Chapter One

France, 1770

Viper pulled against the metal shackles around his wrists. The jangling echoed off the stone walls of the dungeon and rang in his ears. With his superior hearing, the noise sounded exceedingly sharp to him and he cringed.

With their limited sensory range, he doubted any of the guards heard his attempt to free himself. Not that he much cared actually. He would relish a fight, even while bound, to burn off some excess energy.

The guards were Of the Undead, easy to control and defeat, one on one. With their limited intelligence, only their physical strength and numbers gave them power. If five of them had not jumped him at once, he would not be here now. He rarely employed the Undead himself, much preferring those of his own kind.

His gaze followed the attached chains up to the high ceiling. Double bolted. He was obviously not the first Of the Blood or Of the Bane to be held prisoner here. His fingers curled around the heavy links and he yanked harder, unmindful of the noise.

The chains held. “Damn.”

A sound on the ground drew his attention. He followed something scurrying across the sparse, dirty hay strewn on the stone floor. Ugh. A rat. And another one. Fat ones. Disgusting creatures. They would be uninterested in him up on the nearly meter-high platform where he stood. Probably. Not that he feared rats. Much.

A thin ray of light shone in from one high, barred window and streaked across the dungeon. The light, out of reach even at midday, was not a threat. He was safe from a fiery death. Well, maybe not quite death. Not like some torch set aflame. But very severe burns which could lead to infection and eventual death. An unpleasant way to go. He had seen those Of the Blood who had suffered such a fate.

This dungeon might even have been constructed on higher ground instead of in the bowels of the earth on purpose. If positioned correctly during the day, one Of the Blood could suffer agonizing torture here. And at night, one Of the Bane would be taunted by the light of the moon filtering into the cell.

With a sigh of frustration, he relaxed his arm muscles as much as possible. He should try to sleep to keep his strength from waning too much but the uncomfortable position, plus the surplus of energy and expectation running through his system, made it fairly impossible.

They had stripped him of his long black coat and his hand blade before shackling him, leaving his back bare. He wore no shirt, having had it ripped to shreds earlier from one last encounter with an enthusiastic paramour before infiltrating the territory where he now found himself prisoner.

So he stood bare from the waist up, perfectly prepared for the whip. A common punishment. One he had endured before, with the marks to prove it. Their kind healed quickly but not without scars, much to his chagrin.

Oddly, his coat hung inside the dungeon on a peg beside the heavy door and seemed neatly out of place for a cell covered in dirty hay and what smelled like dung. He doubted his weapon remained anywhere nearby. If he escaped, he would be unarmed. If he could not escape—

The sound of boots on stone reached his ears. Normal movement or something more? He waited anxiously.

A key grated in the door lock, drawing his undivided attention. The thick slab eased open with an eerie creak.

And then…she stepped inside.

Unexpected in the light of day. And certainly an honor for her to have made the effort. Every nerve ending in his body stood at alert. He had hoped she would be the one to come but considered the odds slim.

Sturdy, yet seductive, black boots graced her feet and covered her legs to the knees. Black, skintight breeches, tucked into the boots, hugged her hips and thighs. A small blade hung from a belt around her waist. A black sleeveless vest, snug over ample breasts, caught and held his attention before his gaze met her almost black stare. A daring outfit, for sure. Decadent and enticing. Completely inappropriate for polite society. And so perfect for the woman he knew her to be.

Her straight black hair hung down to her elbows and reflected the torchlight magnificently, causing the long strands to shine. Silky was the first thought that came to mind. He had touched that hair before. He wondered if the hair protecting her luscious cunt felt just as silky. He had once almost gotten close enough to find out. But that was long ago.

As she approached him, her hips swayed seductively. In one hand she held a small whip and she lightly tapped the end against her opposite palm. A slight smile lingered on her blood-red lips, very pronounced against her pale complexion, but he doubted she meant the look kindly.

“Lord Viper de L’Night,” she greeted in a husky voice.

“Lady Dominique,” he returned, with a slight nod of his head.

“I did not believe it true when my sentry told me you had been captured on Toussaint land. Are our territories not well enough delineated?”

“I seek my sister only.”

“Ah.” The smile on Dominique’s face widened. “The most beautiful Lady Starr. What trouble has befallen her now?”

Viper cocked an eyebrow. Certainly, she already knew and had prepared for his arrival. Her soldiers had located his presence swiftly and jumped him before he had been prepared. He found it difficult to believe those Of the Undead would be so well trained. Dominique must have specifically instructed them to watch for him within Toussaint’s territory. So what game was she playing?

“Well?” she prompted.

“Need I say it?” When she simply stared at him, he added, “Your cousin has stolen her away.”

Her brow arched. “Aleron?”

Dominique’s genuine laugh filled the dungeon with a cheer unfamiliar to Viper and he found himself longing to hear the sound once more. “Yes.”

“Aleron is in the mountains brooding, as is his way. Tucked inside his personal château until the loneliness drives him out and back home.”

“He now has company and no need to feel lonely.”

“Indeed? Hmm…” Dominique cocked her head and slowly circled behind him, still tapping that black whip against her palm. “I had not heard of Starr’s disappearance or a supposed capture. I think you lie, Lord de L’Night. I think, with the widespread hunger and poverty plaguing France, that you seek to expand your territory to better feed your own bloodlust and that of your nest.”

She rounded back in front of him. “I think you seek to bring Toussaint under your control and single-handed command. You have come to spy on me. To learn the design, routine and strength of Castle Toussaint.”

He studied her closely. Her words contained the ring of truth. She believed what she said. Still… “I would not take your territory as my own. Though I have the resources to do so should it become my wish.”

After a pause, she cocked her head. “You think so, do you?”

The pout that had momentarily crossed her face before she finally responded, almost made him laugh. “We both know it to be true, my lady.”

Now she eyed him closely. Struck silent, because she actually feared his words might be correct? He wondered. When her focus switched to his rippled abdomen, he smiled inwardly at her obvious interest.

She reached out and one long, blood-red, painted nail traced the black viper tattoo on his skin. His muscles contracted as her finger started at the fanged head, pointing upward, then scraped along the body of the snake curled around his navel and descended along the tail, which disappeared beneath his low-slung trousers.

“This is new. Inked by a talented artisan, no?” she asked in obvious interest.

“The work of a cousin.”

“How far down does the tantalizing tail descend?”

A grin tugged at his lips. “Why tell you, when you can find out for yourself? As you have long desired.”

Her gaze snapped up to his. “You think too much of yourself, lord. But then you always have.”

Viper chuckled. “As good an excuse as any, my lady.”

“An excuse?” After a moment, her eyes narrowed. “You think I would not dare?”

He left the question unanswered but continued to grin at her. She was not here to hurt him, he would bet, even though he had invaded her territory and was now her prisoner. Dominique was a cunning leader, not prone to rash acts without good cause. And seductive as hell. He enjoyed teasing her. Always had, even long before either of them had ruled a Blood Territory.

He would more than enjoy sinking his fangs into her breast and feeding on her body. For years, he had craved a taste of her. But she had always eluded his desires. Or rather, he had allowed her to elude him.

She slipped the loop at the end of the whip around her wrist and tugged at the fastenings of his trousers.

Ah yes, my lady.

Viper’s low, deep chuckle echoed off the stone walls and vibrated down her spine. Dominique trembled, not from fear but from a long pent-up desire for this unique man.

Lord Viper de L’Night was a fine specimen of Blood Vampire, part of the nobility, as was she. But of a different faction. Semi-friendly enemies at best. Loyal to their own Blood Territory, first and foremost. But not necessarily opposed to tasting the assets of a worthy opponent.

His intense green eyes and long black hair proved hard to resist. Stripped bare on top, his firm muscles, plus the strength and power he naturally emanated, added to his eroticism. The evil-looking tattoo that decorated his sculpted torso completed the package and perfectly represented the man. She pulled open his black, thigh-hugging trousers.

After so many years, his semihard cock filled her hands. Spectacular—just as rumored. But then, many stories whispered in taverns and lodges were based in fact, if one dug deep enough.

In her hands, his cock grew fully hard. So long, deliciously veined and incredibly thick. Her cunt throbbed in need. The tail of the viper tattoo stopped right at the base of his shaft, making his cock look like a deep red extension of the tail itself, rising toward its prey. Her.

Aching for a taste of his magnificent body, she licked her suddenly dry lips.

Viper’s throaty growl, at her movement, or so she assumed, surrounded her and penetrated her every pore. She dared not look up at him. Not yet, while unable to trust herself with the need she knew must be visible on her face.

Knowing the danger—the danger not only to her life but to her everlasting soul—she released him and stepped back, needing the space. She could not allow herself to be affected by her own personal desires. She had to think of her nest first. His grunt of disappointment, or perhaps the sound came from derision, made her wonder at his thoughts.

He had invaded her territory, using his sister as an excuse. If he truly sought Lady Starr, he could just as easily have sent an emissary instead of putting himself at risk for capture. Something more was going on inside his head.

Not yet daring to meet his gaze, she circled behind him again, getting her thoughts straight in her own head. His trousers had fallen to his knees. Such a smooth, tight ass. Now exposed to her view, she could not resist stroking it with her fingertips, especially while he stood at her mercy. She marveled at his firm cheeks and thighs.

In response to her touch, he moved almost imperceptibly but she felt it. Yes. Such a proud man. So magnificent.

“Do you like what you see…and feel, lady?” he asked, his voice husky.

She jerked her hand back then silently berated herself for the action.

“You take many liberties.”

“Quiet!” She lashed the whip across his backside, not enough to harm or leave a lasting mark but enough to tantalize and gauge his reaction to the act.

Viper grunted and the muscle in the lashed butt cheek jerked but other than that he remained still. She could not help but be impressed by his control, especially given his history with such treatment.

The marks on his back caught her eye and unexpected guilt washed over her. No. She shook her head, dismissing the feeling. The scars represented his failure. She would take no blame for his past weakness, regardless of the cause.

Still, he distinguished the difference between torture and titillation better than she had anticipated he would.

“What do you plan to do with me, Dominique?” he grumbled.

She circled back around in front of him and her gaze finally met his. “It is Lady Dominique to you. Do not assume familiarity because we were war trained by the same Blood Master.”

His eyes glowed in the dimness of the torchlight, as if holding some eternal secret. “My assumption comes not from that but from the night by the river when you tempted me by baring your body. And then you refused me when I tried to take what you offered. I feel I earned the right to call you many things that night.”

She arched an eyebrow.

“I hope the blood reward you earned in return was worth it.”

Her heart slammed against her ribs. The night he had received the scars on his back…he had known?

She hesitated a long, tense moment before voicing the question. “You knew about the test?” Ordered by the Blood Master, with severe consequences for failure. She had not failed. Or so she had always believed.

Viper had taken the punishment that night for being weak, for falling for her sexual charms. Had he known all along that her attempt at seduction had not been real? And still, he had taken the punishment—the whip—without a single protest or sound.

If she had failed, she would have been the one punished. “If you knew, why did you allow it? Why did you never retaliate? Seek some sort of vengeance or prize from me later for your sacrifice?” Failure or not on his part, Viper was not known for his subservience.

“I did not suffer the Blood Master’s whip for any prize.”

His motivation, then and now, puzzled her. “What about vengeance over what happened to you?”

“That remains to be seen.”

His quick response—one he did not even think on for a blink of an eye—surprised and worried her. “Even after so many years?” she asked warily.

“Even so.” He lowered his voice. “However, to assuage your curiosity… I suffered that night for you, Dominique. So you would not have to endure a training failure. The Blood Master would not have whipped you and taken the chance of marring your beautiful flesh. Your punishment would have remained hidden from the eyes of others but would have been far crueler.”

The soft sound that almost escaped her lips surprised her. Normally, she maintained better control. But she had not expected to hear such a confession from him. One part of her melted at his protective words, the other raged at his apparent belief that she could not have possibly defeated him unless he allowed it. Still, his tenderly spoken words had thrown her off balance and she did not know how to respond.

His cock, hard and enticing, with clear drops leaking from the tip, did not make things easier. She found it difficult to concentrate while he stood on the platform, his tempting shaft jutting toward her.

“What did you think those many years ago, my lady?”

Because of her actions, he now bore the scars of failure instead of her. “I thought you weak or even broken at the time, Viper.”

“Never.” He waited a moment then added in a low rumble, “Except maybe when it comes to you.”

She froze. But then she shook her head, not wanting to hear any more of his odd words. His lies. They had to be lies. A way to distract her. Find her weakness. She would not allow him to attain that kind of power over her.

Needing to regain control over the situation, she concentrated her attention on his body and reached out to stroke the underside of his cock, watching him carefully. It pleased her when she saw his pupils dilate. “Perhaps I will bind you here in Castle Toussaint as my resident sex slave. Indulge in what I denied myself all those years ago.”

“An interesting proposal.” As her finger spread his pre-come around the tip of his cock, he sucked in a breath. With a tight voice, he added, “Be careful of your choices though, my lady, for our roles are easily reversed.”

She lifted one eyebrow. “Are they?” She moved closer and then closer still. Slowly, she sucked the tip of his cock into her mouth—something she had yearned to do for years. “Mmm.” So smooth. Musky. Deliciously wicked tasting. As she sucked, the viper tattoo moved with his muscle contractions, like the serpent was alive. Fascinating. Her tongue brushed against the warm underside of his flesh and her nostrils drew in his unique sexual scent.

“Ahh…yes,” he groaned.

Dominique glanced up at him. Viper’s jaw looked clenched, his green eyes hypnotic, while his entire face displayed the pain of intense pleasure.

“Suck harder, my lady,” he ground out. “Milk me with those luscious lips. I shall allow you to taste my essence and feed on my cock until I have nothing left to give you.”

Allow? She almost laughed. The man was too arrogant and self-assured for his own good. She slid her lips off his cock and smiled when he groaned in disappointment. “Not this day, lord. I think a little sexual frustration will do you good.”

Feeling less confident than the strength of her voice indicated, she whipped around. With the taste of him still on her tongue and her cunt throbbing in need, she strode from the dungeon, doing her best to control her shaky legs.

Dominique knew she had won this particular battle. But she also knew the war with Lord Viper de L’Night was far from over.

The stone door closed with a thud.

“Vicious bitch,” Viper whispered, his cock still hard and aching. He would make certain the irresistible Lady Dominique paid for her actions.

Thinking over his intentions brought a smile to his face. He had waited for too many years. Held back. She would pay dearly. With her delectably seductive body. As soon as he got out of here.

A low, squeaky chattering caught his attention. The rats, still in the hay around him, even there with the presence of Dominique, now scattered. One scurried under the stone door, while the others disappeared through crevices in the walls. He glanced toward the barred window.

Finally.

“Come. I am alone.”

Through the bars, two brown and black furry creatures scampered. His beloved ferrets. The two made their way over to him and climbed up his legs. “Ouch. Easy,” he uttered as their claws scraped his bare thighs. One sat on each shoulder. They glanced down at his exposed cock and chattered to him.

“Ignore that. It is nothing but an unfortunate inconvenience. Now, release me from these chains.”

One of the ferrets ran up his arm toward the cuff around his wrist. Its squeaks filled Viper’s ears. He had become attuned to their voices. And he understood their language…with good but unfortunate cause.

A sudden sadness passed over him. He quickly dismissed the feeling. No time for such nonsense.

“The key is probably outside the door with the guard. He is Of the Undead but you still must be cautious. And take care to obtain the correct key. You might only get one chance.”

Without hesitation, the other ferret ran down his body, jumped to the hay and rushed under the stone door, sliding through on its belly. When he did not hear a scuffle from the other side, Viper relaxed. After a long silence and what seemed like forever, the ferret returned with a key ring around its neck.

“Ah, you are so clever,” he praised as the ferret raced up his body. “As always.”

Some fancy maneuvering by the two creatures finally forced the metal key into the lock on the cuff. Yes. Viper smiled. The right key. But the ferrets could not turn it. At their failure, they chattered angrily and lunged at each other.

He growled in frustration. “Stop arguing.”

One of the ferrets turned and bared its teeth at him. He returned the gesture, baring his own fangs. His were more intimidating. He knew how to get those two back in line.

The eyes of both ferrets widened and they swiftly returned to their work. The second ferret flipped its body in a circle and managed to turn the key ring just enough for the cuff to pop open, but fell to the floor after the acrobatic move.

The fallen ferret shook its body and began complaining in a squeaky voice. Hay stuck to the tuft of white fur on its head and refused to dislodge.

Viper’s wrist slid free of the cuff. “Ah, perfect. I will reward you later. You are unhurt?” After more chatter and another ferret body shake assured him all was well, he nodded in relief. “Good.” He reached for the key and unlocked the second cuff. “Come.”

He tugged up and fastened his trousers then jumped from the wooden platform and grabbed his coat off the peg, careful to avoid the ray of light coming in through the window. He slipped into the garment. The ferrets ran up his body and disappeared into special pockets within the coat’s lining.

Viper reached for the handle on the door but the stone slab stood firmly locked. He tried the key. No luck. “Hell,” he whispered.

Through a small, barred window in the door, he saw the guard sitting in a chair, snoring. Ah, so the cuff key had not been so difficult to steal. Lady Dominique would not be pleased should she happen upon the man. Even those Of the Undead required sleep to rejuvenate but now was not smart timing on the guard’s part.

He could send one of the ferrets out again to find the door key but he did not want to endanger them any more than necessary.

Deciding to take the guard by surprise instead, Viper pounded on the door then stepped to the side, out of view. From his angle, he could still partially see the man. He required that guard, for more than one reason. Enticing him inside would prove the perfect ploy for his needs.

The man awoke and looked abruptly toward the door.

Viper saw the confusion on his face. The narrowing of his eyes. The tightness of his jaw. Their captive should not be able to knock on the door while cuffed.

The guard pushed to his feet and looked into the dungeon. When the man spotted the empty cuffs, he immediately unlocked and opened the heavy stone slab.

As soon as he stepped inside, Viper attacked, holding him in his grip.

The guard froze, no doubt realizing one Of the Blood had him in his clutches and it was futile to resist without help from others of his kind. From behind, Viper sank his teeth into the man’s neck and took his fill, replenishing his strength. Then he let the man drop to the floor. He had not killed him, though the thought had briefly crossed his mind.

With the back of his hand, Viper wiped his mouth. Not the best meal he had ever indulged in. Blood taken from those Of the Undead was excessively thin and bitter. But it would do. For now.

Quickly, he hurried out of the dungeon, relieved to be exactly where he had originally planned. Free, behind the walls of Castle Toussaint. His search for Starr could continue.

His own people should be in place by now. Hopefully, they could take the castle quietly and without losing any of their force. Additional soldiers planned to arrive after sunset to strengthen their hold, with orders not to kill any of Dominique’s followers unless absolutely necessary.

He was not interested in a war with Toussaint. All he wanted was Starr. Well, maybe not all. He chuckled.

Whether he found his sister here or not, before he left, he did intend to give Lady Dominique a taste of his true nature, for all she had put him through over their years of training and territorial battles. Perhaps even more than just a taste.

Yes…the plan fully formed in his head. That incredible fem-vamp would become his sex slave and satisfy his every carnal desire for as long as he decided to keep her. Which he was beginning to believe would be a very long time, if fucking her turned out to be as explosive as he imagined.

Chapter Two

Dominique paced her private chamber. “What have you done now, Aleron?” she whispered. She needed to find out the truth. She picked up a sturdy brass bell and issued one small ring. Her guards Of the Blood, with their superior hearing, would pick up her summons.

Momentarily, a guard poked his head into the chamber from the other side of the open door. She noted that he remained careful not to step inside without a specific invite.

Severe punishment resulted for any male who invaded her bedchamber without permission. Over the years, her followers had learned her rules well. She prided herself on being a strong, oftentimes tough leader. In return, she rewarded those loyal to her quite well.

“My lady?”

“Has Aleron returned from the mountains?” If the mountains were even where he had truly gone. She was beginning to wonder.

“No, my lady.”

“Send a missive to Château de la Lune and instruct Aleron to return immediately. Inform him it is of the utmost importance.” She would find out for sure, one way or the other, the truth of this matter.

“Yes, my lady.” The guard disappeared.

Dominique stepped forward and closed the door, giving herself the privacy she craved. To think. And to relax as best she could before fighting the battle she knew would come.

If Aleron had taken Lady Starr against her will, as Viper implied, Toussaint’s people would be in grave danger. The L’Night nest would never allow the taking of their top fem-vamp without retaliation.

Her own forces were depleted at the moment and not up for a territorial battle or a battle of revenge. Not with L’Night. He was too strong and had too many followers.

She had replenished many of her recently lost soldiers with those Of the Undead, until she could finish training her current Blood Neophytes. So, for this battle, she would have to win by cunning alone to survive the infiltration by Viper’s followers that was certainly soon to come.

If Viper had made up the story as a way to slip into the castle for some other reason than Starr, then she needed to find out his plans. She laid out a cover to don after her bath, admiring the new, partially sheer white material.

Once Viper’s absence was noticed by his nest, his second would bring a force to find and retrieve their lord. Who was Viper’s second nowadays? She fought to remember but came up empty. Aleron was Toussaint’s second. Starr was only informally trained and not as high ranking as far as she knew. She berated herself for not knowing more about the L’Night faction.

An uncomfortable feeling washed over her. What if all this, including Viper’s capture, had been pre-planned?

He had said he was not after her territory. But saying it did not make it true. Whatever she decided to do, she needed to put the plan into motion quickly to protect her castle and her people.

The sound of the door opening drew her attention, though she did not turn around. Her ladies had been instructed earlier to attend her. No one else would dare enter so boldly. “After tonight’s meal, I will be holding a strategy meeting, so instead of the gown I decided on earlier, I will be wearing one of my hunting outfits. See to it.”

“You would look more sensual in the gown, Lady Dominique.”

The hair on the back of her neck bristled and her spine stiffened. Viper! How had he freed himself? She had barely left him. Or so it seemed. He had been chained tightly. The cuffs were strong. No one Of the Blood or Of the Bane had ever escaped her dungeon.

Her heart beat rapidly in her chest but she fought against visibly reacting. How dare he invade her bedchamber—her private sanctuary! And why would he, instead of fleeing the castle?

Not turning to face him, she inched toward the brass bell. For him to get free and past her guards had been a huge feat. Especially since the guards nearest her chamber were well trained and Of the Blood, not Of the Undead. Still, an alarm ring would bring everyone within earshot running to her aid.

As she reached for the bell, one of his hands snatched it away. He muffled any sound with his other hand, before it chimed. Damn you, Viper. She had not even sensed his approach behind her. Was he that skilled? Were her own skills so lacking?

His warm breath on her neck made her shiver.

“You have no words for me?” he whispered.

Gathering her courage, she took a moment before responding. “What would you have me say?” She slowly turned toward him. His brilliant green gaze burned into hers. Hypnotic, as it had been when her lips were wrapped around his cock, but she would not fall under his spell as so many others had. Especially women. He had always possessed an unusually strong, seductive gift.

She placed her palm on his chest, keeping a certain distance between them. Thankfully, he had donned his coat, so she was not touching bare skin. She still remembered the taste of his cock. Under different circumstances…

Something in his coat moved and she jumped back. Two long, furry creatures crawled out and up to his shoulders. Her pulse leapt. “What are those?” She stepped back another pace.

“My ferrets.”

“Ferrets?” Oh yes. She recognized the creatures now. “In France?” She studied the two, who seemed to be studying her in return. An unsettling realization. “Odd, is it not?”

