by Cynthia Eden
“SAVANNAH. WAKE up, Savannah.”
She heard his voice, calling softly to her. She tried to open her eyes, but she just felt so tired. She wanted to sleep, just sleep.
“You can’t sleep. You have to open your eyes.”
She knew that voice. William. She smiled.
“Yes, it’s me. And I need you to look at me. Can you do that?”
She concentrated, gathering her strength. William needed her. She focused her remaining energy, and her eyes opened.
William gazed down at her, his black stare intense. A lock of his hair had slipped free and fallen over his forehead. The dark lock made him look strangely gentle, almost boyish. She lifted her hand, wanting to touch him.
He caught her hand, bringing it up to his lips. He kissed her palm, his breath hot upon her chilled hand.
“You made me sleep.” Her tone was accusing.
“I’m sorry.” He didn’t sound apologetic.
“I feel so weak.” She tried to sit up, but she slid back against the bedding. “What’s wrong with me?”
He smoothed her hair back with a gentle hand. “You lost too much blood. Your body’s weak. If you don’t get more blood soon . . .” He shook his head. “You have to drink, Savannah. There’s no choice.”
She knew he was right. She could feel the hunger within her. The need. But she was so tired.
William leaned forward and kissed her softly. “Drink from me,” he whispered against her lips. “Drink from me.”
He moved, baring his neck before her.
She could feel her teeth burning, stretching. She could see the pulse beating, throbbing against his throat.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” she murmured, fighting against the need that rose within her, the need that demanded she bury her teeth in his throat and drink. “You’re weak, too. Geoffrey hurt you. There was so much blood—“
“I’ve fed. Don’t worry about me.”
She frowned. That was why he’d forced her to sleep.
“I didn’t hurt anyone. The innkeeper doesn’t even remember uh . . . helping me.” She could hear the faint smile in his voice. “Now, come on, Savannah. Drink.”
She swallowed. She wanted to. She wanted desperately to taste him, but a part of her held back, still repelled by the idea of actually biting him, of drinking his blood.
She felt the sigh that moved through him.
“I was afraid of that,” he said. “Looks like we’ll have to try something else.”
He grabbed the front of her shirt and ripped the material apart.
She gasped, her eyes widening.
His hand lifted, sliding to caress her breast. “Passion, remember? Physical desire and the dark hunger merge. I am just going to have to make you . . . hungry . . . enough to drink from me.”
Yes, she remembered. She arched into his touch, a hot tide of desire pouring through her.
His head lowered and his lips locked around her aching nipple. He licked her, sucking lightly. She felt heat pool low in her belly.
His fingers slipped over the curve of her stomach while his mouth continued to suckle her. She heard the rasp of her zipper and felt his hand slide inside her pants. He touched her lightly through the thin layer of her panties. She lifted her hips, responding eagerly to his touch.
And she felt her hunger rise.
“You feel so good. So damn good.” He pushed her pants off and pulled her silken panties down. His gaze flashed to meet hers. “If you won’t taste me, then I guess I’ll have to taste you.”
Then, before she could murmur a protest, his dark head lowered and he was kissing her, his tongue licking the most intimate part of her body.
Her body tensed and pleasure slammed through her. She forgot her exhaustion. Forgot her fear. She just felt. Felt him. Felt heat. Need. Desire. Hunger.
Her hips twisted, moving feverishly. The tension within her mounted, churning higher, tighter.
She moaned, tossing her head back against the pillow. “William!”
His tongue teased her. Swirling. Rubbing. She clenched her teeth as his fingers teased her breasts, rubbing and plucking her nipples.
She could feel her climax, feel the pressure as it mounted. Close. So close—
William pulled back and stared down at her. His face was stark. Need was stamped on every hard line of his body. “What do you want, Savannah?” His voice was guttural.
She stared into his swirling gaze. “You,” she whispered. “I want you.” I always will.
He unzipped his pants and slid his hips between her thighs. She felt him, felt the tip of his manhood pressing against her moist opening. “Then take me.”
He thrust deep.
Hunger consumed her, spinning her out of control.
He surged into her, again and again. Lifting her legs, he wrapped them around his hips, forcing her to take more of him. All of him. Deeper. Harder.
Her teeth burned. She wanted him. Wanted to taste him. Needed to taste him.
“Do it,” he growled. “Do it!”
Her teeth sank into his neck. He shuddered, thrusting deeply into her body. Her mouth moved lightly against him, drinking his essence, and his hips thrust against her. He pushed her deeper into the mattress. Lifted her legs higher.
She screamed as her climax rocked through her.
William kept thrusting, his body locked with hers. His jaw was clenched. He stiffened against her, and her name slipped past his lips. He shuddered, pumping himself into her heat, and his eyes closed.
For an instant, she actually felt his pleasure, felt the strength of the release that swept through him.
She gasped, stunned by the feelings that surged through her.
She held William tightly, her heart pounding. And a whisper swept through her mind.
I love you.
Her heart stilled. But had that thought been her own . . . or William’s?
