Craving Lady Starr
Ruth D. Kerce
Book 2 in the Infernal Night series.
Vampires have always ruled the night and the underworld, so Lord Aleron Toussaint is used to getting what he wants. He wants Lady Starr—wants to wrap her in the heat of his passion, taste her on his lips, lie between her thighs. Aleron feels Starr’s desire. He smells it. She will not refuse him.
Starr is overwhelmed by Aleron’s allure and wants to give in to the heady, sexual attraction that sparks between them…even though Aleron is not to be trusted. Alliances are important in eighteenth-century France and he has proven to be dangerous in more ways than one. But when they are captured and trapped together, their passion ignites and they revel in the heat of their union. They will survive and rule again. This time as mates.
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Craving Lady Starr
ISBN 9781419932588
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Craving Lady Starr Copyright © 2011 Ruth D. Kerce
Edited by Pamela Campbell
Cover art by Syneca
Electronic book publication March 2011
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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.
Craving Lady Starr
Ruth D. Kerce
Prologue
France, 1770
The full moon illuminated the night, aiding the battle that raged between the two warring factions just beyond the edge of the forest. But only the moon was welcome. The weather had turned as unkind as the hearts of the soldiers. The wind screamed across the land as if a victim itself of the melee.
Shouts and cries of men, and the sound of horses’ hooves pounding the ground, filled the air. Death would call upon many this night.
Afoot after being knocked from his steed earlier, Lord Aleron Toussaint pulled his sword from a soldier’s chest then spun to fend off another attack from a mounted enemy. He ducked barely in time to avoid having his head severed.
Blood covered the field as his men killed vampire after vampire. A rival Of the Blood nest, armed and prepared for battle, had dared to cross into the southern portion of their land. A grave mistake. Invaders learned that Toussaints defended their territories with swift and vicious intent.
Another soldier attacked from the side. Aleron met him blow for blow. The clash of metal rang in his ears as they each searched for weakness in the other. His opponent sliced his arm, drawing blood through the sleeve of his uniform. Aleron winced only slightly before running the man through.
As he pulled his sword from the fallen soldier’s stomach, a sudden and unexpected stab to the back of his leg sent pain shooting through him and he went down on one knee. Aleron twisted to look behind him and swiftly raised his sword, blocking a death blow.
At a tactical disadvantage, he used his position to cut the attacker’s feet out from under him. Literally. Right above his boots. The man toppled and blood spurted from the severed stumps.
Aleron pushed to his feet, favoring his wounded leg. He turned to survey the fight. A gruesome sight of limbs and disemboweled bodies. Only soldiers wearing the red and gray uniforms of Toussaint still stood. Bloodlust had overtaken many of his men and they fed on the near dead. It was done.
His second-in-command approached. “We are victorious, my lord!”
“How many did we lose?”
“Not a one. Injuries, but nothing more.” The man smiled widely.
Aleron nodded. No losses would bring great glory. “Collect their weapons and horses. And any coin they carry. Then burn the bodies. But take care. The wind is formidable.” He did not want to take a chance with those struck down but who remained in one piece. A mistake other commanders often made so they could display their victims as some sort of prize for other Underworlders to see and fear, only to have the stricken heal and attack again, even more viciously than before.
“It shall be done, Lord Aleron.”
Aleron turned his back on the macabre scene and looked out over Toussaint land and holdings. Castle Toussaint, ruled by his cousin, Dominique, stood proudly in the distance. His own chateau topped a far-off mountain.
Across the land, he could make out the edge of L’Night territory. Another rival nest. They were not at war at present but their relationship remained strained after past transgressions.
She was there. The woman he craved. One day she would be his. He had grown weary of spilling others’ blood and too much death, and lately even of his own self-imposed isolation. He wanted a mate. A woman of character and royal blood to soothe his soul.
His fem-vamp of choice was more beautiful and desirable than any he had seen. And if she would not have him? A smile tugged at his lips. Then he would enslave her until she knew not how to live without him. He would remain vigilant for the perfect opportunity to claim his lady.
A distant howl drew his attention. Of the Bane packs had moved into the area. If they ventured onto Toussaint land with ill intent, they would be dealt with as well. His cousin ruled with an iron hand…and an equally iron heart.
The stench of burning bodies reached his nose. The smell of another victory. Few challenged him and his soldiers. His reputation had grown so great on the battlefield that only L’Night’s soldiers truly rivaled his own in skill and power. That was good, for he had grown weary of war. Certainly better ways existed for a man to live.
He turned and strode over to his horse. He and his men mounted as one. “My first guard will accompany me to my chateau. The rest will escort the injured to Castle Toussaint and relay our victory.”