“Actually, they are my cousins—Belda and Caresse.”

The ferrets nuzzled his neck.

Cousins? Obviously there was more to this story, if the two females now walked as ferrets. “Of the Blood?”

“No. It would have been a fairer fight if they had been. They angered a sorceress and she turned them into ferrets in retaliation for luring her intended into their bed,” he offered without further prompting. “I have vowed to protect them until the spell is reversed.”

“I see.” Dominique nodded. “And how long will that be?” If she could stall Viper long enough, keep him talking, her ladies would arrive and run for the guards. She found it strange that he seemed in no hurry to escape her bedchamber and the castle. But she intended to use the mistake to her advantage.

He shrugged. “It is of the sorceress’s whim.” He reached up and grabbed the ferrets then set them on the ground. “Leave us. I do not want an audience.”

Dominique cocked an eyebrow and her heart rate sped up even more. At times like this she wished the old legends of their kind were accurate about not having a soul or anything that made them honestly alive.

They had not been turned into one Of the Undead as many believed but born Of the Blood. If she were Of the Undead, such things as fear and desire would not exist inside her. And right now too many emotions existed inside her when it came to Viper.

The two creatures scurried across the floor and up the wall. They disappeared through the heavily draped, barred window.

Her gaze darted toward the chamber door. Where were her ladies?

“If you are awaiting rescue, Dominique, do not. My people have taken the castle.”

Her eyes snapped back to his. “What? Impossible!” Not so quickly. Not so quietly. And not in the light of day. Viper had been captured last eve. Alone. She had counted on the time remaining before the next sunset, at least, to plan a castle defense.

Viper rang the brass bell still in his hand before setting it back down, well within her reach. A blatant display of power that showed he did not fear retaliation from her people.

Someone she did not recognize swung open the door. When the soldier stepped one booted foot inside, she cringed. Her bedchamber had been violated by too many this day. Once she regained the upper hand, more than one male would feel her lash.

“Yes, Lord Viper?”

“Is the castle secure?”

Dominique held her breath, awaiting the man’s response.

“Yes, Lord Viper. All but a few areas.”

The air whooshed from her lungs. True, then, as he had said. Her previous suspicion had been correct. This invasion must have been prearranged for his soldiers to be here and in control already.

“Casualties?”

“Minimal. I will prepare a full report and tally.”

“Very well. Carry on.”

The man nodded and disappeared, closing the door behind him.

Dominique’s frustration grew. Her castle under another’s command? She never would have believed it. “You will inform me of any losses,” she demanded.

“Of course, my lady.”

She grunted at his tone, as if he simply placated her. The one who had reported the news could not have been Of the Blood. Not with the tan of his skin. Viper must have Sun-Lifers under his command. Though discouraged by the current turn of events, she was impressed by his obvious power and control over others.

Their kind could survive, properly covered, in the sun when necessary but it took its toll. Sun-Lifers were a great help, if one could enslave their minds. Power over them was not as easy as rumored. She had yet to perfect the ability. Her people were Of the Blood or Of the Undead only. Any cousins or distant relations not turned or bred into the life had rejected her long ago. And if any Toussaint relations were Of the Bane, she knew not of them. Which was just as well. She harbored a particular dislike to those Of the Bane. The males anyhow.

“What now?”

“Until Aleron returns Lady Starr, I will remain here and enjoy my fill of you.”

Her brain protested. Her body responded to his words and her cunt grew moist. Still, she raised her chin in defiance, even knowing that, if he were determined to fuck her, there might not be anything she could do to stop him. “You think it so easy to have me? My body? My spirit?”

“Your body? Yes. Your spirit? Not at all, my lady. However, Aleron has taken Starr, so I shall take you in exchange. And if he should harm her, you and he both will serve eternity in a hell of my own design.”

His eyes held hers and she could not look away. He spoke the truth. His loyalty and caring for his sister touched something soft inside her. Something she did not even know still existed within her body.

She cared for her own, for Aleron most of all. But not to the depth of this man’s feelings. The love she saw in his eyes when he mentioned his sister’s name actually caused a stab of jealousy to pierce her. She did not want to think too much about why.

“I have sent a missive for Aleron to return.”

“Yes, I know. Your soldier was stopped outside your chamber. I ordered the message changed and placed under my seal. Aleron will be told exactly what he needs to do. If he brings Starr back safely, we will leave here in peace.”

“As easily as that?” He held her castle. He controlled her territory now. To simply return all would not be commonplace. But then, Lord Viper de L’Night was not known to be a common man. “You want nothing else?”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I did not say that.”

Of course. She had known there must be more to it. “So, what is it that you will take in addition to your sister’s safe return, providing Aleron even has Lady Starr?”

“I have already stated what I want. What I intend to take.” The smile on his face faded and his expression turned serious. He stepped forward and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

Though her heart beat a staccato rhythm, Dominique held her ground and tried to appear indifferent. “Me?” He had told her so already but she had not believed that to be his true and sole intention. “Am I such a prize that one fuck is more desirable than anything I control within my territory?”

“No.”

She blanched at his quick response, not certain if she should feel insulted or vindicated in her thinking that this man wanted something more than he was saying.

“You will give me much more than one fuck.”

Her stomach lurched. But at the same time, her body trembled from the erotic visions in her head—the possibility of more pleasure than she had ever known, from what she had heard of his sexual skills. “If I refuse?”

He shrugged. “It is of no matter to me. You are my prisoner. You have no say.”

“So, you would take me by force?”

That same seductive smile graced his face. “I do not think that will be necessary.”

She stepped away from him. “You feel you are so irresistible that I shall just fall at your feet, L’Night?”

“Yes.”

She laughed, only a slight sound, for she feared his words might not be that outrageous. They had always felt drawn to one another. Still, she would not give in lightly. “You flatter yourself overly much.” She strolled around the bedchamber, casually looking for something to use as a weapon against him. Not to kill him. She would not go that far. But to get to safety. Her weapons trunk at the end of the bed would be ideal, though too obvious, and she would not be able to get into it quickly enough. But…

He trapped her from behind, against one of the tall foot posts of the bed. As his warm breath wafted along her cheek, she curled her fingers around the wooden post, steadying her nerves and trembling limbs.

“I think we should like fucking each other,” he whispered. “We are both of a breed. Untamed and insatiable.” His lips grazed her neck.

She sucked in a sharp breath, unable to fully hide her deeply sexual reaction to him. She was definitely in trouble here.

Viper smelled her desire, saw the pulse beating in her neck. Oh how he hungered for her. To taste her lips, her cunt…her rich, sweet blood.

His tongue eased out to sample the pale skin of her tender throat. Oh yes. Wondrous.

She sighed and leaned back against him.

Compliance. Perfect. He had heard the tales of her unquenchable sexual appetite and had longed to savor the experience for himself.

He too never seemed able to get enough of a lover’s body, always searching for something or someone who could fulfill him. Maybe Lady Dominique was the woman to do so for him. He had spent long enough wondering.

His arms circled her waist. He would not force her. And from her responses to him, he knew he had no cause to.

She would fight him not, which pleased him greatly, for he needed her to want him as much as he wanted her. Otherwise, the conquest would be hollow.

He had long desired not only her body but had yearned for her mind as well—since the first day of training with the Blood Master. She had proven herself knowledgeable, cunning, a challenging opponent.

After their war training they had gone their separate ways other than a few territorial skirmishes. Too busy fighting for control over their own Blood Territories to pursue more personal avenues.

She had been so young then but still a woman, more desirable and intelligent than any he had ever known. A true match for his special sexual and intellectual tastes. He had given up on making her his for a time but no longer.

Something about her brought out his dominant nature and the craving to make her submit to him. Sexually. Emotionally. Every way possible between a man and a woman.

As he nuzzled her neck, he slowly unfastened her vest. She jerked forward. He immediately grabbed her arms, keeping her in place. “Easy.”

As he tamed the fillies in his stables, he would tame her. Though he intended to leave her just a little bit wild for a more exciting ride.

He could hardly wait to hear her beg for what he was determined only he could give her and hoped she could give him in return. Complete and total satisfaction.

Dominique needed to stall him until she could maneuver herself into position. She was not such an easy conquest. Viper’s arrogance would be his downfall. At her hand. “Would it not be better to wait for word from Aleron? If he does not truly have Lady Starr—”

“He has her. He stole into Haut Manor during a private blood party and lured her away.”

“How can you be so certain?” He always seemed so certain about everything, about every move and every statement. But then, his attitude and aggressiveness made him who he was.

“Witnesses. Your Lord Aleron is not a man one forgets or confuses with another.”

True. Her cousin was almost as formidable as Viper himself. The only reason he did not rule Castle Toussaint and the surrounding territory was because he preferred a solitary life to that of taking care of a nest.

So the responsibility had fallen to her.

Not that she minded. The ruling power gave her a rush and an excitement she had been unable to find elsewhere. “Why would he take her? He has never spoken of her to me.”

“Has he not?”

“No.” Which was the truth. But then Aleron did not speak of his thoughts or feelings to anyone, as far as she knew.

“Perhaps he wishes to sexually enslave her, as so many of our kind do to one another.”

Not a general statement and Dominique bristled. She saw the insinuation in his eyes. Though she was not certain if the reference pertained to his own actions or to her words earlier in the dungeon.

“Starr has quite a line of suitors and a reputation of knowing how to make a man feel complete.”

“Indeed?” She paid no attention to such talk. Ramblings among men interested her not for the most part.

“Regardless, your cousin must have known the consequences of his actions. He is not unintelligent. He has betrayed your trust and loyalty, Dominique, and placed the entire Toussaint nest in jeopardy. A shame. He will suffer for his daring deed.” He tugged on her arms. “Come. We shall occupy ourselves until his return.”

“Wait. Aleron would never betray me or purposely put Toussaint in danger.” Her words came out in a rush. “I know that well. Something is amiss here.” And that was the truth, not just an attempt to stall.

“His actions say differently.” Viper nuzzled her neck. “If he does not respond to the missive, we will invade his mountain château. He will know my wrath over what he has done.”

Viper was not listening to her words. Or did not care to listen. Frustrating man! She pulled against his hold, trying to gain release or at least to distract him from his sexual intent. Given her freedom, she might be able to settle this matter with Aleron. Find out the truth.

Certainly that was most important.

But Viper seemed determined in his single-mindedness. She could actually smell his desire. Hot and spicy and so tempting.

“Do you not need to see to your soldiers’ comfort?” His absence would give her time to think…and escape to Château de la Lune.

“No. I need to see to my own comfort and pleasure. And yours.” His voice lowered. “What are your desires, Dominique?”

The tip of his tongue touched her ear, making her squirm. A gush of moisture filled her cunt. She certainly did not intend to answer his question, for her voice would never remain steady. Nor did she trust what her answer might be.

“I shall fulfill all your needs, my lady. And in turn, you shall fulfill mine, which are most decadent, I give you fair warning.”

Chapter Three

Viper caressed Dominique’s arms, marveling at the softness of her ivory skin, as he waited for her reply to his sexually charged words. He suspected she was more than a little enticed by what he had said. The attraction between them had not waned over the years.

When she remained silent, he asked, “Have you fed?” He whispered the question against her ear and felt her shiver in response.

Good. He had read her correctly. She was not indifferent to him, though she fought her responses hard. Her shiver was definitely not from fear. His senses told him that, along with everything else he needed to know. Yes, they would be explosive together, sexually and in all other ways.

“I have not a hunger.”

Liar. Her denial amused him. She sounded so petulant. Well, he was patient. He would wait. “When the time comes, you will feed from me. And I from you.” The heady thought made his mouth water and his balls ache.

Immediately, her spine stiffened. “That is not necessary. Nor advisable, I should think. Given the circumstances. We are not allies.”

“Yes, my lady. It is necessary. It is time our relationship changed. We shall be bound in more ways than one this night.” Forever, they would be a part of each other. Connected. Soon after, if he desired, he could do as he wished with her and with Toussaint.

The thought sounded cold in his head, though he did not mean it as such. This had been too long coming. Even Dominique knew the truth. She would not fight his control. And if she did…

He released her arms but stood ready to restrain her again, if needed.

“Why?” Now freed, she turned with a snap toward him. “Why do you do this? You can have any woman. Choose some adoring little follower who will hang on your every word and action.”

“You are the woman I want, Dominique. A woman of strength. A woman with a sexual hunger to match my own. A woman whom I respect.”

Her eyes widened slightly then she averted her gaze. “Maybe you should have been taught that everything is not for the taking simply because you desire it.”

“Perhaps. But I will have you, my lady. Your words of protest mean nothing. You waste your breath and energy.” He plucked open the front of her vest.

Her eyes snapped back to his.

“Say nothing and do not resist what I know you feel.” If she truly did not desire his touch, she would have already been fighting him like the blood soldier he knew her to be. “You will not deny me.”

“You assume too much! I will do as I please!” She raised her hand and slapped him hard across the cheek.

He froze. In an instant, he forcefully grabbed her wrist and yanked her against his body. “You push me overly much. And I think you do so on purpose. To test me. Fine. I will give you what you want. I will teach you submission.”

“What I want?” she practically screeched. “I do not submit. To anyone. I rule!”

“We shall see.” His other hand burrowed inside her vest and he squeezed one full breast. Ah… So soft and plump. And soon to be his.

“Release me! Now!”

His thumb grazed her nipple and she gasped. “You will serve me, Dominique.” He twisted the nipple between his fingers.

Her knees buckled. “Ah!”

He released her breast, keeping her on her feet simply by his clamp on her wrist. He had not released her because of her order and her weakening limbs. Sexually, he would give the orders. She would learn that. Physically, he wanted her weak and at his mercy whenever he touched her. Emotionally, he needed her desire and loyalty, no matter the cost.

He twisted her arm behind her back, ignoring her grunts and struggles and tugged her vest down the opposite shoulder with his other hand, trapping both arms from coming up and also exposing the succulent-feeling breast he had just fingered. Looking at that luscious offering, his mouth watered.

“I do not appreciate being manhandled,” she practically spat.

“Your beauty is as I remember.” But he wanted to see more. To see all of her.

“If you defile me, my soldiers will kill you.”

“Defile?” He laughed. “What could I possibly do to you that you have not already experienced, my lady? Your own soldiers speak of your sexual lusts.”

“Then they speak out of turn.”

Something changed in her eyes that bothered him—a vulnerability he had not seen in her before. He released her and shoved her backward.

She fell on the bed.

He turned to pace away, needing a moment. Emotions he had not expected to feel rolled through him. He turned back in time to see her regain her footing and begin to refasten her vest. “Do not. Let it hang open or I will rip it off completely. I want to see your breasts. Feed on them with my eyes while I fantasize about feeding on them with my mouth, which I intend to do. Often.”

Dominique stopped and glared at him but complied without further protest.

Good. She did appear trainable at least, if not tamable. He was not sure what to think about this woman anymore. He respected her strength, yet craved her submission. He hungered to feed on her luscious breasts, on the sexual juices of her cunt, on her blood. And on her mind and soul. He wanted every part of her.

Why his need was so great, he did not fully understand. He only knew what he felt. And he had thought that he knew her true desires as well. But now… “You have blood wine, my lady? I am of a thirst suddenly.”

“On the table behind you. It is strong.”

“A goblet for yourself?” He did not wait for her answer but turned and poured them both a healthy serving.

When he approached her with the drink, she hesitantly reached out for the offering, taking care not to brush his fingers with hers. Interesting. She took a large gulp, as did he. He never took his eyes off her even as they drank.

The liquid burned a path down his throat and weariness settled upon him. The time since last eve had been long and stressful. “I do not understand you, Dominique,” he finally whispered, staring deeply into her dark eyes, wondering at her true thoughts.

“You are not meant to,” she countered in a strong voice.

Most likely setting plans in her head, he surmised, though her gaze looked deceptively innocent. “So it seems. So it seems.” Perhaps a gentler approach.

He dipped his finger in the goblet then traced a bit of the red wine around one of her exposed rosy nipples. When she remained motionless, only tipping her head slightly in a small show of defiance, he slowly leaned down and sucked the bud into his mouth. Her sharp gasp made him smile inwardly.

As he drew deeply, she allowed him to suck and nibble the fleshy treat just like a good, submissive, sex slave. Her flesh, mixed with the wine, made for a flavor-filled treat. Perhaps she would indeed serve him well as the lover he sought.

When he glanced up at her, needing to see her pleasure, the glint of a small dagger caught his eye. The blade descended toward his shoulder. Damn.

He growled and tackled her to the bed, grabbing her wrist. Their goblets fell, the blood wine splashing everywhere. She must have had the weapon hidden under a pillow and then retrieved it when she had fallen onto the bedding earlier.

A very cunning female and soldier. He often hid weapons in strategic locations. He should have known better than to think she would comply so easily while her castle remained in his hands.

“Drop the dagger, Dominique,” he ordered, applying pressure.

“No!” She arched beneath him, bringing her bare breasts and her hips in full contact with his body. “I shall cut out your heart. If you possess one.”

Viper’s cock grew rock hard. With her struggles, his sexual needs were growing to a point that he would soon not be able to control. He growled again, deeper this time, more menacing. “Do not make me discipline you.”

“Release me, you bastard, or die!”

“Your threat is hollow, Dominique. Mine is not.”

“Do not be so sure, Viper!”

He knew her words were only for show. She would protect her nest, as was her duty. But she would not truly harm him unless forced to. She simply meant to frustrate him, wear him down until he took his forces and left her castle for the mountains. It would not happen unless Aleron ignored his demands. He twisted the dagger from her hand and threw it against the wall.

“Oh!”

He dragged Dominique up the bed and lashed her wrists to a post with his belt.

“What—”

With a sharp tug, he ripped the vest completely off her body.

Dominique shrieked.

“You will be mine. You will learn to do as I say.”

She raised her chin in that stubborn manner of hers, as if daring him to continue.

Fine. He would take that dare. He stripped the boots off her, throwing them across the chamber. Then he ripped the breeches off her legs and dropped them onto the floor next to where the goblets had fallen during their struggle.

“Viper!”

Restrained and bared before him like a sexual offering, he stood staring down at her nude body. His breathing grew labored. His cock ached. He knew his actions had surprised her. They had surprised him but he had been pushed too far. He had warned her.

The abundance of black hair that covered her cunt drew his gaze. He could see the dewy moisture in the curls. Yes. She protested needlessly. He smelled her desire, which increased his own even more.

Ecstasy personified. And mine for the taking.

When he slid one knee upon the bedding, intending an intimate touch—one that would show her, without a doubt, who was in charge—her foot kicked out and landed hard, right in the center of his chest. He grunted and stumbled back.

Their eyes locked in a war of turbulent emotions.

That did it. He stalked back to the high bed and climbed between her legs. As she kicked out, he grabbed her calves and pulled them up over his shoulders, raising her almost completely off the bed.

Dominique struggled against him and the binding around her wrists. “Damn you, Viper!”

“Do not fight me!” He grabbed her hips then slid his hands inward. With his fingers, he spread the folds of her cunt. “You will know the pleasure of my tongue. I will make you come and scream for more. Beg for it!”

“No!”

“You are wet, Dominique. You cannot deny your desire.”

“I do deny it!”

When she squirmed, he again gripped her legs, determined to maintain control over her. To dominate this woman. “Stubborn female. I shall make you cry out for my tongue.” The perfumed scent of her cunt filled his nostrils.

“Do not expect me to do so. Ever!”

He caressed her legs in a final attempt to calm her. She would submit. A little gentleness mixed with the right amount of forced determination would gain the prize he sought. “Is it not a fair exchange?” he asked with a deep rumble.

She stilled. “What do you mean? Exchange for what?”

“You helped yourself to the taste of my cock while I was bound and unable to refuse. Certainly I deserve a taste of your cunt in return. Only I shall see it through to the end. Until you scream in ecstasy.”

“What I did to you was different.”

“Indeed? How? Why?”

Silence greeted his questions.

Dominique was such a magnificent woman. A perfect match for him. He would convince her of such. Perhaps a little unconventionally but that was his way. In the end she would crave him as much as he craved her. He swore it. His hands cupped her ass and raised her pelvis higher. “Prepare yourself for more pleasure than you have ever known.”

The door swung open and a man peered in. He lowered his gaze. “My apologies, lord.”

“Get out!”

“There is a problem.”

“Hell.” Viper grumbled under his breath. His lips grazed Dominique’s thigh and his eyes locked with hers. He pulled away, dropping her body onto the bed. Perhaps the interruption was for the best. It would give him time to stabilize his emotions and provide time for her unfulfilled desires to grow.

“I shall return to finish this, my lady.” He left the bed and after one last glance back at her stormed out the door.

Now alone, Dominique let out a deep breath. She glanced up at her wrists and twisted them back and forth. Damn, he had secured her well.

She stared toward the door. Though Viper had gone, her heart had not calmed. Nor had the moisture between her legs dried.

If her castle and territory were not at stake, she might well have encouraged his attention. What female would not like to experience such a man’s tongue licking her cunt, bringing her to the ultimate satisfaction? Even if he was a bit heavy handed in his methods.

The danger Viper exuded drew her and actually increased her sexual appetite for him. No matter her protests. Still…

She could not allow him to get her under his control. The obligation to her nest ran strong. She and her followers were not so easily defeated as he might think.

If his Sun-Lifers had indeed taken her first line of defense, her secondary would retreat far into the castle depths and plan their retaliatory attack and her rescue. And a way to contact Aleron to amass additional support. Which she figured Viper was finding out at this moment.

She had to be ready with plans of her own when her soldiers came for her, to retake the castle and whatever Toussaint territory L’Night had captured. More of Viper’s soldiers would no doubt appear after dark to solidify their hold. She would need all her war training to reverse the balance of power. But she would not be able to do anything to help herself or her followers while tied to this bed. “Damn it!”

A sound. Her head jerked toward the door. Was he back so quickly?

No. A different man invaded her chamber this time. And while she lay naked. Her body stiffened as she prepared herself for anything.

Quietly, he closed the door and approached her. He was not Of the Blood, she did not think. And his eyes contained too much life to be Of the Undead. He carried himself like a Sun-Lifer and he smelled of liquor and an unclean body.

Sensing danger, she bared her fangs at him and hissed.

Immediately he jumped back but then spied the ties around her wrists. “Ah, good. Lord de L’Night has bound you. He is wise, with an understanding of the female mind. I do not think you will be hurting me or anyone else so easily.”

Dominique simply glared at him, calling out to Viper with her mind. Not connected mentally, since they had yet to exchange blood, she doubted he would hear her. But her instinct for survival urged her to try.

As the Sun-Lifer neared her, lust shone evilly in his eyes. “So, you are the Lady Dominique I have heard so much about. And in the flesh for the taking.” He licked his greasy lips. “Mmm. I should like to suck those full breasts of yours. They look exceedingly tasty.”

Viper!

He stepped a little too close and she kicked him in the jaw, sending him sprawling to the floor. No way did she intend to allow his touch.

“Bitch!” He scrambled to his feet, rubbing his chin. “I will beat and fuck you senseless! Then we shall see how feisty you are.”

* * * * *

“How many are missing?” Viper asked his soldier. He rubbed his forehead, something niggling in the back of his mind.

“Unknown. But the force we overtook is a first-line defense only. Blood Neophytes and those Of the Undead. The rest of her soldiers, the ones with the most skill, have disappeared. Why they did not attack, I do not know.”

“Her forces are most likely depleted. Otherwise, she would not be using so many unskilled fighters on her front line. Her blood soldiers probably surmised they could not defeat us one on one and retreated.”