THE WOLF PACED slowly outside of the inn. He knew they were making love. He could feel it, smell it on the air.
He would let William have his time with the woman. He’d been waiting centuries for the Dark One. He could wait a few more hours.
He howled, the mournful sound cutting through the night.
WILLIAM STIFFENED. He’d heard the howl. And it had been too close. Too damn close.
He pulled away from Savannah, from her tempting warmth and her gentle arms. “He’s out there. Dammit, that bastard is out there!”
Savannah sat up, pulling the sheet against her breasts. Her cheeks weren’t pale anymore, but flushed with color and health. Her emerald eyes shone like jewels.
“Why would he follow us?”
William dressed quickly. “I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.”
Savannah jumped to her feet. “Not without me you aren’t!”
William’s jaw clenched. “You’ve faced enough danger for one night. Stay here.”
She shook her head. “No way. I’m not just going to sit here while you go out there and face this . . . this thing! I almost lost you once tonight.” She took a deep breath. “When Geoffrey shot you, when I saw all that blood, I thought, I thought—”
William pulled her into his arms. He could feel the tremors that rocked through her body. “It’s all right, Savannah. I’m okay.”
“You could have died,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “You could have bled out. There, on that damn cliff!”
He tilted her chin back. Her lashes lifted. “I didn’t die. You saved me.” He lifted her wrist, kissing the faint bite marks. “You gave me your blood. You gave me life.”
“And I’d do it again,” she said, and he could read the truth of that statement in her shining eyes.
“I don’t deserve you,” he whispered. �
�You’re too good—”
She pulled back and placed a gentle fingertip against his lips. “Stop. I’m not perfect.” She laughed softly. “I’m far from perfect, and you of all people should know that.”
But she was perfect. Kind. Strong. Beautiful. “I want to keep you safe,” he told her. “I’ve put you at risk already. Stay here, and as soon as I find the vampire . . .”
“You’ll what? Attack him on your own?” She shook her head. “I already told you, no. There’s no way you’re getting out of here without me.”
“Fine, but you stay close to me,” he ordered. “I felt his strength. He’s an ancient, at least as old as I. I don’t want him to get a chance to hurt you.”
“He’s not going to hurt me.” She frowned. “I just don’t understand why he’s following us. He was obviously Geoffrey’s enemy. He tried to kill Geoffrey! I could feel his hate, his rage.”
Yes, the vampire had been full of hate and blinding rage. Both had seemed to be directed at Geoffrey. In fact, the creature had almost seemed impervious to their presence.
“I don’t understand,” Savannah said again. “Why would he now choose to attack us?”
“I don’t know.” His eyes flashed red. “But I’m going to find out.”
Chapter Seventeen
I am not afraid.
—Entry from the diary of Henry de Montfort,
December 30, 1068.
SAVANNAH COULD feel his gaze upon her. Silent. Watchful.
She could feel the vampire, but she couldn’t see him. He was hidden in the shadows, hidden in the night.
I feel him, too. He’s close. Very close.
Savannah glanced quickly at William’s impassive face. They’d searched the village, gone down every street and alley, but still they hadn’t found the mysterious vampire. Why doesn’t he attack? What is he waiting for?
She heard the rustle of leaves, blowing gently against the cobble stone lane.
He’s biding his time, William answered. Waiting for the perfect moment.
Two drunken teens staggered out of a house, laughing and talking loudly. They saw William and froze, fear widening their eyes.
“Go,” he ordered with a wave of his hand. “Get out of here. Now.”
They ran.
“Fools,” he muttered.
Savannah ignored the boys as they brushed past her. She paced down the street, her gaze searching the shadows. The moon hung heavily in the sky. In a few more hours, the sun would rise.
Her body felt numb with exhaustion. The blood she’d taken from William had healed most of her injuries, but now, she felt a deep weariness.
She just wanted to close her eyes and sleep, to dream. She didn’t want to see visions of death, pain and horror.
She didn’t want any more nightmares. She just wanted to dream.
“And of what do you dream, my dear?” His voice whispered from the darkness.
Savannah stiffened. She’d lowered her guard, given into the exhaustion, and now he was standing in front of her, his eyes gleaming red, his fangs sharp and white.
William. He’s here!
He smiled, stepping forward into the dim street light. He was tall, with muscled arms and strong shoulders. His hair, a light blond mane, curled loosely around his head.
He looked like an angel. A fallen angel.
“Who are you?” Savannah asked, boldly meeting his stare.
He blinked. The red vanished, replaced by a bright blue. “I asked my question first.”
“Savannah!” William was at her side in an instant. His fingers locked around her arm.
The stranger tensed.
“Dear God . . .” William looked as if he’d just seen a ghost. She could feel his fingers trembling against her.
Understanding hit Savannah in a blinding flash. William recognized the vampire, but did he know the vampire as a friend . . . or as an enemy?
Savannah wasn’t going to take any chances. She glanced quickly around the dark street. What could she—There!
