CravingLadyStarr

by Ruth D. Kerce

  Aleron nodded. “I will not subject Lady Starr to any more of this treatment. Continual resistance will not change your position. I see that now. I will sign over the château.”

  “What? No!” Starr rushed forward and grabbed his arm. If this was his plan, it was a terrible one. Someone would be along to rescue them. They just had to bide their time.

  At first, she had wanted him to acquiesce and give Démon what he wanted, but now? Aleron doing so only for her sake was not right. She never wanted him to compromise his honor for anyone. Not even her. Not when he believed in his heart that it was wrong. She had been selfish to even suggest that he do it. At the time, she had been so desperate for a quick resolution to their problems that no thought as to the consequences had occurred to her.

  Aleron shrugged her off and then raised his hand in a gesture to silence her. “I have made my decision.” His gaze locked with Démon’s. “You will keep your promise?”

  “Of course.” He turned to one of the guards. “Bring me some parchment, a quill and ink.” He turned back to Aleron. “You will sign and date a note of transfer. After it is done, I will have some of your personal items packed and horses will be prepared. I shall release you as promised, along with Lady Starr and your people. No weapons will be permitted.”

  “Agreed.”

  Starr stood in shocked silence. Her heart pounded, for she could not believe this turn of events. Was Aleron really just going to give up everything?

  Parchment was brought and Démon and Aleron pored over the wording and formalities. Both men signed the document.

  Aleron stepped back. “It is done.”

  “Not quite, lord. You will also sign in blood to make the agreement unbreakable.”

  “You question my honor? Is not my word and seal enough?”

  “No. It is not enough.”

  Aleron’s eyes narrowed. “I am trusting you to release us unharmed. I expect equal trust in return. The agreement is binding. The High Council will confirm the transfer. Now let us settle this quickly before I take offense and change my mind over the treasure that I am giving up.”

  Starr watched each man stand toe to toe. Something was not right here. Démon sensed it as did she. She saw it in his eyes. The agreement they had signed was legally binding but a blood signing would make it basically irrevocable. If breached, Aleron’s honor would be damaged beyond repair and he would no longer be worthy of royal status. Since he had refused to do a blood signing…

  Démon snatched up the parchment. “You think to trick me in some manner? I am not a fool, Lord Aleron.” He turned and stalked from the room, slamming the door shut and locking it behind him.

  Starr stared at the door, then shifted her gaze to Aleron. “Did you really expect him to release us based on a simple note of transfer without a blood signature?”

  “No.”

  “Then what was that all about? He holds the advantage. He could kill us if he chooses and simply claim this property as part of his spoils. We need to be careful and clever.”

  “I am always clever, my lady,” Aleron responded.

  She cocked her head as she studied the look on his face. “That had nothing to do with trust or honor, did it? The transfer document is not legally binding and you knew that. There is some problem with it.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “If it were legal, you would have done the blood signing to seal the deal.” She hesitated a moment, her thoughts swirling. “He will check on the document’s validity.”

  “Yes. I am counting on that. The High Council will not let us down. I have friends there.”

  “You think they will somehow know that something is wrong?”

  Aleron simply smiled.

  Slowly she began to understand his plan, or she thought so, at least partially. “Your intent was to trick Démon into releasing us, hoping his greed and desire for this land would overrule his better judgment.”

  Aleron shrugged.

  “If that did not work—which it obviously did not—you are now counting on him sending someone to the High Council to check the legality of that document and, upon seeing it, you are relying on the High Council to realize that something is amiss.” She hesitated a moment, but Aleron still said nothing. “You are placing a lot of trust in them.”

  Finally he responded. “Toussaint has many friends on the council. Démon does not. Despite his anger and suspicions, Démon could still change his mind and release us instead of engaging with the elders. He holds no alliances there. He wants nothing more than to own this property. Legally, if possible. And, I believe, without war. Otherwise he would not even bother with negotiations.”

  “I am not so sure of that assumption.”

  “I feel it is true. And, if so, that will work in our favor to cloud his judgment. He will become careless and make mistakes.”

  “You are taking a gamble.”

  “Perhaps. But either way Démon chooses to go in this, we shall gain an advantage.”

  “Démon has a thirst for blood and battle, despite your thoughts. Or so he has always professed.” The Underworld society was not as barbaric now as their ancestors once were. They had evolved, realizing that to survive in this world, they had little choice. However, not all kindred agreed with the change. Those few could eventually be the downfall of them all. “His anger makes him dangerous and unpredictable. And mistrustful of everything. Instead of careless, Démon may well become even more cautious. He is quite treacherous when it comes to getting what he wants.”

  “We shall soon see, my lady.”

  * * * * *

  Démon slapped the signed parchment into the hands of a soldier. “Go to the High Council and speak to one of the keepers of records. Confirm that a transfer of this property can be initiated to me and Les Loups with this document as Aleron has stated.” The solder turned and Démon grabbed his arm. “Speak only to a bane representative. Someone we can control.”

  The soldier nodded and when Démon released him, he rushed off.

