by Danica Avet
Lucian boiled with anger again. “You’re not a prisoner, dammit.”
“Is this my room, or is there a cell you want to put me in?” she repeated coldly, refusing to look at him again.
The muscles in his jaw bunching with the effort to hold back a growl, he ground out, “This is your room, and you’re my guest.”
“In that case, I’d like some privacy.”
Lucian counted to ten, staring at the woman who seemed determined to drive him insane. Something shimmered in her eyes, buried beneath her obvious anger, and he recognized it as humiliation. Regret ate at him like acid. She was a newly made immortal, and he’d shredded her dignity like tissue in front of some of the most prominent members of their community. She may not have known they were so important, but Ruby instinctively knew her first foray into Veilerian society wouldn’t be easy, especially after having admitted she was a human.
Biting back his need to express how sorry he was, Lucian nodded shortly and left the room. In the hallway, he stood on the other side of the door, feeling the vibrations of her energy calling out to him, beckoning him to attempt the bond. He began to sweat. He needed her like nothing in the world, and he’d ruined what could’ve been a special night for them.
Turning on his heel, he slammed his fist through the solid oak door opposite Ruby’s room and went downstairs to work out his frustrations in the gym.
Chapter Eleven
Ruby glared at the closed door. There was no way she was staying here with him even if he was the first person she’d felt no shyness or hesitancy about. Stunned at the revelation, she sank onto the bed. What did that mean? Could she really be his life-mate? Could her soul have recognized him as its other half even though she was so pissed at him?
Ruby remembered the instant attraction she’d felt for him, the intensity of his eyes in the alley and the possessiveness he’d displayed at the dinner. All of it called to some primal part of her that shouted, “Yes, this man is mine!” She didn’t repulse him. In fact, he seemed unable to keep his hands off of her, and for a woman who’d spent her whole life believing she was abhorrent to the opposite sex, it was a heady feeling indeed.
Excitement and longing caused her heart to race and the room to fade from view. Since the death of her father, she’d denied herself the bliss of physical touch. She’d longed to be hugged, patted, her hand held, any number of simple touches other people took for granted. Now finding someone who seemed to find her attractive enough to willingly touch her made her feel like a kid in a candy store. Feeling as though her heart had wings, Ruby almost rushed out the room to follow Lucian and make him touch her again. At this point, she’d be content with a steely grip on her arm leading her back to her prison.
Ruby flopped back on the bed with a groan as she finally remembered she was a prisoner. She was craving the very man who was holding her against her will. She flung an arm over her eyes, glaring at the inside of her eye lids. Jumping up from the bed, she walked around the room.
It was simple, but lovely. The walls were a soft yellow, so light Ruby knew it was only her newly enhanced vision that registered the yellow undertones. The furnishings, a small dresser, a vanity with a large oval mirror, matching straight backed chair, and headboard, were all in dark oak. Gold and bronze silk covered the seat of the chair and the comforter on the bed. Ruby sauntered to the window, drawing back the deep brown curtains to peer through the tinted glass.
She could see there were no trees next to the house on her side. There was a thirty foot drop from her window to the ground and a flat stretch of land with no cover. Part of her brain took in the lay of the yard, noting if she could cross about a hundred feet of wide open ground and get to the fields of sugarcane, she could probably escape.
The other, less practical part of her brain, noticed how beautiful the long stalks looked under the cool moonlight, their leaves swaying gently in the light breeze. The light from the room she was in splashed in a small pool of warm gold on the grass and Ruby imagined the house looked like a lighthouse in a sea of vegetation.
Shaking her head, Ruby scrutinized the window. It looked like plain glass except for the slight tint on the panes, but she could feel some kind of pulse of energy from it. She pressed her hand against the energy, noticing it repelled her approach with a warning buzz, like a rattlesnake about to strike. The harder she pushed, the louder the buzzing got as well as the slight shock of electricity that pulsed from the energy.