An old wooden sign, just a few feet away. She grabbed it, snapping the wood over her knee in one quick move. Her fingers wrapped around one of the pieces, the longest, sharpest piece that she saw. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but it would have to do.
She stepped in front of William and lifted the makeshift stake. “I don’t know who you are, but—”
“He’s my brother,” William said, his voice hollow.
Savannah blinked. Just how many brothers did William have running around the countryside?
The vampire smiled. “It’s been a long time.” He stepped forward, and Savannah leapt at him, thrusting the stake at his heart.
He froze. The stake hovered an inch away from his flesh.
“Don’t move,” she ordered, her voice soft.
“Savannah.” William still sounded shaken. “It’s all right. He’s not a threat to us.”
Are you sure? She made no move to drop the weapon.
“I would never hurt William. He’s my brother!” The vampire seemed offended.
“Yeah, well, Geoffrey was his brother, too, and he spent his life trying to hurt William and anyone else that he could.”
“I know,” he said quietly. “He left me for dead centuries ago.”
Left him for dead? Could this be—?
No, impossible. Henry was dead, wasn’t he?
“No, I’m quite alive.”
Savannah’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t like it when William read her thoughts. She sure as hell didn’t want some stranger jumping into her mind. “And how is it, exactly, that you survived?” She wasn’t ready to trust this guy, not yet. She wasn’t going to put William’s life at risk.
He stared at William. “I was hoping you could answer that.”
“What?”
Henry shrugged. “I don’t remember much about those hellish days before my transformation. I remember the pain, the blood. But not a damn lot more. The last thing I remember . . . I was attacked.” His jaw clenched. “Geoffrey, that bastard, came to the tower. I thought he was there to help me, to free me. Then I saw Guy’s sword. I saw the blood still dripping on the blade, and I knew he was there to kill me.”
“But why? Why would he attack you?” William shook his head. “You were the only one he ever seemed to care about!”
“He cared for power, for strength. But he didn’t care for me. He didn’t care for anyone.” Bleak words that rang with the harsh sound of truth.
“What happened after the attack?” Savannah asked, never moving the stake.
“I held on. I knew that William was coming. He’d given his word. William always keeps his word.”
Yes, he did, Savannah thought. He’d promised her vengeance, and he’d kept his promise, even though the vow had almost cost William his life.
“I remember seeing you,” he said, his gaze fixed on William’s face. “You came to the tower. You told me to fight, to hold on. But then I heard the soldiers . . .” He took a deep breath. “I saw them surround you. There were at least a dozen of them. I tried to help. Believe me, I tried! But I was weak, too weak. And one of them ran me through with his sword.”
His story matched exactly with William’s. Savannah slowly lowered the stake.
“The next thing I remember was waking up in the cave. I don’t know how much time had passed. It could have been days or even weeks. I didn’t know how I’d gotten there. I didn’t know if you were alive or dead.”
“I wouldn’t have left you there if I’d known!” William’s eyes blazed. “I stayed in that cave with you for hours, praying for you to wake. But you didn’t move. I thought I’d waited too long, that the transformation hadn’t worked.” Softer, “That I’d killed you.”
“No, brother. You di
dn’t kill me. You saved me.”
She could feel William’s pain. Hear it in his voice as he said, “You were alone. You had to learn to survive on your own.”
Henry lifted one brow. “As you did.”
“I was supposed to protect you,” William whispered. “But I just left you—”
“No!” He took a step forward. “Do you think I don’t know what you did? You went to the vampire to save my life. You knew what would happen to you when you went to him. You knew the price you’d pay. But you did it anyway. You traded your life for mine.”
“I couldn’t just stand by and let Guy torture you.” William’s hands clenched.
“You always protected me, William. Even when we were small lads, I knew I could always count on you.”
“I left you alone,” William groaned. “For nine hundred years . . .”
“I’ve been searching for you,” Henry admitted. “I didn’t know for certain that you were alive. My last memory was seeing you surrounded by those guards. I didn’t know if they killed you, or if you’d survived. I hoped that you’d survived. And I held on to that hope for many dark nights.”
“I left Normandy,” William admitted. “I wanted to get away from all of the blood and death that seemed to surround me.”
He’d wanted to get away from his past, Savannah realized. He’d wanted a fresh start, a new life. “But Geoffrey followed you and he started killing,” Savannah said. “And you realized that you couldn’t get away from him.”
“No. I could never get away from Geoffrey. So I started hunting him. I wanted the nightmare to end. I wanted the murders to stop.” He shook his head sadly. “But he always eluded me.”
And left a trail of blood for William to follow.
“I hunted him, too.” Henry admitted. “He’d attacked me. I wanted him to pay. So when I saw him on the cliffs . . .” His eyes flashed red. “I wanted to kill him. To make him pay for everything that he’d done to me. For every innocent life that he’d taken. For every life that he’d destroyed.”
“It’s over now.” Savannah dropped the stake to the ground and locked her fingers with William’s. “He can’t hurt us anymore. He can’t hurt anyone.” The nightmare had finally ended.