Sorin

THE BODYGUARD: SORIN Michelle Hasker www.loose-id.com Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and ad...

Author: Hasker Michelle

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THE BODYGUARD:

SORIN

Michelle Hasker

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

The Bodyguard: Sorin Michelle Hasker This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © May 2008 by Michelle Hasker All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-692-7 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Crystal Esau Cover Artist: Croco Designs

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One

“Do I not please you, my king?” Sorin bit back a sigh and looked down at the young vampire. She drew his cock deep into her throat and worked him like no other. Usually she could bring him to the utmost heights of ecstasy. But not today. He was tired of this. Tired of the rules that said he needed to allow the other vampire lords to send women to please him. As if that would buy his favor in this day and age. It wasn’t as if he were the only vampire king. Things didn’t work like they used to. He might be a king, but not of the entire vampire race. “I will work harder, my liege.” Sorin sighed again. It wasn’t her. None of the girls could satisfy him anymore. He was grateful he could maintain an erection for even a short period of time. Sheila deep throated him while she fondled his sac. The feeling of her throat muscles and her mouth working him still failed to elicit more than an obligatory moan. If she noticed he was softening under her ministrations she didn’t say anything, and only tried harder. A knock on his chamber door brought him out of his melancholy mood. Had they brought good news?

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“What do you want?” he barked, feigning ire at being interrupted. It wasn’t Sheila’s fault she could no longer please him. “Urgent news, my king.” He recognized the voice of his most trusted advisor and friend. “Come in and be quick.” “Yes, my liege.” Dominic entered and shut the door before he turned and kneeled, head low. Loyal and obedient, Dominic was Sorin’s idea of a true vampire warrior. “What is it?” Keeping his head bowed, Dominic withdrew a paper from his pocket and held it out. Sorin sighed and pushed the girl away. “Enough, Sheila. Retrieve the paper for me, please.” “Yes, my liege.” It was hard to mistake the sadness in her voice. Sorin grimaced and closed his eyes. She would think this was her fault and probably expect to be banished from his bedroom forever. She retrieved the paper from Dominic, who eyed her like she was a decadent treat. Dominic’s gaze roamed over her luscious curves and generous mouth. When he saw Sorin watching him, Dominic quickly lowered his eyes and tightened his lips. “Anything else, Dominic?” “No, that is all, my king.” Sorin sighed. “I’m tired of these damned games. Rise, Dominic. You know you’re my most trusted advisor and friend. You have been given permission repeatedly to address me by my given name. Trust me, Sheila won’t tell the others you were disrespectful to me, will you, sweetheart?” “No, my liege. I would never tell another soul what transpires within these walls.” She kept her head lowered, but he knew she was fighting tears.

The Bodyguard: Sorin

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“It’s not your fault, Sheila. I’m tired and worried about the upcoming battle. Your skills are very pleasing to me.” “Thank you, my king,” she whispered as she peeked at Dominic. So that was how it was. Sorin accepted the paper from Sheila, but tugged her into his lap as he read. He cupped her breast in his free hand and teased her nipple, eliciting a low moan from deep in her throat. The scent of her desire and that of Dominic’s reached his sensitive nose, and he chuckled. Yes, maybe he would have some fun after all. As he stroked her breast, he read the short note that Nicolas, his close friend and now brother-in-law, had sent, giving him an update on Elena and their progress with Nash and his witch. Victoire would hopefully bring them that victory they needed to maintain peace. If they failed… Sorin crumpled the paper and held it in the palm of his hand. With a small touch of magic, he burned the paper until his palm was empty, not an ash left in sight. He wondered what the surprise was that Nicolas mentioned. Sheila cupped his cock and gripped it in both her hands as she turned her head and kissed his neck. This time he didn’t fake his moan. “Dominic.” “Yes, Sorin?” “I’d like you to join me and the lovely Sheila.” “Excuse me, my liege?” “Sorin,” he corrected automatically. “I want you to take off your clothes and come join us in my bed.” “Yes, Sorin.” Dominic stripped out of his suit and walked over to them with a haste that revealed his lust. “Climb onto the bed and come over here.”

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Dominic crawled over to them and waited. Sorin’s cock hardened at the desire in both Dominic and Sheila’s eyes. Yes. “On your hands and knees, Sheila. I want you to suck my cock while Dominic eats your pussy.” A visible shudder raced through her body, and both he and Dominic moaned. Sheila pressed him back on the bed, then slithered down his body and licked his cock before teasing the tip with her tongue. She licked the slit and moaned as he thrust into her mouth. “You may not use your hands, only your mouth to pleasure me. Same for you, Dominic, no hands, just your mouth to pleasure Sheila.” “Sire? Sorin?” Sorin looked up at Dominic, not bothering to hide the fire in his eyes. “Do you wish to eat Sheila’s delectable pussy or not?” “I do.” Dominic’s gaze moved to Sheila’s bare mound. “Then do it, man. Before I punish you for your disobedience!” It was either the tone in his voice, or the sight of Sheila, but Dominic crawled under her legs and buried his face in her pussy. As Dominic drew sounds of pleasure from Sheila, she rocked her pussy against him and sucked eagerly on Sorin, taking all of him into her throat. Sorin groaned and fought to stay still as Sheila worked him harder and faster. He reached down and cupped her breasts, massaging them while he teased her pebbled nipples. Sheila’s body tensed, her mouth clamping on him tight, then releasing him as she screamed, her body shuddering from the strength of her orgasm. Sorin climbed out from under Sheila as she collapsed on his bed with a breathy sigh. He rolled her over and kissed her deeply as he caressed her body. “I hope you’re not angry, my liege.” Sheila chewed on her lower lip when he pulled back.


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“No, sweet Sheila. I’m not. But I hope you’re not tired. I’ve got plenty more that I want to do to you. And I don’t think it’s fair that neither Dominic nor I reached orgasm.” Sheila scrambled to get up, but Sorin pressed her back down. “Stay there and don’t move.” He leaned back on his heels and looked at Sheila’s body. Out of all the women who’d been sent to him over the years, she was his favorite. She’d already requested to stay here and not return to her former master. The problem was that once he took a mate, Sorin would no longer require his harem. Then what would he do with the ones like Sheila? The ones who wanted to stay here. “Dominic, play with her breasts. Hands, mouth, whatever strikes your fancy.” “Yes, Sorin.” Sorin grinned as Dominic lowered his head and sucked one of Sheila’s rosy nipples into his mouth. She moaned and arched her back. So damn responsive. It was why she was his favorite. As Dominic focused on her breasts, Sorin moved between her legs and spread them open. He traced a finger along her slit. She moaned when he dipped his digit between her folds, coating it in her juices. Her muscles clamped on him and squeezed. “Mmm.” Sorin grinned and lowered his mouth. He purred against her clit. She gasped and squeezed even tighter on him. “That’s a good girl.” “She’s such a good girl,” Dominic whispered. “Do you like her?” Sorin paused and looked up at Dominic. “Who wouldn’t?” Dominic froze. “I’m sorry, my king. I overstepped my bounds.” “How? All you did was answer my question. Kiss her like you really mean it, and keep playing with her breasts.” “Yes, Sorin.”

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Sheila writhed under them as Sorin drew his tongue over her slit, then teased her by slipping it into her soaked entrance. Sorin looked up at Sheila and Dominic. “You may not come, Sheila. If you orgasm, you will be punished.” She gasped and stared at him wide-eyed. Then she grinned and answered, “Yes, my king.” “Dominic, lay down on your back.” Quick as a flash, Dominic lay flat on his back and looked at him. Sorin tugged Sheila up against his chest and kissed her again, leisurely this time, squeezing her breast with one hand and slipping two fingers from his other hand into her pussy. The scent of Dominic’s desire grew stronger and helped Sorin make his decision. He would grant Sheila’s request to stay on here and gift her to Dominic. No one would take better care of her than him. When Sheila tightened on his fingers, he thrust them into her harder and faster. Part of him hoped she would come so he could punish her. She loved punishments as much as he did. More often than not she would disobey him on purpose, but perhaps with Dominic watching she wanted to appear completely subservient. With his fingers still deep inside her, Sorin pressed her back down and kneeled over her. “Are you going to let me fuck you?” “Yes, my king.” “Will you let Dominic fuck you too?” “Yes, my king.” Her gaze slid toward Dominic. “At the same time?” She gasped, and tightened even more. “Yes, my king.” “Good.” Sorin looked over at Dominic and saw the smile on his friend’s face. A knock sounded on his door, and he sighed as he turned toward it. “What now?” “Sorry, my liege, but there is a visitor waiting to meet with you in the throne room.”


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Sorin looked back at Dominic and Sheila. “Carry on without me.” “My king?” “Sire?” They both asked at the same time. Sorin shook his head and walked over to his closet. “Well, someone might as well have a good time. Why not my best friend and my favorite concubine?” “But, my king, you’re the only man I’m allowed to be intimate with. You are my master. I’ll spoil myself for you.” “No. I command it.” Sorin tugged on a pair of slacks and a dress shirt. He needed time to calm down before he killed his guards for interrupting. This was becoming an annoying habit of theirs. He tucked the shirt in, but only buttoned it up halfway before putting on his shoes. He turned back and saw them both watching him. “But not in my bed. Take her to your quarters, Dominic.” “But, sire, she will not be allowed back in the harem.” “Then it will be up to you to provide for her, won’t it?” Dominic’s eyes lit up as he licked his lips and looked at Sheila. “But, sire, you said yourself that she’s your favorite.” “The time draws near for me to release my harem. Many of them, Sheila included, have requested permission to stay here. I would like you to care for her. I am trusting you, my best friend, with my favorite woman. Are you man enough to accept her?” “If she’ll have me.” Dominic nodded. Sorin grinned. “That was the right answer. Sheila?” Sheila looked back and forth between the two men as if afraid to disappoint one or the other.

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“Sweetheart, you knew it would end sooner or later. I see your attraction to Dominic. Don’t deny it. I’m gifting you my protection, and my best friend. I’m trusting you to keep him happy and healthy.” After a minute, Sheila nodded and smiled. “I accept.” “Okay, then get your naked asses out of my bed. I want to see beaming faces next time I see you two.” “Yes, my king.” Sheila climbed off of the bed and gathered up her clothes. Thanks to Sheila and Dominic he was now really horny and cranky. He’d given up his best concubine on a whim. At least it was to Dominic, but he didn’t feel like calling down to the harem for another woman. Not when she’d be likely to make his dick softer than instant pudding. As Sheila had noticed earlier, he was having a hard time desiring sex with the women in his harem. Perhaps it was time to free them. Sorin ducked into the bathroom and did a quick wash up. He didn’t need the person he was about to meet to know what he’d interrupted. Or maybe he should. When he was finished, he opened the door, glared at the messenger, then stalked down the hall. Two guards flanked him on either side as he hurried down the stairs and down another hall. He wasn’t in the mood for whatever was waiting for him. As he neared the room he understood the reason for the extra guards. Whoever was here reeked of power. The power of the gods. Sorin reached for the doorknob and froze as a vision flashed before his eyes. A woman with long dark brown hair and a curvy body stood in the forest conversing with a giant stag. “Sire?” Sorin cursed as he lost the vision. “Damn it. Oh well, time to go greet our guest.” This time he let a guard open the door, and Sorin walked inside. He froze halfway to his throne when he noticed the beautiful woman from his vision. She looked furious and drop-dead gorgeous in a red sweater, form-fitting jeans, and a magic-trapping collar around


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her neck. Sorin looked up into her flashing blue eyes. Oh hell. The fools had tried to trap her. If she’d wanted to she could have been free by now and destroyed half his house. He took a step toward her, but his men stepped in between them. “What’s going on?” he demanded. Ramus, captain of his guard, stepped forward and bowed his head. “We caught her trying to break into the castle, my liege. We captured her and brought her before you because she mentioned Nicolas and Nash Dupree.” “Release her at once!” “But, sire,” Ramus protested as he looked at the woman with fear. “She incapacitated several of our men.” “Release her this instant or I’ll eat your heart and feed your guts to the dogs.” Sorin took a step toward him as if he intended to do just that. Ramus’s hands shook as he removed the collar. The blue-eyed goddess looked at Sorin with a mix of anger and relief. He hoped she would be too grateful to try and hurt him. He was still horny, and she was nothing like his concubines. He doubted he could grow tired of making love to a woman like her. “Have you eaten? Are you thirsty? I can have something brought in.” “Yes, please. I’ve been traveling for a few days. You’re a hard man to find.” “You’ll find me as hard as the rumors say me to be.” Her eyes drifted to his crotch, then back up, but not fast enough that he didn’t witness her curiosity. “So I see my reputation does precede me.” “You’re a lot more cocky than I expected.”

