourself.” “Just what are you saying?” “This. You smell blood because of your heightened Werewolf sniffer and because truthfully, you crave it. Just like you crave sex.” “Are you crazy? T-That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!” “Ridiculous or not, you crave it.” “Whatever.” “I’m a little curious, Snow White, at how you know so little about your own race.” “I know about my race.” She couldn’t look at him. He was right. You couldn’t learn everything second-hand. Rydan had always told her just enough—never what Nina needed to in order to really survive. Lucien approached her again; uneasiness washed over her at what she had to do. It was clear. The clearest it had ever been. She had to shift. And she needed Lucien’s help. “I have a little problem,” she admitted, still not able to fully look at him and not believing what she was about to offer, “and I think I need your help.” 39

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“Well, well, well. The tables turning a bit, eh?” Yeah, they are. But will he help me? “I’m not going to pretend I’m a business person, but I’ve been with Rydan and Derek enough to recognize a business opportunity when I see one. And you, Lucien, have gone from my captor to a business opportunity,” she said, smiling at how easily and with so much confidence she’d said it. “Is that so?” he jutted a tawny eyebrow up and the scar under his left eye dented a little deeper. Like a predator, he stalked, closing the gap between them so there were only a few inches between their faces. Nina sensed his quickening breaths and knew he suspected what she was about to ask. His spicy scent permeated the air. And her nerves skittered up and down her spine. “Y-yeah. You need blood,” she said, “you’re weak. I see it in your eyes.” “Got me there too. Can’t hunt snowed-in now, can I?” “No. And I can’t shift,” she admitted, tracing a coy finger down his chest. He caught it, stared menacingly into her eyes. “What are you suggesting, Snow White?” God, he could be unbelievably scary when he had to. And unbelievably sexy… “Just this. The three things vampires need are warmth, blood and…” He slanted his eyes as if he couldn’t believe what she was about to say. “Sex.” There, she’d said it. Heat filled her cheeks at the mere thought of taking a vampire for a lover. It was the ultimate no-no. And boy, would it piss off Rydan. Maybe that’s what makes it so appealing. Or maybe it’s the vampire standing unbearably close to me that makes it so appealing. 40

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“Don’t take you for much of the sex type.” His arrogance was unbearable, but if she fed that ego a bit more, he just might do it. He had to. And she’d have the power. And she could battle along side her brothers… No one would mess with her if she didn’t want them to. “You’d be right, but tell me this, how many times have you had a virgin offer themselves up on a silver platter for you?” she asked, praying he didn’t laugh his ass off at her inexperience. His jaw went slack and he released her finger. Looked her up and down like she had scabies. “No,” he said it without even blinking. “I’m offering you blood for sex. Blood of my own free will.” “You what?” Lucien’s shocked expression couldn’t be mistaken. He’d probably fall over if she thumped him hard enough. “Maybe that didn’t come out right.” Shit, this is getting harder. “I meant I’ll give you my blood, if you’ll take my virginity.” He just stood there. God, is it that repulsive a thought? She was the one that had the most to lose and she was lowering herself to sleep with a vampire in order for power. A creature that by legend was the most sexual creature in the paranormal world and he was refusing her? She didn’t give him time to explain. “Blood from a wolf has strength,” she said, trying to convince him, “you’ll heal ten times quicker with Were blood in you.” “True,” he admitted. 41

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Normally, she wouldn’t have a clue if a guy wanted her or not, but in Lucien’s case, she’d known he wanted her in the hallway. And she’d had a long, hard item pressed against her leg while his tongue danced on her neck to prove it. He wanted me all right. Just what in the hell’s keeping him from taking me? “I don’t understand. Why do you just want to give up your virginity like that? You’ve held onto it this long. Must mean something to you.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Lucien, I need sex to change.” “What?” he circled her, studying every inch of her, then extracted another cig and perched it between his lips. “You heard me. Virgin She-wolves can’t change. Otherwise, I’d’ve morphed and kicked your ass hours ago.” **** Lucien’s cigarette slapped the floor, the second time in less than twenty-four hours. How many times could his mouth fly completely open around this woman? Damn, he wanted to throw her down on the bed and ravage her with all the strength he had left in him...but...taking her virginity in a trade? He wasn’t a total animal. She was beautiful, alluring woman. And she deserved better than him for her first. What in the hell’s the matter with me? She’s handing me sex on a platter with no attachments, a season pass to the blood bank and I’ve got reservations? Well, he couldn’t help but think about the way her tight, hot little body would feel wriggling under his. A delightful treat no doubt, but he just hadn’t taken anyone’s virginity before.

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Not like this. Drinking virgin blood was one thing, but he’d never knowingly take a virgin unless…unless he cared for her. And unless she wanted him. It was one thing his mother had taught him that had stuck. “Are you going to answer me?” Nina asked, looking at him with impatience. “Nina,” he said, choosing his words carefully for once, “why do you want your first time to be a soulless bloodsucker?” he almost choked on the words, but they weren’t his. Not really. “I don’t th—” “You forget, Doll. I know a few Weres. Know how they think,” he said, bluntly. Her icy blue eyes softened, then she looked away and flushed. “Lucien,” she said, “I can’t say I’m sorry for what I was raised to believe. I can tell you that I need this. I can’t go back to my brothers.” What? Does she feel the same way about the pack of prancing dicks as I do? Is baby sis trying to piss off the pack? “So, I feed from you and fuck you?” “Yes,” she said, and blew out a nervous breath. So what are the choices? Sleep with an incredibly hot virgin while taking her blood—or dying? Fuck. There aren’t any choices. “So, a trade then. Blood for sex. I get the better end of that deal, doll. I get the blood and sex.” he clucked a tongue. “Snow White, you really might have more schooling on the ways of the world than I’ve given you credit for. Offering a man a deal he can’t refuse.” “What are you talking about?” she asked. 43

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“I’m evil. Vampire, right?” He gestured to himself, the said, “The lowest of the low, and you want to use me in order to gain power?” the irony of his words burned. Hell, what’s he doing with me? He’s keeping a war from starting. No, he’s preventing his ass from getting kicked to Mars is what he’s doing? Well, truthfully he’s listening to his dick. Nina studied him a moment before speaking. “No, I’ll feed you only if you promise not to kill me. But the sleeping with me is a one-time only offer. I only need the once.” “Just once? It wouldn’t hurt to just once feel those legs…” He suppressed a shudder. “Yeah, well, I’d prefer not to have my head torn off by a dog in the height of passion if you don’t mind.” “Don’t flatter yourself.” “Don’t underestimate sex with a vampire,” he informed, thinking about all his past lovers and the way they’d enjoyed his touch. Craved it and begged for his return. But, Nina seemed different. Hard to read, but still—beneath the façade of tough lay a world of softness waiting to be discovered. He shook his head. “You really are a Manaro.” She came at him then with the brunt of her palm. “What in the hell is that supposed to mean?” He caught her hand. “Now, now, baby sis. Don’t get all testy on me.” She tugged it back. “What is it with you anyway? You’re trespassing on my property and still have the nerve to insult my family? And what vampire doesn’t want to ravage a virgin? I’ve heard stories my entire life about vamp—” 44

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“That’s enough,” he growled, grabbing her shoulders and giving her a squeeze. He was no-one’s stereotype. And he was no one’s pushover. How in the hell did she know what all vampires were like? Hell, the way he saw it, she’d only met him. She struggled against his grasp and he held her. Not enough to hurt her, but enough to prevent her from smacking him. Nina fought back just as he’d expected her to. Damn, he did deserve it. She couldn’t help being their sister anymore than he could help the situation he was now in. Maybe he could take her back and say he found her and she’d been attacked? Ravaged sexually and then… Sweet Sire, I’ve lost it. I want her...but only when she wants me—without hypnosis. No, Lucien didn’t want to take anyone without their consent. Nina seemed to sense his confusion. “So, are you going to help me or not?” she asked, impatience searing from her pores. He took the pad of his thumb and feathered it along her shocked jaw. “Yeah, but I’m not just going to sleep with you.” “No?” “No, Snow White, I’m going to make you come.”

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Chapter 4 Nina swallowed past the nervousness knotted in her throat. “Don’t go and try to be noble about it.” “What? A vampire being noble? Surely ye jest,” Lucien mocked and dropped his thumb from her face. He kicked up a sideways grin and began unbuttoning his shirt. “Oh Baby, there’s no way I can be accused of being noble. But I promise you this. You’ll be pleased. The first thing you need is to get used to a man’s touch.” “I...I’ve been touched by a man,” she corrected. “Yeah right.” Arrogant bastard. But then she looked at him; goose bumps lined her arms. Heat crept into her cheeks as she saw Lucien without his shirt. He fit the vampire type every bit as much as she’d heard. Broad shoulders, washboard abs, pale skin, the entire nine yards. She swept her gaze lower, allowing herself a little guilty pleasure in looking at the man who would be her first—well, her first anything. His amused gaze centered hers. “See anything you like?” he teased in a husky timbre. Yes. Oh, God yes. “No, I-uh,” she stammered, turning around. “You what?” he asked. And even though she couldn’t see him, she knew he smiled. 46

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“I...I just didn’t mean...We don’t have to do it right away.” Great. Can I act any more skittish? But when she turned to face him, her breath hitched. Dear lord, this man was sin. Pure, adulterated sin and she would taste it. Feel it caress her body until—. “You’ve never been touched, have you?” he asked, seriously. A knot constricted her throat. “What do you mean?” He cut his eyes at her and said, “Nina, tell me,” closing the gap between them, “has any man ever kissed those lips?” His thumb came up to caress her bottom lip. She shuddered, then straightened her spine, but still didn’t answer. “Has any man touched your breasts?” his finger drug a fiery path down her neck and stopped shy of her left breast. Nina’s breath hitched in her throat and she trembled beneath his touch. “Personals,” she corrected. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t planning on taking you now, doll. Believe me, when I do, you’ll know it.” Lucien took the crumpled shirt he’d been holding and folded it up. “Then why have you taken off your shirt?” “Needed washing. You see, even slimy blood-suckers and bottom-dwellers such as vampires like clean shirts.” She blushed. Did he really read that in my mind earlier? But what was on her mind now was the way Lucien Portuer’s fingers felt on her body. What would it be like to feel him everywhere? “After we—uh…can you read my mind?” He looked at her, a serious glare, and took a couple of steps toward her. “I won’t read your mind unless you ask me 47

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to.” His expression softened. “That’ll be rule number one,” he said with a wink. “Y-yes. Thank you.” Stalking like a predator, a glimmer sparkling in his eyes, he was at her. Nina couldn’t tell if it was danger or amusement. “Rule number two.” “Rule number two,” Nina interrupted, “no touching.” He couldn’t look as shocked if she’d dumped a bucket of ice water on his head. “How do you expect me to rid you of your...er...problem without touching you?” “I meant, kissing, and the other.” She looked at his hands. He clucked his tongue at her. “Dear child, what’s the fun in that?” Will I really be able to go through this? “It’s not supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to be—.” Before she knew what had happened, Lucien dipped his head down and feathered the slightest caress of lips over hers. Their lips barely touched, but the sensation rocked her entire being. She jumped back, startled. Her entire body tingled from the minuscule contact. His hands hadn’t even found her. It was just a brush of his lips and her body screamed for more. Traitor. “Why did you do that?” “Proving a point,” he smirked, “sex without touching, sweet Nina, is like cheese without the wine. It’s without class and leaves a bad aftertaste in your mouth.” “Since when did vampires know anything about class?” Lucien blew out a hard breath, “Right, I forgot for a moment how self-righteous the pack can be.” Nina looked down—maybe she wasn’t being fair. 48

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“Now, the bathtub is probably full by now,” he said, “You can take a bath and we’ll discuss the rest of the rules after you get out.” “How do we have water?” she asked, still a little jittery from the brief kiss. “You don’t live for two centuries and not know how to wrap pipes.” “Oh,” was all she managed to say. He had another good point. At that moment, Nina found herself wondering what else Lucien did besides kill people. Wrapping pipes was—well—normal. Maybe he didn’t kill and hurt people like all the other vampires. Maybe vampires weren’t as bad as her brothers wanted her to think. “I know you haven’t had a bath in days. Sorry ’bout that. I couldn’t risk you offing me,. Now, could I?” “I g-guess not,” she answered. “Now hurry off.” She didn’t argue. Just left. Nothing to her sounded better than a long soak in the tub. Well, almost nothing. **** Lucien tossed another log onto the fireplace and stoked the embers with the antique rod-iron poker. Ashes shimmered up and sparked into the air, disintegrating over the newly burning wood. Nina’s lips had been warm and delicious and he’d only had a nibble. He tossed the poker aside and stalked to the rickety old fridge. The damn thing hummed so loud, he’d barely slept this morning. Hell, he was surprised the thing worked at all. The blizzard killed any hopes of having electricity, but luckily 49

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there had been a generator in the back. It’d taken all his strength to move the heavy thing. Lucien tugged open the fridge and uncapped the ‘soda’ he’d gotten from Nina. Hungrily, he gulped the remainder of the bottle and shuddered at the pleasure rippling through him at the sweet taste of her again. He had to feed and he wouldn’t risk attacking her again. Not if he could help it. Throwing the bottle in the trash, his thoughts immediately drifted to the girl in the bathroom. What in the hell’s happening? The more he thought about ‘helping’ Nina with her problem, the more he didn’t know if he could do it. She thought his kind was scum. No one like that deserved the pleasure of sex with a vampire. But it wasn’t a matter of his man parts working. It was a matter of…what in the hell was it a matter of? The Manaros had been jackasses to him. They hadn’t listened when he’d tried to explain about how Craven had set him up. And they hadn’t listened when he told them to piss off either. Lucien felt a tic work its way along his jaw. They would’ve killed him for sure if they’d found him. That was until fate had sent him the golden ticket—baby sis all wrapped up in a pretty package. But the bugger of it was baby sis held vampires in the same regard as her brothers. Hell, he hadn’t killed their leader. And Craven had pointed the finger at him. They didn’t so much as blink before they’d come for him. Caught him off-guard. He’d be ready next time the pack resurfaced. That’s for damn sure. Then his thoughts drifted to Nina. Could he take her virginity and then use her to bargain with the Manaros? 50

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Who are you kidding? Nina was the one using him now. She’d turned the tables and turned them good. And Lucien would bet Nina was a wild little thing just waiting to unleash her inner beast. Hell, she’d be a sweet ride, so why do I care? And why in the hell don’t I just throw her down and take her right now? He let out a ragged sigh. Because it’s not in me. That’s why. Lucien had never taken anything that wasn’t offered freely—other than blood. “Lucien?” He heard her call from the bathroom. “Yeah,” he answered, trying not to picture her naked with water sluicing over her delectable little body. Or what he thought that delectable body would look like… “I left my bag in the room. Can you set it in front of the door?” Lucien went to the room and grabbed the brown leather bag. It had been left right where he’d placed it. He guessed it was a good thing she’d been a typical woman and packed heavy. They could use the supplies. He made his way to the bathroom door, his extra sensitive hearing picked up on the water sluicing down the tub’s drain, and every breath Nina drew in. Lucien closed his eyes and imagined what she looked like at the moment. Concentrating, he heard the ruffle of the towel as it dried her body. The moan of pleasure she made from toweling off. The pad of her steps... He dropped the bag at the same time a click sounded at the door. He hadn’t meant to look, but when the scent of fresh fruit and woman sailed in the air, he had to see what she 51

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looked like. She had a towel wrapped securely around her body. The only thing truly visible were her shoulders. And legs. And it had been enough to stir his arousal. Nina looked at him as if stunned. Her wide-eyed innocence reminded him of a little girl. “I was just leaving,” Lucien explained, quickly turning around. He had to suppress a moan. Damn, she’s beautiful. He closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip. Just thinking about laying that beautiful creature beneath him... “It’s okay,” she said, “you didn’t have to turn around, you know.” “Yes I did,” he admitted. “Lucien.” Reluctantly, he faced her, “Yeah.” “Look at me,” she demanded and he did. His cock shot to attention. A soft, fluffy towel was all that stood between him and her deliciously naked body. What pleasures lay under the towel? “Why, Snow? Look at what I want, but can’t touch?” She looked at him sheepishly. “But you can have me.” That was all it took. He grabbed her, pulling her hard against him. The towel slipped down and he felt her pebbled nipples press against his chest. “I’m going to have you.” Then he crushed her mouth to his. Sweeping his tongue against hers, tangling together. Gods, he wanted her here and now. But he knew she wasn’t ready. He didn’t want to take her until she begged to have his hands all over her body. Abruptly, he pulled back. His lips still throbbing from their kiss. Then Lucien did something he hadn’t done in years. He walked away. **** 52

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Nina breathed heavily, her chest rose and fell with abrupt excitement. Her nipples hardened almost to painfulness. Maybe he doesn’t like forward women? Women who go after what they want? What’s the matter with him? Did fang boy get a sudden attack of conscience? Still stunned by his kiss and not really knowing what to think, she finished toweling off and pulled out a fresh change of clothes and deodorant, toothpaste and lotion. Funny how she’d taken those things for granted until she hadn’t had them. Nina brushed her teeth and slipped into a pink tank and loose gray joggers with a pink pin stripe down the leg. She’d brought the outfit for the afternoon jogs she thought she’d get to take, but they’d serve a purpose now. After being staved up in one spot for so long, she wanted clothes that gave her free range of movement. She pulled her damp, jet-black hair into a slip knot at her neck and emerged from the cloud of fruit-scented steam. God, she felt better. When she returned to the living room, Lucien wasn’t there. He couldn’t have gone very far. Then Nina heard it. Plunk. What the...? She followed the dissonant sound into the bedroom, Lucien sat at the old bench that had been tucked under the piano, pressing an ivory key with his index finger, over and over. The expression on his face when he looked at the piano held vast concentration and longing. Then Lucien threaded his fingers together and crackled his knuckles. Blew out a deep breath, then placed his fingers on the keyboard again. Fingers sailed through the scales. Up and down, from C to D to E ascending up the keyboard. Nina just stood there, mouth agape. A creature of the night played the piano? Well, it wasn’t really a song, but it’d 53

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shocked her nevertheless. And the way he fingered the keys let her know he knew exactly what he was doing. Nina had never played, but she’d sung her entire life, so she could read music and knew her scales. “Play me something,” she requested. His face come up with a jolt and glared at her. Clearly, he hadn’t known she was there. “I don’t play anymore,” he said flatly. “Anymore? I guess that means you used to play?” “No,” he said, getting up from the bench, “it means I said I wouldn’t play you anything.” She didn’t ask. There were some things that really weren’t anyone’s business and by the look on Lucien’s face, it was something that dove very personal. And painful. “What’ll it be tonight, Snow? Beanie Wienies?” he said, tilting his head, jutting a dark brow upward. “You went through my bags?” “Yeah, well, I had to see if you came equipped with a vampire-staking kit, now didn’t I?” He brushed past her and she followed. “I suppose so,” she admitted. Couldn’t really blame him for wondering what she might have hidden. “I need a warm meal,” he said as he reached the kitchen. And Nina knew her eyes widened at his statement. “Now?” He laughed. “Not you. I mean real food.” “Oh,” she muttered, “Let me dig and see what all I brought and if it’s okay, I’ll cook.” “It would be more than okay.” Nina went to her bags and pulled out canned ham, new potatoes, and Italian green beans. Thankfully, she’d brought spices as well. Minutes later, they were simmering over the stove, filling the musty old cabin with delightful scents. 54

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Lucien washed off the dusty kitchen table. It was a seventies model complete with avocado green leather chairs and metal legs. But it was still in good shape and it cleaned up nicely. It was funny to watch him actually helping her prepare a meal and it was twice in the last thirty minutes he’d surprised her. “Hey, if you don’t mind, forego any garlic powder,” he said, and shot her a wink. Make that three times. “Okay.” Is he making a joke? This was going from weird to surreal quickly. She finished up the meal and set the dishes on the table. “You ready to eat?” Nina had cooked for years—being the only female among seven males she had to cook or grow up on pizza, burgers, and beer. Not the best foods for a gal watching her figure. Lucien sat directly across from her, wearing a black tee shirt that Nina noticed had four tiny tears near the pocket. She guessed his other shirt was drying. “Looks like something got a hold of you good.” He stiffened, then relaxed a bit, “Not something. Somethings,” he corrected. Why did she always have to open her big mouth? “You have a big cat?” she teased. He actually smiled. “Something like that,” he allowed, but didn’t elaborate. Lucien cut the ham and bit into it ravenously. Nina did the same. She’d hadn’t realized how hungry they’d become. Each bite tasted of heaven and they both moaned as they chewed the morsels. “This is good. You cook well,” he complimented. 55

