Caressed by a Crimson Moon (Rulers of Darkness) (3 page)

“Well, get on with it.” Teresa grabbed Eva’s arm, pulled her forward and shoved her towards the door.

Eva spun on her heel, her anger rising again. “Don’t touch me!” she snapped.

Luisa’s lip curled over her teeth, bearing her slightly elongated fangs. “How dare you,” she growled before delivering a strong backhand. “You have not been handed over to the leeches yet, you still belong to this pack.”

Eva stumbled back, her hand covering her cheek. Her eyes watered, her lip was already beginning to swell.

“Guards,” Luisa barked. The four men filed into the room. “Hold her.”

Eva dodged the first man’s hands, barely escaped the second’s, but was caught by the third. The guard snatched her wrists, twisting her arms, pulling her hands behind her back. She struggled, but it was no use, the guard held her firm.

“I would think in ten years you would have learned your place,” Luisa said as she came forward. “Though I do not believe you will survive a month with the vampire, I do not want you to embarrass us. You will not bring shame to your pack with your disrespect and blatant disdain for your superiors.”

“My pack?” Eva repeated, her voice laced with dark laughter. “I don’t belong to any pack. I am not an animal like you and your stuck-up bitch daught—”

Another, even more violent blow landed and Eva bit back a scream. Tears slipped from her eyes, her cheek burned. Luisa’s ring had cut her, blood tickled down Eva’s face to drip off her cheek. She stiffened, bracing herself for another blow when Luisa raised her hand again.

In a flurry of movement, Eva was wrenched away from the guard, spun about and shoved against the wall, pinned there behind a tall man dressed all in black.

“What is going on here?” the stranger demanded.

Though her vision was blurred from tears and pain, Eva watched Luisa drop her hand and straighten her shoulders. She gave a slight bow of her head as Teresa curtseyed.

“Sir Kenwrec, my apologies. You should not have had to witness—”

“Is this the girl?” he asked, his voice cold.

             
“Yes, she is not cooperating. I was going to have her escorted to her room so that she may pack and be ready for your departure.”

             
“Would that be before or after you beat her senseless?”

             
Eva’s swollen lips twitched with a smile. She had never met a vampire before and all the stories she had heard painted them as evil, disgusting, loathsome creatures. But this Black Knight seemed to be a decent fellow. He had just saved her from another strike and, if history taught her anything, Luisa had been about to demand the guards take her in hand and “teach the half-breed a lesson”.

             
“Sir, I—”

             
“Enough. I have grown tired of this jungle and would very much like to be on my way.” Turning, he faced Eva. She tilted her head back to meet his hard, gray eyes. “I’m Sir Falcon Kenwrec.” He gave a swift bow and straightened. “I’ve no doubt you have been informed of my business here and know that you are to accompany me to my Clan’s lands and reside within our care as a ward to King Hadrian.” Eva slowly nodded, struck monetarily speechless by the knight’s ruggedly regal good looks. “I will escort you to your room so that you may collect your belongings. We will leave as soon as you are ready.”

             
Eva opened her mouth to speak and winced. Her lip was bleeding and the coppery taste of blood made her stomach roll. She hated the sight and scent of blood, unlike her purebred relatives. She wiped at her face and mouth with the back of her hand, desperately trying to clean herself.

“Here.”

              She took the handkerchief he offered, startled by his kindness. “Th–thank you.” Eva gently dabbed at her lip and cheek. “I know what you mean, about wanting to get out of here.” Luisa shifted behind the knight and Eva gave her a sharp glare, shooting daggers with her eyes. “I only have one other shirt and a night gown,” Eva shrugged, “nothing really worth taking with me.”

             
He nodded. “Dense civilization is a few days boat ride from here, but I can arrange some time for us to shop in
Rio de Janeiro
while we wait for the jet to be readied.”

             
“Shop?”

             
“Yes, my king insisted that you be outfitted with a new wardrobe. He remembers shifter society well and knew you would have little.” In fact, Hadrian had warned him while on the phone a few moments ago that he may need to arrange medical care for the girl, not knowing in what condition she may be in. Falcon reigned in his anger and disgust. There was no telling how much abuse the girl had suffered under their care.

             
“It is settled.” Turning back to the others, he said, “We leave now.”

Chapter Two

Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine

Danger.

A sudden chill rattled Eva’s bones as they entered the narrow pass, taking them deeper into the forbidden mountains. High, impossible to scale cliffs lined the road on either side. They seemed to rise endlessly into the gray frost of the angry clouds. The wind whipped flakes of ice and snow across the windshield of the Land Rover as it roared over the packed snow and hard rock.

Danger.

Eva shifted uncomfortably in her seat. A dark shadow had settled within her the moment they entered the mountains, an impression of menace. The feeling was growing steadily stronger as the vehicle charged through the unrelenting storm to its destination.
Palatio Nocte, Palace of the Night, the lair of the mad king of the Validus Clan. The home of the beast amongst vampires, Hadrian Lucretius.

The tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood. They were being watched. No, they were being stalked. Her gaze frantically searched the road, but she could see nothing. The flurry of snow and shrieking wind limited her non-supernatural vision. Wolves howled in the distance and Eva shuddered.

