Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 119694 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119694 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
“Ah,” he murmurs. “So it was my old nemesis, Don Lucian, who brought you here to the Shadow Realm. How very fitting—he always did keep the best treasures for himself.” His gaze spears me, molten and merciless. “I dare say he will be most displeased to learn I have captured his Curvy Queen.”
My chest tightens. Lucian…
Kael’s grin widens.
“No doubt he’ll come for you soon. Let’s give him something to think about when he arrives, shall we?”
He raises one clawed finger, tracing the air. Dark words roll from his mouth in a sing-song cadence, each line thrumming with power.
“Blood of red and curves divine,
Heat and power must combine.
Desire rise—let hunger grow,
’Till Lust consumes from head to toe.”
The spell slams into me like a tidal wave. I actually stumble and almost fall from its impact.
And then I feel the effects.
Heat floods my veins, sudden and scorching. My breath hitches, my thighs pressing together instinctively. My nipples harden, aching points beneath the thin fabric of the clinging gown I wear.
“No,” I whisper, horrified.
No, I can’t be feeling this way! Not here!
But I can’t stop the power of the spell—it goes on and on, pushing me further and further into the land of pure lust.
Fantasies spark in my mind, vivid and unstoppable. Lucian’s storm-gray eyes blazing into mine…his mouth descending to my breast, fangs grazing but not biting—just teasing my nipples. I can almost feel his big body pressing me into silk sheets, his hand between my thighs, stroking until I writhe under him, his thick fingers invading my pussy…only to be replaced by his cock.
God, stop—why am I thinking this? Why can’t I stop seeing these visions?
The heat intensifies, pulsing low in my belly. I squeeze my thighs tighter, trying to stop the ache building there. My body is trembling, every nerve screaming for more…more…more.
Kael laughs softly, leaning back to savor the sight of me squirming.
“Yes, there it is. You feel it, don’t you? Lust is your gift, little Queen. No spell can conjure what isn’t already there.”
My lips part as I release a broken moan. I bite down hard on my lip to cut it off, humiliated and terrified.
I’m burning alive in my own skin—and the worst part? Every single fantasy is of Lucian. My captor, my Vampire Don—the man I swore I didn’t want. I keep imagining him touching me…tasting me…
Oh God. I’m going to come right here, and I can’t stop it!
What am I going to do?
28
Lucian
I go to the bedchamber expecting to find Julia asleep.
The door opens into silence. The bed is empty, the covers smooth, the pillows stacked neatly. The air smells faintly of her—warm, sweet, feminine—but it is empty. A glance shows she’s not in the bathing room either.
She’s gone.
My chest goes tight.
No. No, no, no.
I turn on my heel and stride down the hall, the echo of my steps loud against marble. Every instinct in me is already screaming what I’ll find, but I force myself to confirm it.
When I get to the front doors, the guards at the outer hall come to attention as I approach.
“Did anyone leave the Spires tonight?” My voice is low and dangerous.
They exchange a look. Unease flickers in their faces.
Finally one clears his throat.
“Yes, my Lord—a woman. She bore your signet ring and told us that she was your Queen. We thought you had permitted it—”
“You thought?” My snarl cracks like thunder. Both men flinch. “You saw her. You knew she was human. And you thought I would simply let her walk into the Shadow Realm at night, unescorted, by herself?”
They pale, eyes darting to the floor.
“We didn’t dare refuse, my Lord,” the other stammers. “She had your ring…we assumed—”
I bare my fangs, fury burning inside me like an unchecked inferno.
“Never assume! I gave orders that no one was to leave. If she comes to harm, I’ll see both your hides nailed to the topmost spire!”
They bow low, trembling and begin to babble apologies. I pay them no attention—I don’t have time to spare.
I don’t waste another word. Instead, I descend the hill into town fast, every muscle strung tight. My mind races. Julia is alone in the night in the Shadow Realm where anything might happen.
A dozen dangers spring to mind—Shifters who would tear her apart for sport…Fae who would bind her in thorny chains…Necromancers who would bleed her for their rituals. And worse still, the Flesh peddlers of the Carnal Bazaar. The things they would do…Gods, I can’t let myself think about it.
I shove the thought away and try to focus. I’ve given her my blood. That bond should be enough to find her. If I’m still, if I listen, I should be able to feel her life force.
I stride down the road, headed for the gates. The streets are hushed, moonlight bleeding down in red from the eternal sky. I draw a breath, let my senses stretch.