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“Not really. I think we’re just hungry,” she said and couldn’t help the smile that formed. It was the first time she’d felt relaxed in a long time. “Are we having a conversation here?” “We’ve had conversations before, Portuer.” “Yeah, but they usually end up with you insulting what I am.” The comment stabbed Nina in the gut. She guessed she did do that a little too much. “Well, if you’d never kidnapped me.” “You can’t kidnap someone that comes to you. You’re my hostage.” He smiled a genuine smile and Nina almost choked, she laughed so hard. “Yeah—I can kick your ass anytime.” “Try.” “I just might do that.” “You try and kick my ass and I’ll kiss you,” he challenged. “You wouldn’t dare try that again,” she warned, tipping a defiant chin. “No, but I knew that’d spook you.” “It doesn’t spook me,” she said, “It’s just we have the no touching rule.” “Made up my mind on that one. Doesn’t count,” he said. “You can’t just decide what counts and what doesn’t.” “I’m the one making the biggest sacrifice.” “What about me? I’m going to let you drink my blood for Christ’s sake. Doesn’t that count for something?” “Not really, because you see, it’s in your character.” “What are you talking about?” “Your character, Doll. Even though you pretend to be all big and bad, the truth is you wouldn’t sit around and watch any living creature die. No matter how grossly you detested it.” “You’re not living.” 56

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He stiffened at the comment, let the fork drop to the plate and stood up. “Thanks for the food.” “Hey, I didn’t meant to—” “Yeah, you did.” His eyes lost something with the assertion. Lucien stalked off, slamming his bedroom door behind him. **** Who in the hell does Miss Manaro think she is? The bitch had nerve. Big time nerve and he’d had enough. He’d been just minding his own business and trying to heal from her damn brothers attempting to rip him to shreds for a crime he didn’t commit. And that wasn’t even the half of it. The best half was none other than their freaking, virginal, baby sister walked through the door. And oh yeah, a fucking blizzard the likes of which this country had never seen. This was so not how he wanted to end his two centuries. Starving to death while deflowering a fucking werewolf in the fucking snow! The floor wore thin under his pacing. What in the hell was he going to do now? Lucien’s eyes went to the instrument that had been his solace, his life while he was human. His fingers itched to tickle the ivories for the first time in centuries. But he couldn’t. The day his mum and sister were killed… “Can I come in?” a soft voice whispered, peering around the door. “Can I stop you?” The luster in her eyes dimmed. He’d hurt her feelings. And what bugged him the most about Nina Manaro is he couldn’t put a finger on why in the hell he cared. “I—I shouldn’t have said what I did in there.” “It’s how you felt. Don’t apologize for it.” 57

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It’d felt like someone had delivered a serious gut punch as her words stung him, but he still backed up what he had said. “Still, it was wrong.” Lucien walked to the packed window. “Yeah, well lots of things in this world are wrong, aren’t they? No use getting all torn up about it.” “Why are you so cynical?” Her questions were really starting to tick him off. “You live as long as I have and then we’ll talk again. Now if you don’t mind, the sun’s about to come up and I have to get some rest.” “Stop doing that,” she corrected and crossed both arms over her chest like a child. “Stop doing what?” Really, this girl had issues. “What you’re doing.” “Damn, woman, you’re not making sense.” Lucien raked a hand over tufts of hair and paced the floor impatiently. “Pretending you don’t care about anyone or anything,” she retorted. He paused. “Who’s pretending?” The only things he had cared about were long gone. And life had been a bitch ever since. “Portuer, you’re just a wannabe bad-ass.” “Really?” “Really. If you really were as bad as you think you are, you’d have hurt me or killed me by now. There’s been nothing to stop you.” Lucien took large strides to reach her. Damn, she’s got nerve! “You’re just a scared little girl. You didn’t come here to get away for a few days, did you?” He knew he shouldn’t be challenging her, but she’d pushed him far enough for one day. “Yes, I did.” 58

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“No, you ran away from the pack. Couldn’t hack being told what to do there, could you, baby sis?” Nina’s lips pursed and she looked away angrily. “Hit it spot on, did I?” “You don’t know what it’s like,” she admitted, her voice softening. “Yeah, well, don’t pretend to know what it’s like to be a vampire either. And to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t be a were for all the fucking money in Europe!” He had gone too far, but she’d asked for it. A tear streaked her cheek. Damn, he’d gone and done it now. “Look, don’t cry.” “I’m not.” She sniffled. Lucien took the pad of his thumb and wiped the salty tear. He softened his voice. “It seems life’s dealt us both a few twists and turns.” She looked up at him and her wide-eyed innocence stole his breath. Then he noticed her tremble. Double damn, he hated being the hero even worse. She nodded. Lucien’s mind wandered; he grew weaker by the minute. “Nina.” “Huh?” She looked up, a tear streaking her newly-blushed cheek. “I really need...” he swallowed. Hell, he couldn’t ask her for what he needed now. “I know,” she said, straightening up her spine. “I’m ready.” “You’re not going to change during—” “No, I’ll only change the first time at the rise of the next full moon. But after that, it’s voluntary. Whenever I want to.” “You going to try and kill me after you change?” “No, not unless you attack me.” 59

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“Well, then. There’s just one more thing.” He raked his eyes down the length of her entire delectable body. “What?” she asked. “I can’t have you all skittish. I just wouldn’t feel right about it if you were all jumpy, like I was forcing you to be with me,” he said, swallowing past the knot forming. He wanted to give her as much pleasure as he knew he’d feel. “You need to get used to something first.” Nina crinkled up her nose. “What?” “A man’s touch.” And Lucien took her hand in his, feathering his thumb along her palm, reveling in the way she shuddered for him.

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Chapter 5 Nina couldn’t get over the way Lucien’s skilled fingers shot tingles straight through at the point of contact and everywhere all at once. “And that’s just your hand. Can you imagine what the rest of you will feel like?” he asked, his voice a smooth seduction. No. Truthfully she couldn’t. But this wasn’t supposed to be for pleasure; it was supposed to give her power. Mechanical, not make her knees buckle from a man simply touching her hand. It was ridiculous. “Lucien, I don’t think this is a good idea.” “Let loose, Nina. Let yourself feel.” He walked behind her, took her hand and wrapped it behind his head, holding it in place with one hand and brushing her hair from her shoulders with his other. “A-are you going to bite me now?” Nerves stood at attention, ready to fire. Will it hurt? she couldn’t help but wonder. “No.” His answer was short, but she wasn’t sure she believed him entirely. “Lean back,” he commanded softly. Nina rested her head back against Lucien’s strong chest. Everything about him was rock-hard, including the part she felt pressed against her backside. Lucien’s hand skimmed a feather-light path down her arm and trailed to her waist. 61

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God, those hands are magic. He hadn’t touched her, not sexually, and already she felt her center grow warm for him. She stiffened at the thought. He must’ve noticed, because he slowed the pace. “It’s okay,” he said, comforting her. “Relax.” It’s not okay. I’m not supposed to be feeling like this. And just when did soulless blood-suckers become so gentle? Or is this the vampire seduction? She didn’t know and when his hand slid down further down her hip, she didn’t care. Nina allowed herself to watch the first time a man touched her body. Lucien’s silver thumb ring and tattooed wrist moving over her thigh turned her on more than she wanted to admit. Her body tingled with want, need. From the top of her head to the tips of her toes. And all of those places in between. A feeling so foreign to her, she shook with anticipation. Lucien bent down, feathered his lips along her neck and she moaned in pleasure. Fiery desire licked at her, pooling between her legs. She was hot, wet, and ready to take her first lover. He turned her around to face him, cupping her face in his hands. Their eyes locked and for a moment, she thought Lucien actually cared for her pleasure. “I’m going to kiss you now,” he warned her. Nina knew she should protest but she didn’t want to. She wanted to feel his lips on hers. Making her shudder with pleasure the same way his hands had. “Okay,” she whispered and lifted her chin to meet his kiss. When Lucien’s lips met hers, she couldn’t believe how they made her feel. Tender, warm caresses. This couldn’t be the kiss of a cold-hearted murderer. 62

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Nina lost herself in the sensation of his sweet lips. She looped her arms around his neck and pulled, urging him closer. He answered, kissing her sweetly. Tenderly. It shocked her. But what shocked her most was how she wanted the feel of his lips on hers. Over and over. And then, when she thought she’d burst with need, he pulled away, smiling at her devilishly. “Now that you’re broken in, it’s time to kiss you good and proper,” he warned her before crushing his lips to her once more. **** Lucien couldn’t believe how sweet Snow White tasted on his lips. Hell, it was all he could do not to bend her over a table and take her completely. Dip into her steamy-sweet center and feel the slickness of her pussy coat his cock. But he wouldn’t cave in to the animal. Hell, both of them were natural predators and he couldn’t help but wonder if Nina lost all her inhibitions. His cock throbbed at the thought. It’d been a while since he’d had a woman and his body screamed to join hers. And Nina had given him answer enough. This magnificent woman offered everything innocent and pure about herself up to him. He couldn’t say he felt good about her intentions. But what did feel good was her hot, delightful body pressed against his. She deserved more than this for her first time. Hell, she deserves more than me. And he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to exceed her expectations. Nina’s arms groped his back, pulling and tugging her body harder against him. Sweet Creator, he was about to lose it. Rosebud nipples tightened, pebbling against his chest. He wanted to touch them. Taste them. 63

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Bite them. He cupped the swell of her breast, feeling the weight of it in his palm. And tweaked her nipple with his thumb and forefinger. She moaned in his mouth and he engulfed her even more. Drinking in her essence. The heat from their intermingling breaths fanned his lips. The rapid beat of her heart… The musky scent of her arousal… Struggling to control his breathing, his fangs lengthened in his mouth once more. He pulled away, pursed his lips tight together and took a slow, fortifying breath. Her woman-scent sailed into his senses, making his cock throb. Wanting, begging to sink into her tight core. “I’m ready,” she said, looking into his eyes. Lucien tempered his hunger, forcing his fangs to recede. Damn, he really did hate being the hero. “No,” he said, breathy, “not yet.” “I know you’re ready,” she pointed out, “I feel you.” She gestured toward his engorged crouch. It was protruding from his jeans a bit, but that wasn’t it. Lucien smiled a tight-lipped smile. “Too hungry, doll,” he said, turning his head from hers, “I’ll take too much.” Arms fell loosely from his neck. “Oh,” she said, but there wasn’t surprise in her voice like she’d thought there’d be. He got it under control—well, all except his cock, still begging to sink into sweet little Nina and rid her of her problem once and for all—and felt his fangs hiding away. With her hands on her hips, Nina moved from him, sending him a look of swift determination. Oh yeah, you got me all hot and bothered.

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Stepping closer, she placed her palm on his shoulder. A caring gesture that somehow made his gut burn. “You have to feed, Lucien.” He clenched his teeth. No one had ever cared if he fed or was left to rot on a street corner. And if felt as though someone had a plastic bag over his head. Made it hard to breathe or comprehend. Is she playing with me? Is she a trap set for me by the Manaros? He couldn’t help but wonder in the back of his now muddled brain. Whatever she was, she was right about one thing. He had to eat—he felt himself growing weaker by the minute. And his wounds weren’t completely healed. Without blood and sex, they never would. But somehow, he no longer wanted to simply bite her, to just use her blood, to screw her brainless. There was something...something softer, more intimate he wanted. Needed. Sharing blood and sex would connect them on a level he wasn’t sure Nina was prepared for. Or him for that matter. And if this Manaro deal went wrong, he didn’t know if he needed that type of bond with her. Or it could work to my advantage… But the hunger beat at him from both ends. Nina smiled reassuringly. Taking her hand and sweeping cascading ebony hair from her neck. “You have to eat,” she reminded him, offering her neck to him in a seductive lean. He didn’t move. Nina took off her diamond-studded earring, looked him directly in his eyes. What was she doing? She pricked her finger with the stud. A ruby droplet beaded on the tip of her finger. The scent overwhelmed him, paralyzing him with the promise of pleasure. 65

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Ambrosia. Dear God, woman, are you trying to drive me mad?” “If it gets me what I want, yes.” His mouth filled with saliva as his gaze locked on the pinprick. “You don’t play, do you, Snow?” “Not anymore.” She walked toward him and his cock shot up hard and straight. The scent of her arousal and blood was too much. Nina squeezed her finger and the dot of blood turned into a small stream. She lifted it to his aching lips, offering him his solace, and languidly rubbed the warm liquid on his lips. Lucien swiped the sweet nectar off with his tongue. Hell, Snow White tastes fine. Fangs pierced his mouth as Nina inched her finger to him. Temptation beyond anything he’d ever endured. Lucien took her finger into his mouth and suckled slightly. He was sure his eyes glowed a feral green by now. And he didn’t want to frighten her, which surprised even himself. He’d never cared who or what he’d hurt before. So why does she have such an effect on me? “I have more where that came from,” she coaxed. What’s gotten into her? Does she want this so badly? She moaned as he suckled and he had his answer. She does. Nina wanted him as much as he did her and why wasn’t important. What was important was that his need for her surpassed any passion or anything he’d ever felt. Desired… Lucien released her finger, looking wantonly into her eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want? Once it’s gone. It’s gone.” He’d back down if it wasn’t; hell it would be the hardest temptation he’d ever have to surpass, but he’d do it. 66

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She looked at him. “I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t scared.” He feathered his finger along her jaw, dragging it to the pulse of her neck. Sweet Creator, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on. “I won’t hurt you.” “I know,” she said, nodding, “I wouldn’t have asked this of you if I thought you would.” **** Nina had never felt such pleasure in her life. Lucien’s hands and lips were magic. And she should be scared. She was feeding a vampire for shit’s sake. But something in the way he looked at her let her know he wouldn’t kill her. Not during this. If Nina had learned nothing else, she knew that vampires felt desire and passion far beyond anything she could comprehend. Lucien took her hand in his and led her to the bedroom. Or maybe not. Anticipation coupled with fear lined her stomach. She wasn’t afraid of him hurting her. She was afraid of how much she’d like it. He sat her down and slowly joined her. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t have to. He looked at her as if she were the only woman on earth. And he wanted her far beyond anything else. He drew circles on the top of her hand, pausing. Hesitating. She trembled. “Shh…” he calmed her once more. “We can stop anytime,” he reminded her. Hell, who wants him to stop? Nina was ready. More ready than she’d ever been in her life. 67

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She answered him by clutching his tee shirt in her fists and pulling him hard to her. They kissed, their tongues swirling and twisting and dancing. Lucien tugged at her tank, gradually pulling it up over her head and tossing it to the floor before kissing her all over again. Cool air shocked her, coupled with the fact no man had ever seen this much of her. But she didn’t stop kissing him long enough to care. She pulled his shirt off as well, piling it on top of hers, and coasted her palms over the ripples of sinewy muscle. Dear Lord, he was as hard as a rock. The room seemed to spin as passion invaded her being. Dipping down to her soul. Lucien wasn’t dead. He was more alive than anything she’d ever felt. And damn it, she wasn’t supposed to feel like this. It wasn’t supposed to be… “Portuer.” She pulled away, struggling for breath, for a coherent thought. His arms still enveloped her in the promise of an act that would change her forever… Am I ready? “Yeah?” he rasped. “J-just this once. Okay?” she asked, and she didn’t know who she was trying to save from weeks of this feeling. Him or her? His look stunned her. Have I offended him? “Nina, doll, don’t worry over particulars. Just let it happen. Let yourself feel.” She nodded, “Feel,” she agreed, “I—I can do that.” Just feel. If that’s all she had to do, then why in the hell was she shaking?

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She reached around Lucien’s neck, but his hands shot up, catching hers. “Listen. Maybe you’ve had enough for one day.” What? Don’t go all good-guy on me.” “Look, Snow. You’re shaking like a leaf.” “This is why I asked you. I don’t need you trying to pretend you’re Mr. Knight-in-shining-armor. I was counting on your being—” He dropped her arms and she knew her remark stung him. And she knew he had already finished her sentence in his mind. “Are we back to that?” He stood up, rested his hands on his hips and let out a hard, long breath. “No. I didn’t mean it that way.” She reached for him, but he shrugged away. Lucien bent down to his tee and extracted what appeared to be his last cigarette. Rested it between his still-reddened lips. It danced as he spoke. “Maybe you should find someone else to help you.” Great, now he’s backing out entirely. He took the cig between two fingers and gestured. “Oh, I don’t know. Someone a little more canine?” He reached into his pocket, grabbed a lighter and lit the cig, taking a long, hard drag. Then blew it in her direction. “But you don’t—” “Save it for the knight, doll. Save it for the knight.” Lucien stalked from the room, pulling his tee shirt over his head on the way out. **** The chick had to go. Lucien had known her for hours and already, she’d tied him into more knots than all her brothers combined. 69

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Fuck. The last thing he needed was this. Hell, I’ve enough trouble trying to clear my name so I can roam Raven’s Falls and hunt in peace. Maybe once all the blasted snow melted, he’d just take off. Screw the Manaros and head for higher ground. Lucien had been a loner all his life. Well, his afterlife anyway. And it wasn’t like he hadn’t had a good reason to become a vampire. Hell, little Miss Purity would’ve probably done the same thing if she’d been in his situation. He’d had hunting partners. Some guys he could chum around with and ravage towns. But that was in the olden days. The earth had populated itself and it was easier to get caught. And dusted. He’d thought he’d found a home here at Raven’s Falls. But he was just kidding himself. He’d never belong anywhere. And it suited him just fine. “You didn’t have to leave.” Christ. What does she want now? “No, but you do,” he warned her, inching his way to the other side of his room. He couldn’t look at her. As pissed off as he was now, he still wanted her. Needed to taste her. To be deep inside her. “Nope, not leaving.” He pulled back the musty, faded drapery and looked at the packed snow. “Fuck, will the sun ever come out?” “I never thought I’d hear a vamp—you—say that.” “Guess not. There’s a lot of things we nasty creatures of the night do. But one thing’s for sure, Snow. We don’t howl at the moon and lick our own wounds.” There. That ought to shut her up a bit. “I deserved that.” 70

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“Damn straight,” he said, jerking the curtain back into place. “It’s just my brothers have always—” “Yeah, if they’re so great, why did you try to escape their love?” “I haven’t. I just wanted to prove I can make it on my own.” “Right,” he said—he knew he was being a prick, but funny how he didn’t rightly give a shit. “I can, you know.” He jutted an eyebrow up. “M-make it on my own. And I will, as soon as the snow melts,” she informed him. “But I can’t go back like this. I have to be able to shift. It’s the only way I can face Rydan. Then he’ll know I’m a woman.” “There’s no question you’re a woman.” And look at that tight ass the way it cups those pants. She’d put the tank back on—but is that good, or bad? “Well, Rydan doesn’t think of me as a woman. But once I’m able to shift, he’ll have no choice.” “Ever wonder what he’d do to the guy that got you in that shape?” He doubted she cared. Seemed the more he knew her, the more selfish he’d realized she was. “I…I guess not.” “What, doll? You not think that far ahead?” he asked, laced with sarcasm. She sat on the edge of the large bed, looking confused, helpless. Shit. “I can’t think anymore. I need to get out of this place.” “You can’t go out in this. When this is over, I’ll take you to your brothers,” he said. And he would. What they’d do to him afterward was another story. Hell, to them, he’d be no 71

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more than the murderer that killed Aechylops, their leader, and the bastard who’d kidnapped their baby sis. Either way, he was still looking pretty screwed. “Y-you’d do that for me?” she asked innocently. He nodded. She thinks I’m trying to be all noble again. “Thanks. But I’m not going back.” “Yes you are,” he corrected. She stood up. “No, I’m not.” This has to be the most stubborn woman I’ve ever encountered! Sweet Creator, she’s insufferable, spoiled, and…delightful. Beautiful. Alluring… “Nina, if something happens to you, who do you think they’ll blame?” She looked at him stunned. Her wide-eyed innocence was beginning to grate his nerves. “I hadn’t thought about…” “You haven’t thought about a lot of things, appears to me.” “Well, if you wouldn’t hide out in other people’s houses, this wouldn’t have happened!” “Damn it. You just don’t get it, do you?” Lucien didn’t know what he wanted to do more, choke the woman, or kiss her stupid. Either would help him work off the anger boiling in his withered veins. But neither proved a reasonable choice. “I get it. You don’t want to take responsibility for trespassing, tying me up, holding me against my—” He clutched her shoulders hard. Hell, he knew he wouldn’t hurt her, but she needed to get the point. “Listen, little girl, I’m here because someone did this to me,” he pointed to the bruises on his face, “and left me for dead. I had nowhere to go, the sun was rising, and I didn’t expect Suzie 72

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Sunshine to show up. As far as I could tell, the damn place was abandoned.” “You didn’t have to keep—” “Once more, I stress I thought you were coming to finish me off. I would’ve left here by now, but as you might have forgotten, we’re snowed the fuck in! Why don’t you wait to ride that high horse when your knight comes?” he said through clenched teeth. “You conveniently keep forgetting to tell me who ‘them’ is. And if this person or beastie is so vicious, then don’t you think I deserve to know what’s coming? They might try to do the same thing to me,” she retorted. “Doubtful, Snow,” he answered wryly. The tension worked its way out of his shoulders. “Not doubtful enough for you to attack me, so tell me what we’re up against that all these crimes are forgivable?” she asked, sarcastically. Hell, according to her, nothing a vampire ever does is forgivable. Why am I hiding the fact? She can’t leave, she might as well know what I’m up against, because come the first good hot sunshine, we’ll be free. Relatively speaking. The snow’ll melt and they’ll be after me. And her. Lucien inhaled a fortifying breath and exhaled hard. “Your brothers.” Nina stared blankly. “W-what did you say?” she stuttered. He glanced down at the floor, then back at her. “Just forget I said anything.” “You expect me to forget that my brothers did this to you?” “Yeah, it’d be best.” 73

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“You forget it!” she seethed, knowing she had to get to the bottom of this. “What did you do?” “Oh yeah, right. I did something.” His jaw clamped shut. This conversation had to end and fast. “Well, did you? I know they’re overbearing and possessive, but they’d never attack without a reason,” she asserted, a hint of fear gleamed behind her blue eyes. And for some reason, it bit into him. Damn it, why in the hell am I explaining this to her? As soon as the snow melts, she’ll be gone. Out of my hair. The alluring smell of rose petals wafted into the air. And Lucien’s gaze dipped to the breasts he’d held in his hands. The lips he’d tasted and drank until he’d craved far too much. “Aechylops,” he said, noticing the widening of her eyes. She took a few steps back, her hand reaching behind her, like she was about to bolt. “Where’s this going?” she asked, her voice trembling. “They think I did it.”

