Elenaas head snapped back, her ears ringing from the force of the blows.

She stared up at him, fear turning to raw terror when she looked into his eyesa"his crazy mad eyes. He was going to rape her, here and now, she thought. And then he was going to kill her.

aMy baby . . . please . . . donat . . .a aShut up!a Grabbing the cuffs of her maternity jeans, he jerked her pants down over her hips, leaving them bunched around her ankles. Her panties followed.

She was sobbing now, alarm for her unborn baby clawing at her mind as Dinescu shoved her down on the floor. Her bound hands dug into her back, but she was hardly aware of the discomfort. She rolled onto her side in a vain effort to crawl away, but it was impossible with her hands tied. Impossible because there was nowhere to go.

She cried out when his fist slammed into her side and then he was flipping her onto her back again, his lips pulled back in a leer. He hit her again, his enjoyment plain on his face as she screamed.

He was going to rape her. I will have you. His threat, issued not long ago, echoed in the back of her mind. Whatever he did, she had to endure it, she thought, had to survive for the sake of her baby. And even as the thought crossed her mind, she knew the baby would likely die from her uncleas brutal a.s.sault. If that happened . . . She thrust the thought from her mind. She had to survive, for her baby. For Drake.

She squeezed her eyes shut when Dinescu shrugged out of the bulky coat and began unfastening his trousers.

This couldnat be happening, she thought desperately. It had to be a nightmare. She would wake up soon to find Drake beside her.

She cried out when her uncle lowered his bulk over her. Please, she prayed fervently, please spare my baby.

Tears leaked from her eyes as her uncleas hands moved over her, his touch repulsive, each stroke making her feel dirty, defiled.

She tried to dislodge him, tried to avoid his s...o...b..ry kisses, but he was too heavy, too determined, and with her hands tied behind her back, she was helpless. His foul breath made her sick to her stomach, his touch revolted her. Hot, bitter bile burned the back of her throat, and spewed between her lips when his mouth covered hers.

With a harsh cry of dismay, Dinescu reeled back.

Elena turned her head to the side, gasping for breath. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dinescu raise his fists to strike her again. Abandoning all hope, she closed her eyes and prayed for mercy.

But the blow didnat fall.

She heard a hoa.r.s.e cry, a sharp crack, like a bone breaking. Curious, she opened her eyes a little, squinting to see what was happening.

Relief washed through her when she saw Drake. He was here. She was safe. A flood of tears released the tension in her body as he reached for her.

aHe will never hurt you again,a Drake said, lifting her to her feet, gathering her in his arms. aOn my life, I swear no one will ever hurt you again.a He quickly untied her hands. Swinging her into his arms, he held her close. Keeping her face turned away from the body sprawled on the floor, he carried her out of the shed, then transported them into the castle. He would go back later to dispose of the body.

He kept a tight rein on his anger as he gently lowered Elena onto the sofa in front of the fireplace, covered her with the afghan, then started a fire in the hearth. He stood there a moment, gazing into the flames, his hands clenched at his sides. Dinescu would never know how lucky he had been, Drake thought. If not for his concern over Elena and what she might think if she knew what he was capable of, he would have torn the man limb from limb and taken pleasure in his anguished screams.

aDrake?a Wiping his face clean of emotion, he turned to look at her, his gut twisting at the sight of her face, swollen and black-and-blue where Dinescu had hit her. aDo you need something? Aspirin? A cool cloth? Something to drink?a She shook her head. aHow did you find me?a aI woke up and knew you were gone. I could sense your fear. I followed it to where you were.a aBut itas daytime.a aI was never outside.a He had transported himself from the castle to the shed. But he would have come after her even if head had to cross a desert at midday to find her. Would have walked through the hottest fires of h.e.l.l itself to bring her home. Kneeling on the floor in front of the sofa, he took her hands in his. aAre you all right?a aI think so. The baby . . .a Eyes narrowed in concentration, he pressed one hand over her womb.

aIs she . . . ?a Elena bit down on her lower lip.

aAll is well. Her heartbeat is strong and steady.a Fresh tears welled in Elenaas eyes. aIf you hadnat come in time . . . if . . .a Her tears turned to sobs as the full horror of what had happened, what could have happened, set in.

