FIVE

 

 

Darius woke the next morning with his arms filled with warm womanly curves, and the scent of patchouli. Carolyn’s unique aroma permeated him, surrounding him. It was in his blood, on his skin, and perfumed his sheets. He cupped a handful of the soft, naked woman spooned delectably against him. His body throbbed with a monster good morning, I’m very happy to see you, as he lay curled around the love of his life. He willed his need away and pushed his nose deeper into her silky hair.

His genetic family was long gone, only his vampire family claimed him now. He had no personal home, choosing to live at the royal estate instead. He hadn’t dared to dream that he would have either again. But here she was, soft and warm in his arms. Carolyn was his home and family—his future.

He smiled in sleepy pleasure. This is just how I want to wake up every morning.

She turned in his arms and tossed one leg over his, and slung an arm around his waist, her breasts snuggled against him while her head rested on his shoulder. A tickle of power infused each touch. Now that was an enjoyable sensation he would relish for as long as they had together. He intended to make it a very, very long time.

He grinned like a fool. This beautiful woman was his to love for the rest of his days.

“Morning,” she mumbled, her lips brushing his neck as they moved.

A wave of desire shot straight to his groin. Darius clenched his jaw and suppressed his baser needs. After a long night of loving her, she was sure to be sore.

He ran his hands up and down her back, reveling in the feel of her bare skin.

Carolyn wiggled and tightened her arm around him, testing his resolve. “Mmm…I like waking up to you.”

He brushed hair from her face and pressed his lips to her forehead. “Me, too.” He ran a finger over the fading hickey on her neck. He loved seeing his mark of possession on her skin. And after last night, she wore his scent within her flesh and blood. Every vampire would know she was his woman. He loved how responsive she was, her breathless little cries when he stroked her private places with his fingers had undone him. He would hear those sounds again. Soon. Just not right now.

Carolyn’s fingers skimmed his ribs, and before he realized her intent, she went lower. Ah hell…so good. Unable to stop himself, his hips rocked in rhythm to her touch.

She lifted her face to him, exposing the length of her neck. He skimmed his teeth down her throat, and she moaned. He was in heaven.

“Mmm…” She arched her back, offering more. He kissed his mark but refrained from biting. She needed time to adjust to the first two conversions. Besides, if he tasted her he wouldn’t stop there, and he didn’t have the time he needed to love his Muierimei properly. He pulled back and drank his woman in.

She sighed contentedly and released his manhood to run a hand up his body. She traced his jaw, a soft, loving brush of her fingers and smiled. “You stopped. Why?”

“I wanted to look at you.”

Her smile widened. His hand was on the small of her back, fingers splayed wide, rubbing small caresses over the smooth skin of her derriere.

“Look at me?”

He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. “Adore you. I could look at your beautiful face all day long. I woke up with you in my arms and knew I wanted to wake up like that every morning. But I couldn’t see behind that curtain of hair, and I love your gorgeous face. You’re absolutely beautiful.”

Carolyn shook her head and laughed. She made an attempt to smooth her hair and sighed. “My hair is a mess, and I’m afraid to look in a mirror. I’m sure I’m doing an impression of Rocky Raccoon.”

“Nonsense. You look perfect, and I love your hair. I especially love it fanned across my chest.” His fingers tunneled into the mass of silky strands. “After you were asleep I inhaled the scent of your hair for hours.”

He was dying to stay in bed all day. He wanted his Muierimei's arms and legs wrapped around him with her fangs at his neck as he lost himself in her body.

But that wasn’t to be. He was meeting Etienne for breakfast. They had to go over plans with Nick and Derick. Sean and Rafe, his men in Savannah, were to be there as well. A Savannah local verified that the Guild was in town, and they had innocent witches to protect.

Her breath was warm and enticing on his face. Darius quivered with the need to kiss her. He couldn’t start his day without a proper good morning kiss from his woman. “I can’t seem to resist you,” he growled.

“You say the nicest things,” she whispered back.

He cupped the back of her head and pulled her closer. A heart-stopping grin parted her lips and her eyes smoldered with desire. His Carolyn was all in with that idea.

Magic charged the air as if triggered by their longing.

Their lips met, and hunger and demand overtook them. With a tortured groan, he thrust his tongue inside and devoured her. She moaned kissing him just as ferociously.

As quickly as passion flared, he reined himself in, gentling the kiss and cooling the situation to a manageable simmer. Playfully, he tugged on her lower lip, and then reluctantly released it.

“Can we stay in bed all day?”

“Oh, lass, I wish we could.” Panting, he pulled away. Their ragged breaths mingled as he fought for control. “Damn, woman. I can’t think when you touch me.”