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Chapter 6 Nina knew her eyes were as wide as saucers, but there wasn’t anything she could do about it. She was holed up with the man who’d heartlessly slaughtered their pack leader. Leaving Rydan in charge and the pack pissed off as hell. “It all makes sense now,” she admitted, resting on the edge of the bed to keep from passing out. The old, worn floor creaked under Lucien’s boots as he walked over and sat next to her. Fear crept into her throat, settling with its certainty. He really is a killer, isn’t he? “Don’t go getting all skittish on me now. I didn’t do it, Snow,” he said, trying to convince her. Do I believe him? She looked deep into his piercing blue eyes, searching for some hint of the truth. And immediately, she wished she hadn’t. She remembered the way his skilled hands felt on her virginal body, the way they made her throb for his touch. His…hell, his everything. “Then why? Why did they think you did it?” I want to believe him. Truly I do. “Craven,” he explained, “he turned on me. Craven killed your leader, doll. And when the pack came to get him, he pointed the finger at yours truly.” “Do you know this Craven well?” 75

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He swallowed in an unsuccessful attempt to rid his mouth of the sour taste of his family betraying him. Lucien looked at her point-blankly and said, “Yeah, something like that.” “Why do you talk in circles? Who is he to you?” Lucien felt a tic work its way along his jaw. “My sire.” She swallowed hard. “Oh.” Damn, she’s looking at me as if I’ve grown horns or something. “So, that’s like...your family?” He nodded. “In vampire land, he’s considered my father. But he’s not related to me. I had a family when I was mortal. A mother and sister,” he swallowed too, then continued, “murdered.” Why did I just tell her that? She lifted her hand, traced a path down the curve of his jaw. “You’re not using that vampire psychic shit on me right now, are you?” she asked, cynically. “No.” “Then I believe you,” she admitted, telling him the truth. She believed him. Nina didn’t know how she knew, but she just did. “Stones, doll. Aren’t you going to throw them, too?” “You’re no killer.” “Don’t be so sure,” he growled. She should be scared once more and again, she wasn’t. Lucien might be many things, and she was sure he’d kill when he had to, but she believed him when he said he hadn’t killed Aechylops. “I don’t do stones,” she corrected, sitting up a little straighter on the bed’s edge and pretending she didn’t feel the heat emitting from his dangerously close body. “No? Why, little Miss Manaro! Isn’t it in your blood?” 76

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“Just because my broth—oh,” she stopped herself from going any further. He’s got a point. Shit. She’d been a jackass to him because of what and who he was. And his sarcasm was well-deserved. “Yeah, thought so. You Manaros are awful selfrighteous.” “No we’re not.” she corrected, sitting up even straighter. Creator, he had an even better view of her breasts. Lucien got up, started to walk into the other room. “If you’d wanted to kill someone, you would’ve killed me in the beginning,” she said, as she strode over to block the doorway with her body. Lucien slammed his hand on the wall next to her head. She flinched, knowing she’d angered him. His nostrils flared. “I should’ve already killed you, peaches. You’re my ticket to a pile of dust.” She guessed she’d never thought of it like that. So why did he agree to rid me of my little condition knowing my brothers would fillet him? Nina looked into his weakened eyes. He was hungry and the fact that it clenched her heart to see him in such a state should’ve bothered her worse than it did. She noticed the softening of his eyes. Heard his breathing grow heavier. She didn’t know why she did it—but she kissed him so hard, her lips throbbed. Not just the man who would help her—she kissed the real man. The one who had been betrayed. The one who lived knowing noone cared whether he was alive or dead. Not even his sire. Lucien moaned into her mouth, not believing how good her lips felt kissing him. He’d been shocked she’d kissed him at that moment, but when her warm, alluring tongue swept against his, he didn’t care. Need shot straight to his groin and 77

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his cock ached for release. He was almost in pain, he needed her so much. Nina kissed Lucien with as much hunger she was sure he felt. Damn, she wanted this man. He smelled of spices and smoke from the firewood. And, when she felt his tightened lips open to her, she felt in control of her life for the first time. Her life, her decision to kiss this man. And it felt good. Too good. She broke the kiss, breathless, and nuzzled her lips to the curve of his neck. He shuddered beneath her touch. Partially because he was so hungry; and partially because he just liked her touch. So she kept on, toying and teasing the sensitive spot. His hands felt so good massaging the small of her back and Nina had lost herself in the sensation of it all. He pressed his hips closer and she felt his hardness through his jeans. He wanted her. And from the way I feel, he’s going to have me. “Doll, slow down,” he warned her. “I don’t want to slow down. I’m not slowing down until I know what it feels like to have a man.” **** Lucien couldn’t believe that after all he’d told her, she’d believed him. The only person who’d ever believed in him, since his sister. And it bit at him a little. But when Nina’s hands started unbuttoning his shirt, he no longer cared. He ground his hips against her and pressed against her center. “Last chance to run,” he rasped, “I’m not noble. Not at all. They’ll be no turning back once I have you naked and where I want you.” And he told her the truth. He hadn’t had sex and blood in so long, he’d never be able to stop. He’d been noble enough the past few days to shame all vampires. Hell, enough was enough. 78

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Nina answered him by running the tip of her tongue over his lips. He groaned and engulfed those sweet, plump lips, crushing them to his. His hand found her breast, kneading the peak between his thumb and forefinger under the tank top. He yanked the tank off her head and tossed it to the floor. Nina quickly unsnapped her bra, letting it spill, and her tightened breasts were exposed to him, begging to be touched. He hungrily took a nipple into his mouth and suckled. Teasing and toying with the ripe button with the tip of his tongue all the while, fucking her through his jeans. **** Nina couldn’t believe how good Lucien’s hot mouth felt on her breasts. How erotic those hips were against hers. Never had anybody touched her, much less made her feel like this. Short, stubbly hairs passed under her hand as she held the back of Lucien’s head, pulling him closer to her wet nipples. His tongue swirled and danced over the peaks. And need shot straight to her pussy. She couldn’t help but wonder what that cock looked like under those jeans. What will it feel like in my palm? Will it be hot? Will it pulse? The desire she felt was so intense, she could barely breathe. His hips rocking against her, his steel hardness pressing against her core, all while being ravaged against the hardness of a wall, was sensory overload. She ached—no, throbbed—to have him inside her. To feel the passion she’d felt on her breast, ravaging her mouth, thrusting into the place she craved him the most. Just the contact from this proximity had her wet and ready for the kind of lover Lucien would be. And judging from just the experience she’d had from his mouth...he’d be damned good. **** 79

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Lucien had Snow right where he wanted her. Ripe, and her soft body wantonly writhing against his. She sighed a small with disappointment as Lucien abandoned her beautiful breasts and nibbled playful bites up her chest. She immediately tensed and it shocked him out of his passion. Shit, she thinks I’m going to bite her! And it hit him like being whacked in the face with a shovel. She’s a virgin and deserves a gentle lover for her first time. Not someone who pounds her against a wall. And something welled up so fierce inside him, he thought his heart might burst—if the damned thing still pumped. I’ll be that lover for her! He hadn’t had anything pure in so long. He wanted to savor it. He backed away from her. “I won’t bite you,” he said, almost choking on the words. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—” He didn’t let her finish. Slowly, he bent his head to take her lips in a slow, thorough kiss. More passionate than the hard one. Nina trembled beneath his touch and her innocence was so apparent, it banded his heart. Tight. He was the only man who’d ever touched those plump, pink lips. He was the only man who had ever touched and kissed those beautiful pale puckered nipples, and he would be the first man to ever touch her intimately. The thought made him nervous and excited at the same time. He backed them away from the wall, easing the pressure on her back, and ran his fingers through her shiny, soft ebony hair. It tickled his fingers and he could smell her fruit-flavored shampoo. Lucien walked them slowly backward to where he lay her down on the bed. And what he saw stole his breath. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid his eyes on. A pale 80

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olive complexion and dark hair contrasted each other in a combination that would’ve rivaled Cleopatra. Tendrils of hair cascaded over her shoulders and covered her left breast. Damn, he had to get a hold of himself and fast, otherwise, it would be over before it even began. He took one last look and began slipping her jogging pants down to expose her skimpy underwear. Black lacy thong. He slid a hungry gaze down the length of her body. She lay on the bed watching him, naked save for the thong. She was the most delicious morsel he’d ever seen. **** Nina couldn’t help but be nervous. It was the first time she’d ever been exposed to a man. And her untouched nerves skittered over her ready body at the hungry gaze he gave her. Deep down, she wanted to bury herself under the blankets. “Don’t you think we need the lights off or something?” His eyes trailed over her body once more. “I’ve spent too much time in the dark to not appreciate you, doll.” She blushed—she knew she kept in shape, but feeling attractive wasn’t something she always did. Mostly, she’d felt tomboyish, having to defend herself with all those boys. But the way he looked at her now made her feel like a woman. “I—I uh. Really?” she asked. “No one’s ever told you how gorgeous you truly are, have they?” he asked, jutting an eyebrow up in disbelief. “No,” she answered. She guessed they hadn’t. Hell, everyone had always avoided her like the plague. She’d thought it was because they were scared of her brothers. But deep down, she couldn’t help but wonder if had something to do with her. But the way he looked at her right now tore through her in a way she’d never experienced. He isn’t supposed to do that. 81

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He was supposed to take her virginity. He wasn’t supposed to make her feel beautiful and desired. Lucien unbuttoned his pants and tugged them to his ankles before kicking them off and tossing them aside. It was then she saw truly what a man he was. He was beautiful himself. Large and beautiful—and hard as a rock! She gulped and couldn’t help but wonder if she could take all of Lucien Portuer. Then he joined her. She was about to find out. **** Lucien sensed her nervousness, her apprehension. He draped his arm around her, a caress of her hair swept over his hard shoulder. And he laced his fingers through hers. “I won’t hurt you,” he assured her, wondering just when had he gone soft. But deep down, he knew. She was getting to him in a way that made his mind swirl. Hell, he didn’t know whether to sleep with her, or try to dig that snow hole to freedom. “I know,” she said, looking into his eyes, completely trusting him. Damn, that trust made his spine crawl. He wasn’t used to someone trusting him, but he’d be damned if she didn’t. What she’d heard about vampires held less truth than fairy tale. They were horrible murderers. Soulless creatures, and he’d think she’d expect him to rip out her throat and rape her to death. But she didn’t. She offered the most precious gift she had—to him. Whatever the reason, it was his. He’d be the first man to ever touch her. And his chest puffed up with the pride of it. Bending down, he captured her lips once more. Deepening the passion of the kiss, she moaned in his mouth and he tasted her sweet breath. Felt her soft legs rub against his. 82

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His cock was so hard now, but he wanted to take things slow with her. Ensure her pleasure as well as his. Slowly, languidly, he unlaced their hands and splayed his fingers over her stomach. Lower, lower until her dampened curls passed under his palm. When he found her hot, wet center, she moaned again. Good, damn good. Hot and soft, the inside of Nina’s tight pussy coated his finger. He inserted one digit at first, so as not to shock her at the invasion. Slid it in and out, gradually, enjoying the feel of her, and watched as she moaned in pleasure. Her pussy got wetter with each thrust. She was opening to him. Lightly, he flicked the sensitive nub with his thumb and she arched to meet him. A wicked smile curved to his lips. She felt warm, accommodating, and ready to be a lover. “That’s it. Just relax.” He eased her fears, loving the way she responded to his touch. “Oh,” she moaned again. Then another finger entered her easily, making her ready to take him later. “Do I make you feel good?” he asked, his voice breathy with lust. “Y-yes,” she gasped as he pushed another finger in. He now pleasured her with three fingers, continuing his massage of the soft nub of her sensitive flesh. Responding just as he had planned, Nina writhed under his palm as he pressed deeper into her heated pussy. She moaned and panted aloud—he felt her tightening around his fingers, her pelvis lifting, poised to release—and he retreated. He wanted to be the one to cause her pleasure—but not with his hand. But not only that, he needed her right now. Like he’d never needed anything before. 83

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I need to feel her tightness surround my cock—to milk it and drink it dry. To sink deep into pleasure. I forget who and what we are. **** Nina couldn’t believe Lucien’s magical fingers and the way it felt to have contact there by someone other than herself. And when he retracted them, she couldn’t help the moan of protest that escaped her mouth. “Patience, Snow,” he’d said. Who could be patient when his hands had felt so good on her? Hell, she wanted him buried so deep inside her, that they couldn’t tell where one began and the other ended. She was entranced by how gentle he was with her—and she appreciated it. It was a nerve-wrecking experience. And she was glad she’d asked him. Settling above her, he kissed her gently once more. She wanted to see the bulge she’d felt in his jeans. To feel his cock slide through her fingertips and make him moan in pleasure. But at this angle, she couldn’t. She could only feel the hot tip nudging at her entrance. Lucien’s hands were all over her, massaging and rubbing. Without thinking, she squeezed her eyes shut and he laughed. Am I really that pathetic? “Open your eyes,” he said in a whisper She lifted one eyelid, then the other. God, he’s gorgeous. “Hey, doll,” he said in the sweetest voice. “Hey,” she answered as nerves tingled up and down her body. He hadn’t been laughing at her being pathetic, he found her nervousness amusing. “How is it you can kick my ass and act tough, but your sexuality frightens you?” “It does not,” she lied. 84

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“Okay, Snow. Just relax,” he said and then kissed again. She forgot everything when his hot mouth covered hers. Kissing her deeper and deeper, she became dizzy with the sensations. And then he entered her. Slowly, inch by glorious, filling inch. Cupping her face, he looked into her eyes as if she were the only woman in the world. And at the moment—she was. He was hard and big, but not selfish. His cock crept in and out of her with ease. She trembled from all the sensations. Being a She-wolf made her senses more acute than the average human. And she felt him—everywhere. “It’s over, doll,” he rasped against her mouth. Simply, she nodded her head in agreement and pain turned to pleasure. He pumped harder now, breathing heavy into her ear. God, she shuddered all over as the strokes from his hard cock increased in rhythm, sinking deeper so he was filling her with everything, all the way to his balls. But Nina wanted more of him in her. Filling her until she couldn’t stand any more. She grabbed his buttocks. “It’s just beginning,” she warned him, needing him harder and harder and deeper and deeper; thrusting and bucking her hips to meet him; digging her nails into his ass. Urging him...luring him, further, further into her. He paused a moment, lifted his face away from hers a little. “I—are you okay?” She stared into his eyes, saw concern mixed with fascination with her. “I’m fine, Portuer, just fuck me…okay?” Nina dragged his head down to hers. She needed to taste his lips again. 85

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**** Who can argue with that? Lucien slipped his cock into her sweet juices over and over and over. She was so wet, so tight, sheathing his need in her warm, welcoming center, and he wanted nothing more than to spill into her. Feel his own release. But first she has to feel hers. Nails bit and stung as they scraped his ass and lower back. She’s damn well enjoying herself. Her heavy breathing, the hard thumping of her heart, seared his ears. Pulling, tugging the hidden hunger deep from within. Fangs burst into his mouth, begging to take what she’d freely offered. But he’d promised not yet. It would be too much for her for her first time. Lucien slowed, mulling the issue over before making a decision. “Lucien?” she moaned, obviously noticing the pausing of his hips. He tucked his head in her hair to the side. Should I let her see what she does to me. No! She can’t see me like this. Not during sex. Later, when she’s ready. More experienced. This is supposed to be sweet. So he didn’t take, just slowly slid his cock in and out of her warmth—a tempered rhythm. She moaned again, hot breath fanned his ear and he could stand no more. Looking deeply into her eyes, he brushed the hair from her face. “Doll, I—I c-can’t…” He couldn’t even form the words. And he didn’t have to. She knew exactly what he needed. She clutched his hips and moved him in and out of her at a faster pace, then brushed the hair from her neck, pressing Lucien’s mouth close in by the side of her chin. 86

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He closed his eyes, shuddering against the promise of bliss. “Do it,” she commanded, her voice thick with desire. “Lucien, I want you to bite me.” Damn. He trailed hungry lips along her neck. Her pulse coasting under them. Then he could fight it no longer. He sank his fangs deep, and drank. **** White-hot pain seared and burned her neck. And it was every bit as sensual as she thought it would be. Pleasure rippled through her. And it was as if she was the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. Lucien slammed harder into her, steady and strong, his hands caressing her body as he drank and moved deeper inside her. And that, coupled with pleasure from him feeding sent her into her first orgasmic bliss. “Oh s-shit!” she screamed as she contracted and clamped around his cock. Lucien lifted his head from her neck. A steady trail of blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he pushed so hard, he lifted her from the bed in passionate thrusts. “Oh God, Snow!” he screamed, and came inside her.

