by Gina Rosavin
Katerina recalled the suspicions she once had and glanced at Adrian. He had reverted back to his human appearance, but the loathing in his eyes was unmistakable. She turned back to Sophie. It was clear why the vampire hunter had come. She was in love with Adrian. There was no doubt in Katerina's view. The worry, longing and hope in Sophie's gaze was telling. A jealous twinge tugged at Katerina, but she forced it aside. The only feelings Adrian had for Sophie were hatred. Realizing that, she almost felt sorry for the girl. Almost. Though something the young woman said intrigued her, in dismissal, Katerina turned away.
"Adrian, my parents were at the castle. My mother must be frantic. We have to go." Her need to assure her parents was quickly being dwarfed by her need to get away from the horrors of this place, the smoldering dust coating the floor, and away from Sophie, who showed up at the most inopportune times. There would be time later to take care of her. Now she wanted to be safe at home, safe in Adrian's arms.
"Hold on tight, my strength is not what it should be."
She embraced him closely, taking care not to hurt his wound. She closed her eyes and the sensation of falling through air engulfed her briefly. Then suddenly, all was steady again and she opened her eyes.
They stood in the great hall, a fire burning in the hearth. Adrian collapsed weakly into a chair at the same moment Olga and Dimitri came to the stairs. Olga hurried to Katerina.
"What happened to you? Are you all right?"
Katerina allowed her mother to pull her into a brief hug before she turned back to Adrian. "I'm fine, Mama, but Adrian's not. He's…hurt." She choked on a sob and knelt before him. "Should I call Dr. Vining?
Adrian shook his head. "No."
She grabbed his hand and held it against her cheek. Tears stung her eyes. "What can I do? What do you need?"
Adrian closed his eyes and sighed, the effort clearly paining him as he winced. "What I need you cannot give me."
"I can heal him."
Katerina looked up at Olga. "Mama? You can?"
Olga nodded. She knelt beside Katerina and reached into her purse. Taking out a small envelope, she leaned over Adrian and pulled his shirt away, revealing the bloody and already festering puncture wound. Katerina gasped and looked away, barely aware of her father's comforting hand on her shoulder. She couldn't shake the image of the blackened and oozing wound. Olga took some white powder from the envelope and sprinkled it over the wound. Adrian growled in pain, his back arching. Olga pushed him back against the chair and began to recite a spell. The powder smoked and swirled. Adrian struggled to quiet the groans that tried to escape. When Olga finished speaking, she carefully placed her hand on the wound. Adrian could no longer contain himself and released a bellow of pain so loud Katerina covered her ears, the throbbing agony rolling over her in great waves. She couldn't ignore it, force it away, as it grew, making her gasp for breath. Then it vanished, and all was silent.
"How do you feel now, du Lac?"
Adrian looked up, true surprise on his face. "Madame Romanov, as always, your skill impresses me."
Katerina leaned over and peered at Adrian's exposed side. The wound was gone, healed perfectly. She stared at her mother.
"How…?"
"Never mind that now. He is still weak, and will need to rest." Olga stood and walked across the room. Katerina followed her. She deliberately kept her voice low.
"Mama? Why did you…you could have let him die."
"He would not have died, but a wounded animal is more dangerous than a healthy one. I could not leave you alone with him like that."
Katerina nodded. Her mother would rather let him live than risk him hurting her. But Katerina knew now Adrian would never hurt her. She would explain it all to Olga another time. Right now, Adrian was still weak.
"Mama, thank you. But you must leave now."
Before her mother could respond, Katerina was engulfed in a tight hug from her father. "I am relieved you are safe. Once again, you have Adrian to thank for your good fortune."
Katerina drew away. "Papa, take Mama home now. I need to see to Adrian."
Her father nodded and pressed a kiss to her forehead before taking his wife and climbing the stairs. Katerina turned back to Adrian.
"How do you feel?"
"Tired. Sore. Thankful."
"Thankful?"
"Yes. You are safe. And no longer in danger."
She smiled and reached out to help him up. "Come on, you need to rest." She let him lean on her as they went up the stairs. Their chamber in the castle had been cleaned up and looked as inviting as ever. She shuddered when she recalled how Machiavelli had come into the room. She'd tried to hold him off, but he had overpowered her. She leaned her head against Adrian's chest. His arms tightened around her, then he stepped away.
"What's wrong? Should I call Dr. Vining?"
Adrian shook his head. "No. Thanks to your mother, I will be fine. But to regain my strength, I need to feed."
He headed toward the door. She couldn't let him go, she needed him here with her. She had to do something.
"Wait."
He paused, turning to face her once more. "Kat, I must…"
"Take me."
Chapter Fifteen
Katerina would have felt Adrian's shock, even if it hadn't been revealed in his wide-eyed expression. He remained silent for several moments, then shook his head.
"No."
