His relatives walked out the door, leaving him to contend with her wrath.
He stood there, handsome, strong and virile, nothing like the unconscious man she’d screamed at and cried over a couple of hours ago. And there was something else in his commanding stance. Power. It rolled off of him in waves. Lucian’s metallic eyes met hers, his expression thoroughly unrepentant, almost pleased at his deception and her reaction.
Her heart nearly stopped when, in a matter of seconds, she relived all they’d done, all she’d shared with him. Fury fueled her accusatory words. “You stole into my most secret thoughts, Lucian. How could you?”
His face set in hard edges as he took a step toward her. “I can only speak in your mind. I can’t read your thoughts, Rana. What I know,” he spread his hands as if absolving himself, “you shared with me willingly.”
Rana started to speak, then turned her back to him, waving to his clothes Sabryn brought back with her. “Cover yourself. I can’t talk to you this way.”
Lucian chuckled. “As you wish.” All of a second passed before he spoke from right behind her, “You can turn around now.”
Rana peeked over her shoulder, doubtful he’d be able to accomplish the task so quickly. Lucian wore a heather gray t-shirt and jeans.
She turned back around. “How did you…? Where did you get…?” Finally, she gave up. What the hell, nothing made sense anymore anyway. She let her expression turn cold and distant as she crossed her arms and tilted her chin defiantly. “I shared with a character in a dream.”
He scowled and angry lines formed around his mouth. Grasping her arms, he yanked her against him. “You shared with your lover, Rana.” Stormy gray eyes searched hers. “Because that is what I am.”
His words shot right to her belly and below, causing a pure, primal reaction within her. Her body throbbed for him, setting her on edge. Rana put her hands on his chest, intending to shove him away so she could keep her composure, but she froze when she touched bare skin. “Your clothes? They’re an illusion?”
Lucian nodded with a solemn look.
Rana turned and began to pace in an effort to clear her mind. She’d thought he’d been permanently weakened to the point she might lose him. Her heart soared to see him healthy and vibrant again, but her chest constricted when she realized that what she’d shared with him was real. The man knew exactly how to make her body sing.
“In my mind, you were an illusion.” She stopped and faced him. “Not who you really are.”
He stepped close and touched her face. Tenderness replaced the anger in his eyes. “I’m the same man, Rana. My desires haven’t changed. I only want to love you.”
She closed her eyes. The hurt his words brought, especially now that she had so little time left, felt like it was ripping her heart apart.
He cupped her face in his big hands. “I want you to come home with me.”
Her eyes flew open. “What?” She backed away from his touch, shaking her head. “I can’t.”
Lowering his hands, he spoke in a calm tone. “Your life is still in danger. My house is protected against vampires.” He swept his arm around her living room. “You’re vulnerable here, open to attack.”
How would she be able to resist him if she was constantly around him, especially now that she knew they’d shared so much already on an intimate level? She shook her head once more.
Lucian’s dark brows slashed downward in a determined expression. “You’re coming with me. Your only choice is…come willingly or I’ll compel you. I care not which.”
His ultimatum made her tense and then a new anger arose. Had Lucian been compelling her all along? Was everything they’d shared a lie?
Her stomach rolled into knots. When she spoke, her voice shook, “Is that what you did to me in my dreams, Lucian? Compelled me?”
Something flashed through his eyes. Fury? His gaze held hers and the cadence of his words mesmerized as he beckoned her with his hand. “Come to me.”
Without conscious thought, her feet took her to stand in front of him. She frowned. “I remember walking over here, but not why I did it.”
Lucian stroked her jaw with his thumb, his expression serious. “Now you know what it feels like to be compelled. I’ve never compelled you, Rana. Not once.”
He spoke the truth. What she felt during their lovemaking, her actions…they were her own. She remembered every vivid, sensual detail. Remembered wanting his touch, his warmth and weight covering her body, their intimacy…all of it, desperately.
He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “I need you with me, by my side. I have a council meeting to attend tomorrow, but I won’t go unless I know you’re safe.”