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Chapter 7 Lucien collapsed on top of the sweetest thing he’d ever had the pleasure of putting his lips on or his cock in. Damn, he couldn’t believe a She-wolf in training would be so good. He’d never had a werewolf before, well except that once, but that was only a taste. Not like this. Nothing like this. Their bodies still entwined, he reached up, lapped the puncture wounds on her neck and healed them. Then rolled over to get control of his breathing once more. Nina shivered as he retreated and he couldn’t help but worry he’d taken too much. Carefully, he pulled the blankets, covered her, “Are you lightheaded?” he asked, surprised at caring so much how she was feeling. “A little dizzy, but I’m okay.” The tension between them had fizzled somewhat and catapulted straight into the awkward phase. What should I say to her? Should I hold her? Why such a thought even passed through his convoluted mind should’ve been a sign to get the hell out of Dodge—but he didn’t move. She spoke again, the lust lifted from her voice. “I need to get dressed.” “What, you don’t want to stay and play?” he teased. 88

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She wriggled beneath the blankets and he suppressed the heat rebuilding between his legs. “It was just this once. Remember?” she reminded him, and he couldn’t tell what she felt. Why does she choose to deny herself pleasure for the remainder of our time together? Hell, he didn’t want to have her just once. He wanted to take her over and over and over until they were both so exhausted, they could barely walk. “Yeah. Don’t go getting a big head, doll. It’s not like you’re that irresistible.” Open mouth, insert foot. Now why in the hell did I say that? She rolled her eyes and began putting her underwear and sweatpants back on, then slid her tank over her head. “Well, then I guess we’re in agreement.” “Appears that way,” he said, rolling over to his side. But he was far from agreeing. The weight of the sun tugged at him. He was sated, no longer hungry, and tired as hell. Plus he didn’t want to look at her. Desire her. Maybe if he caught some shut-eye, he wouldn’t dream about her. One could only hope. The slightest caress of a fingertip on his shoulder. “Thank you.” Her voice tugged at him. She covered him the rest of the way with the blanket in a caring manner. Really, he wished she hadn’t. “There’s no pretending here, Snow. I enjoyed it.” He wished she wouldn’t pretend to care about him. It was something he hadn’t felt in so long and he didn’t want to pretend at anything. It was what it was... A business deal, of sorts. “Well, I’m going to let you get some sleep.” 89

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Tiny footsteps padded across the room. “I trust no staking will occur while I visit the sandman?” he asked, half teasing, half serious. She was a Manaro after all. “No staking,” she said and he felt her leave the room. Sleep came easily for Lucien. It was as if he were a bear in hibernation. And he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep since the pack had attacked him. It didn’t stop his thoughts from drifting to Nina and their predicament. What predicament? There’s no predicament now. The deed was done—job over. The only thing left to accomplish was to deliver Ms. Manaro back to her brothers and tell them to fuck off. Lucien fell further into sleep. And slept the best he had for months. Until he heard a blood-curdling scream. **** Nina stared at her wrist in disbelief. “No, no, no!” she screamed. “This can’t be happening!” But there it was. Plain as day and just as annoying as squinting against the blistering noon sun. And it had burned like hell as the mark laced itself around her wrist. “What is it?” Lucien had obviously jumped out of bed. He rubbed at his eyes impatiently and stood at the doorway as naked as the day he was born. “Nothing,” she said, trembling. She couldn’t tell him. Not yet. She was still trying to soak it all in. “It’s not nothing, doll. You were screaming like you’d been shot.” “I…I can’t concentrate while you’re…you’re…will you get some clothes on?” A wicked smile curved to his lips. “Sure,” he said, sauntering out of the room. And quickly returned, zipping his 90

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jeans. The fact that his shirt remained off didn’t escape her notice. Especially the fact that a sheen of sweat covered his ripples of muscles. But now was not the time to be lusting over him. “Now you plan on telling me what the screaming’s about?” Nina tried to temper her breathing. But it was almost impossible. She hadn’t wanted this. She hadn’t. So what in the hell’s going on? Is such a thing even possible? She inhaled deeply and stood to meet him. She wasn’t going to let him know until she knew for sure. “That tattoo on your wrist.” She gestured. He furrowed a brow at the question. “Yeah, what about it?” he asked. “W-where did you get it?” “You going for personals again?” he asked, stuffing a hand in his jean pocket. “Will you stop it? This is important, Portuer.” Anger slapped into her cheeks. Burned down to her stomach. “The same person who gave me this.” He pointed to the scar below his left eye. “Seems while I was passed out from pain, she decided to get all Van Gogh on my ass.” “Can I see it closer?” “Sure. I don’t see what the big deal is.” She clutched his wrist, searching with wild eyes. “Oh, my...God,” she said, punctuating short syllables and staring in disbelief. The tattoo had changed. It was the mark of her pack. He hadn’t noticed—hadn’t even looked at his tattoo. “She was a priestess of the order of Con. Mean bitch, too. Not too happy I tried to make her my next meal. So she sliced me up a bit and gave me a permanent reminder of her sometime 91

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around the eighteenth century in Italy. Hell, I dunno, I kind of got used to it.” Lucien surveyed the tattoo. It still had the usual double rings about an inch apart circling his wrist, but a design had formed in between the parallel lines. “Wait a minute…that wasn’t there before.” “What?” Nina’s heart sank in her chest. He gestured at the space between the two lines outlining his wrist. Well, what used to be a space. “This pattern.” She looked at the crest of the quarter-moon interweaved between the intricate design. He brought his wrist closer to his face. “How do you suppose—” “Damn it, Portuer!” she said, looking him straight in the eye. This is just too much. Impossible, yet here it is, smacking me in the face with its certainty. Is fate mocking me? “What?” Lucien really didn’t have any idea. But she knew they were a part of each other now. And she couldn’t hide it from him. Nina’s movements were slow. Inching closer, she lifted her gaze to meet his. “We’re mated.” “The hell you say,” he protested, taking a few steps back from her. She held up her wrist, sporting a fresh identical mark. “This wasn’t here until...well...you know.” Nina felt heat creep into her cheeks, remembering what they’d done. How much she’d enjoyed his...help. “That doesn’t mean anything. This isn’t the way it works for us. Vampires take mates by choice. Not like this.” “Yeah, well you have the mark of a were tattooed on your wrist. How you came by it, I still don’t understand, but it’s made it possible for you to mate with a She-wolf. And not just 92

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any were from the looks of it. One from my pack. Those marks aren’t just any were’s. They’re Manaro.” She couldn’t believe it either. “Are you stark raving mad, Nina? This is some cruel joke.” “No joke. I wish it were.” How in the hell can I explain this to my brothers? Sorry guys, in my childish fit to become a woman, I’ve gone and lost my virginity and married myself to a vampire... Good lord, it just keeps getting worse. He sat down slowly, easing himself onto the sofa. Nina could tell he was trying to take it all in. She was too. But the fact remained, she couldn’t leave him. Not now. Not if she wanted to live… She combed her hands through her hair. Shit, I can’t breathe. Nina attempted to close the gap between them. “Stay away from me,” he snarled. Not the reaction she’d hoped for. “I can’t,” she whispered, inching closer so as not to alarm him. “Is this some kind of trick? Did you and your brothers plan this? Torture the vampire by giving him a wife? Because if it is, it’s not going to work. I’m not being mated to a dog.” His words stabbed her. “It didn’t seem to bother you before.” “That was before. This isn’t fair to you either, Nina. Hell, it’s not fair to me. I mean, it’s crazy.” He pressed his forehead into his palms. Rubbed furiously at his temples. “Yeah, it is. I didn’t ask for this to happen to me either.” And truthfully, she didn’t like it any more than he did. 93

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His eyes stared into hers. “Yeah, well, you knew what you were flirting with when you asked me to hop into the sack with you. I didn’t!” His words were harsh. Furious. Deserved. But she hadn’t dreamed this could happen. “I didn’t think I could be mated to a vampire! God, Lucien, I thought I was safe from that with you.” Nina touched the bend of his arm and he jerked away, “Stay away from me.” He got up, stalked to the other side of the room. This could be going better. It’s my wedding night. The only one a were knows, and my mate doesn’t even want me to touch him. “I can’t leave you.” Nina averted her eyes, stared at the dusty wooden floor. “I’ll die.” “What?” he asked, as if not believing her words. “A She-wolf isn’t as fickle as everyone thinks. Not in my pack. If you leave me, I’ll grieve myself to death.” She didn’t want to admit that to him. It was something he wasn’t prepared to hear. But she’d fought for independence and she wasn’t going to die. Not over Lucien Portuer. If she had to follow him to the far corners of the earth—she just had to. But it wasn’t something she wanted to do. “Over me?” He asked it as if he hadn’t believed anyone would ever grieve over him. “You’re not as mean as you let on. And it’s nature causing the grieving, not my choice. Once mated, it’s for life.” “What? I’ve gone and gotten myself a fatal attraction?” “Not funny,” she retorted, feeling bile collect in the back of her throat. But sometimes, genetics don’t leave one a lot of decisions. 94

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He took a few steps closer. His voice calm, with a whisper of a caress over her spine. “Are you telling me the truth?” She looked up. Soft blue hues called to her from his tortured eyes. “Y-yes,” she admitted, fighting the tears brimming her eyes. She crossed her arms loosely over her breasts. Life wasn’t fair. “We don’t have to be together.” “But you just said—” “I can’t leave you. We have to be close to one another. We don’t have to be together…like that.” Why was she saying this? She knew no man, vamp, or were could ever touch her again. Not unless it was Lucien, but she didn’t want to force this on him. He had different rules when it came to this. If she’d been mated to a were, he wouldn’t be able to stray either, but a vampire was an entirely different story. “So you have to be in the other room or something like that?” he asked as if seriously considering the situation. “Yes,” she said. “I…I need to think about all this.” He withdrew his lighter from his denim pocket and reached for his shirt pocket—of the shirt that wasn’t there. Then he rolled his eyes, no doubt flustered. Heck, she was too. **** Lucien closed the bedroom door and inhaled deep breaths. What in the hell am I going to do? Invite my new family over for Thanksgiving? Christmas? Well, vampires didn’t exactly celebrate Christmas, but weres did. Fuck, it would be a blood bath, not a family reunion. And he’d lived centuries. If I’d wanted a bride, I would’ve taken one years ago. 95

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The truth was, he’d never found anyone who made him feel the way Nina had. But that wasn’t the issue. The fact was, he’d ended up mated to a She-wolf and now she had to follow him around forever. It was a bit stifling to say the least. And not to mention, her brothers would find them with her scent all over him..Hell, he was dog food now for sure. And what if I fight her brothers and kill them? Am I supposed to have their baby sis follow me to the dark ends of the world moaning about it forever? Lucien threw himself on the bed and breathed out hard. That priestess bitch had cursed him, or some shit like that. Damn, and it was a curse that took a while to take effect, but once it did, hell, was it a kicker. She couldn’t have done anything to get him back worse than this. Hell, he was married to his enemy’s sister. It was like fucking Romeo and Juliet or some Shakespearean tragedy. He rolled over again, trying to think of a way to undo things, but nothing came to mind. The Priestess, Cara, knew the curse would outlive her. Had to have, the clever bitch. So she’d died long ago. There was no way they could seek her out and get her to reverse it. Restless, he got out of bed and found himself sitting in front of the old piano. He just stared at it. Hell, he hadn’t played a song since Marie Claire’s murder. He swallowed at the thought of coming home from the concert and finding his baby sister and his mother slaughtered by worthless thieves. He’d found the bastards and fought them, but as a mortal, he hadn’t been strong enough. Half-dead and beaten to a pulp, Craven had found him lying helplessly in the barn they’d set on fire. 96

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What he offered… He closed his eyes, placed his fingers on the ivories and remembered slaughtering each and every bastard who’d hurt his family. The power that had surged through him was beyond anything he’d ever experienced. Except for a while back. When he’d been with Nina… He didn’t know why or how, but the melody of Moonlight Sonata echoed from his fingertips to his ears. Soothing his uneasy nerves. The dissonant sound and the minor key suited his mood. Of course, when he’d performed, it had been one of his easiest, but it had always been one of his favorites. It felt so good to play again. Something he hadn’t done since he’d become a vampire. Then song after song fled from his fingers. Fast and furious, he played. Until he found himself playing Polonaise. It had been Marie Claire’s favorite. And he didn’t know why, but Nina’s spirit reminded him of her. And he knew at that moment he would do the right thing by her. Whatever that is.

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Chapter 8 Nina stared at the fire, ignoring the numbness surrounding her, and studied the flames flickering up from the stones. Tiny embers sparked and nipped at the air above the hottest part of the blaze. What in the world am I going to do now? You’ve gone and done it now. Really gone and done it. They’d have to hide forever. Rydan and Darius would never forgive Lucien for Aechylops and she couldn’t be away from her mate. Then the seriousness of the situation swallowed her with its certainty. She’d never see her brothers again. And she was destined to be mated to a man who didn’t love her and probably wasn’t capable of loving anyone. The melodic tunes faded in the background. His playing was surprising and delightful and she knew it was the way he coped with what he had just been dealt. He wasn’t cruel to her—the way he’d treated her while they were in bed told her that much. But he was backed in a corner now and she had a feeling he knew nothing but to fight his way out—to hell with the consequences. What if he turned bitter? And hated her? Or worse, what if he gets tired of me being around and falls in love with another vampire and leaves me for dead? She tried to swallow past the constrictive knot in her throat. And then they came, tears streaming uncontrollably 98

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down her cheeks. She swiped furiously at them. She wasn’t a crier. Truly she wasn’t and this wasn’t a usual situation. She’d lost her family, for Christ’s sake. Truly lost them and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. And the irony of it was it was what she had set out to do in the first place. “Oh damn,” Lucien’s voice shocked her back to the situation. She sniffled and wiped the tears from her face. “Don’t cry, Snow.” She felt his strong presence looming behind her. “I—I...God, I just don’t know what to say,” she admitted. He gave a half-laugh. “Yeah, well, me either.” Lucien walked slowly to the couch and sat beside her, resting his hand on her leg in a gesture meant to comfort her, but it just made her tingle and blush as she remembered where else that hand had been. “I just can’t believe it. I didn’t think it was possible. It wasn’t until…” Again, she began to sob uncontrollably. Lucien draped his arms around her, pulling her to the safety of his chest. Damn, if felt good. Too good. “We’ll find a way out of this. If there’s a way to make it happen, there’s a way to undo it,” he assured her, patting her on the back. But she wasn’t so sure. Mating with a She-wolf was for life. There wouldn’t be any undoing for her. Lucien was now the one. “I don’t think there is. Like it or not, we’re mates.” She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the feel of his chest moving in and out against hers. The steady massaging of his hand along the curve of her back. 99

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She’d been mated for less than a day and already, he wanted a way out—typical. Well, she wouldn’t force anything on him. Her thoughts drifted as she ran her gaze down the full length of Lucien. He was gorgeous and had been so tender while he’d make love to her. No, it wasn’t making love. But this is my mate? Nina swallowed hard. Confusion engulfed her, but she was certain of one thing. She didn’t want to be mated to him anymore than he wanted her. “I promise you don’t have to take me as a mate if you choose not to. Not in your bed.” “It wasn’t that unpleasant, I assure you,” he replied softly and warm breath curled around her ear. She shivered at the contact, and visions of them entwined in their lovers’ embrace danced through her head. She let out a ragged sigh. “But it’s wrong now. Different. Before, there was a reason and I see none for it now. I don’t feel right about being in your bed as your mate knowing I’m not y-your choice.” Her own admission burned her to her soul. She didn’t love him, but she now had a bond so strong, it racked her. Tugged at her and there wasn’t anything either one of them could do about it. Strong fingers stroked her hair, and he leaned back, swiping away the smudge of a tear with the pad of his thumb. “We won’t do anything you don’t want to. We can talk about this later. Maybe you need some rest. Be alone with your thoughts.” Yeah, alone with her thoughts is really where she needed to be right now. She needed to be anything but alone. Alone is where she’d gone and screwed up her life good. Alone is where she couldn’t make it. Hell, fate had even seen to that. She’d never be alone again. No matter how cruel Lucien turned, even if he took another bride, she’d be forced to watch and there would be nothing she could do about it. Yeah, being alone hadn’t been the best idea. 100

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“I’m fine,” she said, knowing she lied. “Just don’t cry. I hate when chicks cry,” he said it softly and even though he’d called her a chick—something she hated—she felt a fraction of tension seep from her knotted shoulders. The animal in her needed to be comforted by her mate. Everything in her drew her to him now. She was powerless against it and damn it, she wanted to fight it. Rage against this madness, but she couldn’t. It was instinct, something she was born with and it couldn’t be changed. Not with all the resolve in Raven’s Falls. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and her body immediately hummed to life. She tingled all over from his touch—and nothing like before. It was more intense, uncontrollable. And it downright scared her. “You’re shaking.” Lucien looked at her with a worried expression. Thankfully, he hadn’t known why she shook. “I…I think I’m just a little overwhelmed.” “That makes two of us. Hell, I never wanted a mate. Still don’t. Doesn’t look as though we’ve been given much of a choice now, does it?” “No,” she said, inching back from his arms a bit. She shivered again—almost uncontrollably this time. He furrowed a brow. “Are you sure you’re alright?” No, I’m not, you twit! I’m married to a vampire, no longer a virgin, about to change into a wolf in a few days, and oh, let’s not forget married to a vampire! But instead, she went for, “Just a little nervous.” The expression on his face made her stomach knot. He actually looked at her as if he felt sorry for her. And coming from him, she took it as an endearment.

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“Nina,” he said quietly, “I don’t know what to say about all this, but I promise you one thing,” he feathered his thumb along her cheek, “I won’t let you die.” He was being noble. A noble vampire. Now there was an oxymoron if ever there was one. The caress on her skin sent shivers down her spine and racked her to the junction between her thighs. Her pussy creamed at the slightest touch of her lover. And she knew she’d need him again and soon. Was she going to become a mess of hormones every time he was around? God, I hope not. Their eyes locked and Lucien’s mouth came down to claim her lips. She jumped from his arms and ran to the far corner of the room. “What’s wrong now?” Lucien’s voice skittered over her nerves, danced all the way to where she was alive the most. “Shit!” she said, as the feeling didn’t subside. It intensified. She smelled his uncertainty. His fear. And the tendency for violence rose in her like never before. A growl sounded low in her throat and she knew exactly what was wrong. God help her. God help them both. Lucien stalked closer and her body screamed for him with every step he approached. Humming and buzzing with arousal. And she could tell he noticed it, too. Vampires had a keen sense of smell. There was no way he couldn’t pick up on her haywire pheromones. “Nina?” She walked toward him, swaying her hips to attract his attention. If she didn’t get relief, things would go from bad to worse. “Portuer, I think you need to run now.” 102

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“Why?” he asked. “I’m in heat.” **** “Holy shit, are you kidding?” he asked, knowing he couldn’t look more shocked to her. And he didn’t know whether to run or get on his hands and knees and thank the Creator. “Why would I kid about that?” she asked, her voice audibly lower and husky. “Just checking.” Creator, should he? It would only help her. An exasperated sigh escaped his mouth. Now there was logic for getting a piece of ass. Stupid logic. But either way, they’d both be put out of their misery. Lucien made a decision then. I’ll fuck her over and over and over. And we’ll love every minute of it. No matter what the fates have in mind. He closed the gap between them. He’d heard were’s heat lasted for at least two days. Damn, we won’t be able to walk after two days. And they’d already gotten a good start... Lucien looked at her. Really looked. Flushed cheeks colored the pale face, ice-blue eyes batted from under long lashes. Creator, she’s beautiful. And for the time being, my wife! Fate, the fickle bitch, had smiled again. Wait, Portuer, she doesn’t want you because of you. Hell, she’d take anything hard right now. Yeah, but earlier she wasn’t in heat and I made her scream in ecstasy. Nina pressed her back against the wall and arced her head back, moaning and rubbing her hands along her upper thighs in a sensual, seductive manner. 103

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“Are you in pain?” he asked, hoping she was because, misleading or not, if she kept doing that, he would pin her to the wall and fuck the hell out of her. “Oh, God, I c-can’t control this.” Oh Creator, neither could he. “Nina.” He breathed heavy as need slammed into his cock at the sensual gesture. He was rock hard and throbbing for her. “Help me, Portuer. Th-this is miserable,” she pleaded, looking directly in his eyes. He guessed it must be. He’d never really thought about it before now. But he didn’t want to do this just because her body betrayed her. He wanted her mind. He’d never wanted that with anyone in his life. But for some reason with her—he did. “Say you want me. Not just because of this. But really want me.” “I want you. Oh, God. You’re the only one who can touch me like this...mate,” she pleaded and a series of moans and growls escaped her mouth. “Please take me.” Damn, this mate thing isn’t half bad. Lucien was at her side in three long strides. She wasn’t a virgin anymore, hell, she was a vixen. She rubbed long legs against his thigh and moaned in his ear. She stripped off her tank and bra before he even had the chance. “Please,” she asked again, “I need you inside me.” “Stay with me, doll,” he instructed. She had to remain calm, or she might rip his head off in passion. He’d heard of She-wolves becoming violent while in heat. Although he’d never seen one and if he’d known they’d look this good, hell, he would’ve sought one out centuries ago. But then Lucien looked at her. No, they wouldn’t look anything like Nina. With her, he was sure, it was different. 104