“Well, assuming they did not desert their lady, they are hiding in the walls of the castle somewhere, waiting for their chance.”

Viper nodded. “As soon as our remaining soldiers arrive, make certain to change guard often. I do not want our people growing weary and becoming negligent or getting attacked, one by one, because we have too few to pair up. Put together a party to search for secret passageways. Judging by the design, it appears this castle was constructed around the same time as Château de L’Night. Use our layout to begin the search then retrace your steps and pick up any remaining areas. It will go more quickly that way. If we are lucky, many of the secret passages will be located similarly.”

“Yes, my lord. They will also probably try to contact Lord Aleron and his forces.”

“That worries me not. If so, all the better. He and I have unfinished business. The sooner we settle the matter—”

A bloodcurdling scream silenced Viper’s voice and stiffened his spine. Dominique! Everything else fled his mind. With single-minded thoughts of her safety, he ran down the hall and threw open the door to her bedchamber.

Rage as Viper had never known raced through him at the sight of the naked man atop Dominique. She had not given in to his lust, fighting to the end, for her fangs were impaled deeply into his cheek. In fact, the high-pitched scream had not come from her but from him. The man screamed again and again, while trying to loosen her hold.

With a roar, Viper pulled the man away, relieved that Dominique had been able to defend herself even while bound. But he was maddened by the knowledge that she had been forced to do so while under his care. He pummeled the bleeding man with his fists, following him down to the floor as the fury burned hot inside him.

“You will die!” Anyone who tried to hurt Dominique would suffer the consequences. It took two of his own soldiers to finally pull him off the man’s beaten and bloody body.

Breathing heavily, Viper stared down at the still-breathing Sun-Lifer who looked back at him with a dim, pathetic light in his eyes. A look of sorrow. From getting caught, not actual remorse.

Viper wished to finish the job, until no light at all shone from the man’s eyes. Instead… “Give him to those who hunger, to do with as they please.”

He turned to another soldier. “Lady Dominique Toussaint is not to be harmed by anyone. She is not to even be touched by another, unless I personally order so! Inform the others. Defiance will be met with a swift and unpleasant death.”

“Yes, my lord.”

After his soldiers left with the man, Viper closed the door softly, working hard to control his shaking hands. He turned toward Dominique and his heart clenched at her disheveled state—flushed skin, mussed hair, bloodstained flesh.

She should never have been exposed to such personal violence. He needed to keep his emotions under control and not let her see how much he was affected by what had happened. Showing any sort of weakness would be unacceptable.

With a deceptively easy gait, he approached and sat beside her on the bed. He clenched and unclenched his hand multiple times before reaching to untie her wrists. “I apologize. I should not have left you vulnerable. Did he violate you?” If so, everyone within reach would be in danger from his wrath.

She avoided his gaze as she answered softly, “No.” She rubbed her wrists and attempted to sit up.

His hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Stay.” He felt, by her uncommonly quiet demeanor, that she spoke the truth about the attack even though he could see she was shaken. Too many had seen her bound and naked this day. He stroked her cheek, regretting his actions, which had been the cause of her torment.

Dominique turned her head and her tongue touched his fingers.

Surprised, he pulled back. He had not expected to feel the tender touch of her lips. Not after his part in her assault.

“You have blood on you,” she explained.

He glanced down at his hands then looked back at her. “So I do. As do you.” His gaze skimmed her naked body. The desire to take care of her struck him hard. He leaned down and gently dragged his tongue along her flat, bare stomach, cleaning the blood from her pale flesh, flicking at the tender areas still slightly flushed from her struggle.

She gasped and her eyes fluttered closed.

“No. Watch me, Dominique. Watch what I do to you with my tongue. Forget about everything else except you and me.”

After a moment of hesitation, her eyes opened and their gazes locked.

He could not help but wonder and needed to know. “Will you fight me?”

“No,” she whispered. “Make me forget. Lick me clean.”

Sensing her vulnerability after what had happened, he knew he should not take advantage. At the same time, he could not pass up the opportunity when offered.

Viper dipped his head and lapped the spots of blood from her breasts, making certain she still watched. His tongue moved in lazy circles, grazing over one rosy nipple then the other. She arched toward him, showing him her pleasure. He reveled in her response. Her hands came up to touch him but he captured her arms and gently held them down, not quite trusting her completely yet. She was too cunning in her ways.

He sucked one nipple deep, making her squirm.

When she started to mewl, he released the bit of flesh and eased up to lap the line of blood from around her neck. The remaining blood, which dotted her face, he slowly licked into his mouth.

Oh how he wanted to lick her entire body, especially her cunt, which he imagined would be dripping right now.

Her head turned and their lips met in a slight though powerful kiss. Ahh…a small victory. But significant. A first step.

While she watched, he released her and cleaned the blood from his fingers with his tongue, not allowing her another taste. Next time she fed, it would be on his blood, not another’s.

He would see that they became connected, mentally and physically, so he could ensure her safety from now on. Nothing like what had happened here in her chamber with the Sun-Lifer, would occur again. Not without him knowing.

After licking her, his cock felt rock hard and his balls ached for him to fuck her. Her wary and questioning gaze plucked at the emotions swirling deep inside him. He knew she wondered if he would take her body. He would not leave her wondering.

His hand slid down to the silky hair covering her cunt and delved between her legs. Dominique bit her bottom lip as his fingers dipped into her soaking cunt. He found the swollen bud there and stroked her lightly.

She gasped but did not protest. She even spread her legs slightly, inviting the intimate touch.

Viper never took his eyes from hers. He could stare into her dark eyes forever. He wanted to show her how things could be between them if she allowed it. His fingers stroked her faster, more insistently. “Let it happen,” he whispered.

With their gazes still locked, he felt her muscles tighten. Her back arched and she let out a shrill cry. No woman had ever looked more beautiful. Then closing her eyes, she let out another cry and reached for his wrist. To push him away or to keep him locked there? As her fingers curled halfway around his wrist, he continued to stroke her, slower now, more gently.

“One more time my beauty.”

She panted, pushing her hips up. “Oh…” After a moment, she shuddered through another orgasm, her whole body flushing, then she collapsed on the mattress. Her hand dropped, releasing her hold on him.

After all she had been through this day, he would not push her for more right now. But soon.

Viper lay down beside her and pulled her naked body into his arms. Even though he remained clothed, she felt good in his embrace, her back to his chest. Soft and warm. If it were possible, he would keep her safe like this forever. “We will sleep until the sun sets. We both are weary.”

He wanted her to feel at peace, if only for a little while. Perhaps she would not fight him so much now that he had shown her how good he could make her feel.

When Dominique allowed him to hold her and settled easily against his body, he relaxed. If she did try to escape him at any time, he would feel it.

Her hand softly touched his. More than an accidental brush. He was not certain what the gesture meant. Perhaps a thank-you of sorts. Or so he hoped.

He felt a sense of calm overtake him. With a sigh, he closed his eyes. “Sleep, my lady. You have my word that soon, all will be well.”

Chapter Four

Under the full white moon, a massive wolf shifted from the wild, animalistic predator he often felt like, no matter his form, to another type of predator—still wild but wholly man. And wholly naked.

After his long run, the cool night air felt good wafting over his sweaty body, drying his skin and hair. He stretched his muscles, working out a kink in his arm from landing off balance earlier, after jumping a log.

Overall though, he felt good. It had been a fine day. He had fucked a bitch earlier. Her tight cunt had milked his cock dry. He would remember that female and return to her often.

His prisoners remained at his mercy. Starr, a feisty fem-vamp and a L’Night to the end, certainly had Aleron at her mercy. Maybe everything would work out for all of them in the end.

He had imprisoned the two together for his own entertainment, knowing they would either fiercely battle one another or start fucking like savages. He had bet on the latter.

From a break in the cover of the trees, under the glow of the moon, he stared up at Château de la Lune atop the mountain. His.

Many years had passed but finally he had amassed a wolf pack large enough and strong enough to reclaim what belonged to him, what had been stolen from him and those Of the Bane de L’Night, long ago.

Château de la Lune held historical significance for his kind. And special significance for him, as his birth place. In fact, many Of the Bane lay buried in a secret location right on this very land, not far from where he stood.

Abandoned for a time, the château had been taken over by the family Toussaint, eventually landing in the hands of Lord Aleron, who refused to return the property to Les Loups, claiming it as rightfully his.

Aleron would regret that decision. As would any Of the Blood de L’Night he came across who had allowed this piece of land to switch hands. It never should have been wrenched from his kindred simply to appease those engaged in some territorial war. The war was now long over and he had returned to claim what belonged to the pack.

A howl drew his attention. A call from one of his own. He listened. Yes. Good. All remained secure.

His prisoners would ensure the safety of the pack. Their presence gave Les Loups negotiating power. Sooner or later, he knew soldiers Of the Blood de L’Night or Toussaint would come, perhaps even both factions since his captives were from each territory.

He looked forward to a battle with the fem-vamp of Castle Toussaint and Lord Viper de L’Night himself, if they both came. If they did not come but sent their soldiers instead, so be it.

No one could force him out now. He would trade his prisoners for official ownership rights for the château—a blood signing. He did not feel his terms unreasonable. When they realized they could not banish him and his pack by force, they would agree to his demands. A small sacrifice, certainly, on their part, for the return of loved ones.

His pack had already turned back one messenger. A Sun-Lifer of Lord Viper’s. Unharmed this time, so the man could relay what he had found. Subsequent intruders would not be treated so kindly.

They would honor him as was his due. For he was Alpha Prince. He refused to speak through an underling about this situation. He wanted a face-to-face meeting with Lord Viper. When the time was right and on his terms. If not, Viper and Dominique would never see their relations again.

After so many years, it was now time to show them his power. The power Of the Bane, of Les Loups. A pack to be feared and respected. This battle was one he did not intend to lose.

* * * * *

When the door to Dominique’s chamber cracked open, Viper stirred. Knowing it was simply one of his men, he did not worry or reach for a weapon. He glanced toward the window. No brightness shone from beneath the heavy drapes. Only the oil lamps lit the room. Night had fallen.

The soldier indicated he needed to speak. Viper eased away from Dominique, who still slept soundly. He covered her with a blanket, not wanting to leave her lying there exposed.

She must have been wearier than he had realized, for her eyelids never fluttered. Or perhaps he had simply satisfied her so much that she slept as a contented woman should. He smiled at the thought.

Somehow, he felt as if they had come to some sort of silent understanding. The fact that she did not try to escape him while they slept proved that to him. He had never even felt her stir.

His fingers stroked her cheek. He loved touching her. Her skin was like the softest flower petal. He would not be away from his beauty for long.

After stepping into the hall and closing the door behind him, he looked to his man. “What is it?”

“The messenger has returned.”

“So soon?” They paced down the hall.

“He was unable to get up the mountain. Lord Aleron has apparently made a pact with Les Loups de Démon. They are patrolling and keeping vigil over Château de la Lune and the surrounding territory. They would not even allow the missive to be left after the messenger showed your seal.”

Viper rubbed his chin.

“This proves Lord Aleron has Lady Starr, in my mind. Otherwise, he has no reason for the added security or for sending away the messenger.”

“What could Lord Aleron possibly offer the Demon Wolves in return for their help? He does not even hold power over a Blood Territory.”

The soldier shrugged. “He must hold some secret. How do we get to him now, lord? Shall we invade?”

“Not yet. I must think on the situation first. I do not want to go in without a plan and perhaps endanger Starr more. Have any of Lady Dominique’s blood-soldiers been found?”

The man shook his head. “It is as if they have disappeared. We have been unable to locate any occupied secret passageways, even though we have found several hidden panels in the walls. Do we return to Castle de L’Night now and regroup?”

“No. Keep searching for those soldiers. I do not believe they would simply leave Lady Dominique in our clutches. Our job is not done here. I do not want to take the chance of Aleron sneaking Starr back to Castle Toussaint if we leave the territory. We will remain for now.”

“Yes, my lord.”

As the soldier returned to his duty, Viper paced the hall alone. Demon Wolves—a specific pack led by Lord Démon de L’Night himself. The Alpha Prince of Les Loups. A very distant relation. Démon’s family pack had been banished from the clan long ago for some infraction he knew not the details of. Perhaps simply because they were Of the Bane and the two lifestyles—so similar yet so different—never had gotten along.

When banished, Démon’s family had decreed to wreak vengeance on all, especially L’Night relations, who hunted or interfered with their pack once they reorganized. Or so was the story told. A savage clan, for certain. Perhaps Prince Démon believed Starr to be a means of retaliation for past offenses. If so, Démon would feel his wrath for she certainly held no part in his family’s banishment.

At the time of their internal problems, he and his sister had resided in Greece. They had remained there until Viper’s training was to begin and a need for new leadership in France arose. Les Loups had reorganized in Germany or so he had heard. But apparently the pack was back in France and looking for trouble.

Aleron was obviously not taking a chance of anyone getting near enough to snatch Starr back from him by entering into a pact with Démon and his wolves to supplement his own force of soldiers. Viper was certain Démon had his own agenda though and Aleron might find himself facing a new enemy if the prince turned on him.

Dominique must have a way of contacting her cousin. He did not believe that Aleron would completely cut himself off from his family.

What did Aleron want with Starr anyway? He had offered a simple possibility to Dominique. But he did not believe this was only about fucking his sister. He knew Aleron’s reputation and manner. The man would not resort to kidnapping to attain a woman. At least he did not think so, unless Aleron had gone mad.

Money could not be the reason. No ransom had been demanded. No contact of any sort had been attempted by Aleron, as far as he knew. And now the man would not even accept a missive. Very strange.

If necessary, he would assemble his entire army and storm the mountain, no matter how protected Château de la Lune was reported to be. He would not allow Starr to remain a prisoner for long.

He turned and stalked back to Dominique’s bedchamber, wondering if she knew more about all this than she had told him. When he opened the door, he stopped in his tracks.

His heart lurched and his gaze swept the room. She was gone!

Immediately, he confronted the outside guard. “Did anyone enter or leave while I was away?”

“No, Lord Viper.”

He snatched the man off his feet with a strong hold around his neck. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, my lord,” the man gurgled out.

Viper dropped him to the floor.

The guard scrambled to his feet, a fearful look on his face, as if uncertain whether to stay or run for his life.

Just as Viper was about to order a full search of the castle and grounds, he noticed Belda running around in a circle inside the room. He stepped into the bedchamber. “What is it?”

Caresse chattered at him then looked toward the wall and hopped up and down as much as her little feet would allow.

Viper smiled. Of course. He slammed the door behind him and nodded his thanks to his cousins, who apparently had not ventured far when he had banished them from the room earlier. A couple of voyeurs—or perhaps simply nosy. Either way, he owed them another favor for their loyalty and help.

He examined the wall and found an opening mechanism hidden underneath a nearby shelf. Clever. Just before touching it, he hesitated and looked back toward the bed.

“Damn,” he whispered. He had left her alone, untied, with her weapons trunk.

The latch hung open on the trunk. It had not been so earlier. When he had first entered the room, after escaping the dungeon, he had taken note of its status.

She would now be armed. And was the secret wall simply a hiding place or did it lead elsewhere in the castle?

So much for the silent understanding he had believed existed between them. He had underestimated her dedication to her duty. He would not make the same mistake twice.

The thought of arming himself, beyond the blade he had stuck into his coat earlier, briefly crossed his mind but he dismissed the idea. Even though he might come across one of her soldiers. He did not want to confront her with a more lethal weapon and push her into a real battle, where she could get hurt. Besides, his hand-to-hand combat skills rivaled most. He would be able to defend himself if need be in the confined space.

Carefully he opened the wall. No one jumped out at him ready to fight, so it must lead elsewhere. “Hell.” He had hoped otherwise. He might have lost her permanently now.

With caution, he entered the darkness. No light shone, other than what filtered in from the oil lamps in the bedchamber. His superior vision served him well, however. Cobwebs, spiders, dust. Yes, boot prints. Fresh.

For her to clothe herself, acquire arms and escape so quickly, she must have been awake when he had left. She had fooled him well. He listened but heard nothing. She was well trained in stealth. He sniffed the air, trying to pick up her scent. Though not Of the Bane, his olfactory ability proved strong. There. Yes. Wildflowers. She moved not too far ahead of him.

With determined and silent steps he tracked her.

Dominique crept cautiously through the passageway, keeping her bearings well in the dark. She had taken her bow and arrows, two daggers and her small whip. With a little luck, Viper would not find her escape route until she was safely gone.

She would meet up with her soldiers in the pit of the castle. They would retreat to the mountains, join up with Aleron and his personal soldiers at Château de la Lune then return and retake Castle Toussaint.

Sleeping in Viper’s arms, him nuzzling her neck, his warm breath against her skin, had almost made her think twice about fleeing. Her body had hummed for a long time after the incredible orgasms he had given her. And he had not even forced anything from her in return. She never would have believed it of Viper and her heart softened toward him. Still, she knew what she had to do. Her duty. More existed here than simply her own wants and desires.

A scent in the air stopped her in her tracks. Something spicy. Could it be him already? She listened intently but heard no movement.

Suddenly, the hair on the back of her neck bristled. Him. Yes, it was Viper. She sensed his presence in the passageway. Or perhaps what she sensed was just her own fear of giving in to his magnetic eroticism, if she did not escape him. Either way, she hurried her steps.

He was most likely alone. Not a threat, if she reached her soldiers before he reached her. He would be outnumbered and unable to fight them all, even if heavily armed. She had left several lethal weapons in her trunk and not taken the time to re-secure them. A serious mistake on her part but every second had counted in her escape.

While in the passageway, he could not surprise her. He would have to come up from behind. So she held the advantage. Or so she hoped.

Damn him. How had he found the passageway so quickly?

Something flew over her head. She ducked, barely keeping the squeal in her throat from escaping. A bat. She hated bats! Those ignorant of her kind often associated those Of the Blood with bats because they both fed on blood and stirred mostly after dark. Seemed a loose connection to her at best. The creatures gave her the shivers. She had gotten caught with several in a small passageway as a child and had feared the creatures ever since.

As she hurried ahead, something scurried around her feet. What now? Rats? Those she did not mind. But she had never encountered them in the passageways before.

Her keen eyesight focused in on one furry creature. No. Not a rat, a ferret. The thing danced around her boots and she tripped over it as she tried to skirt away, falling hard on one knee. She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out.

The dratted animal would give away her location. She stabbed at it with a dagger, trying to scare it off. The furry creature darted away, chattering incessantly. Scrambling to her feet, she rushed forward, knowing she needed to quickly reach her destination, before—

A strong hand grabbed at her waist from behind. “You would kill my cousin?” a harsh voice asked.

Her heart lurched. She twirled around, lashing out with her weapon. She felt the contact when the blade sliced Viper’s shoulder. She cringed, getting no pleasure out of the attack on him. “Let me go, lord.”

He hissed and pushed her against the wall.

Dominique’s breath whooshed from her lungs. Her bow dug painfully into her back.

Viper wrested the dagger from her hand. “If you wanted to escape me, you should have grabbed a larger knife that would have done some real damage.”

She reached for her second dagger, only wanting her freedom, not his death. All he had to do was cooperate. A stab to the leg would slow him down. But he saw her move and slapped the weapon away. “Ow!” Her hand stung from the contact.

“Escape is futile, lady. Resign yourself to your fate.”

Not likely.

“Any lingering trust I might have had for you has now been squelched.”

Trust? She did not believe he had trusted her for a moment.

Knowing her options were limited and seeing his anger, she decided to calm down and try a different tactic. She obviously could not overpower him or get away from him easily. So instead of struggling further, she relaxed her stance. “Why do we fight, Viper? We can work together if all you truly seek is Starr. There is no reason to imprison me like an enemy.”

His eyes narrowed and he hesitated before answering. “As I said, I cannot trust you, Dominique. Lies slip too easily off your tongue. I know not the truth of what you say any longer.” He stripped her of her bow and arrows. “Besides, I know you would not turn on Aleron.”

Outwitting Viper would not be easy. She had to sound logical and sincere in her responses. “No but perhaps I would not need to, depending on why he has your sister.”

Viper yanked the whip from her belt and looked at it with disdain. “Why even take such a weapon?” He slipped the end loop over his wrist. “You could hardly hurt a rat with this small thing. None of your weapons, except the bow and arrows are particularly deadly. And I doubt you could maneuver the bow in this small space. You chose your protection oddly, Dominique.” He brushed at his shoulder and the small tear in his coat. A frown crossed his face.

She saw a trickle of blood but the wound did not appear severe. Secretly, she was glad. She had not wanted to truly hurt him, only to get away and to her soldiers. If needed, they would see her better armed for any potentially deadly situations they might encounter while escaping the castle and in their journey to the mountains. “About Aleron—”

“I do not care about Aleron. I care about getting Starr back. Depending on her words about how she was treated, I will then decide what retaliation to take against Aleron. Do you have a way to contact your cousin?”

An odd question. “A messenger has already been sent. Your messenger.” If Viper harmed Aleron or if he ordered her cousin harmed, she would never forgive him. She knew Aleron meant no ill will toward Lady Starr, whatever the true story here turned out to be.

“He was stopped at the base of the mountain by Les Loups de Démon. They protect Château de la Lune.”

“Indeed?” That did not sound good. What was Aleron up to? She often did not understand her cousin’s thought processes. This time especially.

“What alliance has Aleron made with the prince?”

“I do not know.” Her brow crinkled in thought. Aleron did know Lord Démon but they had not been friends to her knowledge. She could not imagine what her cousin was about. “I have no other way to get through to him other than by messenger. But…” She thought quickly, her survival and planning instincts kicking in. “Perhaps you do.”

His eyes narrowed and he cocked his head, studying her. “Explain.”

The idea formed quickly in her head. She always thought best under pressure. “Your ferrets. They could sneak past the wolves.”

He barked out a laugh of disbelief. “Or get eaten.” He quieted a moment. “Interesting idea, though. Somehow I do not think Belda and Caresse will agree.”

“But it is a possible solution. Yes?” Perhaps if she appeared to cooperate, even giving him a plan, he would lower his guard around her and she could still escape. She had a lot of questions for Aleron.

If what Viper said proved true, she hoped Lord Démon would allow her and her soldiers to pass. Certainly, Aleron would not order Les Loups to bar her from the château—only his enemies. Or those he perceived as such.

“It would be dangerous for them.”

“It is the only way.”

“Yes. You might be right.” He grabbed her arm. “Come. You will bandage my shoulder and I will think on this idea of yours.” He pulled her down the musty corridor, back toward her bedchamber.

Viper pushed her into the light. He would need to watch Dominique more closely. Her intelligence and training made her a dangerous opponent when she chose to be. He should not forget that simply because she was a woman.

“Gather the necessary bandages from your treatment trunk. If you try to grab a weapon of any sort, you will regret the action.” He pulled open her door and peered out. But he remained on guard in case she heeded not his words. Finicky female—generally when he gave a woman a shattering orgasm he did not have to worry about her turning on him. But then, Dominique was not an ordinary woman.

The soldier outside snapped to attention, looking nervous. “Yes, Lord Viper.”

“Come, explore a passageway I have found. See where it leads and report back to me. Do not engage any soldiers by yourself if you happen upon them. We will send in an armed team.”

“Yes, lord.” He hurried into the bedchamber and hesitated only a moment before locating and disappearing into the open passageway, barely giving Dominique a glance as he proceeded.

Viper turned to her. “Unless you would care to tell me where the passage leads?”

“Not particularly. Some secrets are best kept.”

