Masters of the Hunt: Fated and Forbidden

by Sarra Cannon

  She skittered back and shot him a frosty look. “No. Don’t touch me, Val.”

  He frowned and stepped back as she reached under her skirt and yanked her panties down her thighs. She stepped out of them, rolled them into a ball and stuffed them into a leather bag sitting on the seat.

  “There.” She said a bit sulkily. “Is that better?”

  “Much. Be careful when you sit down – that skirt is delightfully short.”

  “Thanks for the tip.” She replied peevishly.

  “I’m only trying to help. I do not want others to see what belongs to me.”

  “One - it doesn’t belong to you and two – do you really think I want a bunch of leeches seeing my goddamn hooch?”

  Holding the skirt she sat down on the seat and quickly opened the thick wooden shutters before staring moodily out the window.

  Val opened the door and Faren climbed into the carriage. He sat down opposite of Abigail and grinned at her. “May I just say that you’re looking lovely, Abigail?”

  “Shut up.” She replied without looking at him.

  She squirmed over as far as she could when Val sat next to her. The carriage started with a jolting thud and she clasped her hands together nervously as Violet flew out from Val’s hair and landed on her knee.

  She smiled softly at the tiny pixie. “When we reach Joven’s estate, I want you to stay in the forest outside of his home, little one. It’s safer for you.”

  Violet shook her head violently and flew up to hover in front of Abby’s face. She pressed her mouth against Abby’s lower lip and shook her head again before giving her a pleading look.

  Abby sighed. “Violet, it is not safe and I don’t want—”

  Violet clapped her hands together sharply and then reached out and yanked on a piece of Abigail’s hair.

  “Ouch!” Abby flinched and frowned at the pixie. “Why you little—”

  Violet flew to Val and tangled herself in his long hair again, peering out defiantly from the strands of hair at Abigail.

  “Val, tell her it isn’t safe for her.” Abby said suddenly.

  “It isn’t safe for any of us.” He replied. “If the little bug wants to go, I will not stop her.”

  “Asshole.” Abigail breathed before turning to stare out the window again.

  — —

  “Here we go.” Faren said softly.

  They had arrived at Darius’ estate. It was surrounded by an enormous stone wall and Wesley had driven the carriage to the massive wooden gate. As they had approached, Val had shut the shutters without speaking, and Abigail strained to hear the conversation between Wesley and the vampires standing guard at the entrance.

  She could hear nothing but soft murmuring and she swallowed thickly. Her stomach was a ball of nerves and she prayed that Wesley and Evan would stay calm. The minutes ticked by and she gave Val a sick look.

  “Why is it taking so long? Shouldn’t they be letting us in? They are expecting—”

  There was a loud clanging noise and she jumped on the seat, inhaling sharply as her pulse thudded heavily.

  Val frowned and slid across the seat until he was pressed against her. He wrapped his hand in her hair and tugged lightly until she was staring up at him. Her lips were trembling, and she resembled the old, timid Abby so strongly that he was tempted to pick her up and carry her away from the madness they were heading into.

  “Do not be frightened, little dove.” He said soothingly as the carriage began to move forward. “I will take care of you.”

  He stroked his thumb across her bottom lip and her mouth parted invitingly. He was leaning down to kiss her when she suddenly pushed him away. She straightened in the seat and he watched as she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. When she opened her eyes, the scent of her fear was gone and calmness radiated from her body.

  “I’m not frightened and I don’t need you to take care of me.” She said quietly. “I can take care of myself.”

  “Little dove—”

  She shook her head. “I will play the part of your slave, Val, because it means saving Michael but when we are not around Darius or others, I don’t want you touching me. Do you understand?”

  He scowled at her. “Perfectly, Abigail.”

  Violet, a distressed look on her face, flew to Abigail and buried herself deep within her hair as Val and Abby continued to glare angrily at each other. Faren leaned forward.

  “Well,” he said cheerfully, “this should go well. I don’t foresee us all dying horrible deaths at the hand of Darius at all.”