The door to the bedroom flew open and banged against the wall, and there he was. Lucian, her ultimate temptation.
* * * *
Lucian’s heart pounded, not just from the run he’d taken from one side of the house to the other, but also from the fear Ruby might have escaped. When he saw her standing at the window with a cross expression on her face, he relaxed, feeling like a fool. Sure, she was his responsibility until he turned her over to Council and she might possibly be his mate, but he was acting like a mother hen with one chick. Flicking his gaze over her stance, he suspected she wasn’t as upset as he thought she’d be.
“You ass, there’s some kind of alarm on this window!” she shouted at him, those attractive black eyes lit by unholy flames. If Lucian wasn’t mistaken, which he so frequently was with her, she enjoyed their confrontations.
“Of course there’s an alarm on the window,” he responded, leaning against the doorjamb with a casualness he didn’t feel. If anything, he wanted to cross the room, catch her in his arms, and toss her on the bed. He shifted slightly, aware that he needed to keep away from her at least until he and the rest of the Council could figure out the best course of action. “It’s warded.”
When she cocked an eyebrow at him and mimicked his stance against the wall next to the window, Lucian felt desire simmer through his veins. He wanted her like nothing he’d ever known before. It was an obsession he fully intended to immerse himself in when things were a little calmer. Right now wasn’t the time to jump her bones and explain the mating heat to her—the urge he felt to pound into her and take her blood. She was already wary of him because he’d kidnapped her. He didn’t need to add assault to the growing list against him.
“I hired a witch to ward the house against intruders and my reluctant guests,” he answered her unspoken question.
He was answered with a loud snort that made his mouth twitch. “You get a lot of those then? Reluctant guests?” she asked, her eyes still sparking. Lucian told himself it was with mischief, not desire.
“Not all that many. Most of my guests are quite happy to be here.”
“I’ll just bet they are,” she murmured, her eyes sweeping over him, the gaze like a flame licking over his skin.
Suddenly, Lucian knew he had to get out of the room. If he stayed, he’d jump her, and that was the least helpful thing for the Veil. Thinking about the people who were counting on him to keep the Chieftain safe, Lucian backed out of the room.
“You’re welcome to explore the house. Just don’t try to escape, please. I’d hate to have to summon the rest of the Council so early.”
The smoldering black look she sent him was affirmation that she’d adhere to his rules, and Lucian stalked from the room with as much nonchalance as he could summon. Before he knew it, he was in the gym, the stereo pumped up as loud as it would go in the soundproof room, and as The Used screamed from every corner, he began to work out in the vain hope he’d wear the lust out of his system.
* * * *
Deciding to take Lucian at his word and do some exploring, Ruby changed into some sweats she’d found in the dresser. They were too big for her and not attractive at all, as they were faded from black to a charcoal grey, but they were comfortable. She put the stunning gown in the closet and hoped she could return it to the Oracle one day. She padded from the room in her bare feet.
The second floor consisted of three bedrooms, one of which she barely peeked in because just opening the door gave her a whiff of Lucian’s scent. His mouthwatering essence was so strong
and potent she nearly collapsed on the floor. The quick scan she’d made showed heavy furniture, shades of green, and a massive four-poster bed that looked way too comfortable. She’d slammed the door closed, leaning against the heavy oak. Lucian had an effect on her when he wasn’t anywhere near. That was just wrong.
The unoccupied room was plainer than the one she was using with sky blue colored walls and simple furnishings in white. Shuddering at the colors, Ruby was glad she’d gotten the yellow room.
She crept down the stairs, noticing there were no pictures on the walls upstairs or along the staircase. The foyer had beautifully polished hardwood floors the color of coffee. The walls of the foyer and the living room were the same cream color and here, there were a few pictures. Paintings graced the walls as though whoever had decorated tried to make up for the lack of personal effects upstairs. The living room was decorated in carefully matching pieces, conveying both money and calm. Ruby hated the room. There wasn’t even a television.