He watched her gathering bandages and ointment and felt the scowl that crossed his face. She had to know he would get his way in the end. Still, he admired her determination. “I cannot say I am surprised at your response.” He actually would have been disappointed if she had folded and revealed all. A competent leader would not be so weak.

“I do not suppose you will allow me to go and speak to Aleron? I can find out the truth for you, find out what this is all about.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I do not trust you, Dominique. Once out of this castle, even under guard, you would most likely find a way to slip into the night. Then I would lose my bargaining power.”

“Is that all I am? Something to bargain with?”

“Of course not. As you well know, lady.”

“Do I?”

He did not like the direction this conversation was going. He was not about to spill all his thoughts and feelings like some sot. “We will not discuss this now.” He glanced around. “Belda! Caresse!”

The two ferrets ran out from under the bed.

“Ah, there you are. You will go to the mountains. To Château de la Lune to deliver a message to Lord Aleron.”

They hung their heads.

“My soldiers will take you on horseback to the base of the mountain, so you do not have so far to journey. You must take care. Les Loups de Démon patrol the territory.”

They ran back under the bed.

Dominique chuckled.

Frustration rolled through Viper. He raised his voice so his cousins knew it was them he spoke to. “You fear Prince Démon?” No response. “You think him more clever than you?”

Belda poked her head out and chattered angrily.

“You might be Lady Starr’s only hope of escape. I would rather not storm the mountain. There would be many deaths. If you go then all that carnage might be avoided. You can gather much-needed information about Aleron’s defenses while you are there and make contact with Starr. I need to know that she is unharmed.”

Caresse crawled out from under the bed, flipping her tail across Belda’s eyes as she passed. Belda sneezed, gave what sounded like a snort then followed, coming out the rest of the way, though with obvious reluctance.

“Good. I will prepare two messages. One for Aleron and one for Starr.”

“Starr does not understand their chatter?” Dominique asked.

“Not easily. A written missive will prevent any misunderstandings.” He turned back to the ferrets. “Come. You must take care not to get caught. Destroy the one I give you for Starr, if captured. Deliver her message first and try to stay together if possible. Understand?”

Dominique followed their exchange with interest. She watched Viper prepare the messages, impressed that he did not need to call in a scholar for help. Many of their kind, especially those outside the nobility, were not so learned. She and Aleron possessed the ability to read and write. Viper and Starr, also, apparently.

She sighed. Aleron had caused all this trouble and for no reason that she could fathom. What was he thinking by joining forces with Les Loups de Démon? It did not make sense to her.

She set the bandages and ointment on the bed. As she continued to think on this troubling situation, she wet some cloths in a bowl of water on a nearby chest.

Aleron was not a man who had to kidnap women for attention, so that could not be his reason. He had not asked for a ransom, as far as she knew. And it would have surprised her if he had, for he possessed funds and holdings sufficient for his lifestyle. If Starr had left with him willingly, she would have let someone know, if not at the time, then by now certainly. Starr would know her brother’s reaction to her disappearance.

Supposedly, Aleron and Prince Démon had formed an alliance, if Viper’s information was correct. To keep Starr imprisoned? For what cause? None of this could be for the good of Toussaint, in the end.

As Viper sent Belda and Caresse on their way, she silently wished them well, just as curious as Viper about what was going on. When he turned back to her and appeared about to speak, his soldier returned from the passageway, stopping whatever he had been about to say.

“Lord?”

“Yes, what did you find?”

“Nothing.”

“Explain.”

“The passageway leads nowhere. Only a dead end.”

Dominique forced the smile from her face before Viper could see it.

“Very well.” He grumbled something under his breath. “Leave us now. And I do not want to be interrupted this night unless there is news of Starr. Inform the others.”

Dominique’s stomach clenched as his eyes met hers.

The soldier nodded and rushed out the door, closing it firmly behind him.

Viper sealed up the passageway. “We both know that passage leads somewhere, lady. It is too deep.”

She shrugged. Her secret passageway contained secret passageways but she was not about to reveal that to Viper. All their passageways were set up as such. And the controls were much more complicated than the one which opened the initial passage. The added secrecy had served her and her soldiers well over the years. “I will bandage you now. Remove your coat.”

First he pushed a heavy chest in front of the secret entry as if it weighed nothing. His wound obviously had not sapped any of his strength.

She arched an eyebrow, trying to look curious rather than despondent at his action. Her soldiers would be unable to get to her now. In fact, she was surprised that not one of her people had been in the passageway, trying to reach her. Something must be awry.

“I do not want anyone sneaking up on me from the other side since I am unconvinced the passage actually leads to nowhere.”

“You are too suspicious, Viper,” she replied, trying to sound casual.

With a feral look in his eyes, he stalked over to her.

She pressed herself against the wall, unable to get any farther away from him. She did not like the look in his eyes. She should not have spoken. His temper was well known as swift and deadly, even with those he professed fondness of.

“It is a good thing none of your soldiers have tried to rescue you yet. They would have failed. And they will fail if they try. Casualties of war are an ugly consequence, lady.”

“Indeed. At least now I know where you stand.”

“My stand has been the same from the beginning. Do not think otherwise or you will be sorely disappointed.”

“So I see, lord.”

He growled. “You are a trial, Dominique, and I am losing my patience with you. Tell me what I want to know.”

“You do not really expect me to reveal the secrets of Toussaint to you, do you, lord? If our positions were reversed, you would not spill your secrets to me.” She did her best to keep her voice from trembling. Not generally intimidated by most, Viper proved an exception. Still she held her chin high, not about to let him see the truth.

He huffed out a heavy breath. “Do not assume what I would or would not do.”

From the look in his eyes, she knew she walked a fine line between keeping his respect and making him lose his patience with her. He leaned closer and his stare intensified, causing her to gulp hard.

“And just to clarify, our positions will never be reversed. Remember that. But you will tell me one thing.”

She returned his direct look. “What is that?”

“Since no rescue attempt has been made, I am at a loss. Where have your soldiers disappeared to?”

She had known that question would come sooner or later. She would pretend ignorance. Even though Viper was too smart to fall for the deception, she had no intention of turning on her people. No matter what he threatened or did to her. Loyalty meant everything to her. “Did you not capture them? You were supposed to supply me with a casualty report, as I recall. You have not done so.”

“Only your first line of defense was captured, which you well know. Two Of the Undead fell during the struggle, according to one of my soldiers. The rest are safe, under my guards’ watchful eyes. Now where are the others? I will not have my soldiers picked off one by one. Your blood soldiers will remain unharmed if you tell me their location.”

He could not promise her that. Her remaining soldiers would not easily allow themselves to be taken. Even under orders. There would be bloodshed, no matter his words. “They have no doubt escaped.” She averted her gaze. “Please, lord, sit atop the bed. Your wound must be addressed.”

Her soldiers would never leave her. She knew where they hid. Even if a few sought out Aleron, most would remain until she was once again among them. They probably ascertained that none of them could get to her in her chamber due to Viper’s constant presence, which was why she had not encountered anyone in the passageway. They must have another plan in mind or were counting on her reaching them when the opportunity for escape arose.

“By the way, where are my ladies?”

“They are secured in their bedchambers.”

“Untouched?”

“Of course. My men are not animals.” With a frown, Viper turned and sat on the bed. After pulling the whip off his wrist and setting it beside him on the mattress, he shrugged out of his coat and glanced at his shoulder wound. “It is not bad. My coat provided protection from the blade. Come. Attend me.”

His bared chest captured her attention, as it had in the dungeon. Muscular but not overly so, with very little hair to mar its perfection. She cautiously approached and delicately examined the slice to his shoulder with her fingers. “You are right. It does not appear to be deep.” She cleaned the wound, applied the special healing ointment then bandaged the area.

“Not too tightly. I need full range of motion.”

“I know how to apply a field bandage, my lord.”

Viper chuckled. “Yes I suppose you do. My thanks to you.”

“No thank you is required. I would rather be elsewhere, instead of attending you. Believe me. Or, in truth, I would rather you were elsewhere.” Actually, she would rather they be on equal ground. She did not like warring with him. Never had.

“Why are we unable to form an alliance, Dominique?”

She gave an indelicate snort.

“What?” he asked.

“You cannot be serious. An alliance? You do not form alliances. You control. You conquer. You have proven that throughout your reign in France and especially in your actions here within my territory. Or your attempted actions here, anyhow.”

A seductive smile crossed his face. “Yes,” he answered, drawing out the word. “That is true. And I will conquer you, lady. Eventually.”

She shook her head. He would never change. Never compromise. As such, this back and forth between them was becoming tedious. He sought to convince her of his power. Well she was just as much a fighter as he. He could not truly expect her to submit completely to his desires and control without an equal submission on his part.

Even though she had allowed his fingers in her cunt, that did not mean she was prepared to give up what she had built to follow his wishes. He had to know that, so his actions confused her.

Though, right now, she had to admit Aleron’s actions confused her even more. And that was her primary worry, given the situation.

Perhaps Aleron truly did have Starr. But whether he did or not, Viper knew his sister was not here, nor was it likely she would appear in nearby Toussaint territory, in her opinion. He had no reason to remain in her castle. His energies would best be served elsewhere.

The only reason for him to remain was his personal need to make her kneel to him. Why? Why was that so important? He had already stated that he did not want her Blood Territory as his own. So what did he hope to gain by all this?

She doubted she would ever understand Lord Viper de L’Night. Unfortunately she wanted to understand him, which could be her downfall if she did not take care. “So what now? You know Starr is not here, so—”

“We wait for Belda and Caresse to return. Castle Toussaint will be our new base until Starr is rescued. That is the only way I can assure that Aleron does not return here unnoticed with my sister.” He tested the bandage by stretching his arm. “Good job.”

So he did still believe it possible that Aleron might bring Starr to Toussaint. She doubted the possibility. Not if Aleron held the woman against her will. He would not make such a decision, knowing that she would never agree to secreting Viper’s sister here without very good cause. “What if your cousins do not return?”

Viper’s lips narrowed and he grabbed her arm roughly. “Then I shall not look kindly upon the person who convinced me to send them into danger. Do you understand, lady?”

She gulped, sorry that she had asked. “Yes. I understand.” His attitude had changed with a snap. Normally, of a concern, an indication of instability. But she was detecting a pattern from him. When he cared for someone—

“Now, you will feed.”

Her attention snapped from her thoughts. “Feed? I am not in need.”

“You have gone too long without proper sustenance. You will do as I say.”

“Feed from you?”

“Yes. Do not pretend to have misunderstood, Dominique. That is an insult to both your intelligence and mine.”

“I only meant that you are weakened from the wound.”

“Less a blood loss than what you would take from me.” He pulled her closer. “Feed. Now.”

His insistence was definitely a temptation. She had lied when she had said she was not in need. She did feel a hunger. Many hours had passed since her last good meal and he looked particularly succulent. The flesh of his neck especially. As she leaned into him his scent filled her, causing both her stomach and cunt to contract.

If she fed from him, someone of the opposite sex, they would have a lifelong connection. How deep of one depended on whether he reciprocated. Once they did this, there was no going back. “If I refuse?”

“Then you shall starve.”

He spoke the truth. If he had to, he would wait until her hunger became too powerful for her to ignore. She saw the determination in his eyes. She would be unable to protect Toussaint if weakened by lack of feeding. Stubbornness on her part would prove useless in the end.

She saw the pulse in his neck begin to race. The vein throbbed beneath his skin. So tempting. Too tempting to resist. Perhaps she could turn the exchange to her advantage. Get him to lower his guard around her. Her tongue lapped at his flesh. Yes…

Viper groaned. His cock grew hard at the first touch of her tongue. This was what he had wanted for years—to feel her feeding from him, to have them joined in this very elemental way among their kind. It would not mean peace between them but it was a start.

She nuzzled his neck and he squeezed her arm, fighting to keep himself under control. The feeding act, though not inherently sexual, could be an erotic experience between lovers or those highly attracted to each other.

Her fangs extended and scraped his skin. His balls tightened and his cock felt ready to explode right in his trousers.

And then she sank into him.

Ah, ecstasy. “Dominique…” he groaned, unable to stop himself. His eyes closed and he relished the connection growing between them as she fed. Once he fed on her in return, nothing could rip their bond apart. Though they would still retain free will to mate or not, to pursue separate lives, their minds would always be joined on some level.

For now, he forced himself not to draw her nearer. He did not want to startle or stress her while she had him in a vulnerable position. Locked as they were, she could rip his throat open if she so desired.

Her hand touched his thigh too close to his cock and he almost lost control.

She retracted her fangs and lightly licked the wound on his neck to heal it. He groaned. Too soon. He did not yet want their connection to end. When he opened his eyes and stared into her hooded gaze, something special passed between them. He felt it deep in his soul and he knew she felt it too. Though he doubted she would admit so to him.

“You did not take enough,” he whispered.

“I drank sufficiently,” she answered in an equally low voice.

His fingers curled around her arms. “Take off your clothes, lie down and spread your legs. I will fuck you now. I will feed from you as I spill my seed.”

Her eyes cleared and she jerked back, out of his grip.

He frowned at her odd reaction. “Something is wrong?”

“Um yes,” she answered as if he were dimwitted. “You need lessons on how to seduce a woman, Viper. Could you not have said those things nicer?”

He snorted. “I am not nice, Dominique. Besides, I have never heard any complaints. Now do as I say.” He stood up and walked across the chamber to fill a goblet. After pouring a goodly amount from the dusky bottle, he raised the blood wine and took a large swig.

When she simply sat on the bed staring at him, he frowned at her. “Well?”

Despite the fact that Dominique’s whole body tingled, she inwardly raged at Viper’s arrogance. He thought too much of himself. But then Aleron was much the same, so the attitude was not foreign to her. Blooded Males often sported such a demeanor until some fem-vamp brought them down.

Viper’s blood coursing through her system had given her renewed strength but also a need so strong for him, she could barely control herself. She had never felt this way after feeding. Itchy, needy, sex-starved. Still, admitting that and giving up control would not be easy for her. “If I allow you to fuck me, what do I get in return?”

“Sexual ecstasy and satisfaction.”

“I do not need you for that.” She feared she did need him for the ultimate erotic experience. But she was not about to let him know it.

“We will be explosive together, Dominique. What you felt earlier from my fingers in your cunt will pale in comparison to what you will feel when my cock is inside you.”

She stood up from the bed. “I will think on it.”

“Damn it, woman!” He tossed the goblet aside, unmindful of the blood wine that spilled to the floor. In a blink of an eye he was in front of her and had her in his arms, running his hands down her back, over her ass.

She squirmed. With all the flying blood wine, her bedchamber was in need of a good cleaning. And with Viper’s hands all over her, she was in need of a good fucking.

But joining with him in this way was not an easy decision, for she knew fucking Viper would not be a casual act. There would be repercussions. Still, she wanted him, pure and simple. No. There was nothing pure or simple to her desire. “Mmm,” she purred as his hands continued to explore her body.

He clamped her wrists in one of his big hands and held them behind her back. His lips grazed hers. “I am not of a mood to react kindly to your teasing, Dominique. This has gone on long enough. Say you want my cock between your legs.”

“I thought my resistance got you hotter, lord. Brought out that need you have to dominate.” She stared into his compelling green eyes.

“You think you know me so well, do you?” He grabbed her hair with his free hand, tangling his fingers deep. “I think you crave my dominance and that is the true reason you pretend to protest.”

“Pretend?” Again she squirmed against him, not trying to break free but needing to move, to feel his body brush and rub hers.

“We both play this game, Dominique. We have for years.” He tossed her onto the bed then crawled up on the mattress next to her. “I will fuck you until no other man exists for you. No more delays.”

Her heart pounded in her chest. How would her nest react to their joining? A blood joining with the leader of their most powerful rival nest. “There will be…issues.”

“You worry needlessly.” He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down flat. He picked up her whip that still lay on the bed. “You will know the most decadent pleasures. Concentrate on that only.”

Her eyes widened. Certainly he did not intend to use the whip on her. “What are you thinking, Viper?” He had surprised her too many times since infiltrating her castle. The whip would actually be the perfect retaliation for his punishment years before. And a perfect way, from his point of view, to guarantee her submission.

“I’m thinking this whip will bring us both pleasure. Yes?”

“I’m thinking not,” she countered with wariness in her voice. Hovering over her as he was, with the whip in his hand, the black viper tattoo on his abdomen moving above her every time he shifted, he looked quite formidable.

Would he actually wield the whip with pleasure in mind instead of pain? She was not so sure. Trust had been hard for her in the last few years. And would be especially so with a vampire such as Viper, who rarely showed compassion for those outside of his blooded family. And it was rumored that even his own family was not always safe when his mood turned foul.

He dragged the leather piece down the side of her body. “I shall whip your gorgeous ass, Dominique, so that your skin tingles. Your full breasts until your nipples ache. And the bud of flesh within your cunt until you scream in ecstasy.”

She swallowed hard but said nothing.

He set the whip aside then slowly he stripped her naked. She did not stop him. The gentle touch of his fingers entranced her, moving over her legs as he pulled off her boots and breeches, across her ribs and breasts as he removed her vest, along her bare flesh as he caressed every inch of her. His explicit words of what he wanted to do to her intrigued her. The dark side of her desires wanted his dominance, even though her independent side raged at the thought.

“On your stomach.”

“I—”

He flipped her over. “Do not defy my wishes in the bedchamber, Dominique.” He massaged her bare ass. “Mmm, nice.”

Unable to utter a protest to his words—his hands on her bare flesh felt too good—she simply glanced over her shoulder at him. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to toss his words back at him. “I am not nice, Viper. Not any more than you.”

That seductive smile appeared again. “Good. I like women who are not nice in bed. Need I bind you?” He reached over the side of the frame and grabbed the belt he had used earlier.

“No. Do not bind me, Viper. Please.”

“Please?”

The word had popped out of her mouth before she could stop it. Damn. It sounded weak even to her own ears. “You would not actually torture me, would you, lord?” she asked to distract him from her accidental plea. Although she craved this experience with him and had admitted so to herself, she had her limits, which he needed to know.

Viper’s eyes grew intense. “Yes, I will torture you. I shall whip you and fuck you. You will come hard. And you will beg me for more of my sexual torture. Trust me, Dominique. I will give you all the decadence you can handle.”

“You assume much…and expect even more,” she responded, her voice shaky.

“Yes I do.”

Chapter Five

When Dominique turned her head back facing front and issued no further protest, Viper took a deep breath, calming his turbulent emotions. He needed his wits about him tonight to show her the most pleasure. Otherwise he might get too involved with his own urges and fulfillment. Normally not much of a concern to him but things were different with Dominique. With her, he cared. More so than he ever would have believed.

That realization shocked and humbled him. Never had he felt so deeply for a woman.

Just looking at her caused his heart to beat faster. He admired her determination. Loved her feistiness. Respected her intelligence. Melted inside every time she showed her caring side. And treasured her beauty and sexuality.

Once they were bonded physically and established a mind link then he could further work on their emotional bond, which already existed to a point. But he wanted a stronger connection, a connection of hearts. He simply needed to break down the wall she had erected around herself.

His hands gently massaged her back, relaxing her further. He fingered a bruise. From her bow? He was an ass. He should not have pushed her against the wall as he had.

Guilt and then insecurity struck him, two feelings he was not familiar or comfortable with. What if she truly did not want him in her life? Was only interested in this one night? Or was only submitting to him with another agenda in mind?

What if she rejected him after the bond was formed?

He could no longer tell from her words what was the truth and what was a lie on her part. Her body wanted him. He did know that. But what of her heart and soul? Did they even stand a chance together once he released her territory?

Too many questions plagued his mind. At least he would have a taste of his lady. If that was selfish of him, so be it.

No matter what, he did not intend to give her up without a fight. They would always be connected in some manner, he knew that. If he had to settle for only that…

He was not certain when his desire had gone from needing to fuck and conquer her to something deeper. But she fueled more than just the carnal needs raging inside him. He had always looked with disdain upon those besotted men who lost their senses because of some female. Now he found himself in much the same position.

A knock on the door interrupted them.

A sound of disappointment escaped Dominique’s lips and spurred Viper into action.

He leapt from the bed, growling in frustration. “Go away!” After Starr was safely returned, he swore he was going to spirit Dominique away to the home he still maintained in Greece, just so they could have some uninterrupted time together. Fate had about pushed him to his limits.

Without an invitation, the door swung open. A slim, dark-haired woman strode inside as if she belonged there. A woman he recognized too well, stopping him in his tracks.

Her black outfit was not that different from what Dominique had worn earlier, except she wore a modest black cloak over her shoulders. The woman’s near-purple eyes and shoulder-length black hair, so dark as to have a purplish sheen to it, gave her a unique look that few would forget.

“Having a party without me love?” she asked, a seductive smile on her lips.

“Raine.” He did his best to block her view of Dominique. “When did you get back to France?”

“Just this eve. I grew bored in Madrid, even among the many skilled Latin lovers at my disposal.”

“A shame. I could have used you earlier.”

“So I have heard, my lord. I am here now and at your disposal for whatever you want or need.”

“Now I am busy. Did my soldiers not relate my orders? I did not want to be disturbed for the rest of the night.”

“Yes. I was told. Your soldiers did their well and proper duty.”

He grunted. Little good it had apparently done, for she had entered anyway.

From a confidence one only gained from many life victories, she stepped nearer and lightly fingered the head of his snake tattoo. “I chose to ignore the order. They chose not to make me hurt them by trying to stop me.” She shrugged, obviously unconcerned about possibly angering him.

He would not take such insolence from many. She was an exception. She knew it and pushed the boundaries far too often.

With a twinkle in her eyes, she sidestepped him and strolled toward the bed. “Is this Lady Dominique?”

“Yes,” Viper answered, pulling her back around to face him. He did not want the two confronting each other. “Now that your curiosity is appeased, leave us.”

She briefly touched the bandage over his shoulder but did not mention the injury. “Need a third? I know how insatiable you can be. I think she will not be enough for you.”

Frustration fueled his temper. “Get out! Do not make me say it again, Raine.”

She tugged out of his grip and sat in a chair across from the bed. “Perhaps I shall simply watch then, if you are not of a mind to share yourself this night.”

Viper cringed. Why did she not stop speaking? He hesitated to respond physically but also did not want to appear a fool to Dominique.

“It has been a while since I have watched you fuck a captive. The entertainment will be just what I need to rejuvenate me after my long journey.”

“This is not—”

The fierce look that suddenly crossed Raine’s face silenced him and he turned toward her stare. Her words, which quickly followed, made him wonder if a fight would be unavoidable.

“Do not scowl at me, lady. I tend to take offense easily, especially when I am seeking something to occupy my time.” Raine’s gaze switched back to him. “Your lady looks bitchy to me, Viper. Shall I discipline her for you?”

He growled, turning and towering over her with a stance of intimidation that would cower most. Dominique would not let Raine’s words pass, if he did not get the woman out of there quickly. Of that he was certain. “If you do not leave this room right now, I will rip your throat open.”

Raine laughed. “I think not. However…” She stood from the chair. “I recognize that sound of desperation in your voice. I shall not spoil your fun.”

Desperation? He had never been desperate in his life. Well, until now. Raine knew him too well.

She rose onto her toes and kissed his mouth long and slow, using her tongue.

Viper did not kiss her back or touch her but neither did he break the kiss. At the contact, his cock twitched. He was not immune to her charms, though he would rather be tasting Dominique’s tongue, and was well aware of her eyes on them.

Raine pulled away. “When you need me, I will be nearby.” She strode out the door, shutting it softly behind her.

