She was washing the dishes when Drake strolled into the kitchen, his own steps as silent as those of the cat.

aGood evening, my lady wife,a he murmured.

aMy lord,a she replied with a smile. Living here, in the castle, it was easy to believe he was indeed the lord of all he surveyed.

Her heart fluttered with excitement as he drew her into his arms. He was so tall, so broad, so overpowering, just looking at him filled her with a warm longing to touch him and taste him, to feel his hands caressing her.

aSo, wife, what would you like to do this evening?a aWhatever you wish, husband,a she replied, her voice breathless with antic.i.p.ation.

His gaze moved over her, his eyes hot. aSurely you know how I would wish to spend the evening.a Heart pounding, mind racing, she stared up at him, mute. As enticing as he was, she was not yet ready to surrender her virtue.

Drake chuckled softly. aFear not, sweet wife,a he chided. aI do not intend to ravish you against your will, though you are a sore temptation. So,a he said, slipping his hands into his pockets, awould you care to go for a drive?a aOh, yes,a she said quickly. aVery much.a Drake smiled at her. aMy carriage awaits.a His carriage turned out to be a sleek black Porsche convertible. Drake opened the door for her, then went around the car and slid behind the wheel.

aWhere are we going?a Elena asked as he turned the key and the engine purred to life.

aNowhere in particular,a Drake replied. aIs there somewhere you wish to go?a aNo.a It was a lovely night for a drive. He put the top down, giving her a clear view of the sky. The air was warm, fragrant with the scent of night-blooming flowers. But it was the scent of the man beside her that held Elena spellbound. His profile was sharp and clear in the faint light of the dash. He glanced over at her now and again, and each time, the look in his eyes made her heart skip a beat.

She searched for something to say to break the taut silence between them. The incident with the cat came readily to mind, but in the here and now, it no longer seemed real. Or important.

The road they followed meandered through a moon-dappled forest and then along the edge of a cliff that plummeted straight down.

aDo not worry, wife,a he drawled. aI have driven down this road many times.a Comforting words, she thought, but if the car went over the side, only an angel would be able to save her from being broken to pieces on the rocks below.

She studied him surrept.i.tiously as they drove along the narrow road. She couldnat see much of his face in the light of the dash, but she couldnat stop staring at him. There was something about him, something that drew her gaze again and again. It was an aura of power that clung to him, she realized, a sense of strength that was more than physical. But how was that possible? He was just a man like any other. Wasnat he? And yet, there was an air about him, an old-world courtliness in the way he spoke, in some of the words he used.

aWhere do you go during the day?a she asked, somewhat abruptly. aWhy is it I never see you until after dark?a aI have matters of business to attend to,a he replied curtly. aMatters that do not concern you.a aBut . . .a She bit down on her lower lip. She reminded herself that she had no right to ask, that being his wife in name only didnat ent.i.tle her to pry into his secrets. And she had a feeling there were many things he was keeping from her. Was one of them a mistress? Was that where he went during the day? And if so, she had no one to blame but herself. Not that she cared, of course. He could have a hundred women hidden away.

Elena ran her fingers over the crease in her jeans. She would prefer a hundred mistresses over one, she thought. With a hundred, it was unlikely he would be overly fond of any of them. But if there was just one, that implied caring, perhaps even a sense of sharing and belonging.

She was startled to realize that the mere idea of Drake being with another woman, sleeping with another woman, was too painful to contemplate.

aYouare very quiet, wife,a he remarked. aHave you fallen asleep?a aNo, of course not. I was just enjoying the night.a aIt is lovely,a he said. aQuiet. Intimate. So few mortals take the time to appreciate its beauty.a aMortals?a she asked with a frown. aWhat an odd thing to say.a aYes,a he said, laughing softly. aI suppose it is.a He stopped the car and switched off the engine.

She felt a rush of antic.i.p.ation when he slid his arm around her shoulders. His eyes looked fathomless in the moonlight. A sigh escaped her lips when he leaned toward her.

aA kiss?a His fingertips stroked her cheek and slid down the side of her neck. aWill you give me a kiss from your sweet lips, wife?a She nodded, her heart pounding as he lowered his head to hers. His kiss was infinitely gentle, his lips as light as down on her own. And yet, for all its gentleness, the touch of his mouth on hers sizzled through her like summer lightning. She felt the heat of it, the power of it, all the way to her toes.

