His mind began to wander, as it had all day while he lay in his bed refusing the siren call of sleep.
Did Eva think this was a date? Had he intended it be? He didn’t know, but a part of him hoped it was. He had read about dating, seen how it was portrayed in films, and even observed the custom during one of his rare visits to town. Mortals placed a high value on the social ritual. Besides, he wanted to give her something normal.
Hadrian winced. He was so far from normal it was laughable.
Rolling his shoulders he tried to loosen the tension that wound about his muscles. The black jacket he wore stretched, the seams protesting his movements.
The garments were confining and he was glad he had decided against the tie. Instead, he left the collar of his black button up open. He prayed he looked suitable, unwilling to check his reflection, terrified of what he would find. He could not bear to see Titus’s image staring back at him or the vile demon.
He let loose a string of curses and took up his pacing once more. This was ridiculous. What had he been thinking? A date would not change anything. It would not soothe his heartache when she was gone. He had told himself repeatedly that he needed to protect her and the best way would her leaving. No attachments. Yet here he was.
Gods, was he trying to change himself for a woman? He had always hated wearing finery, he was a soldier to the core and he felt more at home in armor and leather. Well, now it would be jeans and a t-shirt, but this suit certainly was not him. Nor were the candles or the flowers that were arranged on the table. He glanced back at the place settings and cringed. Hell, he was considering eating for Eva, to make her feel more comfortable. It had been 1,967 years since he last ate. He remembered his last meal perfectly, a skin of wine and a loaf of rustic bread.
Hadrian’s steps paused, his gaze falling to the fire. His stomach knotted. He had barely been able to swallow the food, anger pumping through his veins like boiling tar. Revenge. He had spent a fortnight hunting the demon that had taken his brother.
Taken, Hadrian scoffed, his hands curling into fists. A trap. It had been a perfectly planned trap organized by Imbrasus himself. The vampire had stalked him for months, learning all his strengths and seizing upon his only weakness, his twin.
Fury spotted his vision as he continued to stare into the flames.
Titus had not been taken. Titus had embraced the evil that wanted to claim their souls.
“I could not bear to be alone. I need you. I need my brother.” He heard the words as if Titus were standing at his side.
The flames in the hearth flickered as the memories assailed him. The soldiers had whispered of a pale man with white as lightning eyes stalking the battlefields. Hadrian had thought it a rumor spread by the locals to frighten his men and ruin moral. But the beast was real and it captured Titus.
Hadrian’s body shook as violent waves of rage coursed through him, burning his veins. His fangs elongated, his eyes sparked with hell fire. The impulse to kill, to maim, to destroy was consuming. He took in a breath, his lungs filling with heated air. His chest expanded as a roar built in his throat. The demon sneered as it pawed back and forth in his mind, ready, eager for release.
The delicate scent of vanilla crashed over him in a rush. The comforting aroma was like physical caress. As if on command, his body relaxed, his mental shield went up blocking the vampire. He exhaled an easy sigh.
The sweet perfume drew his gaze to the main staircase. His jaw slackened as his eyes fell on Eva. The red dress clung to her like a second skin and flowed with every step. Her hair was swept up in a mass of curls fastened by a red rose clip, exposing her long, elegant neck. Her pulse drew his attention before his eyes continued their decent. The plunging neckline complimented her full, high breasts. Her tanned skin shimmered like gold in the candlelight.
She was beautiful, radiant.
He took a deep breath in through his nose, his body hardening. And when she smiled, his heart stopped.
My mate. My Eva.
He shook himself mentally. He had bound them together, but no promises had been made. He could not afford to grow attached to the half-breed, even if she was his mate. She desired freedom and he would give it to her. Besides, he was not what women would call ‘relationship material.’
“Good evening,” he greeted, coming forward. He met her at the bottom of the stairs. She took his arm and allowed him to escort her to the table.
“This looks lovely,” she said, taking her seat beside him at the head of the table. “And thank you for the dress. It is beautiful.”
Hadrian leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, “You look delicious.”
She smiled. “So do you.”
He pulled back, his gaze lingering on her lips. Chills of anticipation sprinted down her spine.
The sound of hurried footsteps shattered the moment.
Eva glanced about wondering who could be coming their way. The footfalls sounded nothing like Clare’s, the chef. A short man dressed in all black, with the exception of his white gloves, appeared carrying a bottle of wine. He paused at the end of the table and bowed. Hadrian waved him forward.
“Eva, this is Mr. Banik. I hired him this morning. He is the new butler.”
“My lady,” the man said with another bow.
“Hi,” Eva said, unsure how to greet the man. She had never been addressed as ‘my lady’ and it threw her.
“Wine, Your Majesty?”
Hadrian nodded then instructed Mr. Banik to leave the bottle at the table.
“Shall we have a toast?” Hadrian asked once Mr. Banik hurried off. He waited for Eva to take up her glass. “To life.”
She smiled and took her very first sip of wine. The red liquor felt heavy and pleasantly warm. She returned the glass to the table with a smile.
“What is your secret?”