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“Care to find out just how much?” he whispered as he closed the distance between them and cupped her cheek. She held her breath and stared unblinking into his eyes. When he didn’t sense anything other than honesty and desire, he grinned and winked. “Food for the lady, and don’t be skimpy on the portions.” Several guards ran for the door at once, and he almost laughed. He took the time to walk around her, studying her. While her figure was very pleasing to his eyes, he sensed she was uncomfortable with his attention. Or maybe it was that his men were witnessing this. “Leave us.” “But, my liege.” Ramus stepped forward. “It’s my sworn duty to protect you. She’s already put five of my men out of commission. There is no way I can leave you alone with her.” “Only five?” Sorin raised his left eyebrow as he looked at her. She grinned and blushed as she shrugged her shoulders. “I was tired from the long journey.” A guard entered the room carrying a large tray of food. He set it down on a table off to the side and then rejoined the rest of the guards. “Leave us. All of you. I wish to be alone.” Ramus looked like he wanted to argue some more, but Sorin glared at him, daring him to say something. Finally, Ramus sighed. “Yes, my liege.” As his men left, Ramus gave him one last shake of his head, then pulled the doors shut. “You don’t fear me?” The woman looked at him with wide eyes. “No.” He walked over to the table and pulled off the tray’s lid. The delicious aroma reminded him he hadn’t eaten yet. He pulled two plates off the tray and set them on the table. He dished out steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and salad. She still hadn’t joined him when he finished, so he turned and looked at her. “Would you care to dine with me?”


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“You aren’t as intimidating as Vicki said. But you are more handsome than she described.” Sorin chuckled and shook his head. “Intimidating? Me? Never.” “No comment on the handsome part? Gee, I thought I was opening myself up for a good comeback.” “I know I’m handsome. But then you’re a beautiful woman. Surely you don’t make coy denials when told you’re beautiful, so why expect me to do the same?” She was even more attractive when she blushed. “I’m average. There’s nothing special about me.” “Yes, there is. And you know it. Any other human would stand here bowing and quivering before me. You don’t look frightened or even worried. Even when you were restrained you didn’t look scared. More angry than anything.” “I’m not angry or scared.” “Come join me then.” Sorin grabbed the two plates and walked away from the table. He sat down on an oversized floor pillow, one big enough for the two of them to have sex on. If he got lucky. She followed him over and sat down. He studied her as she ate. As his cock hardened again he realized he was paying too much attention to her beautiful mouth. “What’s your name, friend of Vicki?” “Kayla.” “Care to tell me why you’re here, Kayla?” When her gaze focused on his chest, he was glad he hadn’t finished buttoning his shirt and wished he hadn’t bothered to dress so there would be less to take off after dinner. “Do you believe that Vicki, Elena, Nic, and Nash sent me here?”

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“Yes, I do.” His erection throbbed painfully when she looked at him like that. All wideeyed with flushed cheeks. What would she look like after a night spent making love? He moved closer to her hoping she was as interested in him as he suspected. “You smell like sex. Shit.” She groaned and covered her mouth with her hand. Her face darkened even more and he couldn’t help but smile at her embarrassment. “I can’t help it, sweetheart. You interrupted me at a vital moment.” He had washed up before coming to the throne room, but after hearing about her ability to take out his men so easily, he wasn’t surprised she could tell he’d been in the middle of something. “Christ.” Her hands trembled, and the plate slipped out of her grasp. “I’m sorry. You…you finished, right?” “No. I didn’t.” He hadn’t thought it was possible for her face to get any redder, but he was wrong. “Oh, geesh. I’m sorry. Do you want to go back to her and finish while I eat?” She quickly picked up her plate, which fortunately had landed right-side up on the pillow. “I’d love to, but I gave her away.” Sorin sighed and lowered his plate. Apparently Kayla liked to talk. “Gave her away? What does that mean?” Kayla’s face shone with such innocence he wondered why Nic and Nash had allowed her to travel here alone. Power or not, it was too dangerous for a woman as innocent and desirable as her to be left on her own. What were they thinking of sending her to him? “She was a concubine. One of my harem. I gave her to my best friend.” “You gave her --” Kayla stopped herself. She was probably afraid to say anything else. He didn’t blame her, either. After a stilted silence she asked, “You have a harem?”


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Chapter Two

Kayla stared at him. She hoped he didn’t know how much the idea fascinated her. Everything she knew about vampires said they could read minds and sense emotions. Not only that, but their sense of smell was enhanced. The weekend she’d spent with Elena, Vicki, Nash, and Nicolas taught her a lot about other people. Nonhuman people, that is. “Yes.” She watched his throat muscles as he popped a piece of steak into his mouth and chewed on it. How could she get horny just watching him eat? Especially when she knew he’d been in bed with another woman only a few minutes ago. “Does that bother you?” His question startled her. When she looked up at him and caught his gaze, his eyes held hers and stared as if he could see right through her. “What?” “My harem?” Opting for the truth, she swallowed nervously, and stabbed a piece of steak with her fork. “No. I’m just curious why a man like you has one. Can’t you just go out and have your pick of women? Why do you need to keep them here as prisoners?” “Trust me, sweetheart. They’re not prisoners. I take very good care of my women.”

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She shivered as his eyes darkened. His expression promised her pleasure. She could almost hear his thoughts. If she tried really hard she imagined him thinking, I could show

you if you’re interested. Switching her attention to her steak, she fought the irritating attraction to her reluctant host. Perhaps she should be more appreciative, though. He had chastised his men in front of her and released her as soon as he saw she was imprisoned. Did he realize the damage she could cause to him and his home without the magic-trapping collar on? “You aren’t what I expected.” Her head jerked up of its own accord at his soft comment. “What do you mean?” she stuttered. “It’s just that Nicolas and Nash sent you here. I know what they’re thinking. What they hope. It’s not true. It’s not gonna happen.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Tell me, sweetheart. Why did Nic and Nash send you here?” “I’m supposed to deliver a message.” She flushed as she leaned forward, brushing against his hard, muscular arm as she reached into her back pocket. She pulled out an envelope and handed it to him. “All that for this? Why didn’t you just pull out the envelope to show my men that you spoke the truth?” “They went into attack mode as soon as they saw me. I didn’t have time to reach for the note and they ignored my explanations.” As she reached for a glass of wine she didn’t remember him pouring, she winced and covered her sore rib with her hand. “What’s wrong?” “Your men were a little rough. Manhandled me a little.” His face grew dark and shuttered. Kayla shivered and leaned back wondering what put that expression on his face. Was it because she’d been hurt?


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“Let me see.” “Excuse me?” She blinked at him. “I want to see your bruises. Then I will deal with my men personally.” Kayla laughed. Partially to hide her embarrassment, and partially because she didn’t need defending. “Show me the bruises, sweetheart.” She felt a strong compulsion to show him a lot more than her bruises. The sexual attraction between them was stronger than anything she’d ever felt before. Was she going to be able to walk away from him when they were done? Sorin leaned close, his lips mere centimeters from hers. “Come on, sweetheart. I won’t hurt you.” Kayla felt her resolve melting under his heated gaze. Moisture soaked her core, and she tried to look away. She licked her lips and sighed. When Sorin mimicked her, she moaned helplessly. “Still going to fight me?” Unable to do more than shake her head, she gasped when his hands gripped the bottom of her sweater. “Sorin,” she whispered as he tugged the sweater over her head. She never wore bras, found them too constricting, and now her nipples pebbled in the cool breeze that drifted through the room. “I’ll wring his neck.” Kayla shivered and looked down at the dark bruise on her rib cage. She always bruised easily, but healed fast. This bruise was nothing compared to some she’d had. Sorin must have thought it was worse than it looked, because he opened his mouth to shout for his men. She put her hand over his mouth and shook her head as she kneeled against him. “No,” she whispered and shook her head. “Don’t call them in here. Besides the fact that I’m half naked, I’d rather not have to look at them again.”

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Sorin looked back down at her bared breasts and watched as she wrapped her arms around herself. “Why are you hiding yourself from me? I’ve already seen your breasts. You have nothing to be ashamed of.” Oddly enough, his words warmed her, and she relaxed. “It’s a little chilly in here, in case you didn’t notice.” “I hadn’t. I’d hoped these goose bumps” -- he traced a finger over the curve of her breast -- “were from desire.”

Oh, hell. She was going to melt into a puddle of goo from his heated gaze alone. “Perhaps you’d allow me to warm you?” When her eyes widened, Sorin chuckled at her expression. “What do you say?” “What did you have in mind?” Kayla gasped. Had that come out of her mouth? She reached for the wine and downed half the glass before looking at him again. His hand trailed up from her breast, over her shoulder, and back under her hair, where he wrapped it around her neck. Her body reacted to him as it had no other. One part of her mind encouraged her to go for it, that an experienced man like Sorin would give her that much more pleasure. Hadn’t she seen firsthand the effects a vampire had on his mate from interactions between Elena and Nicolas? She would be guaranteed an experience no other could duplicate. It was why she’d come here, wasn’t it? Before she could change her mind, she leaned forward and captured his lips. One second she was kneeling, facing him, the next she was crushed against him, her breasts rubbing against his chest in the exposed area of his shirt. A low moan echoed in the room, but she couldn’t tell if it was from him or her. Her mind spun, all her thoughts whirling around, out of control. The only thing she could do was feel his hands on her skin as he massaged her neck and breasts. Sorin deepened the kiss as he pulled her tighter against him.


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One second they were still in the throne room, the next they were on a soft mattress. Kayla pulled back and looked around the room with a gasp. They were in what had to be his bedroom, although that was an understatement. The bed was as big as her entire bedroom, and had steps leading down from it to the rest of the room. Rich, thick velvet drapes hung across the walls hiding what she assumed were windows, and matched the drapes on the bed. “Is my room more fascinating than me?” Sorin’s voice pulled her attention back to him. “I must be losing my touch if I can’t keep you interested in me.” Kayla smiled and leaned back. The motion thrust her full breasts out and made them look even bigger. When his gaze landed on them and he licked his lips, she grinned. She’d been right. Sorin was a breast man. “Perhaps you should read the note now?” She lifted an eyebrow and waited for his answer. “Fuck the note.” He growled deep in his throat, his eyes flashing as he advanced on her. Kayla squealed and tried to crawl backward. She always had enjoyed a little playtime mixed with sex. It was hard to find a man as insatiable and playful as she was. Sex for her was more than pleasure. It was also a release and a way to recoup her strength. An orgasm or two from the delicious vampire would give her more than enough energy to finish healing. From what she’d heard, his mouth and saliva alone could heal her. Was it true? Who cares ? She was here in this gorgeous hunk’s bed, and she was going to have him. “Kayla?” Sorin’s grin spurred her into action. She jumped off the bed and landed in a crouch on the floor. His eyes widened. He stared at her for a minute, and then rose on all fours. The way his eyes darkened, and his fangs dropped past his lower lip sent a shiver of desire through her. Gods, how she wanted him to sink those fangs into her neck and bite her. She wanted an orgasm that would shatter her. One that made her pass out would be even better.

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The predatory look in his eyes made her gasp as her desire soaked her underwear. Kayla shook her head, forcing her hair over her shoulder as she stared at him intently. He was going to give her exactly what she wanted. The knowledge almost gave her a miniorgasm from the anticipation. “I can smell your desire, sweetheart. Why don’t you just climb onto the bed and spread your legs? I can take care of your yearnings and pleasure you until dawn.” “First you gotta catch me!” Kayla grinned and dashed across the room. She skidded around a small, low table and a decorative vase and headed for the tall armoire on the far wall. While she was faster than anyone else she knew, Sorin easily caught up to her. He snagged her around the waist and jerked her back up against him. He spun her around and pressed her into the small table, bending her backward over it as he pressed his long, hard erection against her belly. The vase fell to the floor and shattered. “Got you.” He licked his lips, his eyes glowing as he stared at her heaving breasts. Or was he eyeing her carotid? “Did you know there are many different places on your body I can bite you and bring you intense pleasure while also getting the nutrition I desperately need?” “You mean my blood,” she said in between panting breaths. With him pressed up against her like this, smelling sexy as sin and looking gorgeous enough to eat, she wondered if she’d ever catch her breath. His hand caressed the side of her neck. “We have your carotid. The word itself comes from a Greek word karotides meaning arteries of the neck. Karo means heavy sleep, and they named this artery that because the ancient Greeks believed if they put enough pressure on your carotid you would pass out or fall into a heavy sleep. This is the main blood supply to your brain, and if it is cut off it could result in brain damage, or death.” Kayla shivered again, but not in fear. His finger traced a line down her breast.


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“Did you know there is an artery in your breast? Once called the internal mammary artery, it is now called the internal thoracic artery. Mammary sounds so much sexier, don’t you think?” His breath brushed against her collarbone before he dragged his fangs along what must be the artery he described. Her knees went weak, and she was grateful the low table held her weight as well as Sorin’s. “I guess.” Her breath hitched when he looked up at her, his head resting on her breast. Desire shook her as she saw her reflection in his now black orbs. She looked wanton, and horny as hell, which was how she felt. “And there is the femoral artery that runs down your thigh.” Kayla moaned as he made the rest of her clothes vanish, and she lay pinned under him, naked and defenseless. “Are you just going to tease me, or are you going to bite me?” Sorin’s deep chuckle rumbled in his chest. He was irresistible. No wonder he was king of the vampires in this section of the country. “Maybe you’re so luscious I can’t pick one spot to bite you.” “Then bite me all over,” she answered in a whoosh, as all her breath fled her body. “You don’t know what you’re asking, sweetheart.” “Yes, I do. I heal fast. Go ahead, big boy. Rock my world.” His groan echoed in the room. He closed his eyes, and she counted to ten before he opened them again. “You could try the patience of a saint.” “You aren’t a saint. Are you going to bite me or do you always bore your meals to sleep?” Sorin’s hands tightened on her. Kayla moaned and arched, pressing her belly against his still-covered erection. “I know the perfect thing for that mouth of yours. Something suitable to keep you quiet long enough for me to fuck you senseless.”