  When neither of them replied, his usual cheerful grin faded and he gave them both a solemn look. “I get that the two of you have a love/hate thing going on but may I suggest that you,” he pointed at Abby, “do a better job of pretending you’re obsessed with Val and you,” he turned his gaze to Val, “do a better job of pretending that she’s nothing more than a tasty snack to you. Otherwise, we’re all dead.”

  “Faren - “

  “Shut it, Val.” Faren said harshly. “I didn’t know Joven but I’ve heard the rumours. He’s not known for his kindness to his slaves. If I’ve heard the rumours, then so has Darius and if you do anything out of character, it’s going to make him suspicious. The only way this is going to work is if Darius believes you’re Joven, so be Joven for God’s sake!”

  He said the last of this in a soft little mutter as voices were heard outside the carriage door. It was pulled open and a dark-haired vampire with light blue eyes and a large, red birthmark covering the entirety of his left cheek, peered in.

  “My name is Tavien. Welcome, Joven.”

  “Thank you.” Val nodded. He pointed to Faren. “This is Faren. He is a close friend.”

  “Welcome, Faren.” Tavien’s gaze swept over Abby before he stepped back. “Come, Darius is anxious to meet you.”

  He glanced up at Wesley and Evan who were standing next to the horses. “Your men may drive your carriage to the stables. They will be fed and shown to the slave quarters, and our slaves will bring your things to your room.”

  Val stood and taking Abby roughly by the wrist, led her out of the carriage. She blinked in surprise at the large stone castle that loomed in front of them. It towered into the night sky and she strained to see the top of it in the dark. The yard and surrounding areas were lit with torches, and she followed Val in the flickering light to the entrance of the castle.

  Without speaking, Tavien led the three of them into the castle. The walls were covered in bright tapestries and as they moved down the corridor, Abby peeked into the rooms they passed. They were filled with large and heavy-looking pieces of wooden furniture, their surfaces gleaming dully in the torchlight, and she could feel a touch of claustrophobia setting in despite the wideness of the corridor.

  She took a deep breath and Val gave her a quick look as they stopped in front of a large door. He squeezed her wrist, whether it was meant to be reassuring or a warning she wasn’t sure, as Tavien opened the thick wooden door.

  They followed him into the dimly-lit room and Abigail glanced around curiously. Like the others, this room was filled with furniture but it was mostly heavy, plush couches and chaises. Vampires were reclining on most of them and nearly every one of them had a slave or two reclining on the floor beside them. She glanced upward. The large room was in the very center of the castle, and she could see some of the human slaves wandering through the open hallways of the upper level.

  A female vampire, her upper half completely bare except for thick gold chains layered carefully around her neck, smiled at Val and Faren as they walked by. Her slave, a short, blond man, was staring worshipfully at her and she tugged absentmindedly at his collar as they passed. He ducked his head eagerly under her skirt and buried his face between her legs. Abby, her eyes wide, stared in shock and the female vampire grinned at her before Val tugged her forward.

  They were nearly to the middle of the room now and she watched as a tall, lean vampire rose languidly from a large couch and
moved toward them. He almost seemed to float and she took a calming breath as he stopped in front of them.

  He had long black hair and light green eyes and he was, she admitted to herself, absolutely gorgeous. His features were delicate, almost feminine and his pale skin was a startling contrast to his black hair.

  Val’s hand tightened on her wrist before he spoke, “Good evening, Darius. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  Darius studied him for a moment. “You are Joven?” His voice was low and musical and a shiver went down Abigail’s back. Violet was hidden deep within her hair and she could feel the pixie’s wings fluttering lightly against her scalp.

  “I am.” Val said simply. “This is a friend, Faren.”

  Faren bowed slightly. Darius gave him a disinterested glance before returning his gaze to Val.

  “You look different than what I pictured.” He said thoughtfully. “From the tales I have heard, I expected someone more,” he paused, “brutish-looking.”

