Blood Slave

Book 1 of Vampire Wars

Published by CR Guiliano

Copyright © 2015 CR Guiliano

All Rights Reserved.

Digital Edition

Cover Designer: Scarlet Tie Designs

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. 

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the author. 

Warning: This book contains material that is only suitable for mature readers.

Chapter 1

Darrian blinked, trying to clear the blurriness from his vision. Obviously, Shirell had fed too deeply…again, and he’d passed out. She had to be the greediest of the vamps in Master Broman’s clan. Good thing she usually preferred the female blood slaves and didn’t feed from him often. He could feel his neck aching from the deep bite mark she’d left.

He sat up slowly, fatigue still making his body heavy. He glanced around to see he was back in his cell, a tray placed just inside the door, overflowing with food. Darrian might hate that he’s a blood slave, but he couldn’t deny he ate well. Of course, he ate well because food kept his blood flowing rich and thick. Something Master Broman insisted on for his blood slaves. A healthy slave meant a healthy vampire, which meant a healthy clan. Or so Darrian assumed.

Taking a deep breath, Darrian stood, then paused to get his balance before striding the few steps to the tray and picking it up off the floor. He had to pause again when he became lightheaded from the move. He turned and placed the tray on the small, rough, wooden table by the end of his cot, before making himself comfortable on the thin, course, blanket on his cot, so he could eat. Picking through the selection, he moaned in appreciation. The sustenance was wonderful, as it always was. Darrian knew Cimy was the slave that worked in the kitchen. Unlike him, the vampires didn’t feed from her. It wasn’t her function in Master Broman’s estate. As much as he hated it, Darrian would rather be a blood slave than a kitchen slave since he hadn’t the first clue on how to cook, and didn’t fancy pissing off the entire clan.

It didn’t take him long before he was full to bursting and feeling even more lethargic, sleepiness dragging his body down again. Ignoring what was left on the tray, he curled up on his cot, intent on getting a few more hours of sleep. If they let him. Darrian was a popular blood slave being the only male one Master Broman had acquired. He was large and healthy, strong, yet obedient and passive. Handsome according to the other slaves, with his pale skin, short, dark hair and green eyes. His blood was sweet from the amount of satisfied vamps he serviced each night.

Darrian thought idly about how he’d gotten to this point in his life, and was once again assaulted with regret over his choices. He’d thought infiltrating a vampire clan would be great fun, his friends laughing and telling him he didn’t have the balls to do it. Pride stung, he didn’t even consider the consequences—until he was caught and brought before Master Broman. The old vampire was terrifying—beautiful—but terrifying, though Darrian had tried to hide his fear. Damn pride! It had gotten him into more scrapes than he could count, but this one would be the last. Force fed some of Master Broman’s blood, Darrian was irrevocably bonded for life. Slave to Master Broman’s every whim.

Even at the time of his enslavement, Darrian hadn’t fathomed he’d be used as a meal for most of the vampires in the clan. He’d never heard of a blood slave, much less met one. Humans knew vampires existed, though it had never occurred to Darrian to wonder how they got their blood. He’d never cared. He knew humans conducted business with them, some vampires living among humans, though he had heard humans never lived in the vampire compounds. That was part of the thrill of sneaking into one when Darrian was captured.

Some even married them, slept with them, which made Darrian shudder in revulsion. Maybe his experience with Master Broman and his clan colored his outlook on that, but he couldn’t imagine—loving—a vampire. After all, the first time he’d been called to service a vampire, he’d had to be held down, screaming, while the vamp nearly sucked him dry, or so he thought at the time. And then he’d been severely punished for his outburst, the welts from the whip painful for days. Darrian had learned his lesson. Now, he capitulated meekly, never fighting, never giving the vampire feeding from him a whisper of trouble.

Darrian had nothing but negative feelings as far as vampires were concerned. He didn’t have any reason not to. If he thought it possible, he’d wrap his hands around Master Broman’s neck and squeeze until the vampire was truly dead. Or stake him through the heart, since that was the only myth from books and movies that was actually true. Garlic, holy water, sunlight, none of those things worked to ward off a real vampire. But a stake through the heart would kill anything, including the Master that had ruined Darrian’s life.