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Kayla looked up with a gasp. He lifted one hand and made a length of cloth appear in it. “You aren’t really going to gag me, are you?” “Keep it up, woman, and I will.” His deep, sexy growl triggered an answering response in her belly. She took advantage of his confidence and broke free from him. He roared in surprise -- she hoped -- and ran after her. Her breath coming hard and fast, Kayla circled the room and leaped onto the bed, hoping to clear it and keep running. Instead, Sorin tackled her from behind, and pinned her to the bed. His erection pressed against the crack of her ass, and she wondered when he’d stripped his clothes. He’d still been dressed a few seconds ago. No one had mentioned he had these powers. She wanted to see what he looked like. See if he was as good as, or better than, her dreams. Dreams Elena and Victoire had put in her head after all their talk of the sexy vampire. Even Nicolas and Nash had been more than eager to go on and on about the wonderful Sorin. “This is your last chance to change your mind.” “This is my first chance. You decided we were going to fuck long before you even asked if I was interested. Did you even ask if I was interested?” Kayla turned to look at him and got a mouthful of cotton. She sputtered, but couldn’t spit it out. Didn’t want to. She wanted a man who wasn’t afraid to give her what she needed. “You little minx.” He growled and cursed when she wriggled under him, trying to get free again. “You want it hard and rough, don’t you?” “Are you man enough to give it to me?” she mumbled around the gag. “Yeah, I am man enough, sweetheart.”


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Her eyes widened, and she knew without a doubt that the vampire mind reading ability was true. He couldn’t have made out her words unless he’d read her mind. Then fuck

me hard and fast. Fuck me so hard and so good that every other man will pale in comparison to you. Fuck me so hard I forget my own name. Sorin’s hands tightened on her as he let out an inhuman howl. She shivered under him and rubbed her ass against his cock.

Bite me, damn it ! Thankfully, he obeyed her mental order. His teeth sank into her neck. There was an instant of pain, quickly followed by pleasure so intense she orgasmed, her pussy clenching hungrily around air.

Yes, Gods, yes ! Her keening cry echoed in her mind as her womb contracted. Slowly, her body stopped trembling, and she could concentrate on his mouth as he sucked on her neck. The sensation of each suck as it tugged on an invisible line that went straight to her pussy felt so wonderful she closed her eyes and purred as she rubbed her ass against him. Sorin rammed his long hard length deep into her pussy, and she screamed again, the material taking in most of her sounds as he pounded into her over and over from behind. Each thrust sent a delicious wave of pleasure through her. She moaned, fisting her hands in the bed as she pressed back against him. When Sorin pushed deep inside her, she screamed yet again, her body clenching around him. Her breath caught, and everything started to fade as her body was engulfed in one long, intense, shuddering climax. Shaking her head, she drew in a deep breath and buried her face in the sheets. A loud roar filled the room. Sorin’s fingers dug into her ass as he took her harder and faster. “Sorin! Oh, God, Sorin! Please stop him, Dominic!”

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Kayla heard the voices, and tried to look up. The multiple orgasms had not only sated her, but had exhausted her enough that she didn’t want to move, even if she could. Of course she hadn’t wanted an audience, but perhaps Sorin was kinky like that. She bit back a snicker. He was kinky, all right. Even kinkier than she was. Elena had warned her that he used to be into orgies.

This isn’t your way of trying to coerce me into multiple partners, is it? I’d rather not share you with another woman or man at the same time. At least not yet. “What are you doing in my private chamber?” Sorin’s deep, angry voice carried through the room. Kayla peeked at the door and saw two of the most perfect specimens of male and female she’d ever seen before. She blushed, afraid the sound of Sorin’s voice would bring the rest of his men in to catch them in the middle of the act. Damn it! The best sex of my life and

it has to be interrupted by Barbie and Ken. A loud slap on her rear startled her. Kayla wasn’t a stranger to a good spanking. She moaned and lifted her ass, pressing it back for him as the delicious burning heated her left cheek. “Stop it!” Kayla looked up and groaned as the woman began to strip off her clothes. Double dog

damn it ! “My king, you know it’s my duty to pleasure you. If you’d said that you wanted to play these games, I would have been more than happy to oblige. What you’re doing is wrong. You’ve taught us better than this. Are you really no better than the man who gave me to you?” Sorin stiffened behind Kayla, his fingers tightening on her hips. “You know nothing of what you speak, Sheila. Why did you and Dominic enter my room without permission?”


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“We thought you were in the throne room questioning the woman the guards found sneaking around outside.” “Why are you sneaking in here instead of fucking in Dominic’s room like I’d ordered you to?” Sorin growled. Kayla buried her face in the sheets again. So this was the woman she’d interrupted him with. “We did. We were on our way to thank you, and let you know we’re compatible. Very compatible. But then we heard her screams.” Kayla frowned and bit the material in her mouth. It didn’t block all sounds, but -suddenly she remembered being warned about their vampiric supersonic hearing. It appeared they could hear things no normal human could. They must have been outside the door to hear her screaming through the gag. Even so, it was a stretch. She groaned. It was going to be hard to have rip-roaring sex with all the vampires listening in. She looked back up at the couple. They both appeared very angry with Sorin, but he was their king. Why were they challenging him this way? “My liege, if you wanted a woman, we could have sent in someone from your harem. To abuse a prisoner this way goes against everything you’ve shown and taught us.” “I am not abusing Kayla, and she’s not my prisoner.” “But, sire!” Sheila pointed at her, and Kayla winced at the horror in the woman’s eyes. Hadn’t she ever seen Sorin fuck someone other than her before? Kayla turned and looked up at Sorin. Her blood stained his lips, and a small trail dripped down his chin. Since they were both completely naked, it was kind of obvious, even to an idiot, what they were doing. And even more obvious they thought he was forcing her.

Do they think I’m a midnight snack? Can I be your midnight snack ? Kayla tightened her inner muscles and squeezed his dick.

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“Get out of my room!” Sorin bellowed, punctuating each word with a slam of his cock deep inside her. “Your king orders you!” Kayla bit the gag hard, fighting the intense pleasure she felt at his hard lovemaking. She didn’t want to come with Sheila and Dominic watching. “No.” Dominic’s voice was cold and hard. “I know there have been some problems, sire, but I won’t let you self-destruct. It’s not too late to fix this.” “Are you deaf, blind, or just stupid?” Sorin shouted. “You don’t need to resort to rape when there are willing women in your harem.” Kayla moaned and wriggled under Sorin. He slapped her ass again. “Hold still, damn it. I’m not done with you.” Sheila knelt next to her, and caressed Kayla’s head before she reached down and removed the gag. “If you aren’t raping her, then why does your room look ravaged? Why is her blood still fresh on your lips? And why the hell did you gag her, and why do you keep slapping her?” Sorin growled, and Kayla felt his irritation. Why not? It mirrored her own. She looked around quickly and noticed that they’d knocked over a chair and lamp in addition to the vase Sorin had broken during their little game. Damn stupid people. Why couldn’t they just listen to Sorin and leave? It was obvious he needed her help around here. No wonder Nicolas and Elena feared for him. “Are you in pain?” “Yes.” Kayla growled this time. She closed her eyes and prayed for strength before she opened them and looked at Sheila. “You are vampire too.” She looked up at Dominic. “Why are you in here? Why don’t you respect your king?” “Go with Dominic. Let me take your place.” Sheila brushed back Kayla’s hair in what was probably supposed to be a soothing motion, but it only irritated Kayla even more. “No one touches Kayla but me!” Sorin roared again.


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His words sent a shiver of pleasure up her spine, but she tried to hold back on her delight so she could deal with these two incompetents. “Kayla?” Sheila looked down at her again. The concern in her eyes looked genuine, but Kayla was in no mood to be nice. “Get out!” She glared at the woman and pointed to the door. “What?” Kayla laughed at the shock on the woman’s face, but it didn’t ease the anger she felt at being interrupted. Nor did she like the fact that the woman was still naked and trying to trade places with her. “Get your clothes on.” Kayla pointed at the clothes, then at Sheila, and instantly the woman was dressed. “Now get the fuck out of here.” As she waved her hand to the door, Sheila and Dominic moved that way, even though it was obvious neither wanted to. “Dominic?” Sorin’s voice broke through her haze of anger. Kayla realized she’d used power she hadn’t wanted to reveal yet, and winced as she dropped her arm. Instantly both vampires stopped moving and turned back to look at Sorin. “Yes, my king?” “Release my harem. See to it that they find good homes.” Dominic and Sheila looked at each other again. “Now!” Sorin barked. They both jumped, then nodded and dashed out the door. Kayla waved her hand and the door flew shut. The locks clicked, and she cast an enchantment on the door. “There, that should keep them out for a while.” “Kayla?” “What?” “Who are you? What are you?” She turned her head and looked back at him. “Does it matter?”

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“No.” His smile turned grim, and he pulled out of her. “Get on your back.” Kayla rolled over and looked up at him. “You let me catch you both times.” “Yes.” Why should she deny it? “You let me gag you and then chose to keep the gag in your mouth. When I spanked your ass, you moaned and leaned into it.” “So?” “You’re too good to be true.” Her heart leaped into her throat as she stared into his blue eyes. He quickly blinked away the emotion in them before she could determine what it was, and entered her in a quick, hard thrust. “I want to watch your face when you come.” He lowered his head and nipped at her breast. “Okay.” “And I want to hear you address me as my king.” Her breathing quickened. “Yes, my king.” “Good girl.” Sorin slapped her thigh. “A very good girl.” “But I like being bad.” She laughed, then moaned as he pushed his full length into her, burying himself so deep inside her it felt like he pressed against her spine. “You just need a strong hand to keep you in line.” “Do you think you’re strong enough?” Sorin smirked and rotated his hips. He was already buried in her all the way, filling her more completely than she’d ever felt before. “You better be strong enough to handle me.” “Why’s that?” She squeezed him.


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“I gave up my harem for you. You better be willing to be at my mercy twenty-four seven.” “You better make it worth my while.” “I’ll make it worth your while, sweetheart, and then some.” Sorin pulled out and then slid his cock back in so slowly she knew he was tormenting her. Kayla studied his face as he made slow, sweet, tender love to her. Her father had been right. She had found love when she’d least expected it, and Sorin was more than a handful. She just prayed the rest of her father’s prediction would turn out to be wrong.

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Chapter Three

Kayla sat on the edge of the bed and watched Sorin sleep. Her fingers itched to run through his thick black hair. Instead, she fisted them in one of his shirts she’d found hanging in the closet and borrowed. Focusing on his face, she memorized his features. Long, thick eyelashes framed eyes she remembered being a gorgeous blue. Eyes very similar to Elena’s. She shivered when she felt Nicolas and Nash’s mental prods withdraw. At least Sorin was asleep and hadn’t been in her mind to catch their interference. Elena and Victoire hadn’t been every excited about the men’s suggestion to have her bond with them so they could track her. Elena’s love of her brother and desire to make sure he was safe led Elena to give in on the subject. Victoire had taken quite a bit of persuasion, and once assured that Kayla wouldn’t have actual intercourse with Nash, she finally gave in. Elena had surprised Kayla with her acceptance. Not only had she allowed Kayla to have sex with Nicolas, she’d participated. Quite eagerly too. Kayla frowned as she studied Sorin’s sleeping form. Vampires didn’t need sex to communicate telepathically, but apparently fae did. What did she know? She was only the half-breed daughter of a god. One on a special assignment she couldn’t tell anyone, not even Sorin, about.


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A sound at the door caught her attention. Someone tried to enter, but the enchantment she’d put on it earlier held. She rose and began to stalk to the door, only to freeze when she heard Sorin’s voice. “Going somewhere, sweetheart?” Kayla turned around and smiled. “Maybe. Why?” “First, you’re half naked. I don’t think you want to walk around here that way. It’s definitely not safe for a woman as delectable as you. And second, you’re my prisoner. Remember?” “Your prisoner?” The anger his words stirred died quickly at his charming smile. So this was another of his games. She loved games. She could play. Whoever had been at the door was long gone now, anyway. “Yes.” Sorin propped up on one arm. He pushed the sheet away, revealing his hard, muscular body and very erect cock. “And what do you do when you capture an escaped prisoner?” Kayla grinned. “Come here and I’ll show you.” Kayla shook her head, but didn’t take her eyes off of him. “You don’t really expect me to turn myself in, do you?” “I had to try.” Sorin laid back and pointed to his erection. “If you turn yourself in, I’ll let you have a ride for good behavior.” Kayla giggled. As tempted as she was to say no and make him catch her, riding the vampire king would be an honor. Vampires, especially those higher in rank, never dropped their guard, and never put themselves into a vulnerable position. That he was offering to lay under her meant more than she could have hoped for. “In that case” -- she took a step closer -- “how can I refuse?”