Eva laughed. “I’ve never had wine before. When I was younger, I did sneak a beer or two from my uncle’s fridge, but that’s all.”
“Is it to your liking?”
She nodded and leaned back in her seat. Mr. Banik had returned, serving the soup course.
Eva took up her spoon and waited to see if Hadrian would do the same. He did not.
Hadrian eyed the spinach cream soup with apprehension. Would he have to force his digestive tract to function or would it work on its own? It had been so long since he used those organs. Would it be painful or a mild discomfort?
“You don’t have to eat,” she said as if reading his troubled thoughts.
Hadrian hesitantly wrapped his fingers about his spoon. Fortifying his resolve, he took a sip. Nothing happened. His stomach did not revolt like he had suspected. It felt…normal. Just as it had when he was mortal. He sighed in relief and pushed the bowl aside.
Mr. Banik brought the next course, sautéed shrimp over a bed of chopped cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.
After a few bites, she noticed he did not try this dish.
“So, are you like Falcon and only like hot fudge sundaes?”
Hadrian frowned. “I have never had a hot fudge sundaes.”
“Really? Wow, you don’t know what you are missing.”
“Perhaps you can show me.”
Eva bit her lip as she envisioned Hadrian licking ice cream and chocolate syrup from her body.
“Truth be known, I have not eaten a single morsel since my transformation,” he said.
She set her fork down. “Really? I can’t imagine going without food for that long. I enjoy it way too much.” Probably because I’ve lived on the edge of starvation for so long, she thought. “If you don’t mind me asking, when were you changed?”
He was silent for a moment before answering, “I was born in A.D. 14.” He paused. “I became a vampire when I was thirty-two.”
Eva sipped her wine. The air thickened with tension. They needed a subject change. “On the topic of transitions, I don’t remember much of last night, aside from the excruciating pain. But I vaguely remember you giving me
your blood.”
He straightened in his throne-like chair. “Yes, I apologize. I know you despise the sight, scent, and taste of blood.”
“I liked it,” she said a little too quickly. She blushed and dropped her gaze to her lap.
Mr. Banik was back. He cleared away the plates and presented an asparagus salad.
“Why did you give me your blood?”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“The priestess I spoke with suggested I share my blood with you.”
“Well, it lessened the pain.” Eva poked at the salad with her fork. “Was it to help me—Did you do it to…Why is this so hard to say?”
She took up her wine again, suddenly needing the courage only liquor could provide. It was difficult to think of how close she had come to dying.
No, I did die, she told herself. She had seen the great white light and…her mother. A shiver rocked her.
Clearing her throat, she tried again, “Is that why I survived?”
Hadrian came forward, placing his elbows on the table. He laced his fingers together. How much should he tell her? It had been his blood that brought her back to the realm of the living. What did she think of the brand on her wrist? Would she ask about it or should he tell her? What would he say? All day he had been unable to think of how to deliver the information, words failed him. How was he to explain that her life was forever bound to his?
He sighed, and rubbed his brow. If he could he would tell her nothing of their bond, but for now, he would give simple answers. He would go into detail later, after she had some time to process this new information.
“Yes, my blood saved you from death,” he said, his voice was rough like gravel.
Eva sullenly nodded. “Did the priestess happen to mention whether or not I will experience estrus?” she asked, deciding to use the technical term. Somehow it made the situation feel a little less personal, a little less…real.
“The witch is a seer,” he stated, “according to her visions, you will.”
Eva finished her wine and Hadrian refilled her glass.
She had heard the compulsion to breed was overwhelming. It drove women to attack men, their animal side completely exposed. It could easily get bloody and violent, if the female’ s needs were not met.
“I have acquired some Levo to ease your need. It will not put you under like other remedies, but it will relax you and keep you calm.”
Eva blinked. “You think of everything.”
How the hell had he gotten his hands on Levo? The drug was elusive, expensive, and was definitely not for sale to vampires.
The drug of choice for the females in most packs was morphine. It did not stop the need; it just made the women blissfully unaware of the pain. The females who were left unmedicated were untamed and uncontrollable, overcome with the violent need for sex. Levo would leave her lucid, but numbed out. The pain would be dulled and so too would the cravings.
Eva’s body heated, desire rushed through her as her imagination went wild. She would give anything to make love with Hadrian for twenty-four hours. She would die of ecstasy. Problem was, she did not know if he would be game.
Gathering her courage, she asked, “What if I don’t want to take it?”
His brow wrinkled. “It is my understanding that if not treated, females suffer painfully.”
“Yeah, but what I’m asking…” Eva allowed her words to fade. How pathetic and embarrassing. Had she really been about to ask the vampire to tend to her needs? The man hadn’t offered and she would not beg. “Forget it.”
Hadrian shifted in his seat trying to relieve some of the pressure building within him. His body had hardened. He knew the line of her thoughts. Eva had been about to ask him to service her and he knew he would be unable to deny such a request. He craved to drive the hardest part of himself into her, to feel her come around him, on him. The thought had him itching to clear the table with a swift swipe of his arm, lay her down, raise her dress and thrust into her.