  Val didn’t reply and Abby quickly dropped her gaze to the floor as Darius turned toward her. “And who is this lovely creature?”

  He stepped closer and she willed herself to stay still when he picked up a strand of her dark hair and rubbed it through his pale fingers.

  “She’s my slave.” Val said bluntly.

  “You brought only one?” Darius asked.

  “I thought it best to travel light. I did not believe it would be wise to draw attention to myself.” Val answered.

  Darius traced his finger along her neck. “A slave without a collar. How strange.”

  He circled around her, frowning slightly before bending down and examining the scars on her back. “What a shame that such loveliness is ruined by this ugliness.”

  He touched the cross on her back. “Did she do this herself?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t asked.” Val replied.

  He rested his hand on her shoulder and stared at Val. “You do not strike me as the type who would allow your slave to go without a collar.”

  Val just shrugged, his nostrils flaring when Darius stepped closer to Abigail.

  “I have many slaves but I am always looking for fresh blood. If your master does not care enough about you to mark you with his collar, perhaps you would like to wear mine?” Darius smiled at Abby.

  He leaned in and inhaled deeply against Abigail’s neck. “You smell delicious, lovely one. I bet you taste delicious. I look forward to finding out for myself.”

  Abigail stiffened and raised her eyes to Val. He shook his head and she gritted her teeth and forced herself to stay still as Darius ran his hand down her waist to her hip.

  “So lovely.” He whispered distractedly.

  Without warning, his hand slid under her skirt between her thighs and cupped her bare sex. Abigail cried out with surprise and anger and twisted out of his grip. She turned and raised her hand to strike his coldly-handsome face. Before she could land the blow, Val had caught her arm. He yanked her away and then his hand was on the back of her neck and he was forcing her to her knees. She squirmed and his hand tightened until she gasped angrily.

  Darius raised his eyebrows at Val. “You would allow your slave to strike me after I open my home to you, after I offer you the chance to participate in my business venture?”

  Val shook his head as he fought to keep himself from tearing Darius’ throat out. “Of course not. She will be punished appropriately.”

  “Will she?” Darius said softly. He stared at Abigail and she gave him a look of fury before Val forced her head lower until she was staring at the floor.

  “Forgive her impertinence, Darius.” Val said quietly. “I have only just purchased her and she still has much to learn.”

  “Indeed.” Darius replied.

  He stared thoughtfully at Val. “You are not at all how I expected, Joven. In fact, I am starting to wonder if –“

  “Joven! My old friend! It is wonderful to see you again.”

  Val, his hand still holding Abby firmly in place, turned to see a silver-haired vampire heading toward him. He grunted with surprise when the vampire embraced him firmly and breathed into his ear. “Jaxen.”

  “It is good to see you as well, Jaxen.” Val said smoothly as the old vampire smiled delightedly at him.

  “How was your trip? It went well, I trust?”

  “Yes. A bit on the long side.” Val replied.

  “You must be tired from your journey. Darius, shall I show Joven and his friend to their rooms? I imagine they would like to bathe and rest before dinner.” Jaxen smiled at Darius who nodded and stepped back as Val lifted Abigail easily to her feet.

  “Excellent. Follow me, please.” Jaxen started towards a door at the far side of the room.

  Faren gave another short bow and winked at a female slave who was staring shyly at him from a chaise to his right before trailing after Jaxen.

  “Darius.” Val nodded politely and, still holding Abigail firmly around the back of the neck, followed Jaxen and Faren out of the room.

  “My lord.” Tavien stood next to Darius.

  “What is it?”

  “He looks familiar to me.”

  “The Lord Joven?” Darius raised his eyebrow at Tavien.

  “Yes.”

  “You have never been east before. How would you have met him?” Darius questioned.

  Tavien rubbed distractedly at the birthmark on his cheek. “I have never met the Lord Joven. I am sure of that.”

  “And yet he looks familiar to you.”

  “Yes. Are you sure that he is who he claims to be, my lord?” Tavien asked.

  “No, Tavien. I am not.” Darius said quietly.