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Sorin’s smile was devastating. Her breath hitched as she walked over to the bed. She unbuttoned the shirt as she walked so that by the time she reached the bed she was able to push it off her shoulders and climb onto the mattress. Not knowing where to start, she crawled up between his legs, sliding her hands up as she went. He trembled under her touch, probably because he wanted to touch her but was afraid if he did he’d break his implied promise to let her take charge. “You’re really going to let me do this?” When Sorin nodded, she dropped her gaze to his thick cock. He jutted out proudly, precum dripping from the slit. Hmmm. Could a vampire impregnate someone? “I think it’s safe to say you won’t get pregnant from me. My magic has strengthened since Nicolas and Nash last saw me. I’ve never impregnated a woman, but I’ll put on a condom if you wish.” “You can’t impregnate me anyway, Sorin. Not unless I petitioned the gods with my request. Like you, I don’t catch or carry diseases.” His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t question her. For that she was grateful. Licking her lips, she concentrated on the smooth hard flesh partially concealed by thick black hair. She cupped his balls in her hands and massaged them as she tried to decide what to do first. “If you’re just going to sit there --” “Shut up, Sorin.” She gently squeezed his balls. “You promised me a ride. Can I help it if I want to admire the landscape first? Maybe test it out with my mouth and hands before going full monty?” Sorin chuckled, but relaxed, propping the back of his head on his hands. “Go ahead, sweetheart.” “Thank you.” Kayla grinned and looked back down at his cock. She might never again get a chance to take control like this so she wanted to do everything she imagined.


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Slowly, she slid her hand up and down his length while continuing to caress his balls with her other hand. His moan was sweet pleasure, one she hoped to hear often. When she repeated the action, he thrust up into her hand and moaned even louder. “You sound so sexy.” Her voice was huskier than usual, and she cleared her throat. “Oh yeah?” His left eyebrow quirked. “Yeah.” Kayla lowered her mouth and licked the tip of his cock. Not only had she found her equal in bed, but he also happened to be the one for her. The man her father promised she’d find at the most inopportune time. Why does my mind keep wandering

when I should be enjoying this delicious man ? “Kayla ?” She shivered and looked up into Sorin’s steady blue gaze. She hadn’t expected him to communicate with her mentally. Even though he had no problem reading her thoughts, he’d never responded through the mental link before. “Is something wrong ?” “No !” Her heart twisted at the thought she’d hurt Sorin even if it had been inadvertent. “Are you regretting this? Me?” “No!” She sucked him into her mouth before he could continue questioning her. Sorin groaned and pulled away. “Can you tell me why I feel Nicolas and Nash in your head?” Kayla swallowed and tried to assume an innocent expression. “Do you? That’s funny, I don’t.” “Not now. Earlier this morning. Perhaps when they thought the big bad vampire would be asleep?” She winced. Damn. He’d not only picked up on the conversation, but he’d listened in on it without her being aware.

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“As much as Nash irritates me, he and Nicolas are correct. You should be careful around me. I could hurt you. One of my enemies could hurt you.” “But none have ever attacked your concubines.” “Kayla.” He leaned close so his breath brushed her lips. “You are not one of my concubines and you know it. There’s more to this than that. I want to know if you have powers to communicate with mental telepathy to whomever you wish.” Kayla bit her lip, torn between her desire to lie and her need to be honest with him. Honesty won out. How could she lie to the man she loved? “No. I can’t.” “And the only way those two can communicate with this level of ability is if you’ve fucked one or both.” Kayla released Sorin’s cock and backed up. She didn’t like the tone of his voice, nor the fire burning in his eyes now that she could see them clearly. “Those two sent you here, knowing who you were, and they put their hands on you before I could claim you and make you mine?” “They just sent me here to deliver a message, that’s all.” That she had another mission had nothing to do with Nicolas, Nash, Elena, or Victoire. That was between her and Herne. “Herne. That would be who I saw with you in my vision.” Kayla clapped her hands over her ears. “Damn it, Sorin. Stop reading my mind. Why can’t I guard against you?” “Because you aren’t trying hard enough.” Sorin grabbed her wrists and yanked her up against his chest. “Tell me why you slept with Nic and Nash.” “I didn’t actually have sex with Nash.” “You’re stalling, and I don’t like it.”


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“You know Vicki. I didn’t actually have sex with Nash, just a little handjob, blowjob, and then he could read my mind.” Sorin’s eyes narrowed. “And why does he need to read your mind?” “They wouldn’t tell me where you were until I agreed to let them in my head.” “And in their bed.” “Elena said --” Kayla clamped her lips tight when his nostrils flared and his cheeks flushed in anger. “Elena said. Did you fuck her too?” Kayla gasped and then quickly shut her mouth again. Sorin’s fingers tightened on her shoulders. “Kayla?” “It’s not like we had sex sex. She was there. I was there. There was no inserting anything anywhere.” Sorin growled and released her. He leaped off the mattress and paced at the foot of the bed. “So you fucked Nicolas and Elena and gave Nash a blowjob. Pray tell, what did you need to fuck Elena for? She doesn’t need sex to read your mind.” “Nic’s her husband. What would you have me do? Fuck him while she watched? From the way Elena talks you are into orgies big time. You do have a harem. Or at least you did.” “Elena doesn’t know what she’s talking about. That was when I was much younger. I can’t believe she shared Nicolas with you.” Kayla shrugged. “Do you want me to leave?” It would make her mission that much harder to finish. It also broke her heart to think of leaving him. “You were having sex when I got here. I don’t see what the big deal is.” “The big deal is that they knew who you were. They knew what you would be to me. They had no right to sleep with you.”

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“I’m sorry.” She waved her hand and clothed herself. She wasn’t putting her dirty clothes back on. “I didn’t know you were looking for a chaste young virgin to fuck. I’m sorry you find me a disappointment.” Kayla choked back tears and fought the pain as her throat and chest tightened. “You aren’t a disappointment.” He reached for her. “If you want to keep these clothes, take them off, otherwise…” Kayla ignored him and backed away. “Why don’t you give me a spare room while you work this out?” “Work this out? Give you a spare room?” “Did I speak too fast? Use words you didn’t understand?” Sorin’s hands closed on her shoulders again, and he yanked her up against his chest. “You are mine, Kayla. Mine.” He crushed his mouth against hers, kissing her with a fierce passion she didn’t want to reject. She whisked away her clothes and pressed her body against his. The feel of his hard chest and even harder cock drove her insane. Kayla wound her leg around him and pressed closer. She needed him, but she also needed his trust if she was to -- screw it, she needed him period. Sorin pressed her down onto his bed and knelt over her. His eyes glowed like the fiery pits of hell as he stared down at her. “Mine. Mine, Kayla, mine.” He slid his hand down her belly and buried three fingers in her pussy. “This is mine. You are mine. Mine!” Shivering, Kayla stared at him. He twisted his hand and swiped his fingers over her sweet spot. She cried out and arched up, pressing against his hand. More. Sweet heaven, I

want more. “No other man will ever be allowed in your delectable pussy. Do you understand me?” “Yes!” Kayla panted when he wiggled his fingers inside her. The teasing brushes against her G-spot were going to send her over the edge.


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“Do you understand?” He pulled his fingers out and rammed his cock into her hard and fast. Her spine bowed as she exploded. Her pussy contracted around his cock as he thrust into her again and again. It was impossible to catch her breath, but she didn’t care anymore. Kayla surrendered to him and his sensual onslaught as tremors continued through her body. “Mine!” Sorin grunted and repeated the word each time he buried his cock in her. With agonizing slowness, he pulled out, and then rammed back in. Pleasure hummed through her body. Kayla no longer knew where she ended and he began. All she knew was the feel of him pressed up against her so hard and deep that his balls rubbed against her. This time she came with a wordless scream, her eyes crossing when she tried to look at Sorin. “Mine! My Kayla!” A shiver raced through her when Sorin leaned down. His hips stopped while he still filled her completely, but he kept moving his head lower and lower. He licked a sensitive spot on her breast. When he repeated the action, a low moan dragged from her. His fangs sank into her, wringing a cry of pain and then pleasure as he suckled on her breast, her blood. Kayla buried her hands in his dark hair, fisting them around the thick, silky locks. Pleasure danced along her skin, tiny fingers of sensation slipping up and down her spine. She shivered and moaned, closing her eyes when the sheer ecstasy of his feeding and forceful lovemaking overwhelmed her.

***** Sorin stared down at Kayla. Her chest moved slightly with each breath, sending a rush of relief through him. The anger he’d felt at the knowledge that both Nicolas and Nash had made love to his woman still boiled deep inside him. He wanted to tear them to pieces and feast on their blood and flesh. Bloodlust had never been as strong in him as it was now.

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A warm drop of blood dripped down his chin. Sorin scooped up the precious fluid with his finger and sucked on it. He hadn’t killed Kayla, but he wanted to kill the damn Dupree twins. Identical brats. Men who’d betrayed him with Kayla. Maybe he and Nicolas had shared women before, but that was in the past. Way in the past. Sorin traced a finger down the center of her chest. He leaned down and slowly licked the wounds his fangs had inflicted. Kayla moaned in her sleep and reached for him. He’d had many women before, but none had ever affected him like she did. There was no doubt she was his mate. As he drew a sheet over Kayla he saw the fresh bruises he’d left on her. Imprints where he’d held her hips while he’d thrust into her. Just the thought of it made his cock stir in hunger. He turned away with a curse and dressed before he strode out into the hall. His guards snapped to attention. “Where the hell were you last night when I was so rudely interrupted in my bedchamber?” The men seemed to shrink inside themselves as they looked first at each other, then back to him. “We weren’t your guards last night,” one finally stammered. Sorin roared and turned his back, letting his anger give him the energy to glide down the hall. He needed to feed again, and soon. While Kayla’s blood had plenty of the nutrients he needed, he didn’t want to hurt her by taking too much. Something niggled at the back of his head when he thought about Kayla and her delicious blood. She tasted familiar somehow. “Sire?” Sorin spun around at Dominic’s voice. Sheila stood by his side. As a couple, they were striking. He hoped Dominic made her happier than he had. Sorin snorted. As if that would be a hard task. “We need to talk.”


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“Kayla is not my prisoner. She’s my mate. She will be my wife. There’s nothing to discuss.” Sheila gasped and grabbed onto Dominic’s arm. “Are you sure?” Sorin didn’t answer, he let his narrowed eyes and frown reply for him. “Congratulations.” Dominic smiled and held out his hand. “Thank you.” Sorin grinned and tugged his friend close for a quick hug. He released Dominic and ignored the smirk from Sheila as he straightened his shirt. “I do need you to get Nicolas and Nash to come here as quickly as they can with their wives.” “You want Elena here for the wedding?” Sheila had a giddy look on her face. One that couldn’t bode well for him. “I want four magic-trapping collars ready and placed on them once they are within the castle walls.” “Sire?” Dominic’s look of confusion pleased him. “Yes, I want them all to be placed under house arrest and guarded twenty-four seven. They have committed a crime against me and must pay the price.”

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Chapter Four

Kayla dropped her fork and rose when she heard a loud noise in the hallway. Before she could leave her seat, the door burst open and Nicolas, Nash, Elena, and Victoire entered. And not one of them looked happy. She didn’t blame them. She’d worn the magic-trapping collar. Not only did it prevent the person from using magic, but it hurt them if they tried. “Sorin?” She turned and studied the grim expression on his face. Sorin’s features looked like they were carved from granite. His frown couldn’t be more pronounced. He sat ramrod straight in his chair and stared at their guests. “What is the meaning of this, brother ?” Elena snarled as she stalked up to the table. She didn’t back down even when the collar zapped her. “Sorin?” Kayla put her hand on his shoulder and held firm when he flinched. He looked up at her, his eyes as black as his heart had to be right this minute. She’d been blind to this side of him. She’d known he had a rough exterior, but not that he was cruel. Herne had been wrong -- very wrong -- when he said that Sorin needed her help. With a wave of his hand, the table flew against the wall, food spilling everywhere. Kayla’s breath caught in surprise at his display of power. Apparently it wasn’t his noble birth that made him so powerful.


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“She’s mine.” Elena stood toe-to-toe with her brother, not backing down one inch. Kayla would have been impressed if she hadn’t been afraid for Elena. “What the hell are you talking about?” Elena looked at Kayla, her blue eyes cloudy with confusion. Suddenly Kayla understood what Sorin was talking about. She whirled on him and stood on tiptoe so she could look into his eyes. “You did this because of me.” When he didn’t deny it she poked him in the chest. “Asshole.” “Hello!” Elena screamed. “Do you think you can take this damn collar off me?” “Not until you pay the price.” “Don’t threaten my wife.” Nicolas tugged Elena back against him. “If your guards hadn’t taken my swords I’d run one through you.” “What’s going on, Kayla?” Vicki was the calm voice of reason the room needed. “Sorin heard Nicolas and Nash in my head earlier this morning. He wasn’t very happy about our little…” “Orgy, Kayla. Orgy. You guys made love to my woman when you knew she was mine!” “You’re insane!” Elena gasped. Kayla struggled to understand how Sorin could act so different from yesterday. He’d been angry when Dominic and Sheila had interrupted them, but not like this. It was like he’d snapped because she’d had sex with someone before she’d even met him. “I am not yours and I never will be, Sorin.” Her low, deliberate words had the desired effect. Sorin turned to her, his eyes blazing with fury. “You’re mine.” He reached for her, but she darted away from him and laughed. “You wish.” “Kayla!”