She knew a moment of regret when he drew away. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to kiss her again. Instead, she folded her hands tightly in her lap.

aWill I ever be able to go into town? Iam getting tired of spending all my time in the castle.a aIs that why you were out in the garden this afternoon?a aHow did you know about that?a He turned to look at her, his teeth flashing in a smile. aI know everything that happens in my domain.a His domain, she mused with a frown. What an odd way to put it.

aMake any changes to the house or grounds you wish,a he said. aIf you need anything, you have but to let me know.a aThank you.a aAs for going into town, you are free to do so. I will set up accounts for you in all the shops. Do you know how to drive?a aYes, but . . . what about my uncle?a aI will speak to him tomorrow night.a The tone of his voice left no doubt in her mind that her uncle would do whatsoever Drake asked, though it was hard to imagine Tavian Dinescu bending his will to that of another. The idea pleased her beyond words. Her uncle had had his own way for far too long.

aI should have informed him of our marriage before now. My only excuse,a Drake said, smiling at her, ais that Iave been too besotted with my bride to think of anything else.a aYouare teasing me.a aNot at all. Your beauty puts the moon and the stars to shame.a His words brought a rush of heat to her cheeks. She didnat know if he meant them, but they pleased her just the same.

She could feel him watching her. Was he hoping she would ask for more than kisses? Foolish question. Of course he was. He had made no secret of the fact that he wanted to make love to her.

After a moment, Drake switched on the ignition. aWould you care to go into the city tomorrow night?a he asked after turning the Porsche toward home.

She looked at him, her eyes alight. aIad love that! Iave never been anywhere.a aThen it will be my pleasure to take you.a Elena could think of nothing but the upcoming trip on the way back to the castle. Her uncle had often gone into the city, but he had never invited Jenica or Elena to accompany him. Elena had often wondered why he insisted on going alone. Jenica had been of the opinion that he kept a mistress there. Elena had been shocked by her cousinas suggestion.

aYouare frowning,a Drake remarked as he parked the car in front of the castle. aIs something wrong? Have you changed your mind about going to the city?a aWhat? Oh, no! I was just thinking. . . .a She paused a moment before asking, aWill we stay overnight?a aIf you wish.a Alighting from the car, he opened the pa.s.senger door, then handed Elena out of the Porsche. He held her close for several moments, savoring her nearness, her warmth, before releasing her. aGo inside, itas getting cold.a He gave her a kiss on the cheek. aIall be along in a few minutes.a He watched her climb the stairs. A thought unlocked the castle door for her. Another lit the fire in the hearth to warm her. A third brought the candles in her bedchamber to life to turn away the darkness.

He was raising the top on the car when a sudden ripple in the air told him he was no longer alone.

Chapter 8.

Breathing out an irritated sigh, Drake turned to face his visitor. aStefan.a aDrake. It has been a long time.a aNot nearly long enough.a aYou know why I am here.a Drake shoved his hands into his pantsa pockets. aI can guess.a aYou were to have returned to the Fortress a year ago. You cannot avoid him forever. The longer you make him wait, the angrier he will become.a aI have no desire to return to Rodinas Coven, not now, not ever.a aYou are the chosen one, brother.a An oath escaped Drakeas lips. aLet him choose Vardin!a aIs that what you want me to tell Rodin?a Stefan asked, his voice brittle with fear.

aYes. How many times do I have to say it?a aOur sire will not be pleased.a Drake snorted softly. aWhen have I ever done anything to please him?a aThere is a woman in the castle,a Stefan remarked, changing the subject. aDoes she have anything to do with your decision?a aShe has nothing to do with it,a Drake said. The lie rolled easily off his tongue.

aThen bring her with you.a Drake smiled as he savored the effect his next words would have. aWe are on our honeymoon.a Stefan stared at him, his deep gray eyes wide. aYou married a mortal? Have you taken leave of your senses? You know such a thing is forbidden.a aYet another reason to stay where I am.a Stefanas expression turned morose. aYou know if you do not obey Rodinas summons, I will be the one to suffer for it.a Drake rocked back on his heels. How like his sire to threaten Drakeas favorite brother in order to get his own way.

aRodin never did play fair,a Drake muttered. aGo back and tell him I will be there at the appointed time.a Stefan bowed his head in a gesture of grat.i.tude and respect. Rodinas temper was well known. Drake was the only one of his sons who had ever willfully defied him.

aStefan? A favor?a A faint smile tugged at the other manas lips. aI will not mention the marriage.a aWhen you return to the Coven, the sword in my room is yours.a Stefan grinned. He had long coveted the ancient weapon. A wave of his hand, and he was gone.

