Savvy My Heart_Love Bites

by Elliot Love

by Elliot Love

  "That's a long time to be without love." Page lifted her brow, openly surprised.

  Summer didn't fault her. Who wouldn't be amazed to know a forty-eight-year-old virgin? Especially in these modern times with the Internet at one's fingertips. Well, I was the

  "world's oldest virgin" until a few days ago. My blight has been lifted in that area ... and delightfully so!

  "I'm not sure I could've had an affair even if given the chance. Men had never treated me kind. Savion was my safe place. Every night I pulled him into my thoughts before falling asleep."

  "Weren't you afraid when Savion mysteriously appeared?" Summer thought about that for a moment. As bizarre as their meeting had been, she'd never been afraid of him.

  "I never felt fear with him. In fact ... Savion makes me feel safer than ever."

  "He truly has found the right woman," Page said. "We just need to get you two back together and complete the union. Are you ready to start walking again?"

  "Yes. Maybe we'll get lucky and find some water." Summer brushed sand off her robe as they resumed their trek. Under a dark sky the ocean took on a different hue. It was almost eerie as the waves thrashed against the sand beneath a full moon. With no hills or trees to block her view, she could see millions of stars twinkling above. Beyond the shoreline lay nothing but rolling, black water—a striking contrast to the sublime image cast by day.

  They walked side by side for a little while longer before Page pointed to a small grove of trees up ahead. 198

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  "Pomegranates!" Page picked up their pace. Upon reaching the shrubby looking trees, they plucked the ripe, red fruits and smashed the thick skins open with a rock. Page nudged Summer into the center of the thicket to conceal their presence while eating.

  "Mm." Summer bit into the juicy inside, taking both pulp and seeds into her mouth. She couldn't get the sweet liquid down her throat fast enough.

  Page nodded in agreement while devouring her own. She glanced at Summer, who had juice trickling down her chin. They both laughed. Summer sensed a strong bond developing between them. After spending an entire day getting to know each other while surviving on their own, she couldn't help but feel close to the beautiful, yet visceral, woman. They had come to know each other on a much deeper level.

  "I think we're getting closer to home, Summer. I couldn't go back the way Ciara brought you because I feared crossing paths with Blaze. I knew he would be hot on her trail. I'm not sure which direction Savion chose." Page gazed up at the moon. "But one thing I do know is that the moon rises close to our villa and sets in the distance. See how large and close the moon seems?"

  Summer looked up. Sure enough, the rising moon loomed over them like a huge, golden globe.

  "That beautiful full moon is shining in my bedroom window as we speak. By morning it will be on the opposite side of the island. So we must be getting close."

  "I've always loved the moonlight," said Summer. "So many different moods created by a majestic full moon." 199

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  "Perhaps you've always been meant to be one of us. Nahtosha waited a long time to choose her male. The timing for you to be with Savion couldn't be better." Page had posed an intriguing thought. Summer recalled Savion's account of Nahtosha and the day she and Savion agreed that Nahtosha had selected them long ago to carry out her plan.

  "Savion and I kind of felt the same way. As if our lives had been destined to merge by a more prevailing force." Summer chose not to reveal that she'd heard Nahtosha's voice speak to her. She wasn't sure how Page would react or if, in doing so, she might anger Nahtosha's spirit. Considering their precarious situation, Summer wanted all the help she could get to find her way back to Savion. Possibly agitating an unseen spirit didn't seem like a wise decision.

  "Are you feeling better?" Page asked. "Though you didn't say much I could see you struggling."

  "Yes, much better. I've learned to endure many things in silence. The fruit cured my headache along with my thirst and hunger. I must confess this day has been one of the most challenging..." Her thoughts drifted. "Except for ... never mind."

  She caught herself before digging up the past. Page didn't pursue the matter, much to Summer's relief. Nobody except for Savion needed to know what had been dead and buried long ago.

  "Ready to move on?" Page tilted her head with an encouraging look.