Sitting on the sofa, Drake gathered her into his arms, blanket and all, and rocked her back and forth. aIt is over,a he said, his voice low, soothing. aHe is dead. Our daughter is unharmed.a He spoke the last words, hoping they were true.

Elena nodded, her body trembling uncontrollably.

aElena, beloved, look at me.a Capturing her gaze with his, he spoke to her mind, his voice quietly calming her as he a.s.sured her that he loved her, that she was safe, until she fell asleep in his arms.

Elena awoke with a groan. Her body ached, her face felt swollen where Dinescu had hit her, but those werenat the pains that had roused her from sleep. She pressed a hand to her stomach. Was she having contractions? A gasp of alarm speared through her. It was too soon for the baby to come.

aElena?a Awakened by the sharp intake of her breath, Drake sat up.

aThe baby, I think sheas coming.a He glanced at the hearth, igniting a fire to warm her.

aDrake!a She clutched at his hand. aItas too soon.a He swore softly. Had the trauma shead experienced at her uncleas hands caused this?

She bent over, her arms wrapped around her middle. aYou need a doctor,a he said. And the best one he knew was one of the drones at the Fortress. A look smothered the fire in the hearth.

Gathering Elena into his arms, he kissed her cheek, then transported the two of them to his apartment at the Fortress. After tucking her into bed, he opened his senses, then summoned the doctor to his room.

The drone, known as Doctor Samuels, arrived moments later, medical bag in hand. A word released the drone from the thrall that bound him.

aMy wife appears to be in labor,a Drake said, gesturing toward Elena. aSee to her.a With a nod, the doctor went into the bathroom and washed his hands, then returned to the bedside. He took Elenaas vitals, asked a few pertinent questions, then drew back the covers to examine her.

Drake stood beside the bed, his arms crossed over his chest. He had not prayed often in his life, but he prayed now, prayed fervently for a miracle.

The doctor was still examining Elena when someone knocked at the door. Before Drake could open it, Liliana stepped into the room. She didnat say a word, merely moved to stand on the other side of the bed.

The doctor pulled the covers over Elena, then looked at Drake. aSheas in the early stages of labor,a he confirmed. aI will need some hot water and several clean sheets.a aI will get them,a Liliana said, and left the room.

aYou may want to help her into a clean nightgown,a the doctor said.

Drake nodded. aWait outside.a After the doctor left, Drake pulled the covers from the bed, then undressed Elena.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. aIam scared.a aI know.a He found a clean gown in one of the dresser drawers and slipped it over her head, then covered her with one of the blankets. aSamuels is one of the best doctors in the world.a She grimaced at the onset of another contraction. aWhy didnat you free the drones when you freed the sheep?a aI honestly did not think of it.a aYou should. It isnat fair to keep them here. Or to keep one of the worldas best doctors imprisoned when he could be helping lots of people instead of the few who live in the Fortress.a aYes, wife.a aBut Iam glad heas here now.a Elena choked back a groan. aIt hurts,a she wailed, clutching her stomach. aI didnat think it would hurt so much.a Liliana entered the room just then, with the doctor at her heels. She carried several folded sheets; the doctor carried a basin of hot water.

aDrake,a Liliana said, dropping the sheets on the foot of the bed, aI think you should wait outside. Having a baby is womenas work.a aNo!a Elena exclaimed, grabbing one of Drakeas hands. aStay with me!a aWhatever you wish, wife,a he said, squeezing her hand.

With a humph, Liliana said, aThen at least get out of the way so the doctor can do his job.a aHe can work around me. Iam staying right here.a Liliana glared at him.

Drake looked at the doctor. aIs everything all right?a aHer labor has accelerated,a Samuels said.

Elena moaned as her contractions came harder, faster. She clung to Drakeas hand, her nails biting into his palm.

aPush,a the doctor said.

Elena squeezed Drakeas hand harder, a low groan rising in her throat as she labored to bring their child into the world.

Unable to bear seeing her in pain, Drake wrapped his mind around hers, shielding her from the worst of it with his preternatural power.

aWeare almost there,a Samuels said. aI see the head.a Elenaas body tensed and then, taking a deep breath, she pushed as hard as she could.

aThatas right,a the doctor said. aJust one more push and you can hold your baby in your arms.a Drake wiped the perspiration from her brow. aYou can do it, sweeting,a Drake said encouragingly.

