Captive Fantasy

by L. Rosario

  All hell broke loose.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Constantine flew out of his chair so fast he was nothing more than a blur before he came to land in front of her. His hands gripped the leather armrests, his arms caged her in, and his eyes shone with black fury. “What did you say?"

  Sera melted into the chair as far as she could go. It wasn't far enough. The master spoke before she could find her voice.

  "Back off, Constantine. We'll get nothing out of her if you insist on frightening her.” He appeared over Constantine's shoulder to flash Sera a sympathetic look, then he took a hold of Constantine's jacket and physically pulled him away from her. “I said, back off."

  Constantine straightened and shot a dark look toward his master. “He took her blood. Do you have any idea what that means?"

  Sera figured out of the three of them, the master was likely the only one who knew exactly what it meant. She dreaded the moment he would tell her. Without answering Constantine, he swung his attention back down to her. She shifted in the chair and forced herself not to look away from the probing eyes.

  "I don't think he took a lot,” she offered. Did it matter?

  Wearing a look of open concern, the master knelt in front of her and reached out to cup her cheeks. The contact sent shockwaves through Sera. “The amount does not matter, Seraphina. You've given him your blood, and you have taken his. Doing so forged a bond that cannot be broken."

  Sera glanced up at Constantine. “A bond like ours?"

  "No,” he all but growled before turning his back and stalking to the far side of the room.

  "I don't understand.” Sera shook her head within the master's grip and once more met his gaze. “I don't understand,” she said again. Tears burned her eyes and clogged her throat. “What have I done?"

  The master released her with a sigh and stood back up. “Sharing your blood with Valentino has made him your servant."

  "You forget he's not human, master,” Constantine said without moving. The rigid line of his back scared Sera more than any look he could ever think to toss her way. She'd seen this stance before. Once. Right before he pointed at the door and ordered her to get her pathetic person out of his sight.

  She jumped as the master took hold of her hands. “You are safe here. Don't ever forget that."

  Constantine whirled around. “Do not insinuate that I would hurt her."

  The master glanced back at Constantine without releasing Sera's hands. “You failed to teach her what she needed to know to keep herself and others safe. In my opinion, the damage has already been done."

  Constantine opened his mouth, then wisely snapped it shut. He bowed his head and his silky hair slid forward to hide his features. “What would you have me do, master?” The submissiveness shocked Sera.

  "You'll be responsible for bringing Valentino to the coven."

  Sera pulled her hands away and shot out of her chair. “What? You can't send Constantine after Valentino. He'll kill him.” She met Constantine's gaze over the master's shoulder. “I'd never forgive you if you did."

  "He won't touch a hair on his head,” the master said softly. “If he does, he'll answer to me."

  Constantine's features hardened, but he nodded curtly and started for the door. The master's voice halted him. “I'll have Fabian and Jamie go with you.” He moved to his desk to push a button on the phone. “Lynnette, have Fabian and Jamie make preparations to leave. I want them to accompany Constantine to San Francisco."

  "Yes, master."

  The phone beeped and the master swung his gaze toward Constantine. “Time is of the essence. Now go."

  Sera listened to the study door open and close and then dug her nails into her palms again. Being alone with the master was almost worse than facing Constantine's anger. Not sure what do to, she bit her tongue and blinked back tears.

  "Please, Sera, sit back down.” He waved toward her chair and offered a pleasant smile. Once she obeyed, he perched on the corner of his desk and rested his hands atop his thigh. “I should warn you, that I have no idea what effect your blood will have on Valentino."

  Sera swallowed and unclenched her teeth. “But I gather you have some theories?"

  The master nodded. “Yes, of course. Given that he isn't human, your blood might not affect him at all or...” he trailed off.

  Sera shook her head. She didn't want to hear the rest.

  "It might kill him,” he concluded.

  Bile surged up the back of Sera's throat, and no amount of swallowing would force it back down. Dizzy, she stumbled to her feet and gestured toward the door. “I want to go,” she whispered. She wanted to go home, to leave the coven, but she knew that wouldn't be allowed.