The council meeting had to be the one the Gatekeeper spoke of, the one where Lucian was to become Vité. After seeing the darker side of these powerful beings in Kraid, she supported Lucian taking on the leadership role. Rana closed her eyes and swallowed. I can do this. I can keep him at bay, she chanted to herself. When she opened her eyes and locked gazes with Lucian’s determined one, she heard Jack’s amused voice, You know you’re dead meat, don’t you?
I’m stronger than that, Jack. I hope. She nodded. “I’ll go with you.” When Lucian gave a victory smile, she held up her hand. “At least until you attend your meeting.” He didn’t need to know she wouldn’t be leaving his home. Focusing on Lucian made it easier to not dwell on her impending death. Denial, she found, was a great form of short-term therapy.
Chapter Eight
Rana’s hand shook as she pushed the cell phone tight against her ear. “Hey, Mom. Was just checking on you before I headed off to bed.”
Her mother chuckled. “This is a nice change of pace. I’m usually the one checking on you! Doing good. Had my first hot yoga class today. It felt wonderful to go out and not to have to worry about your father showing up. But, I don’t want to talk about me. I want to hear about your date last night. Details, young lady!”
Rana glanced at Lucian driving. He wasn’t looking her way, yet she was sure he was paying attention to every word. She’d called because she wanted to hear her mother’s voice one last time. The last thing she wanted to do was worry her. “It was fun and…exciting.”
“That’s it? That’s all I get?”
Her mother’s pouty tone made her smile. “I never kiss and tell. And as for Peter, I’m so glad he decided to grow a conscience. Better late than never, huh?”
Her mother laughed. “Amen to that!”
Rana thought about all she and her mother went through with her father in the past. At least now she wouldn’t have to worry about him hurting her. She couldn’t stay on the phone much longer or her emotions would get the best of her. “I love you, Mom. I know I don’t say it often enough.”
“I love you too, dear. Is everything all right?”
As Lucian turned up a long driveway, Rana forced a smile to steady her trembling voice. “I’m great. Just tired. Going to turn in early. Night, Mom.”
“Goodnight, sweetie. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Once Rana hung up, Lucian cast his gaze her way. “I will keep you safe, Rana. You will see your mother again.”
The promise in his eyes made her heart ache. No, she wouldn’t. She turned to look out the window and blink away unshed tears. When her eyes cleared, she couldn’t help the small gasp of awe.
Lucian’s home was a beautiful old-style mansion set atop a hill. Surrounded by acres of rolling green pastures, the white house sported no less than thirty windows along the front, each adorned with fancy black shutters. Two huge columns supported the front entrance. A gurgling fountain graced the center of the circular driveway.
When Lucian pulled his Jag up to the front of the house, a tall man walked out and opened Rana’s door for her.
“Good evening, Miss. Welcome to Trevane Manor,” he said formally.
Rana resisted the urge to say, “Bloody good evening to you, too.” The butler probably wouldn’t appreciate her odd sense of humor. “Good ev
ening.” Why did she suddenly feel thrilled to be here? Maybe she was really suffering hysterics and she didn’t know it yet.
Or maybe you’re finally just enjoying life. She heard Jack’s voice in her head.
Too late for that, Jack.
Lucian grasped her elbow and walked her across the threshold while the butler pulled her suitcase from the car. Rana stood inside and stared at the tall walls full of artwork—some of which she knew had to date back centuries.
The main hall had a vaulted ceiling with four wide black marble columns supporting the bulk of the ceiling’s weight. The columns sank into a beautiful black, white and maroon tiled floor. Beyond the four columns, two curved staircases flanked the back of the room on either side. The staircases led to the second floor and a balcony that overlooked the entire room.
When the butler walked past, Lucian called out, “Jeffrey, please put Miss Sterling in the west wing near me.”
Rana quickly looked at him but didn’t have a chance to comment as two huge wolves, one black and one gray, approached with wary eyes focused on her.