  Démon paced the hall then descended the stairs and headed toward his chambers. “If Aleron is trying to deceive me, he will learn that I am not so easily fooled.” He was desperate for this land but he had to be smart about its acquisition. He would not release anyone until he had a blood signing or confirmation of legality from the highest source.

  The High Council might refuse to release any information to him. Les Loups was not a supporter of the elders. Of the Bane had representation on the council but he felt the council members had become soft over the years and did not look out enough for their own kind. Many had forgotten where their loyalties should lie.

  However, some lower-ranking wolves, even those working for the elders, would not betray him. They would fear too much for their lives.

  He would send word for the other European wolf packs to start moving this way. If he found out that the agreement was not legal, if this was indeed a trick as he suspected, only one other option, short of war, existed for him. Viper.

  His cousin might well be able to get him what he desired, especially if Viper wanted to get Starr back unharmed. This property was originally L’Night land. Viper could possibly get the original transfer agreement deemed void so the territory could be returned to the Bane de L’Night as it should be.

  “Prince Démon?”

  He turned to see one of his pack soldiers approaching. “What is it?”

  “The spy you sent has returned.”

  “And?”

  “He was unable to find out any information. He said Castle de L’Night seemed quiet. Almost as if they had no cares. I think we are at a standstill for now.”

  “Damn all these bloody vampires!” He should toss the lot of Château de la Lune’s people into the river and be done with them. And behead Aleron right in front of Starr to show his cousin who held the power here. “Return to your duties.”

  “Yes, my prince.”

  Démon stalked into the bedchamber and fixed himself a g
oblet of blood wine. He took a large swig and allowed the thick liquid to coat his mouth and throat. The bitterness he craved took the edge off his frustration.

  I need to calm myself. He had to be smart about this. Patient. Calculating. A good leader was much more than a conqueror. Or so the Ancient Ones believed. He should trust in their wisdom. If he made a mistake that ultimately caused the extinction of their kind, the power of the Ancient Ones would be lost forever. He could not allow that to happen, which was the only reason he had not attacked outright.

  He stalked back out into the hall. Where was that insatiable bitch he had spent time with earlier? He needed another good, hard fuck.

  * * * * *

  Starr watched Aleron pace the chamber. The look of concentration on his face made her nervous. “You are worried.” So was she. Once they became useless to Démon, there was no telling what he would do to them. That time could well be approaching.

  “I am puzzled.”

  “By what?”

  “By your brother’s lack of appearance.”

  She bristled and her first instinct was to come to Viper’s defense. Given the circumstances, Aleron had no right to speak such words. “What about your cousin? I have not seen any sign of her or her soldiers yet either.”

  “Do not snap at me, my lady. I am not assigning blame. Dominique may be unaware of my need of her. But certainly Viper has missed you.”

  Aleron made a good point and she calmed. “Yes. I am certain he has. He will find us. He will come himself or send forces. I know he will.” Though the longer they remained here, the shakier her faith became. More must be going on outside the château than they knew.

  Never one to simply sit idle, she approached the windows. “Can we dislodge these bars somehow?” If they could get out of this room and onto the grounds, they stood a chance. They would have to avoid the wolves on patrol. Not an easy task but it would still be a step closer to freedom.

  “They are secure.”

  “There are no hidden passages?” The L’Night holdings all contained secret rooms and various escape routes. There had to be a way out.

  “Not here.”

  She looked up. “What is above us?”

  “In this section of the château, only the roof.”

  “No storage or passage area is there?” If there was, they could crawl to a safer location then make their way out when most of the others slept.

  “No. Not directly above us.”

  “Can we break through one of the walls?” Perhaps using the leg of a chair. “Maybe get into an adjacent room that is not locked.”

  “Not without the guards hearing us.”

  She hissed out a heavy breath. “How can you be so calm about all this?”

  He approached her from behind and slipped his arms around her waist. “Unless someone comes for us, we must wait for Démon’s next move. That is our only option at the moment. If that should suddenly change and an opportunity arises, we shall take advantage. For now, try to relax.” He nuzzled the side of her neck. “Let us occupy our time in some other way.” His tongue grazed her skin.

  She trembled. “Are pleasures of the flesh all you ever think about?”

  “When I am around you? Yes.” His hands cupped her breasts and he pressed his body against her backside.

  She clearly felt his cock, even through his trousers and her dress. A flash of heat instantly warmed her skin, making her realize just how much she wanted him again as well. She pressed her butt back against him and wiggled a little until he groaned.

  “Is that a tease, my lady?”

  “No. It is an invitation.”

  Chapter Six

  Aleron moaned. He would never turn down an invitation to fuck Starr. She was his life now. His future.

  He turned her around in his arms and pulled her into a heated kiss. As his tongue tangled with hers, his hands tugged at the bodice of her dress. He needed to feel her naked flesh.

  She whimpered against his mouth and broke free. They both stared at one another, breathing heavily. He could smell her arousal and it drove him crazy.

  Aleron tore at the fastenings of his trousers. “You will ride me again. I enjoyed that tremendously. Take off your dress.”

