by Aubrey Ross
“I’m not going to hurt you.” Had he read her expression or her mind? She had never felt so helpless in her entire life. “I can smell your fear, and humans tend to transmit when they’re upset. I don’t need to access your mind. You’re blasting me with your thoughts.” He crossed his arms over his chest, gaze filled with frustration. “I brought you here to protect you. If I wanted to drain your blood or ravage your body, why wouldn’t I have attacked you in the car?”
Her butt collided with the back of a sofa and half a room separated them. She took several deep breaths. He was right. If he’d wanted to kill her, she’d be dead. And if he’d wanted to fuck her, he wouldn’t have let her go in the dressing room.
“Oh, I still want to fuck you, don’t doubt that for a minute. But let me make this perfectly clear, when I fuck you, Jessica, you’ll want me as much as I want you.”
His gaze caressed her face for a long, silent moment. The rhythm of her heart changed as desire eroded her fear. She’d never met a man before who affected her senses with a look and sent her heart racing with the brush of his fingertips. How would she survive if he ever got serious about this seduction?
“Can I finish my explanation, or would you rather explore the emotions you’re transmitting now?” He softened the question with a gentle smile.
“You were court musicians in Italy,” she prompted, dragging her gaze away from his smoldering eyes. “When was this?”
“The important events began in 1471.”
“1471? You were born during the Renaissance?” Her heart began to hammer all over again.
“I caught the eye of an Italian aristocrat named Antonelli. Her mate indulged her every whim. She wanted me, so Faelon gave me to her.”
“I’m not sure what you mean. Were you a slave?”
Rafe sighed and raked his hair with both hands. “Can we sit? This is all rather complicated.” She moved around the sofa and sat. He joined her, giving her plenty of room. “Vampires can form several kinds of bonds. I don’t want to confuse the issue, so I’ll explain the ones directly pertaining to these events.”
He wasn’t trying to be condescending, but his arrogance annoyed her. “I’ll do my best to follow along.”
“When a vampire takes blood from someone, whether the donor is willing or not, it opens a telepathic link. This link remains active until the blood has been metabolized.”
“Do vampires take blood from each other?”
“Yes. That sort of bond is called an alliance, but let me explain the events in order. Antonelli wanted me, so Faelon took my blood, which made me susceptible to his mental suggestions.”
“You controlled Dalton without taking his blood. Why was it necessary for Faelon to…drink from you?”
“Humans with psychic abilities are often resistant to mental compulsions. During the concert, I told you to look at me. Were you aware of the compulsion or did you simply obey?”
“I felt something unusual then I looked at the stage.” She shrugged. “It could have been either, I guess.”
“You didn’t respond to my verbal command. More than likely, I would have to establish a blood bond to have any control over you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She already had so many questions and he’d hardly begun his story. “You had psychic abilities before you became a vampire?”
He nodded. “Few humans can survive the transformation, but humans with psychic abilities fare better than most.”
Jessie’s heart lurched at his casual statement. “Is that why Etoro and Natalie are after me? If they decide to transform me, I’m more likely to survive?”
“It’s possible. However, knowing them, I suspect their motives are more convoluted.”
“Sorry. Back to Italy.”
He inclined his head. “If Faelon had taken my blood repeatedly, his control would have increased until I was a mindless puppet. We call this a slave bond. Human slaves rapidly weaken and often go mad. This sort of bond is forbidden by the Covenant, a code of conduct by which all vampires are bound.”
“Who enforces the Covenant? Do you have vampire police?”
His gaze narrowed and he extended his arm along the back of the couch. “Are you distracting me intentionally?”
“No. Well, maybe.” During her years as an investigator, she thought she’d seen everything. She never expected to be sitting next to a celebrity, much less a vampire. A part of her refused to accept what was right in front of her. “I’ll try not to interrupt again.”
“There are so many subtleties. I think it might be better if I just show you.”
