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No doubt Dori would be at her door on time, and Savion had chosen to avoid a scene. His consideration impressed her. For an immortal he had impeccable manners and timing. But then again, she had never known one of "his kind" before, so how could she judge? Mortal or not, he had better etiquette than most people she knew. Especially the one who would soon be pounding on her door. I sure hope she doesn't expect me to visit after the funeral.
The sun seemed unusually bright today. After closing the blinds Summer headed for a nice, relaxing bath. The second bite on her neck was healing much quicker than the first. Both marks could barely be seen already. Strange. Am I becoming immortal like Savion? After all, he didn't have to die in order to make the transition. She recalled how he said the band had been ill and gone through bizarre changes before discovering what they'd become. I could be going through the alteration faster because of his superior power. Her fingertips floated over the fading marks. A feeling of deep affection flooded her upon touching his point of invasion. 84
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Yes. This gorgeous rock star has invaded my very soul, and I couldn't be happier. She sighed contentedly. Well, Mother. Sorry that I'm not grieving today. But I really think I grieved for you a long time ago. Looks like we both finally got free of the hell you put us in. Rest in peace now. Bubbles enveloped her naked body as she sank into the tub. Oh, this feels wonderful! Her thoughts drifted over the previous night. My first experience with sexual intercourse. And with the most charming man alive! She considered that they hadn't used protection and wondered if it mattered. With Savion immortal and her childbearing years long gone because of a hysterectomy, she didn't see a risk. He had taken her blood into his very soul and soon would ask her to return the gesture. Using contraception hardly seemed rational at this point. Ah, Savion. I'm so in love with you. Frantic knocking coming from the other room jarred her from the tranquil state of mind. Too early for Dori. Who could be pounding on my door already? Had Eric returned home early to find the gun missing and her wedding band on the bed? A rush of panic formed a knot in her stomach. Quickly she wrapped herself in a robe and padded to the door.
"Who's there?" She pressed her ear against the solid door.
"Urgent message, Ms. Surya. I have a telegram." His voice sounded muffled.
For a few minutes she hesitated in caution, then she decided to open the door just a crack. Suddenly a polished Western boot jutted between the door and wall, then the door swung wide open, knocking her back. Summer reached for a chair to steady herself but was thrown to the floor with brutal 85
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force. Instinctively she covered her head and rolled out of the way when the rust-colored boot kicked at her. A rough hand yanked her head back by her hair.
"You little bitch! What did you do to me?" Trey glared at her with narrowed eyes.
She struggled to break free, but his strength had increased overnight, making her believe that she'd turned him into a blood-dragon. She grappled with the possibilities as he towered over her in a menacing stance.
"You got what you deserved. I know what you were thinking, and I heard what your pitiful group of friends said about me."
His hand came down and struck her cheek. She winced yet snapped at his hand with her teeth.
"I couldn't make love to my wife last night because of you!
You're cursed, and now I am too! Is this what you did to Eric?
You are the reason he is impotent ... aren't you?"
"That..." she said through clenched teeth, "...is not my fault."
He smacked her again, then stepped on her legs when she tried to scramble to her feet.
"You'll stay on the floor where you belong. A little piece of trash like you." His free hand clutched her throat. "I saw Savion Gibson lurking around this hotel. You've let that monster mark you." He rubbed his thumb over the bite mark.
"Like some kind of whore."
Their eyes locked in a heated stare. Summer felt his intense hate.
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"You wouldn't have thought me a whore if you had your way last night," she spat. "You'll regret ever touching me."
"I already do." He gave her hair another hard tug. "Now I'm here to teach you a lesson. One that will make you think twice before biting another man."
She couldn't read his thoughts and didn't understand why as he began pulling her towards the bedroom. Without thinking she reached up and grabbed the leather backpack sitting on a chair as Trey dragged her past. Gut instinct led her to believe that Trey wouldn't kill her. He had friends and family to protect. Additionally he'd have a hard time explaining her whereabouts now that everyone had met her and seen them leave together. At the moment her biggest fear was how much Trey might know and that he would render her unconscious to steal the clothes. A strange thought in the midst her dire situation, those stage clothes of all things, yet they were her first concern. Savion! Help me! Her spirit cried out to his. Trey reached down to rip the backpack away. "Give me that, bitch! You'll get no help from your vampire lover today!" She shot him a warring look, clutching the leather bag with all her strength.
"Ohhh, yes." He laughed sadistically. "I can read your mind too. Now you're going to pay."
"I don't think so," another man's voice growled from behind.
Ignoring the pain, Summer arched her neck against the force of Trey's grip. Her eyes met Savion's for a fleeting glance before he lifted Trey off the floor by his throat with one 87
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hand. The next thing she saw was Trey's body slamming off the far wall, then slumping to the floor. She watched Savion thrash him repeatedly—effortlessly. His sheer brawn turned her on in a new way.
Savion stood over the beaten man. "I should kill you right here for what you've done to my woman." He wiped a bloody fist on Trey's jeans. "However, it will be worse for you to live. Make no mistake ... you ever look at her again, she'll be the last thing you see in this life. Now get the fuck out." Summer flung herself into his arms while Trey scurried out the door.