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She stuck her tongue out and walked behind Sorin’s prisoners. Sorin roared with deadly warning when she slid her hand over Nicolas’s shoulder and patted his face. “Sorin is pissed you boinked me.” “What?” This time it was Vicki that protested. “I’m sorry.” Kayla turned to her and frowned. “I explained it all to him and he chose to ignore me because he’s a thick-headed lummox.” Sorin roared again and leaped toward her. His fangs dipped past his lower lip as he advanced. “Sorin, stop this childish behavior and release us at once. You said it yourself. I’m to be future queen. How can you treat me like this?” Sorin froze and turned to his sister. “How could you fuck my woman?” Elena flinched. She looked at Kayla, and then back at Sorin. “What? “F-U-C-K, fuck. You fucked my Kayla.” The intensity of his evil gaze and the absurdity of the situation struck her at the worst possible moment and Kayla burst into giggles. All their heads swiveled her way, and their combined expressions bent her over double as she laughed even harder. “This is ridiculous, Sorin. You’re acting like an asshole.” Or a man possessed. The thought froze her. She quickly looked up and realized what it was she’d missed before. No one had tried to enter his room last night. They’d set out what they’d accomplished to do without even trying. She’d thought they’d been long gone but they’d somehow heard her conversation with Sorin and cast a spell or something to make his jealousy more. They were using him by fueling his jealousy. Kayla looked around the room but none of the guards looked suspicious. But then why would they? Whoever was in here had been around long enough to make this their home and gain Sorin’s trust.


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How had they gotten around the ward she’d placed on the door? Realization hit her like a lead brick. He would have more than one exit out of his room. Double dog damn it. “Free them.” She turned and looked at Sorin. His expression became puzzled for a minute, but then anger won out. “No.” “But you know I didn’t have sex with Vicki and I told you I didn’t fuck Nash.” “You did something with him.” Sorin stalked closer. “What’s really bothering you, Sorin?” Kayla met him and slid her hands up his chest. “Are you afraid that one of them might be better in bed than you?” He growled deep in his throat. “No!” “Perhaps you think I’m comparing you to one of them? Are you afraid I won’t stay with you because I’d rather go with one of them?” “No!” “Then kiss me!” She grabbed his face and pressed her lips against his. Calling on her power and that of her father’s, she held Sorin in place and kissed him while she tried to find a way to counteract the spell. She sent her energy into his body to find the source of the spell. She’d worry about tracking where it came from later. Right now she needed to find and defeat it. Kayla closed her eyes and fisted her hands in his hair, holding him in place. Sorin’s fingers dug into her sides when she began to breathe and push her white light into him. It surged through his body, searching out the negative magic. The negative magic struggled, but her power was stronger. Her white light surrounded the evil where it sat near his heart. She sent more energy into his body, disconnecting the evil from his body and trapping it with her power. Searching further, she found yet another ball in his head, which she treated the same way. Kayla focused even harder, leaning into Sorin to stay upright as she smothered the negativity with her positive energy and burned them out.

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Weak from the expenditure, she held onto him tightly. She needed to make sure it was all gone. Once she was satisfied that every trace of the spell had been destroyed, she let go and fell.

***** Sorin blinked and glanced down at the still body of his love. He looked up and saw four faces staring at him with a hatred he couldn’t understand. Were those magic-trapping collars on them? “What the fuck is going on?” Sorin lifted Kayla into his arms and then straightened. “You tell us, all powerful king of the vampires,” Elena sneered. “What happened to Kayla?” He cuddled her close to his chest. The soft movement of her chest reassured him, but her pulse was slow and her skin pale. “Why the hell are you wearing those collars?” “You’re joking, right?” Vicki crossed her arms and put her foot out. She tapped it on the hardwood floor as she glared at him. “No. What is going on?” Sorin turned to his guards. “Release them at once!” He didn’t wait to make sure they followed his order. Instead he transported Kayla to his bedroom and set her down on his bed. The others appeared in his bedroom almost immediately. “Are you serious, Sorin? And where the hell did you learn to transport like this?” He ignored Nicolas and brushed Kayla’s dark brown hair out of her face. “What happened?” He looked up at his sister and hoped she would answer him. “When we arrived you had your men trap us in those damn collars. You mentioned punishing us because certain people in this room might have had sex with Kayla. You argued with her, she kissed you, and then she passed out.”


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Sorin looked back down at Kayla. “I don’t remember any of that.” He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Shit, I can’t remember anything after making love to her last night.” “I think I know what happened.” Vicki blushed when they all looked at her. “She um, used her power to remove something from Sorin. Two somethings. With my powers blocked I couldn’t tell you more than that.” “I don’t understand.” Sorin reached for Kayla’s hand and held it in his. “You are the third, Sorin. The third couple.” Nicolas knelt next to the bed. “We tried to warn you. We’d hoped that Kayla would be able to help. We weren’t sure why she wanted to find you, but we sensed a higher power’s involvement.” When Nic drew in a deep breath, Nash continued, “We had no way of knowing if her intent was to hurt you or help you, so we convinced her to let us into her mind. It was our way of making sure we could protect you if she meant harm.” Sorin closed his eyes and sucked in several harsh breaths. “You’re kidding me, right? You thought Kayla would hurt me?” He gave a short harsh laugh. “How were we to know? Do you think we’d just hand you to her on a silver platter?” Elena put her hand on his shoulder. She knelt behind him and put her head on his shoulder. “It looks like we were wrong to doubt her. The evil was already here in the castle with you. In your body.” Elena sobbed and wrapped her arms around him. “Sorin.” Vicki knelt on the floor by the head of the bed. She put her hand on his knee. “You were going to kill us. Kayla tried to stop you. She knew what none of us even guessed. She knew it wasn’t you, but something else making you do this.” She shivered. “It wasn’t love you looked at her with then, although it is now. You looked at her with such possessiveness and anger. You looked as if you were going to hurt her.” “First Elena was attacked.” Nicolas reached for his wife.

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“Then Vicki.” Nash put his hand on Vicki’s shoulder. She put her hand on his and looked up at him. “Now you, Sorin. It looks like this time it’s you who needs a bodyguard,” Elena whispered.


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Chapter Five

Kayla stretched and opened her eyes. She froze when she saw Sorin staring at her with a startling intensity. He appeared to be back to his normal self, but she’d only known him for a day. What did she know of his normal behavior? It didn’t matter, anyway. Once his enemy realized she’d neutralized the spells, there would be another attempt. She needed to stay at his side and make sure no one had a chance to get their hooks into him again. “Morning,” she whispered through dry lips. She cleared her throat and then coughed. Sorin handed her a glass of water and smiled. “It’s almost dinnertime, sweetheart. How do you feel?” “How do you feel?” He laughed and took the glass from her. After he set it on the nightstand he took both her hands in his. “How did you know?” “Know what?” She blinked at the others standing quietly at the foot of her bed. “It’s okay, you don’t have to pretend. Something wasn’t right with me. I don’t remember anything since I woke up this morning, but Elena and the others filled me in.”

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“It wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t you.” She smiled and shook her head. “Well, it was you, but magnified.” “What do you mean?” He frowned. “Whoever got their magic into you used your jealous and possessive nature and magnified it. Someone thought to get you to do their dirty work for them and get rid of your sister and the Duprees.” Sorin cleared his throat. “So you know about all that, huh?” “Yes.” “I never did read the note you brought to me from Nicolas. What did it say?” Heat crept up her cheeks and she looked down at the comforter. “It was a letter of introduction asking if you could put me up for a few days until they arrived here.” “But why?” Pain seared her throat. Kayla scratched at her throat in sudden agony. It felt like she’d swallowed acid. But it was a slow acting poison, one meant to catch the victim off guard. Before Kayla could think of what to do, Vicki had her hands on her throat while Sorin held her down. Relief flowed through her as the pain eased and all trace of the poison vanished. “Someone is desperate,” Elena whispered as she sat on the bed. “It’s a good thing you guys were nearby.” Sorin looked at them suspiciously. “Someone needs to guard your back, man.” Nash slapped his back. “You obviously have a traitor in your house, and they aren’t going to give up gracefully.” Sorin growled. Kayla shook her head and reached for Sorin’s hands. “Listen, whoever it is, they are one step ahead of us. No one is going to be safe. Not until you ferret out the culprit.” “That’s not acceptable.” Sorin shook his head.


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“Listen to me, Sorin.” Kayla rested her palm against his cheek. “How better to catch this person than to draw them into the open? Obviously, I’m the target because I stopped them. Now Vicki helped me. Let’s do this now before they go after her or Elena.” When he wanted to shake his head again, Nicolas quickly spoke, “They’re both pregnant, Sorin.” “I know.” All the fight seemed to leave him. “Fine. It’d be best if you left here then. At least until we find out who is doing this so I can wring their neck.” “They’re staying.” Kayla waved them out before he could argue. Her job was to protect Sorin at all costs. She’d known since Herne gave her the order that this might be her last assignment. Being a goddess wasn’t always what it was cracked up to be, and it was even less when you weren’t a full goddess. Finding the love of your life and having to face the fact one of you might not make it through the night was not what she’d expected. “Kayla?” She shook her head and reached for him. The others filed out of the room. As they left, she put one of her charms on the door and pulled back to look up at Sorin. “What other ways are there in and out of this room?” By the time she finished sealing and spelling the other two exits and windows, she was exhausted again. Hopefully Sorin was up for a round of sex, because if she wanted to recharge her energy that was going to be the quickest way. “Sorin?” “Yes, sweetheart?” Her heart picked up its pace at his gentle tone and searing look. He knew exactly what she was going to ask. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “How do you know what I’m going to ask? I’m sure you aren’t reading my mind anymore.”

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“I can smell your desire.” He cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Kayla.” She wanted to melt into a puddle. Instead she sighed and smiled. Sorin chuckled and then pressed his lips against hers. She met his kiss eagerly, wrapping her arms around him and sinking into his embrace. He held her close for a while, running his hands up and down her upper arms while he kissed her with a gentle tenderness he hadn’t shown until now. This was the Sorin she’d known was inside him all along. The one she’d seen a teasing glimpse of yesterday. While she liked playing games, there was always time for nice, sweet, gentle lovemaking, and right now both of them needed it. Sorin pulled away and slowly removed her clothes. He stopped and kissed every bruise he’d put on her last night. The look in his eyes and his gentle caresses and kisses were almost too much. Never had she ever felt such love for or from anyone. “You’re glowing.” “Isn’t that what happens to women in love?” She smiled and reached for him. “No. I mean you’re glowing.” This time she recognized the awe and wariness in his voice and expression. Slowly, Kayla looked at her body. There was a definite weird glow emanating from her. “What are you?” Sorin’s hands were still on her thighs, and she drew some encouragement from that. “A woman?” She giggled at his frustrated expression. The urge to kiss away the frown on his beautiful mouth and the lines from his narrowed eyes was almost too much. “I can tell that.” He waggled his eyebrows and slid his hands up her sides to her breasts and back down to her waist. “Your delectable curvy body was my first hint. And then there’s your scent, like an aphrodisiac to me. It is definitely all woman.” “Damn. Did you take a class on what to say to make a woman fall in love with you?”


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He grinned. “Is it working?” Kayla laughed and covered his hands with hers. “I already love you, you goof.” “So is it safe to try kissing you or are you going to go all glowy again?” The glow had vanished, but she had a feeling it would be back. Not that she knew what caused it, but she had an idea. “Herne is my father.” “And your mother?” Kayla shrugged. “I have no idea who my mother was. Herne found me one day as a baby in the forest. He knew I was his because of the birthmark on my ass that looks like a --” “Antlers.” Sorin chuckled. “I noticed.” “What else did you notice?” He slid his hands up to cup her breasts again. “That you have breasts that are so tempting I can’t resist them.” “I knew you were a breast man from the first moment I met you.” Kayla made a tsk sound and then giggled when he bent down and swirled his tongue around one of her nipples. Her giggle turned into a moan when he gently bit her. “I do love the way you taste, sweetheart.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if my blood didn’t give you an added boost. I know Nic’s makes Elena even stronger.” “Do we need to talk about them right now?” Sorin’s eyes darkened as he met her gaze. “No,” she said in a breathless whisper. “Good.” He buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply. His hands massaged her breasts while he licked and nibbled her neck.

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Kayla fisted her fingers in his hair when swirls of sensation rippled through her. Desire, strong and almost overwhelming in intensity, swept through her veins. She moaned and wiggled her hips, pressing her thighs together when her pussy dripped liquid desire. “Mmm. I need to taste you.” He looked up at her, his eyes half closed and his lips curved in a sexy smile. He sniffed the air and then met her gaze. Her fingers tightened in his hair. “But I can’t until you release me.” “Oh!” She gasped and released him immediately. “Thank you,” he murmured as he dragged his face down between her breasts, pausing long enough to tease her nipples into rock hard peaks before licking his way to her navel and teasing it with his tongue. “Sorin!” She giggled when he blew a cool breath across her. She shivered and reached for him until she remembered even more pleasure was to come if she let him continue. Would he bite her femoral artery? Could he take blood from there? Did she care? What would be better? Him eating her or biting her? Sorin pressed her legs apart, and she changed her position so she could open them even more. “Mmm,” he moaned. He slid his fingers over her mons, up and down her saturated lips. It was a teasing gesture, and she wanted more. With a whimper, Kayla tried to move so that he’d slip a finger inside her, but Sorin chuckled. When she tried to move again, she couldn’t. She gasped as she remembered his magic. Just like he could throw the table without touching it, he could probably do things to her with mental projection. Shit. “I like the way you think, sweetheart.” He looked up at her with an evil grin as she felt something like a finger slip inside her pussy. She sighed in relief. Even though she couldn’t rock her hips to meet his hand, her orgasm swiftly built up. She hovered on the edge, needing more, just a little more.


