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Page didn't answer right away. She appeared to be searching her thoughts. Finally, with a hesitant sigh, she placed both of her hands over Summer's and looked straight into her eyes.
"I'm a blood-dragon, Summer."
"What? How?" Summer stared back with wide eyes. "Who did you bite to become one?"
"Nobody. That's why I don't permit anyone except for Blaze to take my blood. Since he's already a blood-dragon, it doesn't change his standing. Savion and I felt it best to keep my status a secret. When I was going through the transition I kept to myself. We told the band I was going through menopause and wanted to be alone. It was then that Blaze began seeking out other women to slake his appetite."
"I thought a woman had to bite her mate in order to become immortal."
"Typically, yes," she said with a soft, charming smile.
"However, none of the other band members have a twin."
"You?" Summer waved her finger as if pointing to an invisible person next to Page. "And Savion? Twins?"
"Fraternal. Our parents passed away long ago, so we are the only family left other than a few distant aunts and uncles. Nobody in the band ever considered that when Nahtosha bit Savion, I would become a blood-dragon too. It sure shocked 185
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the hell out of Savion and me. We didn't want anyone to know for fear of the men pursuing me for selfish motives. I want no part in converting other males." Summer was stunned. All this time Savion had never let on. She didn't blame him or feel slighted. A secret such as this would have to be heavily guarded even against her until she became sealed to him.
"You had no choice then. Your fate was sealed just like Savion's."
"I wouldn't want it any other way. He's a remarkable man and awesome brother. Very protective." Page sighed pensively. "Please don't be angry with my brother for keeping this from you. He had every intention to tell you as soon as the ritual took place."
"No ... don't worry. I could never be mad at him ... especially for protecting his sister." Summer tilted her head curiously. "How do you deal with the cravings?" Page shrugged with a sigh. "Well ... I can't bite Blaze, that's for sure. Or everyone would discover my secret. Unlike the men, Nahtosha's blight did not affect me sexually. I think the sea creature only has it out for males." She let out a short laugh. "Rightly so. They can be beasts. I have my ways of dealing with the cravings. But never mind that ... back to the handmaiden issue. No ... you won't need a bodyguard ... but I will."
"Why?"
"Face it, Summer. We won't be able to keep this secret forever. It's only a matter of time before someone catches on. Once they do, every male who longs to become immortal will 186
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be panting after me. I need your protection. As Savion's high lady, you will have the power to keep them away if I belong to you."
"Wow." Summer took a deep breath. So much to process!
Dunalino is full of surprises. "Is this why Savion sought out the chosen woman ... to protect you?"
"Oh, no, Summer." Page shook her head with a reassuring smile. "Savion truly wanted to find his soul mate. He only hoped that once he did, she and I would take to each other. He let us become acquainted on our own." Summer pondered her words. Savion had never pushed her towards Page. Other than the small mention of choosing her as a handmaiden, he hadn't made any suggestions on whom she should favor. And he hid their family ties extremely well.
"Yes, I can see that. He never showed partiality to anyone, but let me use my own instincts." She gave Page's hands a gentle squeeze. "Of course I will help you. I would be honored to have you as my handmaiden but, moreover, as my friend."
"Savion chose well. I've wanted to get away from Blaze ever since he took on other girlfriends. When you announce your decision, he will have no choice but to let me go."
"Do you think Savion will allow Blaze to stay on the island after what he's done?"
"I don't know. Maybe ... if Blaze accepts Savion's esteemed position on Dunalino. I think Blaze should be happy enough holding the spotlight on stage. His lust for power is sordid."
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Summer began to understand how the man had been able to block Savion from reading his mind. "Your blood is how Blaze obtained a greater level of clairvoyance over the others, isn't it? Because of the direct link to Savion."
"Yes." Page raised her brows—openly impressed. "Another reason why I never let anyone else bite me. I don't think Blaze realizes he has more insight than Reece and Miles. Knowing him, his ego just naturally accepted his heightened state. We didn't want others honing in on Savion and trying to interfere with his quest to find you. It's been hard enough keeping crucial details from Blaze." She paused with a knowing smile. "Everything Savion says takes root in your soul, doesn't it? You truly understand his heart."
"I've loved him for so long that I cannot recall loving anyone else. I feel as if I've known his heart forever." All of a sudden the sound of footsteps seized their attention.
"C'mon." Page pulled Summer to her feet. "They must've picked up our scent. Let's see if we can find our way back home."
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Twenty-one
"How the hell did you let her get away?" Blaze slammed his fist into the mossy wall just past Ciara's head. "You had one job to do ... keep Summer in the cave until I got here!"
"I don't know how she managed her escape. How was I to know there's another way in and out of this cave?" Ciara stared up into icy green eyes. Even in his rage she found him impressively alluring. "Don't worry. I sent the pack after her. They haven't fed for days and are hungry ... very hungry. I'm sure they've already tracked her scent."
"I don't want those vultures tasting her blood before I do!"