He flipped over, trying to get comfortable, but gave up after a while. He wasn’t going to get anymore sleep now that he was awake for the night. He sat up, looking around his cell. He’d been here for nearly two years, but as a slave, he didn’t have any personal items. He was sure, after so long, his life outside this compound was gone. He had no family and his friends were probably convinced he was dead. His home now consisted of a concrete floor, a cot with a narrow mattress and scraggly, thin blanket, the scarred table with what was left of his meal on it, a small toilet in the corner and one window, high up on the wall and barred. Even the door to his cell was solid metal, encased in thick stone, with a small window in it. A true prison to Darrian. He might eat well, but that was the only luxury he was allowed. Once, a vampire that had fed from him tried to give him a gift. The vamp had been found out, and Darrian hadn’t seen him since. He could only speculate on what had happened to him.

He turned when he heard the lock on his door scrap open and watched impassively as Bladen was ushered in, before the door was shut and locked again. Okay, he got one other perk for being the most popular blood slave. Sex readily available, at least with the other slaves. The vampires in Master Broman’s clan believed it beneath them and abhorrent to fuck a mere slave, especially a human one. Of course, Bladen was a vampire, one of the lowest in Master Broman’s clan and wasn’t here by his own free will. It was punishment when a vampire was placed in his cell for sex. Those who were brought to his enclosure were forbidden to bite him as well. “In trouble again, Bladen?” The young vamp had been here more times than Darrian could remember.

He was beautiful, as most vampires were, though not as tall as all others of his kind. He was thin, with pale skin and long, sleek hair. Bladen’s was a rich auburn, his eyes bright green with no pupil. It had taken Darrian a long time to get used to their eyes. The slight blossom of pink that traveled over Bladen’s cheeks proved he’d done something, once again, to anger the Master. Darrian didn’t ask what it was. He didn’t care. But he did feel sorry for the young, fragile vampire. As part of the punishment, Bladen was required to submit to Darrian, and he could only imagine the humiliation Bladen felt when Darrian, an insignificant and lowly human slave, penetrated him.

Darrian was never keen on forcing himself on Bladen, but he would since the penalty if he didn’t would be harsh and painful. And the sexual release was welcome, even if there was no real enjoyment for either of them. Darrian never pleasured himself. Not when he knew he might have eyes on him, and no privacy. Darrian wouldn’t give the blood-suckers the satisfaction of watching him touch himself. At least Bladen was easy on the eyes, and quiet. Without answering Darrian, Bladen removed his pants and dropped to the floor, presenting his ass for Darrian’s use.

Just gazing at all that creamy white skin was enough to interest Darrian, though he had to work for full arousal. He pulled the dirty shift he wore over his head, dropping it on the cot. He never allowed Bladen on his bed, feeling it was too—intimate—to have sex there. Regardless of who was brought to him, whether another vampire for punishment or a slave for sexual release because he was being rewarded, he always took them on the floor. He only had a few chosen liaisons with the other slaves, and he staunchly forced himself not to think of Easton, the one vampire that Darrian found more than attractive. Easton was Master Broman’s heir, and therefore, never drank from Darrian. He was also strong, arrogant and cruel. Sometimes Darrian wondered why Easton didn’t challenge Master Broman for the clan. But, despite the two years servicing Master Broman’s vampires, Darrian only knew a little about the inner workings of the clan.

He slid off his cot, giving his cock a few pulls, bringing it to full hardness, as he settled behind the little vampire. He grabbed Bladen’s hip with one hand, guiding his engorged shaft to its target with the other and slammed home. There was no tenderness, no foreplay, no preparation—and no lube. This was Bladen’s punishment and it was supposed to hurt. Darrian didn’t like the rules, but he wouldn’t break them. So, he rutted quickly, thrusting hard and fast, hoping his orgasm would be over in a few minutes.

Darrian had closed his eyes at the cry of pain that issued from Bladen at his rough intrusion and tried to ignore the ache in his chest for hurting the small vampire. In his previous life, he wouldn’t have cared, using men and discarding them when he grew bored and unsatisfied. He’d also never bottomed, which a friend of his once said made him a lousy top. Darrian had been so pissed in his arrogance, that he’d stopped talking to that friend, believing him jealous of Darrian and his string of bed partners. With so much time in his little cell to ruminate about his past, Darrian now knew his friend was right. How can a man be a good top, if he had no idea what it felt like to be penetrated? Darrian would never trust any vampire in Master Broman’s clan near his ass and was thankful they believed it repugnant to touch him in a sexual way. The other slaves were all female, so that left Darrian with a virgin ass and a healthy dose of regret and guilt.