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“I…I’m here, but barely,” she moaned, and he smelled her sweet, mint breath. Then Lucien cupped her breast at the same time his lips came crashing onto hers. She tasted sweet and like fresh toothpaste. And if he hadn’t had a boner the size of Texas when he’d reached her, he sure as hell did now. She was so intense, pulling and clawing and tugging at him like nothing he’d ever experienced. Not even ancient vampires had done this for him. Made him wild and unabashed with passion. And Creator, it made his blood boil. Sear for her. “Snow, you’re killing me,” he said against sweet, pliable kisses. “And you’re killing me. Make this aching go away,” she commanded as he hastily unzipped his pants and pulled his cock out. In a moment, she was stroking it back in forth in her palm until he thought he might loose it then and there. He ripped off her sweatpants and in an instant, he was buried deep inside her. Pressing into her hard and against the wall. Diving deep into hot, juicy pussy, her nether lips teasing his cock with each thrust. Then she growled, low and deep and sexy, grabbing the back of his head and jerking it back violently. He didn’t know what to do, except to slow his strokes, ease her tension and look deeply into her eyes. “It’s the animal, Nina. Stay with me, I know how you feel.” He did. Many times the animal had threatened to take over in him and he’d had to fight, especially during sex. Well, honestly he hadn’t wanted to fight until he met her. Why was that? A faint smile formed on her lips. “Okay, I can do it.” But she ground against him and moaned more. It was almost more than he could stand. He slipped his cock into her cunt and she rewarded him by screaming in pleasure. Hard and fast, slow and easy. Then 105

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she latched both her hands on his shoulders and pushed him down to the floor to take over the job. Her breasts, delicious full-nippled fruit, enjoyed his curling hot tongue and lips. She sighed out her enjoyment. This mate thing wasn’t as bad as it first seemed. It had its perks and damn if this isn’t one of them. **** Nina quickly took over the rhythm. No longer able to recognize or control her body at all, she sank over his velvety hard cock and quivered at how deeply he filled her. They moaned in unison at the joining of their bodies. And it was on a deeper, more sensual level, now that they were mated. It was like their bodies were made for each other and by the gasps and expressions on Lucien’s face, he felt it too. She continued to ride, sheathing his cock deep inside her quivering heat. Large, callused hands came up to massage the small of her back and guide her hips in an andante rhythm. “You feel amazing,” he admitted in almost a grunt. She nodded, wordless. He’s not so bad himself. “It’s supposed to be like this between mates,” she explained, breathless—and regretted it the moment it came out. The look on his face stilled. And a telling silence froze the air. Until she sank onto him hard and he threw his head back and groaned once more. Then someone happened to her. Pain shot into her mouth as fangs burst forth. A feral growl escaped her throat and it was if her body no longer belonged to her. Lucien paused, studying her as if she had three horns.

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He was worried and with good reason. She must look a fright with fangs. “It’s the mating,” she breathed between rhythms, “to join our life forces.” “Oh,” he said, furrowing a brow. He must’ve thought about it a moment, because he grasped her hips and stopped her. “Weres have life forces. During the mating ritual, if we exchange blood, it means if you die, I die.” His eyes widened. She was scaring him off. Imagine that. A vampire scared of her fangs. The irony of it almost made her laugh. “Is that a good thing?” he asked, but she moved faster onto him and he threw back his head and groaned. **** Lucien thought about that for a moment. Even though it was hard to think with his cock buried deep inside Nina. If their life forces were joined…the Manaros would have to leave them alone... An intriguing twist. Then he looked into her crystal-blue eyes. This wasn’t a bargaining tool. It was his mate and even though he hadn’t chosen her, he was beginning to feel it, too. How and why, he didn’t know, but it was there. “Do you want to share my life?” he asked, trying to ignore the twitching he felt in their nether regions. “I…I don’t know. I won’t force you to do anything. I have no choice. You’re the last man for me. Whether you choose me or not.” Creator. He just couldn’t do that to her. A life without any other man? It was a death sentence in itself and she wasn’t so bad. Hell, she was damn good and he’d been alone for so long and she felt so warm and caring… 107

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Fangs lengthened in Lucien’s mouth. His gaze swept over the bend of her delectable neck. He thought about it for a moment. Hell, wasn’t he sick of being alone? His walk in immortality had been alone. Utterly alone and he had never minded. Hell, he’d wanted it that way. But this beautiful, exquisite woman was offering to walk with him forever. And even more than that, she believed he hadn’t murdered Aechylops. She doesn’t deserve to live by herself for the rest of her life. Hell, she needs me. And no one needed him… His insides twisted at the thought. This beautiful creature needed him. Wanted to walk by his side until he died. Until they both died. It was more than he could take and all doubt flew out the door. He’d do it. Lucien ignored the tightening of his windpipes at the thought. “Okay, Snow. You’ve got yourself a mate.” She smiled a tender smile and it banded his heart. Damn, this couldn’t be happening. What in the hell had he agreed to and furthermore—what in the hell was he doing? He’d been a loner his entire life. So why now did being around this creature forever appeal to him? “You ready?” she asked in sporadic breaths as she impaled her wetness once again over his begging cock. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Lucien couldn’t believe he hadn’t at least hesitated before he’d gone and bonded himself further to Nina Manaro—but with her riding him and saying she would stand by him forever in that sweet voice, he just couldn’t deny her. No one has ever done that for me… “Now what?” he asked, still enjoying her sinking down on his shaft. “Bite me.” 108

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“I like this ceremony,” he said sheepishly. Leaning upward, he draped her hair off her shoulder and scraped his teeth along the curve, teasing. Reveling in the salty taste of her skin, but shuddering as the rhythm of her heart beat in time with her ministrations. Just when his fangs ached and pain seared them—he sank them deep in into her skin. Warmth flooded his mouth as the sweet coppery taste swamped his senses. His flesh. She moaned, arching her head to allow him better access to her life force. It was something that almost caused him to explode immediately. And Lucien knew the minute she bit him, his life would change forever. Nina leaned in, still riding, and nipped his neck as a playful warning. Then when he could stand it no longer—bit him and drank. The sensual act and the joining was almost more than he could handle. She let go and howled in pleasure, screaming his name over and over and over. He followed in the most intense orgasm he’d ever experienced. Then lay down on the rug with his new mate. Still not believing it.

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Chapter 9 Nina had never been one for the taste of blood, but Lucien had been right about one thing—she craved it. Not that she ever had to taste his blood again. That part was over. But what surprised her was she wasn’t repulsed at all by what they’d done. It, in turn, had done just the opposite. She wanted to curl into a ball and snuggle next to him. Nestle into the safety and warmth of his strong arms. Her instinct and body betrayed her mind. For the first time in her life, she felt complete. Somehow, she knew Lucien would grant her any freedom she wanted. But the question burning in the back of her mind was, could they love each other? It was ridiculous, really. A vampire mated to a werewolf—she’d never heard of such. But there they were, bonded. The ceremony was completed and their life forces were joined. They’d better get fond of what happened to one another and fast. Because once joined, there was no going back. Embarrassment crept into her cheeks as she looked at him and she thought about what they’d done...yet again. And still she couldn’t believe it. The man she’d known less than a day was her mate. And he wasn’t even a wolf. So much for only the one time. “You weren’t lying,” he teased, tracing his fingertip down the curve of her hip. “What about?” 110

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“Maybe I should’ve run, doll. I’m still out of breath.” She laughed, trying to ignore the tingling path of his fingertip. “Thank you,” she said in a breathy voice. I want him again—already. “Thank me for what?” “Relief,” she answered, looking into his pale eyes. He was truly a beautiful creature. High cheekbones, sandy blonde hair; even the scar on his cheek was sexy. His sex appeal was undeniable; the arrogant swagger, the confident air. Hell, it was the all-around bad boy image. But tonight, he looked…different. Gorgeous. He laughed at her and she warmed in a way she never had. Lucien got up and went to the kitchen. It amazed her how he could walk around in the nude and not bother him. Of course, vamps, by nature, were sensual creatures. And honestly, he looked so damn good, she didn’t mind. But she couldn’t help how her gaze kept dancing over his cock and thinking how she wanted to touch him again. And it was something she would remedy as soon as she got the chance. Nina rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. Damn, if sex is like that every time, no wonder She-wolves kill and maim for their mates. “Here, thought you’d need this,” he said, as he returned. Lucien had poured some more of the cola she’d brought and iced it down. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she’d become during their little escapade. “Thanks.” She sat up, completely nude, and drank. The soothing cool liquid refreshed her and brought her out of the dazed pleasure she’d been in. Amazingly, she was comfortable around him in her nakedness. 111

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“So what do you want to do now, Mr. Portuer?” she asked innocently. “I could do what we’ve just done all night, but the sad thing is, we really do need to talk a bit.” Yeah, I guess we do. She leaned forward slightly, watching his eyes as his gaze fixated on her breasts. How I ache for his touch again already. “What’s up?” “You know we have to face up to the situation,” he reminded her. His words stung, but they were true. ‘But how?’ was the question. Rydan would kill him and it would end her life. Swallowing hard, she guessed she did get her independence after all. “I…I know.” “Nina, I didn’t kill Aechylops, but if your brothers attack me again, I have to fight them.” He turned to the window and stared out at the snow with empty eyes. She pondered on his dilemma, of having to do battle with his mate’s brothers over a murder of which he was innocent. She stared down into her glass. Nina guessed he would simply have to fight them. Is he just supposed to sit back and let them rip him to shreds? The man had to defend himself. Hell, she’d been on the receiving end of Rydan’s temper—not physically, but still—it hadn’t been pretty. Nina’s nerves gathered, crackling with tension. She didn’t want anyone to fight. As much as she’d wanted her freedom, that had been all—not some feud. “I know you have hard feelings, but I love them, Lucien. I can’t face them.” She got up and sauntered across the room, gathering clothing and dressing herself on the way. Nina wouldn’t be able to stand it if something happened to her brothers. Sure, she’d tried to escape their controlling 112

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clutches, but that was different. She couldn’t bear it if something happened to one of them. And it was no help that she couldn’t bear it if something happened to her mate. She shot a brief glance toward Lucien and soaked in her thoughts. Her mate. It still hadn’t sunk in completely, but as she looked at him—it did. “I meant what I said.” He approached her cautiously. “I’ve agreed to be your mate. And I know you can never love me, doll. That’s not what I’m asking for here. But know this. If they kill me, you die. And I can’t allow that.” He locked their gazes, holding her there in his certainty. “I will protect you.” She could’ve been knocked over with a feather. He was going to defend himself—for her. For me. At the realization, her heart leaped in her chest. Beat wildly. Maybe there really is such a thing as a noble vampire. “Listen, Portuer, we just have to make sure they never find us,” she said, swallowing furiously past the knot in her throat. “Even if we travel to the four corners of the earth and leave Raven’s Falls forever.” “You’ll give up a lot,” he said, studying her expression. “But the truth is, Nina, I have to meet with them. Don’t worry, not to start anything, doll, but I have to clear my name.” Nina was well aware she’d be giving up a lot, but it wasn’t like it had been her choice. She had no option—she could never leave her mate. No matter what... She looked pensively into his beautiful eyes. “Yes, you do.” If he needed to clear his name, she understood. If he didn’t, they’d always be running and it wasn’t what Nina wanted. 113

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“So I guess you’re my husband now.” She said it fishing for some expression from him. She couldn’t help but wonder what he really thought about it. “Never been a husband before,” he admitted and for some strange reason, she took pride in the fact. “Me either.” He gave her a half-laugh. “I meant been married, not be a husband.” “I know. I just like giving you a hard time.” His voice trickled over her senses. She loved when he teased her. Once more, his voice jolted awareness straight between her legs. It was starting again. And she knew she wouldn’t get relief until he’d taken her over and over and over. **** Lucien tried hard not to like his situation. The truth was, hell, he had a sweet setup—for now. He had a gorgeous mate and a ticket to the all-you-can-eat-Nina buffet. And from the scent that wafted to his nostrils, she was ripe for the plucking yet again. “Tell me,” he said, approaching her with a calculated prowl. “Are you needing something?” “You’re loving this, aren’t you, Portuer?” She tried to fight it, he could tell, but her body was betraying her. And thank the Creator for it. “Now, now. Do you prefer ‘Portuer’ or are you one of those modern chicks who go for the hyphenated last names?” he teased, knowing she hadn’t given it a second’s thought. “Haven’t decided yet.” She looked stunned. Why would she want my last name? It wasn’t like she loved him. Hell, they’d just met, but for a little bit, Lucien would love to pretend she cared for him. Why did I even mention it? Because then at least someone had. 114

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Suddenly, his arousal fizzled. A lot had happened in the span of a day. And he’d gone and gotten married. It was too much for him to have someone to love him. Too much. Lucien stood up, steadied his resolve and jerked up his jeans. “I’m a little knackered.” “Oh?” “You woke me up—remember?” Not that he minded. It was a little earth-shattering to wake up married against his wishes, but the sex had been more than great. “You didn’t act like you minded.” “I didn’t,” he admitted with a smile, and then he strode toward the bedroom, calling back over his shoulder, “Call me Luc. I don’t think I’m a stranger anymore.” The knowing expression on her face didn’t go unnoticed. And he’d loved the pink stain that filled her cheeks when he mentioned knowing her so intimately. He had to stop thinking of it now, or he’d go back to her and forget sleep. And it was something he couldn’t do now. Funny thing—he felt the need to protect her. To keep her from harm, and that meant coming up with a plan to get them to safety, even if it meant moving her clear across the country. Lucien would never allow a woman to be hurt again. Not on his watch. Not ever. Sleep weighted him. He felt as though a lead anchor had been slammed over his head. When he could stand it no longer, he lay across the bed and gave into his exhaustion. Even in sleep, vampires have hypersensitive awareness. So when Nina stood over him, watching him his slumber, Lucien knew it. He heard her breath, her heartbeat, and sensed her skin tingle all over. 115

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He mostly knew why she’d come. She needed him— again, and knowing about her need was waking him. Keeping his eyes firmly closed, Lucien feigned sleep, waiting for her to make a move. Both times they’d been together, Lucien had taken the lead. Now he was interested to see if Snow was a quick learner. Carefully, she slid the blanket down from around his waist, stopping just above his crisp hairs. He knew she watched, waited for just the right moment. He also knew she hadn’t touched him—not really touched him, and he drew in a deep breath just thinking about her hands all over his body. Touching. Caressing. Feeling. She was beginning to pant a little, then stopped. A warm fingertip fired a path under his breast plate and stopped just shy of his navel. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” he asked, catching her finger. Terror lit in her eyes. “N-nothing. I…” What? She’s shy now? Careful! “Look, Snow. I just did that for laughs. Really, I don’t mind.” Her tension eased as he chuckled. She caressed him and made him even harder. “Can I see you?” she asked. Surely she didn’t mean… “You can see me.” “No, not your face…your…” She gestured to his alreadyengorged cock, jutting up toward his belly even more at her suggestion. “Nina, you can see anything on me.” She sat down on the bed next to him. The scent of rose petals permeated the air. The bluest eyes he’d ever seen lit up like a kid at Christmas; as if she were about to unwrap the big 116

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package she’d been shaking and trying to guess what wonders the present held. Slowly, languidly, she pulled the cover back. A cool breeze caressed Lucien’s hard, ready cock. “It’s so big,” Nina whispered, studying his cock like she was looking at a lollypop in a candy shop. Hungrily and with a childlike awe. “It won’t bite you, doll.” “Lucien?” “Yeah?” he asked. Creator, I’m going burst if she doesn’t make a move soon. “What does it feel like when a woman touches you?” His jaw went slack just before a wry smile curved his lips. He couldn’t believe she’d asked that, but was more than amused at her curiosity. “What does it feel like when I touch you?” he asked, studying the glint in her eyes. She blushed. Sweet Snow was embarrassed by her newfound curiosity. “Well, warm. And when you touch me there...” She blushed again. “...I get warmer. And I feel myself ache and need. Like when you’re starved and nothing will fill your stomach but food.” “Go on,” he urged, his cock throbbing to be touched, stroked…fucked. “I crave. Not just for just a nibble. A nibble just serves as an appetizer. I need the full-course meal. I need you filling me, driving into me.” Oh Creator, how I need to drive into her. Hard, sensual. And describing it only makes it worse. Tender blue eyes batted innocently from under long lashes. Damn it, she makes my gut twist. 117

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This was just convenient and still just a business deal. He didn’t need to feel like this around her. Luc, it’s your dick talking. So stop thinking with it. Being this close to her, it was damn near impossible. “Your turn.” “That’s a hard one to top.” “Try for me. I want to know if you feel as good as I do.” “Oh, doll. I do.” Lucien took her palm and cupped it around his cock. Slowly began working it over the hardness. Their hands locked together, moving in a smooth legato rhythm, revved his engine but good. But also the way she watched her hand, touching him—like she was in awe of his cock and how it worked—made him ache to sink into her pussy. Instinct took over and he wanted to arch and meet her, but didn’t want to take control of her exploration. Especially for fear of what he’d stop her from doing. “When you touch me,” he informed her in a breathy voice, “I need, crave. I ache to feel your wetness flood me. Bathe me. Your hot, honeyed warmth sheath me.” He pumped their hands together again. “Snow, you are so tight, so wet and so good. I just lose my head around you.” Did I really admit that to her? Hell, he hadn’t realized it was true until now. **** Nina couldn’t believe the hot velvet slipping over steel she held in her palm. And his guiding her hand over his shaft made her pussy cream for him. As if being in heat wasn’t enough? He was a god. Plain and simple. Muscles rippled a valley down his pale chest. And the very sexual nature he 118

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exemplified drove her mad. He was so comfortable with who he was. What he was. She envied that. Their gazes locked. Heat from his stare cut through her like a knife. He wanted her and her body hummed and buzzed to life like never before. And she knew if she didn’t get that cock in her and soon, she’d die from want. Hell, the doorknob would start to look good. Nina stuck her tongue out, wetting her lips. And Lucien’s hand fell to his side and let her take control. She rubbed him faster and his hips began to undulate in response. Her hand was sliding, cupping his cock in a sensual massage. And what a response she’d gotten. His cock seared her palm as he bucked, lost in the moment. Nina realized something at that point. I’m in control. Utter control of an ancient vampire. One of the strongest creatures born and I control him. The revelation made her need for him boil over. Shit, she needed him and at that moment, she wanted him to know how much. Nina closed her eyes and tried to communicate with him. Can I taste you? He started in shock. His eyes flew open; then he cocked a half-grin and sent her one back. Snow, right now you can do anything you want to me. Anything? she asked. Anything. Nina dipped her head to the hot tip of his cock. Her mouth itched to taste his manhood. To feel her lips slide over the velvety skin. One lick. She lapped her tongue around the mushroomlike head. 119

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Lucien hissed and moaned in pleasure as she moved her lips on him. He tasted musky and deliciously male. She tried to get her mouth over him as much as she could, all the while stroking him with her hand. “Shit, you feel so good,” he breathed, fisting his hands through her hair and guiding her head in a slow, seductive rhythm. He tasted so good, musky and masculine. And she wanted to drink him up like a fine wine. But her body wracked with need. Being in heat, Nina barely stood the hunger pulsing through her body. She lifted her head and turned to look at him. He smiled, and his lids appeared heavy with lust. “That was amazing.” For some reason, it made her feel good to please him. And that should’ve bothered her, but the strange fact was it didn’t. “You make me feel nice.” Why did I admit that to him? But at the moment, it just felt right. “No one’s ever said that before.” “I doubt that,” she informed him. “I’ve never given them the chance,” he said, averting his eyes. “I always just used mind control. Never really wanted to make anyone feel nice.” She couldn’t believe that. He wasn’t mean. Far from it. Totally unselfish and had joined with her to save her from a life of solitary confinement. Funny how that’s what she’d always wanted—until now. “Well, you don’t have to with me.” Lucien clutched the back of her neck, strong but not enough to hurt, and pulled her down into a passionate kiss. 120

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She drank his essence as their tongues swept together in a dance as old as time. The animal in both of them roared to burst free. She felt it building. And by his reactions, he did too. And just when they were about to unleash the inner beast—all hell broke loose.