"Then I guess you better go look for her yourself." Ciara batted her lashes, knowing that he hadn't fed in at least a day. She'd spent their entire first day back with him and Page, helping them prepare for the party. "Unless you'd like a little snack to enhance your ... vigor ... before you run off in search of Little Miss Innocent. After all, you'll want to be at your best when finally taking the tramp." Blaze snarled—his lip curled upward on one side, baring his white teeth. For a breathless instant she gazed into those dominant, animal-like eyes. A shiver of excitement raced up her spine as she considered what it might be like to receive a love-bite from the indomitable lead singer. Her gaze lowered to watch him lick his lips, knowing full well her taunt had initiated the innate craving in this wayward male.
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She didn't twitch a muscle in resistance as his teeth pierced the vein in her neck. Her body leaned into his, coaxing him to slide an arm around her waist. With one brawny hand at the small of her back he pulled her hips against his while sucking brutally on her skin. A soft moan escaped her as the heat began to build.
He is by far the best I've had yet! I can only imagine what pleasure Savion must deliver. Blaze intensified his hold as if he'd read her thoughts and intended to leave an impression she would never forget. Shudders ripped through her. The agonizing tightening—then release.
He stood back with an insolent grin and blood on his lips.
"That should keep you satisfied for the day." Ciara stood gasping for breath as he swung away, long blonde hair whipping out behind him in the ocean gusts.
* * * *
Savion caught sight of Ciara lounging in the sand at a cave entrance. He jogged over to her. She was clearly enjoying some afterglow from a recent bite—a definite indication to Savion that he was closing in on Summer's captors.
"Where's Summer?"
Ciara looked up with a facetious s
mile. "Well, hello to you, too."
"I'm not in the mood for your flippant attitude, Ciara. Where the hell is she? I know you had something to do with this."
"I only did what I was told." She tossed her head back with a smug grin. "Your little mistress is not here. Don't feel bad, 190
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darling. I can give you what you need. I'd give up all the men just for you."
Savion couldn't miss the fresh bite on her neck. He wondered which male had indulged her this time. The thought of bedding the wretched woman forced a revolting taste into his mouth.
"Have you seen Blaze? Seems he's gone missing too." Putting a finger to her chin, she looked up. Feigned innocence filled her amber-colored eyes.
"Hm, have I seen Blaze? Now that's an interesting question. What would you give for such valuable information?
Perhaps a little bite?"
Ire swelled inside. He'd been tracking them all day until losing the trail in the watery sand and wasn't at all in the mood for her games. Clutching her wrist, he glared at her and spoke through clenched teeth.
"I'll give you nothing except a fast boat off the island. So if you want to continue enjoying the pleasure of whoever left that ugly mark, you best tell me where my woman is!" With a huff, Ciara yanked her hand away, then reluctantly pointed down the coastline towards a setting sun. "Blaze went looking for her awhile ago. He went that way." Savion studied her for a brief moment. "Summer was right about you!" Turning on his heels he resumed trotting along the shoreline, continually scanning the area for Summer. He couldn't see any footprints. Proof that Blaze must have traveled in the same manner, close to the water's edge to conceal his tracks. He heard Ciara call after him. 191
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"You'll be sorry, Savion! The next time Blaze takes me I'm going to return his bite and become a blood-dragon too!" Blaze! Of all the men on Dunalino, I never figured he'd be one to take up with the likes of Ciara. Her threat meant nothing to him. She'd never attain the same power as Summer or Page. His sister already carried superior might as his twin. And Summer would possess the highest authority as his soul mate. Ciara would be a fool to challenge them. Doing so would be her undoing. No doubt she would consider herself strong enough to be on their level. However, she couldn't be more wrong! One uninvited touch to Summer ... would be the end of Ciara.
* * * *
Summer crouched behind a huge mound of boulders with Page, who seemed unusually calm considering their predicament.
"Page," she whispered, "when Blaze challenged my ability to cope with Dunalino, I didn't think he meant this. What happened to the rule of no violence?"
"Savion did mention they'd want your blood, didn't he?" Summer nodded. "He also said I'd be protected."
"Well," Page whispered in return, "we do have the rule, but not everyone obeys it. If they choose to attack they'll be cast off the island back into society. They won't find easy acceptance in the outside world. Only foolish men obsessed with their own desire would take that risk." 192
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"Seems Ciara found a few willing souls." Summer inched closer to steal a look at the men prowling a few feet away. "I feel a bit vulnerable out here alone with just a silly robe on." Page shot her an intriguing look. "One ... you could never look silly. Two ... you're not alone. You have me."
"How can two little women fight off a pack of ... of whatever they are?"
"Let's just wait and see if they have the guts to attack." Page patted Summer's hand. "They're nothing more than lusty, mortal men."
Summer wondered how a petite blonde—blood-dragon or not—wearing a cropped tank top and white Capris planned on fending off several hungry men. She waited quietly as the men scanned the immediate area. They appeared to be moving past them until a rock came loose under Summer's foot, sending her sprawling to the ground with a thump. Looking up at Page, she mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." Within minutes they were trapped in a rocky cove with several serious-looking men blocking their way out in a half circle formation. Ravenous eyes stared down at Summer. Panic rose in her throat. Her stomach felt tight. Page stepped between Summer and her predators. "What's on your mind, boys?"
