by Kira Hillins
Firelight danced on Anna’s naked body as she made her way toward him. “Why did you stop?” She pressed up against him, and it took everything he had to look away.
He’d never wanted someone so much in his life, but he couldn’t have her. Not now. Not ever. “You are too close. I would never forgive myself if I…”
She leaned her warm cheek against his chest. “Come inside me.”
“You do not want to be with me.” He kept his arms at his sides, afraid to touch her, to feel his heart beat again. “I am broken. I am Death.”
“You’re not broken, Tristan.” She smiled. “Make me like you and we can be together.”
He strode to the bed. He retrieved the blanket, and then draped it over her. “Even if I knew how, I cannot be with you, Anna.”
She let the blanket fall from her shoulders. “Look at me and tell me you don’t want me. Tell me you don’t love me.”
The rose in her face gave her a stunning glow. Her rounded breasts invited him to touch her. He was desperate to make love to her and fulfill his desire, but it was too dangerous. He had to hide his heart to protect her.
“It is not a question of love.” He lifted the blanket back over her shoulders then closed the gap. “You do not know who I am or what I have been through.”
“Then tell me.” She tightened the blanket around her then sat on the bed. “I want to know everything about you. Tell me about Madeline and how she made you the way you are now.”
He was surprised she’d want to hear anything about the witch. “It is not a story you may want to hear.”
She grasped his hand then pulled him beside her on the bed. “Please. Talk to me.”
“All right.” He sighed. It had been over four hundred years since he’d even thought of anything but his hatred for the woman, that he’d forgotten how charming she was when they’d met. “Madeline was at one of Gerard’s many parties. She had an aura about her, colorless, dark. She cast a spell on me that I could not resist. I must have passed on thirty women that night to be with her. ”
“Oh.” Anna locked her fingers together in her lap. “So, you were with a lot of women back then.”
“Yes. I was an eligible bachelor with money to burn on whatever I desired. That happened to be women.” He could sense she didn’t want to hear about his womanizing past. But in order for her to understand, she needed to sit through every last horrible detail. “If I had known Madeline was Gerard’s wife, I never would have touched her or even looked at her.”
“Why didn’t she tell you she was married?”
“I am uncertain. Gerard was eccentric. He had this hefty laugh that rung throughout the castle and brought joy to everyone around him. The man threw parties that made him the talk of the town. I will not go into details of the things that went on at these profane gatherings, but I imagine his involvement infuriated Madeline.”
“I understand.” She flashed a sheepish grin. “So, Madeline got revenge by sleeping with her husband’s best friend. That makes sense, I guess. It’s sad that you were caught in the middle of their problems.”
“Gerard spoke of his new wife, but he had never introduced us. I did not understand why he kept her hidden until after he died. Madeline told me everything.”
She lifted her hand to his face. “Tell me about it.”
“I will tell you how I see the story now.” He stroked her hair, hoping what he told her wouldn’t scare her away. “Madeline had a sister named Anna.”
She lowered her hand to her lap, and he could see the question forming on her trembling lips. “Is that who you named me after?”
“Yes.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Why?”
“She did not live in darkness like Madeline. She lived in light.” Maybe this was too much. She wouldn’t understand if he told her about the cure inside her. “I think we should stop here.”
“No.” She caught his hand before he could rise. “Keep going.”
She scooted back against the headrest with him in tow. She slid under the sheets. As she brought the covers over them, he leaned back and sighed.
“Madeline swore to infect her sister someday with her disease. She envied everything about her—the warmth in her body, a perfect husband, and children that she could never have. When she met Gerard, he took her away from her scorned life, and soon she forgot about her sister. She was happy…until I came along.”
Anna pursed her lips. “So, how did she infect you? With a bite?”
“Yes. After Gerard’s death, I stayed at my home. She came to me one night and found me in bed with another woman.”
“I see,” she whispered. “You really got around back then.”
He cupped her face then lifted so he could look into her eyes. “Do not think ill of me. I am no longer that man.”
“I know.” As he massaged her cheeks, her blue eyes sparkled. “Did Madeline go back to being obsessed with her sister?”
“Yes. But that is a story for another time.”
“What I don’t understand is how there’s only one person in the entire world infected with this disease.” Her breath was warm against his mouth. Her voice, like a whispering angel, drew him in. “How have you lived for centuries? It doesn’t make sense, unless you really are a vampire. But if that’s the case, there’d be more in the world than just you and Madeline. Right?”
“I imagine if there were others out there like me, they might have made themselves known by now.”
She traced his jawline with her fingers. “I suppose you’re right.”
She nestled in his arms. She draped her leg over his leg. The blanket opened and her bare chest pressed against his. The warmth of her flesh aroused him. If he didn’t let go now, he would give in and take her.
He concentrated on dousing the flames in his slacks. The heat between her legs beckoned him. No matter how hard he was for her, he had to resist.
“Anna, I must go.”
“I know.” She pulled her body up then kissed his lips. “Block the light from the window and let me please you.”
He clutched her shoulders and held her back. “Your life is more important than pleasure.”
Her eyes were full of longing as she gazed at him. “I love you.”