She went to him, taking his hands in hers. "Yes. Let me heal you."
"Do you understand what you're saying?"
She bit her lip, but held his searching gaze. "Um, not really. But you can't leave. I don't want you to go. Besides, you're hurt."
"The wound is healed, thanks to your mother."
She shook her head. She couldn't bear for him to leave her now. Not after everything that had happened. All she wanted was to stay with him, to hold him as he held her. Whatever it took. She would deal with the consequences later.
"You're still weak."
"Not enough that I can't hunt."
She placed her hands on his face. "Don't leave me."
He sucked in his breath as he studied her. Finally, he nodded. "If you're sure."
She swallowed and looked away. He gripped her chin and stared into her eyes. "Are you sure?"
She took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. "No. No, I'm not sure. Damn it, yes, I am."
He smiled and brushed his lips lightly against hers. "Not until you are totally positive. If you have any doubt..."
He stepped free of her embrace, but she grabbed his arm. "I know what I said. I am sure. I can help you. I want to help you. Let me."
He stiffened, and tried to break free, but as he was still drained from his fight, he couldn't shake off her tenacious grip. "So this is pity?"
She flinched at the bitterness in his words. "No, that's not it. Adrian, you're wounded because you came to save me. Now I want to do the same for you."
"So you won't be indebted to me? It seems you have very narrow-minded goals."
She threw up her arms in surrender. "This has nothing to do with any debt. This has to do with the fact that I care for you and want to help you. For that reason only. You once asked me to trust you. I'm asking you the same thing now."
He said nothing, but she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Still, he remained motionless. She stepped closer, pressed her lips against his, and wrapped her arms around him. For a few seconds, he resisted, then he crushed her against him, his tongue parting her mouth to taste deeply of her. She whimpered as his hands moved up her blouse, and shoved the fabric free of her shoulders.
With his arms wrapped tightly around her, he guided her to the bed, and they fell atop it, their mouths still fused together. He finally lifted his head and drew a finger slowly down the side of her face.
"So beautiful. Are you sure, my sweet Kat?"
She swallowed. Still, her voice remained elusive, so she nodded. He lowered his head, lightly brushing his lips against hers, softly, soothing her w
orry. His hand rested on the swell of her breast, above her heart.
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Scared?"
She realized he could feel her heart racing beneath his hand. "A little. I…will I…"
He smiled reassuringly and brushed another kiss across her mouth. "One time will not turn you. That requires much more. You will be safe."
She nodded and closed her eyes, unable to watch what was to come. But all he did was stroke her neck and cheek, following the path with his lips. Soon, her fear faded as he aroused her with the soft touches and kisses. She smiled as she realized what he was doing. She adored him more for his consideration.
He was wounded and weak, yet he took the time to ease her fright, to make this pleasurable for her. His unhurried caresses soon banished all thought, and she gave herself over to the mastery of his touch. His mouth was at her throat now, kissing and licking, soft little nips which had her moaning and tossing her head. His fingers were between her legs, finding her moist core. His feather light caresses had her panting and arching against him, desperate for him to fan the burning flames. She gasped, she cried out, she pleaded, but he continued to toy with her, until nothing mattered but being absorbed into his essence. Each stroke, each caress, each kiss seared her, and she wanted to step into the fire he stoked. As she soared through the clouds, a brief twinge of pain in her neck broke through the haze of ecstasy. The sensation of Adrian's mouth on her neck, the gentle pulling, soon eased the discomfort. Her life's blood flowed into him, a gentle rippling sensation which consumed her, even as she knew it healed him. Each gentle motion of his lips heightened her passion, as he brought her to an endless climax of pleasure cascading through her in a torrent of sensation. She felt him now, sensed his thoughts and emotions.
The intense craving and delight he shared left her feeling more cherished than she ever had, and bound only to him. She held him as tightly as her weakening body would allow, savoring each sensation as his hands and mouth drew it from deep within her. And then, the deluge peaked, and she crashed down into a vortex of pleasure unlike anything she'd ever known. As the aftershocks faded, Adrian lifted his head. His eyes, now blue, studied her intently. A drop of blood remained at the corner of his mouth, and a brief shiver passed along her spine as he licked it away with a tiny flick of his tongue. His brow furrowed in concern, and she felt his silent reassurance, like a warm blanket wrapped around her.
"Don't be afraid." His soft whisper was a soothing caress, and her apprehension melted away.
"I'm tired. So tired."
He seemed alarmed at that, and she wanted to lift her hand and touch him, reassure him, but she couldn't.
"You must rest." His voice seemed so far away. She could barely keep her eyes open.
"Adrian?" Her voice was little more than a slurred whisper.
"Hush, my love. You need to recover your strength." He drew her against him, nestling her into the blankets and pillows. He softly stroked her forehead and cheek, brushing her hair from her face.