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“More?” Kayla opened eyes she didn’t remember closing and saw Sorin wasn’t even touching her. His hands were stroking his erection as he stared at her. When had he removed his clothes? Did it matter? “You, Sorin. Not your magic, you.” He grinned. Immediately the finger in her pussy stopped, and she moaned, her muscles contracting as she felt the loss of pleasure. Whimpering with need, she pleaded with him. “Please, Sorin, please.” He released his cock and moved between her legs, resting his head on her thigh as he stared at her pussy. He slid his finger over her wet flesh, avoiding her clit, but circling it a few times. “Damn it, Sorin! If you don’t --” Her words cut off when she moaned as he slid three fingers into her pussy and sucked her clit into his mouth. Closing her eyes and fisting her hands in the blanket, Kayla panted. When she realized he’d released her from his magic, she thrust her hips to meet his hand. He pumped his fingers inside her several times, and then twisted them, pressing against her sweet spot while he teased her clit with his tongue and teeth. Pressure built and expanded inside her until her body shook under his ministrations. “Sorin, please,” she gasped, and writhed. He moaned against her clit. Kayla shouted as she came hard and fast. Her breath caught in her throat at the intensity of the tremors skating through her body. Sorin made sounds of pleasure as he pulled out his fingers and licked up her juices. She wriggled under him as his mouth moved over her sensitive flesh. “I believe you also wanted me to bite you?” Kayla shivered and stared down at him. Sorin looked up at her through partly closed eyes as he ran his index finger up and down her thigh. When he replaced his finger with his

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tongue, she shivered and closed her eyes. His fangs pierced her skin with a pang of pain quickly replaced with pleasure so intense she came with a scream. “Oh.” Kayla sighed and curled her toes at the gentle sucking sensation. “I could

sooooooo get used to this.” Sorin licked the two bite marks and then smiled up at her. “So could I.” “We didn’t even have sex yet and I came so many times.” “Only twice.” “Only?” Sorin’s laugh made her blush. “We’re not done yet, either.” “Oh, damn.” Her breath caught in her throat as he moved over her and placed his cock at her pussy. He inched inside of her slowly. So slowly she whimpered. “You’re insatiable, woman.” “And you’re a tease.” “I’m not a tease. Not when I deliver what I promise.” He grinned and pressed deep inside, filling her and then some. “Mmm.” “Feel good, sweetheart?” “You know you do,” she growled and narrowed her eyes. “Cocky --” “Told you I was.” He pulled out and then slid back inside her slowly. “I also told you I was insatiable and that you would be at my mercy twenty-four seven.” “I’ll be worn out before the week is over.” Though she complained, Kayla smiled. The sex had rejuvenated her magic even if her body had become tired. The side-effects of removing the evil inside Sorin had taken a bigger toll on her than she’d thought. She looked into Sorin’s blue eyes and squeezed her muscles, tightening around his cock. When he moaned, she grinned and teased him, repeating the action.


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“Mmm. And you claim to be tired, wench.” Kayla giggled and shrugged. “Keep this up and I’ll last longer than you.” “I’m a vampire, sweetheart. I last a lot longer than any human you’ve ever been with. And the more delicious blood I take from you the faster and longer I can do it.” “Mmm.” She grabbed onto his shoulders and grinned when he thrust in hard and fast. “Too much talk and not enough action.” “I love talking to you, but if I have to watch you come one more time without --” Kayla wrapped her legs around his waist and squeezed. Sorin roared as he came, his hot cum filling her as he pressed in as far as he could. He dropped his head down to her chest and breathed deeply. Not that he needed the oxygen, but it was nice to know she made him want it. “You were saying?” She giggled when he looked up at her and rolled his eyes. He slipped off her and moved onto his side. When he tugged her up against him, she went eagerly, grateful he liked to snuggle. “So…” She turned and buried her face against his neck. “So?” “Do you have a plan to catch this traitor?” “No. Do you?” He slid his hand over her and slowly caressed her belly. Instead of thinking about kids and if he wanted them even though they’d already had this discussion, Kayla tried to concentrate on how to catch someone who was as good as invisible. “Well?” Kayla sucked in a deep breath. “We let them come to us.”

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Chapter Six

As Kayla lay in the bed pressed up against Sorin, she smiled and snuggled closer. She wished she could freeze time. Once Sorin’s enemy was put out of commission she’d be finished with her assignment. Herne probably already had another one lined up waiting for her return. Kayla sighed and buried her face against his chest. She could have stayed there all day, but she felt a tug on the wards she’d put on one of the secret entrances to the room. This one was in the huge wardrobe near the table that used to hold a vase. The one he’d broken when he’d pinned her to the tabletop. When she’d wanted to repair the vase Sorin had refused. He’d put the broken pieces into a fish bowl and set it on the table, claiming he wanted a reminder of the first time he’d claimed her. Hoping Sorin stayed asleep, Kayla pulled free and tucked a pillow in the spot she’d slept in. It was a trick she’d seen her father do after he’d gotten her younger brother to fall asleep in his own bed. The pillow was warm from her sleeping on it and held her scent. Unless Sorin woke, he’d have something soft, warm, and feminine smelling to cuddle.


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She didn’t want to use any magic yet in case the other person was capable of detecting her power. The goal was to catch the person off guard and put an end to this nonsense. As she walked past the foot of the bed, she grabbed Sorin’s shirt and tugged it on. On tiptoe, she crept to the wardrobe and pressed against the wall beside it. Allowing her wards to weaken even more, she bit back a laugh at the triumphant cry so low she almost missed it. The push of evil was strong. A sudden knock on the door startled her. Sorin’s arm moved on the bed. She knew when he realized she was gone because he sat up and looked around. When he saw her, she lifted a hand to her lips and gestured for him to lie back down. Whoever was at the door was going to have to wait. Even though he looked ready to protest, Sorin pretended to sleep. Kayla let her wards fall apart and waited for the person to enter. When Sheila slipped through the passage and out of the wardrobe, Kayla bided her time, waiting for the right moment to act. It wouldn’t do to jump the woman if she was here for more innocent reasons. Although how sneaking into Sorin’s room after you’ve been given to another man and agreed with the decision could be innocent… “Sheila?” Sorin sat up. “Where is she?” Sheila moved seductively as she crossed the room to the bed. “Perhaps she wasn’t as pleasing in bed as I am and you sent her away?” Kayla fisted her hands at her sides, her nails digging into her skin as she waited. Sheila could have been the one to poison her, but there was no way she was the mastermind behind the attempt to kill Sorin. “What are you doing here, Sheila? Why aren’t you with Dominic? From what he said earlier I thought you two were going to be handfasted at midnight. Why aren’t you preparing for the ritual?”

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“Because I knew you needed me. And I was right. You’re a king, and you need a wife worthy of you. One who understands your needs and desires, and one who can satisfy them all.” Sheila draped her body over Sorin. Kayla had heard enough. Sheila was in a good position to hurt Sorin if she wanted to, and she’d given them enough information that Kayla knew her intent was not good. “Stop.” Kayla stepped forward. Though Sheila reeked of evil, this stench hadn’t been on her yesterday. “Who have you been talking to, Sheila?” Kayla didn’t expect an answer. Sorin had no memory of his time under the spell, why would Sheila know she was mesmerized and who had done it? Where was Dominic? The knock on the door came again and this time Dominic’s voice could be heard through the thick wood. “Sorin! Wake up!” Sheila’s smile turned catlike as she looked at Kayla. “You thought you could just waltz in here and take Sorin away from me?” “He gave you to Dominic before he even met me, Sheila. Remember? When he met me in the throne room he told me I’d interrupted him as he’d been gifting his favorite concubine to his best friend. Guess that means you are wrong in your claim. Don’t you hear your mate on the other side of the door banging to get in here?” The confusion in Sheila’s eyes gave Kayla hope she wouldn’t have to waste her energy fighting the woman. She released the wards on the door. Immediately, Dominic burst in and took in the room in one glance. “Sheila! What are you doing?” “What I have to.” Though she answered Dominic, she looked confused. “How long has she been acting weird, Dominic?” Kayla looked at Sorin and hoped he was in her mind again. “A spell. Mesmerization. Like they used your jealousy against you, it


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appears they are trying the same on Sheila. But perhaps her feelings for you were already fading and their spell isn’t working like they intended.” “This is ridiculous!” Sorin climbed out of bed. Kayla waved her hand and clothed him when she noticed Sheila glance at his cock. “You love Dominic, Sheila. Don’t you remember?” Kayla hoped the repeated use of the woman’s name would help her break free of the spell willingly. If she had to waste energy and magic to remove it, she’d be weakened when their real threat appeared. “Maybe that’s his plan.” Sorin’s words whispered in her mind. They echoed her thoughts, but she didn’t acknowledge it. Vicki and Nash walked in and stood on either side of Dominic. Yay. Reinforcements. Kayla sighed and studied Sheila’s reactions. Or rather, nonreactions. “I should be Sorin’s queen, not her!” Sheila pointed at Kayla and glared. “What’s this about?” Dominic frowned and took a step forward, then stopped and looked at Sorin. “I thought this was a mutual decision. I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours with Sheila, and she’s never once said she was upset with the arrangement.” Sorin shook his head. Kayla wondered if he was communicating silently with Dominic. She hoped the vampire wouldn’t be stupid enough to think Sheila was acting of her own free will. She caught Vicki’s eye and gestured to Sheila. Vicki nodded. This wasn’t the end but another test. “I know.” Kayla held her hand down and put out one finger, then two and finally three. On three, she and Vicki leaped toward Sheila and pinned her between them. Nash quickly joined them and used his magic to keep them safe while Kayla burned out the toxic spell inside Sheila.

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After a few minutes Sheila blinked a few times and looked around the room. “Why is everyone staring at me? Why are we in here? Dominic?” She reached for him, but he took a step back. “Dom?” “It isn’t Sheila’s fault, Dominic, but right now I have bigger worries. Vicki?” She looked at the witch and waited for Vicki to nod. Vicki placed her palms on Sheila’s cheeks and closed her eyes. When Sheila went to pull away Nash grabbed her and held her in place. After a few minutes, Vicki released Sheila. “It’s no use. Whoever put their hold on her did it well enough I can’t find a trace of it. Like when they attacked Sorin, Sheila must have been asleep and unaware of who was in the room, or perhaps the hallway.” Kayla closed her eyes and concentrated. Other than Vicki and Nash, there was no one else with magic in the room. She sighed and looked around. Although Sorin was safe, it was temporary. It was also obvious that Sheila had been sent to take her out. Or test her. Someone was planning on getting rid of her so they would have free access to Sorin. Maybe they thought he was worth more alive than dead? She needed to talk to Herne. Since she was the more likely target it should be safe, but with her gone Sorin would be open for attack. She sighed and looked at Vicki. She hoped the witch wasn’t too tired. “I need you to do me a favor, Vicki.” “I know.” She smiled and leaned against Nash. “You go ahead. I’ll let Nash explain what happened to Sheila and keep an eye on Sorin while you are gone.” “Thank you.” Kayla turned to leave. “Wait!” Sorin glided next to her. He grabbed her arm and tugged her up against him. “Where are you going? It’s not safe.”


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“I’ll agree that I’m a big target, but with me out of the way, you could be the bigger target, Sorin. If they get their evil into you again, you may not be as fortunate the next time. You might actually kill your friends like they want you to.” Sorin shook his head. “I’m going to talk to my father, Sorin. I’ll be fine. You know he won’t allow anyone to harm me. I can’t say you will be as safe as me.” He looked as if he wanted to argue, but instead he kissed her long and deep until her toes curled, and then he released her. “Fine. But can you put on more clothes than just my shirt? I like your body, but you need to stop sharing it with everyone.” He forced a laugh and released her. Kayla smiled and waved her hand over herself. Once dressed in a sweater, jeans, and her favorite boots, she walked over to the door. “I won’t be long. Don’t get killed while I’m gone.” “I’ll be fine. It’s you I’m worried about.” Kayla ignored the warm sensation his words caused. He loved her. She knew this but still hearing his concern and feeling it in his emotions made her feel awed all over again. Damn this job and damn her life that would pull her away from him and send her probably halfway around the world. She’d be lucky to see him again in the next hundred years, so it’d be wise to make as much of this time as she could. It wasn’t until she was halfway through the entrance hall when she noticed Ramus standing by the front door. Of course the door would be guarded. And by the man who’d taken great pleasure in inflicting pain on her. She stopped just out of striking distance because she didn’t trust herself not to attack him. “Please let me pass.” His welcoming smile turned fierce. Damn! Had he been spelled as well?