Glancing over to the Black Knight, he seemed to be at ease as he steadily drove them onward. They had finally broken free of the pass. Tall trees surrounded them now, with the occasional white-knuckle turn that hugged the edge of shear cliffs.

Sensing her unease, Falcon said, “We are almost there.”

              She nodded in response. They had been driving for what seem like an eternity. Once off the plane, he ushered her to the car and they set off. Though she was not in any way looking forward to reaching their destination, she was anxious to be free of the confines of the vehicle.

Peeking at the knight again, she gave an exasperated sigh as she once again thought of all the outrageous and purely evil stories she had been told of vampires. Thus far, Falcon, who insisted she use his given name, had proven all the rumors wrong. She did not doubt there were some bloodthirsty demons walking the earth with sharp fangs, but Falcon had been the embodiment of civility. His manners were impeccable, his speech was flawless and he was always polite. Then again, he may seem perfect compared to the animals of her father’s pack.

“I hope you will find your new home to your liking,” he said. “The construction and restoration projects have just been completed.”

“So, there will be running water?”

He laughed, “Yes, all kinds of modern amenities.”

“I was worried I wouldn’t be able to take a shower and would have to bathe in some icy stream.”

“We are not that rustic.”

Eva shrugged. “I didn’t know what to expect. My standards of living are very low these days. For the last ten years, I’ve lived in a poorly designed and horribly built hut. Living in a rainforest with a leaking roof—”

              Her words caught in her throat as the castle came into view. Even from a distance it was impressively large and stood proudly atop another mountain. The road twisted and coiled, the incline steep, but the Land Rover had no trouble.

“Oh, my god,” Eva whispered as the knight pulled the vehicle to a stop. There was…nothing. The road had ended.

“I think if we back up and I stomp on the gas, we’ll make it.”

Eva turned wide eyes to Falcon. He smiled as her face paled.

              “It’s not that big of a gap. Maybe, twenty yards give or take a few.” He laughed as Eva continued to stare at him. “The bridge we had was tattered. Like I said, we have just finished the construction and restorations.” He reached up and pushed a button on the sun visor. “This is one of the improvements. The bridge that was here was tattered, completely unsafe, though I had driven across it numerous times. But this,” he pointed to the thick metal plates that slid out from the beneath the earth to connect the sides, “the retractable bridge is much better and will help with security.”

             
“Is this the only way to cross?”

             
“One way in and one way out.”

             
Eva grabbed hold of the seat, her fingers dug into the leather as they rolled over the bridge. Once they had safely reached the other side, Falcon pressed the button again and the bridge promptly retreated back to it’s hiding place. They charged the rest of the way up the mountain. There were no tower walls, no ramparts or portcullis, unlike most castles Eva had seen in history books and television. She pressed her face to the chilled glass as they pulled into a large circular driveway. Falcon parked the Land Rover at the foot of the steps that led to a set of daunting, ten feet tall, wood doors.

             
“You better zip your jacket. I’ll grab your bags and we’ll make a mad dash up the stairs,” Falcon directed before pulling the keys from the ignition. He took in a breath and threw the car door open, the wind slammed it shut behind him.

             
Eva released her seat belt with trembling fingers, never taking her gaze off the intimidating fortress. The keep’s walls were dark, mostly shades of gray, with hardly any windows except for one long wall made entirely of glass. While she studied the imposing fortress the back of her nape began to tingle and she could not shake the feeling of being watched. Her eyes flickered to the hall of windows. Was there someone up there?

“Are you coming?” Falcon asked as he opened the back and drew out her new suitcases, packed full of new clothes.

His voice snapped her from her trance and she quickly zipped up her jacket. She had lived in a warm humid climate all her life and had never experienced the harshness of winter. Taking in a deep breath, she threw the door open and stepped out.

             
The icy wind lashed at her face. Her neatly braided hair was whipped about. Dark, silken strands were pried free by the angry storm. Her teeth chattered as she mumbled curse after curse. She shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket and ran to catch up with the vampire, who was already halfway up the snow-covered steps. She slipped as she hurried towards the doors. Her entire body shivered uncontrollably as the wind drew tears from her eyes. Through the blur she saw the knight shove open the heavy doors, pushing them aside as if they weighed no more than dust.

             
Eva skid to a halt and watched the vampire disappear into the darkness of the fortress. Shards of ice blew against her cheeks as she regarded the entrance. She could feel the warmth that radiated from within and, yet, it did nothing to chase the chill from her bones. The very atmosphere seemed to shimmer around her, time slowed and an oddly disorientating sensation and a sense of knowing took hold of her. The cold bite of the storm was quickly forgotten and replaced by a ruthless feeling of dread. She knew in that moment, if she entered Palatio Nocte she would never be able to turn back. Her life would never be the same.

             
“Have you lost your mind?” Falcon called as he came stomping from the shadows. He reached for her arm, but Eva retreated.

