The keep was a feast for the senses, the artwork and structure was beautiful, straight out of a fairytale, complete with a beast lurking in the shadows.
They mounted a wide, grand staircase that was newly carpeted in deep red. The banisters were polished and shined, reflecting the light. Falcon and Eva came to the third floor and turned right, to continue down a dark hall lined with doors.
“These are the guest quarters. The remaining levels and rooms belong to the clan members. At one time, this castle housed all of the Validus.” He paused before a door on the left, shuffled the bags around, freeing his hand so that he could turn the knob. With a light kick, the door flew open. “This is your room. I hope you find it adequate.”
Eva followed and blinked twice in surprise. The room was spacious. A long row of stain-glass windows covered the wall to the right; the colors shimmered from the light of red and gold flames that jumped within the fireplace to the left. The door faced a four-poster bed, piled high with thick quilts. The beautifully carved furniture glimmered in the firelight. She had never seen such a grand room and she could not believe it was for her.
Falcon gazed at the fire for a moment before shaking his head and setting her bags down beside the bed. “The bathroom and closet are through there,” he said, waving toward a door in the left corner. “Are you hungry?”
“No,” she answered absently as she wandered through the room.
“I will bring something up for you later. The kitchen should be well stocked.”
“I can find it later and—”
“I think it would best if you remained in your room this evening.”
She turned, her eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“Well, for one, this castle is very large and you can easily get lost. Two, I would like to give you an official tour and three, I would rather not have a repeat of what happened down stairs. I would like to speak with the king before you go wandering about on your own, again.”
She winced. His tone had hardened upon his last word. Yes, she was fully aware she had made a mistake.
Her hand came up to her neck, her flesh still tingled from where his breath had teased her and she had to stop herself from wondering what would have happened if Falcon had not interrupted.
Interrupted? More like saved my ass, she thought. The king had been about to snack on me. Clinging to her rational thoughts, she ignored the strange primal excitement that he had ignited within her.
“I know shifters hate being confined, but you should be able to manage one night.”
Eva nodded. Even though she was a half-breed, her spirit was still more animalistic than human and the thought of being caged in was loathsome. Their wild nature craved and demanded freedom, but she could tolerate one night. In truth, she had suffered many days and nights being locked away in her hut as punishment or, during the full moon, for her protection.
“Now, be prepared, I am a horrible cook. I apologize in advance if anything is undercooked, burnt, or flat out tastes horrid.”
She could not stop the smile that curled her lips. “Noted.”
“Unfortunately, I did not have the time to arrange for a cook,” he explained. In truth, Hadrian’s decision to collect a ward from the Silveria pack had been last minute. The construction and renovations had been completed only the week before and Falcon was glad the cleaning crew had finished before they arrived.
“Some fruit, bread with a little butter, and water will work for me.”
He frowned and looked her over from head to toe. “Is that what you usually eat?”
She nodded. “Just about.”
“No wonder your are so thin.”
Eva rolled her eyes. People always criticized her for her weight. She was short, not much over five feet, and a little on the skinny side, but she didn’t look like she was starving.
“I’ll give you some time to unpack,” Falcon said in parting and closed the door behind him.
Her entire body tensed as she waited for the sound of a lock to slide into place as it always had when she was locked in her hut. But it never came.
Chapter Three
A familiar chill settled over Hadrian. The vicious wind lashed out, attacking him as he stepped out to the balcony. Sharp shards of ice whipped at his face and arms, the sting a welcome distraction.
He closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp winter air. His fingers slowly curled into fists as he exhaled. The palms of his hands burned. Soft. The female’s skin had been incredibly soft. Her delicious scent had been overwhelming and her response…
Gods, he had acted like a beast. If Falcon had not arrived Hadrian knew he would have taken her there, against the wall.
And she would have let you.
He cringed at the dark thought. He had behaved like the monster that he was. Poor girl, she had been frightened and the demon within him loved it. He had fed off her response as if it were some kind of drug. Terror and lust, the heady scent still clouded his mind.
What had come over him? The instant he saw the female, something within his mind snapped. All he could think about was her, claiming her, drinking her.
He had not fed in nearly a week, perhaps that was why he had stalked her through the hall, but that would not explain his intense sexual reaction. True, he enjoyed women and had hundreds if not thousands of lovers over the course of his immortal life. Sex and blood was a wonderful combination, one he had been without for nearly three hundred and fifty years.
Hadrian shook his head. No matter the reason, he had lost control and he could not afford to do so again. There was no telling what would happen if he allowed the vampire to take over, he could very well kill the girl. She was only a half-breed, not much stronger than a human and humans were so frail. Like most other vampires, he preferred his lovers to be of his own kind, mortals were easily broken. Not to mention, he was sworn to protect the girl. She was his charge. He was responsible for her and would never forgive himself if he harmed her.