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  "Yeah." Summer stood up, stuffing a few pomegranates into the pockets of her robe. "Just in case," she said with a wink.

  With a pleasant smile Page led the way as they left their quaint little grove. Upon their emergence from the thicket, a tall figure cast his shadow on the sand from behind.

  "Good evening, ladies."

  Page spun around. Summer felt the hairs on her neck bristle before she turned to face Blaze. His eyes glimmered with malevolence.

  "You came out of hiding just in time. Another few minutes and I'd have passed you by. Everyone's been fretting over your whereabouts all day." He sounded anything but sincere.

  "Stay the hell away from us," Page hissed. "We know you were behind Ciara's evil deed. So lay off the innocent act." Blaze let out a sardonic laugh. "You've been in the heat too long. I've no dealings with the wench. What are you doing way out here so far from home, Page?"

  "I saw you! And I saw Ciara sneaking around the back of Savion's house while you went inside! You lying bastard!" Page stomped her foot. "I wasn't going to let you get away with your evil scheme."

  Summer didn't understand why Page chose to openly confront him. However, she barely knew them, so she kept quiet and trusted Page. Not that they had any other options at their disposal. Outrunning him didn't feel like a good choice. Perhaps Page's spunk would keep Blaze on guard. Yes! That is most likely our best course of action. 201

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  "I'm not going to stand here and argue with you." Blaze cast a guarded look behind him as if expecting someone.

  "C'mon." He grabbed their arms and began dragging them down the beach.

  Summer kicked and flailed about in an attempt to break free. Blaze had a vise-like grip on her. Page shot her an admonishing glance. It will do no good fighting this way. Conserve your energy. Clear your mind. The fact that she received Page's thoughts took her off guard. So many secrets about Savion's twin. Recalling what Savion had taught her about fear and anger blocking her telepathy, Summer ceased thrashing.

  Blaze didn't say a word as he nudged them to their feet and pushed them along in front of him. They stumbled through the dark for quite some time before coming to a dense area of foliage and tropical trees. He forced them into the jungle-like sector and continued onward. To her surprise and, by the shocked expression on Page's face, to her surprise as well, they arrived at a secluded chalet hidden deep within the maze of thicket. Summer wondered if they were at all close to home as Page had thought. She felt as if they'd been walking to nowhere the entire day. Now night had fallen and they found themselves trapped in an unrecognizable territory on Dunalino.

  She eyed the adobe cottage with its thatched roof. Small—

  one story—as if built specifically to house captives or perhaps even a place to perform rituals. Rituals! Oh my God! He brought us here to take my blood and steal Savion's power!

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  Summer pondered what method of madness Blaze had in mind to coerce them into such a traitorous act. Blaze shoved them inside from behind, then bolted the door. Summer looked around furtively in the dark while he roamed about lighting candles. Only one room existed inside the small house, and it appeared to be every bit a ceremonial-type setup. One bed against the far wall. White candles everywhere. Strange art covered the walls—paintings of things Su
mmer couldn't distinguish—like some type of tribal symbolism. Gourds painted with bright colors hung from the ceiling. The wooden floor was bare except for one plush area rug in the center. She didn't see a bathroom or anything that indicated one could live in the cabin with modern conveniences. There didn't appear to be electricity or running water.

  "What are you going to do?" Page snapped. Her green eyes flickered with open fury in the candle-lit room.

  "What I set out to do before you got in the way." Blaze gave her an insolent smirk. "Worked out rather well, I'd say. I needed a witness anyway ... better you than Ciara. Your account will hold more weight with Savion than hers would have."

  "I'll lie!"

  Blaze laughed sadistically. "You can't! You're bound by blood to tell the truth ... his blood!" As if he'd thrown ice water on her, Page slunk back against the wall. Blaze loomed over her with a menacing stance.

  "Yes ... little sister. I've known all about your status as blood-dragon for quite some time. I have friends who've seen 203

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  you use your venom on island rebels. Did you think me a fool? I knew there had to be a reason why you wouldn't give me your bite. Would it have been so bad being bound to me?