As she involuntarily shifted closer to Lucian, he clasped her hand, then held her palm out for the wolves to sniff. “Jet, Rune, this is Rana,” he said to them in a smooth tone. “Welcome her to Trevane Manor, boys.”
Rana willed herself to remain calm. After all, Lucian was right next to her. The wild beasts wouldn’t attack her with him near, right?
“Wolves are a vampire’s best friend. Even though we can sense another vampire, they can sense a presence even before we can and alert us to danger, which is especially important while we sleep.”
“They seemed to listen to you. Can you talk to them in their minds, too?” Rana asked quietly as the two wolves sniffed her hand, wetting her palm with their noses.
Lucian nodded. “I can touch their minds, but only if they aren’t alpha wolves or werewolves. But that also means so can other vampires.”
“Werewolves!” Rana turned to him. “Werewolves really exist?”
Lucian laughed. “They do. We keep our distance from one another for obvious reasons.”
Rana’s gaze pinged from Lucian to the wolves. “The vampires and werewolves…would it be like two powerful forces going head to head?”
“Something like that.” He continued where he’d left off. “An alpha wolf’s mind can’t be touched. That’s what makes them very prized—they can’t be quieted or told to remain calm by another vampire. They do as they please, which means, if one willingly comes to live with a vampire family, he will protect that family as if it were his own pack. Unfortunately such creatures are hard to find. They’re wary and usually won’t come close to a human or a vampire.”
Rana smiled at the tickling sensation when Rune snorted in her hand. After sniffing his fill, Jet sat back on his haunches and panted, but Rune wasn’t done. Before she could react, he lifted up on his powerful hind legs, then threw his paws over her shoulders to lick her cheek.
Rana laughed and grasped the wolf’s huge face in her hands as he continued to lick her. “Whoa there, big guy.” She turned twinkling eyes to see Lucian staring at her with a stunned expression.
“Well, you told them to welcome me.”
Lucian’s voice was low, almost a whisper. “I’ve never seen a wolf do that, Rana. Ever.”
“That’s because you picked the right mate. He approves,” Sabryn said as she walked down the stairs and called the wolves to her.
Both animals immediately moved to flank her while she approached with a broad smile.
Rana stiffened and looked at Lucian. “Mate?”
“Good night, Sabryn,” Lucian said in an annoyed tone. Clasping Rana’s elbow, he propelled her toward the stairs.
Rana pulled from his grasp as they walked up the stairs. “Mate?” she repeated again, giving him a sidelong look.
When he didn’t answer her, she said, “You shouldn’t get the wrong impression as to why I’m here. I didn’t want you to miss your important meeting because of me. That’s all.”
While she talked, they’d turned down a long hall. After passing several rooms, Lucian finally stopped and opened a door.
He gestured toward the room. “You’ll stay here.”
“Did you hear me, Lucian?”
“Yes, I heard you.” He touched her shoulder before she walked in. “Are you hungry? It’s well past dinner time for you.”
Rana walked into the room and turned to face him. “No, I’m just tired. I think I’ll take a bath and go to bed early.” She stretched her arms. “My muscles are still a little sore from yesterday.”
His gaze skimmed her. “It’s amazing you survived that accident with barely a scratch.” Then his expression softened. “Must’ve had a guardian angel looking out for you.”
You have no idea! But this angel only gave me time, not a “second chance at life” pass.
Rana decided to change the subject before he delved deeper. She’d never been a very good liar. Tilting her head, she studied him. “So, where do you keep your coffin?”
Lucian smirked. “Very funny.”
She spread her hands wide. “Help me out here. The book I had obviously wasn’t the best. You could fill in the blanks.”
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. “I sleep in a bed, just like you.” A devilish grin rode his face as desire reflected in his eyes. “Even better, I could sleep in your bed with you.” Lucian’s clothes began to blink in and out. His broad muscular chest came into focus, reminding her his clothes were nothing more than an illusion.
Rana turned her back to him and grumbled, “For Pete’s sake, go put some real clothes on.”
With a low chuckle, Lucian walked off, calling softly, “Good night, sweet Rana.”