Elena stared up at him, her hand clutching his as she expelled the infant from her womb in a rush of water and blood.

aIt is a girl,a Liliana murmured. aA perfectly beautiful little girl.a Leaning down, Drake kissed Elena on the cheek, then whispered, aI love you, wife.a She smiled up at him. aI want to see her.a aThe doctor is cleaning her up. She is beautiful,a Drake said, abut not as beautiful as her mother.a Moments later, washed and wearing a clean gown, Elena was sitting up, her daughter cradled in her arms. aSheas so tiny.a She looked up at the doctor. aIs she all right?a aSheas strong and healthy, her lungs are clear, her heart rate is good. I donat foresee any problems.a aThank you.a aDoctor.a At the sound of Drakeas voice, the doctor turned to face him. aYou will return to your quarters until you are needed.a There was a note of command in Drakeas voice.

aYes, Lord Drake,a he said, his voice a monotone. Bowing his head, he left the room.

Elena pressed a kiss to the babyas brow, then smiled up at Drake. aSheas beautiful,a she murmured, running her fingers lightly over the babyas thick black hair. aI wonder if her eyes will stay blue, like yours.a She looked up at Drakeas mother, who stood near the bed, a rapt expression on her face as she gazed at the baby. aWould you like to hold her?a aMay I?a aOf course.a A smile spread over Lilianaas face as she took the baby in her arms. It was, Elena thought, the first genuine smile she had ever seen on the other womanas face.

aYou beautiful little thing,a Liliana crooned. aHow I wish your grandfather was here to see you.a A single scarlet tear trickled down her cheek. aHe would have adored you.a Elena glanced at Drake, astonished by the gentleness in Lilianaas voice, the love that shone in her eyes.

aHave you chosen a name for her?a Liliana asked.

aYes,a Elena said, smothering a yawn. aKaitlyn Liliana, after her grandmothers.a Liliana looked at Elena, astonishment clear on her face, and then she looked at Drake. aYou are going to name her . . . after me?a He was as surprised as his mother, perhaps more so, but he managed to hide it. aYou are part of the family, after all.a aThank you, Drake. Elena.a Blinking rapidly, Liliana handed the baby to Drake and vanished from the room.

aWhat was that all about?a Elena asked. aWhy did she leave so suddenly?a aI am not sure,a Drake said, abut I think you may have just found the c.h.i.n.k in my motheras armor.a Elena slept most of the rest of the day. Toward evening, Andrei and Katiya came to see Elena and the baby. Elena couldnat help feeling a little guilty that Kaitlyn was strong and healthy when Katiyaas son hadnat survived.

aShe is lovely,a Katiya said with a wistful smile. aMay I hold her?a Elena nodded. aOf course.a She noted the sadness in Katiyaas eyes, the regret in Andreias.

Katiya cradled the baby in her arms, but only for a moment. Elena couldnat imagine what she would have done, how she would have felt, if Kaitlyn hadnat survived. Her daughter was only a few hours old, and yet Elena already loved her beyond words, had loved her even before she was born.

Andrei and Katiya didnat stay long. Murmuring that Elena was probably tired, Katiya placed the baby in her arms, then quickly turned away, but not before Elena saw the tears in her eyes.

Andrei paused at the door. aHave you decided when to have the ceremony?a he asked.

aWe will let you know,a Drake said. aThank you for coming.a When their visitors had gone, Elena glanced at Drake. aWhat ceremony?a aIt is customary to hold a naming ceremony a week after a child is born.a aI see.a She smiled as she stroked the babyas tiny hand. aAre we supposed to send invitations?a aNo.a He sat on the edge of the bed. aWe will tell the Council when we decide on a date, and they will spread the word to the others in the Fortress.a aEveryone is invited?a Drake nodded. aThere is nothing for you to do,a he said, lightly stroking his daughteras downy cheek. aIt is a simple ceremony, merely a way of introducing our daughter to the residents of the Fortress.a aHow many are there?a aIt varies. There are usually forty or fifty here at any given time.a He paused, his expression melancholy. aI would have liked Stefan to be here.a aIsnat there any way for you to get in touch with him?a aNo.a aHeas your favorite brother, isnat he?a Drake nodded. As the oldest, he had always felt duty-bound to look after his little brother. Because Stefan was the youngest, there had been little compet.i.tion between them.

aHmm. It seems odd that you can read mortal minds, but not those of your own kind.a aYou think so? Would you like to be able to read the minds of your family members? Or have them read yours?a Elena thought about it a minute, then shook her head. aNo, I guess not. But Iad like to be able to read your thoughts.a He grinned at her. aIf there is anything you wish to know, wife of my heart, you have only to ask.a aHow long are we going to stay here?a aUntil after the naming ceremony.a aI hope Katiya will be all right. She looks so unhappy.a aHer sadness will lessen, in time. They will try again next year.a Elena sighed, wishing that everyone could be as happy as she was. aI miss Stefan,a she murmured. He wasnat only Drakeas favorite, but hers, as well.