  I am the bandleader after all."

  Page wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I could never willingly be bound to a man who whores around." Then her tone of voice softened. "However, I can't let you do this. Don't take Summer away from my brother. Take my bite instead." Summer stared wide-eyed, unsure of what to do. Should I stop her? No, she has more power. Savion told me not to take matters into my own hands on Dunalino. Blaze rubbed his chin meditatively as if considering Page's offer.

  "Hm ... as inviting as that may be ... your consent is too fucking late! I think I'd rather take her blood and steal Savion's esteemed position. No worries though, babe. You'll be giving me your bite soon enough. Once Summer is mine ... she and you will be compelled to do my bidding. Now if you'll just hang out there and wait your turn, I have some pure blood to drink."

  In one sweeping step he reached Summer, lifted her off the floor and tossed her onto the bed. Then, pulling leather strips from his coat pockets, he proceeded to bind her hands and feet.

  "Like hell you do." Page snarled and with lightning speed flung herself at Blaze before he finished securing the ties.

  "Page, no!" Summer screamed. Though keeping Page's secret was no longer the issue, Summer couldn't stand the 204

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  thought of her new friend spending an eternity with a man she loathed. Summer knew all too well what that felt like. Blaze's howls of pain reverberated throughout the cabin, creating a terrifying sound. Summer watched in fright as the two wrestled for the upper hand. Page had her teeth firmly latched on Blaze's neck as he swung wildly in an attempt to escape her paralyzing bite. Once he lay immobilized on the floor, Page turned quickly to Summer.

  "Run! Summer, get the hell out of here!" Page straddled Blaze, standing guard for Summer to make an escape.

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  Twenty-three

  Seizing his moment of weakness, Summer tore frantically with her teeth at the half-tied strips around her wrists until they broke free. Leaping off the bed, she raced out the door, pulling the robe tight around her as she ran. After blindly zigzagging and tripping through the foliage in the dark, she finally reached sandy ground. The open shoreline lay straight ahead. She sprinted down the water's edge, silently praying she was running in the right direction.

  An unseen rock tripped her, sending Summer sprawling face down in the watery sand. Tears sprung to her eyes as she gripped her ankle. Sharp pain shot up her leg. Damn it!

  She tried walking it out but realized her ankle must've suffered a mild sprain. Her pace slowed dramatically, yet she pushed on.

  Not long after her tumble, the sound of heavy breathing began to close in from behind. Terrified that it might be Blaze gaining on her, she refused to look back and pretended she was merely hearing her own body panting for breath. But once again strong hands gripped her from behind, and she felt herself being dragged backwards.

  "Don't bother screaming. Nobody can hear you out here," he told her when they merged back into the dense thicket. He stopped to catch his breath, forcing her to the ground against a tree. "Bloody hell, where'd you learn to run so damn fast?" Blaze stood over her as she sat huddled against a fruit tree, her arms wrapped around her knees.

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  Summer glared up at him in a silent reply. The full moon perched high in the night sky cast an ethereal glow over his tall, intimidating frame. I must've been insane to think he was ever the least bit likable! Silently she contemplated her situation, secretly scanning the area for a way out. Singing of night birds in the trees overhead muffled the whooshing sound of the ocean waves. Various fruits lay scattered on the ground, indicating that they were in a small orchard. She felt very far away from home ... and Savion.

  Blaze realized it would do nothing but anger her if he rebound her wrists. Her newly developed fire revealed that he had severely underestimated how much power she'd already received from Savion. Apparently the energy between her and Savion had reached staggering height for her to possess the incredible level of stamina she exhibited. Knowing this irresistible vixen had become strong enough to give her bite, Blaze found it extremely difficult to control his lust. He wanted her bite now! However, without a proper witness, he'd have a difficult time proving the incident had taken place. Getting her to cooperate became imperative. If she remained in a state of rage, her blood might freeze upon an uninvited touch. He wasn't certain at exactly which point her power would culminate to that stage. Securing a sound bite was his first course of action. Then surely she would be compelled to give him hers. A new line of approach seemed the best way to proceed. Perhaps she'll respond more favorably to a softer slant.

