by L. Rosario
Suddenly she was very afraid to have him leave her. The pinch of Constantine's fingers made her squeal in pain and was enough to force her to look away from the stranger. She glared at Constantine, but he had eyes only for his new enemy.
"Come near her, and you'll both suffer.” Only a fool would ignore the tone vibrating around those words. It made Sera's skin crawl.
The stranger was forced from the room before he could do more than fire off a warning glare of his own. His absence hit Sera like a sharp slap.
She ripped her arm free and stepped away from Constantine. He made no attempt to halt her as she retrieved her robe and shrugged into it. She held the sides together over the cinched belt and turned a livid expression on Constantine. “What did you do to me?"
His features tightened. “We'll discuss this later. In private."
Sera shook her head. She didn't care if the whole damn coven was privy to this conversation. She wanted answers. “Did you wipe my memories of him away intentionally?"
Constantine's angry scowl was answer enough. He raked a hand through his silky black hair and stepped toward her. “I did what I had to do."
Sera turned away from the look in his black eyes and headed for the door. No one tried to stop her, but Constantine's voice called out to her. “I meant what I said, my pet."
She stopped and looked back. All eyes, the master's included, were fixed on Constantine. He was quite the sight, standing naked and regal in the center of the glowing chamber. He might have erased memories of who the stranger was to her, but she had no problem recalling how ugly Constantine could be. How cruel. She hated him all over again for what he'd done to her in here.
His gaze narrowed. “If he goes anywhere near you, I'll make him pay, and you'll watch."
Feeling sick and helpless, Sera bolted from the chamber with her robe gathered over her knees to avoid tripping on the hem. She needed to be alone with her thoughts, her feelings, and all the doubts swirling in her brain. She refused to believe that Constantine's trickery couldn't be undone. But how, and did she dare risk a man's life just to jar her memories?
A sob caught in her throat and tears blinded her eyes as she raced down the dark, twisting hallways. God willing, she'd find her bedroom without getting lost.
"Mistress?"
Sera screeched to a halt and swallowed a scream as Rick materialized in front of her. The sudden shock of his appearance made her head spin.
He gripped her arms as she swayed dangerously. “Are you all right?"
Before she could answer, he scooped her up and cradled her against his chest. For the time being, he was the lesser of the evils, so she snuggled into his warm body and allowed him to carry her to her room. Once there, he strode to the bed and laid her down on the cool satin. He brushed her hair from her forehead, and his full lips pulled down in a frown.
"You aren't well, are you?” There was real concern in his voice.
Sera shook her head against the pillow and closed her eyes. She just needed to rest. Without warning, the smell of blood called to her. She didn't need to open her eyes to know Rick had opened a wound somewhere on his body. He meant to feed her, and she doubted she possessed the strength to resist.
"Take it, mistress.” He brushed his skin across her lips, teasing her with warm, enticing blood.
"No.” Whispering the word was her downfall. Her lips opened and closed around his skin, and her fangs slid into his vein. His blood flowed past her tongue, erasing the foul taste of Constantine. That alone made feeding like an animal almost tolerable.
Rick sat on the bed, close to her thigh, and pressed his skin tighter to her mouth. She wanted to pull away. She didn't want to take his blood like this, but she was too exhausted to fight it. The whole evening had been a nightmare, and this seemed a fitting end.
* * * *
After the infuriating confrontation in the chamber, Valentino had been escorted to a small room buried under the rafters of the mansion, and left to stew. When an invitation arrived asking that he join the evening's “gathering,” he was more than a little shocked. Not sure if it was a trap or an attempt to make peace, he accepted, thinking it would be an opportunity to see Sera if nothing else.
Stephanie arrived at his door a short time later with a bundle of clothing in her arms and a radiant smile on her face. “The master ordered me to be at your side tonight."
Ignoring the comment, Valentino took the bundle as she held it out to him. “What is this?"
"You can't join the gathering looking like that.” She gestured at his jeans and bare chest. “I managed to pilfer something that should fit you."