Drake nodded. aSooner or later, he will come home.a It might take years. It might take centuries, but sooner or later, Stefan would have to come home. It was in his blood.

Elena glanced at her daughter, sleeping peacefully in her arms. aDo you think weall be able to get pregnant again?a aI do not know,a he said, waggling his brows at her, abut I am willing to try as often as you wish.a

Chapter 36.

In spite of all that Drake had told her, Elena wasnat sure what to expect when they went to the naming ceremony a week later. Drake wore a pair of black slacks, black boots, and a blindingly white shirt. Elena wore a dress of delicate white lace that had been a gift from Liliana. The baby wore a long white silk gown, also a gift from Liliana.

Entering the Council room, Elena saw that the members were all present. Like Drake, the Council members and male guests wore black trousers and white shirts. The women were all dressed in white gowns. What must have been a hundred white candles lit the room with a warm glow.

Katiya smiled rea.s.suringly at Elena.

Drake took his place on the dais, with Elena seated at his right and Liliana at his left.

aWe are gathered here to celebrate the birth of my daughter, and to give her a name, that she might be recognized throughout our Coven.a Turning, he took the baby from Elena. Lifting his daughter in his arms, he said, aFrom this day forward, this child shall be known as Kaitlyn Liliana Sherrad, daughter of Drake Sherrad and Elena Knightsbridge Sherrad, granddaughter of Liliana Sherrad.a He smiled down at his daughter, who stared up at him through wide blue eyes. aWelcome to our Coven, Kaitlyn Liliana. May your life be long and filled with peace and happiness.a One by one, those in the room came forward and swore to protect Kaitlyn and reaffirmed their allegiance to Drake. And then, one by one, they welcomed Elena to the Fortress. It seemed odd, considering all that had happened before, and yet, their softly spoken words of welcome made her feel as if she did, indeed, belong.

Elena was ready to go back to their apartment when it was over. The birth had been difficult and she still tired easily.

She tucked Kaitlyn into her crib and then, stifling a yawn, Elena climbed into bed.

aWhat did you think?a Drake asked, drawing the covers over her.

aIt was very moving,a she replied. aFor the first time, I feel like I belong here.a aOf course you belong,a he said, kissing her on the forehead. aYou will always belong wherever I am. Rest now.a Late that night, after Elena had fallen asleep, Drake left the Fortress. Standing outside on a snow-covered bluff that overlooked the valley below, he lifted his head and for the second time in twenty-four hours, he offered a prayer, this one of thanks that Elena and the baby had survived.

Elena had asked about the possibility of more children, but as far as he was concerned, one was enough. He loved his woman too much to put her life at risk again.

Tomorrow night, he would free the drones. He doubted if any would choose to stay, but now that the sheep had been freed, there was little need for the drones. Releasing them would be the last step in abandoning a way of life that had existed for over a thousand years. But it was time. The world was changing.

He was about to return to the Fortress when the air around him shimmered. A moment later, his mother stood beside him. He studied her from the corner of his eye. She wore unrelieved black. Her face was paler than usual. Her pale blond hair fell like a mantle down her back and over her shoulders.