  For a brief moment, he thought she might balk at the command. But without a word, she hastily slipped out of her dress and stood before him naked. An enticing smile lingered on her face.

  His gaze slid down her supple body. Beautiful. No other woman had softer-looking breasts or a plumper-looking cunt. He wasted no time getting undressed and settling himself atop the bed. His cock stood hard and ready for her. “Come.”

  She joined him on the bed. Her fingers curled around his shaft, pulling a groan from deep in his throat. “You are finer than my best steed, my lord.”

  He groaned again, pleased with her compliment. “Show me. Take my cock within you.”

  She visibly flushed, straddled his hips and sank down on top of him, taking him an inch at a time. Her eyes slowly closed and then fluttered open again. The look on her face was pure ecstasy. “Mmm.”

  Oh yes. The muscles of her cunt surrounding his cock felt like paradise. Her gaze met his and he could see not only her physical pleasure but how much she enjoyed being in sexual control.

  “I have never felt anything so good,” she said in a breathy voice.

  “Me neither.” He thrust up his hips as she began moving on top of him. After she took her pleasure, he intended to take back control and arouse them both even more. Sharing and swapping sexual control had its advantages.

  “Come inside me, Aleron. The ecstasy is almost too much.”

  He would not allow himself to climax until Starr was well satisfied. “We shall know every pleasure possible. Only as we can bring to one another.”

  “I am certain any female could satisfy your needs, lord.” Her voice sounded shaky, and for the first time since he had lured her away from the party, she avoided his gaze.

  Her sudden uncertainty about her place in his life concerned him. He gripped her hips forcefully until she looked at him. “Never. Only you.” And he meant those words.

  “You say that now, but later—”

  “For always. Even after our souls have left our bodies.”

  She hesitated, but only for a moment. “Truly?”

  “Truly.” His fierce response seemed to surprise her for her eyes widened, then warmed. The caring and need he saw in her gaze touched his heart. He wished for her to always look upon him as she was right now. “Love me, Starr,” he whispered. “Love me.”

  * * * * *

  A knock had Démon stalking across the room. Not bothering to clothe himself, he pulled open the door. When he saw the bane solider whom he had sent to the High Council, he moved aside. “Enter. What did you find out?”

  The man stepped inside. His gaze momentarily dipped down, then over to the naked woman on the bed, before turning his attention back to business. “The transfer of property and land cannot be done with this document, my prince,” the soldier reported, clutching the parchment Aleron had signed.

  Démon threw the goblet in his hand against the wall. The blood wine spilled and stained everything in its path. “Why not?” he shouted, grabbing the parchment.

  The soldier took a step back. “I was not given the details. A banesman took the parchment behind closed doors and upon returning, he informed me of the findings. I could not ask further questions because a bloodsman recognized me as part of Les Loups and demanded an explanation for my presence.”

  “So the High Council knows what we are about then.”

  “No. Only that one of your pack was there. The banesman will not report your inquiry to those in power. He values his life too much. I am sure that I convinced the bloodsman that I was simply visiting a friend. We are safe. For now.”

  Démon paced, his anger building. He had suspected this but it still infuriated him. Aleron must have known the document was not valid and had hoped to be released before the truth
was discovered. He crumpled the parchment in his hand and dropped it on the rug.

  “Why do we not just kill Aleron and his nest, my prince? It would be so simple.”

  “And have the entire Of the Blood Underworlders here in France brought down upon us?”

  “Is this not what you planned for all along? And for us to be victorious? We look weak by hesitating. We are Les Loups de Démon. The Demon Wolves, named after you, great prince, as well as the monarch of everything dark and decadent. We rule. We do not conform to the laws and politics of others.”

  Démon turned on the man. His hand whipped out and he clutched the soldier’s throat. “Do not tell me what our place is. And never question my decisions!”

  The woman on the bed gasped.

  Démon glanced her way then released the soldier. “Attend your post.”

  The soldier sputtered and coughed, his face a deep red. He nodded and hurried off, rubbing his throat.

  Démon doubted the man would ever question him again. As it should be. He had enough problems without having to defend his actions to his own men.

  “Come back to bed, my prince.”

  His gaze, once more, fell upon the female whose name escaped him at the moment. “No. I cannot. I have a restless mind. We are done fucking. I am taking a run. I must be alone with my thoughts before proceeding with my plans.”

  Perhaps he would even hunt. The smell and taste of fresh blood would strengthen his body and his resolve. After another look toward the woman on the bed, he left the room and took to the grounds, mindless of his state of undress or the stares of those he passed. He cared not what those around him thought.

  He ran through the forest until he could barely breathe. Once his human muscles weakened, he stopped to shift into his wolf form but a strange odor made him hesitate and his nose twitched. He knew every smell within Aleron’s territory. His territory. Intruders roved the mountain. Interesting. No sane person would venture into this land uninvited.

  He morphed from human to wolf, where his senses would be keener. Most of his pack slept now but thankfully he had felt too restless to relax, given the decisions he needed to make.