Before she could object, Rafe pulled her into his arms, cradled her against his chest and sank his fangs into her throat. Too shocked to scream, Jessie clutched his shoulders and tightly closed her eyes.
He is spectacular, my love. You are too good to me.
If he pleases you, he pleases me.
The vision slammed into Jessie’s mind, overshadowing reality. Colors danced before her eyes then two figures came into focus. A petite, brown-haired woman stood beside a tall, blond man. The man stroked the woman’s unbound hair, his bright blue eyes focused on her heart-shaped face.
Faelon and Antonelli. Jessie heard Rafe’s voice inside her mind. See the adoration in his eyes? He will do anything for her.
At first glance, the woman looked innocent, almost childlike. Her eyes, however, shone with knowledge far beyond her youthful appearance. The man’s rugged features and piercing gaze would never be described as handsome. Even in the vision, Jessie could sense his supremacy. Predator, ruthless hunter, there could be no mistaking his basic nature. Still, his long-fingered hand touched Antonelli with such tenderness. The contrast was mesmerizing.
Antonelli strolled forward and the vision shifted. A young man lay chained to a bed, naked and utterly helpless. Terror and defiance battled within his dark eyes as he yanked against the leather cuffs encircling his wrists and ankles. It took Jessie a moment to recognize Rafe’s features. His body was thin, lacking the muscular symmetry she’d admired in the dressing room.
I was much younger then.
“Do you understand why you are here?” Antonelli’s gaze swept Rafe’s body before returning to his face. The gag distorted his expression. “You are meant for greater things than you can possibly imagine. I am willing to teach you, to guide you, but you must be willing to learn.”
He shook his head and twisted, fighting the restraints with all his strength. His fury ricocheted through Jessie. He cursed his helplessness and mentally damned the bitch to hell.
Antonelli studied his face, a smile curving her lips. “Such spirit. I knew I had to have you as I listened to you sing. Your voice resonates with passion.” She sat on the edge of the bed and stroked his face. Rafe jerked away from her light touch. “I am not going to hurt you, but I must insist on your cooperation for one month. If you see no value in my lessons at the end of that time, I will release you.”
He glared up at her as he clenched and unclenched his hands. Emotions burst within Jessie—anger, frustration and desire. Rafe was tempted by Antonelli’s offer, which only made him loathe his own weakness. She had him bound and helpless. He should feel nothing but disdain.
“Do you sense the strength of his spirit, my love?” She looked at Faelon. “You should think about transforming him.”
“If he excels as you believe he will, I shall consider it.” Faelon stood back, ever watchful, his arms folded across his chest.
Pushing to her feet beside the bed, Antonelli untied the belt on her dressing gown and shrugged out of the simple garment. Rafe’s eyes widened and his gaze darted to Faelon. Why was he just standing there? Was this woman his wife?
“Carnality.” Antonelli paused, waiting for Rafe to look at her. “It is a tool, a weapon, but few comprehend its power or have the skills to use it effectively. I will teach you, Rafael. Are you willing to learn?”
Rafe forced his dry throat to swallow. Even as he shook his head, refusing her o
ffer, his gaze descended. Her breasts were high and round, her nipples tightly puckered. Her woman’s mound was smooth, like the rest of her skin. Why had she removed the hair? He didn’t want to respond to her nakedness, but already his cock hardened. His gaze shot again to the man. The woman obviously meant to couple with him, but what role would the man serve?
“Your very nature is carnal. I hear it in your voice and see it in your eyes. You could be my greatest student, if you let yourself learn.” Antonelli licked her lips and ran her index finger along his thigh. “You are wonderfully made. Long and lean, with the promise of a greater strength to come. I will teach you how to use your fingers, your lips, your teeth, your tongue. You will learn how to heighten pleasure with anticipation, how to control and focus, dominate and surrender.” She closed her fingers around his cock, rubbing the tip with her thumb. “Look at me, Rafael. Have you ever tasted passion?”