Her words shouldn’t have angered him, but they had. After all the horrible things he’d put her through, he didn’t deserve her love. It was better that she hate him.
He moved her aside, and then rose from the bed. As he picked up his shirt and jacket from the floor, he heard her voice, but refused to listen. If he didn’t block her out, he’d stay. And if he stayed, he might lose control, not only of his body, but of his heart.
It took all his strength, but he left the room without a glance or a word. A chill worked over his skin as he descended the steps. It was strange he’d been cold for centuries, but after touching her skin, he felt warmer than he had since he’d become this monster. He’d been with other women, and none had made him feel like this. Anna may be the descendant of a witch, but she had no powers. Did she?
As he made his way into the dark, the sun came up over the horizon. He lay back on his bed, but couldn’t close his eyes. Anna roamed the castle.
The tap of her footsteps echoed as she made her way to the bottom of the stairwell. She hurried down the corridor of armor that led to the library. She stopped to peer into the rooms, and he could almost sense her wonder.
They were decorated with old furniture. Tapestries and paintings, old and dusty, hung on the walls. Armor and weapons sat in corners. Books lined shelves.
She made her way through the foyer to the stairs that led down into this dark, musty-scented room. He rose from the bed and waited for her to venture in. He’d shoo her away then try to get some sleep.
She took a few steps down into the dark then smacked right into him. She gasped. Her body jolted from the scare as he held her firmly against him.
“What are you doing here?”
She breathed a sigh of re
lief. “I wanted to see where you sleep. In case I need you.”
“You are a curious one.” He took her by the hand then led her down the stairs.
“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you from sleep,” she said when they reached his bed.
He lay back on the mattress. “I tire, but I do not sleep well.”
She climbed in next to him and huddled close to his body. He closed his eyes. “You should not be here.”
“I swear I’m not here to continue what happened between us in my room. I just want you to hold me for a while.”
“I will hold you as long as you like.”
After a moment of silence, she shuddered. “Why are you so cold?”
He wished he could offer her heat from his body, but he carried none. “My blood does not run warm like yours. I am cold throughout, but I can feel your warmth. It is quite nice.”
“I don’t understand.”
He covered her with his wool blanket then enclosed her in his arms. “I wish I could comfort you.”
She laid her head on his chest. “I’m more comfortable here with you than I’ve ever been anywhere else.”
Your heart gives you away, my darling.
A chill swept through him, one that he hadn’t felt in years. Madeline was wide awake. With Anna in his arms, rousing his desire and forbidden love, she’d sensed his heart.
“We need to leave this place.”
She tightened her hold on him. “Why?”
He couldn’t tell her the real reason why. It would just make matters worse. “I would like to visit Mac’s grave.”
She rose to look him in the eyes. “You want to come home with me?”
“Yes.”
A smile spread across her beautiful face. “I’d really love that.”
He hadn’t thought about what she had become or where she lived until now. She had a life in Washington, and he was ever curious what it was like.
“Then we shall plan our leave tomorrow.”
Chapter Eighteen
Monster
Anna waited at the car rental desk as Tristan wandered through the revolving doors, and went out into the 5 o’clock sun. He looked ready for winter with the black mask and gloves. Dark sunglasses and an overcoat made him look like he was about to rob a bank. It also made every person that walked around him stare.
Of all days for Seattle to disappoint her with nice weather, it had to be today. It didn’t help that the lady behind the counter was taking her sweet time finding a car with tinted windows.
“I’ll be right back.” Anna told the slowpoke attendant.
This was the second time she’d had to bring Tristan back inside. As she sat him down on the bench on the inner wall of the facility, she puffed a frustrated sigh. “Please. You have to stay here until I’m done.”
When he nodded, she went back to the desk. The attendant stared at Tristan with a concerned look in her eyes.
Anna stepped in the path of her stare. “Please tell me you’ve found us a car.”
“Still looking.” The attendant returned her attention to her screen. “My computer is really slow today.”
Anna palmed her forehead. Maybe it wasn’t wise for them to travel by plane. He’d wanted to fly through the night, taking refuge in the bowels of ocean liners and oil rigs across the sea. He’d offered to carry her, but that wasn’t an option. Not only was it scary to think about, but it also dredged up a nightmare of him burning to ash in the sun’s golden rays. Then he offered to go alone and meet her three days from the time they left, but she scratched that out. That was too long to be away from him.
Anna glanced back to find Tristan had wandered outside again. Why did he keep doing that?
“Ah, I found an SUV, fully loaded with power windows. Oh. Darn.” The lady bit her lip in frustration. “It hasn’t been cleaned or gassed up yet.”
“That’s fine. I’ll take it.” Anna couldn’t take her eyes off Tristan. A sick feeling worked through her gut. He hadn’t moved at all since he’d walked out. She half expected him to turn into a big pile of dust on the sidewalk. “Could you please hurry?”
“Is your husband all right?” The attendant glanced at Tristan as she waited for the papers to print.
“He has a skin condition and shouldn’t be outside.”
“Oh.” The attendant arched her brows. “I’ll try to hurry then.”