"Thanks.” He turned his back and tossed the clothing on the narrow bed. He could feel Stephanie watching him from the doorway. “You can go."
"I was ordered to be at your side."
He glanced back. “And if you're not?"
She stepped into the room and closed the door to lean against it. “I'd rather not find out."
Yeah, he couldn't blame her. “Fine, but turn around while I change.” This wasn't Captive Fantasy, and he wasn't being paid to make Stephanie happy. She huffed, but did as he said. Quickly, he stepped out of his boots, peeled off his jeans and changed. “All right."
Stephanie turned around and ran her eyes over him with a look he knew all too well. “I chose well, it seems.” She looked him in the eye. “The boots will ruin it."
"Okay then, barefoot it is.” Valentino dropped his boots and gestured toward the door. “Let's get this over with."
Stephanie coiled her hand around his arm and led the way out of the room. She chattered happily, but Valentino remained silent. As they made their way down the long staircase, he heard voices drifting from one of the rooms off the foyer. Stephanie pulled him toward a tall, arched doorway and the conversation ceased.
Uncomfortable with the undivided attention of so many vampires, he scanned the large room and located the master lounging against the far wall. The silk suit had been replaced by a pair of casual black slacks and a white open-collar shirt. A beautiful woman with rich chestnut hair stood at the master's side with her hand resting on his arm. Both of them stared along with everyone else. Valentino nodded, and after a brief hesitation, the master returned the gesture. On cue, conversation once more came alive.
"Over here.” Stephanie pulled him toward a vacant oversized chair. She pushed him into it and curled at his side like a happy cat. He had no choice but to sling an arm across her shoulders.
"I'll be the envy of every mortal here now.” She tucked her black skirt around her legs, but the long slit in front fell open to reveal a lot of skin.
It was a fetching sight, but Valentino didn't stare for long. Yes, Stephanie was lovely. In fact, with her pale blonde hair, light blue eyes and fresh complexion, she was the all American beauty. She'd make some guy really happy, just not him.
She pinched his arm. “Did you hear me?"
He nodded. “Why is everyone going to envy you?"
She flashed a coy grin and undid a button on his black, silk shirt. He let the action go, not wanting to draw a lot of attention in his direction. “Because, silly, everyone wants you.” She worked several more buttons loose, then slid her hand inside. She spread her fingers wide, grazing his nipple in the process. She pressed closer and sighed. “You aren't cold like the others."
No, he wasn't, and he had his own theories as to why that was. Clearly he was a vampire with fangs and all, but exactly what sort of vampire, he didn't know. He wasn't even sure if he was part of the undead or not, and he wasn't too keen on asking anyone about it. Why expose a vulnerability?
Stephanie worked her hand down his chest to walk her fingers across the ripples of his abdomen. She wiggled even closer and freed the last two buttons on his shirt. “Are you hungry?"
Valentino ignored the question since Stephanie couldn't give him what he wanted. His gaze moved toward the door and he inhaled sharply. Sera hovered just outside the room with Constantine glowering behi
nd her. The vampire said something only she could hear, and then the two of them walked into the room, hand in hand. How touching. He fisted his hand in his lap and continued to stare.
Not once did Sera glance in his direction, but her rigid posture let him know she was aware of his presence. Constantine caught his eye and tossed him a “don't forget I'd like you dead” look. Valentino nodded and grinned.
The feeling was mutual, after all.
"Hey,” Stephanie grumbled. “It isn't polite to ignore me.” Her hand drifted past the waist of his drawstring pants. The entire outfit was silk, and he might as well be naked. The heat of her hand touched him through the thin fabric, but he caught her fingers before she could do so in reality.
He tore his attention from Sera's rigid form to meet Stephanie's disappointed expression. “Sorry, that's off limits.” He set her hand back on his chest, and her frown deepened.
"But I want you to make me your servant?” She sat up and leaned away from him. “Doing so permits you to take my blood and my body."