His cock lengthened and thickened within her grasp. How could he resist such temptation? She crawled onto the bed at his side, parting her thighs, displaying her folds and dusky passage. He wanted to touch her, thrust inside, and learn all the wicked skills she’d promised to teach him.
“Would you like to touch me?” Desire pulled his balls up tight against his body. He closed his eyes and bit down hard on the gag. “There is no shame in your desire. Shall I pleasure you with my mouth? Would you like that?” His eyes flew open and his arms flexed, his hands tightly fisted. She chuckled. “What is he thinking, Faelon? I don’t want to overwhelm him.”
“Desire has already overcome his fear, but he resents being bound. His actual experience is minimal, though he has entertained extremely adventurous fantasies.”
“I see.”
Faelon moved closer to the bed, drawing Rafe’s wary gaze. “The plain truth is you have no choice. You can submit to Antonelli’s ministrations and benefit from her teachings or I will enslave your mind.” Golden fire ignited in Faelon’s eyes and he opened his mouth, revealing long, pointed fangs.
Rafe screamed behind the gag, jerking violently against his bonds. Demon! Fiend! He had heard stories of such creatures. Prayers from his childhood echoed through his mind. What had he done? Why was he being punished?
“Be calm.” Faelon’s voice rang with authority. “Stop struggling.”
Peace flowed through Rafe, sweeping aside his fear and anger. He sagged against the bed, panting, exhausted.
“No more compulsions,” Antonelli said firmly. “I want him to submit of his own free will.” She turned back to Rafe and trailed her fingers down the center of his chest. “If you relax and allow yourself to enjoy my kiss, I will release you from the chains. I much prefer a willing student, but you must earn my trust.” Her mouth closed around the head of his cock. His body arched, tight as a bowstring, and the vision faded to black.
Jessie trembled in Rafe’s arms, her mind muddled, her body burning. His mouth moved against her throat, his tongue gently stroking. Desire sizzled within her. She felt dizzy and weak. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she pulled his face away from her neck.
“What did you… How did you… You bit me!” With the same intensity as the vision assailed her mind, reality returned. She scrambled off the sofa, her fingers pressed over the side of her neck. “What will this do to me?”
“Nothing.” He sighed and stood as well. “I only used my fangs so you could see how it began for me.”
She licked her lips, ignoring the strange tingle erupting in the wake of her tongue. “How long were you her—student?”
He chuckled. “The word doesn’t insult me. I learned more from Antonelli than even I anticipated. I shared their home for six years when Faelon agreed to transform me.”
“Agreed to transform you?” She hadn’t meant for her voice to sound so disapproving. “You wanted to become a vampire?”
“Vampires are stronger, faster and healthier than humans.” He shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I want to be a vampire?” A lazy smile parted his lips. His fangs had retracted. “Surely you don’t believe I’m a soulless demon? I was a superstitious lad when I encountered Faelon. You’re a streetwise ex-cop.”
“Which makes it harder for me to accept this sort of thing.” She took a step toward him, studying his relaxed posture, his calm expression and his assessing stare. He’d had over five hundred years to accept the existence of vampires. She’d had less than an hour. “I’ve been trained to believe what I can see, smell, hear and touch.”
“And taste?” He grinned.
The vision left her achy and restless. She’d been susceptible to his charm when her world wasn’t reeling. She didn’t trust herself near him now. Returning to the sofa, she sat and asked, “If being a vampire is so wonderful, why didn’t Faelon transform Antonelli?”
“Many long for transformation, but few can survive the change. Antonelli is a perfect example. She has spent centuries at Faelon’s side, wishing she could be what he is.”
“Antonelli is still alive?” He merely nodded. “How is that possible?”
“Soul bonding is the most intimate form of connection. Most often a soul bond is formed between two vampires, but it is possible for a vampire to establish a soul bond with a blood ally.”
“How do Etoro and Natalie fit into all this?” Jessie tried to concentrate on the present, but she couldn’t rid her mind of the vision. Rafe’s bittersweet longing thrummed though her still. He’d wanted Antonelli with every fiber of his being and hated himself for that desire. She understood the contradiction all too well.