Bladen, himself, wasn’t like most of the clan. Darrian had learned that Bladen was a pyrina vampire, similar to an omega in a wolf pack, weak and delicate. What that meant he didn’t know, but it was very obvious that Bladen was treated almost as cruelly as the slaves themselves. The moment Darrian’s climax ended, he pulled gently from the vampire. It was the only care he could show Bladen, without getting either one of them in worse trouble. Without a word, Bladen wobbly stood up, his own cock hard and dark with denied release. They both ignored Bladen’s predicament, Darrian slowly getting his breathing under control as he kneeled back on the floor, and the vampire dressing quickly. Darrian didn’t know what to think of Bladen’s arousal. He was always hard when Darian finished with him.

Darrian dropped his head instantly when Bladen knocked on the door and Easton, himself, opened it. Eye contact with a master was forbidden. Even Bladen was looking at the floor when Darrian peeked through his lashes at the small vampire. Easton didn’t enter the room, thankfully. Darrian’s heart was beating fast and hard at the proximity of the gorgeous vampire, and Easton would be able to hear it if he got close enough. Darrian had no wish for Easton to know how the tall vamp affected him, and covered his spent, yet twitching cock with a hand. Silently, Bladen didn’t resist as Easton grabbed him and yanked him from the room. Darrian remained still until he heard the door shut with a resounding clang and the lock slide into place. Only then did he hazard a look up. He was alone once more.

He stood from the floor and grabbed the tattered shift, pulling it back on and then sat back on his cot, wondering why Bladen was treated so badly. He was a vampire. Even the lower class vampires were held in high regard. Why would a pyrina be any different? Sometimes, Darrian entertained the thought of werewolves, since a pyrina was supposed to be like an omega. Not that Darrian knew anything about omegas except for what he’d read in books and articles or saw on TV about real wolves in the wild. But, if vampires existed, were werewolves real too? Darrian hadn’t ever found evidence of that before he was locked away here, so figured it was just a fanciful distraction to keep his mind occupied in his isolation. He curled up on his cot again, wondering if he could get some sleep now that he was relaxed from an orgasm, unsatisfying as it was. That was his favorite time—sleeping. When he could let his imagination loose, and dream of being free. If he knew then, what he knew now, he never would have caved to his friends’ taunts and invaded the compound, only to be caught and imprisoned.

Minutes later, his door opened once again. He was being summoned for a feeding. Sighing, Darrian stood up and thrust his arms forward so the vampire could shackle him, before being led off to the chambers of whoever wanted him for their meal.

Chapter 2

It had been several weeks or more since Bladen had been in his cell as far as Darrian could determine. Time didn’t mean much in this place. It was eat, sleep and feed vampires, with an occasional fuck in between. That was his life now and the two years he’d been here seemed like an eternity. He knew, through gossip from the other slaves, that Master Broman was occasionally challenged by other clans. He only wished that one of them would succeed in vanquishing the master. But Master Broman was strong and powerful. He’d been around for centuries and was suspicious enough to be constantly guarded. Darrian had no hope that Master Broman could be defeated, thereby setting Darrian free.

Today, he was in the kitchen, along with several other slaves, helping Cimy with preparations for a large meal. An unusual occurrence since Darrian was just a blood slave, as were the other females scurrying around the large area. Darrian still couldn’t get over the fact that vampires ate regular food, along with feeding from the slaves. Vampires needed blood to live, but apparently liked human food as well. Cimy was able to tell him that another clan was coming, something to do with some mysterious business transaction. She didn’t know any more than that. Once the meal was almost ready, Darrian and the female blood slaves were gathered and brought to the bathing room where they were promptly scrubbed down, in cold water as usual, and dressed in new shifts, the material scratchy and irritating against his skin.