They stood together in silence for several minutes before she said, aI was not pleased when you defied your fatheras wishes and rescinded his annulment. I knew you did not love Katiya, but I felt she was right for you and hoped that, in time, you would forget Elena and learn to love one of your own kind.a Pausing, she took a deep breath. aI see now that I was wrong. You would never have been happy with anyone else.a Drake stared at his mother. Stunned by her words, he couldnat think of anything to say.

aI envy what you and Elena have,a Liliana went on quietly, still not meeting his gaze. aMy marriage to your father was arranged, as is the custom among our people.a She stared into the distance and Drake had the feeling she was no longer speaking to him.

aI loved your father from the first time I saw him. He was handsome, as you are, strong and proud and stubborn. I knew he did not love me. I knew he would take other wives. There were times when he was cruel, and yet I stayed at his side. I wish now that I had told him I loved him, but I lacked the courage to say the words out loud. Perhaps because I knew he would not say them back to me.a She shrugged. aIt does not matter now. He is gone, and he will never know how much I cared for him. And now,a she said, speaking so quietly he could scarcely hear her, abefore I go, I want you to know that I love you, and that I am proud of you.a Knowing she was about to leave, Drake laid his hand on her arm. aWhat are you going to do?a aWhat do you mean?a aYou know d.a.m.n well what I mean. That little speech sounded a lot like a last good-bye.a She turned her face away, but said nothing.

aI have lost my sire,a Drake said, his hand still holding her arm. aI will not lose you, as well. You have a granddaughter who will need you, sons and daughters who care for you. I want your promise that you will not destroy yourself.a aAnd if I refuse to give it?a aThen I will lock you in the dungeon until you come to your senses.a aYou are more like your father than I thought,a she retorted, but Drake heard the smile in her tone.

aI will not ask Elena to live in the Fortress,a he said. aThere are too many bad memories here for both of us. But I promise you we will come to visit often. And you are welcome to visit Wolfram whenever you wish, for as long as you wish.a aDrake . . .a His hand tightened on her arm, his gaze drilling into hers. aI will have your promise before you go,a he insisted.

aYou have it,a she whispered.

He nodded, and then he did something he had rarely done. He kissed his mother on the cheek. aThank you.a aThank you,a she replied, her voice thick with unshed tears. aGood night.a He remained outside for several minutes, remembering the past, thinking of the future, and then he returned to his quarters. He had expected to find Elena asleep, but she was sitting up in bed, nursing their daughter.

It was, he thought, the prettiest sight he had ever seen in his life.

Elena smiled when she saw him in the doorway, and Drake knew he would ask nothing more of his existence than to go on loving her for as long as they lived.

When she held out her hand, he heeled off his boots, shrugged out of his shirt, then sat on the edge of the bed.

aHow are you feeling?a aA little sore, thatas all.a Drake kissed her, then brushed a feather-light kiss across his daughteras downy cheek.

Elena felt a tug at her heart as she watched Drake kiss their daughter. aI was missing you.a aAs I miss you,a he murmured, awhenever we are apart.a aTell me the truth. Do you think our daughter will be like you?a aYes. Vampire blood is strong. Our genes are dominant.a aSo, theyall completely overshadow her humanity?a aItas possible, but doubtful. I think her vampire side will prevail, though I doubt if her need to feed will be as compelling. I am guessing now, but I think that, because of her human half, she will always be able to eat mortal food and walk in the sun.a He smiled as he ran his fingers through a lock of Elenaas hair. aShe may be weak in some areas, stronger in others, but I think our daughter will be blessed with the best of both worlds.a

Epilogue.

Eighteen years later.

Glancing at the clock, Elena ran up the stairs. aKaitlyn, do you know what time it is? If you donat hurry, youall be late for school!a aIam ready, Mom,a Kaitlyn said, smiling.

Elena paused in the doorway, momentarily taken aback as she stared at her daughter. Where had the years gone? It seemed only yesterday Kaitlyn had been a little girl, learning to walk, to talk, going to kindergarten for the first time. How had she grown up so fast? She was breathtakingly beautiful, with thick black hair and her fatheras deep blue eyes.

Elena blinked back her tears. They had been truly blessed. None of the things Elena had worried about had happened. Drake had told Kaitlyn early on about her heritage and the Fortress, and when she had expressed a desire to see it, they had gone there one year for vacation. Kaitlyn had loved the castle and the people in it, and had formed an instant bond with Liliana, a bond that continued to this day, Elena thought, but she wasnat surprised. Everyone who met Kaitlyn loved her.

And now she was about to embark on a journey. Today was her last day of high school. She was graduating tonight; tomorrow she was leaving for college in America. It was a day for celebrating. Andrei and Katiya and their children would be arriving after sundown, along with Liliana and a number of Drakeas brothers. She wondered, not for the first time, what Stefan was doing. They hadnat heard from him since head left the Fortress so many years ago.