Anna barely concentrated on signing papers. She scribbled fast then grabbed the keys from the counter without bothering to listen to the clerk talk about insurance. It didn’t matter. Getting Tristan out of the sun took top priority.
“Tristan!” Anna caught his arm then led him through the shadows to the parking garage. “Why did you go outside again?”
“I cannot see.” His voice gurgled beneath the thick layers of clothes. Anna’s skin rose with goosebumps. That wasn’t good.
“I sat you down on the bench and told you to stay. Damn it! You could have killed yourself.”
“I apologize. I cannot think clearly when I am in full sunlight.”
She led him to the black SUV parked in spot number 10. She opened the door then helped him into the backseat. As she rounded the front of the vehicle, she drew in a deep breath. Calm down. Don’t take your frustration out on him. This isn’t Tristan’s fault. It’s yours.
He’d kept his face covered since morning arrived on the plane. Now that the sun had set, he could take off the mask and reveal that handsome face.
She glanced in the rearview mirror. He took off his sunglasses. When the mask came off, he bowed his head out of her sight. His groan sent a chill up her spine. It didn’t take a doctor to know that he was in a lot of pain.
He climbed into the passenger seat and then drew in a deep breath. As he let it out in a slow exhale, she looked at him. His face was covered in large, blistered welts. Patches of hair was burned off. And his lips—his perfect lips were dry and scaly.
It was difficult to see the road from the tears that flooded her eyes. “Oh, god, Tristan. I’m so sorry. This is my fault. If I had just…”
“I have suffered worse.” He spoke softly. He found her cheek with his hand before letting it slide back to his lap. “It will not take long to heal.”
She wiped tears on the sleeve of her shirt. “I shouldn’t have made you get on the plane. We should’ve just stayed at the castle.”
* * * *
Tristan hated the way people had stared at him, judging him for the way he presented himself. They’d whispered amongst each other that he looked like a terrorist or even a leper in his dark bandages and clothes. Though he enjoyed their fear, he despised it at the same time. For they not only judged him, but condemned Anna as well.
Tristan closed his eyes to rest. Images played in his mind.
He strolled across the sunlit courtyard of his castle. He tucked Anna’s arm under his as they viewed the roses and shrubbery. They talked and laughed. Their words were flirtatious. His flesh and blood was warm. He hadn’t felt his human side in far too long and he loved it.
As they strode through the garden, the sky grew dark. He morphed into a disfigured monster with giant hideous fangs. Anna shrieked as he lunged for her. One dagger pierced the top of her head. Blood oozed from the wound and ran like a waterfall over her body. He tore into her flesh and ripped away skin and muscle. He gnawed at her bones like a rabid beast.
Wake up!
* * * *
Anna parked the SUV. Tristan looked peaceful as he slept. She almost hated to wake him, but he’d been looking forward to visiting Mac’s grave to say a proper farewell.
She shook his arm. “Tristan. We’re here.”
He woke with a jolt. His eyes burned deep red as he bared his fangs. He jerked her over the armrest. His angry growl sent a wave of panic through her. His scalded face reminded her of the devil himself.
“Tristan, stop!” He dug his fingernails into her skin. She screamed as he sank his teeth into her shoulder. The pain was immense, like he’d plunged a kn
ife into her body. She struggled to break loose.
He let her go and gasped for air. His stomach growled, and he let out a deep, agonizing shout from the back of his throat. “Get away from me!”
She grabbed hold of the door handle and pulled. She swung the door open wide then hopped out. As she backed away, he fell out of the truck then crawled over the ground toward her.
This was like nothing she’d ever seen before. Adrenaline pumped through her. She should run, but refused to believe he would do anything to hurt her. Maybe it was a stupid idea, but the choice wasn’t hers. Fear kept her feet glued to the ground.
On his hands and knees, earth clenched in his fists, the monster he’d become looked up at her. “I need blood.”
Oh, god. He had never looked this frightening before. But behind those angry eyes was the man she loved pleading for her help.
She glanced around. Beyond the last row of graves was a pasture. “I trust you. I know you’d never do anything to hurt me.” She took hold of his arm and pulled him to his feet. He leaned on her shoulders as she led him between the tombstones. She cringed in pain as his fingernails scraped her arms. Her blood smeared on his dirt-covered palms as he staggered beside her toward the outer fence of the cemetery.
“Her blood calls to me,” he whispered. “Do not breathe.”
Chills swept over her sore skin. If he breathed, would he lose control? Would he kill her, and leave her corpse for vultures to pick over? This was not how she wanted to end this day, or her life.
He stumbled to the ground close to the fence. She drew a step back and inspected her arms. They were streaked with blood that looked black in the moonlight, but she was sure prominent in his demon eyes.
She returned her attention to him, but he was gone. Without the slightest sound, he’d disappeared into the night. No footsteps trudged through dry leaves on the ground. There was no indication he’d even left her here, standing alone in the dark.
She swallowed apprehension. Fear resonated through her as she glanced out into the field. He’d gone there to find his feast, just like he had with the sheep the night he’d come out of his broken castle. She shuddered as she imagined blood staining his pale skin and his dark, ragged clothes when he returned, if he returned.