"Lucian!" She squatted next to him, heedless of his warning. Rana touched his forehead. He was so cold. "Lucian, you must eat."
He lifted his head and whispered, almost in delirium, "I hear your blood rushing through your body, Rana, so sweet and warm."
Rana closed her eyes. She had to help him. She couldn't bear to watch him suffer. But I'd better confirm the three strikes you're out rule. "How many times, Lucian?"
"Mmmm?" He looked at her, confused.
She grasped his shoulders. "How many times does a human have to be bitten to become a vampire?"
"Three close together," he mumbled.
"Good. Then once won't kill me."
His eyes closed and she panicked, her heart racing in fear. Pulling him close to her, she offered him her neck. "Take my blood, Lucian. For God's sake, take what you need to survive."
Lucian looked at her neck and his nostrils flared. He set his jaw and shoved at her, sending her sliding back across the wood floor. His expression was intense and the most focused she'd seen him in the last few hours.
"No," he said forcefully. "When I take your blood, it will not be for sustenance."
His words sent a secret thrill racing to her stomach, but she didn't have time to contemplate his meaning. Rana scrambled to her knees and placed her hands on her hips in anger. "Don't be ridiculous, Lucian. I'm here, willing to give you what you need."
His eyes lost focus again and this time his head fell back against the door. He was talking to himself. "I must keep the house camouflaged."
She crawled to him and shook his shoulders. "Is that why you're so weak?"
His head drooped and his chin touched his chest. He mumbled something unintelligible.
She hit his shoulder as tears streamed down her face. "Don't you dare die on me from something so stupid, Lucian. When this is all over, I'm going to kill you myself for being so stubborn."
Rana's mind scrambled for something to do. Then it hit her. The word Lucian had said sounded like Sabryn. Could the Sabryn she'd bought the ring from be his sister? She rushed to her purse and pulled out the receipt from the antique store.
Her hands trembled while she dialed the number and waited for an answer.
"Hello."
"Sabryn?"
"Yes."
"Sabryn, my name is Rana Sterling. Do you have a brother named Lucian Trevane?"
"Yes," she said breathlessly. "Is my brother okay? I didn't see him last night. I've been worried sick."
Rana quickly explained what happened. "Lucian's being stubborn and is now close to passing out on my living room floor. I'm afraid for him."
"I'll be right there. Give me directions to your home."
* * * * *
Twenty agonizing minutes later, someone knocked at her door. Rana grabbed Lucian's hand and tried to pull him away from the door, but Lucian clasped her wrist in a vice-like hold, stalling her efforts.
"No. Don't open your door."
Rana said in her most soothing voice, "Lucian, it's Sabryn. I called her."
His hold tightened, but his eyes couldn't stay focused on her, they lolled in his head. "No. It's a vampire trick."
Rana called to Sabryn through the door. "Sabryn, please speak to your brother mentally. Let him know it's you. He won't let me open the door.
She waited for a few tense seconds and finally Lucian's grip loosened as he collapsed to the floor, completely unconscious. Rana tugged him out of the way, doubled-checked through the peephole, and then opened the door.
Sabryn rushed in, an older gentleman with black hair sprinkled with gray, followed in her wake.
"Lucian," Sabryn called out, concern etched in her beautiful features as she bent over her brother and touched his cheek.
Rana watched in amazement as the woman lifted Lucian in her arms as if her were a mere child. She walked out the door, calling behind her, "Uncle Vlad will stay to protect you, Rana."
Rana sank to the floor and let the tears fall. God, please don't let it be too late for Lucian.
* * * * *
Sabryn took him to a secluded park and compelled three humans, two females and a male, to them. With a worried look, she left him to nourish himself. He fed until he was completely satiated. Tonight, he did erase the memories of those who'd given him their blood. He hadn't been violent, but he hadn't the time or inclination to lure and cajole as he normally would.