Keeping a tight rein on his anger, Drake covered the Porsche. He had known this day would come, had dreaded it for centuries, and now it was here. Like it or not, he would have to return to Rodinas Coven. He would have to take his place on the Council. He would be expected to stay at the Fortress with his sire for as long as Rodin wished it.

Drake lingered in the shadows, his resentment twisting like angry snakes in his gut. He would not seek the warmth of his brideas bed this night, and it was all Rodinas fault.

Yet one more thing to hold against the man who had sired him.

Chapter 9.

In the morning, Elena woke feeling strangely let down. Even though she had insisted on a marriage in name only, she had hoped that Drake would join her in bed last night, that he would take her in his arms. Even though she wished to remain a virgin, she yearned for his kisses, for the touch of his hand in her hair, for the sound of his voice whispering that she was beautiful, desirable. He had said he would come to her. Why had he changed his mind?

A loud ameowa announced Smokeas presence before the cat jumped onto the bed, turned around twice, and curled beside her.

aSo,a Elena said, stroking the catas head, awhere is his lordship this morning?a Another ameowa was her only answer.

For a few moments, Elena was content to lie abed and let her mind wander while petting the cat. When she had entered the castle last night, the door had been unlocked. There had been a fire in the hearth that hadnat been there when shead left. Someone had lit the candles in her bedroom. Who? Was there someone else living in the castle, someone she had yet to meet?

No sense lying there wondering about it. Smoke couldnat give her any answers. She had a feeling she wouldnat get any answers out of Drake, either.

With a sigh, Elena pushed the big gray tom away. The cat hissed softly, then curled up at the foot of the bed.

aSleep all day if you want, you lazy beast,a Elena said, throwing back the covers. aBut Iam hungry.a Rising, Elena pulled on her robe and descended the stairs. As usual, she found her breakfast waiting for her. Taking a seat at the trestle table, she pulled the tray toward her and lifted the lid, uncovering a meal of hard-boiled eggs, fruit, cheese, and a chocolate doughnut, along with a pot of tea. Taking a bite of the doughnut, she instantly forgave Drake for leaving her to her lonely bed the night before.

When she unwrapped the silverware, she found a note, which read: Elena, my sweet, the city awaits.

Be ready at sundown.

Your loving husband.

She ran her fingers over his bold signature. Your loving husband. If only it were true.

Shortly after sundown, Drake rapped on Tavian Dinescuas front door. It was opened moments later by Dinescu himself.

aYes?a Dinescu said gruffly. aHow may I help you?a Drake sketched a bow. aIave come to introduce myself,a he said formally. aI am Lord Drake of Wolfram Castle.a Dinescu straightened slightly, impressed by Drakeas demeanor and t.i.tle in spite of himself. aPlease, wonat you come in?a aNo, thank you. I merely came to inform you that I have taken your niece, Elena, as my bride.a Dinescu stared at him, mouth agape.

aI came here to set your mind at ease. She is quite well, and wishes to thank you for the years you supported her.a Dinescu found his voice at last. aIam glad to know sheas all right, buta"Lord Wolfram, is it? Didnat she tell you she was engaged to me?a aI am aware you offered to marry her,a Drake replied with a wry grin. aHowever, since she is now my wife, I think we can a.s.sume that her answer was no.a Dinescuas eyes narrowed as an angry splash of red climbed up his throat and spread into his cheeks.

Gathering his preternatural power around him, Drake murmured, aDo not pursue the matter. I can a.s.sure you it will not end well if you do.a Dinescu took a step backward under the weight of Drakeas steady gaze. Hands clenched tightly at his sides, he hissed, aWhat are you?a aYour nieceas husband,a Drake replied mildly. aGood evening to you, sir.a Turning on his heel, Drake slid behind the wheel of the Porsche, keenly aware of Tavian Dinescuas malevolent gaze on his back.

Elena stood in front of the wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear. The gowns from Madame Rasch.e.l.le were too fancy, jeans and a T-shirt not fancy enough. She settled on the light blue silk that Drake had given her.

Ears twitching, Smoke sat on the foot of the bed, watching through avid yellow eyes as she changed into clean underwear, then slipped the dress over her head. She packed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and a change of underwear in a small valise Drake had left for her, along with her nightgown and robe, her comb and brush and pins for her hair.

She was putting on her shoes when, with a flick of its tail, the cat jumped off the bed and left the room.

A moment later, Drake appeared in the doorway. Clad in gray trousers, a white shirt open at the collar, and a long black broadcloth coat, he looked every inch the lord of the manor.