She gazed at him, her lids heavy and pupils dilated with passion. She caressed his chest and all but purred. “Mmm…you don’t need to think when you can kiss like that.”

A shudder rolled down his spine as he fought for control. “You’re not helping, leannan,” he scolded jokingly. “I have a few things to teach you, and then I have to meet with Etienne.”

Carolyn wiggled from his arms and scooted to the head of the bed so she could sit and listen to what he had to say. “Okay, I’ll try to follow your instructions.”

“Do or do not, there is no try,” he said with a grin.

“Sure thing, Yoda.”

“The most important thing to remember is you can’t go outside. We’ve done two exchanges, and you will go up in flames in sunlight. I’ll get a daywalker ring for you, but I won’t have it until I see Etienne. Also, you’re stronger than you think and will need to be extremely careful when you touch things. Before you grasp anything, lay your hand or fingers on it and slowly close them applying as little pressure as possible. You will be shocked at how easily you can crush things.”

Carolyn lifted her right hand and examined it like it belonged to someone else.

Darius wrapped a hand towel around one of the water glasses from the bathroom. “Try to take this from me.”

Slowly, she reached out and took it from him. As she closed her hand around the bundle of towel and glass and tugged, a loud cracking sound erupted. “Shit. What did I do wrong?”

“You squeezed too hard. You’ll get used to your strength in time.”

Hands on hips, she glowered at the broken glass. “But I have to rent a costume today. How am I supposed to do that if I can’t touch anything?”

“You touched me, and nothing is broken. It was only when you applied extra pressure that you had a problem. Practice with things around your hotel room before you go out to get your costume. You’ll get the hang of it after a few tries.”

Carolyn eyed the broken glass doubtfully.

Darius cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her. “You’ll be fine. I promise. I’ll order room service for you so you can eat in your room. They’ll bring you a few extra things that you can practice with when they deliver your food.”

“Okay. But if I don’t figure it out, will you help me get a costume?”

“Absolutely. I have that meeting in a half hour and should get in the shower. Would you like me to walk you to your room?”

Carolyn sighed and scooted off the bed. “No. I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure you will be. Before you go, may I have your cell phone for a minute?”

She picked up her phone with two fingers, excited when she didn’t break it.

“See, You’re doing well already. I’ll be busy most of the day, so I won’t see you until the ball tonight. If you need me, call. There’s nothing more important than you. I’ll drop whatever I’m doing if you need something.”

He handed the phone back and walked her to the door. “If you need me, call. I mean it.”

“I will.” She rose up on tiptoes for a kiss. Darius didn’t disappoint. “I’ll see you tonight.”

He pressed his brow to Carolyn’s extending their time together as long as possible. “I love you, Muierimei. Be safe and stay in the hotel. The sun isn’t the only danger beyond these walls. The Guild has been seen in town.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you sure they can’t get to me here?”

“Aye. We’re on a private floor. The staff knows this area of the hotel is off limits to the public and they will prevent anyone who isn’t registered to these rooms from accessing the floor.”

Her brows pinched. “How did I get a room on your private floor?”

“When you made your reservation, I recognized your name as one of the women we were protecting and had them place you near me.”

“Oh, okay. That makes sense. So, I’m safe on this floor, but what about when I go to the costume shop on the first floor?”

“Before you leave your room, call down to hotel security. One of my people will escort you.”

She let out a long breath. “Thank you. I’ll feel better if I have someone with me.”

Minutes later she made her way to her room on wobbly legs. That man was potent.

Carolyn had a full day ahead. There was so much to do before the ball. First, she needed to choose a costume. What she wore would dictate her hairstyle and makeup. Thank goodness the hotel had a full-service salon. As soon as she showered, she would make an appointment and treat herself to a massage.

She stood with her head back and sighed. The hot water felt so good on her deliciously sore muscles. Fragrant moisturizing body wash sluiced down her arms and belly but did nothing to diminish Darius’s scent. She loved the way he smelled and wore it like a badge of honor. As she toweled dry, she felt all of the places he’d touched and tasted. She loved those little reminders of their amazing lovemaking.

Carolyn was pulling on her jeans when she heard a knock. Even though she was on a private floor, she kept the security bar in place when she opened the door. “Can I help you?”

“I’m with room service, Miss Soucek. Mr. Drummond ordered breakfast for you.”

The man wore a hotel uniform and did, in fact, have a food cart. Plus, she caught a whiff of hot coffee and saw a silver domed plate. “Thank you. Please excuse me as I unlock the door.”

He rolled the cart into her room and positioned it next to the tiny café table. With a snap, he unfolded what looked to be a large linen napkin and laid it across the tabletop. Then meticulously set a beautiful table. She felt like royalty. When he finished, he held a chair for her and lifted the silver dome to show a sumptuous breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, and fresh fruit.

