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"Why aren't you wearing your wedding band?" Jerking her hand away, Summer marched into the other room without offering an answer. Hurriedly she pulled on a sleeveless black dress, then slipped her feet into strappy high-heels. I don't have to be interrogated by this woman!
She has some nerve. Waits thirty years to contact her only sister and acts like we are one, big happy family. I've no tolerance for more pretentious people. She brushed out her hair with hard strokes, frustrated over Dori's audacity. She found Dori meandering around the suit in a nosy manner. "I'm ready to go." Summer studied her sister closely. What is she looking for?
"Have you been entertaining?" Dori asked. "These look like men's clothes." She held up the black leather backpack. Summer ripped the bag from her hands then zipped it closed. "Who the hell do you think you are? I think you should be paying more attention to your own affairs. Maybe keep a closer eye on that husband of yours."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Just what it means." Summer brushed past her, grabbed her purse off the table and waited for Dori to walk out first. They rode in silence to the funeral parlor. Nick didn't ask about the tension. Perhaps he was aware of Dori's pushy character.
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* * * *
After enduring seemingly endless introductions to relatives she'd never met, Summer found a chair along the wall away from the casket and sat down to observe. She'd always been on the reserved side, preferring to check out the crowd before joining in. A small group of men who appeared to be close in age and also in their forties stood chatting across the room. She stared at the many bouquets surrounding her dear, departed mother. Well, Mom, even though you abandoned me, I truly am glad you had many happy years after Dad died. You deserved it after the hell he put you through. With a sigh she crossed her legs at the ankles, leaning her knees slightly to the side, and settled in to watch a room full of strangers. Nobody appeared overly distraught. There were a few tears and reminiscent smiles as they gazed down at the sleeping woman. She had lived to a proper old age and, from what Dori had said, didn't suffer in the end. Knowing that her mother got to live almost half her life in abundant happiness brought a strange sense of peaceful closure. Maybe because I am finally free makes it easier for me to be happy for Mom now.
Sensing eyes upon her, she glanced at the gathering of men. They quickly looked away, obviously seeking to hide the fact that they'd been gawking. Strangely enough, Summer could hear their whispering as if she were standing next to them
"I heard her old man can't raise the flag," one man said, then snickered.
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His companion leaned in closer. "Who told you that?"
"Her sister. Dori said the mother told her. Seems Eric paid her to keep quiet about it though."
"He must not have paid her enough."
"I bet a woman like that waits for the chance to steal a little action on the side," said another.
"Yeah ... must be hell trapped in a marriage with a wuss."
"Well ... he's one hell of a wealthy wuss," the first man added. "What some women do for money. Look at her over there sitting pretty. Teasing us. The rich aristocrat knows damn well she can have any man in this room. She probably plays her part as Eric's proper wife then screams like a wildcat in another man's bed. I caught Nick giving her a onceover. Dori better put a leash on her boy." They sniggered amongst themselves quietly. Summer hid her shock by pretending to check her cell phone for messages. I can't believe Dori exposed my disgraceful marriage. Now these men think I'm some kind of she-wolf. She bit her lip to hold back tears straining to burst forth. This gathering was becoming a nightmare.
"Summer." Nick approached suddenly, jarring her from her thoughts. "Why are you sitting over here alone, doll? Come ... let me introduce you to my buddies."
"No, really. I'm fine. Just reminiscing."
"Nonsense. You look sad." Nick took her hand. "Your mother had more happy years than most people. I know her marriage was horrid, but try and find solace in the fact that she found happiness ... and all because of you. Had you not 73
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married Eric after your father died, she would've been too poor to enjoy life."
There it was again. Eric the savior and Summer as the tool who brought healing to a weaker woman's life. Ah, well. She sighed and relented to Nick's coaxing as he led her across the room.
"Summer, meet my best friend, Trey." Nick nudged her towards a tall, thin man with curly silver hair and gray eyes, the very same man who called her a 'rich aristocrat' and a
'tease.' She inwardly cringed when he gently shook her hand. Nick introduced her to the small crowd of men, all of which he called friends. She smiled weakly at them. They made every attempt to charm her with flattery and small talk, keeping her occupied until the viewing was over.
"Do you mind if Trey gives you a lift back to your hotel?" Nick asked. "I've got a carful tonight. Seems more guests need rides home than they did to get here."
"I guess." Summer gave Trey a scrutinizing stare.
"Don't worry, Summer." Trey laughed to cover the open awkwardness. "I don't bite."
His words felt like pins and needles on her skin. She licked her lips, and suddenly her mouth went dry. The unexpected urge to taste blood overwhelmed her. Sweeping her hair back, she swallowed against the dryness of her throat.
"Fine ... I need some air. Let's get going." Trey put his hand at the small of her back and ushered her out. I see the hunger in your eyes, babe. I bet you're starved for a real man. He didn't speak, but she heard his thoughts as though he had.