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“I can practically hear your mind, all those thoughts whirling round and round in there. Has evil gotten hold of poor Ramus as well? Who else around here has been tainted by this evil sorcerer?” Kayla took several steps back in realization. Ramus wasn’t under a spell and never had been. Evil radiated out of him with such force she couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed it before. Sorin’s captain of the guard was the one who’d tried to kill Sorin and then when he’d failed, he tried to use Sorin to kill Nicolas, Elena, Vicki, and Nash. He was the one who’d sent Sheila after her. “Your plan to get Sheila to kill me failed.” “Oh, I didn’t think she’d actually kill you.” He grinned and unsheathed his sword. “Tell me, how did you kill her? Or did you expend precious energy removing my spells from her?” “Neither. You forget there is another among us with the power to undo what you’ve done. She is strong. Stronger than I in that area. Where cleansing Sorin rendered me useless for a few hours, she healed Sheila and is still going strong. Even if I fail to defeat you now, she will protect Sorin.” “You’re right and wrong.” He took a step closer. “You will fail to defeat me now, and she won’t be able to protect Sorin. Not without leaving Nash vulnerable. She’d never do anything stupid and risk her husband’s life.” “You’re right. I’m not stupid.” Vicki stepped out from the hallway behind Kayla. “So it’s the women who’ve come to fight me? The men are chicken and sent you to attempt the dirty work for them?” Ramus shrugged. “That’s okay, I’ve got more than enough power stored up to take on both of you and kill them all.” “You’re the one who wanted me to join you, aren’t you? You sent those men after me?” Vicki’s hands glowed with magic that sparked from her fingertips. Ramus laughed. “That was all a test, my dear. Those fools failed to sway you to join me, but perhaps when you have a taste of what I can offer you, you’ll change your mind.” He


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looked from Vicki to Kayla. “Or perhaps the demigoddess would like to have a little taste of me?” “Only if it’s your head on a platter.” Kayla focused on building her shield as strong as she could. He’d look for a weak spot and attack, so she needed to make sure there were no holes or gaps.

It’s showtime, Father. “Your father can’t hear you, darling Kayla. Neither can your precious goddess, Vicki. You will be mine or die.” “I don’t like those options. How about we add a new one? One where you die. But you can pick which of us kills you.” Kayla fisted her hands. Ramus laughed and readied his sword. “This hardly seems fair when I am better armed than you.” Kayla thrust out her hand, her trusty sword gleaming as she gave it a quick test thrust. “Now it’s fair.” “Hardly.” Vicki snorted. “Even without a weapon I can still kill both of you.” Kayla giggled and shook her head. Now was the time to get serious. Vicki sensed it too. Ramus was done talking and wanted to get on with business. Well, so did she. Before she could make a move, Ramus began to glow as he summoned his power and held it ready. His power flowed visibly across his body. He had more power than she had expected. He was probably as powerful as he claimed, but even if he was, Kayla would not allow him to live. She’d never practiced magic with Vicki and hoped the woman would follow her silent instructions. If Vicki tried to take lead, her inexperience would be their downfall. With a mumbled phrase too low to catch, Ramus held his hand to the ground. Magic poured out of his hand and flowed across the floor to the ladies. The floor warped and rose as though hundreds of snakes slithered under it toward them.

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Snakes. Kayla shivered and focused on her shields. “You defense, me offense,” she grunted at Vicki. Luck was on her side as Vicki snapped, “Got it already.” Power extended from her hands toward the ground. Kayla would have to trust her new friend to do her part. She stood there, debating how to attack. The man was very powerful, and she didn’t want to walk into a trap. He’d had plenty of time to set up a lot of them. He’d been inside this castle and in Sorin’s confidence for a long time. She was not about to underestimate him. Vicki’s magic worked like a charm. Even though Ramus increased the output of his power, Vicki still kept it from hurting her. Kayla focused on Ramus, trying to find a hole or weak spot. She just needed one tiny crack in his shield that she could latch onto and tear wide open so they could put him out of commission. Testing his strength and speed, she sent a rush of magic toward his sword, hoping to disarm him, but wasn’t surprised when he deftly blocked her magic. She ducked as it ricocheted back at her. Vicki was on top of things and disintegrated the power ball. “What the hell is going on?” Sorin, Nash, Elena, and Nicolas filed into the hall. “Ye Gods, Sorin! Can’t you stay out harm’s way just once?” Kayla quickly made a shield of white light. She drew on her own shields and thrust the glowing orb around Sorin. She’d made it so strong it was actually visible. “Ooo,” Ramus crooned. “You really would do anything for your father, wouldn’t you, Kayla?” “What the fuck does that mean?” Sorin felt around the shields, probably looking for a way out. “You mean you don’t know?” Ramus feigned surprise even though Kayla knew he’d known all along. Somehow. “Kayla was sent here by the gods themselves. She’s your savior,


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Sorin. Or at least she’s supposed to be. Once I kill her and get you back under my mind control things will be the way they were meant to be.” “What is he --” “Kayla is your bodyguard. Now shut up and let me focus,” Vicki snapped as she stomped out another batch of Ramus’s magical snakes. Kayla shook her head. “You should have tied him to the bed.” “Maybe if you were there I could have.” Nash pulled out his sword as Nicolas did the same. Kayla left them to guard Sorin in case her shielding failed. The only way that would happen would be if Ramus killed her. Or made her use up all her energy. “I want a piece of that man!” Elena growled as she tried to push past Nicolas into the room. “Damn it! Can’t you people follow a simple plan?” Kayla felt her power spiraling as out of control as her temper. Ramus’s sword sliced through the air. She managed to block it before he could do harm, but he wielded a lot more strength than she’d imagined possible. Her father’s parting words made sense now. It had been a good-bye because he wasn’t sure she would come out of this alive. Damn it, she was better than that. Stronger than she’d thought. She could save Sorin and come out of this alive. With renewed energy, she parried and thrust her sword, doing battle with blades while she tried to conserve her magic. Vicki kept up her job and doused most of Ramus’s magic before it could harm her. Ramus cursed and thrust his arm and sword at Kayla’s chest. The sword she blocked easily enough, but Vicki failed to block the magic, and it hit her square in the chest. Kayla dropped to her knees, gasping for air and struggling to make her eyes focus.

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She saw Ramus advancing with his sword drawn, but she was so disoriented she didn’t know where to put her own sword. She rolled and ducked. By the time she came up, Nash and Nic had both stepped forward and were dueling with Ramus. Sorin’s shouts had grown in volume, but she had to ignore him and focus on her enemy. Ramus had to have a weak spot somewhere. “Free me now, Kayla .” “I need to protect you, Sorin.” “He will kill you !” “Better me than you !” “Kayla.” She froze. The voice she’d just heard was not Sorin’s. It sounded suspiciously like her father’s. “Dad ?” “You are correct, it is your duty to protect Sorin, as it is Nicolas’s duty to protect Elena,

and Nash’s to protect Vicki. But remember the message I need you to give to Sorin. I need you to give it to him now.” As much as he wanted to ignore her father, Kayla was aware there was more here at stake than just her life or Sorin’s. This was bigger than them. Bigger than all of them. Kayla released Sorin and reabsorbed her shield, even though freeing him hurt more than she cared to admit. “I have a message for you.” She reached for Sorin’s hand and took it in hers. “I’m not sure what it means, but I’m supposed to tell you ‘the reason you can’t see a third is not

because it isn’t time, but because you aren’t looking in the right spot.’” “I don’t understand.” Kayla waved her hand and a small mirror appeared in her palm. “Look in the glass and you will see what you are seeking.”


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Sorin frowned and looked into the mirror. “All I see is myself.” He looked up at her, his eyes cloudy in confusion. The mirror sizzled and broke as Ramus’s magic shattered it. Kayla spun around and shouted, “Nicolas, Nash, pull back. This isn’t your battle.” “Bullshit!” Nash swung at Ramus again. Kayla turned back to Sorin. “Get out there and kick Ramus’s ass. If you let him kill you, I’ll bring you back so I can kill you myself.” Sorin laughed and shook his head. “Give me your sword, sweetheart.” Kayla handed it over with a kiss. He shifted from lover to warrior so fast she almost missed it. “Nic, Nash, as much I hate to say this, fall back. Elena and Victoire, it’s time to kick some ass.” “No!” both fae shouted. Kayla hated to have to use her powers against them, but orders were orders. She wrapped her magic around them and tugged them back. They struggled against her and glared, shouting obscenities. “I won’t let you go, and the reason I can hold you is because Herne is channeling powers through me. Though you can’t see them, there are several gods who would like to see the three succeed. It’s why we’ve all been assigned to guard them. For this very battle. This is their fight, boys, not ours. “Remember your specialties. What makes each of you special? Figure it out and you

can defeat him.” Vicki’s eyes widened and she nodded. Her mouth thinned in a grim smile. Happiness rushed through Kayla. Someone had understood her. Before she could say something else, Sorin tossed the sword to Elena. The way Elena held the sword and moved her body, Kayla knew she’d been thoroughly trained.

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Elena moved across the space as Vicki kept Ramus’s power from hitting her. Sorin was right beside his sister, concentrating his power on attacking Ramus. They moved like poetry in motion as corny as it sounded. Like a heroine from a movie, Elena fought off Ramus and scored a major hit when she sliced his arm. Ramus shouted and doubled his attempt. “If Lucian had done what I told him to, you wouldn’t be alive right now.” Elena’s lips curled in a snarl, but she didn’t flinch at the name of her tormenter like Ramus probably hoped. “He bragged about what he did to you, Elena. About how sweet and juicy your cunt was when he fucked you. How you screamed every time he or one of his men --” Nic roared. Kayla grabbed onto him and prayed Elena held strong. Though Elena’s arm trembled, she didn’t back down, and it was the edge of her sword pressed against his throat that ended his tirade. Kayla wanted to scream at Elena to do it, to finish him off, but couldn’t find the words. Ramus roared, power pouring off of him in waves, thrusting Elena back against Sorin. Vicki stumbled as she tried to contain Ramus’s power. “You weak-willed pathetic excuse for a vampire. That’s why Lucian never killed you. Like a cat with a mouse, he wanted to play with you.” “You’re wrong.” Elena’s voice was steady, as was her arm for the first time. Kayla looked at Nicolas and noticed his gaze focused on his wife. It was obvious he was communicating mentally with her, strengthening her. When Kayla looked at Nash, she saw the same concentration in his eyes and knew he was also helping Elena. Their bonds of love and friendship were strong. Hopefully they were strong enough to defeat Ramus. “I made you, Ramus. Why can’t I control you?”


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“Because I killed him a long time ago, Sorin. You’d know if you kept a tighter rein on your people. This body has been very comfortable these past years. Much more attractive than my old form, anyway.” “Are you going to tell me who you really are?” Sorin put his hands on Elena’s as she held the sword. As soon as Kayla realized what Sorin was doing, she pushed as much of her magic into him as she could. Nicolas and Nash had stopped fighting her and were using their combined mental powers to assist their wives. “It doesn’t matter. I’d rather just kill you and be done with this.” Ramus narrowed his eyes. “But first…” Instead of swinging at Elena, he glared at Kayla. He fired off a rapid volley of magical bursts at her. She had no time to react, so the power slammed into her and knocked her down. Nicolas tried to shield her with his body, but she cried out and pushed him away. A loud roar filled the room, deafening her eardrums. The funny thing was that she felt no pain from the magic Ramus had used. At least she’d die peacefully. A strange tingling filled her body and she looked down at Nic and Nash as they held their hands over her belly. “Hey, guys, I’m okay, it doesn’t even hurt anymore. Help Vicki and Elena.” They ignored her, both holding their hands over her as they chanted something in a language as old as time itself. What it meant, she didn’t know, but it made her feel woozy. Kayla looked over and watched as Sorin pulled his hands away from the sword. He leaped toward Ramus in a move that was sure to spell his death. Before Kayla could cry out, Elena made a move that amazed Kayla. She leaped in the air, flipped and thrust out the sword, slicing Ramus’s head off before he could look away from Sorin. More tired than she ever remembered feeling, Kayla rested her head on the floor. The sound of Vicki’s chants filled the air, letting Kayla know the three were doing what

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needed to be done to make sure Ramus, or whoever that evil sorcerer had been, couldn’t come back. Grateful it was over and Sorin was safe, she started to doze off. A long nap would be nice.


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Chapter Seven

Kayla woke to the feeling of a warm body pressed against her. “Maxwell, stop hogging the pillows.” She pressed against him and froze when she didn’t feel the soft fur of her shaggy dog. Kayla opened her eyes and stared into Sorin’s steady gaze. She licked her lips. “You aren’t Maxwell.” She drew in a ragged breath as he tugged her close to him and pressed his erection against her. Sorin growled, “No, I’m not. Whoever Maxwell is, he won’t be sharing your bed anymore.” “I beg to differ.” Kayla gasped and turned to look at the foot of the bed. Herne stood there looking at her in a way that made her heart freeze. It was time to say good-bye to Sorin. “Maxwell sensed your pain and he carried on until I told him I’d bring him to you.” Her dog jumped up onto the bed and wriggled his way in between her and Sorin. Sorin’s amused grin as he gently pet her dog let her know he wasn’t jealous anymore, but his smile faded when he looked up at Herne. “That’s not the only reason you’re here, is it?” Sorin’s appearance didn’t betray the inner turmoil she could feel churning behind his carefully crafted mask.