             
She said nothing, unable to form words as fear choked her. During the entire trip she had not been frightened, despite the fact she knew she was to live with a crazed vampire. She had tried to block out the stories she had heard of Hadrian, but now, they came at her all at once. Robbing her of logic and confidence.              Hadrian had been a merciless Roman general, changed by Imbrasus, the pureblood vampire and Father of the Validus Clan. He had been selected to become a beast for his skills in the art of war. It was said that Imbrasus had bestowed upon Hadrian his own dark needs of blood and death.

             
Rumors began to play like a broken record in her head, the voices ran together until they became a steady stream of fear:
He kills for sport and bathes in the blood of the slain. No one has ever met his rage and lived…He’ll suck the life right out you, down to the marrow in your bones. He’s a devil, that one, a beast straight from the fires of hell… You best behave and be cautious, vampires will eat you alive, little girl.
Eva covered her ears, trying to block out the terrible voices. Her heart pounded in her chest as she gasped for air. Eva felt like screaming.

“Eva, come inside.”

“I–I can’t,” she answered, her teeth chattering viciously. She wrapped her arms tightly about herself as she hesitantly took a step back.

Sacrifice. She was a sacrifice to the vampire king.

Falcon’s liquid silver gaze began to harden to gray. Fear. He could scent her fear.

“You will freeze out there. Please, come inside.”

“N–No.”

She stumbled down a few steps, briefly losing her footing on ice.

“Eva,” Falcon called out as he darted for her. He caught her arm and pulled her against him before she went tumbling down the steps. She struggled against his hold, but he pinned her to his chest, his arms locked about her like steel bands as he carried her into the castle.

The doors slammed behind them and Eva let out a wild scream, shoving relentlessly against him. Falcon set her on her feet placing himself between her and the door. Eva backed away from him, her eyes darting about the room as she tried to remain away from the shadows.

Danger. It was a thick stench that clouded the air and Eva struggled for breath.

“What has brought this on?” he asked. “What frightened you?”

Eva shook her head. She had no answer. She did not know what had triggered her panic attack and she could feel her cheeks grow bright with a blush. Never had she acted this way. Her mother had taught her never to give in to fear, never to allow such a weak emotion to rule her and yet, it had just claimed her. She had never been so terrified in her life. When her mother had passed, leaving her alone in the world, she was not scared. When her father and his men arrived to drag her off to their secluded village in the jungle just days after her funeral, she had not betrayed her teaching. Never once while she lived amongst the shifters did she give in to any emotion, save anger. She could not begin to explain this.

She took in deep breaths, desperately trying to regain her composure, ruthlessly shoving aside her terror. She needed to be calm, focused. If there was danger, she needed to be aware and not be overcome by panic. She smoothed her wind swept hair back from her face and unzipped her jacket, suddenly feeling extremely warm and completely embarrassed.

“Eva, are you—”

“I’m fine.”

Falcon’s eyes narrowed as he studied her and Eva shifted beneath his scrutiny.

“Nothing is going to happen to you here,” Falcon said, trying to soothe her. “You are a ward to my clan.”

Eva wanted to believe his words, needed to believe them, but doubt remained as a dark shadow in her mind.

“You are safe here.”

That comment of his drew a sharp laugh from her and Falcon’s brow wrinkled with a frown. He stepped toward her and Eva resisted the urge to retreat.

“I’ve no doubt you’ve heard…terrible stories of my king. I will not deny that his mind has been touched by darkness, but he is a good man.”

Eva waited for him to continue, but he said no more. She wanted him to say Hadrian was nothing like the rumors claimed, that he would not harm her in any way. Instead, he offered her nothing. She swallowed hard and prayed that Falcon would be staying here with her. After spending the last few days with him, she felt she could trust him and that he would not let anyone hurt her. She hoped that included his king.

“There are so many rumors…I don’t know what to believe.”

“Understandable,” he conceded. “I know all too well what people say. His reputation is legendary.”

“Lethal,” she added on a whisper.

Falcon did not protest and silence stretched between them. A piercing ring was a welcome interruption.

“That should be the main house,” Falcon said as the phone’s ring echoed through the keep. “I was to report when we arrived. I will not be long. Stay here.”

Eva nodded and Falcon entered the shadows. She removed her jacket and hung it on a tall iron coat rack. Heaving a heavy sigh, she stepped from the safety of the foyer. It was a small room, clearly used for the removal of snow-lined coats and other travel wear. It was a transition room, or, as Eva noted the holes within the ceiling with tiny spikes protruding from them, a last line of defense.

She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the wall. While she waited for Falcon to return, Eva silently chastised herself for acting like a fool.

Something had been here, in the shadows,
she thought.
Something…evil.
And she had an odd feeling that it wanted her.

She would not be scared and she refused to be intimidated. If she could endure and survive the pack’s treatment of her, then she could survive this. Thus far, Falcon had not been rough or violent with her. He had given her no reason to distrust him or to be frightened. Then again, she had yet to meet the king.

Eva closed her eyes as she recalled her last night with the pack. She had stood outside her father’s office, waiting for Falcon. Teresa and a few of her other half-siblings circled about the hall, their eyes filled with twisted satisfaction.