Once done, they were then brought to Master Broman’s huge lounge and paraded in front of the strangers that were scattered around the room. Darrian kept his head down, eyes on the floor since he didn’t know if any of the visitors were masters. When Master Broman determined they’d been presented properly, they were arranged against the wall to wait to be summoned. Darrian watched as several of the new vampires came forward to pick their chosen slave and then struggled with his churning stomach as the females were fed on right there in front of everyone. Darrian had never witnessed the vampires feeding off another. He only knew his own experiences, and those had always been behind closed doors.

For that matter, he’d not been fed on for some time, and the tiny scabs and bruises from bites along his neck and groin he usually wore, were all gone, his skin smooth and unblemished. It made him nervous. The last time a blood slave hadn’t been fed on long enough for the evidence to fade, she’d been sold to another clan and that made Darrian wonder if the “business transaction” Cimy had told him about was blood slaves being sold to this new clan. Darrian didn’t fancy going to a vampire clan he was unfamiliar with. At least here, he knew what was expected of him, no matter how much he hated it.

He glanced up under his lashes to see Master Broman frowning at the display. Seemed his master didn’t like the public feedings any more than Darrian did. He was also surprised to find another new face, a man, who looked human, draped over Master Broman’s lap. He was dressed in fine apparel and appeared to be well built under those expensive clothes. He was currently running his fingers through Master Broman’s long white hair, obviously distracting him from the activity in front of him. A stab of jealousy coursed through Darrian and he was stunned by his reaction. Why the fuck would he care whether Master Broman had a play toy? The Master never fed from Darrian, considering it below him. The other slaves had told him that Master Broman preferred to hunt for his blood. Darrian knew better. There were a couple of females that serviced the master, but they never said anything and Darrian didn’t either. Darrian turned his head away when he saw Master Broman pull the man’s face forward and kiss him. Maybe the master had found a mate. A human mate. Darrian’s stomach cramped at the thought. That would only make his master that much stronger and harder to kill.

When he glanced up again, it was into the most intense amber eyes he’d ever seen. He felt a wave of—something—flow through him and quickly looked away. But not before realizing the vampire was probably the most gorgeous male he’d ever seen, even more stunning than Easton. He had to be a master, he was that impressive, and Darrian cringed inwardly, hoping he wasn’t going to be punished for looking directly into those odd pupil-less eyes. The strange vampire was tall, taller than himself. Even taller than Master Broman, and though thin, Darrian had caught the impressive muscle definition in the man’s forearms and the way his shirt and pants conformed to his body. So, he was well built on top of being devastatingly handsome. He had the long hair most vampires sported, though in the most unusual dark copper color. His skin was not as pale as the vampires of Master Broman’s clan either, but a light caramel that Darrian had never seen before. The strange vampires were all similar in skin coloring now that Darrian was observing them more closely. The eyes that had pierced Darrian were such a vibrant amber, that Darrian had instantly become aroused at the brief contact. He was eternally thankful for the loose tunic he wore that hid his reaction to the beautiful male.

Darrian didn’t get to speculate any further when there was an ear-splitting scream and chaos broke out all around him. The strangers were attacking the clan! The human that had been flirting and groping with Master Broman was now grappling with the master, a wicked, long knife in his hand that was dripping blood, and several of his clan holding the master down. Darrian was nearly knocked over when the female slaves bolted, many pushing at him to get out of the way in their fearful stampeding. Heart hammering, Darrian fled with them, intent on getting away from the weapons he’d seen. He’d only made it a few steps into the hall outside the lounge, before his head swam, his vision blurring, his sight going black around the edges. What the fuck? He stumbled against a wall, shaking his head to clear his mind, but the confusion only intensified. Suddenly, all his energy abandoned him and he slid down the wall in a heap, two of the slower females slumped near him, unconscious. He could still hear the fighting going on yards from him, swords clanging, yells and screams sounding, but it was slowly fading away. That’s when he realized…Master Broman’s bond was gone! He was free! That was the last thought he had right before he lost consciousness.