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Yes, you bastard. But not for you. However, you might make a tasty snack. Shocked by the sudden change in her thinking, she shrugged to rid herself of the thought. Yet, the bizarre craving refused to go away.
Trey closed the passenger side door then walked around the car and slid into the driver's seat. He chattered on as they drove. Summer nodded with an occasional "mm-hm" and "uhhuh" in response to his comments and general questions. She had no intention on revealing details of her life to this man.
"Would you like some company?" He hesitated at the door to her suite.
"I think it best if I go in alone. Thank you for bringing me back." She swiped her key-card through the lock. Trey's hand shot up to brace the door. "I think..." He drew a heavy breath. "That perhaps you'd like some male company. Everyone knows about your charade of a marriage. No use pretending with me."
Her body tensed. Adrenaline peaked instantly. A host of mixed sensations coursed through her.
"Fine. One drink..." It felt wrong—very wrong to let him in. She didn't understand the new audacity overtaking her. What's wrong with me? I loathe this man, but I'm craving his blood. Surely this is a reckless thing to do. Yet she felt compelled by some unseen force to invite this lewd creature in. As if another being had taken over her mind and soul. Since receiving Savion's bite everything about her had begun to change, and some of those changes were frightening. Even so, she could not stop it and wasn't even sure she wanted to. 75
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Whatever process she needed to endure to become part of his world—she would eagerly do it.
"That's better." Trey released his hold on the door, then followed her inside.
No sooner had she closed the door than he came on hot and heavy—kissing her neck, stroking her arms. Surprisingly, she felt no fear—only rage. And strangely enough his actions didn't surprise her.
"Trey ... I'm a married woman, remember?" She turned to face him.
He didn't release her; his hands dropped to her hips. "Then why aren't you wearing the ring? C'mon, Summer. You left your wedding band at home. Your husband is ou
t of town, and you are miles away. Don't even try to convince me that you didn't plan on a little extracurricular activity while you're here."
A rush of heat swept over her. She gripped his hands with unanticipated strength. His expression quickly transformed from lust to fear and she knew he felt it too—the animal in her that'd just sprung to life.
"Yes," she hissed. "You just might do for now." Suddenly Trey was struggling to break free in an unexpected exchange of power. His scream filled her ears as she seized his tight, curly hair and bit down on the vein of his neck. All his flailing about could not halt Summer's aggression. The pungent taste of his blood flooded her mouth, then warmed her throat as she hungrily swallowed. 76
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Taking only enough blood to slake her appetite, perhaps not quite as much as he'd have given had he chosen to donate, she released him with a hard shove.
"You could never be enough man for me! Now get the hell out!"
He looked at her in terror before scrambling for the door. Summer stalked him with hungry eyes, licking her lips until he fled from her suite. Then she threw her head back and let out a triumphant laugh.
You did well, Summer. A soft, enchantingly melodic voice floated through her mind. Savion has chosen admirably ... as I knew he would.
Summer began to understand her peculiar behavior. Thank you, Nahtosha ... for this incredible gift.
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Nine
She sat calmly at a small table sipping a glass of wine, gazing contentedly out the window from her suite on the nineteenth floor. Los Angeles fascinated her with the bright lights and constant activity even at this late hour. It was a vast contrast to the secluded country mansion she left behind.
"You are stronger than I thought," a silky voice said from behind.
A surge of excitement shot through her. She swung around to face him. "Savion! You've returned!"
"Of course, my sweet." He opened his arms to receive her, then buried his face in her fragrant hair. "Mm, you smell wonderful."
Their lips met in a ravenous kiss, greedily taking each other in. Commanding arms swept up her back, crushing her to his chest. She sucked his tongue to the back of her throat, making him groan with need. Clutching handfuls of his satiny hair she pulled him down as they stumbled to the couch.
"I missed you tonight," she whispered. "I want you, Savion."
"You are so very beautiful." He sighed with heavy desire and scooped her off the sofa, then carried her into the bedroom where he gently laid her on the king-size bed. Her eyes welled with tears, overcome with emotion when she looked up at him.
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"Are you going to make love to me this time or disappear before the main event?"
An enchanting smile softened the strong lines of his handsome face. "Oh, I'm going to make love to you all right
... over and over again. That is what you want, isn't it?"
"Yes ... oh God, yes!"
Soft kisses traveled downwards over her stomach. Summer lifted her arms as he slid the dress over her head. Whatever he wanted, she would give. She had become spellbound in his arms, willing to please and receive his pleasure in return.
Savion inhaled her alluring female scent while sliding the silky panties down her creamy thighs, then over her dainty ankles and feet. He continued caressing her smooth skin with his lips while quickly removing his own clothes. Bloody hell, it's been so long. His body ached with need as he lay over her, supporting his weight on bent elbows. Potency from her blood coursed through his veins, making him hard with desire.
He kissed every exposed inch of her lovely body and in return savored her luscious lips traveling over him. She caressed, nibbled and kissed his chest, neck and shoulders with unadulterated passion like he'd never known. Delicate hands stroked and explored him until he felt ready to explode.