“Would you like coffee, madam?”

“Yes, please.”

He poured a cup and set the carafe off to the side. “May I get anything else for you?”

“No, this is wonderful.” She reached for her purse to tip him but he held up a hand.

“I’m sorry, Miss Soucek, but your money is no good here. Mr. Drummond has taken care of everything.”

“Oh! Well, Thank you. This looks amazing.”

“You’re very welcome. When you’re finished, housekeeping will clear this away for you.” He gave her a smile and left her to enjoy the meal.

Carolyn took a bite of pancake and moaned. “So good.” Everything was sweeter and spicier, so much better than anything she’d ever eaten. She savored each bite and to her surprise cleaned the plate. Normally, she didn’t eat such a large breakfast. With a second cup of coffee in hand, she set an appointment with the salon and then called for an escort to take her to the costume shop.

While she waited for the chief of security, she used one of the disposable cups near the coffee maker the hotel provided to make a to-go cup. After a fairly sleepless night, she could use a bit more caffeine to get through the day. Not that she was complaining. Darius was an incredible lover. Besides, she could sleep when she was dead.

 

*****

 

“Good Morning, gentlemen,” Darius said as he joined Nick and Derick in Etienne’s suite. “Where is our esteemed leader?”

“Behind you.”

He turned in his chair and saw Etienne emerging from his bedroom. “Hey, boss. How was your night?”

“Not as eventful as yours I am sure. How did it go with Carolyn?”

“Much better than expected. Speaking of my lady, may I have a daylight ring for her? We completed the first two exchanges, and she’s no longer able to withstand the sun.”

“Of Course.” Etienne smiled and gave him a regal nod. “I will retrieve one for you when we are finished.”

Nick sat forward. “You found your Muierimei?”

Darius grinned. “I sure did, and she has accepted me.”

Derick chuckled. “Lucky bastard. I want one so bad I can taste it.”

Etienne sighed and had a faraway look on his face. “It will happen for you. It just takes time.”

“Do you still hear her?” Darius asked sympathetically.

Etienne sat heavily in a chair. “Almost nightly. I miss Amalia with every breath I take, but I am afraid it is time to let my Muierimei go. I have held her here and denied her peace for far too long. I just need to work up to it. I will miss Amalia terribly, and I don’t relish the loneliness I will endure.”

Darius left his seat to pour a cup of coffee from the pot on the room service cart. As he passed Etienne’s chair, he clasped his shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll understand, and I pray you find a woman to share your life quickly. You’ve been without a flesh and blood relationship for far too long.”

Etienne nodded, but he didn’t look happy about the prospect of diving into the dating pool. He waved his hand, and a cart piled with domed plates rolled closer. “Room service delivered a breakfast plate for each of you. Help yourself and let us begin.”

Etienne gave them a few minutes to settle into their chairs with breakfast and coffee. “There is an entire contingent of Guild members in Savannah for Halloween. The information I have received indicates they know the identity of all seven singular witches we are here to protect. The good news is we have a leg up on the enemy. As of last night, they had not located the women. Darius has Carolyn well protected. Nick, I want you to shadow the sisters, Janet and Jacqueline.” He handed two pictures to Nick and a photo of a curvy brunette woman to Derick and a blonde with green eyes to Rafe. “You will guard Katie and Rafe will shadow Stacy.” Lastly, he gave Sean two photos. “That leaves Karen and Tara for you.”

He gave them a minute to study their charges.

Nick smiled, as he looked at first one then the other. “Nice. Two lovely ladies. This may be better than expected.”

“Keep it in your pants, brother,” Derick snarled. “You aren’t here to get laid.”

Nick scowled at Derick and exchanged his pictures for his plate of food. “Darius didn’t keep it in his pants,” he mumbled.

Etienne ignored their byplay.

Derick cleared his throat. “Sir, if it’s not too much trouble, I would like to guard Janet. There’s something about her. I can’t explain it exactly.”

Etienne studied Derick for a moment before his lips twitched into a grin. “Yes. You may. Nick will watch Katie.”

As if he feared Etienne would change his mind, Derick tossed Katie’s picture on Nicks pile and scooped up Janet’s.

Etienne cocked a brow but didn’t comment. “Is there anyone else unhappy with their assignment? No? Then we shall continue. If the opportunity arises explain to your witch who the Guild is, and the need to join a coven for protection. Once the women leave Savannah, the Guild will pursue them, and our ability to protect them will be exponentially more difficult. It is essential that they no longer remain singular in their practice or we will lose them.”