Hadrian sighed and forced his troubled thoughts aside. He had experienced a moment of weakness, nothing more. Once he fed and perhaps took a woman or two to bed, all would be well. He knew he should apologize to the half-breed for his appalling behavior, but that could wait until he saw to his needs.
The soft sound of footsteps thudding up the stairs vibrated in his ears. He searched the hall outside the room with his senses. Turning from the balcony, he entered the room, closing the elegantly crafted stain-glass doors behind him, banishing the loving cold.
The door to the room opened and Falcon stepped inside.
“Your Highness, must you keep the guard on your power? I was unable to sense you. I’ve searched this entire castle for you. I was about to head out to the woods.”
Hadrian ignored the irritation that roughed Falcon’s voice and replied, “Habit.”
Falcon snorted and closed the door. “My king, may I speak freely and plainly?”
Hadrian cursed. Nothing good ever came of conversations that Falcon begun this way. “You know you need not ask permission to share your thoughts. At least not when we are alone. Speak your mind, if you must.”
“What the hell happened in the hall?” Falcon demanded.
Hadrian turned his back on the knight and gazed out the colorful glass.
“Are you going to answer me?”
“It was a momentary loss of control.”
Falcon shook his head. Doubt clouded his eyes and before he could voice his concerns, Hadrian added, “You needn’t worry. It will not happen again. The girl must think I’m a monster.” And she would be right.
“What was it about her…I mean, what do you think triggered—”
“I was at the pass,” he said, as he began to pace, his boots falling soundlessly on the stone floor.
“Yes, I sensed you. What were you doing out there in the storm?”
“Occasionally I like to go for a run. It is soothing.” And it helps focus my mind when the madness creeps in.
“I heard your vehicle and decided to head in your direction.”
“Patient is not a word I would use to describe you,” Falcon chuckled.
“I followed you to the keep. Perhaps the chase triggered the vampire. Hunting, stalking prey.” It was another plausible explanation for his hunger. He had gone months without feeding before, one week would not drive him to such extremes as to attack the female in the hall. The demon within him craved the hunt and she would be delicious prey.
Falcon rubbed the nape of his neck. Hadrian could be right, but for some reason, he did not believe that was the cause. With a shrug he said, “It is a possibility, but she did respond to you.”
Hadrian scoffed, “Fear.”
“More than that,” he insisted.
When Falcon had come upon Eva in the hall he had seen the flush that colored her cheeks and the desire that filled her eyes. He had thought it such a strange response. Hadrian had a captivating way with the ladies, but Falcon highly doubted Eva was able to see his face in the darkness. No, she responded to something else entirely. Then, a thought had crossed his mine.
He shook his head as he had before. His mind was playing tricks on him. Just because Dorian, the king of the Mylonas Clan, and Dimitri, the king of the Volkov Clan had found their mates did not mean…He had never seen Hadrian in such a state. He enjoyed women, that was no secret, but the way he had behaved and the look on his face. Falcon would never forget Hadrian’s eyes; they glowed blood red and were filled with malice for the one who had interrupted him. The glare had struck Falcon speechless, cementing him where he stood. Possessiveness jumped like flames in the crimson depths as he stared him down. Challenging him as a wolf might when it came to his mate.
“The animal spirit within her responded to the aggressive sexual threat I presented, nothing more.”
Falcon sighed and rubbed his forehead, trying to release some of the tension that gripped his body. He did not know what to think and he had plenty of other things to worry about. Besides, if what he suspected was true, it would all work out and if he were wrong then nothing would change and Hadrian would be another victim of the Death Curse.
Hadrian relaxed a fraction when Falcon accepted his words. “Now, explain to me why we were given a half-breed. You had not been very descriptive over the phone. As I recall, anger clipped your words.”
Falcon shrugged off his worry for his king and his curiosity of what happened in the hall. Business. It was clear Hadrian would rather discuss business and, at the moment, so did he.
“The alpha did just as you expected,” Falcon said, “He was extremely reluctant to give us one of his legitimate purebred daughters.”
Hadrian clasped his hands behind his back, his pacing slowed.
“A test,” his words were not a question, though he waited for Falcon to respond. The knight gave a tight nod and Hadrian came to a stop before the glass doors.
“It’s shameful.”
“Hm?”
“This test,” Falcon clarified.
“He does not trust me and I cannot blame him.”
“Not that. If he truly felt you can’t be trusted and that you would be a threat to his daughter, he should have sent no one.”
“And disgrace the memory of his grandfather by not upholding the treaty?” Hadrian countered.
“In his mind, he sent his half-breed daughter off as a potential sacrifice. It’s sickening how little he cares for the girl. If you were to kill her, I don’t think he would even bat an eye.”
“Most likely not.”
“This doesn’t bother you?” Falcon demanded.
Hadrian turned, leaning his shoulders against the door. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Which part?”
Falcon’s entire body tensed as anger sparked in his eyes. “All of it.”