Needing to focus on anything other than his thoughts, he said, “I do have some good news, because of your mother, you have no obligations to the pack.”
Eva’s gaze shot back to meet his. “What does that mean?”
“You are free of them and of my Clan. You may leave Palatio Nocte when you are ready. However, I suggest you wait until your estrus has passed.”
Relief and angry hostility flooded her. To be free, to be finished with the pack forever was her dream. She had tried to run away countless times, only to be caught, dragged back, and punished. Why her father cared so much about her escaping, she would never know. But with her independence from the pack came her release from the Validus Clan.
A ward was required for the treaty to uphold. Who would be sent to take her place? Would it be Teresa? The thought was laughable. Yes, the pack lived deep in the jungle, but Teresa and her mother spent much of their time in town with servants in tow. She could never survive here, secluded without anyone to pamper her and cater to her every whim. Jealousy took root within her as she thought of Teresa living in the castle alone with Hadrian. If the shifter ever gave Hadrian an interested glance, Eva would scratch her eyes out.
No, I won’t be here when the new girl comes. I will be far, far away. Finally living my life, she reminded herself. I will be far away from Hadrian.
A sharp pain speared her chest. She nearly doubled over. Rubbing her hand over her heart she tried to breath, but her lungs were heavy. Why did she suddenly feel as if someone had ripped out her heart?
“So, who will be taking my place?” she asked, unable to silence her jealousy. She had to know.
“No one. As of today the treaty has been terminated.”
Her jaw dropped. “What? Why?”
Hadrian gave a slow shrug, the jacket tightened over his wide shoulders. “Arsenio cannot be trusted. The contract specifically states a purebred is to be given to the Validus Clan. He did not hold up his end and now, that we have discovered your true linage, I am extremely suspicious of his motives.”
“Because of me you ended your alliance?”
“He had to have known your mother was a Shaw. Their magic is incredibly strong. A shifter of his abilities would be able to scent her a mile away. He allowed her to leave Brazil with you because he knew he had no right to claim you. Perhaps, he hoped the two of you would never return.”
“But we did.”
“Yes, and he captured you.” Hadrian’s hands clenched, the whites of his knuckles flashing. “I wish I knew why.”
“You and me both,” she sighed, pushing her plate away. Her appetite had vanished, which was a shame, the lamb looked and smelled delicious. “But, it doesn’t really matter. What is done is done. There is no going back.” She took up her wine glass once more. “I will never see him again, just as I had planned when I left.”
“You intended to escape?’ Hadrian said, every muscle in his body tensed as if preparing for a chase.
She will never escape me.
He took a breath and forced himself to relax. She was not running from him, he was letting her leave.
“Somehow,” she confirmed. “I underestimated how far from civilization the castle would be and I certainly did not expect that interesting draw bridge.”
Eva would not tell him, but she had devised an escape plan. She would wait until the night of the ball, the night her father was to come collect her and haul her back to Brazil. She knew there would hundreds if not thousands of guests. She could easily blend in and sneak about unnoticed. She would steal a car, if she could remember what Jose, her boyfriend from junior year, had showed her. She assumed the bridge would be left extended because of the amount of traffic. Simple.
“Well, you needn’t worry about that. When Falcon returns he will take you to Ivano-Frankivsk. It is the closest city with an international airport.”
Eva almost dropped her glass. She finished the wine, then carefully returned the crystal to the table, her fingers trembling.
“And
when will Falcon be back?”
“Wednesday.”
“Wednesday,” she repeated, her voice cracking. Her heart stopped, her blood crystallized in her veins, and her vision swayed. Three days. Hadrian was sending her away in three days.
He nodded. “I have arranged for our jet to take you back to Florida. That is where you said you would like to live. I also had someone contact your mother’s friend. Francis would be glad to have you stay with her. Or, if you decide you would rather have a place of your own, my people have found some apartments you may like. I have also spoken with the universities in the area. You could apply and start next semester, if you so desire. I will fund your education.” He reached for her hands, but pulled back. “I want you to know that no matter where you go or what you decide to do, you will have the support and protection of the Validus.”
She did not know if she should thank him or dump her plate in his lap. Here he was, offering her everything she had said she wanted, except him. He was making it possible for her to return to her old life in the States and attend school. She could become a pediatrician just like she had dreamed.
He was presenting her with a normal, average, boring life, but it no longer held its appeal. She didn’t want normal. She wanted excitement. She didn’t want average, she wanted everything and she could not go back to boring after living with Hadrian.
She tried to tell herself that is was good. This was what she wanted, but her head could not convince her heart. Even though she knew she shouldn’t, she had hoped for more.
“Eva,” he said with a frown. When she did not respond, he shook her shoulder.
She shrugged his hand off and turned to face him. Her eyes clouded, the amber depths swirled with emotions he could hardly name. He recognized sorrow and anger, but the others…he did not understand. He had thought Eva would be happy to know she would never have to return to the pack, that she could live her life the way she chose. She said she wanted normal and safe. He could give neither. He was a vampire, plagued with the demon of his maker, and he was dangerous.
Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness) Page 21