  The master rose and came toward her. While she struggled to remain on her feet, he gathered her in his arms and pressed her cheek to his chest. The rich, masculine scent of his skin surrounded her as completely as his arms. His lips brushed the top of her head. “You aren't well, Sera. It isn't safe for you to leave. I'm sorry."

  A tear plopped onto her cheek and rolled toward the edge of her mouth. “If I killed him, I don't want to live.” With every ounce of her being she meant those words.

  The master stroked her hair, kissed the top of her head once more, then turned her toward the door. “Sylvia will be waiting outside, and she'll remain with you for as long as you'd like her to.” He guided her across the room, and without warning, the door opened and the queen reached for her.

  Sera pressed back into the master's chest. “I want to be alone."

  Sylvia frowned and came forward with a little shake of her head. “You must come with me, my dear. We need to make sure all of the bad blood is out of your system before it makes you ill again."

  No, Sera wanted to yell. If she went through with the cleansing or the transfusion, or whatever they were calling it, she'd lose Valentino. If he was dead, all she had was the blood in her veins. If it killed her, so be it. She shook her head and stepped out of the master's embrace. Surprisingly, he let her go. “I'd rather go to my room and wait for Constantine to return."

  Sylvia glanced toward her husband, then back at Sera. “Very well.” Her tone was heavy with disapproval, but she stepped aside and allowed Sera to leave the study. “I'll have fresh blood brought to you, and I expect you to drink all of it."

  Sera glanced back and the look on her queen's face told her to simply nod and continue on her way. She reached the base of the towering staircase and the master's low voice slipped into her ear.

  "She'll only get worse if his blood is allowed to fester within her."

  "She'll be more amicable once Constantine returns with either news of Valentino's death or the man himself. We can leave her be until then."

  Sera ran up the stairs before the master could respond to his queen's wisdom. God willing, Constantine would return with Valentino, whole and healthy. She refused to consider the any other option.

  * * * *

  Valentino contemplated the locked door of his room before sweeping his gaze around the windowless walls. He'd been trying to come up with a way to escape for the entire day, and so far, nothing. At least he didn't feel as if he were dying anymore. His heartbeat was strong in his chest, and his unusually cold temperature had risen to something close to normal. All in all, he felt pretty damn good.

  But that wouldn't help him get out of here and to Sera.

  The thought of her coaxed his dick to life and he glanced down, relieved to discover all of him was back to normal. Maybe later he'd question the sudden reversal of his health, but right now he needed to concentrate on getting out. But how?

  As if in answer to the silent question, the door flew open, and he stumbled back to avoid being knocked aside. Two men he'd never seen before filled the opening, neither looking too friendly or helpful. One had to be at least six-foot-five and about two hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle. He had short, dark hair and piercing green eyes. The other was only about two inches shorter and maybe ten pounds les
s intimidating. He had long brown hair and unfriendly gray eyes. Both were dressed in head to toe black leather and looked like the leaders of a bad ass biker gang.

  Their arrival brought with it a heavy dose of unease.

  A third man sliced between them to enter the room, and it was obvious he was the true leader. Valentino hated him on sight.

  "Valentino, I presume?” The leader's black eyes raked over him then returned to his face with a look of disgust. “Do you ever wear clothes?"

  Valentino frowned. “Do I know you?"

  The leader motioned the other two forward. “Get him dressed so we can get the fuck out of here."

  The other two moved to obey, but Valentino threw up his hands in defense and skittered backwards. “Hold on a damn minute. Who the hell are you guys?"

  The tall, green eyed beast brushed by him to yank open the closet door. He ripped a black t-shirt from a hanger and tossed it toward Valentino, who made no move to catch it. It hit him in the chest and fell to the floor. “Where are we going?” A pair of jeans followed and then boots, which he narrowly avoided being struck by.

  "We're taking you to the coven."