*~*~*~*~*

Kylor held his blood-soaked swords at the ready, his long fangs flashing in the light as he surveyed the carnage around him. It had been ridiculously easy to decimate Broman’s clan, almost too easy. He glanced over at Hillier, his human mate being tended to by his brother, Cimon. He’d loathed the idea of Hillier seducing Broman into complacency, but it had been necessary. Now it was over, and both the Vampire and the Were Councils would be pleased. Not that Kylor cared what they thought, even if he agreed Broman and his clan needed to be wiped out. Kylor did what needed to be done, to stop any and all clans, were packs, and covens that refused to follow council law. As Caliph to both councils, it was his duty, even if it wasn’t something he wanted for his clan.

Kylor sheathed his swords and let his fangs recede as he strode over to Hillier, stepping over dead vampires to get to his mate. He caressed Hillier’s face, pleased that his human had only sustained minor injuries. He hadn’t been sure whether a true vampire, especially a master, would actually succumb to the seduction and therefore become weak with lust. But the information had been true. Now, Broman’s clan was finally gone, and the abduction of humans for blood slaves would end. At least in this area anyway. Broman’s clan was only the second in a long list of paranormals to be dealt with for breaking council law.

“You are well, my love?”

“Aye, Kylor, I’m fine. Go do what you need to.”

Kylor leaned forward and gave Hillier a gentle kiss on his forehead and then turned to address his lead kedge, Dair, the others gathering around as well. “Have you found all the slaves?” None of his clan had been happy at being required to feed from the slaves in front of an enemy clan, but their mission required it, to keep their cover. Kylor had found out that Broman didn’t approve of public feedings and knew that would throw the master even further off his guard. It had worked. Dair looked ill and Kylor gave him a rueful smile. “Did the slave you sampled not taste pleasant?” The glare that Dair gave him was answer enough.

“The men are still canvassing the estate, but most of the women have been found.”

Kylor almost grinned at Dair’s disgruntled growl. His lead kedge was not a happy camper. Not only had he had to feed with an audience of strangers, but like Kylor, Dair preferred the male gender. Feeding from a female obviously didn’t agree with him. He was surprised Dair hadn’t picked the male blood slave, but when he thought about it, it was just as well he hadn’t. White hot jealousy raced through Kylor just thinking about anyone’s hands on that blood slave. “What about the male? Did you find him too?” Kylor had known the moment his eyes met the human, that he was Kylor’s mate. As a dyad, Kylor would have two mates destined for him. Hillier called to his were spirit, his mating bond with the human strong and sure. The unknown man called to his vampire. He wasn’t sure how Hillier was going to take the news, even if his mate knew it could happen, knew that Kylor wanted to find his other mate. He hadn’t been actively looking, but couldn’t be more thrilled that he’d finally found the being that would complete him and make him, and therefore his clan, even stronger.

“Yes, Alpha. He’s being loaded along with the others.”

“When we return, have him brought to my chambers.” He saw the puzzled look on Dair’s face, but Kylor wasn’t in the mood to placate Dair’s curiosity over his command. He was annoyed Broman had blood bonded the slaves he had held and they all had dropped unconscious when Broman died. It would have made things easier if they were alert and could walk on their own, not to mention easier to find within the estate. Flicking his hand for Dair to follow, Kylor joined the search. He could sense humans better than his clan, with the exception of Samuel, his pyrina and the only true vampire bonded to him. But Samuel was back at the compound for his own protection. Besides, pyrinas, like the nearly extinct were omegas, were not fighters. The emotional toll created from the destruction and death around Kylor would have killed Samuel.

He remained silent, Dair following in his wake, as they made their way deeper into Broman’s home. Nearly an hour later, Kylor was satisfied that they had flushed out any vampires hiding and found all the slaves. Kylor had spared only one vampire. A pyrina. He couldn’t, in good conscious, kill a pyrina. They were rare and precious. What he was going to do with the vampire was a problem for later. He wanted to get back to Hillier. He needed to explain to his lover that he’d found his other mate, a very difficult conversation to have. Plus, he was tired. He might be a dyad, both alpha and master, his power limitless, but even he could feel exhaustion, especially now that he’d met his second mate and the instinct to claim was triggered and riding him hard.

Chapter 3

Easton knew the moment Broman was no more. He could feel the bond between them shatter. He was pleased about that fact, even if he was enraged at how it had happened. He’d been honing his skills, both in leadership and power, to challenge Broman for the clan. He felt cheated. Not only was he denied the thrill of killing Broman himself, but the clan he would have inherited was wiped out. Now, with Broman’s clan gone, Easton was on the run.