The men nodded as they ate.

Darius glanced up and asked, “Will all of them be at the ball?”

Nick fielded the question. “Yes. Each received an invitation, and all have accepted. That means the Guild will be hiding outside in the bushes or trying to gain entrance to the ballroom with hopes of grabbing one if not all.”

Etienne took a sip of coffee and then added, “I have asked a few more of our local vampires to assist us. There will be six guarding the exterior of the hotel and three additional men circulating at the ball.” Slowly he sat forward and looked each of the men in the eye. “I have been told that the Guild president has come to oversee the capture of these women. I want that man dead.”

“Understood,” Nick responded. “Cut off the head of the snake and disable the body.”

Etienne sat back again. “Exactly. It will take them time to elect a new president and slow them down considerably. While they scramble to reorganize we will be able to pick quite a few of them off.”

The men finished their meal, and one by one placed their dishes on the cart.

Derick spoke first. “If we’re finished, I would like to get started.”

Etienne gave him a nod. “Yes. We are finished.” When Darius stood to go, Etienne held up a hand. “If you will stay a moment longer, I will fetch that ring you requested.”

“Thank you, Et. I appreciate that.”

 

*****

 

Just outside of the makeshift costume shop, Carolyn came to an abrupt halt. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened. The sight of racks upon racks of custom-made costumes was mind-boggling. She had expected the cheap flimsy costumes seen in the retail stores. How was she supposed to choose just one?

She kicked herself for not asking Darius what he was wearing. Knowing his costume could have helped immensely. It’s corny as all get out, but her costume could have complemented his. If he was a cowboy, she could be an Indian maiden. Dang it! Why didn’t she ask him?

Carolyn’s entire inner tirade took all of a moment. Before she could gather the courage to step into the shop, she lurched forward. Her sudden stop had caught, Jeff, security man off-guard. He crashed into her, almost sending her to the floor. Thank goodness, he had quick reflexes. At the last second, he grabbed her arm and kept Carolyn on her feet.

Jeff chuckled as he steadied her. “The shop makes quite a first impression. Doesn’t it?”

“How could it not?”

“Good morning!” a cheerful voice called out from the depths of the shop.

Before Carolyn could locate the speaker, a friendly, round cherub face, framed by bushy gray hair popped up above a clothing rack. The woman must be quite short, Carolyn couldn’t see beyond her chin.

She couldn’t help but grin back at the happy little woman. “Good morning.”

“Welcome to my little shop. I’m Vera. I bet you need a costume for the ball. What would you like to go as?” Without waiting for an answer, the woman rushed to a display on the far wall and held out a scrap of fabric. “A Pirate?” Then she rushed to a rotating rack and pulled something gauzy and see-through. “How about a princess?”

Carolyn felt her face heat with embarrassment. “Um…” She shot a glance at Jeff. Great, he was checking her out with interest in his eyes. There was no way she was wearing either of those get-ups.

Vera looked from Carolyn’s red face to Jeff and back again. “I guess not.” She rubbed her chin as she studied Carolyn from head to toe. “I have an idea. Go into the dressing room, and I’ll meet you there.”

When Carolyn gave her a wary look, she chuckled. “Trust me. What I have in mind will knock your man’s socks off.”

Carolyn frowned. How did this woman know about Darius? “My man?”

“Sweetie, we all know about you and the boss. The way he was barking orders this morning, there was no missing it. That vampire has staked his claim on you. Besides, I can see his mark on your neck. It’s quite faint but there. It looks good on you, by the way.”

Carolyn gaped at Vera. She didn’t know what to say to that.

“Go on now. I’ll be in with your costume in two shakes.”

Carolyn lurched to her feet from the dressing room settee when Vera rushed in. That woman could give a hurricane a run for its money. She only knew it was Vera because of the gray hair that stuck up in disarray above the stack in her arms. She couldn’t even see Vera’s eyes for the pile of black fabric, wig, and high heels. It was surprising the woman didn’t run into a wall. The most frightening of all was the wig on top seemed to be the majority of the heap.

Vera helped her wiggle into what she now realized was an Elvira costume. She smoothed a hand down the silkiness of the body-hugging gown. It was soft under her fingertips, like silk or expensive satin. The extreme expanse of naked skin down the front made her blush all over again.

The dress definitely walked a thin line between jail time for indecent exposure and effectively covering all of her private parts. The dang neckline plunged to her navel, and the skirt was slit clear to her hip. How was she supposed to wear underwear with this thing? Hell. The wig covered more of her assets than the stretchy black dress ever would.

Scrunching up her face, she turned to look into the three-way mirror expecting a train wreck…. Daaammmnn, she looked freaking good if she had to say so herself.