With a sigh of relief, he turned. However he was not quite certain if he felt ready to face Dominique and the questions she would certainly have.

She looked up at him with obvious curiosity in her eyes. “You allowed her much freedom, lord. I have not seen that from you before. Not even with a female.”

Nothing much got by Dominique. Still he was not willing to give out too much information about his actions right now. “As did you. I expected at least some retort, if not a physical response.”

She shrugged. “I am not of a mood to exchange blows tonight. You would have stopped me anyhow, I suspect, so there was no point. Though if she had tried any form of discipline, there would certainly have been bloodshed. All hers. Who is she?”

“Lady Raine de L’Night. A cousin.”

“Cousin? Indeed? A very friendly kiss for a cousin, was it not?”

He recognized her interest as more than simple curiosity, which pleased him. “A distant relation. Though she carries the L’Night name, I am not even sure we share kindred blood. No one for you to be concerned with. She will not hurt you. You need not fear her.”

“Fear?” She chuckled. “I fear very few people, lord.”

“Yes of course.” He smiled. “My apologies. Regardless, Raine has unique abilities that will serve us well, now that she is here.” As such, he had not wanted to chase her away completely.

“Us?”

“Yes. Us. We are in this together, Dominique.”

Together—whether you like it or not. She saw the words in his eyes, heard them in his voice, even though he did not say them. Her feelings on the situation remained conflicted.

Not only that…

Dominique did not understand the jealousy that had raced through her when Raine kissed Viper. And not a cousinly peck either. Nor had he resisted.

She could not help but wonder if they had been intimate. Cousins or not. It certainly looked and sounded as if they had been, from Raine’s eagerness to join them and her knowledge of Viper’s sexual appetite.

Not that she should care—but she did. And there would have been a fight if he had agreed or allowed that woman anywhere near her.

In fact she had almost jumped from the bed to stake her claim on Viper and slap Raine across the room to show her who was the ranking female here. But she had stopped herself before making such a rash move, allowing him to handle the situation. He had done well. And now she had somehow managed to appear and sound nonchalant about the matter while querying him about the strange woman.

He stood staring down at her, his head cocked, as if trying to figure out her real thoughts and feelings. His look of curiosity did not last long. After a moment, his expression changed to something dark and intense. She knew that look, recognizing his need. The air became sexually charged.

She swallowed hard.

When he fingered the whip, picking it up from the bedding, her heart thudded almost painfully and all thoughts of Raine vanished. The time had come.

“Finally we are alone.” He tapped the whip against the palm of his hand. “We should use our time well.”

“Yes but perhaps you should not use that,” she whispered. No one had ever whipped her, whether for pain or pleasure. Though she had wielded a whip plenty of times herself.

“Perhaps I should. You might be surprised by my skills.”

“Viper—”

“Quiet.” Without further warning, he smacked her ass.

She tensed. A bit of a sting, not as sharp as she had expected. More of a love tap. If that was the extent of his intent with the whip, she could handle it. She relaxed her clenched muscles.

He slapped the opposite cheek. A little harder this time.

She wiggled a bit at the feel of the whip’s strands against her flesh but still felt no real pain. Her curiosity rose a notch, for sexually she did feel more stimulated.

“Give in to the pleasure, Dominique.” He lowered his voice. “I will not harm you. You have my word.”

His softly spoken promise touched her. Perhaps she should give the experience a chance. Her fingers curled into the blankets. She buried her face in the bedding, relaxing her body and trusting Viper more than she had ever trusted any man. She hoped he did not betray that trust. If so, she would see him burned into ash. Right along with her heart.

Viper brought the whip down on her ass, first one cheek then the other. At the same time, he fingered her cunt from behind. Her body jerked. Associating the pleasure of his touch with the sting of the whip was a decadent feeling. A feeling she would not have believed she would ever enjoy. But she did.

She mewled and pressed back against his hand.

He pushed two of his fingers deep into her cunt, curling and then straightening them inside her.

She squirmed, feeling hot and needy. “Oh. Yes. More.” Too much time had passed since she had been truly pleasured by a man.

Without a word, he finger-fucked her hard, giving her everything she could take. As she undulated against the erotic stimulation, he brought the whip down more strongly against her ass.

“Viper…the stinging…it feels…oh…ah!” Her cunt began to contract. “I am going to…oh! Yes!” An orgasm shot through her, more powerful than she ever expected from a man’s hand.

Before her body even released her from the waves of ecstasy, Viper eased his fingers out of her cunt and rolled her over onto her back.

She immediately noted his heavier breathing, the way the viper tattoo expanded and moved with each deep breath, as if the serpent was preparing to attack. Her gaze snapped up to lock with Viper’s intense green eyes.

“Open yourself up to the pleasure of pain, Dominique.” He smacked the whip across one of her nipples.

She gasped, arching her back. The pain-pleasure hardened her nipple and the sting traveled all the way down between her legs. On the next smack, her cunt contracted and she came again. “Ah!” The new waves of pleasure mixed with those previously waning inside her for an incredible feeling of rolling ecstasy.

Her thoughts jumbled in her head. The emotions coursing through her as she stared up at Viper seemed to control her. She could see the pleasure on his face—the lust in his eyes, the small smile of satisfaction tugging at his full lips. Submitting to this man’s decadent and dark desires felt so right. Freeing. Unlike anything she had ever known.

He smacked her cunt with the whip.

“Oh!”

“Spread your legs and bend your knees. Open yourself to me. Do it. Now.”

The sexual intensity in his eyes became hypnotic. She opened herself, exposing the most intimate part of her body. When he struck her cunt again, her back arched. “Oh!”

On the third slap, which landed directly on her throbbing bud of flesh, she came. “Ah! Ah!” The pleasure overtook her body and mind. She shook uncontrollably. “Viper! Yes!”

“Beautiful, my lady.” He leaned over her and lapped gently at her nipple. His hand slid down her body and between her legs. He petted her tender flesh. “Delicious, Dominique. Your skin tastes incredible. Salty, sweet and so seductive. All wrapped up together like a precious gift. As it is each and every time you come at my hands.”

His words and the tender look on his face made her sigh. Under his talented tongue her body slowly relaxed. She tangled her fingers in his long, dark hair and whimpered—not a physical response but a deep-down realization. Still she thought twice about making herself too vulnerable by revealing her inner thoughts to Viper and decided to remain silent for now. But she knew the truth and she would not be able to run from it forever.

His teeth scraped her tender bud. He traced the tip of the whip around her other nipple and she knew his desires, for they matched her own. She did not think her body could take another strike of that whip after what she had just experienced. Yet she craved a repeat of the intense feelings that had gripped her body.

The muscles in her cunt twitched in anticipation. Never had she needed to come so often. And so hard.

Again, as he had done before, without a word of warning, he smacked her nipple.

“Yes!” The word exploded from her mouth. Oh! She loved this sexual punishment and control of her body by him.

He released the nipple from between his lips with a pop and stared deeply into her eyes. A small smile lingered on his face.

After setting the whip aside, he massaged both breasts with a gentle touch, never taking his eyes from hers. “As I had hoped. You are my other half, Dominique. A woman who can appreciate the darker side of desire.”

As he had hoped? Her heart softened. “You really believe I’m your—”

“Shh…” He leaned down and sucked on one nipple then the other, stealing her breath and her words. On purpose? So he would not have to answer her almost-asked question? He licked, sucked and nibbled on each peak, switching back and forth like a man possessed.

Oh… Her mind swirled with her growing desire. Anything he wanted to do to her, she wanted. Needed. Only with Viper, for he seemed to possess an eerily innate understanding of her sexually and emotionally.

He rose up and stared into her eyes. The viper tattoo, rising from his cock, seemed to come alive, its body and head moving as he did. With a determined look, he crawled between her legs and raised her body up much as he had before, pulling her knees over his shoulders. He lightly fingered the bruise on her knee, his brow furrowing a moment before looking back into her eyes. “Where were we earlier?”

Her heart picked up its pace, beating harder and faster. “I think you intended to lick me, my lord,” she whispered, anticipation building inside her. His tongue would feel so good after the sting of the whip.

“Ah yes.” He smiled. “Most definitely.” His large palms cupped her ass. “A sexual meal of the best kind.”

Dominique gulped. In the dungeon, she had teased about wanting him as her sex slave. Strangely now, she thought how intriguing it might be if she were to become his sex slave.

Viper’s nostrils flared as he picked up her sexual scent. Dominique allowing him to put her in such a submissive position made him want her more than he had ever wanted a woman. No other woman could compare to her beauty, intelligence, strength and intense sexuality. She belonged to him. Only him. Forever. And he intended to see to it.

He had made a decision. He would feed from her sexually. Perform the ancient vampire rite of Ero-X on her—un rite entre conjoints.

He should not do so without her consent. The act would be a break of honor. She could choose to bring him before the High Council. But if she did not, if she accepted the act, then once done…

His tongue flicked at her slit. She was so wet from her orgasms. And so ready for more of the pleasure he had already given her. Her desire clung to his lips.

He ached to take his own pleasure. His cock had never felt so hard. But first, he intended to bind her to him.

After the Ero-X, he would no longer feel this dark separation that had plagued him his whole life. As if something were missing from his heart and from his soul.

Dominique was the woman to change that, to complete him. In every way. He was more certain of that than anything else in this dreary existence of his.

“Do it, Viper.”

He hesitated a moment, wondering if she knew his thoughts. He stared into her eyes. No. Her words were simply a manifestation of her desire.

“Quickly.”

He loved the needy sound in her voice. His tongue lapped at her cunt and his heart pounded against his ribs because of what he was about to do.

“Mmm.” She raised her hips, trying to get closer to his mouth. Her eagerness spurred him on.

With his fingers, he spread the folds of her cunt wide. Her lush, rosy flesh made him want to ravish her. Instead, he leisurely licked her, taking his time, determined to give her all the pleasure he could. When she whimpered, he sucked her fleshy bud of nerves into his mouth.

“Oh Viper!”

His fangs extended just a bit and he turned his head, pricking the sensitive flesh. He felt Dominique tense. Droplets of blood touched his tongue. Yes!

“Viper?”

He sucked on her essence. All of her. Her sexual juices, her blood, her soul.

“What are you—” Dominique shrieked as the orgasm hit her. Her mind as well as her body exploded. Colors flashed before her eyes. In an instant a mind bond locked her with Viper for eternity. But more than that…

She felt the change. A genetic bond was forming. She could not fight it. Barely even understood what was happening through the curtain of ecstasy enveloping her.

In a small corner of her mind she fought against the unfamiliar bond. A larger part of her mind embraced the transformation, slowly realizing what the change was. It frightened her more than a little. It thrilled her more than a little. It confused her more than a lot.

Even so, her internal conflict did nothing to spoil the incredible pleasure which filled her every cell, almost as if she felt his ecstasy as much as her own. Duplicated over and over, touching every nerve in her body while he sucked her.

She shrieked again on a wave of pleasure and then her whole body collapsed. She vaguely became aware of being laid flat on the bed. Through foggy eyes she saw Viper undressing, lowering his trousers, letting his cock free, exposing the rest of that serpent tattoo she found so fascinating. She could barely move as her body, still thrumming from the incredible orgasms she had experienced, completed the change.

Her senses began to return. The Ero-X! A rite performed between mates. Why? He had bound her to him mentally and physically at the same time. More than a simple exchange of blood. An exchange of souls. An actual genetic bond. She could still fuck other men, should she desire, but she could breed with no other but him now and would only have her strongest orgasms when he was inside her.

A serious offense, since he had performed it without her permission. If she brought him before the High Council, they could punish him severely, even execute him. The rite could be reversed, if she so wished, by a circle of sorceresses but it was quite arduous and painful, from what she knew.

As Viper stood naked before her, his cock hard and ready, a softness entered his eyes. She was unfamiliar with that particular look. From him. Her limbs still felt heavy and she knew rage should be controlling her right now. But it was not.

“So…” he whispered. “Do you wish me dead, my lady, or will you take me inside you now?”

“Bastard,” she whispered, uncertain of her own feelings on the matter. Or so she tried to convince herself. Still she reached for him, for she needed an anchor. And as much as she might want to deny it, she needed him.

Whether because of the bond or something else just as deep, she felt bereft without him close. Despite his actions, he had made his way into her heart. Even she did not completely understand how.

Perhaps she felt more willing to accept all this because she saw his thoughts now, the true desire he felt for her. And his willingness to sacrifice everything to be with her, including his own freedom.

Viper’s heart thudded dully. He took her hand and interlaced their fingers, unsure what her response meant. Her dark eyes did not reveal much. She had not pulled away, which was good. She had not attacked him, even better. Her word for him was harsh but he had been called worse. Slowly, he began to probe her mind, peeling away the inner layers, needing to know the truth.

Once she fully recovered, he suspected there would be hell to pay. For now, unless she said differently, he would assume the best. “We will fuck, Dominique. Yes? It is time for us to be joined in this way.”

When she issued no protest, he lowered his body over hers. The paths into her mind seemed a maze, but he would learn how to read her. Soon. “Spread your legs for me.” He would not force her. Not physically and no longer by manipulation. He had manipulated her enough.

He did not regret his actions but he wanted her to now come to him because she desired it. When she spread her legs, his heart clenched. Yes. He sank into her cunt, giving her every inch of his long, hard cock. Ahh.

“I shall cut off your balls when next we rise,” she whispered in his ear. “Right now, I will enjoy this coupling.”

He chuckled, recognizing her threat as hollow. Or at least he hoped so. He moved his hips easily, fucking her slowly. “Perhaps another method of retaliation would serve better. Hmm?”

She sighed and wrapped her legs around him. “Yes. Perhaps. You are too useful this way.” She licked his ear.

His body shook. He had always imagined taking her hard and fast. A savage joining, not this slow and tender exchange of feelings. When he looked into her beautiful dark eyes, he wanted this to last forever for he saw desire and deep emotions reflected back to him. She truly wanted this as much as he did but feared admitting it aloud, especially while he held her territory. Or so he read in her mind.

“Why?” she whispered, her fingernails gently scraping his back. “I need to hear you say the words.”

Shivers of delight rushed through him. He slowed his thrusts even more but made each one deep, pushing as far into her as he could get.

She mewled.

When he answered, he kept his voice low and did not try to hide his emotions. “We belong to one another, Dominique. I knew it the first time I saw you all those years ago but I fought the feelings, tried to dismiss or explain them as nothing more than physical desire.” He had been such a fool.

She tried to look away but he reached out and held her chin.

His heart raced faster and more erratically than he could control as he read her thoughts. “Yes. I see into your mind.” He had found the key to her thoughts. “I know you feel the same. I was not wrong to hope and believe such. We need each other, Dominique. Together we can be happy.”

“Happy…” Her fingers curled around his arms as she pushed her hips up, meeting each of his thrusts with her own.

His eyes closed at the incredible feeling.

“Odd words, Viper. I have never much thought of happiness, only survival and control.”

His eyes reopened to gaze into hers. “I know…as have I. Until now. It is time for us to expand our expectations of the future.” He stroked her temples then lowered his head and kissed her gently, their tongues mingling.

Dominique’s heart contracted. She had never expected this. This emotional connection. But perhaps Viper was right.

The Ero-X was done. Unless she wanted to take a chance on him being executed, she had little recourse. No sorceress circle would perform the reversal rite without clearance from the High Council.

The genetic change was certainly disconcerting. Scary, if she admitted the truth. And as their minds and bodies formed an unbreakable lock that grew stronger by the moment, she knew her life would never be the same again.

Viper’s hips moved more forcefully now as he fucked her harder. He broke their kiss and lowered his head to her neck.

Yes! She felt his warm breath and his fangs as they lightly scraped her skin. Take me.

He sank his teeth into her.

She came…and screamed, undulating wildly beneath him. “Yes, Viper! I am yours! Take your fill.” Everything around her faded, including any uncertain thoughts still plaguing her. All she knew was Viper and the pleasure he gave her.

She felt his body tighten and with a low groan he came too, pumping his seed into her hard and with abandon. She could fuck him every day for the rest of her life and never tire of his body.

His fangs retracted and he lapped at the wound until they both were completely spent.

Breathing heavily, they lay unmoving in each other’s arms for a long while. Finally he shifted his weight and looked into her eyes. “That was soul-shattering, my lady. A perfect joining.”

“Perfect,” she echoed in a low voice.

“You should rest. When you awaken, we shall negotiate our truce.”

She nodded, her body and mind satiated. A truce. Yes. If they could do that, then the future held hope for them. And both their nests.

She stroked his cheek and let her eyes flutter closed. Right now she really did need to sleep. She needed to dream eternal dreams. Of Viper. Of the children she would bear him if their alliance did not dissolve into a pool of blood.

Chapter Six

Dominique awoke to Viper gently stroking her bare stomach with his fingertips. A delightful shiver rushed through her. Even though loving the show of tenderness from him, she avoided his eyes and glanced toward the window. Still dark.

The weariness of her body, specifically the heaviness of her limbs and her slower heartbeat, told her that the sun would be up soon. Another day and her life was more complicated than ever. Somehow she did not expect that to change anytime soon.

Finally, she turned her head back and her gaze met Viper’s. The caring in his eyes touched her heart. She gently covered his hand with hers. They both remained uncommonly silent. She knew he felt just as reluctant as she did about discussing the Ero-X. She could see it in his eyes, in his mind.

They could not avoid speaking about it forever and how it was going to change their lives. If they could even live with what he had done, without coming to blows in the end.

However, instead of thinking about it too much, she decided to put her attention elsewhere. For at least a bit. “What are these abilities Raine possesses that you think will help us?”

He kept his voice low as he spoke. “If we are to avoid the real issue, Dominique, let us talk of something more urgent.”

“More urgent? Such as?”

His fingers played with her nipple. “I have been waiting for you to wake. I need to fuck you again before the sun rises and also before my balls fall off.”

If his gaze had not been so intense, she would have laughed at his response. Instead, her heart lurched and she squirmed beneath his touch. She probed his mind but could not tell his thoughts on the matter and that confused her, for before she had spoken his thoughts had been open to her.

“Just looking at you makes me ache.”

His words surprised her, given his mind block. What was he about? She could not help but wonder if he truly wanted to fuck her because he actually wanted her again or because he feared what she might say about what he had done to her now that some hours had passed? He might simply want more time for himself before facing the issue.

His cock, hard and ready, drew her gaze. She supposed that was her answer, at least partly. He could not fake that. She reached for him but then hesitated before making contact. So much stood between them.

“What is wrong?”

She definitely wanted him again. But she also needed information. Lots of it. Because more than a small part of his mind was closed off to her, she was forced to face this situation directly, with words. “I am curious and in need, Viper.”

“Me too.” He leaned toward her.

The palm of her hand on his chest stopped him. “Other than sexual need. My attention will not be on pleasure if my curiosity is not assuaged. Certainly, you do not want me thinking about Raine while you are inside me,” she whispered in a husky voice. She felt it more prudent to discuss Raine than the Ero-X or anything else for now. One issue at a time. Some things had to take precedence over sex. Sometimes.

He frowned. “I think you seek to distract me unnecessarily, lady. Once my cock is inside you, you will not be thinking of Raine. I can guarantee that.”

He was too smart and definitely right about his cock. But distraction was not what this was about. She had a stake in what was going on. A large one. “I seek knowledge that involves my nest and its protection. Would you not wish the same if we were at Castle de L’Night and I held your territory under my control?”

“Perhaps. Though my timing would not be similar. That is certain.” He studied her a moment then sighed. “Very well.” He settled easily beside her, running the back of his hand along the side of one of her bare breasts. “Raine is Of the Bane and an Avian Sorceress as well.”

“Truly?” An Avian Sorceress. Interesting. So the woman could morph into a wolf and also a bird at will. Her wolf abilities would be genetic but her avian ability had to be taught by one or more of the Sorceress Society—the very exclusive, respected and somewhat feared organization of powerful females who were skilled in many different areas of magic. The same ones who performed many of the Underworld Rites for the High Council.

“Yes. I will send her to Château de la Lune. From the air she can easily make it past any patrols and will be safer from Les Loups than Belda and Caresse.”

His easy explanation surprised her. “You should have seen to that immediately.” She pushed at his shoulder. “Do it now before it is too late for your ferret cousins.”

“No worries. They will not enter the grounds around the château until daylight when most of the pack will be asleep. Les Loups are night rovers. Only a small force will be on patrol while the sun is up. We have plenty of time. It will take Raine but minutes to get there. I will inform her of the plan soon.”

“What if she leaves before you go to her? She does not seem the patient sort. Are you not worried?” She was worried. Raine was obviously war trained by a Bane Master. Dominique could tell by the woman’s confidence and the way she moved. She just had not put it all together until now, with the additional information Viper had given her. But it made sense. She could also tell that Raine was not one who worked well with or for others. She had seen the attitude before in soldiers no longer a part of her nest, banished from Toussaint’s territory for repeated insubordination.

“She will not leave.”

He always sounded so certain about everything. But she had seen enough of his private thoughts to know that how he sounded and how he truly felt were not always the same. “You should see to it now to be certain.” For someone so intent on getting his sister back, he seemed too complacent about this even if time was not really an issue as of yet.

“You seem too intent about this, my dear lady.”

“Funny. I was just thinking the opposite of you, Viper.” Had he read her mind just then? She wished she could tell. This mind link, combined with the Ero-X, was not a usual joining and the unfamiliarity made her nervous. Perhaps a scholar could help her with its workings. She needed to learn how to use their newly forged link and growing relationship to her advantage, without making herself too vulnerable in the process. He seemed more naturally skilled in this than she.

“Still trying to get rid of me? Have you not learned yet that I am not leaving you this night? Or at least not until I get inside you one more time.” He wrapped a strand of her hair around his finger and rubbed lightly.

“Are you avoiding the issue of your sister?”

“That is uppermost in my mind, believe me. Whether I show it or not. Certainly you know this. See it.”

“I was not certain. Your mind paths confuse me. I do not want to miss out on the opportunity to use Raine’s skills to solve this problem between us. We cannot move forward until all this is settled.” Neither of their lives could progress on a successful path and certainly not together until Starr returned safely. If anything happened to her, whether Aleron’s fault or not, she feared it would always stand between them.

“Raine and I have a mind link when she is nearby. She knows that I need her and will wait for instructions. She even said as much. I know you heard her.”

Oh. Yes of course. She remembered now. But she did not know of their special connection. “A mind link? You have exchanged blood then?” Somehow the thought bothered her.

He grinned. “Only a small amount. She and I are not bonded deeply, Dominique. Like I said, the link only exists within a certain geographical area. Nothing for you to be concerned about.” He moved off the bed and headed toward her supply of blood wine. “Have you and Aleron not exchanged blood?”

“No. Though only cousins, we are too close genetically.” Viper’s naked body, all strong and hard, made her insides ache. Especially when he moved and all his muscles rippled. His thick hair, soft and rich, made her want to tangle her fingers in its depths. And his cock, only semihard now, impressed and aroused her even in its half-flaccid state.

She gave herself a mental shake. She needed to forget her physical desires. For the moment. She needed to let him know what this permanent joining between them meant to her. Emotionally. Before too much time passed. It was not as simple as he seemed to believe. As if the Ero-X had solved all their problems in his mind, when in her mind it had just created more. “He is more like a brother, genetically speaking, than a cousin actually. Our bloodlines are very similar.”

“I have often wondered the full damage of exchanging like blood,” he countered as he poured them both a drink. “If it can truly be as bad as rumored.”