He hated to dash Stephanie's hopes, but Sera's body was the only one he wanted, and he suspected her blood was what he needed as well. He planned to do whatever necessary to get her back.
In the hopes of lessoning the sting of his rejection, he cupped the side of Stephanie's face and feathered his thumb across the apple of her cheek. “I don't need your body or your blood.” He pressed his finger to her lips to stop her protest. “But I do need you to do something for me."
She nodded, an eager look seeping into her eyes.
"Is there any way you can distract Constantine away from Sera?"
The eagerness drained from her face and she pulled away from him. “No. And even if I could, I wouldn't."
Not what he wanted to hear. He removed his hands from her face. “Why?"
Stephanie lowered her gaze and trailed her hand down the center of his body. She snared the string at his waist and coiled it around her finger. “You really shouldn't upset Constantine."
Valentino covered her hand to stop her from tugging at the string, and waited for her attention to drift to his face. “Tell me what I need to know about him. Please."
"He hasn't been with the coven for very long, but long enough to earn a reputation. He isn't one to cross.” Concern bled into her eyes. “He will kill you if you go near her."
"You say that as if it's already happened."
Stephanie's fingers flexed under his hand, and he released her. She immediately began to toy with the string again, but her thoughts seemed far away. “I was friends with the first mortal he chose from this coven, and she was very devastated when he turned away from her to choose another."
"Tell me what happened."
Her fingers slid down the length of the string and brushed over his lap. He wasn't sure if it was innocent, so he grabbed her hand and placed it on his stomach. She glanced up and he shook his head. “Behave."
"Sorry.” Her eyes let him know the gesture had been intentional.
"What happened with your friend?"
"She was stupid enough to let another vampire bite her, is what happened.” Stephanie's gaze darted away, and Valentino followed her line of vision to Constantine and Sera. “Constantine discovered the two of them together and he freaked."
Valentino cupped Stephanie's chin to bring her gaze back to his face. “Forget I asked."
"No. You need to know what he's capable of."
He slid his fingers up to her lips and shook his head. “No. Knowing what he's done in the past won't stop me from trying to get Sera from him."
Stephanie's eyes glistened and she ducked her head and sniffed softly.
"Hey?” Valentino tilted her face back up. “Why do you care what happens to me?"
She sniffed again and blinked against the moisture in her eyes. “You've been kind to me.” She shrugged and tried to look away, but he wouldn't release her chin. “I would just hate to see him win, and you obviously adore her."
That was an understatement.
Valentino's gaze drifted toward Sera. She looked stunning, despite her rigid posture. She sat next to Constantine on a sofa upholstered in deep maroon velvet. The color highlighted the pale perfection of her bare legs under the short hem of her charcoal gray skirt. A plum colored blouse turned her eyes a clearer blue and made her hair seem somehow darker than black. He wanted to stalk across the room and rip her away from Constantine's side.
She belonged with him, damnit.
"He won't give her up."
Valentino tore his gaze away to look at Stephanie. “I have to try."
She didn't look too happy with his reply but snuggled back against his side and once more trailed her hand toward his pants. “Well, if you fail and manage to survive, my offer stands."
Failing wasn't an option.
Once more, he settled his focus on Sera, watching her profile closely. Her features were drawn tight with some suppressed emotion. Anger? Jealousy? He didn't know. With slow, cautious movements, she shifted to cross her legs. Doing so drew Constantine's attention along with just about every other male in the room. Valentino was no exception. He stared at the pale expanse of thigh and his body stirred to life.
"Mmm ... is this for me?” Stephanie's voice purred in his ear, reminding him of her presence. “If so, I'm in for a good time.” She squeezed his erection lightly and moaned.
Valentino reached down without taking his eyes off Sera. He covered Stephanie's hand, with the intent to move it away, just as Sera's gaze landed on them. Her eyes drifted down his body and widened when they reached his lap. Her mouth opened and then closed so she could drag her bottom lip between her teeth. The sight shot fresh blood to his groin. Unfortunately, Stephanie still had her greedy hand wrapped around his cock.