She felt her cheeks grow warm under his blatant regard. aGood evening, my lord husband,a she murmured, mimicking the formal language he always used with her.

aGood evening, my lady wife. Do you still wish to visit the city?a aYes, very much. Unless youave changed your mind.a aNot at all.a He tucked her valise under his arm, then held out his hand. aLet us be on our way.a aHow long will it take to get there?a Elena asked. They had been driving for perhaps an hour. Drake had said little in that time. To be fair, she hadnat said much, either.

aAnother hour,a he replied with a glance in her direction. aAre you warm enough?a aYes.a Enena watched the miles slip by. aYour cat is very strange,a she remarked a short time later. aSometimes I think he understands every word I say.a aI do not own a cat.a aYou donat? Then who owns that big gray tom? He seems quite at home in the castle.a And in my bed, she thought ruefully.

aNo one owns him,a Drake said. aHe comes and goes as he pleases.a aHe brought me a dead rat the other day.a Drake laughed softly. aIndeed?a aItas not funny! It was disgusting.a aHe has never brought a rat into the castle before.a aIt was probably my fault,a she admitted. aI told him to go out and earn his keep.a aYou know what they say,a Drake said, grinning at her. aBe wary what you ask for lest you get it.a She glared at him, then burst out laughing. A warm glow suffused her when his laughter mingled with hers.

She was still smiling when the faint glow of streetlights came into view.

Drake pulled up in front of a large hotel with an old-fashioned ambiance. After turning off the engine, he got out of the car, then came around to open her door for her. Taking her by the hand, he ushered her into the hotel. After securing a room, he asked if she was ready to dine, and when she said yes, he escorted her into the hotelas elegant restaurant.

It was quite the loveliest place she had ever seen. The lighting was subdued, the walls papered with an elegant rose and cream stripe. The tables were laid with rosecolored damask threaded with gold, gleaming silverware, and crystal goblets. She looked at Drake, her brows raised, when all he ordered for dinner was a gla.s.s of red wine.

aDonat tell me youave already eaten?a Elena said, disappointment in her tone. aI know you like to eat alone, but I thought you might make an exception tonight.a aSorry, sweet wife, but do not let my abstinence spoil your supper. I am told the cuisine here is quite good.a The roast, country potatoes, green beans, and bread looked good, smelled wonderful, and tasted even better, but when she offered Drake a bite of roast dipped in gravy, he refused.

aI donat understand why you wonat eat with me,a she said with a pout. aAre you embarra.s.sed by your table manners or something?a aYes,a he said with a wry grin. aSomething like that.a She made a face at him. aI donat believe you.a He was so polished in every other regard. His clothing was always impeccable, his speech refined. She decided then and there that, one way or another, she would discover what he was hiding.

After dinner, he took her walking down Republicii Street, which was lined with quaint storefronts reminiscent of days gone by. Most of the smaller shops were closed for the evening, but a few of the larger ones remained open. They pa.s.sed stores that sold clothes, books, souvenirs, jewelry, electrical appliances, and even art, as well as cafs and restaurants. No cars were allowed here, which made it ideal for an after-dinner stroll.

Elena was treated to more evidence of Drakeas generosity when he insisted on buying her another new dressa"this one the color of a ripe plum. He also bought her a pink sweater, a pair of shoes, and a fur-lined jacket, and instructed the clerk to send it all to the hotel.

aIs there anything else you would like?a he asked as they continued down the street.

aI need a mirror. I canat believe you donat have any in the castle.a She couldnat be sure, but she thought she heard him swear softly. And then he smiled at her. aOf course.a He bought her a full-length, antique, stand-up mirror framed in polished mahogany. When she protested, insisting it was too costly, he silenced her by saying, aConsider it my wedding gift.a She could hardly argue with that.

After leaving the shop, he asked if she was tired. Elena shook her head. She felt as if she could walk for miles. It felt good to stretch her legs, to feel the breeze on her face. To feel Drakeas hand holding hers.

They crossed the street at the corner and walked back toward the hotel. Elena paused to peer in the window of an old-fashioned tea shop, charmed by the unusual teapots and cups, the old-fashioned tins of tea. Moving on, they pa.s.sed a bridal shop, several restaurants, and an ice-cream parlor.

A narrow alley took them away from the city. There were no lights here. Elena clung to Drakeas arm, visions of muggers racing to the forefront of her mind.

aWhat are we doing here?a she asked, glancing nervously from side to side.

Drake quietly cursed himself. What was he thinking, bringing her here? His only excuse was the scent of prey being carried to him on an errant breeze. It quickened his hunger, made his fangs ache with need. But he couldnat hunt now, not with Elena on his arm.