“I have seen the result, when gone wrong.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes. Madness. I would not make the attempt.” She enjoyed their easy exchange of information. However, their future together hinged not on such niceties but on coming to a basic understanding about each other’s position in their combined nests. A subject he had deftly avoided up to now. No doubt because he had not the same worry. “I do not like that we are not on equal ground with this joining, Viper. It makes me uncomfortable.” There she had said it.

Viper glanced back at her a moment and scowled. What was she babbling about? She spoke nonsense beyond his understanding at times. Even with their mind link, she remained a puzzle to him.

He topped off his goblet. “Are we not equal?” He held her in the highest esteem and would give her the moon were it in his power. In his mind, that gave her more control than he had ever allowed a female in his life.

“No. You expect submission. You rule. I do not serve. We will not be compatible as partners unless that changes. If you cannot or will not change, should we not stop this now, before it goes too far?” Without taking a breath, she continued quickly, “If necessary for us to do so, I will not assign blame. We can approach the High Council—”

He snapped back to face her. “A reversal?” His heart pounded and his fingers tightened into fists. “Is that what you truly wish?” He had thought Dominique the one woman to accept him fully for who he was, especially after she had come so willingly to him just hours before. “Why do you say this now?” She had yet to voice any real regret to the Ero-X. So why this change all of a sudden? She should have protested immediately, not accepted him into her body after the rite was complete, but made a strong stance right off, instead of playing with him.

But…wait. He had seen into her thoughts. She had wanted him. Felt confused about the Ero-X. But not angry. She had said aloud that she was his. He was not mistaken about that. So, what was this now?

“I will not be your servant.” She sat up, her eyes revealing her seriousness.

Her body, naked and beautiful, distracted him beyond reasoning. But with effort, he pulled his attention back to the conversation. “I have not demanded that of you.” She had closed down her mind to him and he could not read her true thoughts at the moment. Damn it. He needed to stay calm and not make assumptions. Something more was going on here.

Let her talk, his instincts told him, if that was what she needed. The female mind was complex and a trial to figure out. Starr, Raine, Belda and Caresse often confused him as well. Even being around so many females, for so many years, he had not learned their moods and reasonings.

“I want you to release Toussaint.”

Ah, so was that what all this was about? “In time.” He needed to secure Starr first. He trusted Dominique but that trust did not extend to Aleron or Toussaint’s soldiers. He needed to maintain control until he knew Starr was all right.

“Now.”

“Do not push me, Dominique.” If she could not understand his motives as they were, he knew not how to make his position clearer. In the reverse situation, he suspected she would make like decisions.

Still, her gaze did not waver.

His temperature rose and his temper followed. He did not respond well to demands. She had to know at least that about him.

As she remained silent, with her mind blocked to him, he felt his frustration growing to a breaking point. He grabbed his trousers and pulled them on. He needed some air. Needed to think. Alone. He turned and stalked to the door.

“You are leaving?” she asked, sounding more than a little surprised.

He slammed the door closed behind him.

Dominique sat staring at the door. He had left right in the middle of their conversation. What the hell? If they could not even negotiate without him walking out, what hope was there for their future together?

Though she had realized fairly quickly that it would take time, she still hated that she was not more skilled at reading his thoughts yet and only saw glimpses or saw only what he wanted her to see. He was stronger than most at shielding the windows into his mind. She had made the attempt to block her own thoughts as well but did not know if she had been successful. Normally, once connected, easing into another’s mind was not a problem. At least the upper and most accessible layer of thoughts.

Even so, she had felt his frustration and hurt at her attitude. Perhaps she should have approached him differently. A man’s ego was a fragile thing, her mother once told her. Difficult to picture Viper as fragile in any respect. She was the real one who was hurt here—the one fighting for her position. The one forced into this position to begin with.

Certainly he should understand her concerns. Damn stubborn man. As she stood from the bed, contemplating her next move, the door flew open.

Viper.

The feeling in the room immediately changed with his presence. His deep green eyes burned hot. A muscle in his tightened jaw ticked. He stood with his fists clenched at his sides. She could see and sense the strong emotions consuming him. No anger but a good amount of frustration mixed with desire.

She stepped back. The bedframe stopped her from retreating very far.

The Viper in front of her was the one she was more familiar with. Tough, demanding, unbendable. Dark and menacing. Like the viper tattoo on his torso. Not the tender lover of a few hours ago.

“What?” she asked, working to keep her voice from shaking.

He strode inside and slammed the door behind him. His gaze raked her naked flesh. “Obviously there is but one way to resolve this. To prove our equality.” He was in front of her in a flash, grabbing her shoulders, spinning her around.

“Oh!”

He pushed her down onto the bed, keeping his arm around her waist, so she still stood but the top part of her was pushed into the bedding, leaving her naked ass in the air.

“What are you doing?” she screeched. No fear struck her at his actions, only outrage. “How does this prove equality?”

He kicked her legs apart. “You are free. I am free. Therefore, equal.”

“I am not free!”

“I, hereby, release you. Done. Free.”

“You think this so easy?” His frustration had clouded his thinking.

“Of course. Even bound by the Ero-X, we can still do as we wish, with the exception of breeding, which affects both of us. Again, equal.” His hand circled the back of her neck, holding her down. “I will do exactly what I wish to you right now. You may equally react as you please.” His other hand was immediately between her legs, probing her cunt.

“You are crazy!” Why did men think sex solved all problems?

“Feel free to fight me if you need but you are wet for me, Dominique. You cannot deny that. I see and feel your need.” Her cunt clenched around his fingers.

Yes, she was wet for him. But also angry as hell. “You do not—”

“Protest all you want, come up with any excuse to put me off, if that makes you feel better.” He eased his fingers from her cunt and opened the front of his trousers. “There will be no reversal. I will prove to you that you cannot live without me. You need me to complete yourself. You will admit that before the rise of the sun.”

She tried to elbow him but he released her neck and pushed her arms down. Then he pulled her body back up when she tried to lower her ass and squirm away.

“This is not the way to win me over, lord.” If she had to really fight him, like the blood soldier she was trained to be, just to get him to release and listen to her, their relationship would be severely damaged if not totally destroyed.

Suddenly, the chest in front of the secret passage crashed to the ground.

Viper spun around as the passageway swung open.

Dominique grabbed a wrap to cover herself. With a hand on Viper’s arm and a strong probe into his mind, she stopped him from grabbing a weapon, as her soldiers stormed the room. They will kill you.

The soldiers held their knives and bows at the ready. One soldier stepped forward. He looked Viper up and down then studied her in return, obviously noting their state of undress. “You are unharmed, lady? We heard your screech.”

She had screeched? Hell. Viper had turned her inside out. She was not acting as herself. She should have whacked him in the balls and been done with it. “I am fine. What is our status?” She was happy to see her men. To know they were all right and able to fight.

Before he could answer her, Viper’s soldiers stormed through the bedchamber door. They must have heard the crash and commotion. Her heart pounded against her ribs. This whole situation was escalating much too quickly.

Viper fastened his trousers then held up a hand. “Hold your positions.”

Both sets of soldiers stood at the ready, awaiting orders.

Dominique looked at Viper, surprised by his command but thankful for his control over his men. The next move would also have to be up to him, since his soldiers vastly outnumbered hers. “So are we enemies here, my lord? At an impasse? Even after…everything.” She was not ready to mention the Ero-X to her soldiers. They would not understand. If they learned she had not originally agreed to the rite, they would attempt to kill Viper to free her from the bond. No matter her orders, she feared.

His brow furrowed. “It is time this ended. All the way around.”

Her blood raced through her veins, unsure of his meaning. She saw his thoughts in this but still remained uncertain of the truth. She needed to hear him say the words aloud. Only then would she truly believe.

He raked his fingers through his hair, drawing the strands back from his face, then he spoke to his soldiers. “Drop your weapons.” When they hesitated, he barked, “Do it!”

Dominique’s soldiers moved forward, toward Viper’s men.

“Stop,” she ordered. “You will drop your weapons as well.”

Confusion filled their expressions but they complied immediately.

Viper spoke up again. His words came out a bit haltingly as he addressed his soldiers this time but the seriousness of his words was unmistakable. “Release Toussaint but maintain your stations for now.” He reached out for her hand.

A gesture of trust. A truce.

She breathed easier. Perhaps all stood a chance of turning out well, after all. She touched him, lacing her fingers through his. “From now on, we work together. All of us. Return to your normal duties. There are to be no altercations. Heed my words.”

“And mine,” Viper added. “We will not tolerate defiance. More orders will follow soon.”

Both sets of soldiers filed from the room, moving slowly and eyeing each other warily, as well as the two of them. Their gazes did not miss the joining of their hands. She knew they must have a multitude of questions. She had many questions for them too.

Once alone, Dominique pulled her fingers from Viper’s grip and crossed her arms under her breasts. She cocked an eyebrow at him, not about to let him off so easily for his earlier behavior. He should feel lucky that she did not punch him right in the jaw.

He averted his eyes but then finally met her gaze. “I apologize, my lady.” He cleared his throat. “I overstepped the boundaries of civility.”

“To say the least. If you ever try to force yourself on me in that manner again, in anger or not, I shall slice your cock lengthwise and leave you to bleed to death.”

He cringed. “A fitting punishment. Although—”

“Although? There is no although. No excuse.”

“You did want it, Dominique. I read so in your mind. I would never truly force anything you did not want. All you needed to do was probe my thoughts to see that.”

She hesitated and felt the frown that crossed her face. Damn him for knowing too much about her. And damn herself for being unable to follow the path of his thoughts properly. “Even so. Ask next time.”

“I will consider it.”

“You are an aggravating man, Viper.” She dropped her arms to her sides but not easily. Her hands clenched. She was not entirely sure about her decision not to sock him. She still might very well change her mind. “Yes. I did want you. Do want you. But I also want—”

“Equality.”

“Yes.”

“Not in the bedchamber, my dear. In here, you serve me. I will, of course, reward you greatly in return.”

She took a deep breath, keeping control of her emotions, then slowly she let the breath out. “I was talking about Toussaint when you left. Your control over it. Your control over everything. You know that.” She was not certain how she felt about his need for sexual control. Conflicted explained it best. Many things about Viper conflicted her.

“It is but temporary. Until Starr returns.”

“And Aleron is punished.”

“If appropriate.”

“I cannot and will not allow that to happen. He would never hurt your sister. I know that in my heart.”

“Then you should have no worries. I would never harm you, Dominique. And I will not harm him if he is innocent of taking her against her will.”

She shook her head. “So you say. You will be his judge?”

“No. Starr will be his judge. Your concern is needless, Dominique, if you truly believe him innocent. Unless you do not trust me to keep my word.”

“I do not know what to believe, my lord. My mind and senses have been rattled by all that has happened. I do not even understand my own needs anymore,” she added, her voice lowering. Why she made such a confession, she did not know, other than she felt weary of their conflict. And of her own internal conflict about all the issues plaguing her at the moment.

“I do understand your needs. I have seen your darkest needs, Dominique. Do not try to hide them behind words and actions. Embrace them. Life will go easier for the both of us that way.”

Somehow she doubted life with Viper would ever be easy. Exciting, yes. Easy, no. She slid her gaze from his. “What comes now?”

“We wait for further information on Starr and Aleron. And Démon’s involvement.”

She nodded. Short of storming the mountainside themselves, she supposed they had few choices. On a positive note, more time together would give them a further opportunity to bond.

His voice took on a lighter tone. “So, will you continue to torture me with a possible reversal every time we argue, my lady?”

“Probably.”

He grunted then one side of his mouth hitched up at the corner. “Good thing a reversal is not possible after one full moon passes. I think I can hold out for that long.”

She chuckled. “We shall see.” She stripped off the wrap. “Let us occupy our time until Raine returns, hopefully with Belda and Caresse in tow.” She reassumed her position on the bed—head down, ass in the air. Her cunt felt wet and ready. “You may continue with your ravishment of me.”

When silence greeted her, her heart clenched. But then Viper growled.

“You could drive any sane man crazy, Dominique.”

She had not been certain what his reaction would be. Laughter or need. Or maybe something else entirely. Need apparently won out for, again, she felt his fingers between her legs. One, then two thick fingers slid deep inside her cunt. Ah, yes! She had not liked his methods earlier but knowing now that he would not have even made such an attempt if she truly had not wanted him, eased her mind.

The resulting ecstasy she could not fight or deny.

He pumped her cunt. Hard. Fast. Showing his control and dominance. She expected nothing less. But even control and dominance had its boundaries. And she fully expected him never to cross those boundaries again.

When she probed his mind, she found him open and saw a need for her to accept him, to believe in him. To trust in his decisions and trust in him never to hurt her.

She would do that but she had her own needs too. And she would make certain he knew that. Often. “Ah, ah, ah…” She could not stop her voice from leaving her throat. His fingers in her cunt felt too good.

When he pulled his hand away, she moaned in disappointment. He smacked her ass and she gasped. Dominant through and through. Still she craved him. She felt his fingers curl around her hips. The tip of his cock pressed against the entrance to her cunt.

“Viper,” she whispered, anticipating his penetration. His ragged breathing filled her ears. She fisted the blanket on the bed. Waiting.

Almost painfully, his fingers dug into her skin. “Beg me to fuck you!”

She sucked in a breath as his cock remained positioned but he held back, making her wait. On purpose. She felt his need for her submission. Her willing submission.

“Beg for it!”

She could not take the torture any longer. In this, she would allow him his way, for she knew her reward would be great. But, in the end, he would meet her emotional needs, not just her physical ones. She would not seek a reversal. Instead, she intended to tame this man, at least enough so they both could live a phenomenal life…together. “Fuck me! Now!”

He thrust forward, pushing his shaft all the way inside her, deeper than any man had ever gone. “Yes!” she cried out, the feeling just as incredible as the first time. Every time he entered her, she knew it would be the same. Explosive.

Viper released her hips and buried one hand in her hair, holding her upper body down on the bedding as he fucked her. He growled deep in his throat and the sound of flesh slapping against flesh filled the room.

Dominique had never felt so conquered. To her surprise, she loved it. The freedom of not having to be strong and in charge but submitting to the strength of another in return for the ultimate pleasure shook her to the core.

Instinctively, she knew that she would only feel this way with Viper. And that particular feeling was emotionally based, not physical, and only marginally because of the Ero-X. The realization surprised her but she knew it to be the truth. He knew more about her emotional needs than she gave him credit for. Maybe even more than she had even known.

The orgasm blasted through her body before she expected. Strong. Powerful. “Yes! Viper! Yes!” Her limbs trembled and her knees buckled.

Viper held her steady, his hand tightening in her hair. “Ah, yes, my lady,” he groaned, fucking her even harder, taking everything from her. “I will never be tamed.”

He had read her thoughts. She might have laughed but did not have the energy. She hung onto the bedding—weak, her body humming, Viper pounding into her cunt. He stiffened and gave out a roar as his seed shot into her. Then he collapsed on top of her, his body heavy and slick with sweat.

“You are an incredible fuck,” he whispered against her ear.

A compliment, though she would have preferred more tender words. She would work on that with him.

After several moments, he pulled away from her. “I shall clean up then talk to Raine.” He kissed the middle of her back. “Do not leave this bedchamber.”

She looked over her shoulder at him. Had he not just said earlier that she was now free?

“Only a request, Dominique. Not an order. Just so we are clear. We have much to discuss.”

Yes, much, she thought, as she settled comfortably on the bedding and let her eyelids drift closed.

Chapter Seven

Raine poised on the top of Castle Toussaint’s main tower, away from curious eyes. She preferred to morph in private for she was at her most vulnerable during the transformation process and not as able to protect herself.

Trust in anyone had always been difficult for her and she certainly was not going to expose herself at her weakest moment unless given no other choice. Besides, she was a loner by nature and liked her life that way. It made things easier, for people tended to aggravate her.

Her gaze scanned the horizon. Sunrise was near. She needed to leave now to make the rendezvous.

She spread her cape out over her arms and as the Avian Sorceresses had taught her, she transformed her body into a black raven. She waited as each organ changed, as her bones bent and narrowed. She made certain the change was complete before moving. In an emergency, she could transform and fly almost immediately but it involved risks better avoided when possible.

Settled in her new body, she tested her wings then leapt from the tower into the air. Never did she feel as free as when she soared through the sky. The beauty of the countryside always struck her strongest from up high. Even at predawn. Her eyesight remained strong despite the lack of light and she was able to travel easily to her destination.

In a matter of moments, she reached the base of the mountain at the point she had been told where Belda and Caresse should be waiting. She circled but saw nothing. Neither did she sense them, so she did not bother to land. She was not certain how far down the mountain Démon had sent his patrols and she felt safest while in the air.

Where were those furry rats? They were not supposed to enter Aleron’s territory until after sunrise. If they had gotten themselves eaten by Démon’s wolves, Viper would fly into a rage and probably spill much more blood than was necessary in this situation.

All over some woman.

If up to her, she would have let the situation work itself out naturally. But then, she and Starr never had gotten along. A social fem-vamp at best, that woman. She had never found any use for her even though men flocked to Starr as if she were some prize. Starr was not even war trained and much too pampered, in her opinion.

Beauty and sexuality held its appeal, she understood that. A person needed to be made up of more though. If Starr had anything else going for her, Raine had never seen it.

But she would do this favor for Viper. She knew he loved his sister. Besides, she enjoyed when Viper owed her a debt. Though he seemed a bit besotted over this new lady of his, so her payback options might not be as vast or interesting as normal. His refusal to allow her to join them in bed had shown her his involvement was serious. Emotionally. Not just some sexual joining for mutual pleasure.

Love—if that was what it turned out to be—would change him vastly. She had seen it too many times. She snorted. Such a waste of energy and more trouble than it was worth. Or so she believed. Sex was much simpler. War games even more so, because no emotions were involved. Battles between factions presented an intellectual challenge, which was more to her liking.

As the sun peeked out from behind the mountain, she flew over the trees toward the château. The sun would cause her no harm in her morphed state. Though Of the Bane and an Avian Sorceress, she had exchanged fluids with those Of the Blood and was genetically connected to their kind. The sun, even if not deadly to her, would take its toll if she remained exposed too long in her natural state.

Her frustration rose to a dangerous level as she continued to seek her cousins. If Belda and Caresse had failed in their mission she would have to seek out Starr herself. Put an end to all this. Quickly.

She could not travel as easily inside the château as the ferrets, which were much smaller. She would certainly be spotted if she tried. But she would do what she could.

In fact, no matter the difficulty, she was determined not to fail. It was a matter of honor now. She would not return to Toussaint without information of some sort for Viper.

Démon’s nose twitched. He knew every smell within Aleron’s territory. His territory. Intruders roved the mountain. Interesting. Certainly word had gotten around by now that Les Loups were back. No sane person would venture this land uninvited.

He morphed from human to wolf, where his senses would be keener. Most of his pack slept now but he had felt too restless to relax. A hunt would do him good. Besides, his curiosity had been piqued too much to leave this for Aleron’s soldiers.

He raced easily through the trees, following his senses. His nose detected an animal that was not an animal. More than one actually. A very distinct aroma that only morphed or turned creatures gave off.

Stopping, he crouched behind a fallen log. They were near and headed his way. He remained downwind from them so he should be able to surprise whoever they were. He just needed to wait and be patient.

After only a few moments, out from the bushes poked a furry head with a white tuft. What the hell was that? A ferret? No, wait. Another one. Two ferrets. Who were they?

Were those rolled missives he saw in their mouths? Definitely part human, not trained animals. Along with their scent, he sensed their intelligence and emotions, even though he could not probe their minds.

An attempt to get to Aleron or Starr, no doubt. Good try but they would not succeed. They would make a tasty treat. His long tongue lapped across his snout.

Suddenly, one of them perked up. Hell, they must have sensed him. No time for hesitation. He jumped out from behind the log.

With a squeak, they took off running. He did not worry. He would be able to easily catch at least one of them. Fools.

They all entered a clearing, headed toward the entrance to the château. Not a smart move on their parts. They should have gone deeper into the forest and run up a tree to save themselves. Now he could pounce.

Perhaps he would not eat his catch, which would not make much more than a snack anyhow, but send the bodies back to L’Night or Toussaint once he found out which one had commanded them here. An ominous message of just how serious he was. He had no doubt they were sent by one of the two factions.

A loud caw drew his attention upward. A raven, one with a larger wingspan than would ever exist naturally, swooped down and grabbed the ferrets, one in each claw, then soared back into the sky before he reached them. Damn it!

He skidded to a stop. He recognized that black bird. Recognized her scent. Lady Raine de L’Night.

Dear cousin. He snarled.

Last he had heard, she was no longer residing in France. Apparently, he had heard wrong. He watched Raine’s glide path as she disappeared above the trees. He hated that bitch. She was a woman not to be underestimated. Lady Raine de L’Night would be back. Of that he was certain.

He needed to prepare. Lord Viper had sent a messenger and now several scouts. Soldiers would come next. Where was Lady Dominique in all this, he wondered? The nest of Toussaint had been surprisingly silent.

Regardless, he would send Viper a missive. The time was right.

Viper would no doubt be desperate after finding out that yet another attempt to rescue his sister had failed. Negotiations, which he felt confident would progress in his favor, could now begin.

Though Toussaint held the rights to Château de la Lune, if Viper de L’Night went to the High Council, the property could be transferred to Les Loups without Aleron’s assent. Viper only needed to convince them of its urgency. He did not care how he acquired the holdings, as long as he did in the end.

Raine hovered near the top of the back tower of Château de la Lune. Prince Démon was the wolf she had barely avoided on the grounds. She would recognize her cousin anywhere, in any form.

Now that he knew she was here, he would be even more diligent, though Raine sensed no patrols up this high, at least not at the moment. Hopefully, their luck would hold.

She released the ferrets, landed, then morphed back into her human form, feeling her bones and muscles stretch and contort. As soon as she was able to speak, she railed, “You two are a trial. You should have followed orders and waited until the sun had risen. I would not have had to rescue you that way. Now Démon knows I am involved and he will increase the guards accordingly in areas accessible to me. Deliver your messages, gather whatever information you can and then return here. I will fly you out.”

Belda dropped her missive and chattered angrily.

Raine planted her fists on her hips. “You ungrateful little piece of fur! I could have let him eat you. Do not complain to me of some minor scratch from my claw. I did not even draw blood. Now do your duty or I’ll morph into a wolf and eat you myself.”

Belda and Caresse flipped their tails at her, in obvious irritation, as they scurried away with their missives.

Raine turned up her nose at them. She glanced around, feeling impatient. No way was she just going to sit here and wait for them to return. She would gather information of her own, despite the danger. Trusting those rat relations to do so did not sit well with her.

She arched her back, morphing into her wolf form. The transformation occurred quickly. This was her genetic self. What she was born to do. Natural. Comfortable. And barely any effort needed to complete the change.

Démon’s patrols would pick up her foreign scent if nearby. But if they remained outside the castle walls, she stood a chance.

She felt secure entering the château in wolf form. She could move easier and her senses were keener than as a raven or in her human form. She padded inside, into a deserted hall. Her nose lifted to the air. Nothing to scent but dust and remnants of ferret.

Silently, she moved deeper into the castle. Her nose lowered to the ground. This must be a deserted area, for she picked up no recent smells from warm-blooded, living creatures. If Starr was here, she would most likely be down in one of the bedchambers or the dungeon.

Hopefully the former. Viper would take the news more kindly. If Starr had been harmed in any manner, there would be hell to pay.