He joined her on the sofa, his movements smooth and restrained. “After my transformation, we traveled for many years. We came across Etoro in Venice. It was a magnificent city in the height of its splendor. Etoro was a musician at one of the balls we attended. Time had not been kind to him while I had thrived and flourished. He wanted to know how I’d remained so young, so healthy. I did my best to evade his questions, but Etoro was determined to learn the source of my vitality.”
“How did he find out what you’d become?”
“He followed me for weeks until he caught me feeding. I didn’t recognize his obsession until it was too late. I’d only been a vampire for eleven years, so my powers were still developing.”
After eleven years his powers were still developing? Time obviously passed differently for vampires. “What did he do?”
“He threatened to reveal what I was if I didn’t transform him.” His tone was even, conversational. Did the events no longer affect him, or was he remaining calm for her benefit?
“Reveal it to whom? It wasn’t like they had cameras back then. Wouldn’t it have been his word against yours?”
“People were different then. Superstition and political unrest made for a volatile combination. Italy escaped the worst of it, but the Inquisitors in Spain executed thousands for refusing to convert to the ‘true faith’. What do you think such people would have done with a man who didn’t age?”
Jessie enjoyed reading about history, studying the customs and developments of different eras. Rafe had experienced the evolution of humanity. He’d survived wars and witnessed the rise and fall of societies. It gave her chills just thinking about all he’d experienced.
She drew her thoughts back to Etoro. “Did you transform him?”
“I couldn’t have if I’d wanted to. My own transformation wasn’t complete.” He paused, his lips pressed into a tight line. “Faelon refused to be manipulated by threats, but more importantly, he sensed an imbalance in Etoro that made him unwilling to even consider triggering the change.”
“Well, I know Etoro is a vampire now, so who transformed him?”
“A female named Cecilia. She was once Faelon’s mate.” He raked his hands through his hair and rushed on before she could distract him with more questions. “When Faelon forced Etoro to look elsewhere for transformation, we became the enemy.”
She released a shuddering breath. Logic, routine and instinct were as important to her as her gun, yet she was c
ompletely out of her element right now. Vampires are real. She repeated the words until her brain stopped rejecting them. “What does Etoro want with me? You didn’t even know me until tonight. How does he intend to use me in this ongoing battle?”
“I have lots of suspicions, just nothing I can prove. Faelon will be able to tell us more.”
“You’re going to take me to Faelon?” The vampire’s unrelenting features and piercing eyes flashed through her memory.
“He knows more about Etoro than anyone else alive. Etoro enjoys antagonizing me, but he despises Faelon.”
She inclined her head and carefully guarded her thoughts. There was no way in hell she was going to let this happen. Faelon had enslaved Rafe, offered him up to his wife bound in chains. A heated tingle skittered down her spine. It was so easy to picture herself in Rafe’s place, restrained and helpless as Rafe lowered his mouth to her pussy.
“When do we leave?” She cleared her throat, ridding her tone of its hushed purr. “Does he still live in Italy?”
Rafe didn’t reply, so she looked at him. Shit! His eyes glowed with golden fire and he slowly licked his lips. “If you step beyond the shields without me, you will learn what it means to be helpless. This is not a game.”
Calm, quiet, lethal, his tone belied the intensity in his gaze. “How do I know that?” She pushed to her feet and crept around the glass-topped coffee table. “Faelon and Antonelli are obviously fond of games, and you learned from them. How do I know Etoro even exists? Have you been commanded to bring me to your master? Is that what this is really about?” She made it to the door as she rattled off her string of questions. Escape was her only option. She spun and collided with Rafe. She screamed.
“I can’t let you leave. I don’t yet understand his motivation, but Etoro is real.” Rafe scooped her up in his arms and carried her across the room. Jessie wiggled and twisted, clawing at his hands and kicking her feet. “We’ll leave tomorrow for Italy. I must regain my strength before I attempt another flight.”