"You came!"
"Of course, my love. I will always come when you call. I'm sorry I left you alone. I thought you'd be with your sister."
"Trey tried to take the clothes, but I refused to let go. Does he know everything now? I turned him into a blooddragon." Savion sat her on the bed to inspect her injuries. Gently he brushed her tangled mane from her swelling face.
"He's not one of us, love. Your bite may have temporarily heightened his senses, but nothing more."
"He said he couldn't make love to his wife because of me."
"Really?" That her bite had such a dramatic effect on the mortal meant her venom had begun to mature. Wow! So soon! She's wicked hot!
"Yes. He accused me of making Eric impotent too. Said I am cursed." She hung her head to hide the shame of her past creeping up inside.
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"Summer ... bay-beh." A tender finger lifted her chin until their eyes met. "He was just playing head games. Sure, he most likely knows who I am and now, what you will be. But he has no power over you. He cannot become one of us unless invited to bite a female blood-dragon, and females can only convert by biting an official band member. The bloodsource link is unbreakable."
"So I'm not a blood-dragon yet?"
"Not yet, my sweet. That is why I told you we must wait until you're strong enough to return my bite. Bloody hell ... I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you. No woman has yet given her bite. None have stepped forward with a request to do so. They seem reluctant to endure the transformation process and become bound to this fate. You will become the first Senhora Do Sangue." Summer wrinkled her brow quizzically. "But these changes I've been going through..."
"Al
l part of the process. Remember, you have been chosen by me. Outside of the band, other inhabitants on Dunalino are still mortals with a few enhanced abilities. Sort of like glorified groupies so to speak. They enjoy the pleasures of the island, including the sensual bites and side effects. However, that's as far as it goes with them unless someone starts a chain."
"I see."
Petting her hair affectionately, he elaborated. "A person can only become a blood-dragon by biting another blooddragon. And since none of the other women have expressed desire to convert, neither can more males. The power can only be transferred between opposite sex. Until another 89
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woman consents to endure the process into immortality, our mortal male residents will remain as they are—enhanced but mortal."
"I understand. So Trey will only be affected temporarily. I wonder why Nahtosha spoke to me."
"Nahtosha contacted you?" His eyes widened with great interest.
Summer nodded. "After my incident with Trey."
"Please ... tell me what she said."
"She told me I did well." Summer reached up and touched his face. "And that you chose admirably as she knew you would."
He placed a delicate kiss on her lips, then gazed lovingly into her eyes. "I'm impressed. This explains why you let him in last night and why your bite rendered that wanker impotent. He truly did get what he deserves. You seem to be on the inside track with Nahtosha ... as if you've absorbed some of her spirit. Perhaps that's why you didn't feel like yourself."
She let her hand drift down to the shimmering, silveryblack pendent.
"Yes ... I believe you may be right."
[Back to Table of Contents]
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Eleven
"Let me help you get ready." He framed her face with loving hands. "You've already had a rough start to what looks like a long day."
She sighed and closed her eyes, relishing the instant healing his touch brought to her bruised face. "I'll be so glad when this day is over."
"If you want, I will go with you today for support. Your marriage has been dissolved. Eric will find out soon enough. Do you still wish to keep me a secret?" She opened her eyes to search his. They carried the sweetest expression of love—a feeling she'd been without all her life.
"Quite honestly I'm very nervous about going by myself today. Dori has been snooping around on me. Her husband is entertaining immoral thoughts, and now you just beat the shit out of his best friend."
"Just say the word and I'm there with you."
"Okay ... yes. I want you to come. I feel safe with you." She touched her cheek in amazement. "How'd you do that?
Heal my face with your touch?"
"With the energy in my soul and my love for you. Since the first time you received my bite, I have also experienced an unbelievable increase in power. I believe that our union has given us something rare."
"You are something rare," she said. 91
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He smiled the easy, charismatic smile she'd already grown so deeply attached to. " We are, love. Now you best get ready before Dori is pounding on the door again."
"I'll call her to let her know I have a ride. It's such a relief knowing I won't have to endure another day of Nick's unsettling glances."
* * * *
Savion freshened up in a separate bathroom, then waited in the main room while Summer made her call and dressed. When she walked into the living area his heart raced. A stunning, royal blue dress that enhanced the blue of her eyes hugged her curves beautifully. Not so tight as to be tacky, it clung just enough to reveal her lovely figure. She had braided her gold-streaked hair to one side. Thin straps secured to the dress were tied behind her graceful neck. He stared longingly at her bare shoulders and neck, fighting back the urge to taste her right then and there. However, the last thing he wanted to do was leave a blemish on her silky skin for others to gawk at. No, another bite will have to wait. It wouldn't heal before the service.
His gaze traveled down her long legs. For a woman of only a few inches over five feet tall, she had killer legs that seemed to go on forever. Even with her fair skin, she didn't need stockings. She looked amazingly youthful for her age. His eyes skimmed over her bare feet with neatly polished toenails, strapped into dainty high heels. So much more he yearned to experience with her. They had just started their journey.