  Chapter 7

  After showing Faren to his room, Jaxen led Val and Abby down one of the many corridors in the castle. They followed him into a large and luxuriously decorated bedroom and he shut the door firmly.

  “Who are you? What—”

  Before Val could finish, Abigail had squirmed out of his grip and launched herself at Jaxen. She hugged him fiercely and kissed him on the cheek as he smiled at her. “I see your plan to become Joven’s slave worked.”

  “Oh, Jaxen.” Abby kissed his cheek again. “I’m so happy to see you. We didn’t know if you received our last message with our plan or not.”

  “I did and I promptly sent back a reply letting you know just how foolish I thought the plan was.” Jaxen said sternly. “Yet you ignored it.”

  “We didn’t receive it.” Abigail said earnestly.

  Jaxen gave her a suspicious look before putting his arm around her waist and squeezing affectionately. “I believe you. Although I am curious as to what happened to the actual Joven.”

  “I killed him.” Val said bluntly.

  Jaxen raised his eyebrow. “Oh? Why?”

  “Because he tried to take what is mine.” Val’s eyes dropped to Jaxen’s hand resting on Abby’s hip and Jaxen chuckled loudly.

  “I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. In fact, my tastes run more toward someone such as yourself.”

  Abigail grinned as Val gave Jaxen an uncertain look before colour rose in his pale cheeks. She kissed Jaxen’s cheek again and smiled at him.

  “This is Val. He’s,” she paused, “an old friend.”

  Jaxen gave Val a considering look before holding his hand out. “It’s nice to meet you, Val. You are a long way from home.”

  “No further than you, I imagine.” Val said guardedly.

  “Perhaps.” The old vampire grunted with surprise when Abigail’s hair moved and Violet poked her head out.

  “Why do you have a pixie hidden in your hair, Abigail?” Jaxen asked with a touch of amusement.

  “Her name is Violet. She was rejected by her own kind after her voice was stolen from her. I rescued her from a spider’s web.”

  Ignoring Jaxen completely, Violet wriggled free of Abigail’s hair and flew to Val. She kissed him lightly on the cheek and he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piec
e of dried meat. He handed it to her and she kissed him again before flying off to the windowsill. She sat on the sill and stared out into the darkness as she ate the meat delicately.

  Jaxen, the look of amusement still on his face, watched her until Abigail tugged anxiously at his arm.

  “Jaxen, do you know where Michael is? Is he—”

  Jaxen clapped his hands together briskly. “Before we talk about Michael, we must discuss what needs to change in order for you to convince Darius that you,” he looked at Val, “are indeed Joven, and you, “he stared sternly at Abby, “are nothing more than a smitten slave girl.”

  Abby frowned. “What are you talking about? I didn’t—”

  “Be quiet and listen to me, Abby.” Jaxen interrupted sternly. “Where is the collar that marks you as Joven’s slave?”

  “I can’t wear that thing.” Abby protested.

  “You can and you will.” Jaxen scowled at her. “One, the real Joven would never allow his slave to go without a collar and two, it will provide you with a measure of protection from the other vampires. You will wear it, Abigail.”

  “Fine.” She muttered sullenly.

  Jaxen turned to Val. “Darius may not know Joven but he knows the rumours. He was right – Joven is brutal. He’s also unforgiving and much smarter than he looks. He has no love for humans and he is not known for his compassion. He cares about himself and no other. Do you understand?”

  Val nodded and Jaxen studied him closely. “If you are to convince Darius that you are Joven you must hide your affection for the humans.”

  “I have no affection for the humans.” Val growled.

  “Do you not?” Jaxen raised his eyebrow at him before glancing at Abigail. “Darius has a more liberal policy with his slaves. It is not uncommon for his men to share the slaves. You must be prepared that—”

  “No one else is touching her.” Val snapped. “I will kill any who tries.”

  “Yes, you have no affection for the humans.” Jaxen said dryly.

  “Jaxen,” Abigail said impatiently, “does Michael – does he still live?”