She needed to find a less visible way down than the main stairs. She followed the smell of ferret. If nothing else, those two knew how to get in and out of places quickly and quietly. She might be too big to follow their exact path but she would continue on while possible.

Once in an occupied or tight area, she would go her own way in whatever morphed state served her best.

* * * * *

Viper handed Dominique the goblet of blood wine he had poured earlier. “Raine has gone to the château. Soon we should know where we stand.”

“Good.” The sooner the better.

“I think we should announce the Ero-X before too much longer. Our soldiers will become restless and not understand otherwise. I do not want unrest to cause any skirmishes that might result in injury or death.”

“Agreed, but let us wait until Raine returns so we will know what steps must be taken next.” A disturbing thought crossed her mind. “What if the worst happens, Viper? With Starr?”

His lips tightened into a thin line. “I will not think of that. Do not mention it again.”

Studying his disturbed expression, she felt his pain and silently agreed, not wanting to cause him more distress. But he might be forced into thinking about the worst soon, whether he wanted to or not. She took a large gulp of wine, hoping things would work out and not come to that.

He sat beside her on the bed. “We should feed. Then rest.”

Though a sexual act was not required to feed, her cunt clenched at his words, for she felt the heat of his desire. “Yes. The sun has risen. We will grow weary before long.”

Feeding from someone did not weaken the other unless too much blood was taken. So they could easily nourish one another to keep up their combined strength. Pure blood, plus specially formulated blood wine and an occasional snack of raw meat from any warm-blooded nonhuman creature was enough to sustain their lives. Those Of the Blood were not the vicious bloodsuckers, attacking every human in sight, as rumor too often portrayed.

Viper stroked her hair. “While you feed on me, I will play with your gorgeous nipples. Then I will fuck your ass while I feed on you.”

Well, romantic he was not. But then, there was something erotic about his direct approach that fascinated her. Still, the tone of his words sounded too similar to an order, which did not sit well. When she cocked an eyebrow at him, he arched one of his eyebrows at her.

After a moment, when he said nothing more, she lowered her gaze. “Very well.” She doubted he would ever change. And she was not even certain anymore if she wanted him to. Any different and he would not be Viper.

He chuckled. “Do not act as if your compliance is a defeat. As if you do not want me inside your body.”

“It is not that.”

“Then what? Consider your submission a victory, Dominique. I want you so much. Need you. That gives you power. You know this. Yes? Look into my thoughts.”

Her gaze met his and she saw truth in his eyes. Then her mind met his. What she saw there surprised her beyond all else. Her willingness to submit meant everything to this man.

He did not intend to dominate her life, to make her less than what she was. He only needed to know that he could trust in her and she would trust in him no matter what. If that were possible, then he would worship her beyond all others.

Reservations gone and with a new understanding of him, she slid her hand over his. “Yes. I see now.” She set her wine aside. “I will come to you. Willingly. The way you need.”

Almost before she finished speaking, his lips covered hers—hot and hungry. His hand turned in hers and he squeezed her fingers. Their tongues touched lightly. Then playfully they licked at each other’s lips and kissed again. Softly this time. Their lips brushed back and forth.

She broke the kiss and leaned down to nuzzle his neck. She loved his spicy smell. It made her desire both his body and his blood at the same time. Her cunt throbbed and her stomach rumbled. Warring needs. But right now, her need for sustenance won out.

His pulse beat hard along his throat, enticing her to feed. He lifted her onto his lap and held her gently.

She licked at his skin, enjoying the salty taste. When his fingers found her nipple, as he had promised, she sighed against his throat.

Soon, her hunger grew too strong to wait any longer and she sank her fangs into his neck. Oh yes. He tasted of everything she could ever want or would ever need. He groaned as his warm, rich blood flowed from his body into her mouth and down her throat.

His hand tightened around her breast.

She took her fill of him, feeling stronger with each swallow. So incredibly delicious. She did not take a lot but enough to sustain her for several hours. Then she closed the wound, taking her time to continue enjoying the taste of his flesh, of his essence. A lifetime with him by her side was a most pleasant thought.

Knowing what was coming next, her body thrummed in anticipation. “Your turn to feed, my lord.”

Viper gently laid her down on the bedding, on her stomach. Her long hair flowed down her back, the paleness of her skin a sharp contrast against the black strands. She possessed quite a delicate-looking frame. Even so, he knew each beautiful muscle to be firm and perfectly shaped from her years of training. She was a strong woman and could take a strong fucking if his mood desired such. A smile tugged at his lips.

He stood and removed his trousers. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared down at Dominique’s rounded ass. Perfection. He could barely wait to get his cock inside her tight hole.

He stopped for a moment, marveling at all that had happened between them. Never would he have believed this situation with Starr would have a good side.

Now that he and Dominique were joined and a team, he held no doubts that they would get Starr back and find out Aleron’s role in all this. And Démon’s.

He sat beside Dominique and massaged her ass. She spread her legs, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He moved between them, pleased that she was so willing. Her fire got him hard. Her submission got him harder.

He sucked his thumb then with a soft touch he pressed it along her puckered hole. He saw her fingers grip the bedding and he probed her memory. Her thoughts were jumbled and he saw something that disturbed him. “You have not done this before?” he asked in surprise, not certain of what he was really seeing in the depths of her mind.

“A couple of times, lord. But they were not pleasant experiences,” she answered in a low voice.

Too submissive, he read. And then he read more. The truth. She had been hurt years ago and unable to protect herself in this position. Allowing him, trusting him, to do this was hard for her. And a great gift to him, he realized.

“Who hurt you?” he asked, barely controlling the tone and level of his voice. Two men, he saw through the haze in her mind. Of the Bane. They had bound her, fucked her in this manner, while others watched. His soul ached for her.

“It does not matter. They are dead.”

He tried to control his temper, not wanting to upset her. “By your hand?”

She hesitated before answering. “Yes.”

If she had not killed them, he would have. He would have tracked them to the ends of the world and taken their lives in the most painful way possible. “And those who watched but did not help you?”

“Spared.”

“More than they deserved.” He leaned down and kissed one ass cheek. No matter his needs, her needs mattered more. “I will not take you in that way and bring back bad memories.”

“I want you to, Viper,” she responded without hesitation. She turned her head and her eyes locked with his. “I want you to replace the bad memories with those of you.”

He swallowed hard. Her confession surprised him and her trust touched him deeply. Determination filled his heart. He would make this good for her. Make her forget or at least help her heal from the past. And make her crave this kind of taking as she should. From him.

“Very well,” he choked out, the weight of this responsibility heavy on his heart and in his mind.

Chapter Eight

Raine caught Starr’s unique scent. Yes! The woman was nearby.

She padded down a long hall, which held several bedchambers. Starr had to be inside one of them.

Once at this level, found off a back staircase, lots of scents had assailed her. They had been difficult to separate at first, especially since several of them were from L’Night relations.

But she knew Starr’s scent well. Similar to Viper’s, only lighter. Harder to detect but definitely here. When she found the right door, she would morph back to human, enter, take out any guards inside and go from there.

She could not get Starr out of the château by herself. The grounds were too well guarded. But she had verified her presence and her exact location. With reinforcements, they would be able to return and free her.

Her nose twitched. Here. This was the room in front of her. She detected one other human inside. A male. Not Of the Bane. Not one Of the Undead either, her nose told her. Probably Aleron or a soldier. Whichever, she could take out one man.

She detected the ferrets nearby also. Now, if her luck would just hold out, this whole fiasco would be over and done with before much longer.

A menacing growl reached her ears.

She turned her head and saw him. Démon. His teeth bared. She had to think quickly. He had her escape route blocked.

The ceiling here was not high enough. Even if she morphed into a raven, he might be able to get at her with one good jump before she made it past him, whether in wolf or human form.

Whatever she decided, she would not be able to get in to see Starr now. Damn her luck. She had been so close.

Démon stalked nearer, his eyes glowing.

She lowered her head in a submissive gesture, hoping to fool or at least confuse him. Timing this right would be essential. She turned and raised her tail, knowing he would be unable to resist the invitation. His Alpha instincts ran too strong. When she glanced back, she saw that he had stopped and was eyeing her warily.

Trying to appear willing, in a show of acceptance of his dominance, she let out a small whimper. Come on, big boy. Take what I am offering you here. She waited patiently. Or at least gave the appearance of patience. Inwardly, her battle instincts ran strong.

Démon resumed his approach. When he reached her, he sniffed her from behind. She turned her head and again glanced at him. A sexual gleam entered his eyes.

With a growl, he mounted her. Before he stabbed his huge cock into her cunt, she spun around, knocking him off with her hip and sent him tumbling down the corridor. She sprinted past him, heading for the stairwell back up and toward the outside tower.

It did not take him long to get his feet back under him and he followed on her heels. She sensed his anger and knew if he caught her, he would rip her to shreds.

She cleared the stairs and raced down the corridor. In a matter of moments, she made it outside and jumped from the top of the tower, morphing into a raven at the same time. She dipped dangerously low to the ground, within a few meters, before her body completed the change.

Two soldiers spotted her descent. One aimed his bow but the identical other stopped him with an arm across his chest. She did not know why but felt grateful for his actions and the reprieve. As she circled, she rose too high for an arrow to reach her. Safe. She breathed easier.

Démon stood on the tower, now in his human form, watching her. Raine could practically see the steam rising off his body as he stood there, his hands planted on his hips, his dark hair blowing in the wind.

That had been too close. But her training and abilities had once again served her well. She was grateful and said a silent thank-you to her sorceress teachers.

She would have to leave Belda and Caresse for now and report back to Viper. When they rescued Starr, they could find the ferrets at the same time.

One problem. Démon would no doubt move Starr elsewhere now. But with the ferrets remaining behind, they would be able to keep track of her whereabouts, separate if necessary and report back when Viper’s soldiers arrived. If they all survived between now and then.

Unfortunately, blood would most likely need to be shed to end this. It had gone too far. Viper would not be happy.

* * * * *

Lady Dominique lay quietly on the bed. She should have blocked her thoughts but somehow she felt better that Viper knew what had happened to her. The attack and capture had occurred years ago. She had survived and gone on with life. But sometimes the memories returned to haunt her.

He massaged her back and ass so gently now. She read nothing but compassion in his mind. And love? Was that possible? She gulped hard and forced the moisture from her eyes. She would not cry in front of him. Such a show of weakness would make her too vulnerable.

She felt his warm breath against her ear. “I will take care of you in every way. Heart to heart.”

Heart to heart. She gulped. More of a declaration of feelings than he had ever made aloud to anyone, she read in his mind. When his hand curled around her shoulder, she reached up and covered his fingers with hers.

“Heart to heart,” she whispered almost silently, knowing he would be able to pick up on the words with his superior hearing.

His hand slid back down to her ass. Again he massaged her round flesh. With his other hand, he pushed some small pillows beneath her hips, raising her backside higher.

A moment later, something cool and moist slid between her ass cheeks and into her hole, preparing the entry. He must have found the lubricant in the wooden box she kept on the table near the bed, which held several personal items of a sexual nature.

A mixture of anticipation and trepidation filled her.

She felt one finger press gently against her entry, circling the hole. She prepared herself for the penetration she knew would come.

But then Viper was inside her head, connecting with her on a level she had not experienced before.

Relax. I feel your emotions. Your sensations. I will stop at any point if you need me to. Trust me in this, Dominique.

With his thoughts, her trust of him solidified. Warmth spread through her and she forced all her muscles to relax. She felt the tip of his finger penetrate her just barely. But she felt no pain. No aversion, as she had expected. “Mmm.”

He slid his finger deeper, moving it back and forth, fucking her gently. He massaged one ass cheek at the same time, helping to keep her relaxed. “Two now, my love. The pressure will increase but so will the pleasure.”

Her mind caught on his tenderly spoken words…my love. She sighed in something very close to delight. And issued no protest, curious if she really could feel pleasure in this act.

Slowly, he worked a second finger into her ass, stretching and filling her. She jerked at the thicker feeling.

“Easy.”

Her nerve endings responded to the tight fit. When he began fucking her a bit faster, her breathing increased and streaks of pleasure flashed through her body. She moved a bit against him, enjoying the unexpected sensations flooding her. She felt she might even be able to come this way.

Before she was able to find out, Viper slowly pulled his fingers out of her.

“No…do not stop.”

He leaned over and brushed her hair aside then kissed the flesh just below her earlobe. “The best is yet to come,” he whispered.

He positioned himself behind her and the tip of his cock pressed against her hole. She had always been impressed with his size, but against her ass, he felt huge! She held her breath.

His hands massaged and pulled at her ass cheeks. With a little pressure, the head of his cock pushed just inside her.

She felt a bit of a burn and tensed. She expected the pain to come next and wanted it over with.

He hesitated until she relaxed again and let out the air she was holding in her lungs. Then he pressed in a little farther.

His shaft was so thick, much more so than his fingers. She felt no pain, only a tight sensation of being filled. Still, she worried about taking his full cock inside her.

His fingers fluttered against her sides and she giggled and squirmed. Actually giggled. She never giggled. His distraction worked, for her body and mind accepted his stimulation and further penetration with ease.

With that one simple act, she knew he cared more about her feelings than his own. For he could have satisfied his needs first then worried about her feelings later. His actions touched her heart deeply. She wanted to please him, to show him how much his caring meant to her.

“Are you all right, my lady?” he asked, as if needing to make certain.

“Yes, lord.” She pressed back against him, forcing him a bit deeper still.

He hissed at her move. “Do not tempt me like that. I am not a strong enough man to resist ravishing you if pushed. I have only so much honor. I do not wish to inadvertently hurt you with my zeal.”

“You have more honor than any I have known and are a man worthy of my…love.”

He went very still inside her.

Too still. Had she made a mistake? Worry rolled through her. Perhaps she had spoken too soon, too boldly. Certainly these emotions would strengthen their connection within the Ero-X. But then, men operated on a different set of rules, she had learned over the years.

Without a word he slowly moved inside her, moving deeper then pulling almost completely out of her. The pleasure of his cock in her ass surprised her and she wanted more.

His groans filled her ears.

Not wanting to ruin the moment, she hesitated to probe his mind, to find out his thoughts about what she had said. Instead she simply enjoyed his cock inside her, giving her the pleasure she now craved.

“You must feed, lord,” she encouraged in a low voice.

“Soon,” he panted, fucking her a little harder now.

Her fingers gripped the bedding tighter. “Oh…oh.” She was getting so close. “Viper…”

“Let go. Do not be afraid of the pleasure.”

She wanted this, needed this. He reached beneath her and rubbed the fleshy bud of nerves within her cunt. “Oh!” Her body spasmed, squeezing his cock tightly. The orgasm exploded inside her, rushing through her system. “Yes!”

Viper tensed. He pressed deep and then roared in pleasure. “Fuck!” His fangs sank into her shoulder.

“Oh, Viper!”

He fed from her as his seed filled her.

Their bodies and minds became as one, sharing the pleasure as a true couple. Viper pumped his hips, pressing hard against her ass. She accepted everything he gave her, loving it all.

Finally, Dominique collapsed and Viper collapsed on top of her. She had not felt his fangs retract but did feel his warm breath on her skin. He closed her wound and then rolled off her.

He reached for her hand and they lay together in silence.

Dominique knew something special had occurred, emotionally and physically, binding them tightly. She could not have asked for anything more.

Chapter Nine

Raine sat in a padded chair beside the massive bed, watching Viper and Dominique sleep, their bodies comfortably wrapped around each other as if they had been lovers for years. Viper looked more peaceful than she had ever seen him. Maybe Lady Dominique Toussaint was indeed good for him. If so, she would be happy for her cousin.

Perhaps their union would defy the odds and be successful for a time. But…

Since both were strong leaders and used to getting their own way, she had her doubts about how long and would not be surprised to see the relationship destruct sooner than later. Yes, she was the cynical sort. That was why she never got involved beyond sex. Kept life simpler that way.

Though sex was not always so simple. Her fingers brushed her cunt. Not even in Madrid had she found sex to her satisfaction. Her desire ran as strong as ever but fulfilling that desire came rarely these days. Even at her own hand. She rubbed herself intimately through her breeches then decided against trying to pleasure herself. She knew she would need more stimulation to come. Much more.

She settled more comfortably in the chair.

The guards almost had not let her into the bedchamber earlier, after she had returned. Sometimes Viper’s soldiers took their job a little too seriously. It was not as if they did not know who she was. Apparently, she had been gone from France too long for them to remember her power.

Moments before she intended to hurt them both, a higher-ranking soldier had arrived and ordered them aside. A Bane-trained soldier. Longtime friends came in handy every once in awhile. She should have jumped him and demanded a fast, hard fuck while he was in front of her. They had fucked two or three times a couple of years ago. Not an unpleasant experience. Maybe he would have been able to take the edge off her need.

The guards’ shift had probably ended by now and new guards would be out there at present. Blood soldiers should not have been stationed outside the bedchamber anyhow. They would be more sluggish during the day than after sunset. If an emergency occurred, they would not be at full strength to handle the problem.

Her eyelids drooped. She had gotten a bit of sleep earlier but she still felt tired. Using her sorceress powers always wore her out. Supposedly, that drain of energy would lessen over the years or so she had been told but she had yet to notice any significant change. After this was over, she planned to sleep for days.

She could have woken Viper to relate the news to him that she had gathered at the château but most of his soldiers and Toussaint’s were Of the Blood. They would be unable to approach the mountain in force until sunset. She saw no reason to wake Viper much before that time. Plus it gave her a few more hours to rejuvenate.

She thought back to Démon’s soldiers, to the one who had spared her life in particular. She would remember his face. And his scent, to distinguish him from his twin. Her supersensitive nose, courtesy of her Bane bloodline, came in handy, no matter her form. She had dipped low enough to get a memorable whiff of him. She owed him a debt. And she always repaid a debt.

Dominique stirred and Raine snapped fully awake. She had hoped Viper would be the one to waken first. She glanced toward the window. Dusk at best.

Lady Toussaint’s eyes widened when she realized that someone else was in the room with her and Viper. Looking none too pleased, she started to say something but then her eyes shifted to the man beside her and she remained silent.

With a skill even Raine had to admire, Dominique untangled herself from Viper’s arms without waking him. She grabbed a wrap to cover her body and motioned for Raine to follow her.

They retreated to the hallway and Raine closed the door behind them to keep their words low and just between the two of them. She was not certain what to expect from the lady of the castle.

“Leave us for a time,” Dominique ordered the guards, this time those Of the Undead. They did not question her, only obeyed without hesitation. After shifting her gaze from their retreating backs, she spoke again. “So, Raine. Viper speaks highly of you. When did you return?”

“A few hours ago,” she answered. Somehow she had not thought the lady would be so cordial, given the circumstances.

“You should have roused us.”

“Most everyone needed to sleep. A few more hours will not jeopardize our mission or Starr’s life.” Which she believed to be true. If Démon or Aleron had wanted the woman dead, they would have killed her long ago. When she had scented Starr, her cousin was definitely alive and well. It was clear to her that they were using Starr for some cause, unknown to Viper or Dominique as of yet.

“Viper will not be pleased that you waited. We can tell him that you only just arrived, if you prefer.”

Raine stiffened. “I do not need you to make excuses to Viper for me.” She and Viper understood each other—for the most part. They accepted each other for who they were and respected one another’s abilities, while tolerating the other’s faults. She did not like the idea of anyone else interfering in their comfortable camaraderie.

“Your choice.” Dominique shrugged. Her only outward reaction. “Were you able to see Lady Starr or Aleron?”

Raine saw no offense in Dominique’s eyes over her words. An interesting female, this one, for she knew the lady’s desire for control, according to rumor. “No but I picked up Starr’s scent in one of the bedchambers. She is there and alive.”

Relief crossed Dominique’s face. “That is good. Where are Belda and Caresse?”

“I had to leave them behind. They will be more of an asset to us there anyway. Their eyes will come in handy when we return.”

“What is the force of their security at present?”

Raine was not comfortable discussing this any further with Lady Dominique. She did not even really know the woman. Only by reputation. With Aleron’s involvement, trusting Dominique with too much information might not be wise. “I will save the rest for Viper’s ears.”

“No need. We are joined now. By the Ero-X. We have no secrets.”

Joined? By the Ero-X? Certainly she had heard wrong. Dominique was little more than a prisoner of Viper’s. A captured mistress until he tired of her. Or so she had believed. She had thought their relationship might be successful for a time. Even a long time. But eternity?

Why would Viper do something as rash as the Ero-X? Had she tricked him into it? Perhaps to gain access to his nest and additional power and holdings.

Except Lady Dominique’s eyes held no deception. And no irritation either after hearing Raine’s decision not to continue their discussion. “You two do not even know each other. It makes no sense. A permanent joining is not easily undone.”

“Actually, we have known each other for years. We have an interesting history, let us say. We were war trained under the same Blood Master. There will be no reversal.”

“I did not know about your past.” She should have probed Viper’s mind deeper about this woman. “Yet you would lie to him for me about when I arrived here. Why?”

“Not for you. For him. He is agitated enough as it is about his sister’s well-being.”

For him. Raine respected Dominique for that. Still, she would reserve her final judgment of the woman until she proved to her where her true loyalties lay. “Yes, he cares for Starr deeply and has always felt responsible for her safety.”

The door to the bedchamber opened. Viper stood before them in all his naked glory. “What is going on?” he asked sleepily, raking a hand through his hair. “Raine, when did you return?”

Raine grinned as she scanned his mouthwatering body. She had rarely seen a man more fit than Viper. “Um…” Her eyes shifted to Dominique, then back again. “Not long ago. I have news, lord.”

Viper felt the absence of Dominique and had become restless. When he first awoke with her gone, he thought for a brief moment that she might have left him. He had mentally searched for her, not about to let her get away easily.

It was at that moment that he had realized just how much he really cared for and needed her. When he had felt her nearby, he had relaxed immediately. Now, after finding her, he felt rested, eager and ready for battle. “Come in and report.”

Dominique snorted. “Cover yourself, my lord. I do not like another eyeing your impressive assets. They are for my eyes only now.”

My eyes only. He liked that she wanted them to remain true to one another. He too had no intentions of sharing her with any other. Not all Ero-X mates felt as such, keeping additional relationships on the side, for fun or something different.

“You heard my words, lord?”

“Yes, dear,” he answered, his voice holding a hint of humor and delight. He slipped into his trousers. “Where are Belda and Caresse?”

“Still at the château,” Raine replied. “I had to leave them. Démon caught us on the grounds.”

He turned toward her, not pleased by the news.

“They are fine. As is Starr.”

Hope surged through him. And although he had been thinking positive thoughts, he still had feared asking, not willing to hear anything negative. “You saw her? Spoke to her?

“Neither. But I located her scent in one of the bedchambers. If she is moved before our arrival, the ferrets will follow and report to our soldiers.”

“Guards?”

“Démon’s wolf pack plus Aleron’s soldiers. Though I saw not as many as I had expected. If we go in with a combined force, they will have no choice but to surrender.”

“I am not so certain of that. Starr ensures their safety as long as they keep her near. We cannot attack full force without putting her in danger. What is Aleron’s role in this? Who is in charge and giving the orders? Him or Démon?” He hoped for Dominique’s sake that her cousin was innocent in Starr’s taking. He had a feeling all this was Démon’s doing, given the way things had unfolded. But he could be wrong.

“Unknown.”

“What could Démon possibly want or get out of all this?” One of the men was guilty. Perhaps both. Someone had to have a motive and a plan.

“Again, unknown.”

A knock on the door drew their attention.

“Enter,” Dominique ordered.