"What about you?" She closed her eyes and rested her head into the crook of his neck.
"I will be fine. Rest now."
"Adrian?"
"Yes?"
"Am I?"
"Are you what?"
"Your love?"
She was asleep before he could answer. Before he realized what she'd asked. What he'd called her. His love. Love her? Did he? He certainly cared deeply for her, especially after she'd offered herself. But love? No, it wasn't possible. Affection, caring, companionship, all those things, maybe. Not love. Love was a foolish sentiment, only fit for the pathetic humans and the lowly lives they led. He would never allow an emotion created by courtiers and minstrels of centuries past to get the better of him. Not for a mortal woman. But Kat was no mere mortal woman, she was so much more. He sat up, leaning his head against his hand, and studied her. It startled him to realize he was perfectly content to remain like this, just watching her sleep. A glance at the window told him it was still several hours to sunrise. Normally, he hated wasting any of his nocturnal hours, but tonight, all he wanted was to stay by her side. He was well enough to hunt now, thanks to her selflessness, but he wouldn't leave her.
She moved closer, though he knew it wasn't warmth that drew her. It was the bond they now shared. A niggling doubt tugged at his thoughts. Would she regret what she'd done? Would she hate him for being too weak to resist her offer? If he hadn't lost so much blood tonight, he would have. He should have left, not allowed her to seduce him with kisses and pleading eyes. Even as his thoughts raced, he knew he'd wanted her. Tonight was the fulfillment of so many of his desires. And it had far surpassed anything he'd ever imagined. Her blood renewed him, her purity made him strong again. He could still taste her, the sultry sweetness like ambrosia to his senses, unlike anything that had ever come before. Was it her magic, or was it purely Kat's essence that made him feel like he could take on the entire Roman army?
Then why did part of him wish he could turn back the clock and refuse her? Because, for the first time in centuries, he was afraid. Afraid to see her look at him with betrayal and doubt in her eyes. Afraid she would hate him for what he'd done.
How long had it been since he'd felt guilty for taking someone? Even in his most outlandish daydreams, he could never have predicted a mere woman would actually teach him the meaning of remorse. He smiled, despite himself. So, this was what love felt like.
He stiffened. How had he come back to that again? This was not love. Love was for foolish mortals, who forever placed themselves in his path, sacrificing themselves to protect another. He frowned as he realized he had done exactly that when Kat was with Machiavelli. Well, she was an investment, after all, he reasoned. His most valuable one.
He sighed, knowing he lied to himself. Everything he did was simply for her gratification. No, it was because he wanted her power. The one true goal, and he would be wise not to forget it. She was a means to an end, a very pleasurable means, but nothing more. Keeping her happy was only the path to take if he would achieve his aspirations.
Yet, her allure was impossible to resist. Her touch, the sound of her voice, her sweet and heady scent, all of it combined to make him crave even more of her. Damn it all, how had he let this happen?
She snuggled closer in her sleep and he was lost, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly against him. He had much to plan, because when she awoke in the morning, there would be many questions. And he had as many for her.
Her powers were freed. Obviously, Olga had managed to complete that particular task right beneath his nose. No longer. He was in charge now and would see to Kat's training. He would show her the way to fully enjoy her talents, to use them to gain immeasurable happiness. He would show her the joy and sheer pleasure to be had when using dark magic.
* * *
Sophie trudged along the path toward the lane where she parked her car. Once again, she'd let du Lac go. As she always would. Until he finally understood exactly why she did it.
She hadn't planned on ending up here, in Machiavelli's neighborhood. But when she set out for the castle, intending to…what? Confront Adrian? Declare her love? She was getting out of control, practically stalking him, hiding on the grounds so she could spy on him and Katerina. How pathetic. But when Katerina's parents had shown up, and discovered no one awaiting them, Sophie had shown herself, claiming to be a friend. They hadn't believed her, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was finding Adrian before it was too late.
She'd known Katerina was bait for a trap for Adrian. Sophie had gone to the villa, hoping she'd be able to save Adrian from whatever Machiavelli intended. But Katerina had been more than capable of seeing to that, despite the fact the foolish woman had caused Adrian's wound by distracting him. When Joshua discovered du Lac had taken the Italian out, he would be furious. She didn't care. All that mattered was Adrian was safe, even if he was with that witch.
A growl from the bushes slowed her step. She reached inside her jacket
, closing her fingers around one of the stakes she carried. The leaves rustled and she spun about, holding the wood out in front of her.
"Who's there?"
Another growl was her response, then a movement beneath the bushes drew her gaze. A hand, then another, and someone, something, crawled toward her. The creature lifted its head, and she gasped. Machiavelli! How had he survived? She backed away, turning and running to the car. She tugged at the handle, but was slammed against the vehicle, the stake clattering to the ground. Despite his weakened condition, his speed and strength were no match for her.