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Chapter 10 A crashing sound jarred the cabin. Hell, it was as if an earthquake had occurred, only Nina knew there was no fault line anywhere near Raven’s Falls. Lucien jumped up, tugged on his jeans and went to find the source of the noise. She wasn’t far behind him. Sudden silence. Eerie silence. It was too silent. Nina crept behind the safety of Lucien’s large frame. Not that she was weak, but she figured he’d faced more supernatural forces than she had. She followed him to the front door leading to a screened porch, she wondered what type of creature could shift enough to get in at them. “Wait here,” he commanded, “at least until I figure out what made that noise.” She nodded. As soon as Lucien was gone, she felt cold. Was she worried for his safety? Nervously, she bit at her bottom lip. She didn’t understand all these feelings, they were so sudden. It’s fine,” he called, “Good news, actually.” He smiled, stepping into the room and meeting her. Full lips slid over white, perfectly straight teeth. Damn, he has a great smile. “What?” “Mass of snow fell. Crashed into some metal outside, I’ll bet. Snow, don’t you get it? It’s melting.” “Oh.” 122

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So why doesn’t that make me happy? Sure if they stayed holed up, they’d die. They had to have more food. But leaving meant facing the music and she wasn’t so sure having Rydan and Darius meeting her new husband was a good idea. They’d want to kill him for taking her virginity to begin with, even if she’d offered it freely. Secondly, she’d wager they were still pissed over Aechylops. Funny, now that I can change next full moon, I don’t even care. “What? Not make you happy?” He closed the gap between them, inching through the free space, and his voice became deeper. Sexy. Need built in her all over again. “Yeah, but know what else would make me happy?” she coaxed, purposefully crossing one foot over the other. Seducing her mate and letting him know where she needed him the most. “Damn. If I’d known mating a She-wolf was this much fun, I’d have done it centuries ago.” His arm looped around the small of her back, pulling her hard against his sturdy, strong body. She trembled with need. Aching and begging for his cock to sate her lust. Her hunger for him. Unconsciously, she stuck out her tongue, wetting her bottom lip, but not before Lucien’s gaze was already lingering on her ready mouth. He flicked a tongue over his left incisor. It wasn’t elongated by any means, but she wouldn’t have minded if it had been. Hell, I could take a bite out of myself. Lucien kissed her then, drowning her with his sensuality until she felt faint. Their tongues swept in passion and lust and need. Wantonly. Wickedly. And Nina’s honeyed center dripped in anticipation. 123

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His hand came down and cupped her mound. Rubbing her through the jogging pants. Friction built. Nina knew she’d moaned in his mouth. His mouth’s magic—the hand’s not doing a bad job either. Feeling him probing through her clothes. The ribbed seam of the pants rubbing her center just added stimulation. She moved in rhythm with his hand. Steady, all the while loving the warm taste of his mouth. Every moment she spent with him, she wanted more. God, she could get used to a lifetime of this. He pulled back. “I’m taking you to bed, Snow,” he said, his breath ragged, “and I might not let you leave until every last snowflake dissolves.” God, she hoped he didn’t. He lifted her up into his strong arms. Arms that somehow made her feel safe, welcoming— and carried her to bed. **** Lucien inhaled the sweet scent of his mate. Cursing the fact she would never totally be his. She’d be his physically. Hell, that hadn’t been her choice. But emotionally was another story. Nina was one tough chick. Independent as hell and he wasn’t sure if she’d like the orders she’d have to follow in order to keep them alive. Laying her gently on the bed, he tugged down the jogging pants all the way to her ankles. No underwear. No underwear and the sexiest pussy he’d ever seen. And she wanted him. He saw it in her eyes. The scent of her arousal. And damn, he would take her good and proper. “You drive me crazy. Did you know that?” he asked with a sincerity that startled him. “You’re driving me crazy now, Portuer.” 124

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“Yeah,” he asked, biting his bottom lip as he raked a full gaze down her feminine torso. “How?” “Don’t make me say it.” She squeezed her eyes shut. Moaning as another wave of pleasure wracked her. “Say it, doll. Tell me what you want.” “I…w-want you to…” Her hands ran over her stomach, fingers splayed down her hips. “Say it. Tell me,” he commanded again, loving her moralistic battle with her sexuality. Hell, he’d have her corrupted before it was over. If he did a good job, that was. “Fuck me. I need you.” “Lots of things I could fuck you with. What do you want buried deep inside you?” “God, Luc, I need your cock. Get over here now!” she screamed at him. Oh yeah. Just what he wanted to hear. He glided over and was on her in a heartbeat. Making love to her with his eyes and making her crave him even more. “Please touch me. I…I need you to touch me,” she pleaded. But he wanted to have a little fun. “Touch yourself.” She looked up, confusion evident in her bright blue eyes. Lucien lifted her finger to his mouth and suckled, wetting it. Then moved it down to her already creamy pussy. He loved her expression of shock when she felt her own hand touch herself in front of him. “Now rub yourself.” Creator, he was hot and hard, watching her comply with his order. Fangs threatened to burst out with all the desire he had building up. But he forced them back. Not yet. It’s not time for my pleasure. 125

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He wanted to see her, to feast on her while he taught her about her sexuality. “Like this?” she asked, feigning innocence. He knew better. “You were a virgin before. But don’t tell me you’ve never touched yourself.” She blushed, giving him his answer—his dick jutted up at the thought of how many times she’d pleasured herself. Alone. With no one watching. And he was getting a front seat for the show. Her fingers tweaked the nub playfully. “Oh,” she moaned and his cock yearned for freedom. Down boy, he tempered it. Not your turn yet. She looked at him. “Doesn’t seem fair I’m having all the fun.” She stuck one finger between her folds. He heard the wet squish as she entered the spongy entrance. Shit, I’m going to come just watching her. “No, it doesn’t,” he agreed. With a free hand, Nina reached up and unzipped his jeans. The zipper hissed, then she pulled his jeans down to expose him. He kicked them to his ankles and then off. He stood before her, Nina on the bed with one hand in her pussy the other stroking his cock. It just didn’t get much better than this. “Touch yourself,” she commanded. Maybe it does. “I want to see your hands stroke your cock.” Her blue eyes danced with eagerness. Hell, she wants it badly. No reason to disappoint the lady. Lucien cupped his cock and stroked, never taking his eyes off her, the luscious, full-breasted, spread-legged sight before him. He just hoped he lasted. 126

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**** Nina couldn’t get enough of watching Lucien pump his cock with his hand. God, it made her so hot, so wet. It was without a doubt, the most erotic experience she’d had. “Show me how to please you.” His head tilted back and his hand moved in a circular motion, stroking, swirling over and over his cock. Nina kept moving her fingers over her clit, all the while watching him. She was so turned on, she could barely stand it. She wanted to touch him—no—taste him. What will it taste like? Feel like? “And just what are you thinking?” he asked, slowing the rhythm and easing even closer to the bed. “You read my mind, didn’t you?” She stuck out her bottom lip in a mock-pout. “No, I told you I wouldn’t read your mind unless you want me to.” “I want you to,” she told him, knowing she’d never be able to express her thoughts verbally. She was entirely too turned on to form a coherent sentence. A gentle probe in her mind. Not an intrusion. But she sensed his presence. Knock, knock. Hey, Portuer. Hey, doll. She smiled at him, her hand leaving her dampened curls and reaching to touch the head of his penis. It was hot to her touch, almost searing. And she thought of how the heat felt as he entered her. God, she ached for him. The wet tip told her just how much he ached for her as well. Portuer— Lucien, he corrected. 127

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Lucien, I want you to feel good. You do make me feel good. Really? She asked the question, not believing she was giving him as much pleasure as he had given her. She was still inexperienced at these things. And she didn’t have to ask to know he’d taken many lovers in his time. Not as many as you think. He smiled down at her. You really can tell everything I’m thinking, can’t you? Yeah. And your thoughts aren’t as innocent as you pretend. Heat crept to her cheeks. She knew then what he’d read. What he’d seen. Are you sure? asked his voice in her head. Obviously, he was still worried he’d offend her in some way. Yes. Nina slipped her hand around his cock and brought the tip to her mouth. She experimented at first. Listening for a hiss of pleasure or a moan of reinforcement. When she swirled her tongue all the way around him, his hand came up to clutch the back of her head. Then she did it. Took him as far as she could into her mouth and suckled. “Your m-mouth is heaven,” he stuttered with a ragged voice. Is it? She hoped so. His fingers trembled through her cascades of curls, gently guiding her head over his now slick cock. Back and forth. Up and down. Honestly, this made her ache for him even more. Even more than if he had been touching her himself. He tasted of warm cider on a cold day. Full of promise and spices. 128

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Penetrating hardness under the soft exterior. She gently touched his sac. He was drawing up—getting closer. He hissed, pulling her head back, away from him. Had she done something wrong? No, Snow. You’ve done everything right. Too right. She smiled at him, her bee-stung lips still swollen from sucking him. Tasting him. And oh, she would do it again soon. I count on it. Now lay back and let me pleasure you. She complied. Nerves stood at attention, their synapses waiting to fire at the first taste of him. Meticulously, he lowered her to the bed. Tracing a fingertip down the length of her hip, her calf, stopping just shy of her ankle. When did the ankle become an erogenous zone? Bristly hairs tickled against her smooth legs. “What are you planning?” she asked, as if she didn’t know. “Patience, love. Patience.” Patience was something she didn’t have a whole lot of while being in heat. Not a whole lot at all... He positioned himself between her legs, sitting up on his knees, and brought her ankle to his mouth. “Close your eyes.” She did. Since when have I been one to listen to anybody? Hell, here she was again taking orders. But knowing the pleasure that surely awaited her, it wasn’t hard. “No peeking,” he warned. “Okay.” She rolled her eyes before closing them. Excitement coursed through her veins. He sprinkled gingerbread kisses over her ankle. Tiny pecks, but the sensation of his lips caused her to tingle all over. Then his tongue lapped incredible, tiny laps up the inside of her calf. Her thigh. 129

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Oh God. He was returning the favor. Excitement coupled with fear lined her stomach. She’d never been kissed so intimately. Touched so intimately. The first touch of the tip of his tongue caused her to hiss and damn near bolt off the bed. God, that was fucking great! “Easy, baby, easy.” Baby. He’d called her ‘baby’. It was more of an endearment than snow or doll. Actually, she liked it. Was he warming up to her a bit? The second lap wasn’t so much of a shock, but just as pleasurable. The delicious sensation of fine stubble on his chin tickling over her skin added to the sensation of him licking the juncture between her thighs. It was the best thing she’d ever felt. With each lap, she rose higher and higher—almost flying with him. He stopped. The gentle touch of teeth—no, fangs, lightly scraped along the inside of her leg. “God, Lucien, don’t stop. Please don’t stop. I’m almost there,” she pleaded. “I’m just starting,” he warned her, thumbing her clit back and forth like a metronome. Oh shit! I could get used to this. She lifted her hips, meeting his every stroke with her own. Letting him know just how much he pleased her. She was getting so close. Close! She felt it coming… White-hot pain seared the inside of her leg as his thumb kept tweaking and massaging. He suckled. Images of everything he felt flashed through her mind. She actually felt how hard he was and how much he begged to sink into her warmth. And she saw how he saw her. 130

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God, he thinks I’m beautiful. Thinks he’s lucky to have ever met me. And thinks I’ve pleasured him beyond anyone he’s ever met. Then it hit her. An orgasm so hard, so intense, she shook with its force. “Lucien, oh, God. Oh, I’m c-com—” Quickly, he unlatched his fangs and in a moment placed his cock at her entrance. She continued to scream in pleasure and just before she stopped, he entered her—hard. **** Lucien couldn’t believe how good her hot pussy clamped his cock, rippling. Creator, she was the sweetest thing. He lapped his tongue over his lips, capturing a trickle of blood threatening to flow out of his reach. The taste of her on his lips made him roar to life. Metallic bliss. Blood pumped through his veins and for the first time in centuries, he felt alive. “Kiss me,” she requested. He didn’t disappoint her, dipping his head and taking the lips that had given him so much pleasure. He was claiming her, owning her. He pumped her pussy hard, commanding. He’d taken it easy on her the first couple of times. “Ouch.” She jumped back from his mouth. A pinprick of blood beaded on her lip. He’d accidentally cut her. “You alright?” he asked. She smiled devilishly—something he’d never seen her do—and lapped her own blood with her tongue, then outlined his lips with the coppery elixir. Oh fuck! He was a goner. He kissed her hard, tasting the essence. Her life force. And she was heaven. More alive with spunk than anyone he’d ever sampled. And she now embraced the animal in him. 131

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His gaze dipped down to the valley between her delightful tits. Fangs still throbbing for more. Studying her eyes for a sign she’d had too much, but they brimmed with passionate anticipation. He lowered his head, captured her rosy nipple between his teeth and tweaked back and forth. “God, Lucien, do it. I need to come again.” Lucien felt his cock slide into her dripping, tightening pussy. He pulled it all the way out, held the tip at her entrance, then slid the full length in. “Oh,” she moaned, throwing her head back in pleasure. He did it again—hard, and just before she moaned, he bit her nipple. Warm nectar flooded his mouth, between his teeth, coated his throat. Roaring within him, giving life. And he felt as she did. She truly wanted him, enjoyed him. Not because she was in heat. Because she gave him pleasure. Half of him wanted to pull away and run. He’d never had that before and it honestly scared him shitless. But the call, the hunger for her, was hardly sated. He thrust again, suckling the nectar from her nipple—and exploded into a million pieces inside her. “Holy fuck, baby. You are so good.” He couldn’t help what he’d said. His dick pulsed for what seemed like forever inside her warmth and part of him didn’t want to pull it out after he was finished. He unlatched his clamp on her breast. Didn’t lick the wounds to heal them. Stared at his teeth marks as a badge of ownership. His teeth. His mate. And he’d be damned if he’d ever share her with anyone. Or let anyone ever take him from him. 132

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Something feral grew inside Lucien and the most overwhelming sense of protection for her burned within him. He rolled over, extracting his dampened, satiated cock from her and rested her head on his shoulder. “That was great, doll.” “You weren’t so bad yourself,” she said, wearing a tired and happy smile. “When are we going to do it again?” Tugging the blanket up over them, he reveled in the invitation and enjoyed the sweet expression over her face. “Are you trying to kill me, Snow?” he asked, jokingly. “She’s not, but I will if I ever have to look at your naked ass again.” Lucien knew that voice anywhere. Craven. The vampire’s dark shadow loomed over the bed.

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Chapter 11 “Enjoy the show, pervert?” Lucien asked, bolting upright off the bed and putting himself between Craven and Nina. Standing six foot seven, Craven was the most ancient and strong of the vampires the coven—the nest of vampires in Raven’s Falls—had to offer. But Lucien didn’t care. If he harmed one hair on Nina’s head, he’d dust him. Sire or not. Craven clucked his tongue at them. “I arrived just after. Don’t do voyeurism, Luc. Get enough action on my own.” “No matter what you did or when you got here, get the fuck out. Now.” Lucien felt his neck tighten. He wanted to maim this man. Hell no, rip out his throat. “Can’t do that.” Lucien noted Craven’s hungry gaze raking over Nina and bit back a stab of jealousy. Nina made a conscious effort to cover herself. Strange, it made him proud she didn’t like another man looking at her naked. Especially a lady’s man like Craven. Lucien sent a command. Their clothes materialized covering them both. Nina threw a confused glance in his direction. It’s okay. Been able to do that for a while. Tension relaxed in her shoulders and he knew she understood. 134

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“Damn, Luc, you have it worse than I thought,” Craven teased. “Cut the shit. Let’s do what you came to do.” Lucien’s skin crawled in anticipation. Fangs burst forth, and he hissed a warning. “I didn’t come to fight, old friend.” “You’re not my friend.” Lucien attacked, his fist connecting with Craven’s hard jawbone and sending him winding into the wall. Craven nursed his jaw with his knuckles. Spat the blood from his lips to the floor. “You always were an asshole.” “Yeah, well, some things never change,” Lucien said, checking Nina’s position in the room, confirming she was all right. He lunged at Craven again. Craven caught his fist this time, crunching his left hand. Lucien whirled his right leg with a spin kick, popping a boot off Craven’s still injured jaw. The intruder’s head wrenched with the blow. Craven hesitated, appearing dazed and disoriented. Lucien snapped out an accusation through clenched teeth. “You bastard. You set me up.” He maintained his stance in preparation to wield another kick if necessary. “No. Corbin killed him. Aechylops caught him in the wrong neck of the woods. Threatened Corbin if he didn’t leave, Aechylops would kill him. You know Corbin. Attack first. Ask later.” Craven’s eyes glowered. “You didn’t correct him, you prick.” Lucien sailed an elbow into the bend of his ribs, heard the bone pop. Corbin was an asshole. A newly-turned vamp who didn’t have control of his new powers. Hell, he’d gotten a big head the moment he’d risen as a vamp. The fledgling needed an attitude adjustment. 135

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It made more sense to Lucien now, but it was surprising that such a young vampire could take out a strong were like Aechylops. All of that still didn’t excuse Craven’s response when Rydan questioned Lucien’s whereabouts on the night—his ever-loyal sire hadn’t defended him. Or even formed an alibi. There’d been no mistake. Aechylops’ death had been the handiwork of a vampire. Everyone knew Lucien was a loner. He’d leave to get some peace and quiet for days on end before returning to the coven. But that hadn’t made him a murderer. And the prick in front of him damn well knew him well enough to know that. Hell, no one had ever defended him. He didn’t need any of the coven’s assholes lurking over him. Not anymore. And certainly not now. Craven balled up his fist and popped Lucien square in the mouth. Blood trickled and oozed from his lips. Nina gasped. “Will you two just stop it?” Jumping in between them and holding her hands out in protest. They both paused and gaped at her. “Move your lady friend, Luc,” Craven warned. Nina planted a hand on the bend of her hip. “Mate,” she corrected. Oh shit—Craven’ll rag me to death! That is, if I don’t kill him today... A calculated smile formed on Craven’s lips. “Well, well, well.” His hungry-sickening gaze traveled her body, giving her the once-over. “Not too bad, Luc. Get pissed at the Manaros and then get back at them good. Fucking marry one.” Piss. Lucien’s jaw locked hard at the jeer. “Not like that. Leave her out of it.”

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“Why would I leave a pretty little thing like her out of it? Tell me, Luc, is she house-broken? Or did you have to train her in that as well?” Unbelievable fucking dead prick! “Because if she’s housebroken, I could take her wi—” Lucien charged with full force. No one talked about her that way. But before he reached her, Nina growled low, back in her throat and did a spin kick to Craven’s throat the likes of which he’d never seen. Sending him sailing into the air and crashing into the dresser. Lucien gaped again at his mate, this time with pride welling in his chest. “Not bad.” **** “Thanks,” she replied, graciously. Well, there’s only so much a girl can take. Because of Craven’s arrogance, her mate had been beaten within an inch of his life and their families were now feuding. The shit had almost caused a war and all he could do was insult her because she was a were? Hell no! She wasn’t taking it. And she damn sure wasn’t taking someone barging in during a blizzard and… Wait a minute, how did he get in? Craven moaned, shaking his head, and tried to regain composure. “Don’t move,” she warned Craven, then turned to Lucien, “I’ll be right back.” “Listen to the little lady, Craven,” Lucien said, It felt nice to have a man back her decisions, not ridicule them. Nina ran to the window. It was dark, but the unmistakable drip of melting snow trickled to the ground. Enough had melted for them to leave.