  "C'mon, Summer baby," he implored, desperation in his voice. "Just give me a little taste before joining with Savion. 207

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  Ease my agony." He squatted down before her, mustering his best smile.

  Tears streaked her smudged face as she stared up at him. Secretly she clawed the earth until clenching a handful of sandy soil, then whipped the grains in his face as he drew closer.

  "Go to hell!"

  "Fuck!" He stumbled back, tripped over vines and plummeted backwards into the thicket. "You little bitch!" Summer sprang to her feet and took off running again—

  ignoring the pain in her ankle the best she could—ducking to prevent low branches from hitting her face. After awhile she felt lost and slowed to a walk. Everything began to look the same, and she failed to find her way back to the beach. Instead she had gone deeper into the trees to where she could no longer hear the soothing sound of ocean waves. Trudging along hopelessly, she eventually came face to face with Blaze again. He obviously knew the location well to have taken a shortcut and block her path.

  "Look, Summer," he said between heavy breaths. "I know you were using the stage clothes as your connection to Savion. And I believe he used them to find you. I saw him wearing your precious keepsakes before I left. He cannot hear your silent cries for help now!"

  Apparently he was not conditioned for a moonlit marathon. She inwardly smiled at his lack of stamina. Had she not been lost and hurt, she'd have outrun him this time. His long blonde hair hung in sweat-soaked strands. Staring back into 208

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  his cold, green eyes—she didn't flinch. His attempt to unnerve her seemed like a desperate ploy.

  Blaze studied her face and saw raw determination drawn on those pretty features. He'd never wanted
a woman more. Nor seen a female with such fire. If Summer relents just a little, I will take my fill and stake my claim. All I need is a small window to tap into her fire. She won't even know what hit her!

  He had been keeping a sharp eye on his bandmate. Savion had been extremely guarded and withdrawn since returning from his search for answers. After hearing about Nahtosha and the tale surrounding her, Blaze understood why. Yet, his commanding nature wouldn't let him rest. His attempts to learn additional details on the chosen one had been futile. Savion had become a locked chronicle. No hints as to what the Senhora Do Sangue might look like or how to find her. Nothing.

  The night he spied him in the restaurant with Summer presented enough evidence to confirm his suspicions that Savion had finally found her. Having felt Summer's intense sensual vibes, he had no doubt that she would become Dunalino's "First Lady of the Blood." It wasn't until their flight over that he picked up on the stage clothes. Her excuse at the studio had been fair enough. However, when she walked onto their plane dressed in the same getup with only a different top underneath, he knew something existed between her and the clothes. Now he had successfully separated her from the supernatural connection 209

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  she and Savion shared. Without her charmed garments she'd have no luck reaching him telepathically.

  More aware of Savion's clairvoyant superiority than most, Blaze had chosen not to divulge his knowledge to the others. Instead he used the information to try and gain exclusive insight as well as guard his thoughts against Savion's invasive attempts.

  He seriously doubted Savion could find them here. Blaze had taken great lengths to build the cottage and keep its existence a secret. And now he was just one step away from achieving his goal and securing his quest for ultimate supremacy.

  Blaze stared at her contemplatively. "I've got this raging hard-on, baby. I'm beggin' you, just release a little taste of your blood to me." He sat down in front of her, letting his eyes drift over the soft swell of her creamy breasts, visible in the V-opening of her robe that had come loose. Slivers of moonlight cut through the treetops like traitorous beams of light determined to expose her skin. She pulled the fabric in tighter to block his view but refused to appease him by responding to his heinous demands. Summer wondered what he'd done to Page in order to get away, as it seemed Page's bite had only temporarily thwarted him. She said a silent prayer that her new friend hadn't been harmed. The concept of Blaze having increased power brought a bitter taste to her mouth. No fear. With a deep, cleansing breath she tried to still her anxiety.