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“No, it’s not.” Kayla sighed. The only time her father bothered to attempt to look human was when he had to deliver bad news. “Please, Dad. Not yet. Just give me a few more days?” Her throat tightened as she fought tears. She loved Sorin. Leaving him was going to be hard enough, but to have to leave without getting the chance to say good-bye was even worse. “You knew when you came here that this was an assignment. Don’t tell me you allowed your heart to cloud your judgment. Is that why you let your guard down?” “I didn’t let my guard down. You asked me to step back and let them handle it as they were meant to. This is ridiculous. He shouldn’t have even attacked me.” Kayla crossed her arms and huddled under the blankets. Herne sighed. “It wasn’t you he attacked.” She peeked out, rolled her eyes, and then sputtered when Maxwell licked her face. “Now you are ridiculous. Stop hiding under the blankets like a child and face me like a woman.” Sorin growled, startling Maxwell. Kayla put her hand on Sorin’s shoulder and sat up, grateful she was dressed. “I’m not being ridiculous. Ramus attacked me. I’ve never felt so weird in my life. At first I thought I was going to die, then I realized there was no pain, but was too tired to worry why there was no effect from his magic. Everything is still a little fuzzy, though.” She tried to focus on healing herself and figuring out what Ramus had been trying to do. “Because you weren’t his target.” Vicki stepped from the shadows. “Lord Herne.” She knelt before Herne and bowed her head. “Rise, Vicki. Where are your husband and his brother? I owe them a debt of gratitude.”


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“For what?” Kayla bit her lip when Herne turned and stared at her. She wriggled, nervous under his intense stare. She leaned close to Sorin and whispered, “I feel like I’m five again.” “Ramus wasn’t trying to kill you, Kayla.” Vicki sat on the edge of the bed and took Kayla’s hand in hers. “I know that, otherwise I’d be dead. It’s just weird that I didn’t feel anything after the initial blast.” “He didn’t want you to feel. The first few shots were to numb you, but the last ones were to kill.” “At least he failed.” “I’ll say.” Elena walked over to the bed and sat in a chair next to Sorin. “That shot could have killed Nicolas. I don’t know what he was thinking taking a hit for you.” Kayla’s mouth opened, but she closed it quickly when Elena winked. Nicolas and Nash walked in. Both men bowed to her father and then walked over to their wives. Nic joined Elena next to Sorin while Nash joined Vicki at her side of the bed. The feeling of family and acceptance nearly overwhelmed her. “I’m proud of all of you. Without Nicolas, Nash, and Kayla, you three, Sorin, Elena, and Victoire, would not have been alive to defeat one of the greatest threats to our world. His goal had been to get you to do his dirty work, Sorin.” “Why me?” “You were a backup in case he failed to get Victoire to join him. Elena happened to be a nuisance to him so he had Lucian kidnap her. It was while you were trying to find her and save her that Ramus really became indispensable to you, isn’t that correct?” “Yes.” Sorin reached for Elena’s hand and squeezed it. Kayla’s heart went out to the poor woman.

Michelle Hasker

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“Okay, so this whole prophecy thing that Sorin saw has been fulfilled now?” Nicolas wrapped his arm around Elena and changed the subject. Kayla agreed with his move. They didn’t need to rehash what they already knew. Lucian had destroyed Elena, and Nicolas had helped her rebuild her life. Now she had a child on the way, and things looked like they would start to improve. Victoire had control of her powers thanks to Nash’s lessons. Kayla hid her smirk as she remembered accidentally walking in on them during one of the lessons. Releasing magic was always important, but Nash and Vicki seemed to enjoy it more than most. It was hard to believe Vicki was carrying twins. “It’s only beginning. You’re all going to be raising the next generation of guardians, the ones who will lead us out of this darkness and into a more peaceful world. Trust me, defeating Ramus was easier than what lies ahead for you all.” Kayla fought the bitter taste that rose in her throat. Her job forbade her to have children. In fact she couldn’t have children, not until one of the gods in charge of her and the other warriors decided to allow her to retire from active duty. She’d never heard of anyone retiring, and as far as she could tell, they were too pleased with her work to give her the chance to be with the man she knew she’d love forever. “Nicolas and Nash Dupree, I owe you two a debt of gratitude. Name your price.” “What?” Kayla couldn’t stop her eyebrows from wrinkling as she tried to remember what the men had done that would indebt her father to them. Nicolas had tried to take the brunt of the evil magic Ramus had thrown at her, but Herne had already admitted she wasn’t the one who was supposed to die in that attack. Her eyes widened as she remembered that the two had chanted some type of magic over her. Had Ramus almost killed her after all? She wanted to ask, to demand answers, but she had to respect the Dupree twins and let them name their price.


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“You don’t owe us anything.” Nic looked at Kayla and smiled. “She’s family. Family sticks together and looks out for each other.” “Are you nuts in the head?” The words slipped out before she could stop them, but it was how she really felt. “How are we family?” Nic’s smile faded. “Aren’t you Sorin’s mate?” Kayla sighed and closed her eyes. “You know what I am, Nicolas. Guardians don’t take mates.” “But we’re guardians and we have mates.” “But you aren’t a goddess!” she snapped and regretted it when Sorin pulled away from her. “I can’t help what I am, and I can’t help that I will have to leave with my father. I did my duty and now I’ll be given a new assignment.” “Is that all I was to you, then? An assignment?” Sorin’s eyes had darkened in his fury. “You’re stupid if you believe that, Sorin.” “Apparently I’m really stupid.” He turned to the others. “Out!” “They have not named their price yet.” “Price for what?” Sorin shook with his barely controlled anger. “You send me my mate and then you tell me you are sending her to someone else. She is telling me I was just an assignment. And now you disrespect me and remain in my private bed chambers after I’ve demanded you leave?” “I’m not sending Kayla anywhere, you ignorant half-blood vampire.” Sorin would have flown off the bed and attacked Herne if Kayla hadn’t grabbed on to him. As it was, it took all her strength to hold him down. “Do you love Sorin?” Her father stared at her. Kayla fidgeted under his steely gaze. “What does it matter?” “It matters a hell of a lot to him, I think.” Herne gestured to Sorin. “Answer me.”

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“Yes, I love him. Yes, I would spend eternity with him, but I know I can’t. I know you won’t let me, and I know it’s not only your decision. There would need to be a whole meeting which would probably end with a drunken brawl or else an orgy like the last one. I know my duty and I know I will never be released from it.” Kayla drew in a deep breath and fought tears. She was a goddess and a guardian. She would not cry. “You want my price?” Nicolas stepped forward at the same time as Nash. They spoke as one, “Release Kayla.” “That’s not in his power.” Kayla did cry then. Her heart swelled from all the love she could feel in the room and from the sad, understanding looks from Elena and Vicki. “It’s done. She’s no longer a guardian.” “What?” She froze, unable to believe her ears. “Well, you won’t be much use to us anyway. Not in your condition.” “What’s wrong with my condition?” Kayla snapped. “I’ll have you know I’ve never been better! I --” She broke off as she tried to rise and fell back onto the bed. She was tired and weak and had never felt as exhausted in her life. It was the arguing. “This is ridiculous!” She sounded like a broken record but didn’t care. She tossed aside the blankets. Weak or not she’d prove to her father that she could still handle her job. “You told me to back off and let them do it. I was just following your orders!” Kayla swung her legs over the side of the bed and went to stand. Nash caught her when she would have fallen on her face. Sorin was at her side before she could blink. He lifted her in his arms and sank back onto the bed, cradling her. “It’s just poison. My body will fight it.” “I don’t think so.” Herne propped his foot on the base of the bed. “If you’ve finished with your childish display of temper, Kayla, I’ll gladly explain everything.”


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“Oh.” She relaxed against Sorin, grateful for each second she was near him. It wouldn’t last. “I’m serious. You are released. Or to be more specific, it’s been decided that your job with Sorin isn’t complete.” “I don’t understand.” “Will you let me finish?” Kayla sighed but clamped her lips shut and nodded. “You are going to be assigned to Sorin permanently.” “Is this a joke?” “Kayla!” Herne reverted to his normal imposing self, antlers and all. “You’re pregnant.” She couldn’t help it, she doubled over in laughter. “I’m serious.” “Seriously hysterical.” “Show me some respect, Kayla. I’m not just your father.” She bit her lip and wiped away the tears her laughter had unleashed. She’d never cried this much in her entire life. “It’s out of my hands, Kayla. You’re pregnant. Not far enough along that you’d know, but I can tell. Nicolas and Nash can tell. I’m sure Victoire can also. Why do you think I owed them a debt, daughter? Why do you think Ramus attacked your midsection?” “I can’t be pregnant,” she whispered, confusion clouding her mind. “I can’t get pregnant. You didn’t release me until now, and I’m sure you all didn’t get together last week and decide to free me but forgot to tell me.” “It was me. I did it.” Vicki winced as if expecting Herne to attack her. “You? I don’t understand.”

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Vicki walked over and sat on the bed. She took Kayla’s hand in hers. “After you left, I had an interesting conversation with my patron goddess.” “Your patron goddess? When did you start --” “That’s another story. Right now let me explain.” Kayla nodded and grabbed onto Sorin’s hand. Whatever was going on, at least he hadn’t tossed her out of his bed…room…life. Yet. “I was upset about Nash’s request to have sex with you so that he could read your mind. I went to my patron and requested her help. When I mentioned your name she told me that she’d need to look into it further. She came back to me after you’d left to come here and told me some interesting things about your mother.” “I don’t have a mother.” Kayla winced when her voice screeched. “My mother abandoned me after I was born. Herne has raised me from infancy.” “Your mother was a goddess. She’d never thought she’d get pregnant from sleeping with the horned god. When she had you, she didn’t want you and left you for Herne to find.” “And I needed to know this why?” “You aren’t a demigoddess, Kayla. You are a full-fledged goddess. They can’t make you be a guardian and they certainly can’t continue to make your life hell.” “I’m not powerful like a full goddess.” “Did you notice your powers growing stronger after we arrived here?” After Kayla nodded, Vicki continued, “It’s because my patron goddess went to Herne and they made your mother release you. She and her friends have been keeping your full powers from surfacing. I guess it took at least three goddesses to keep the full extent of your powers hidden.” “Why?” “Because your mother’s a bitch. She resented the fact that she’d gotten pregnant and didn’t want anyone to know about you. She also didn’t want to see you as a constant


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reminder of her less than goddess-like behavior and hoped that making you a guardian would keep you out of Olympia.” Kayla turned to her father. “Did you know my mother is a goddess?” Herne shrugged. “There are some things that even I wasn’t aware of, Kayla. In my lust I must not have realized who she was. Do you think I’d have intentionally let someone do this to you? That I’d let her keep sending you out on all these dangerous missions and planning your life for you? When you were a weak-powered goddess I thought it was a good thing for you to become a guardian. I wanted you to be able to protect yourself and do something good with your life. After you had been a guardian for a few years I realized how great you were at it and pushed to keep you there. You’ve done so much good for the human race, Kayla.” “Okay, that’s all debatable. But I still can’t be pregnant.” Vicki grinned. “My patron said that when all your powers were returned to you, you’d probably glow from the excess power.” Kayla stared at her. That explained the weird glow. “I can’t believe all this.” “It’s true, I swear.” Vicki squeezed her hand. “So I’m a pregnant goddess.” “And the mate of a vampire. I’m not letting you out of my sight, sweetheart.” Sorin pulled her close and covered her mouth with his.

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Epilogue

Herne studied the scene before him. He could easily pick out Kayla’s daughter. She was the very image of Kayla as a toddler. Poor Vicki and Elena, they each had double the trouble. Nicolas and Elena’s children both had dark hair and blue eyes, while Nash and Vicki’s both had black hair, but one had green eyes and the other blue. He bit back a chuckle as Sorin teased Nash that he’d have his hands full with two boys and at least Nicolas had been smart enough to make one of his a girl. “They’re our future.” Herne smiled down at the beautiful blonde woman as she rested her head on his shoulder. “We did good, don’t you think?” “We?” “Okay, maybe you raised her, but you know things would never have worked out between us. Being friends is better than being enemies though, don’t you agree?” “Yes, even if I had to make you see things from my perspective.” He looked back at his granddaughter and her cousins. She giggled as she made her bottle float from the table to her waiting hands. Nash’s boys were engaged in a battle of wills and magic while Nic’s children laughed and encouraged them.


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“To the future.” Herne lifted a glass of wine. “To the future,” she echoed and tapped her glass against his. “May the gods and goddesses watch out for them.”

Michelle Hasker Michelle Hasker has been writing for four years. While there are ups and downs, she is much happier writing than not. On a normal day you can find her glued to the laptop in between pretending to clean and taking care of her four children and assorted pets. Michelle is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. She is also a member of The Daughters of Circe, Authors of Erotic Romance, and the Pink Chair Diaries. Michelle loves vampires and things that go bump in the night, so it's no wonder her creations are truly paranormal. While most people only dream of finding love, Michelle's characters find it, but in the most unexpected places. Visit Michelle on the Web at www.michellehasker.com.

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Sorin

Design Methodologies for Secure Embedded Systems: Festschrift in Honor of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sorin A. Huss

Oglinzi retrovizoare. Istorie, memorie si morala in Romania.Alexandru Zub in dialog cu Sorin Antohi

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