"I love you, Summer." He knelt between her legs. She gazed up at him with misty eyes. An air of wonder and enthrallment filled those deep pools of sapphire-blue. 79
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"Savion ... I've always loved you." Her voice was soft, deeply sincere. He had no doubt she meant it wholeheartedly. Long, dark lashes lay gently on soft, slightly flushed cheeks when she closed her eyes to openly delight in his touch. He visually took her in as he'd done during his first bite. Leisurely his hands moved over her supple breasts, across the ivory skin of her stomach and downward to tenderly stroke between silky thighs. A shudder raced through him signaling his intense arousal. Undeniably the most gorgeous, willing creature he'd ever had the pleasure of loving—her complete submission made her even more appealing.
"Open your eyes, love," he whispered, lowering his body back over hers. "I want to look into your eyes as we join for the first time."
A tear slipped from the corner of one eye to trickle down her cheek. He knew she was overwhelmed with the changes taking place.
"I promise ... I won't hurt you." She nodded through half-closed eyes but did not look away. In painstakingly slow motion Savion eased into her. Gripping heat swallowed him, pulling him deeper and deeper until their bodies felt like one.
"Bay-beh, bay-beh..." He half sighed, half groaned as her velvety warmth took him in.
She held his gaze—clearly speechless—her eyes glassy with open desire. Muscles of his face relaxed into an easy smile when they began moving together. The pleasure of being inside her washed over him in euphoric waves. She 80
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belongs to me in every way now. With each stroke he felt her body settle against his, drawing him into her essence—taking him over the edge.
"Ohhh..." She gasped.
He dipped his head to taste those softly parted lips as they pleaded for more.
"Sav..." Her breaths came sharp and fast. His lips intermittently pulled at hers between sighs and mutterings. How he loved hearing her speak his name, begging him to keep going and never stop. Gathering her into a snug embrace Savion took her all the way. She tensed suddenly, digging her nails into his back moments before overpowering spasms seized her body. They crested the swell of passion together as mind-blowing orgasmic waves swept them away into bliss.
Covering her face and neck with affectionate kisses, he rode the tide with her until they gently came down. She is pure heaven. His mouth found hers for a long, slow, sweet exploration with his tongue. He didn't want it to end. She had herself wrapped around him in the most delightful manner.
"That was incredible," she murmured when he lifted his head to look at her.
"Mm, yes indeed. I didn't hurt you?"
"No ... not at all. I've never felt anything so good. You are an amazing lover."
He rolled onto his side, keeping her in a tender embrace. Her cheek lay against his sweat-soaked chest as he petted her damp hair.
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"You helped yourself to a little appetizer tonight, didn't you, my sweet?"
"I'm sorry. Are you upset about it?" Had he not been able to discern her heart, her impulsive act might have frustrated him. However, he could read her well and didn't question where her loyalties lay.
"Tell me about it."
"They were talking trash about me at the funeral home."
"Who?"
"A group of men ... friends of Nick's, my sister's husband. But it was weird. They were whispering on the other side of the room, yet I could hear them clearly. I didn't want to meet those creeps, but Nick insisted on introducing me. Then he asked his best friend, Trey, to drive me back."
"And?"
"Well ... while they were teasing me a tingly feeling crept over my skin. Like pins and needles. The urge t
o bite him became very strong. Then on the way out I read his mind ... just like I did Nick's when he picked me up at the airport. The closer I get to you, the more strange new things start happening to me."
"What pushed you over the line and made you attack Trey?"
"Those men do not harbor nice thoughts. They are full of wicked lust. When we got back to the suite, Trey taunted me and wouldn't let me open the door. I got mad. He had been saying nasty things about me all night, then had the gall to put moves on me." She began nervously toying with her hair.
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wrong thing to do I couldn't seem to stop myself ... almost like I wanted it to happen. But it didn't feel like me. He came on like a freight train with bitter accusations and fast hands." Savion took her hand in his, gently easing it away from her anxious hair twirling. "Sounds like Trey got what he deserved. It felt quite good, didn't it? Exerting power over a man that was trying to control you."
"Yes. Is that a bad thing?"
"Not to me. But mortals may think differently. And make no mistake, when we go to Dunalino, you are not to take matters into your own hands. The males on the island are not weak like those here. They have been engaging in the bloodbites for quite some time. You will have no power over them until you are my Senhora Do Sangue." Summer looked up, searching his eyes. "When can I bite you, Savion? I am already beginning to have the cravings."
"Soon, my love." His fingertips floated up and down her arm. "Your strength is increasing quickly. Very soon I will take you home to seal our power."
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Ten
Glaring California sun filled the room. Summer rolled over, tucking her face into a bed pillow. Sunday. A final viewing and the funeral. I dread seeing those bastards again. She reached out to feel for Savion then sighed. Of course he had to leave. But he had made good on his promise to make love to her over and over. She had enjoyed the most heavenly night of passion ever thought possible.