As he prowled down the passageway under the estate, his eyes watching for any movement, he vowed to himself he would get his revenge on the clan that had come in and taken over. He yanked at the small wrist he had in his grasp, wanting to slap the little blood slave when she whimpered. He’d grabbed her when she fled from the battle, and in doing so, found out the strange clan had taken all the other blood slaves, including Darrian. They had spared Bladen, making Easton sneer in the dark. Useless pyrina. He’d get the blood slaves back. It was just a matter of being patient and strategically superior. He’d have that male blood slave bound and under him, using the females as a lure for other vampires who would submit to him. It didn’t matter that the vampires who had attacked were unknown to Easton. He’d find out who they were, where they could be found, and he would swoop in and take back what was his.

The blood slave he was dragging behind him stumbled and Easton growled. He’d carried her when she’d been unconscious from the blood bond breaking, and it looked as if he’d have to carry her even further. He stopped long enough to grab her and toss her over his shoulder, ignoring her racing heartbeat that thundered in his ears and the additional whimpers coming from her. He hurried his steps, wanting to be long gone before the invading clan figured out Broman’s heir apparent had disappeared. The human he carried was the one blood slave Easton fed from, saving his possession of Darrian for after he’d killed Broman and the human would be mate bonded to him. Now that plan had been thwarted and he was going to have to come up with another. He had no doubts he’d eventually get what he wanted. It irked him he’d waited to claim the male human. He couldn’t take Darrian anytime he wanted, since Broman would have sensed that Easton was mated and had fed from Darrian. His mentor and rival would have figured out he’d drank from a lowly human, had fucked him, which would have caused Broman to withdraw his proclamation that Easton was his heir, and most likely had him executed. So Easton had waited…and now his prize had been snatched away by another clan.

Easton hoisted the female higher on his shoulder as he reached the end of the tunnel and the ladder that led up to the surface. He stopped long enough to listen for any indication that there were others near the exit. Hearing nothing, he started up the ladder, carefully pushing the foliage aside and climbing out. He dropped the female long enough to gaze around and take a whiff at the breeze that gently ruffled his long hair. Nothing. Not a whisper of sound, except for the sniveling woman at his feet. Even the small creatures that inhabited the woods that circled around Broman’s large estate were silent, as if they sensed what had transpired.

Easton frowned down at the human, annoyed that he had to settle for her. He wanted Darrian, and Darrian he would get. “Be silent, or I will silence you myself.” The woman choked on a sob and Easton gave her a hard kick to the ribs to emphasize his command. He then grabbed her from the ground and threw her over his shoulder again. He didn’t have access to his vehicle that was parked at Broman’s mansion, so headed off to the west, away from the large city to the east. It was uncommon for vampires to live alone, preferring to reside under the same roof as their master, but Easton was no ordinary vampire. The bond between him and Broman, though unbreakable while Broman lived, had been weak, giving Easton the power to live outside the compound, much like a rogue vampire. It also kept Broman from getting too close to him. Easton had been responsible for Broman’s son, Jaron’s, disappearance and he hadn’t fancied Broman figuring that out.

Now that the bond was gone, nothing could stop Easton from going to his own home and cultivating his scheme to take back what was his. The strangers wouldn’t get away with what Easton considered his property. Unfortunately, the few vampires that had caved under Easton’s influence in Broman’s clan had been killed. He would have to start over, finding vampires disgruntled with their positions within their clans and willing to bond with Easton as their master. It shouldn’t be too hard since Easton had been Broman’s liaison for nearly two centuries. He was the one that negotiated the trading and sale of blood slaves, ran the lucrative mercantile business in Boise that was owned by Broman, and kept up appearances with outsiders. He already had an idea of a few vampires he could contact.