  Valentino swept his gaze back to the black-eyed leader. “The coven?” Vampire lived in covens, didn't they? Did that mean they were taking him to Sera?

  "Save your questions until we're out of here.” With that, the leader turned his back and stepped out of the room.

  The giant with the gray eyes bent to scoop Valentino's clothes off the floor. “He's controlling the entire club, so you had best hurry before his powers weaken,"

  More questions begged to be asked, but Valentino simply took the clothes and slid them on as quickly as possible. With his boots in hand, he followed the two men from the room and through the club. The leader stalked ahead of them, head high and shoulders rigid. The black trench he wore swung around his calves like an ominous cape. If asked to cast a movie about vampires, this guy would be at the top of Valentino's list.

  Music thumped and bodies swayed around them, but despite the near-capacity crowd of women, not a single face turned in their direction as they headed for the exit. It was an unnerving display of the leader's power. Could Sera do such things?

  Feeling as if he were being led into damnation, Valentino glanced back once to watch the door swing shut behind him. He didn't need to ask to know he'd never see Captive Fantasy again. Mixed emotions churned inside him at the realization. It was all he'd ever known, after all.

  "Close your eyes,” a voice ordered from behind him. Before he could turn to identify which of the three vampires had spoken, cruel fingers encircled his throat and squeezed. Lights exploded behind his lids, and his lungs struggled to send oxygen to his brain. “Relax,” the voice whispered in his ear. “Let the blackness take you and when you awaken, you'll be among the coven."

  Valentino gasped for breath a moment before the blackness closed in around him. Still clinging to consciousness, he felt the earth fall away from his feet and then he was floating. His last thought before oblivion claimed him was of Sera's clear eyes and lush smile. She called to him and lifted her hand to beckon him forward. Her fangs flashed behind her blood-red lips, then the vision faded away, as did the world.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Sera was tired of pacing. She headed for the bed and plopped down on the corner. The fresh blood Sylvia had supplied sat untouched on the nightstand. Her nerves would not allow her to drink, not that she was even thirsty. A faint sound drew her gaze to the door, and she stood back up with her heart in her throat. Could Constantine have returned so soon?

  Someone scratched at the wood, and she called out an order to enter. The knob turned, the door opened, and Rick strolled in.

  Sera barely suppressed a moan as she sat back down on the bed. “Go away."

  At least he wasn't naked, but his tight, blue jeans did little to hide his body. He ignored her and moved closer to the bed. She glanced up and noticed drops of water dotting his bare chest. Looking past the thick column of his throat, she saw the tips of his hair were wet as well. The rich fragrance of shampoo let her know he'd recently gotten out of the shower.

  Being faced with a squeaky clean, gorgeous mortal didn't make her any thirstier or lessen her nerves one bit. “Go away,” she said again.

  Rick chuckled and dropped to his haunches in front of her. His sea-green eyes twinkled as he gazed up at her. “You haven't touched the blood the queen supplied. She feared you wouldn't."

  "And you're here to force me to drink?” Sera shifted her knees away from Rick's chest, but he was too broad and escape was futile. The heat from his body warmed her legs.

  "I can't force you to do anything, I told you that last night, but what's over there,” he nodded toward the carafe on the nightstand, “will have gone bad by now. I'm here to supply you with fresh blood."

  Sera glanced at his neck again. It was a nice neck; thick, corded, smooth. Not as nice as Valentino's. Her mouth watered at the comparison, and her fangs slid down. Clearly Rick was accustomed to the look of a hungry vampire, because he smiled and shifted closer. He even arched his head back like a good little meal.

  "Bite me, mistress."

  Sera licked her lips. “I told you not to call me that."

  His smile grew as he brushed a few strands of wet hair off the side of his neck. The gesture made her teeth hurt. Damn. “Bite me,” he said again.

  With her fangs hooked over her bottom lip, Sera shook her head and snarled, “No."