His second-in-command maneuvered his horse closer. “You do not want to announce the victory yourself? We have acquired many weapons, coin and horses for Toussaint. There will certainly be a celebration.”
“I no longer find glory in the killing, only satisfaction of a necessary duty carried out with success. Any in my first guard who prefer to attend the celebration may do so. I shall not look down upon them for such.”
His second sat straighter in the saddle and spoke for all the men under him. “We ride with you, Aleron. Always.”
A small smile crossed his face and he nodded. Loyal men. All of them. He had trained them well and instilled a sense of honor necessary to truly be respected among Of the Blood royalty.
“Very well. Let us put this battle behind us then and find peace for a time. While we can.”
Chapter One
A soft breeze filtered into the manor, along with the glow from the three-quarter moon. The long, narrow windows along the side of the ancient dwelling allowed the air and dim, white light to create a hauntingly beautiful scene of shadows and nightly
glimmer.
“Perfect,” Lady Starr de L’Night whispered to herself. She loved this time of year when the stars were bright, the eves were cool and France seemed full of promise.
On nights such as this, those Of the Blood—her kindred—usually preferred to be out on the prowl. However, most Underworlders of any importance were right here tonight, attending the L’Night annual blood party.
Against one wall stood long, wooden tables laden with goblets of blood wine and trays of fresh meats, along with a selection of succulent fruits. With most areas suffering from poverty and famine, she appreciated the spoils her family had been able to acquire.
In a far corner of the main hall, four musicians played their instruments softly. Strategically placed candles lit the recessed areas, adding to the intimate mood.
Starr glanced over the crowd. Most of the partiers were gathered in groups of three or four—talking and laughing, while others milled throughout the main hall, sampling the buffet or looking for other entertainment. This private blood party hosted once a year by her family for specially invited guests, included township dignitaries plus those of the High Council of the Underworld, along with Of the Blood, Of the Bane and Of the Sorceress Society attendees.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. She smiled. A success. Castle de L’Night and the entire L’Night blood territory would retain their favored position with those of power after this.
Her brother would be pleased and proud of tonight’s accomplishment. A tradition since they had returned from Greece several years ago to rule the family lands in France. Viper had always believed that true power was earned and retained through loyalty and respect rather than brute force. Though he was certainly capable of imposing his strength and power aggressively when required. Over the years, she had learned to trust in him and his ways, which had proven quite effective.
She searched the crowd for him. Not yet mated, he had probably found some paramour or two to keep him busy for a while. Females flocked to her brother like hungry bats out for blood. Except it was not his blood they were after. Well, not only his blood.
Both her and Viper’s sexual appetites had always been strong. Before the night was over, she hoped to find her own diversion, though no one had caught her eye. Despite rumors about her to the contrary, it had actually been too long since her last fucking and she was definitely in need.
As soon as the thought filled her mind, a disturbing sight across the room drew and held her attention, snapping her mood from content to irritable in the blink of an eye. Her heart lurched and her smile faded. What was he doing here?
The man smiled. A predator’s smile. He nodded at her, raising the goblet of blood wine in his hand. Tall, with long, blond hair and muscled to perfection, he was dressed in black trousers and a black shirt and coat, both of which hung open, exposing his delectable chest. A casual mode of style many male vamps of late sported at night. Totally disreputable and too sexy for any woman’s safety. Especially hers. His blue eyes penetrated right into her soul.
Lord Aleron Toussaint. Of the Blood royalty and second-in-command of Castle Toussaint and the surrounding territory. His victories on the battlefield were well-known in France. He commanded much respect among the royal houses. He was also reputed to be the current title holder of Château de la Lune.
The property was located atop a forested mountain and had once belonged to a L’Night relation, which was why any talk of it usually caught her attention. The château had changed hands long ago during some sort of territorial dispute but she knew nothing of the details.
She and the Toussaint lord had been introduced once in town. They had spoken only briefly. He seemed polite and almost withdrawn, compared to the many other high-ranking vamps she knew. Still, she had seen something deep and mysterious in his eyes. Something that intrigued her.
Her brother had hustled her away quickly after presenting him to her and then warned her away. The L’Night and Toussaint families shared a turbulent history and Viper had told her not to get in the middle.
Regardless, she saw Aleron from time to time in the unclaimed areas. Though they had never again spoken, they had made frequent, sexually heated eye contact. He wanted her. She knew that without doubt. She had to admit to a sexual interest in him too. But he was not an ally. And not invited this night. She pushed past several guests and stomped up to him.
“Get out,” she whispered harshly.