“I know well how shifter society works. He has no intension of insulting me by sending his half-breed bastard and every intention of protecting his most prized possessions, his purebred daughters. He has every right to be concerned for his daughter’s safety. I did exile myself and have lived alone with only my madness to keep me company for over three hundred years.”
“I think he is hoping the girl dies,” Falcon spat.
Hadrian shrugged in reply. Falcon’s thoughts were most likely true.
“What do you know of this girl?” Hadrian asked.
Falcon buried his anger and began to list what he knew of their ward.
“Her name, Eva Maldonado. Born to Isabelle Maldonado, who is said to have left Brazil the moment she realized she was with child. From birth to age fifteen she lived in Miami Florida. That summer, they moved back to Rio de Janeiro where they lived with Isabella’s brother. Unfortunately, right after Eva turned seventeen her mother died of cancer and her father claimed her immediately after the funeral. She has been with the Silveria pack for the past nine years.”
Hadrian’s brows drew together as he mulled over the very interesting information. He had spent years living amongst the shifters in South America and what Falcon had just described was highly unusual. Though, half-breeds were exceedingly rare.
“Eva,” Hadrian whispered as if testing her name. “Truly a lovely name.”
Falcon’s eyes narrowed at his king’s musings.
Shaking his head, Hadrian asked, “Anything else?”
“No, the alpha did not spend very much quality time with the girl.”
Hadrian ignored Falcon’s sharp tone. “What I’m concerned about is that the contract specifically states we are to be provided with a purebred. If this is not fulfilled, the treaty becomes null and void. Do we need to start contacting other shifter packs to maintain our Clan’s influence in South America?”
“Not yet. Alpha Arsenio will be coming to your coronation ceremony. If Eva is unharmed and in good health, he will present you with one of his other daughters.”
Hadrian nodded. One month. Eva would only be with them for one month. He did not know if he should be relieved or saddened which was a peculiar reaction. One month was nothing but a blink when one lived for eternity.
“I trust everything is in order for the ball.”
“There are a few more details that must be sorted out, but everything is on track.”
Hadrian would reintroduce himself to his entire Clan at the ball. It was his official coming out party. He would reclaim his throne by pledging his loyalty and life to his Clan and the Death Curse, that had taken the lives of all the rulers before him, would surely set upon him. How long he had before true death claimed him, he did not know, but he would do all he could to solidify his power and to make sure Falcon’s succession to the throne would be smooth.
“The nobles of the Clan, do I have their support?” Falcon’s silence was enough of an answer. “Do you think any will challenge me for the throne? By law, they have the right. I knew what I was doing when I renounced the throne. Naturally, I’m permitted to reclaim the crown, however, any noble within the Clan can challenge my claim.”
“There may be one. Jefferson.”
A slow smile curved Hadrian’s lips. Jefferson had been a noble within the Validus Clan for centuries, repeatedly looked over as second. He was old, strong, and had never trusted Hadrian, not even when he was a general within the Validus army. Yes, Jefferson was a threat.
“You need to rebuild your strength. I’ve stocked the kitchen with plenty of bagged blood. You have no reason not to feed every day. If Jefferson decides to challenge you, it will not be an easy fight. Once Eva is settled, I will return to the Clan to check on preparations for the ball and the coronation ceremony. I’ll uncover any plots of rebellion, if they exist.”
“Thank you, Falcon,” Hadrian said, turning to face the stain glass doors.
Falcon stepped to the exit, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He could sense that Hadrian wanted to be alone, though he worried every time he left his king alone with his thoughts. His madness lurked just under the surface.
Falcon had come to this deca
ying castle and found his king a shell of the vampire he once was. Insanity had claimed his mind while despair, regret, and self-loathing ravaged his soul. His body had been reduced to pale white flesh covering dense bones, every hollow visible. Malnourished for centuries, Hadrian had miraculously survived on animal blood. Now, Hadrian had put on some weight, regaining muscle though his physique remained lean. But if he were to face a challenger…
Falcon glanced to the mini-fridge that was disguised as a cabinet in the built-in bookshelf that rose from floor to ceiling.
Dropping his hand, he went to the fridge and pulled out one of the many bags of blood inside. Then he crossed the room to Hadrian’s desk. He set the crimson filled pouch beside Hadrian’s crystal decanter and matching glasses.
The king stood perfectly still with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze staring unfocused out the colorful glass doors. Without a word, Falcon headed back toward the exit. And with one last glance back at Hadrian, Falcon opened the door and left Hadrian alone with his thoughts, his madness and his blood.
Hadrian heard the door close. The sound was faint and light as if it was coming from a far off distance. He opened the balcony doors with his mind, the cool air rushed in causing the candle’s flames to quiver.
He turned and his eyes narrowed as they fell upon the bagged blood. With slow, deliberate strides he approached his desk. For a long moment he stood, his eyes riveted on the bag, his body frozen.
Feed, he commanded himself.
His fangs lengthened in his mouth and yet, he could not bring himself to take up the bag.
Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness) Page 4