Strength surged through his veins as he shapeshifted to a raven's form. Lucian's heart pounded in anticipation now that he was assured of Rana's love for him. He'd stubbornly stayed by her side, needing to protect her from Kraid, his soul sinking to the deepest despair over the condemnation in her eyes whenever she looked his way.
But before he lost consciousness, he'd seen the concern written all over her face, remembered the anger and then alarm in her voice when she yelled at him for being so foolish. Rana cared. She cared a great deal. He sucked the fresh air into his lungs, reveling in life as his heart filled with happiness.
When he neared her house, anger and revenge coursed through him, dampening his high spirits as his mind turned to Kraid. The evil bastard was out there, waiting to try and kill her again. Did Kraid have something to do with Elizabeth's death? He couldn't forget the vamp's words of 'life repeating itself'.
Now that Rana knew him for what he really was, he refused to hide anything about himself from her, ever again. Lucian misted into the living room and materialized, stark naked, right in front of Rana as she stood up from the couch. Sabryn cast an amused glance his way, his uncle's expression stayed deliberately neutral, but the look on Rana's face turned to one of shock.
"That certainly wasn't in the book," Rana said, keeping her eyes at his shoulder level and above.
I only said the book had some inaccuracies. I didn't say the book wasn't missing a few pertinent facts, he stated dryly in her mind.
Her face drained of color before a fusion of embarrassed pink tinted her ashen pallor.
"All those nights? You were real?" She narrowed her eyes on him.
"Lucian…" his uncle started to speak in a warning tone.
Lucian spoke to Sabryn and Vlad in a clipped tone, never letting his gaze leave Rana's. "Leave us."
His relatives walked out the door, leaving him to contend with her wrath.
* * * * *
He stood there, handsome, strong and virile, nothing like the unconscious man she'd screamed at and cried over a couple of hours ago. And there was something else in his commanding stance. Power. Power rolled off of him in waves. Lucian's metallic eyes met hers, his expression thoroughly unrepentant, almost pleased with her reaction.
Her heart stopped in her chest when, in a matter of seconds, she relived all they'd done, all she'd shared with him. Fury fueled her accusatory words. "You stole into my most secret thoughts, Lucian. How could you?"
He pressed his lips together and took a step toward her. "I can only speak in your mind, Rana. I can't read your thoughts. What I know," he spread his hands as if absolving himself, "you shared with me willingly."
Rana held up her hand to speak and then turned her back to him. "Cover yourself, Lucian, I can't talk to you this way."
Lucian chuckled. "As you wish." All of a second passed before he said, standing right behind her, "You can turn around now."
Rana peeked over her shoulder, doubtful he'd be able to accomplish the task so quickly. Lucian wore a white turtleneck and jeans.
She turned back around. "How did you…? Where did you get…?" Finally, she gave up wondering. What the hell, nothing made sense anymore anyway. She let her expression turn cold and distant and crossed her arms over her chest. Tilting her chin up at a defiant angle, she responded to his absolution of his duplicity. "I shared with a character in a dream."
He scowled and angry lines formed around his mouth. Grasping her arms, he yanked her against him. "You shared with your lover, Rana." Stormy gray eyes searched hers. "Because that is what I am, your lover."
His w
ords shot right to her lower belly and below, causing a pure, primal reaction within her. Her sex throbbed and her nipples pebbled, making them so sensitive even her bra rubbing against them set her on edge. Rana put her hands on his chest to shove away from him, needing the distance to keep her composure, and gasped when she touched skin, not clothes.
"Your clothes are an illusion?"
Lucian nodded with a solemn look.
Rana backed away and began to pace in an effort to clear her mind. She'd come so close to losing him. Her heart soared to see him healthy and vibrant again, but her chest constricted when she realized what she'd shared with him was real—that the man knew exactly how to make her fly apart at the seams.
"In my mind you were an illusion." She stopped and faced him. "Not who you really are."
He stepped close to her, reaching out to touch her face. Tenderness replaced the anger in his eyes. "I'm the same man, Rana. My desires haven't changed. I only want to love you."
She closed her eyes at his words. The hurt they brought, especially now that she had so little time left, tore at her heart.