The dining room was opposite the living room and, considering her host was a vampire, was probably the least used room in the house. Through a swinging door, Ruby entered a modern kitchen with shiny stainless steel appliances. The candy apple red walls were offset by blinding white cabinets and counters. It was a thoroughly modern room and Ruby loved it. The small island in the middle of the room had a couple of tall stools in front of it as though this was a more comfortable place to gather than the living room.
Through yet another doorway that led to the short hall next to the stairs, Ruby found the den. With a soft sigh, she sank into the soft leather of the sofa, easing into its overstuffed depths gratefully. This room, unlike the two front rooms, was comfortable. The furnishings were expensive, of course, but more relaxed. Deep, overstuffed sofas, an amazing entertainment center stacked with DVDs and CDs, and the biggest flat screen television she’d ever seen. Ruby heaved herself out of the deep sofa and peeked behind the cabinet doors, not surprised to find an Xbox 360 as well as a full complement of games. Her hands itched for a little video game action, but her attention was pulled away from the entertainment in the cabinet to a door on the far end of the den.
On her way to the door, she noted with approval the beautiful billiard table with its impeccable scarlet red felt top. There was a bar along the wall next to the door where Ruby paused. There was no pulse of electricity or energy telling her this was an exterior door. Curious as to the throbbing making the floors vibrate, Ruby took a breath and opened it a crack.
Raucous guitars and screaming lyrics came at her like a battering ram, making her jump a bit. The aggressive music matched the rhythmic pounding coming from further in the room.
She stepped in to peek and gasped loudly. Lucian, wearing nothing more than a pair of sweat pants that had been cut into shorts, was working with a speed bag, his arms moving so fast they were impossible to see. Sweat glistened on his back as he worked out, swaying in deadly rhythm.
Ruby didn’t consider herself a very passionate woman, nor did she consider herself a woman who looked at men as objects. For too many years, she’d avoided people and men had never been her favorite species, but in that moment, she felt completely apart from the woman she’d been before.
He was magnificent. His broad shoulders flexed and bunched with his every move, bands of muscle coiling down his back with each flex of his body. His hair was pulled into a ponytail that would’ve looked feminine if it hadn’t bared the strong column of his throat. His tight backside bunched as he moved his feet in time with his punches.
He was graceful and powerful, and something deep within her wanted to take this man. Feeling herself softening towards him, she blinked, closing the door before he noticed her watching him. Once on the other side of the oak, Ruby pressed her back to the door, and her chest rose and fell with a combination of shock and desire. She couldn’t allow herself to soften towards the Oculum-se. He’d keep her as a prisoner of the Council forever, and after having a small taste of her new life, she suddenly craved so much more. She craved the freedom to explore the Veil and find her own way, not something Council had mapped out for her.
Determined, she stalked away from the door that led to temptation and vowed to learn more about the world she now inhabited.
Chapter Twelve
Lucian knew it the minute Ruby came into the gym but refused to acknowledge her. If he did, the fire that had ignited in him upstairs would engulf both of them. Instead, he concentrated on matching his punches to the pounding rhythm of Slipknot. He felt the energy arching between him and Ruby fade slightly as she closed the door again.
Hunching his shoulders a bit, he punched the bag one last time, not surprised to see it break off from its anchor to sail across the room. He had to figure out what he was going to do with Ruby. His body tensed as his soul demanded he take her to slake this burning lust and find out if she truly was his mate, while logic demanded he notify the other Councilors to inform them the Chieftain had been found.
He sighed and leaned against the wall. His body hummed for the kind of action only Ruby could give him, but his duties as the Oculum-se meant he had to see past his physical needs. There was more at stake here than a little lust and mating instinct.