Easton curled his upper lip at the thoughts running through his head. Broman had been old…ineffectual as far as Easton was concerned. The vampire had gotten paranoid in his advanced age, refusing to leave his compound, guards always around his person, never venturing into Boise and leaving Easton to run his corporation. He’d even stooped to using blood slaves instead of hunting for his meal. Easton still hunted humans, even if he kept the little blood slave currently hanging over his shoulder for the nights he wanted both blood and sex. Thank the Gods she wasn’t his true mate, or there would be a few dozen vampire younglings running around. Easton had no patience or desire for younglings. They were a nuisance no matter how precious they were supposed to be in the vampire world. All Easton thought of younglings, was their desire to take what he worked so hard for as their due. No, no younglings for him. Just another reason he wanted Darrian. The human male couldn’t get pregnant, and would be there if Easton ever found his true mate, the mating bond with Darrian keeping him from claiming her, or so he hoped anyway.

Two hours later, Easton saw the small estate he’d bought. He climbed the wide steps, fished a key out of his pocket and opened the door. The place smelled musty since Easton hadn’t been here for some time. He locked the door behind him and strode through the foyer, then up the stairs on the right. He entered a bedroom, the one he’d chosen for his own and dropped the blood slave on the bed. He didn’t care about the fear he saw in her brown eyes, or the trembling in her small body. He ripped the thin tunic from her lean frame, lust making his body harden. He flipped her to her stomach and then secured her tightly to his bed, spread-eagle and ready for him.

Removing his own clothing, he proceeded to feed and fuck while he contemplated his vengeance on the clan that had ruined his designs for a future and taken the male he’d chosen as his mate.

Chapter 4

Darrian blinked, coming awake slowly. He didn’t know where he was, the room unfamiliar. It was large, the ceiling high above him. When he turned his head, he saw dark, stout furniture, cream colored walls and three doors. The bed beneath him was soft and comfortable, the duvet over him a tasteful burgundy color and keeping him satisfyingly warm. On the far wall, directly across from the foot of the bed, was a huge fireplace with a loveseat and two chairs in front of it. Above it was a big screen TV. To the left were heavy, baroque curtains, closed to the light behind them and stretching from ceiling to floor. When he moved, he realized he was naked, sending a stab of panic through him. Where the hell was he? His gaze had showed him to be alone, but he could vaguely hear voices outside one of the doors. He slowly climbed from the huge bed and hurriedly made his way to the closer of two dressers. He quietly pulled open a drawer to find clothing to cover himself. He didn’t know whose they were, and they were too large for him, but anything was better than the vulnerability of being only in his skin.

He dressed quickly, then jumped and darted back against the wall by the head of the bed when he heard one of the doors open and three vampires entered. One was the stunningly gorgeous one he’d seen at Master Broman’s estate. There was something off about all of them, though Darrian couldn’t really put his finger on what. They were large males, bigger than most vampires, the beautiful male the biggest. Darrian had been wrong when he’d first seen the blood-sucker, thinking him thin. He was much bigger up close. All of them towered over Darrian’s 6’ frame. Darrian watched them warily, wondering what they were going to do. He realized, he must have been brought to this vampire’s compound after the battle that left Master Broman dead, and his thrill at being free of Master Broman’s bond was short lived. No doubt, the vampire before him was going to bond him, and once again, Darrian would be a blood slave…or worse.

“I am Kylor. What’s your name, human?”

The man had a deep rumbling voice, also unusual for vampires, the smooth, low timbre going straight to Darrian’s cock and he struggled not to react. The words had been delivered softly, but Darrian didn’t trust vampires, especially master vampires, further than he could throw them. He didn’t figure giving his name would change anything, though. “Darrian…Master.” He also guessed he’d better be polite, at least, to avoid punishments. He’d kept his eyes averted, choosing instead to look at the other two vampires. One had a scowl on his face and was obviously unhappy. The other held a smirk and looked a lot like the stunning male talking to him. Same copper hair and amber eyes. For that matter, the frowning male had amber eyes too, though his hair was a deep brunette. Were they related?

“Darrian.”

The way the beautiful vampire said his name made Darrian’s balls tingle. What the fuck was going on? What was wrong with him? He’d had his fair share of attractions, though Easton had been the only vampire he’d ever thought sexually about, and Bladen, except he hadn’t liked being forced on the small vampire. He wondered if Bladen had been killed with the rest of Master Broman’s clan. It made him sad to think so. Bladen didn’t deserve that kind of death. Easton was an arrogant prick, even if he was gorgeous, and Darrian didn’t spare him another thought. Darrian was surprised when the large male waved the other two from the room. Maybe, now, the vampire was going to feed from him. Darrian didn’t know what to think when he wasn’t disgusted by that thought. Or maybe he was going to force feed his blood to Darrian, thereby creating the bond to enslave him once more.