He cupped her face in his big hands. "I want you to come home with me."
Her eyes flew open. "What?" She backed away from his touch, shaking her head. "No, Lucian."
He lowered his hands and spoke in a low, even tone. "You're life is still in danger, Rana. I can protect you better if you're with me. I have guarded my house against vampires." He swept his arm around her living room. "You're vulnerable here, open to attack."
How would she be able to resist him if she was constantly around him? She shook her head once more.
A determined expression settled on his visage, his dark brows slashed downward. "You're coming with me, Rana. It's your choice, come willingly or I'll compel you. I care not which."
Suddenly, the memory of him talking to the cab driver, telling him everything was okay, came rushing back. He'd told the man, to go home and the driver had complied, without questioning him, without repeating the need to call an ambulance. Had Lucian done that to her as well? Was everything they'd shared a lie?
Her stomach clenched in knots, but she needed to know. When she spoke, her voice shook, "Is that what you did to me in my dreams, Lucian? Compelled me?"
His eyes locked with hers, the cadence of his words mesmerized her as he beckoned her with his hand. "Come to me."
Of their own accord, her feet took her to stand in front of him. She remembered walking toward him but not why she did so. He stroked her jaw with his thumb, a smile lingering on his lips. "Now you know what it feels like to be compelled, sweet Rana. I've never compelled you. Not once."
She knew the truth of his words. What she felt during their love making, her actions, were her own. She remembered every vivid, sensual detail.
He lifted her hand and kissed her palm reverently. "I need you with me, by my side. I have a council meeting to attend tomorrow, but I won't go unless I know you're safe."
The council meeting had to be the one The Gatekeeper spoke of, the one where Lucian was to become Vité—leader of all the vampires. After seeing just how evil and powerful vampires could be, she supported Lucian taking on the role. Rana closed her eyes and swallowed. I can do this, I can do this and keep him at bay, she chanted to herself. When she opened her eyes and met Lucian's determined gaze, she heard Jack's amused voice, You know you're dead meat, don't you?
But what else could she do? She nodded. "I'll go with you." At his smile of approval, she held up her hand. "At least until you attend your meeting." He didn't need to know she wouldn't be leaving his home. Dying could put a real damper on one's desire to stay and redecorate.
Chapter Eight
Rana stared in awe as Lucian drove up the long driveway leading to his house. His home was a beautiful mansion, set atop a hill, and surrounded by acres of rolling green pastures. The white house sported no less than thirty windows along the front, each adorned with fancy black shutters. Two huge columns supported the front entrance. A gurgling fountain graced the center of the circular driveway.
When Lucian pulled the Jag up to the front of the house, a tall man walked out and opened Rana's door for her.
"Good evening, Miss. Welcome to Trevane Manor," he said formally.
Rana resisted the urge to say, "Bloody good evening to you, too," figuring the butler would think her humor in poor taste. She stifled a giggle at her own 'punny' ridden thoughts and instead mumbled, "Good evening." Where was this morbid humor coming from? Maybe she was really suffering hysterics and she didn't know it yet.
Or maybe you're finally just enjoying life. She heard Jack's voice in her head.
Too little to late, I'm afraid, Jack.
Lucian grasped her elbow and walked her across the threshold while the butler pulled her suitcase from the car. Rana stood inside and stared at the tall walls full of artwork—some of which she knew had to date back a few centuries.
The main hall had a vaulted ceiling with four wide black marble columns supporting the bulk of the ceiling's weight. The columns sank into a beautiful black, white and maroon tiled floor. Beyond the four columns, two curved staircases flanked the back of the room on either side. The staircases led to the second floor and a balcony that overlooked the entire room.
When the butler walked past, Lucian called out, "Jeffery, please put Miss Sterling in the west wing near me."
Rana quickly looked at him but didn't have a chance to comment as two huge black and gray wolves approached, their wary eyes focused on her.