Lucian rubbed a hand across his chest, trying to massage the pain out of his heart. Ruby would hate him, but it was for the best that she go into Council’s protective custody. None of the other Chieftains had been under their close protection before, which was why she was the last one. Lucian had no doubt that, between him and his colleagues, they could keep Ruby safe forever and right now forever sounded good, even if it meant she’d never be his.
Lucian grabbed a T-shirt after drying himself with a small towel, shrugging into the soft material before he entered the den. He expected to find Ruby waiting for him on the other side of the door watching a movie or waiting with bated breath for his appearance. He knew she was attracted to him. He had smelled her arousal at the dinner party and again upstairs. What he hadn’t expected was to see her engrossed in a book she must’ve brought from the parlor.
“I see you made yourself at home,” he said quietly, hoping to keep her relaxed. She looked up at him with dazed eyes before going back to the book.
Thinking perhaps she was shy because she’d seen him in such a primal light, Lucian stepped to the bar and poured a scotch before turning back to her. She looked engrossed and it was then he realized she wasn’t embarrassed by him. She was completely immersed in the book. Disgruntled because she should’ve been just as tied up in knots as he was, Lucian plopped on the sofa next to her, bumping into her.
She huffed, shot him a glare, and went right back to reading.
“What are you reading?” he asked idly, reaching for the remote. He was pretty sure there was a football game on. He began flipping through the channels with a speed that would’ve made humans vomit.
“Hmm,” she hummed, her brow furrowed. It was a distracted sound designed to thoroughly irritate Lucian, making him grit his teeth.
He’d come out here expecting to see a flustered Ruby. Hell, he would’ve even made do with an aroused Ruby, but not the woman who acted like he was no more desirable than a trip to the dentist. Annoyed with himself, Lucian took it out on her. He grabbed the book out of her hands and flipped it closed to see the title. “Min’s Guide to the Veil—an Eturian and Veilerian Society Overview. What the hell is this?” he asked irritably.
Ruby snatched the book out of his hands again, glaring at him with so much heat Lucian was surprised his body didn’t burst into flames. “I found it in the sitting room, and since Kali told me I should learn about this world, that’s what I’m doing,” she grit out, opening the book to find her place.
“Why? You only have to ask someone and get all the answers you want,” he scoffed, reaching for the book again.
He was determined to have her undivided attention. Since he’d seen her the night before, she was constantly in his thoughts and even if he couldn’t keep her unti
l the danger had passed, it didn’t mean he couldn’t get to know her.
“I don’t want to ask questions until I’ve at least understood what kind of world I’ve stepped into.”
“Ask me.”
“You won’t give me an unbiased opinion,” she held onto the book, holding it to her chest protectively.
That didn’t stop Lucian from making a grab at it. He kept his face impassive because he didn’t want her to realize how much he enjoyed having the backs of his knuckles pressed against her soft breast.
“I’m unbiased,” he hissed between his teeth, trying to tug the book from her clutches. She was holding onto it like it was her only protection from evil. Lucian huffed out a laugh, surprised that she was so strong.
They grappled for several long minutes before Lucian was able to tear the book out of her arms and fling it across the room. “Now,” he said with no small satisfaction and exaggerated calm. “Ask me.”
“Who are the Eturi?”
Lucian nearly spat on his floor in disgust. “They’re the worst group of individuals on Earth. About two hundred years ago, there were no factions. Things were either mundane—the human world—or Veilerian—our world. Then Malachi, you saw him in the alley, forswore his oath as a Guardian and began gathering allies. Before any of us knew it, he’d amassed a following of thousands. Their whole purpose is to rip the Veil apart and bring humankind to its knees. There is no mercy in them, for their leader has none. There is no compassion, no love, no fear, for Malachi feels none of these things.”
Ruby said nothing, her black eyes watching him carefully.
Lucian had to make her understand. “They don’t care how they get what they want as long as they get it. If it means killing or torturing, they’ll do it. If it means lying and charming others, they do it. Nothing is sacred to them. No one’s pain is more important than their agenda. They’re monsters with no moral code.”