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Enough for someone to get in, too. Nina’s mind whirled as she scanned the area. Her brothers could pick up on her scent anywhere. She ran back into the bedroom and questioned Craven as he climbed to his feet. “Did you see anyone on your way here? Anyone coming this direction?” “No,” he said, swiping a smear of blood from his chin. “You’re sure?” she asked again. “Yeah, I’m sure. You know, Mrs. Portuer, we have the super-senses thing going on. We can tell whether or not we’re being followed quite easily.” She looked to Lucien, who nodded to confirm his sentence. Mrs. Portuer. Funny, she liked the sound of that. “All right, Bonnie and Clyde. I’m here to offer help if you two would quit trying to kick my ass long enough for me to explain.” Craven walked slowly toward them. He had a noble air in the way he presented himself. Straight posture—straight, extremely tall, posture—and walked with the gait of a soldier. He was incredibly handsome, long black hair with emerald-green eyes. And she could see why he was a lady’s man. But she found Lucien much more handsome. “Well, then, sire. Spill,” Lucien said, leading the way to the bar. Craven hopped onto a bar stool, his black boot buckles clanking against the metal of the legs. “Corbin’s been on the run since the attack. Word is Aechylops tore him up pretty bad, but Corbin got the last laugh. After that, he got wind the pack was coming for him and split.” “So,” Lucien said, “don’t see how it has anything to do with me.” 138

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“The pack was hard on his trail. I can’t have a newly-sired vampire giving all our secrets away, Luc.” “Yeah, what a drag that would be.” “I’m serious. The pack wants blood. I knew Corbin would crack under pressure. That’s why I let them veer offtrack. “You what?” Lucien asked, irritated at his nonchalance. “I told them you did it,” Craved admitted as if it were nothing. Lucien glared at him hard and Nina joined in. She knew exactly what her mate was thinking and she didn’t blame him. “So you let them almost kill me? Fuck you, man.” Lucien recoiled, his jaw tightening. His fists curled up and Nina knew he might strike again at any moment. “Come on, Luc, you know I wouldn’t have done it if I thought you’d get hurt.” “I used to think that. But seeing as how I was attacked and left for dead, I kind of think differently now.” Craven leaned across the bar, extended his hand, “With your help, we can fix this, Luc.” Lucien narrowed his eyes in suspicion, “How?” “We’ll take down the Manaros.” **** A tic began to work its way along Lucien’s jaw. That was something he couldn’t do. He looked at Nina, saw the alarm in her eyes and his heart did a flip. She didn’t want anything to happen to her brothers. But maybe if they had this confrontation, they wouldn’t have to live on the run. Maybe Nina could live the life she deserved. Whatever she did, Lucien knew she didn’t deserve life on the run.

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He’d enjoyed solitude. He could tell she didn’t. He’d been in her mind and no matter how much she tried to deny it, she loved her brothers. Craved their love and approval. And feared their reaction when they found out what she’d done with him. A knot formed in his throat at the last thought. She didn’t want them to know. Not deep down, she didn’t. And because of that, they could never be together. Not in the way they needed to be to be true mates. Lucien clutched Craven’s hand and shook it. “Deal.” At that moment, he knew he had to revert back to plan A. Take Nina back to her brothers and find a way out of this mating. It was the only way. He wanted a normal life for Nina. She’d been better to him than anyone had ever been. Better than he deserved. And she deserved better. “What?” she asked, screwing her face up in a disgusted look. He turned to her, feigned an agitated tone. “You really have to go back. You’ll get hurt.” “I’m not going back,” she replied, stubbornly. And I don’t want you to. That’s what he wanted to say, but instead, Lucien said, “You have no choice.” “Look, I’ve spent my life with men trying to tell me what to do. I am not going back.” Craven snickered. “Hey, I’ll be in touch, Luc. Good to have you back. Seems you and the Missus have a lot to discuss. Congratulations on your…whatever the hell it is you have here.”

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Lucien sent him a goodbye in the form of a middle finger as Craven dematerialized before their eyes, then turned to Nina. “Bored already?” her voice laced with sarcasm. No, I’m not bored. Not at all. Point in fact, he was hard as a rock just looking at her. “Listen, you know this,” he gestured between them, “won’t work, Nina.” He was ignoring the signal he was getting from inside his jeans. He saw the glimmer in her eye dull. How he wished he could be the man she needed him to be. But she was so…good. Inherently good and beautiful and precious. And all the things he wasn’t. Bile rose in his throat, but he chewed the acidic taste back. “I don’t have a choice, Lucien. If I’m not around you, I’ll die.” “Maybe there’s something, someone who can help us.” Then he looked at her. Really looked. The pale, supple skin he’d ran his hand over, his tongue. Her saddened, confused eyes, boring into his with disgust. And his heart sank deep into his chest. Shit, this nobility thing sucks. He came toward her, fingered a line down her cheek. “I won’t let you die, Snow.” I’d never let you die. **** “How can I believe you?” Lucien gazed deeply into her eyes. I’m wide open, doll. Take a peek for yourself. And she did. She saw confusion, bordered with a fear so intense, she shuddered. He didn’t want her to die because …Oh God! She 141

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saw the blood. Pools and pools of blood and felt the terror in his heart at the sight of his mother’s and little sister’s death. He hated men who hurt women. Hated them. And he’d kill anyone who tried to hurt her. He cared for her. Even though he’d been putting up defenses and trying to block her from reading it, Lucien Portuer was falling for his mate—and that scared him worst of all. “Oh, my God, Lucien.” She reached for him, but he shrugged away. A band formed around her heart at the thought of what he’d shared with her. If he cares for me, why is he so willing to give me up? And she liked him. Every moment she was with him, she liked him more. It wasn’t love. But it was better than what most Shewolves had gotten for a mate. Lots had gotten mates who beat them and used them for sex and discarded them during the rest of the season. Lucien wasn’t like that. He wasn’t like that at all. And for some reason, she felt lucky to have gotten him. As strange as it seemed. And at that moment, Nina decided no matter what it would take, she’d make him love her. “You don’t want anything to happen to me?” she asked, seriously. “I’d rather it didn’t,” Lucien admitted wryly, kicking his boot at a raised plank in the floor. “Then I guess you’d better stop me.” Nina ran to the back door, opened it. Inhaled the night air and stepped out into the snow. With her body in heat, she was damn near in misery for his touch, his caress. And the shock of the cold against her tepid body wracked her to her very core. Especially as she 142

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thought of his tongue in all those places in a way familiar to her now. She closed her eyes against the bite of the whipping wind. Heard the call of the night owl and sensed the emerging shadow behind her. He’d followed. Nina suppressed the smile of victory itching to form on her lips. “Come back in, doll, before you freeze that pretty little ass of yours off.” She smiled, then turned around to see the handsome face matching the voice. “Nope.” Nina bent down, gathering a small, mass of snow and wadded it into a ball. “What in the world? Are you trying to get us killed?” “Nope,” she said, “Trying to loosen you up a bit. Every since we’ve been mated, you just don’t take me to the same places. And you’re not as romantic as you used to be.” She was teasing and he still didn’t look amused. “Will you cut it out?” He reached for her hand, but she answered by throwing a snowball directly at his face. “Nina,” his tone serious, “Now, last warning.” Nina gathered another ball of snow, giggling and taunting him with it. “Make me.” Pelting another snowball off his torso this time. “You’ve had it now.” Lucien gathered snow together and charged, sending her on her back into the snow, him on top of her. He rubbed the freezing cold snow on her cheek and laughed. He was so handsome in the moonlight. Deep features accented by the shadows falling across hit face.

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She lifted frigid lips to the warmth of his. And kissed him with a tender kiss. He answered, kissing her slowly, sweetly. She throbbed for him in a way she hadn’t known possible. She throbbed for Lucien. The man. The vampire. All of what he was and could be.

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**** Lucien couldn’t breathe. Not that a vampire needed to breathe anyway. The bite of the wind and cold, wet snow, soaking through their clothes was one thing—kissing Nina in the middle of it was another. The crest of the moon emitted enough light so he could see the desire for him in her eyes. And it stole his breath even more. Damn, what’s she doing to me? He pulled away from her kisses. “I’ll be cold as hell, but I won’t die.” He nibbled playfully at her neck. “But you’ll freeze to death out here if we don’t get you in soon.” “Not if you keep me warm.” Her voice purred like a kitten in his ear. And he got rock hard in the freezing cold. Lucien took off his shirt and wedged it under her hips. He tugged down her pants, just enough to expose the thatch of crisp curls. “My, my, Mr. Portuer. Now won’t that make me colder?” she asked tingling, partly from the overwhelming chill, partly by the desire flowing through her veins. “Yeah, baby. That’s the plan.” “You said you were going to keep me warm.” He smiled a knowing smile and her heart damn near stopped at the way he made her feel. “Patience.” **** Lucien snickered inwardly at all the things he planned to do to Nina. She wanted to be warm—she’d be warm. But first, she was going to be ice-cold. He lay on top of her, kissed her hard with all the want and need he had in him. His cock ached to nest in her tunnel, but she’d wanted to play. And he was about to show her another new game. 145

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“Snow.” He pulled back, rubbing the tussled hair from her brow. “Yeah?” Her heart pounded so hard, she had difficulty getting the word out. “Trust me?” She nodded. “I do.” Sprinkling kisses to the tip of her cold nose, he said, “Close your eyes.” She did, and it overwhelmed him how she was so trusting. Lucien quickly ran a fingertip along her inner thigh, gathering a small mass of snow in the other. And allowed the heat from his palm to melt it just enough before putting it right between her legs. She gasped and wriggled. “Oh, Lucien.” Then he placed his tongue where the melted snow was and lapped. “Sweet...” Then he did it all over again. **** The sensation of the alternating hot and cold almost sent Nina to the brink. Vampires were legendary for being excellent lovers. Lucien had surpassed the stereotype the moment he’d first laid hands on her. He wasn’t a legend, he was a fucking god! Her body was frozen against the snow, but with him there, doing what he was, she didn’t mind in the least. Hell, no—she didn’t care if they got frostbite. He was going to finish what he’d started. Nina hissed in pleasure as Lucien cupped a small patch of snow to her clit, rubbed it in with his thumb, and then lapped it up. “You’re k-killing me.” She bucked against his cold, hot massages, praying they would never end. 146

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“Open your eyes and turn over, baby.” “I don’t know if I can lay face down in the snow, Lucien.” “No, on all fours.” She complied, hearing him unzip his pants and quickly felt his hot head rub back and forth against the entrance of her ready pussy. When he entered her, she gasped as he filled her all the way to his sac. Cupping her bottom as he held on for the wild ride. It was primal. Totally primal, in the wild. Looking at the stars, the bite of the cold winter wind whipping around them. And it was more than good. Lucien pumped in and out with so much force, hard but not to hurt her, she shivered. Cool fingers came around to flick her clit back and forth with vigorous movements. She knew what he was doing. Trying to hurry so she really didn’t freeze to death in the cold. And she appreciated every flick of his thumb. Every pump of his large cock. And a wave of pleasure gripped her. “I’m coming, Lucien. I’m coming,” she gasped. Lucien shuddered as he pumped a hard, long thrust into her, and she felt him unload inside her in the light of the moon.

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Chapter 12 Lucien gathered up Nina and held her close to his body. Hell, he wished vampires could be a little warmer. She shivered as he carried her back into the cabin and laid her down next to the fireplace. Then he grabbed the blanket from over the back of the couch and wrapped her gently in it. “I-It’s c-c-c-cold.” Her teeth chattered as the words came out. “It’s okay, doll. I’ll take care of you.” Had he really said that? And it hit Lucien like a ton of bricks as he looked at her blue-tinted lips. He’d fallen for her. Hard, fast, and un-freakingbelievable. The thought of anyone hurting her or anything happening to her made his heart sink. Looking at her laying there helpless against the cold, he knew she wasn’t a woman he’d ever thought of as helpless. But she needed him. And no one needed him. Lucien closed his eyes against the bite of the realization. Hell! He loved her. Fuck. What was he going to do now? He loved her and it was an impossible relationship. He’d either have to kill her brothers—which would make her hate him and just wasn’t in him anymore—or keep her on the run. Or leave her and let her grieve herself to death. 148

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Damn, that bitch of a gypsy woman cursed me good when she’d made this possible. She knew exactly what she was doing. Lucien threw a few more logs into the fireplace and watched the embers pop and crackle into the air. Then sat on the couch and pulled Nina into his lap. He was a goner. Her cold, dampened hair shocked his already warming skin. And he wrapped his arms around her and just allowed himself to feel. **** Nina enjoyed the warmth and security of Lucien’s arms. She could lie like this forever. But she knew her brothers would find them soon. Or, Lucien and Craven would launch an attack on them. Could she live with her mate knowing they’d harmed her brothers? She looked up into his doting eyes. Hmm…incredibly, unbelievably warm. And she knew without a shadow of a doubt she had fallen for this man. She nestled further into his arms, rubbed her ice-cold nose against his neck. Lucien shrugged back. “Damn, doll. You got too cold.” “I got too hot,” she teased. And he looked at her with renewed warmth. But there was still another issue to address. “These past few days have been amazing.” She nibbled along his neck, his earlobe. “For me, too,” he said. She paused. Is he feeling the same way? “Can I ask you something?” “Yeah.” “Are you really going to hurt Rydan?” She felt him go rigid. Stiffen totally in her arms. And her heart jumped to her throat. “Not if I can help it.” 149

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She swallowed hard. “Then what did you agree to do with Craven?” “I planned to trick him.” “What?” Please, oh, please be telling the truth. “I’m not going to hurt your brothers, Snow. Unless they try and kill me. But I can tell you this, I’d only fight them because if they did kill me it would cause you to die.” She warmed to him. God why hadn’t she seen it before? She lifted herself from the blanket and cupped his stubblecovered face. “I love you,” she whispered just before placing a subtle kiss on his full lips. **** Lucien couldn’t believe his ears. She loved him. Him! Besides his mother and sister, no one had ever loved him. They’d always treated him as a vile creature and nothing less than a monster. And yet here she was admitting she loved him. Offering to give up her entire family for him. Her life. He felt like an undeserving prick. She tugged her lips back from his, searching his eyes for some admission. And it scared him almost to death. But the past few days had changed everything in Lucien’s life. And if things didn’t work out for the best, she had to know the truth. “Snow. I-uh…” Shit! I’m stammering. Why can’t I say it? “It’s okay,” she soothed as she thumbed a line down his cheek. “I understand this is a lot for you. And honestly, I’d rather kick your ass or have you in my bed than anything. But I have to believe you’re my mate because underneath it all you’re a good man.” Good man? He was screwed. He wasn’t a good man. She was the one who was good. All good and she just didn’t know it. He’d 150

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been inside her purity—her mind, and seen her thoughts. The woman had a tough exterior, but underneath it all, she possessed a heart of gold. Damn, it’s hopeless. And then Lucien decided he’d do what any good man would do. He was going to get her family back. And his mind began putting the puzzle pieces together to form a plan to do just that. He wanted to do that—for her. **** Why had she gone and opened her mouth? But she swore she’d felt something when he looked at her. Could she have been wrong? Of course you were wrong! How much experience did she have in this sort of thing anyway? And it wasn’t like she was a wilting flower type of woman anyway. She’d been raised with brothers. She was rough on the exterior, but knew deep down, she could be a good mate if he’d just give her a chance. She got up off of Lucien. “I’m better now.” “Good.” He sent her a mock smile. Then reached for a cigarette that wasn’t there. Then let out an exasperated sigh, “Habit.” It was a bad habit, but it couldn’t kill him and damn, it was so sexy, when she got the chance, she might just buy him a pack herself. “Hey, we all have them,” she admitted. Does she? He didn’t know of any she had. “There’s a lot of night left. I’m going out to clear my head and meet Craven.” 151

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What? He’s leaving to see Craven? Hell, no! He’s running! As hard as he can because I told him I loved him. She looked away from him. “Fine.” He walked over to her, looped an arm around the small of her back. “If I don’t come back. Will you be al—” “No,” she admitted. “Then I’ll come back. And when I do, I’m taking you out of this place.” He tapped the tip of her nose with his forefinger. “Don’t go anywhere until I come for you. Might not be safe.” “I can handle myself,” she informed him proudly, her chin rising. “Yeah, but if you’re around, I won’t be paying attention to anything but you.” He lifted the left corner of his mouth in wry attempt to mask his emotions. He cared more than he pretended to. It was all over his face. In his touch… She nodded in agreement, knowing the entire time she wasn’t a sit-around type of girl. **** Lucien tracked through the remainder of the snow on his way back to Raven’s Falls. The Manaro pack would come for him spot on. Hell, Nina’s scent was all over him. And what a scent—fresh fruit, like a bloom of spring in the dead of winter. He’d gone through the plan over and over in his head. Hoping with everything in him it would work. He made his way down the mountain and spotted the smattering of lights illuminating the night sky. He sighed wearily. Home crap home.

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It wasn’t long before he entered The Raven’s Den. A local vamp bar with the occasional straggler happening in from time to time. Craven’s custom Harley was parked outside the joint in its usual space. Lucien felt his nerves prickling. He couldn’t fuck this up. He just couldn’t. Stepping inside, he walked through smoke drifting into the air, and the sudden invasive chattering of voices almost made his head hurt. Never been much of one for being around a lot of people. “Luc, old boy.” Cody smacked him on the back with a stinging hand. “Good to see you made it from that scuffle aw right.” The curve of Lucien’s back straightened, Cody knew he didn’t care for being touched. “Yeah,” he answered, stepping back from his grasp. Cody was a young vamp, only around a hundred years old or so. And country as they came. Lucien didn’t mind that. He’d sort of gotten a kick out of the fact someone had turned a short, red-haired freckled boy into a vampire. “I’m dying for a cig.” “Sure thing,” Cody replied, extracting one from the inside of his Carhart jacket. “Thanks.” Lucien grabbed the filter-tip, placing it between his lips and lighting it. He flicked his gold lighter closed and stuffed it back into his pocket before taking a long, delicious drag. He couldn’t help but think of Nina as he exhaled. What if everything goes miserably wrong and she dies because of me? “If that happens, you’ll be too dead to care.” 153

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Startled, he turned around and his breath caught in his throat. Nina stood near the door, wearing black leather pants and a hot pink halter. Her black hair was teased in sexy curls. And she wore a silver heart locket around her neck, the curve of the heart pointing to all the right places. “Hoo-weey, who is that fine piece of ass?” Cody asked as she approached. Lucien’s face went rigid as he looked at the boy. Hell, he was innocent; there was no way he could’ve known. But Lucien was going to make damn sure it wouldn’t happen again. He grabbed his forearm, and said through clenched teeth, “My wife.” “Good God, Luc! You got yourself one fine pretty lady there. How in the hell did you marry her?” “Long story.” Nina laced her arm through Lucien’s and placed a playful kiss on his cheek. Damn, she looked so good, his cock shot to attention. But she’s not supposed to be here. He leaned in, pretending to return the favor. “What in the hell are you doing here?” he demanded, low in her ear so only she could hear him. “You should know by now—I don’t do what I’m told.” She fluttered her lashes innocently at him. “No kidding.” “I’m not leaving you,” her words trickled over his senses. She wasn’t leaving. She wanted him. She loved him. A band wound so tight around his heart, he thought it might shock it into beating again. “Then at least pretend to do as I say in front of Craven,” he whispered. “If you don’t, it could mean the end for both of us.” She nodded in compliance. 154

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And he hoped with everything in him she’d be true to her word. **** Nina’s throat tightened at the prospect they could both die tonight. It wasn’t what she’d planned at all when she’d set out to claim her freedom. But a lot had changed since then. She’d gotten into them into this and she was going to get them out. “I’d better be going,” the red-haired vampire excused himself. “Nice to meet you.” “Yeah, the pleasure was all mine, ma’am.” Nina felt Lucien’s arm go rigid. He’s jealous. And she couldn’t help the wonderful feeling it gave her. Maybe it wasn’t a lost cause after all. Maybe he’d love her one day. The loud music blared through the masses of vampires. Couples dancing, eating, and drinking ruby-colored wine. Nina had never seen anything quite like it. Even though Lucien was a vampire, she could sense he wasn’t much into the social aspect the bar presented. He took her hand, leading her to a back room. “Where are we going?” “Not where I want. I want to take you home and screw you until we can’t stand.” Home. She smiled, and a tingle skittered up her leg at the thought. But she knew this was serious. They weaved through coupled vamps in the dimly-lit backrooms. Some were kissing. Some were groping and some were downright screwing in front of everyone. Nina knew her eyes widened and she couldn’t help but wonder— 155