“Good to see you too, my lady.” His smile widened. He deposited his goblet on the tray of a passing servant. “You are as beautiful as ever.”
His compliment made her heart flutter and an excitement she had not felt in a long time stirred her emotions. Even so, she could not allow him to stay. “You were not invited.” She tugged on his arm. “If Viper sees you, he will not ask questions. He will toss you out onto the cobbled streets, if in a cordial mood, or rip out your throat, if not. The latter is more likely.”
Aleron’s fem-cousin ruled Toussaint and territorial skirmishes between Viper and Lady Dominique had occurred more than once. The two had been trained by the same Blood Master but had gone their separate ways years ago. She had always sensed an attraction between them and thought it a shame they had never learned to work together.
“Your brother is too protective.” Aleron’s smile faded. “Should he lay hands on me, he would find me a formidable opponent. I only stopped in to—”
“Spy.”
After no more than a heartbeat, his eyes changed, widening innocently and unconvincingly. “Certainly not.”
She pulled him toward the entryway. She never would have expected him to show up, especially alone, with so many L’Night soldiers in attendance. In fact, there should have been a guard or at least a servant posted at the front arch to prevent the uninvited from wandering in tonight. “You will leave now. I will not have our success spoiled by a confrontation between you and my brother.”
“Ah yes. Your success. The yearly L’Night ritual of bowing down and kissing the feet of those in power. Always entertaining to watch, my lady. I could not resist a brief peek.”
“Do not try to rile me.” She pushed him out the entrance but he grabbed her hand and tugged her out into the night with him. “Ach. What are you doing?”
“I enjoy sparring with you. You are not an insipid female as are so many I have suffered lately.”
When she purposely narrowed her eyes to show her displeasure at his words, Aleron chuckled, which made her wonder about his true thoughts and the workings of his mind. She did not know what to think of this particular male.
“I have grown bored lately for a lively discussion with a woman of substance. Join me for a stroll and we shall debate the issue.”
Her previous assessment of him as withdrawn had obviously been in error. He could be quite talkative when he so desired. Calling her a woman of substance had certainly pleased her. She glanced over her shoulder into the manor, not certain if she was looking for rescue or hoping Viper would not catch this little exchange and come charging.
Her distraction gave Aleron the opportunity to study her up close. He supposed he had insulted the fairer sex with his insipid comment. He had not meant all females, of course, and he had seen Starr’s interest at the rest of his words. Smelled it. She would not refuse him.
This fem-vamp was the female he would mate. Or at least enslave as planned. He had been watching her for some time now. Mostly from a respectable distance, though they had actually been properly introduced. Lady Starr had always fascinated him and he could not wait to learn more about her.
Dressed in a deep blue gown with a matching cape, she gave the true appearance of royalty, which she was. Underworld royalty, as was he. Her long, black hair shone in the moonlight. Her long sleeves hid what he imagined were delectably feminine arms but the low-cut bodice showed off the tops of her full breasts to perfection. Her porcelain skin looked so soft he ached to stroke her everywhere proper and places most definitely not proper.
Men lined up for Starr’s favors. Or so he had heard. Though he had never noticed a swarm of suitors around the woman, rumors often held some truth. Regardless, he intended to make certain others kept their distance. He was not a man who shared.
If she refused him, he would still keep her, no matter the stir it would cause between their families. He could not help but smile at the thought. He wondered if Starr would run the other way if she knew his plans, or if she would melt in his embrace instead. The latter was definitely a tantalizing thought.
“Come.” He wrapped her arm around his, covering her fingers warmly with his own. “Let us enjoy the night.” They stepped from the manor’s gated entryway onto the cobbled stones of the street.
“I will be missed.”
“Yes. Of that I am certain.”
As they continued forward at a slow walk, her gaze tentatively met his then flittered away. She briefly peered over her shoulder. “This is not wise.”
“But quite…enticing. Yes?”
“Scandalous.”
“That too.”
A man, not of the Underworld, staggered toward them, almost bumping into Starr. Aleron bared his fangs at the man, who promptly fainted at their feet.
Starr gasped as Aleron pulled her past the drunkard’s motionless body.
“He will remember naught once sober,” he assured her.
“Did you curse him or was it the drink that made him fall?”
“It was the drink. I possess no sorcerer’s powers. My talents lie elsewhere.” Though she said nothing in response, he noticed her furtive look.
He led her into an alley between some buildings, heading toward the north edge of the L’Night territory. If he could lure her away from the presence of any L’Night soldiers, a seduction would be much easier. “Your eyes are more beautiful than the brightest of stars, my lady. I would die a happy man gazing into their depths.”
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