An abrupt turn and he headed back toward the hotel.

aBut Iam not ready to go to bed,a she protested as he escorted her up to their room. aIad like some dessert and a cup of coffee.a aI need to go out.a aWhere are you going at this hour?a she asked, glancing at her watch. aWhy canat I come with you?a The lie came quickly to his lips. aIam going to one of the clubs.a aWhat kind of club?a she asked suspiciously.

aA casino.a aWhy canat I go? Iave never been to a casino.a aStay here and behave yourself. I wonat be gone long.a He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Elena stared after him. He was lying, but why? Was the truth so horrible? Before she could change her mind, she followed him down the stairs, determined to find out where he was going.

She hadnat expected it to be so easy to follow him, had been certain that, within minutes, he would discover she was behind him and send her back to the hotel. But he appeared to be lost in thought as he walked quickly down the street, his hands shoved into his pockets. She trailed behind him, her gaze darting right and left. What was she doing, following him down dark streets in a strange city? Sometimes it seemed as if he wasnat real. His black attire made it easy to believe he was a part of the night, like the darkness and the shadows and the mareas tail clouds drifting across the moon.

Ahead, Drake turned right, into a park. What was he going to do there at this time of night? Was he meeting someone? But who? A woman? The thought of Drake with another woman hurt more than she would have believed possible. Still, she had no one to blame but herself. She had told him she wanted a marriage in name only, certain, at the time, that she meant it. But that had been before the wedding. And even though it was just a sham, she was his wife and he was her husband.

She ducked out of sight behind a tree when two disreputable-looking men strolled out of the shadows and approached Drake. She heard the taller of the two strangers demand his wallet and when he refused, the tall man and his companion both pulled knives hidden under their shirts. Moonlight glinted on the blades as the muggers lunged forward, their weapons driving toward Drakeas chest.

Only Drake wasnat there. Miraculously, or so it appeared to Elena, he materialized behind the men, his hands curling around their necks, slamming their heads together with a sickening thud. The knives fell from their hands, clattering to the walkway as Drake dropped the bodies to the ground. She couldnat tell if the muggers were unconscious, or dead, but there was no mistaking the dark stains that spread out on the cement.

Frozen in place, Elena could only stare as Drake bent over one of the men. It took her several moments to realize what he was doing and even then she couldnat believe what she was seeing. She must have made a sound because he whirled about, his long black hair whipping about his face, his narrowed gaze piercing the darkness, zeroing in on where she stood.

Terrified, she stared at the blood dripping from his teetha"no, not teeth. Fangs. His eyes, once a deep, dark blue, had gone a hideous crimson red. Fear coiled like a viper in her belly and she braced a shaky hand against the tree beside her, her heart in her throat as the world spun out of focus. Black spots danced across her vision. With a fearful cry, she fell into the darkness that enveloped her like a coc.o.o.n and dragged her down, down, into oblivion.

Cussing softly, Drake summoned his preternatural power. Darting forward, he caught Elena in his arms before she hit the ground. What the h.e.l.l was she doing here? He swore again. No mortal on earth knew what he was. He brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. What was he to do with her now? The answer came quickly to his minda"according to the laws of his kind, he should either wipe his memory from her mind, or take her life. Neither option appealed to him.

Turning away from the two bodies, he cradled Elena to his chest and transported the two of them to her room at Wolfram Castle. Holding her tight with one arm, he pulled down the covers on the bed, then lowered her onto the mattress. He undressed her down to her bra and panties, then pulled the blankets up to her chin. She was beautiful, so beautiful. Her hair flowed across the pillow like skeins of black silk. Her skin was smooth and clear and warm. So warm. So touchable.

He stroked the curve of her cheek. What was he going to do with her? He couldnat kill her. He would give up his own life before he sacrificed hers, a very real possibility once Rodin learned that Drake had taken a mortal bride, and that she knew the truth of what he was.

He rarely thought of Rodin, hadnat seen his sire in over three hundred years. He fervently wished he could put it off for another three centuries, but there was no chance of that now. An invitation to the Fortress was not an idle request. It was a command, one Drake dared not ignore.

Elena stirred, drawing his attention once again. Rodin wouldnat expect him for another few weeks. Drake blew out an exasperated sigh. Perhaps, by then, he could come up with a valid reason for breaking one of their strictest laws. His only hope to preserve his own life and that of his bride was to somehow mollify his sire.

He didnat want to think of the consequences should he fail.