"Move away, Page," the tallest man barked. "We only want a taste of her blood to feel the ultimate high ... no harm will come to her."
"I'm only going to say this once ... boys. Summer doesn't want to play today. Now move along or you'll be sorry." 193
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They laughed mockingly, exchanging cocky looks with one another. Summer could see they weren't going to back down. Yet, Page stood her ground.
"Stay back, Summer," she said. "This is what I call a 'late brunch.'"
And with that Page's sweet demeanor instantly transformed into that of a vicious vamp. She took out the tall one first, biting his shoulder with such ferocity the man howled in pain before slinking to the ground unable to move. Summer scooted back against the rocky wall behind her, watching in shock as Page leapt with blazing, supernatural speed from one man to another. Her precise bites disabled them instantly until all were crumpled on their knees begging for mercy.
Summer knew she would never forget what came next. Once the men had been subdued, Page stalked them like the prey they had become. One by one she sank her razor-sharp incisors into each man's jugular, taking enough blood to render them unconscious but not to kill. When finished, she looked at Summer with a satisfied smile.
"You asked how I deal with the cravings." Page licked excess blood from her lips with obvious zeal. "There's always some asshole seeking to break the rules. It's my job to hunt them down and deliver punishment before they are sent away on the next cargo ship." She grabbed Summer's hand and pulled her up. "Now c'mon. It'll be dark soon. We need to keep walking."
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"That's some wicked bite you're packing," Summer muttered, astounded by Page's sudden transformation.
"How'd you paralyze them so quickly?" A naughty grin traversed Page's pretty face. "Female blood-dragons carry venom, but only if connected to Savion."
"Because he is the alpha male?"
"Yes. Nahtosha gave Savion supreme rule over all other blood-dragons ... male and female. Unless a woman receives her status through him, their bites only deliver euphoria like those of the males."
"Will you and I be the only female blood-dragons on Dunalino?"
Page nodded as they walked briskly. "Unless some other woman takes the leap and bites one of the bandmates ... we will be the only females. Even then, we'll be the only women who possess the paralyzing venom."
Details surrounding Dunalino continued to unfold. Summer now understood why Savion had chosen to give her information as needed. Had she been told everything at once, she might have been too overwhelmed and floundered. The last thing she wanted was to delay their consummation. Savion had been wise to let her fall into his world at her own pace. In doing so he enabled her strength to increase without faltering.
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Twenty-two
Summer watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting its last few streaks of light across the waves and giving the crystal-clear waters of Dunalino a diamond-like sparkle. She couldn't recall viewing anything so lovely or untainted. Sadness began to blanket her emotions as she and Page hiked along the beach. Today would've have been the consummation ritual. Now she didn't even know where she was—or how far away she'd been taken from her love. Trekking along in a white bathrobe and bare feet wasn't how she had envisioned this day. Exhausted. Tangled hair. Sore feet. Hunger pangs and still a nagging headache. No, definitely not what I expected!
"Do you know where we are yet?"
/>
"Sorry, but no." Page flashed a comforting smile. "No worries though. I'm sure if we keep walking in the same direction we'll end up back home. It is an island after all."
"I was supposed to become his Senhora Do Sangue today." Summer sighed despondently.
Page stopped, then turned towards Summer. "Aw, I'm sorry. Explains why Blaze didn't waste any time in making his move. He must've known you are ready."
"Should I have helped you with those men back there? I did bite one man back in L.A."
"No. You did right by letting me handle them. They aren't like society men. These chaps bite back! Living out here ... dabbling in neck biting, their skills are honed. One mistake 196
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and you'd have been in the wrong hands." Page reached out and gently tugged the corners of Summer's mouth upward.
"Smile. We'll make it back safely, and you will be reunited with my brother."
Her unexpected gesture made Summer laugh. She began to see the resemblance between Savion and Page: light wit and a beguiling smile.
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to complain or sound weak. It's been a trying day."
"You do not need to apologize. After everything that's happened I'm surprised you haven't shed a single tear." Summer half-laughed. "Don't start passing out the Purple Hearts. If I were not so parched, I'm sure the tears would flow. I miss Savion so much it hurts. How can someone become so utterly addicted to another in just one week?"
"I'm delighted to hear you say that. In spite of all your trials, you think of Savion."
"He has and always will be everything to me. My dreams of meeting him kept me alive all those years." Page motioned that they sit down and rest. "What did happen to you? If you don't mind me asking."
"Unfortunate circumstances." Summer plopped down in the sand. "Long story short, I was blackmailed at the age of eighteen into marriage by a wealthy, powerful man back east. For thirty years I played the 'aristocrat's showpiece.' My only saving grace was his impotence. I never had to give myself to the bastard. And I was never given enough freedom to have an affair."
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