She shut the door and heaved a sigh of relief. How was she going to remain “pure” with that running around, tempting her at every turn?
When Rana entered the bathroom, she sighed at the beautiful room. Stark white tile with dove gray accents lead to a gorgeous clawfooted bathtub—the outside deep burgundy and the inside snow white. A long, warm relaxing bath before bed was exactly what she needed. Her stomach pitched when she realized it might be her last pleasure bath before she died.
Shaking off the melancholy thought, she turned the gold lever handles, determined to enjoy a long, hot soak. While the water ran, she slipped out of her clothes and pinned her hair up with a clip from her purse. Rummaging through the cabinet, she found some bubble bath and poured a capful of the clear liquid in with the running water. The scent of gardenias quickly filled the room.
Rana moaned in pleasure as she sank into the warm water. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes. She tried to relax, to not think about time ticking by, but as her thoughts began to drift back down the regretful path of all the life experiences she’d miss: getting married, having babies, spoiling her grandkids rotten, she felt cool air brush against her nape.
Lucian stood in the doorway, two fluffy burgundy towels in hand. His gaze slowly skimmed the surface of the bubbles, then returned to hers. “I thought you might need these since you mentioned taking a bath. This bathroom isn’t used very often. I wasn’t sure if there were any towels in here.”
Thankful for the bubbles surrounding her, Rana gave a sheepish smile. “I was so distracted by this wonderful tub, I didn’t even think about towels before getting in. Thank you.”
Lucian pulled the delicate gold stool with a white seat cushion close to the tub and laid the towels on it along with a bath sponge. Was the sea sponge his?
Rana noted he’d changed clothes. Or, put clothes on rather. Now he wore a dove gray fine-gauge Merino wool v-neck sweater and casual faded jeans. How did the man manage to look delicious in just about anything he wore? The sweater seemed to accentuate his eyes, making them appear like liquid pools of mercury.
Squatting by the tub, he tapped the end of her nose. “Need any help with your back?”
Rana wanted him to pull his clothes off
and join her in the tub. Hell, she didn’t care if it would be a tight fit. That’d just give them an excuse to snuggle closer. Her traitorous thoughts burned her cheeks, so she closed her eyes and bit her lip to help her stay focused.
When she opened them to decline his offer, Lucian already had his sleeves pulled back and had dipped the sponge in the water.
Steam rose from the water, and the scent of gardenias filled the air while Lucian awaited her response. This may be the last time he’ll touch me. With that melancholy thought, Rana leaned forward slightly. “Okay, thanks.” But before he could move too close, she placed her hand flat on his chest.
He raised an eyebrow, and she pulled away, leaving behind a wet handprint. “Just checking to make sure you really did put on clothes.” Good grief, the last thing her libido needed was to know he was naked while he bathed her back. At Lucian’s low laugh, she tensed, waiting in anticipation.
When the wet material slid down her back, its touch soft-as-a-feather, she knew in her heart the sponge was from his personal bath. The thought that he’d share such an intimate item with her made her so thankful she didn’t have to stand at the moment because she knew she’d be unable to.
“My God,” Lucian swore, low and fluently. “Your body really took a beating, Rana. These bruises are every shade in the rainbow.” His words came out hushed as if he really couldn’t quite believe she’d survived the accident unscathed.
Rana had forgotten about the plethora of bruises covering her body. She immediately straightened and leaned her back against the tub, holding her hand behind her head for the sponge. “I think I’m good now.”
Instead of handing her the sponge, Lucian slid the sponge down her chest, dipping it straight into the water and rubbing her breast from the inside curve to the tip. Rana sucked in her breath at the erotic sensations the soft material elicited as it slid across her hardened nipple.
Pure, remember? I know it’s kinda hard with all those lustful thoughts clamoring around in your head, Rana, but you have to remain pure, she told herself. Didn’t that book say something about biting and sex—that vampires couldn’t separate the two? What do men do when faced with pure temptation? she wondered. Oh, yeah, they think about sports.
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