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"You are a vision of heaven," he said softly. "A perfect blend of ultimate sensuality and class. No wonder the men chase after you."
"I could care less about other men. I want only you." He stood up, pulling her into his arms. Her full lips shimmered with icy pink color. Ever so lightly he touched his lips to hers without messing her freshly applied gloss.
"Then you have what you want. I'm yours."
* * * *
Funeral parlors always carried an unusual hush, Summer thought as they walked through the doors. But when she and Savion entered the viewing room, a silence so thick fell over the crowd she swore they'd all quit breathing. Savion lowered his head and whispered, "I think we've gone and killed the room, love."
She bit her lip to stifle a giggle. He's such a rogue! Yet, everything he did thrilled her in ways she never expected. A simple brush of his hand, a softly spoken word or his offbeat humor in this case.
Dori was the first to approach. "Summer," she said in a low whisper. Her eyes darted about nervously. "Why on earth did you bring him here?"
"He is my ride." Summer didn't feel obligated to explain Savion to her.
"Do you know who he is?"
"Yes ... now please, don't make a scene."
"Does Eric know about this?" Dori became annoyingly insistent.
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Summer took Dori's hand and squeezed it hard. Keeping her voice low and a smile on her face, she said, "No. But he will in time. Let's just get through this day, then go about our lives."
"I hoped that our unexpected reunion would give us a chance to be sisters."
"You may be my sister by birth, but you've never been there for me." Summer shot her a stern look. "Now put on your phony smile and mind your own business." Dori wrenched her hand away as if she'd been stung.
"Fine. But when you leave ... be sure to take that animal with you. We don't like his kind."
"You don't have to worry about being seduced by him, Dori. You're not his blood-type."
Summer walked away with a smirk. This is going to be an interesting day. She took a seat far in the back. A folding panel had been opened to extend the visitation area in anticipation of a larger gathering for the service. Savion sat next to her, an arm casually draped over her bare shoulders.
"I think that went rather well." She covered her mouth to halt a laugh. "Yes ... well ... it's not over yet." Then she spotted Trey coming through the door. "What's he doing here? He didn't need to come again today." She noticed the lines on Savion's face tighten as his eyes focused on Trey.
"He's looking for his own funeral," he muttered under his breath.
She slid closer, nestling into the curve of his arm. "He's in the right place then."
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Trey looked over as if deliberately taunting them. Summer was shocked at his audacity. She averted her eyes, hoping he would leave them be. Surely he won't cause trouble here. Hairs on her neck bristled while she furtively observed him converse with Dori and Nick. The threesome glanced over with suspicious eyes as Trey obviously filled them in on the morning's events.
"He's telling them what happened."
"Relax, babe." Savion curled his arm around her protectively. "He can't hurt you." His fin
gers toyed with the ends of her braid while his gaze remained fixed on the trio across the room.
"What if he creates a ruckus?"
"He won't."
Potent vibes emanating from Savion caused her to look up at his face. Something odd was going on. She glanced at Trey in time to see him become uneasy. He began shifting nervously back and forth while chatting with his friends. Then he wiped his brow with a sleeve. Even from the opposite side of the parlor Summer could see his face grow pale. Another glimpse at Savion made her acutely aware that he had everything to do with Trey's sudden alteration. Savion's eyes held an ominous glimmer. Trey cast them a dazed look, then in the next moment he collapsed on the floor. Dori shrieked in open fear. Nick whipped out his cell phone. Both knelt on the floor beside his motionless body. Summer couldn't move. A streak of adrenaline raced through her. She watched as if through glass while paramedics rushed in to tend the man lying on the floor. They 95
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worked feverishly for long minutes to no avail. Savion's expression never wavered. Finally the medical team bowed their heads in defeat, lifted Trey's body onto a gurney and covered him with a white sheet.
"Oh God!" Dori cried. "He's dead. Trey is dead!" She fell into Nick's arms and sobbed.
When the commotion ended, several of Trey's buddies left too. The only obnoxious crony left behind was Nick.
"Did you do that?" Summer whispered. Her eyes still fixed on the tearful scene around Dori.
"Nobody will take you from me." Savion kissed her cheek.
"Trey told them what happened but made me look like the bad one. He conveniently failed to mention his obscene behavior. They were conspiring on how to send you back to Eric tonight. Dori was planning to call him after the viewing, before the service. She was going to tell your ex everything and coax him into flying out here right away."
"You could hear them? Why couldn't I this time?"
"It's okay, love. I felt your tension when we came through the door. Dori's sudden approach put you on defense straight off. Anxiety ... fear ... these cloud the senses. Remember that, my sweet."
Summer sat unmoving, somewhat shell-shocked over what had just transpired. She now understood why she hadn't been able to read Trey's mind when he attacked. His sudden assault had filled her with fear and panic and had blocked her mind. Trey's attempt to harm her and his foolish decision to ignore Savion's warning had led to his early demise. She'd just witnessed what happened to people who cross Savion. 96