One of Viper’s soldiers stepped inside. “Lord, a missive was delivered to Castle de L’Night by a member of Démon’s pack. A messenger rode it over here immediately.”

“Let me see. Perhaps this will tell us what we need to know.”

The soldier handed it over then nodded and left after Dominique waved him away.

Viper scanned the missive. “Yes. It is from Démon. He has confirmed that he is holding Starr at Château de la Lune.”

“Does he mention Aleron?” Dominique asked.

“No. He says he wants me to go to the High Council and convince them to sign over the château to him.”

“Or what?” Raine asked.

“Or we never see Starr again.” Like hell would that happen. He would bring Starr home safely, no matter what.

“The château?” Dominique’s eyes narrowed in obvious confusion. “Why? And why contact you about a Toussaint property?”

He had a theory and began to answer but Raine spoke up first.

“Should I prepare the soldiers, lord?” she asked.

Always ready for a fight. “Yes. But keep them within the castle walls. There might be another way other than force to handle this, given his demand. Also, I do not want him finding out too soon that we have joined with Toussaint in case he has any scouts lurking around the area.”

Raine cocked her head but did not question his order. “Very well. We will be ready when you are.” She turned, leaving him and Dominique alone.

“What is going on inside your head, Viper?” Dominique asked. “What I see does not make sense. Surrender? Certainly not.”

“Not exactly surrender.” Viper set the message down on a chest. “Château de la Lune is part of Démon’s heritage. Originally a L’Night property.”

“But not anymore.”

“Maybe it should be again. You hold title. Correct?”

“Yes. Officially. But I gave the château to Aleron for his use. He must be a prisoner like Starr, otherwise Démon’s demand makes no sense. Which brings me back to the question I asked before. Why did he not come to me with this, but to you?”

“Perhaps he thought I would be more convincible.”

“Which seems to be true.” She began to pace then stopped in front of him. “Do you really expect me to just give the property over? Aleron will not accept that. Neither will I.”

“The château means nothing to you but as a piece of property. Is it worth the deaths of many to try to keep it?”

“Do we now give up any piece of our territory that anyone wants just to avoid a fight?” She shook her head. “I do not understand you.”

“Démon is not just anyone.” In this one instance, he felt that Prince Démon might indeed have good cause for his actions. At least he could understand the man’s thinking.

“He is a relation. Is that it?”

“Partially. But is it not also the right thing to do?”

“By whose perspective?”

“So, what would your suggestion be?” If his thinking was wrong in this, Dominique would certainly be the one to convince him of such. But he did not think he was wrong. He could go to the High Council regardless of her feelings. But he would not betray her like that. He wanted her agreement and support.

“We use both our forces to surround the château. Tell Démon he must release Starr and Aleron unharmed or we will destroy him.”

“Are you so willing to risk Aleron’s life over a piece of property not even a part of Toussaint’s family history? A property simply given to Toussaint to settle some sort of territorial war before we were even in charge of our nests? Perhaps it should now be returned to avoid another territorial war. You could give Castle Toussaint to Aleron in exchange.” Yes, the plan formed in his mind. This could work out to everyone’s advantage.

“Give him this castle? My castle?”

“It is Toussaint’s base. His birthright. Not just yours, Dominique. Besides, we are joined now. You should be with me.”

“At Castle de L’Night? With Starr and Belda and Caresse? And Raine? That is a few too many high-ranking females in one place, do you not think?”

He chuckled. “I can turn over Castle de L’Night to Starr and the other ladies, if that would make you feel better. Let them battle their rankings out amongst themselves.”

“And for us? Where do we go? To your home in Greece? I will not leave France. Nor turn over my command to another.”

He understood her feelings and would never ask her for such a sacrifice. “We could move into Haut Manor. It would be perfect. Between both our territories. From what better location to rule our combined nests?”

“That is where the High Council meets.”

“Yes. In one of the outbuildings, which they can continue to use. But I see no reason for the rest of the estate to remain empty.”

“Does not the Sorceress Society reside in the manor now?”

“Only in the bowels. As long as we leave them the underground and their ceremonial tower, the rest of the manor would be ours. It needs some repairs but the structure is strong. I already hold title, so certainly have the right of occupancy. But I think it best not to kick the sorceresses out.” He did not want to go through life as a frog. And continuing to allow the High Council to meet on the grounds made good political sense.

“With the sorceress teachers there, the manor would be nearly impenetrable. Their magic is strong. As such we could expand our territory and control the majority, if not all, of France’s underworld. Take our top soldiers with us and allow them to train promising Neophytes. Aleron and Starr can house the others to protect their residences and our outlying areas.” He drew her into his arms. “We will be a formidable force among our kind. How does that sound, my love?”

“Ambitious.”

“Yes.” He kissed her nose then lightly brushed her lips with his. His gaze met hers and he smiled widely.

“What?”

“I see in your mind that you are considering my proposal.” Perhaps Démon had done them a service. This new relationship with Dominique would not have happened if not for his actions. Once Starr was returned home, all would be perfect.

“I am not totally opposed to the idea. True. Though, it still bothers me to give in to anyone’s demands. What if Démon comes back later with additional demands, thinking he can now get whatever he wants out of us?”

“He will not ask for more. I will speak with him. I will insist on a blood agreement.” A blood agreement could not be broken without suffering abominable consequences by the High Council. “Besides, Démon’s pack is strong. He is a good leader. I would rather have him as an ally than an enemy.”

Dominique frowned. “I suppose.”

“Can you guarantee that Aleron will not cause problems?” Viper queried, hoping to settle this matter soon and to the advantage of all. He knew trusting any male Of the Bane would be difficult for Dominique. But he also knew she would do what was right.

“Aleron is a force of his own. Truthfully, I do not know how he will react. If presented correctly, though, I think it might work. As long as he has his own sanctuary, he should be satisfied, I would think. Even if not, it is my decision in the end. However, I would rather avoid a family feud. We will need Aleron to command and watch over this section of our newly combined territories. If he will agree to that. He has not shown such an interest in the past. Not for a territory this large. We shall see, I suppose. I do not like it when he is unhappy or not speaking to me.”

“Understood. We will work up an agreement that all can be happy with. For now, we will take a portion of our soldiers to the mountain. I will send a missive ahead of us, relaying our interest in negotiating a truce.” Démon would not send this messenger away, for he was obviously ready to talk. And hopefully ready to listen to reason. As long as Aleron did not cause trouble, this plan would work. He did not blame Dominique for her concerns. He often had the same ones regarding Starr.

“I will follow your lead in this, Viper.”

He smiled at her words, at her trust. Normally, he would not give in to demands. However, if he were in the same situation with Castle de L’Night, he would hope to reclaim the property that was part of his heritage. “You hold title, my dear. You may lead the negotiations.”

A soft smile crossed her face. “We will do this together. Agreed?”

“Very well. Agreed. Raine will remain slightly behind with the rest of the soldiers. Prepared if we need them. I do not want Démon to think we are setting a trap by bringing our entire force.”

“Will it be as easy as you make it sound?”

“We shall see. Has Démon never come to you about the château over the years?”

“No, never. Perhaps he assumed Aleron held title, because he resides there more than not. And Aleron does not always inform me of all he should. He could have been approached and not mentioned it.”

Viper nodded, things becoming clearer in his mind. “That makes sense. And Aleron most likely took it upon himself to refuse to sign the property over to Démon without mentioning that he could not do so even if he wanted.”

“So the High Council was Démon’s last hope.”

“And because the property was originally L’Night owned, he probably assumed I could get the first agreement to be deemed void and the territory returned to the Of the Bane de L’Night clan. But he also knew I would have no reason to do so willingly.”

“Thus his taking of Starr. Well, I guess we will not truly know for certain until we speak to him.” She stroked his cheek. “We will get her back safely. Do not worry. I have confidence of that. When do we leave?”

He glanced toward the window. “Two hours. We will be at full strength physically by then.” Her belief and support meant more to him than he could ever verbalize. Nobody could defeat them as long as they worked together. “We shall tell our soldiers about the Ero-X before we leave, so there will be no confusion among the ranks.”

“Agreed.” Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. “What shall we do in the meantime?”

“Well…” He stroked her hair. “If you would allow me, I would like to show you just how much I love you.”

Her eyes began to mist and she gently stroked his cheek with her fingertips. “I like that idea. As long as I can show you how much I love you in return,” she whispered.

“It is a deal.” His lips hungrily covered hers and their minds connected at a level only Ero-X mates could achieve.

Yes, he had finally found his one true love—the woman of his eternal dreams.

Chapter Ten

Two hours later, Viper and Dominique stood together in her bedchamber and dressed. Viper smiled that seductive smile of his but underneath Dominique knew he was all business and thinking about the task ahead, as was she.

“I think it best if I make the announcement of the Ero-X, Viper. If you do so, my soldiers might assume the joining was against my will. We all need to be working together now without suspicions of betrayal or deceit or any kind of coercion. I am sure they are already wondering what is going on.”

“As you see fit.” He shrugged into his coat. “Earlier, I sent word for Raine to gather most of our people in the main room for a meal. Food and drink have a way of mellowing adversaries. You can make the announcement there. I will stand by you but will not interfere unless necessary.”

Pulling on her boots, she nodded. “Thank you.”

They gathered a few hand weapons and strode out into the hall, walking side by side. Guards fell in step behind them. Dominique felt nervous and she did not enjoy the unfamiliar feeling. Viper reached out for her hand. She gave him a little smile, liking that he could read her and her feelings so well when she kept her mind open to him. Their fingers intertwined.

She heard the drone of conversation and laughter as they approached the main room. It sounded like everyone was having a good time, which made her feel more at ease. As soon as she and Viper entered, the room fell silent.

Showing solidarity and confidence, they walked without hesitation between the tables until they reached the back wall, giving everyone a few moments to settle completely. Two guards flanked them on each side, just in case chaos broke out. A door which led to the back courtyard stood nearby should they need a quick escape.

Dominique took a step forward. All eyes followed her movement. “We are here to officially announce a new alliance. Toussaint and L’Night are working together. You have already received the orders and know this. You have not received an explanation. Hear me and understand. The Toussaint territory has not been taken over by L’Night.”

A cheer went up from her soldiers.

She held up a hand to quiet them. “Our territories are instead as one. Equal.” She saw the confusion on their faces. She reached out to Viper, who took her hand and stepped up beside her. “Lord Viper and I are joined by the Ero-X.”

Murmurs filled the room.

“You will serve Lord de L’Night as you serve me.”

“The same for my soldiers,” Viper announced. “We are now mated for life. You will respect Lady Dominique’s position as you respect mine.”

The soldiers in the room issued no protests, so Dominique continued. “Les Loups de Démon have captured Lord Aleron and Lady Starr. Démon and his pack have them imprisoned at Château de la Lune.” Though Démon had not mentioned Aleron in his missive, she knew her cousin had to be there.

“We will invade!” a soldier yelled.

The room erupted in a roar.

“Quiet!” Viper commanded. “We intend to negotiate a deal.”

“A deal?” another soldier called out. “Has your new lady made you soft to the ways of war, my lord?”

Gasps filled the room.

Dominique placed her palm on Viper’s chest as he moved forward, a look of murderous intent on his face. She turned and addressed the room. “He has not grown soft. You would do well to watch your mouth, soldier.”

She saw Raine approach from the side to stand close to the disruptor. “We will take a group of soldiers with us and speak with Démon. Lady Raine will command a second group of soldiers in case we do need to invade. No one will take advantage of the L’Night-Toussaint alliance. But we also will not be responsible for a territorial war and many deaths if such can be reasonably avoided.”

“Are there any here who are not with us, who no longer wish to serve us?” Viper asked, looking toward the soldier who had protested earlier. Viper made a motion to Raine who nodded.

Nobody spoke up. Dominique knew the blood soldier who had shown disrespect would be severely reprimanded. No less than she would have ordered herself.

“Very well,” Viper responded. “We will detail our plans. This is what we shall do…”

* * * * *

Viper maneuvered his horse next to Dominique’s. “All seems to be in order.”

“Good.”

For a moment, back at Castle Toussaint, he had wondered if their soldiers would accept the joining of their two territories. Leaders without followers possessed no power. Thankfully, all had worked out well. Internal skirmishes would no doubt arise from time to time but overall he felt the union good for both factions and now had confidence that they would remain a strong force in France’s Underworld.

“Raine will follow overhead and return to gather the rest of the soldiers if needed.”

She nodded.

He studied her intense look. A look he had not seen on her face before. She had blocked her mind, a frustrating habit of hers now that she had learned how, so he did not know what troubled her. “You are uncommonly silent, my love. What is wrong?”

“I was just thinking that all of this could have been avoided if Aleron had told me that Démon was after the château. I would have sent soldiers to enforce our position.”

“You are having second thoughts about giving the château to Démon?” He understood Aleron’s reluctance to run to his cousin for help. Aleron was a strong, proud man and would not easily agree to assistance from a woman.

“No. As you said, it is Démon’s birthright. But if presented with a strong enough front in the beginning and driven out, or if negations had been brought to me right from the start, Aleron and Starr would not have had to endure being taken prisoner.”

“They are both strong. Démon is smart. He will not have harmed them.”

One of the soldiers raised his hand, stopping the procession.

“We are at the base of the mountain,” Viper announced, looking into the trees. “Now we wait. Les Loups will make contact soon.” He dismounted and then assisted Dominique from her mount.

They had only brought a dozen soldiers to this point. More soldiers waited back far enough that they should not be noticed, a last-minute change by Viper, then another group a bit farther than that. The remaining soldiers and those Of the Undead had stayed to protect Castle Toussaint. Viper wanted to make certain that Démon would speak before attacking. If they had too many soldiers with them, Démon might feel compelled to defend what he perceived as an imminent attack.

Viper glanced up. He did not see Raine but knew she was nearby, watching and ready if they needed her.

“My love,” Dominique whispered, reaching out to touch his arm.

He glanced over at her, then followed her gaze toward the trees. Wolves. Lots of them. He had not realized Les Loups de Démon numbered so many. And these were only the visible members. Many more no doubt remained hidden. He noticed his soldiers shift uncomfortably. They were definitely outnumbered at the moment.

One of the wolves shifted from animal to man and strode out from among the trees in all his naked glory. Dominique immediately stepped forward to greet him.

Viper felt uncomfortable allowing her to approach the naked man but he respected her lack of hesitation at doing so. She was an impressive soldier and leader.

“We are here to speak with Démon.”

“He waits at the château,” the bane soldier answered.

“No. He will meet us here on neutral ground.”

The soldier nodded. “Very well. I will deliver your message. Wait here and do not give us reason to engage in a battle neither side wants.” He glanced up toward the top of the trees and a small smile crossed his face.

Had he spotted Raine? Viper wondered. The soldier’s words interested him. His own thoughts or those of Démon? The soldier turned without saying anything more, shifted back into wolf form, then disappeared among the trees.

Dominique turned back to him. “What do you think?” she whispered when she got close enough. They were still being watched by the rest of the bane soldiers in the trees.

“Hard to tell. They did not attack us right off, so that means Démon must have told them to allow us entry. He really has little choice. Even with his soldiers, he cannot defeat both of us now that we have joined. He realizes our small numbers here are deceptive, that there are more of us, I am certain. He has enough battle experience to know so.”

Dominique nodded. She knew Viper was right. Still, she would feel better once she saw that Aleron and Starr were safe and unharmed. She glanced up and spotted Raine. All must be well or she would not be circling.

It seemed like forever, but finally Prince Démon de L’Night appeared, stepping from the trees. She had expected him to appear in wolf form but he walked upright as a man to greet them. Dark and formidable was her first impression of him. She had thought much the same of Viper, she recalled. But something in Viper’s eyes always touched her deep down. Démon’s eyes seemed void of any type of tender emotion, even one he might be trying to hide.

“Cousin,” Démon greeted, looking at Viper. His gaze swung over to her. “Lady Dominique Toussaint, I assume.”

“Yes.” She did not address him as Prince to his face. She felt it would give him too much satisfaction if she did and she wanted to keep him off balance and not knowing what to expect.

“You are here to agree to my demands,” he stated, looking back at Viper, no hesitation in his voice.

“You sound very sure of yourself,” Dominique replied, drawing his gaze back to her. “We are here to discuss the situation.” She did not want him thinking for one moment that they were going to bow at his feet and do whatever he commanded.

When he spoke, he kept his eyes on her, not blinking. “You are allowing this female to speak for you, Viper?”

“You have taken her land, not mine.”

Démon arched an eyebrow. “Indeed? I thought this mountain territory was titled to Aleron.”

“No, it is mine,” she answered without hesitation.

“Interesting. Still, I have your sister, Viper,” Démon continued, not taking his eyes from Dominique.

“And my cousin,” Dominique replied.

Démon nodded. “Yes. This is true.”

Finally, she had confirmation. “Lord Viper has explained to me the significance of Château de la Lune to you and your pack. We have agreed to sign over the title to you under certain conditions.”

“We?”

Viper stepped closer. “We are joined, Démon—our soldiers, our territories, our lives. You deal with one of us, you deal with both of us.”

“I see.” His eyes widened in obvious surprise. He quickly reeled in whatever he was feeling and once more his face hid his emotions. “So what are these conditions?”

Dominique knew she needed to keep her voice strong and show no weakness, otherwise Démon might think he could take advantage of what he must smell as certain victory. “Aleron and Starr are to be released immediately. If they are unharmed, then you will be required to sign a blood agreement. You will have no options later to demand more than what we have agreed to. The agreement will be enforced by the High Council.”

“The title will also be enforced by a blood signing,” Démon insisted. “I am not a fool and will not be put in a position where the territory can be reclaimed by Toussaint later.”

“Agreed.”

Démon nodded. He turned toward the trees and spoke to one of his soldiers. “Bring the prisoners. Do not harm them in any way.”

Dominique knew better than to breathe a sigh of relief yet. She did not trust Démon. He could still attack or his words could all be lies.

Hopefully, in this, he spoke the truth. But she had learned long ago not to assume anything in battle or territorial negotiations.

She glanced over at Viper, who gave her a very slight smile in return. He had kept his word to her and allowed her to do the negotiating. That showed her just how much he trusted her and her abilities. Just another way that Viper had proven himself the perfect mate for her. With his actions, he continued to touch her heart.

Démon glanced up into the trees. “Our dear cousin circles,” he said to Viper. “She apparently is more loyal to those Of the Blood than her own kind. A shame.”

“We are all related,” Viper answered. “Perhaps if you had shown her more respect—”

Démon snorted. “I doubt she has much, if any, L’Night blood in her. She does not carry our scent. But she is a bane soldier. She was trained by a Bane Master. To serve those Of the Blood is a slap in the face.”

“Raine serves no one. She is an intelligent woman who makes decisions based on what she feels is right, not based on genetics. Many bane soldiers fight alongside those Of the Blood. You have made like decisions in your life, though I think your decisions have been more self-serving than most.”

“Do not anger me, Viper, when we are so close to resolution.” Démon stomped off toward a couple of his soldiers.

Dominique had watched the exchange in interest. She laced her arm through Viper’s and leaned close. “He is trying to preserve his dignity.”

“He is getting what he wants. I doubt Raine’s actions really concern him overly much. He just wants to make certain this is not too easy for us and is determined to aggravate me in the process,” Viper responded.

Several minutes later a woman emerged from the trees. Lady Starr. Dominique recognized the beauty immediately. When Starr saw Viper, her face lit up and she ran toward him.

He caught her in his arms, hugging her tightly. “You are unharmed?” he asked against her wealth of long black hair, an uncommon hitch in his voice.

“I am well, Brother. Do not worry.”

Dominique searched the tree line. Then she saw him in the darkness. Aleron. The night breeze streamed his blond hair behind him. Her heart kicked up as he approached her. She stepped forward and gave him a quick hug. Even though their public display was minimal, they cared for each other and would always be there for one another. Still, she recognized their connection as quite different from what Starr and Viper obviously felt.

“I hear you have given my château to Démon, Cousin.” Aleron’s eyes bored into hers.

“We negotiated your release. La Lune belongs to those Of the Bane. You will be given Castle Toussaint in exchange to do with as you please.” She rushed the words more than she normally might have because she wanted him to understand.

He arched an eyebrow. “Indeed? And you will be where?”

“At Haut Manor with Lord Viper de L’Night. We have been joined by the Ero-X.”

Aleron glanced over at Viper, still holding Starr. He remained silent a long moment before he spoke. “I am not certain how I feel about these new arrangements and developments, Dominique.”

“It is decided. So I hope you will comply with my orders, for everyone’s sake.” Aleron’s support and acceptance was important to her. But Viper’s was even more so. She would not bend in this.

Starr pulled away from Viper and came to stand beside Aleron. “We shall make it work. Viper has said he will give me free rein of Castle de L’Night. I shall give Raine the pleasure of that portion of the L’Night territory.”

Viper approached, his eyes narrowing. “You would give the castle to Raine. I do not understand.”

Aleron reached out and took her hand. “Starr will be living with me. Apparently at Castle Toussaint.”

Dominique looked back and forth between the two, as did Viper. “Something has happened between you two?” she asked.

“It is a long story, to be told at a more convenient time,” Aleron said, a small smile on his face. Something under his coat moved and suddenly two furry heads popped out.

Viper laughed, feeling much more at ease. “Belda and Caresse. You have taken care of those closest to me, Aleron. This is good.” He looked at his sister. “I will not protest what you have chosen to do but we will talk at length soon.”

Starr leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Soon.”

Someone cleared his throat behind them. “If all the niceties are over and done with, can we finalize what needs to be done here?” Démon grumbled.

Viper turned, also wanting this done. “Seems we are all getting what we want. Do not be so surly.”

Démon had always preferred to conquer than negotiate. These types of dealings went against his nature, Viper knew. But for the sake of family, the prince would need to learn diplomacy, whether he agreed with it or not.

Viper, Dominique and Démon signed the title and the agreement in blood for the château and placed their official seals on the documents. All was now as it should be.

As the soldiers prepared to move off and everyone mounted horses, Viper pulled Démon close. “Now that this is finished, Cousin, heed my words. We can be allies or enemies. The choice is yours. Make no mistake. This is the last concession you will receive. If you try to overstep your boundaries in the future, you will feel my wrath.”

“Your words are not those of an ally, Viper,” Démon responded without flinching. “I concede that this is finished. But do not push your will on me. My wrath is equally formidable.” He broke Viper’s hold and stepped back.

“Viper?” Dominique called. “We are ready.”

After a strong glare at Démon, who was unimpressed and not the least bit intimidated by his cousin’s retort, Viper turned and headed toward his family. He felt Démon’s eyes burning into his back. Regardless of their genetic connection, his family now included Dominique and he would protect her and their newly joined territories against anyone who tried to bring harm. Even the prince.

A flapping drew his attention and he glanced up. Raine. He signaled to her and she disappeared over the trees.

With a tender look toward Dominique, he mounted next to her. “Shall we head home to Haut Manor?”

“I do not think it is prepared for us yet, my lord.”

“It has a bed. I think that is all we need for now.” He flashed her a wicked smile, along with a mind image of just what he wanted to do to her in that bed.

Dominique grinned back. She reached out her hand and grasped his, intertwining their fingers. “You have wicked thoughts, my love.”

“Yes. The beginning of many more to come. I will fulfill all your needs for the rest of our lives, Dominique. That is my promise to you.” He squeezed her hand.

A gentle and caring look filled her eyes. “That is my promise to you as well, Viper. Come.” She kicked her horse into a walk. “Our new home and life awaits.”