Involuntarily, she shifted closer to Lucian. Lucian clasped her hand and held her palm out for the wolves to sniff. He spoke to them soothingly. "Jet, Rune, this is Rana. Welcome her to Trevane Manor, boys."
Rana willed herself to remain calm. After all, Lucian was right next to her. Surely the wild beasts wouldn't attack her with him near.
"Wolves are a vampire's best friends. Even though we can sense another vampire, they can sense a presence before we can and alert us to danger, which is especially important while we sleep."
"They seemed to listen to you. Can you talk to them in their minds, too?" Rana asked quietly as the two wolves sniffed her hand, wetting her palm with their noses.
Lucian nodded. "Yes, I can touch their minds, but only if they aren't alpha wolves or werewolves. But that also means so can other vampires."
"Werewolves!" Rana turned to him. "Werewolves really exist?"
Lucian laughed at her shocked expression. "Yes, but we keep our distance from one another, for obvious reasons."
"What, two powerful forces going head to head?" Rana's lips twitched in amusement.
"Something like that." Lucian chuckled. He continued where he'd left off. "Alpha wolves' minds can't be touched by a vampire and that's what makes them very prized among vampires—they can't be quieted or told to remain calm by another vampire. They do as they please, which, if one comes to live with a vampire family, he will protect that family as if it were his own pack. But such creatures are hard to find and usually won't come close to a human or a vampire."
Rana giggled at the tickling sensation when Rune snorted in her hand. After sniffing his fill, Jet sat back on his haunches and panted, but Rune wasn't done. Before she could react, he lifted up on his powerful hind legs, threw his paws over her shoulders, and licked her cheek.
Rana laughed and grasped the wolf's huge face in her hands as he continued to lick her. "Whoa there, Rune, buddy." She turned twinkling eyes to Lucian to see him staring at her with a stunned expression.
"What? You told them to welcome me."
Lucian spoke, his voice low, almost in a whisper, "I've never seen a wolf do that, Rana. Ever."
"That's because you picked the right mate," Sabryn said as she walked down the stairs and called the wolves to her.
Both animals immediately moved to flank her on either side while she approached with an amused expression.
Rana stiffened at her words and looked at Lucian. "Mate?"
"Good night, Sabryn," Lucian said in an annoyed tone. Clasping Rana's elbow, he propelled her toward the stairs.
Rana pulled from his grasp as they walked up the stairs. "Mate?" she repeated again, giving him a sidelong look.
When he didn't answer her, she said, "Lucian, I don't want you to get the wrong impression as to why I'm here. I didn't want you to miss your important meeting because of me. That's all."
While she talked, they'd turned down a long hall. After passing several rooms, Lucian finally stopped and opened a door.
He smiled. "Here's your room."
"Did you hear me, Lucian?"
"Yes, I heard you." He touched her shoulder before she walked in. "Are you hungry? It's well past dinner time for you."
Rana walked into the room and turned to face him. "No, I'm just tired. I think I'll take a bath and go to bed early tonight." She stretched her arms. "My muscles are still a little sore from yesterday."
"It's pretty amazing you survived that accident with barely a scratch." He grinned. "Must've had a guardian angel looking out for you."
You have no idea, bud. This angel only gave me time, not a get out of jail free card. Nope, didn't get to 'pass go' or 'collect $200'.
Rana decided to change the subject before he delved deeper. She'd never been a very good liar. She asked with a grin, "So, where's your coffin?"
Lucian smirked. "Very funny."
She spread her hands wide. "Well, help me out here. The book I had obviously wasn't the best. I figured you could fill in the blanks."
He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. "I sleep in a bed, just like you." A devilish grin rode up his face as desire reflected in his eyes. "Even better, I could sleep in your bed with you." Lucian's clothes, or image of clothes, blinked before her eyes. His broad muscular chest came into focus, reminding her his clothing was nothing more than an illusion.
Rana turned her back to him, refusing to acknowledge his proposition and grumbled, "For Pete's sake, go put some real clothes on, Lucian."
Lucian walked off chuckling. "Good night, sweet Rana."
A Taste For Passion Page 9