She cooed and rubbed her breasts against his arm. “If you ask nicely, I'll let her watch.” She stroked him through the silk, and Sera finally jerked her gaze up and away.
"Damnit,” Valentino snarled, pulling Stephanie's hand away and pushing it into her own lap. “I've had enough socializing.” He got to his feet and Sera visibly stiffened. Was she afraid he'd approach her? What would her reaction be if he did? There was no need to speculate about what Constantine would do. Even now, the vampire was glaring at him.
Stephanie hurried out of the chair and wrapped her hands around his arm. “I'm sorry.” She pulled at him until he looked at her. “I'm sorry,” she said again. “I was only teasing. Please don't be angry."
"I'm not.” Well, he was, but not at Stephanie. He forced a partial smile and laid his hand against her cheek. “I just need to get out of here."
"You need blood, don't you?"
Not hers, but it worked as an excuse to get the hell out of here.
Stephanie led him toward the door. “I'll give you as much as you want, but you won't want to feed in front of her."
No, he didn't. He glanced back and found Sera's steady gaze fixed on him. He halted, forcing Stephanie to stumble at his side. She huffed, but he ignored her. What he felt for Sera had to be written all over his face. But could she see it? Did it stir anything at all within her?
Disappointment burned through him when Sera looked away. Constantine reached for her hand, but she avoided his touch by crossing her arms. Valentino received a dark look as a result, and he took a step, more than ready to have it out right here, right now.
Stephanie tugged on his arm. “Please. Don't do anything about this now. Not here. The master won't allow it."
Reluctantly, he pulled his gaze from Constantine and followed Stephanie out of the room. Once in the hall, she led him deep into the shadows, far from the drone of voices, and leaned back against the wall. She tipped her head back to bare her throat.
"Bite me."
Valentino's fangs stirred at the sight. Would her blood satisfy him this time?
She reached for his shoulders and pulled him closer. “Please?"
He braced his hands on the wall, not wanting to encourage her by pr
essing his body into hers, and lowered his face to her neck. She sighed as his fangs pierced her skin. The warmth of her blood trailed down his throat and filled his veins, but once again, it only left him wanting something more.
Chapter Twenty-three
Sera felt ill.
The sight of the sexy, blonde mortal leading him away churned her stomach and unleashed a level of jealousy she'd never experienced before. It was silly to go on believing she didn't know the man. Clearly her body had stored some memories of its own if her reaction to looking at him was any indication.
It'd be nice if it would share the memories with her mind.
"You're staring, my pet."
She shifted her gaze away from the now empty doorway and met Constantine's blank stare. “Tell me his name."
He sighed and rolled his eyes. “Why?"
Sera shifted on the sofa and pulled the hem of her skirt over her thighs. She'd never been comfortable in miniskirts, but Constantine had arrived at her door with this outfit in hand, and she'd been too consumed by mixed emotions after feeding from Rick to argue when he told her to put it on. She knew she looked good, but that didn't make her comfortable.
"I want to know his name. Are you afraid saying it will bring my memories back?"
"You assume there are memories, my pet. What if there aren't? It is possible that I never put you under during the ritual and everything you did was of your own free will."
Sera didn't buy that for a single second. “Tell me."
"Fine,” Constantine bit out. “Valentino. There. Satisfied?"
Valentino. Valentino.
Do you prefer, Val? The sound of her voice whispering the question echoed around her mind followed by the memory of Valentino's sexy chuckle. She closed her eyes and saw the flash of humor in his chocolate brown eyes and recalled how delighted he'd been to discover she knew his name. Even now, her cheeks heated with embarrassment as she recalled being teased for ogling his pictures on Captive Fantasy's website.
Captive Fantasy. Those two words shoved open a door to a whole other set of memories. She gasped and opened her eyes to find Constantine scowling at her. “I remember, you bastard.” She got up, and he followed. “How dare you?"