  Rick lifted his head with a sigh and reached up to cup the back of her neck. “I was told to make sure you drink, mistress. Orders are orders.” He pulled her face down and arched his head back again. Being mortal, he shouldn't have possessed the strength necessary to force her mouth to his throat, but he did, and the moment her fangs touched flesh, bloodlust roared to life. “My blood is yours, take it."

  Her nostrils flared as she caught the rich scent of what her body craved. A drop of drool fell from the corner of her mouth to moisten his skin and she knew she was lost. “I despise you for making me do this,” she ground out before widening her jaw and sinking her teeth deep into his artery.

  While Rick's blood filled her mouth, he tugged her off the bed and onto his thighs. He maintained his grip at the back of her neck with one hand, leaving the other free to roam her body. He cupped her breast through the shirtdress and her traitorous nipple hardened in response. Why did sex and feeding have to go hand in hand? Her dress rode up until she was able to straddle Rick's lap and feel the hard line of his erection against her crotch. He mumbled something under his breath that made his blood flow faster and shifted under her to increase the contact of their bodies.

  The slide of his blood down her throat might be enjoyable, but she refused to have sex with him. She pulled free of his neck before things could get out of control and leaned back to look him in the eyes. “You've done what you were ordered to do, now go."

  His hands dropped to her waist, and he moved her up the length of his erection. The contact forced a moan past her lips. Rick smiled and did it again. “We both want more."

  Sera shook her head even as the aroma of her own arousal filled the air. This wasn't the body she wanted to ride. No matter how good Rick felt wedged between her legs, she wanted another. “Let me go."

  Rick's eyes narrowed. “Is that an order, mistress?"

  "Yes,” she said sharply.

  His hands went slack at her waist, and she scooted off him to get to her feet. Disappointment had taken much of the sparkle from his gaze. “You're never going to let me fuck you, are you?"

  Sera shook her head and smoothed her dress over her thighs while trying to ignore the wound on the side of Rick's neck. She hadn't licked it closed and fresh blood called to her. She turned away, willing her fangs back up into her gums.

  "Hey?” Rick's hand closed around her leg, just below the hem of her dress. “What is it with you?” His fingers stroked upward toward her thigh, and she shifted away lest he fe
el the heat of her denied desire.

  "Take your hands off me."

  He didn't. In fact, he touched her with both hands; sliding them up the backs of her legs and taking the dress along. “I've told you before, you need to relax.” His hands moved around to the front of her thighs, and Sera reached down to cover them before he could make his way to her crotch.

  She glared over her shoulder. “Don't make me hurt you."

  "At least that would be something."

  "I doubt you are starved for companionship."

  "Maybe I'm bored with the other female vamps? Maybe I want to see what you can do for me?"

  With a little shake of her head, she stepped away. “Sorry, I'm really not interested.

  Whatever Rick might have said was lost when the door crashed open.

  * * * *

  Valentino tore out of the vampire's strong grip the moment he was inside Sera's room. The guy attempted to take hold of him again, but he stepped out of range at the last moment. “Sera?"

  She turned, and the half naked, blond kneeling behind her nearly toppled over. Her eyes widened, and her lips parted in silent surprise. She looked beautiful, and he ached to hold her.

  "I brought you a gift, my pet,” the leader snarled from behind him. He shoved Valentino further into the room then stepped up to his side. “So, how does he look? I personally think he's a little scrawny, but I'm not the one who has to fuck him, am I? Oh wait, given our bond, I am.” His tone was sinister, and Sera's eyes narrowed as they slid his way.

  "Shut up, Constantine."

  There was no humor in Constantine's laugh. “I'll let you two play for awhile while I inform the master that the little clone is turning into a vampire. I bet he's not expecting that news."

  Sera gaped as the vampire leader snapped his fingers toward the guy on the floor. “Get off your knees, Rick. No matter how much you beg, you won't get in her pants.” His black eyes settled on Valentino. “Especially now."

  Valentino stepped aside, and the door closed behind Rick and Constantine. Alone with Sera, he stared at her for a few moments then started across the room. She lifted her hand to her throat and took a step back. He stopped.