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“No.” “What?” she asked. “No, I’ve never done that here.” He cocked an eyebrow at her. She stared back. “You can stop reading my mind now.” “Suit yourself.” He was acting differently. More cold, like he had when they’d first met. She knew she’d followed him, but it wasn’t like he’d given her much choice. Rydan would kill him without her with him. And as much as she loved her brother, she had to protect her mate. Or she wouldn’t live to let them both know how much they meant to her. It just wasn’t like her to abandon someone she loved when they needed her most. She lifted her chin to a prideful tilt and followed him past the bathrooms and bad-deco art hanging on the walls. And into the back office. Craven sat behind a desk, leaned back in a leather chair, wearing nothing but a smile. At least it appeared he was nude. Nina could only see his finely crafted muscular chest. And if she hadn’t loved Lucien, she’d think Craven was absolutely hot. “You may stop now,” Craven said, looking down toward his nether regions. Nina stared. Surely he’s not talking to his penis. The idea was ridiculous. Two incredibly beautiful and totally naked women emerged from under his desk. Oh my. Her heart jumped as she remembered when she’d taken Lucien’s swollen cock into her mouth. He’d totally filled her. 156

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“Creator, Craven! Do you not have any pride?” Lucien asked and Nina was relieved to know he hadn’t gone all google-eyed over the women. Craven waved his hand and clothes materialized on all three of them. The girls licked their bottom lips and raked hungry gazes over Lucien on their way out. “Watch it,” Nina warned. And Lucien shot her an approving smile. “Yes. Please don’t insult the happy couple,” Craven mocked as he stood, a good six or seven inches taller than Nina. It hadn’t taken her long to know Craven was a hundred percent arrogant prick. Everyone had heard of him and how he lured in women and just used them for physical pleasure. Lucien decided to move things along. “Cut the shit, Craven. You know why we’re here.” “She’s got you on a short leash, hasn’t she, old buddy? What, married three days and already you can’t leave home without her? I knew you were sad, but Luc, really!” “Nina’s none of your concern,” Lucien warned. “Now, about the pack.” “You’re trusting this woman, Luc?” Craven circled her with a predatory prowl. She shivered in his strong, male presence. Thankfully, she was no longer in heat or she’d be feeling something else. And that would be embarrassing in front of Lucien. But no matter what she would’ve felt, she’d never have acted on it. It was an impossibility for her to ever stray from her mate. **** Lucien gave Craven the fuck-off look he should be getting used to by now. The time for gamesmanship had passed. It 157

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was time to put his plan into action. “I’m going to the heart of the pack. Rydan isn’t expecting me to go into their territory.” Explaining as he paced around the office, Lucien kept a studious eye on Craven, and tried to read him for expressions. A sign of something the tall vamp knew that maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t sharing. “Have a little death wish, do we, Luc?” Craven teased. But he hadn’t found the humor in it. “No, they won’t kill me.” “And why do you think that is?” “I have something they want now, don’t I?” He glanced toward Nina. Hell, what will she think of me now? “Suppose you do.” “Yeah, they want their sister back. I’m going to give her to them.” “What?” Nina interjected. Be quiet, Nina. Trust me. It’s hard to trust someone who’s talking about me like I’m not here. Doll, I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’m not going back, Lucien. You may not have a choice. You may have to have your balls surgically removed after I kick them hard, too. He winced at the thought. She’s a tough one, but dang, I need my balls—especially for her. She sent him a warning glare that let him know she meant it. Craven was wearing a smug grin. “So! Not as attached to the old lady as I thought?” “Saw it off.” 158

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Creator, why does he have to rub everything in? He was attached to Nina. Very attached, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to share it with Craven. An eternity of ‘The old lady let you out tonight?’ and ‘Run home to the little lady’s?’ whirled in his mind. He shook it off. “We leave tomorrow night at sunset.” “Too late, old friend.” Lucien cringed inwardly at Craven’s choice of words. Furrowed a brow. Craven continued, “I’ve already sent word, giving them free passage into vamp territory.” “You what? When?” “Last night. They’re clear to come here tonight. Matter of fact, they should be here any minute,” Craven informed them. Lucien’s fists drew up and his fingernails bit into his palms. He was so going to dust this asshole as soon as all of this was over.

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Chapter 13 “Give her to me,” the strong familiar voice demanded as it emerged from the shadows of the darkened hall. Nina turned, her insides quivering. Rydan. Only Rydan. His tone was laced with anger and blind hatred. Nina’s heart leapt into her throat at the murderous glare swirling behind emerald eyes. The others couldn’t be far behind. Rydan’s shoulder-length, ebony hair whipped around his face with the breeze he’d conjured. He was the strongest, most powerful were she knew, possessing powers she couldn’t even fathom. Rumors had circulated around the pack he could even time-travel, but she’d never witnessed it. Although she knew he’d disappear for days on end, leaving her under Darius’ watchful eye. His camel trench coat cut off at his kneecaps and he wore his usual denim jeans and white shirt. Rydan loved his family, but almost too much. And Nina had only seen him this angry once. When their father had died. “I see you made it on time,” Craven said, extending a hand to her brother as he entered the office. “Piss off,” Rydan growled, as he shot his gaze over to her. A disapproving stare raked the length of her and Nina felt her heart jump in her throat. “What in the hell do you have on, 160

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anyway?” he asked. “Did those sickos make you wear that?” Rydan gestured at her leather pants and pink halter. “I think she looks good,” Lucien interjected. “You would.” Rydan sent Lucien a warning glare. Nina sensed her mate’s anger rising. Rydan’s fists clenched as he chewed every syllable that passed over his lips, “What!? Wasn’t enough to take down the pack’s leader? Now you go and kidnap my sister? Can’t you take a good ass-stomping like a man, vamp?” She walked toward him, but kept distant enough so he wouldn’t try and grab her from Lucien. “Stop it, Ry.” A fatal mistake. For her anyway. Rydan shook his shoulders slightly, obviously loosening himself up for a fight. “Get over here, Nina. I’ll protect you.” “I don’t need your protection, Rydan. Don’t you see? I left home on my own.” He furrowed a confused brow, his eyes reverting to their usual sea-green “Why?” She poured it out. “My God, I’ve been smothered as far back as I can remember by the good intentions of my brothers. You guys have tended to every cut, bruise, and need I’ve had. Protecting me. But it’s gotten to be too much.” She looked at him with sincerity pouring from her eyes. Hope. “I’m grown now.” “The hell you say. Grown up enough to run around with a murderer?” He gestured toward Lucien, and her heart sped up. As much as she loved Rydan, she wanted to clear the air between the two of them. Like it or not, they were family. “And what are you? You should’ve seen him after you all got through with him.” Lucien decided to join the conversation. Partially... 161

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I don’t need you sticking up for me, baby. I can handle myself. She came back to him instantly. I’m not letting you take the blame for something you didn’t do. Rydan was getting angrier. “He killed Aechylops and he’ll kill you. What in the hell is wrong with you, Nina? We have to protect our kind.” “He didn’t kill Aechylops.” “Nina, he’s obviously brainwashed you. Now come home and we’ll try to forget this entire thing ever happened.” “No.” “Nina, I mean it. Get your ass over here and let’s go,” his voice stern. He’d meant what he’d said. “You heard the lady,” Lucien warned him, “she’s not going anywhere.” He stood by her side, slipping a possessive arm around her waist. “Fuck off, Portuer,” Rydan growled. “Who are you to tell me what to do with my sister?” Lucien closed the gap between them and Nina’s heart sank in her chest. She loved them both. And nothing good would come from a fight. “Who are you to tell me what to do with my mate?” Nina’s gaze shot to her brother. Fear crawled her spine. Rydan’s jaw went slack. Will he kill Lucien now and unknowingly end my life as well? Her brother’s feral gaze went from Lucien to her and back in disbelief. “It’s true,” Craven chimed in. “Screwy as it seems. I didn’t believe it at first either.” Rydan grabbed Nina’s arms, shook them enough to get her attention but not enough to hurt her. Deep down, she knew her brother would never hurt her. “Tell me you haven’t completed the ritual,” Rydan pleaded. “Nina, tell me!” 162

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She looked down, giving him the answer he needed, and whispered, “I love him.” “You what?” Rydan screamed, running a frustrated hand though his hair. Power and rage radiated from his pores. “I’m so sure he loves you back, Nina. Just look at him. He wanted a screw, that’s all, vampires can’t love. Not without a soul.” The words burned her. And when Lucien didn’t correct him, she knew Rydan was probably right. Could Lucien love her selflessly? Was a vampire even capable of such a thing? And that thought hurt worse than anything. “I can’t leave him, Rydan.” “You’re going to,” he snapped, clutching her arm and tugging him towards her. A hiss cut through the air. Lucien attacked, fangs lengthened, and sent a hard punch straight to Rydan’s stomach. He doubled over, glared menacingly at her mate. If Nina’s throat would’ve gotten any tighter, she’d have choked to death. “Stop!” she pleaded, but to no avail. Suddenly, Rydan shifted into a magnificent wolf, donning a shiny, black coat with a white spot over his heart. He’d always been a beautiful wolf, and reminded Nina of her father. But when he was angry, he could scare the shit out of someone in his wolf form. But then he showed his teeth and growled a warning before lunging for Lucien. They tangled and wrestled to the floor. The sounds of battle rang through the office. Lucien hissing and striking. Rydan growling and biting. And Nina’s heart hammering in her chest. Craven just stood there, arms crossed over his chest, leaning back on his desk. 163

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“Do something,” Nina commanded. “What? This is something they have to work out for themselves.” “You planned this, you asshole!” Nina shouted. “Counted on it, but never could’ve planned it better myself.” Craven’s arrogance was something that definitely needed tuned down. Really, she couldn’t picture Lucien ever being friends with him. He was ten times the man Craven was. Rydan lunged for Lucien’s arm, biting and breaking the flesh. A steady stream of crimson spilled from the wound. And Lucien attacked back, punching the jaw of the wolf. But then Nina noticed Rydan wasn’t attacking to kill. He was avoiding all major organs every time he launched himself at Lucien. Nina’s breath hitched in her throat. Rydan knew a wolf’s mating was for life, as well as binding their life forces. Killing Lucien would end her life as well. It was the way of the wolf. God, she appreciated that. And it wasn’t that she just selfishly wanted to live. She didn’t want anything to happen to the man she loved because of her. Lucien booted Rydan in the ribs and Rydan answered with a yelp. “Stop!” Nina jumped between the two of them. They continued their brawl, not even noticing her, and knocked her to the ground. That’s it! This was ridiculous. Anger hummed through her veins. Nina closed her eyes and gave in to the tug of the moon she’d purposefully ignored all night. Fur prickled up her arms, down her legs. Fangs lengthened in her mouth and her legs and arms shortened as she went to all fours. 164

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She was alive. Completely alive. She let out the most alarming, frightening growl, so menacing that it even surprised herself. She jumped between the vampire and the werewolf, baring her teeth between the two of them. She-wolves weren’t to be taken lightly—and this was one severely pissed off She-wolf. **** Lucien couldn’t believe his eyes. Standing between them was the most beautiful animal he’d ever seen. Nina had converted into a solid black wolf with captivating aqua eyes. Hair stood on the back of his neck as he watched her move to circle them in a supple, predatory prowl. Then his heart dropped. He’d made her sad, angry. And it hadn’t been at all what he’d wanted. Nina walked to Rydan and nuzzled him with her nose. Lapping his fur. Rydan did the same to her. They shared a bond. A family bond Lucien had never had. Although he’d hoped being mated to Nina would give that to him. Watching them, though, something was obvious. Such a wonderful creature doesn’t belong to me. Could never belong to him. Rydan loved his sister the way Lucien had loved Marie Claire. Hell, he still loved Marie Claire. He thought he’d choke to death at the thought of his precious baby sister and her slain body. But the difference between he and Rydan was that Rydan was protecting Nina. Not failing her, like he had Marie. And the realization of that stung Lucien to his very core. He didn’t want to come between her and her family. Even though they’d damn near killed him, they’d done it to protect their own. A twinge of admiration formed for the Manaros at that moment. 165

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Nina deserved better. She deserved someone much better than him. He had to set her free—but how? Avoiding the impulse to scoop her up in his arms and run to the hills, he turned and walked out of the room. Fuck. He hadn’t felt like this since his mother and Marie Claire had died. And he damn sure never wanted to feel it again. Lucien quietly stalked through the withering crowd at the bar and made his way outside. The cold wind bit into his face, and he knew his body would soon become icy and inhuman in the freezing snow. Creator, this was so complicated! An emotional tangle so difficult, he couldn’t breathe. A shadow formed behind him. Tall, powerful. Craven. “You’re welcome to live with the coven.” His voice was sincere, but Lucien didn’t want to go back there. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.” “You sure?” Lucien nodded. “Lucien. I know you thought I sold you out. But I’d never do that. I love you like a brother. Hell, you’re the only family I’ve ever had.” What the hell? Is Craven getting all sentimental on me? “Then why in the hell did you let this happen?” A knowing smile curved on the ancient vampire’s lips. “I knew you belonged to them.” “What?” Lucien asked. “That mark on your wrist had Manaro written all over it.” Lucien ignored the bad pun. How in the hell does he know everything? “You knew and didn’t tell me?” Lucien couldn’t believe his ears. 166

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Craven patted his shoulder. “Do you honestly think I’d be such a dickhead?” “Yeah,” Lucien replied and Craven laughed. Shit. “Rydan’s not so bad, Luc.” “Can’t believe you fucked with my life like that, man,” Lucien said, not knowing if he should thank him for the best days of his life or punch the hell out of him for the pain he knew would come later. “Yeah, well, it’s a gift I didn’t ask for,” Craven reminded him. Hell, he knew Craven was a mystery and had skills rivaling those of the most gifted vampires, but he hadn’t thought it ran this deep. “I just don’t know how you kept the rest of the pack out of here.” “I told them if they didn’t, they’d never see their sister alive again.” Lucien realized the tall vamp was right. The brothers would’ve killed him, asked questions later, and Nina’s life force would have been drained right along with his. “I guess you’re not as big of a prick as you make out,” Lucien semi-apologized. Craven laughed, lowered his hand. “Shit. I am, too.” Lucien suppressed a laugh. Hell, he’d wanted to laugh but was too fucking depressed to let it out. It grew quiet. Lucien couldn’t help but wonder what Nina was doing. Where she would go and what would happen to her. But most of all, he wondered if what she’d said was true. Would she grieve herself to death without him? Somehow, he doubted it. Craven spoke, “So, where you off to?” 167

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He shook his head. “Hell, man. I don’t know. I need to do a new town though. Can’t hang around here.” “Why? I told Rydan it wasn’t you. He’ll tell the pack. Luc, your name’s cleared and you have a wife. Thought you might settle down and have a litter,” he joked. Lucien looked up, and instantly, Craven understood. “Oh, fuck. Don’t tell me you’ve gone and fallen in love.” Portuer looked away. He had. Utterly and complete in love, and there was nothing he could do about it. Lucien. Nina’s voice called to him, but he closed off his mind to her. It was the only thing he could do. Craven laughed quietly. “Damn, boy. Here I thought you were out of hot water. But you’re neck deep in it now.” Craven shook his head as they walked toward his Harley. “Isn’t love grand?” Lucien joked bitterly, the words like acid as they came up. “Hell, no. Why do you think I stay away from all those nice girls? Don’t have time for the ‘pining away for my one true love’ bullshit.” Craven’s hog roared as he turned the key. He kicked a leather-clad leg over the side, and extended a hand to him, “If you need anything, I’m here. I mean it, Luc.” His kindness stunned Lucien and warmed him at the same time. Lucien answered him with a nod. And Craven took off, his taillights growing smaller into the night. Drawing in a deep breath, he thought about shifting into a hawk and flying for miles. Ignore the pain and watch the snow and miles of frozen sea pass under me. But that was too easy. Instead, he decided to walk off his frustration. “Portuer,” a voice called to him through the night. Nina. 168

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Not turning around, he kept walking. “Portuer,” Nina called again, her velvety voice caressing his skin. The scent of rose petals drifted into the air with her arrival. He closed his eyes and drank in her scent. Etching it on his mind for all eternity. He had to go to the order of Con and get this reversed. For him. For her. Against his better judgment, he turned around. “Go. Be with your family.” Nina’s eyes widened in amazement. “What?” “You heard me,” he choked out the words. Everything in him wanted her to stay. And never leave, to stay with him forever. But it was a fool’s dream for someone like him. She reached up, cupped his cheek with her warm palm, “You are my family.” Oh Creator, why did she say that? Everything inside him exploded into tiny shards of emotion. “It can’t happen, Nina. I can’t come between you and your brothers.” “You’re not.” She idly traced a line down his jaw. He clutched her hand. “I…it just won’t work.” “You are the most stubborn man I’ve ever met in my life. And I’ve lived with seven. I love you, Lucien. Can you not see that?” He wanted to, honestly he did. “And what about Rydan? Am I supposed to fight him and the pack every time you decide you’re not happy with the way things are going?” A luster went from her eyes. “No. Look, you don’t have to do anything for me. Rydan has accepted us.” 169

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“How?” “He said he knew how much I loved you and was proud of the decisions I’d made.” “What, marrying a murderer?” “I’m not impressed by your sarcasm and you didn’t murder anyone,” she warned, “When I touched Rydan, he saw your memories of what happened.” “What?” “Why did you think I went to him first instead of you?” “I…I didn’t know. I thought…you can do that?” “Being a were has more perks than you realize. Why do you think I craved it so much?” He smiled and said, “I’d like to think you craved my sexy body,” he said jokingly. Nina raked a hungry gaze over him, “I always crave your body, but that’s not what I’m talking about.” “So Rydan’s all ready to let a vamp into the family, eh?’ “He wasn’t ecstatic about it at first, but I think he’s warming up.” She smiled and his heart actually felt as if it were beating. “You’re one beautiful wolf, Miss Manaro,” he said, smiling in spite of himself. Why wouldn’t he just let himself be happy? And then it hit him. Why not? “Mrs. Portuer,” she corrected him, “and I have many other tricks up my sleeve if you’ll come home and let me show you,” she coaxed, her ebony hair shimmering blue under the light of the moon. “I’ll bet you do. But home?” “Yeah, the cabin is mine. Ours, if you’ll have me. We’d have to fix it up a bit, but you’re good with your hands. Shouldn’t be a problem.” 170

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He just stood there. Not believing this was happening to him. Creator he was the luckiest man alive. Well, sort of. “I’m not a girl to beg, Portuer, so don’t try my patience.” He laughed inwardly. “I wouldn’t dare try the patience of the woman I loved,” he said, feathering an index finger along the plump line of her lips. “You love me?” she asked as she pulled his finger into her mouth and suckled. “Guilty. I love you so much, I hurt, Snow.” She smiled the most beautifully wicked smile. “I knew you did,” she admitted. “Oh you did, did you?” “Yeah, you’re just too big of a prick to admit it.” “Really?” he coaxed. “The way you stood behind me back there. I knew you had to love me. It was the perfect opportunity for you to tuck your tail and run. Or exact revenge on my family. But you stood by me. Protected me.” He laughed out loud and then crushed her to him. His cock shot straight up at the contact of her sweet body against his. He wanted the woman he loved, his mate, in the worst way possible and he couldn’t wait until he got her home and show her just how much. “Follow me.” “Where are you taking me?” she asked, following him step for step. He laced his hand through hers, and took her around the back of the Raven’s Den. Opened a secret passageway and sent a call to bolt the entrance. “I’m going to love having a mate,” he admitted as he flicked his fingers and her clothes disappeared from her body, showing her lush curves, tight nipples. 171

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“I already do,” Nina said, wearing nothing but a smile. Then the woman he loved sent her own call, freeing him of the constraints of his jeans, and dipped her head to his hard cock, swirling her wicked hot tongue around the head. Lucien leaned back against the cool, concrete wall and just allowed himself to feel the woman that was his until the end of time.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Wife and mother of three, Kendra knows how to multitask. When not writing, she teaches special needs children full-time, private piano lessons part-time, and is currently finishing her Master’s degree. An early lover of Romance, Kendra would sneak her mother’s romance novels into junior high and read while she pretended to work on her assignments—especially during math class. Kendra lives in a rural town in Tennessee. She enjoys the sounds of crickets and whippoorwills. You can visit her website at http://www.kendraclarkhome.com

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