“I see you found some clothes, though Hillier’s would probably fit you better than mine. He’s closer to your size.”

The vampire spoke in a conversational tone and moved to the other dresser, pulling out jeans and a t-shirt, along with briefs and socks. When he turned to approach him, Darrian had to contain a whimper, both in fear and arousal. He didn’t know what was happening. Darrian curled in on himself when the vampire got close, then started trembling when Kylor touched him. The contact was brief and gentle, just a brushing of warm fingers on his neck, which only confused Darrian further. What was it about this master vampire that befuddled him so much? He’d never experienced a vampire like him.

“I can see I’m frightening you. You don’t have to be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.”

The vampire’s voice was soothing, and he stepped back, placing the clothes on the edge of the bed.

“I’m sure you would like a shower. Feel free to get clean and put these clothes on. They will fit much better, even if I like the thought of you in my clothes. I’ll come back later with some food.”

To Darrian’s complete astonishment, the vampire smiled, no sign of fangs and then left, closing the door quietly behind him. Darrian could hear the voices again, but couldn’t make out what was being said. He waited, straining his hearing until there was only silence. He glanced at the clothes on the bed and then slowly walked towards them. He grabbed the pile and headed for one of the other doors. Opening it, he found the closet. It was a big walk-in filled with clothes and shoes. Not even the vampires at Master Broman’s compound had these. Closing it, he went to the other door that was not the one the vampires had entered from and found the bathroom. Like the bedroom and the closet, the bathroom was large and opulent. There was a generous and deep tub with jets, a separate shower that would hold at least four humans, though probably only two vampires the size of the one who lived here, with three separate showerheads. There was a double sink in marble, a mirror that went all the way to the ceiling and an open door that led to the toilet. Darrian had never seen such luxury.

He dropped the clothing on the counter and started the shower to let the water heat. He removed the oversized clothing after making sure the door was locked. He didn’t want to be startled while showering, though he was sure a locked door would not stop the massive vampire, if he chose to come in. Steam began to rise and Darrian stepped into the enclosure, a moan of appreciation coming from his throat at the hot water hitting him. He’d not had a shower since before being captured by Master Broman. The steaming water sluing down his body felt like heaven.

Finding soap and shampoo, Darrian scrubbed his body from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. The idea of sloughing off his captivity was absurd, but it still made him feel better. The soap and shampoo smelled masculine and made Darrian think of better times before his imprisonment, and was certainly better than the harsh lye soap used at Master Broman’s compound. Once finished, he turned the water off and dried quickly. When he went to get dressed, he realized the big vampire was right. The new clothes fit better, though the jeans were a little long for him and somewhat snug around his waist. This Hillier, whoever he was, must be taller and thinner than Darrian.

There was a hamper in the corner, and Darrian dropped the larger clothes in there. He was almost loath to leave the safety of the bathroom, but he couldn’t very well stay in here forever. He unlocked and opened the door to see the bedroom was still empty. He stepped into the room and walked over to the curtains. Pulling them aside, he gasped at the view. Miles upon miles of forest, trees as far as the eye could see, greeted him. To his left he could just make out the hazy coast, which meant he was a ways away from Master Broman’s compound in Idaho. On his right was a sliver of driveway, the end of a dark SUV showing. He looked down to see he had to be on a third floor, and there was a balcony. He tried the glass door to find it unlocked. Sliding it open, he was hit with the briny and humid air that made him think of the Oregon coast or Washington State. The breeze was a little chilly, but refreshing. Nothing like the industrial fog that seemed to permeate the grounds around Master Broman’s estate. Not that Darrian had been let out into the slave run often.

He walked out onto the cool tiles and leaned against the wrought iron railing that circled the balcony. On his left was a small glass table with several comfortable looking chairs around it. On his right was a little hibachi, though he could now see a large barbeque in the well maintained yard below him. Whoever this Kylor was, he lived well. Darrian had no idea vampires were so wealthy, but then it stood to reason since they lived for so long and could amass a fortune in that time.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when heard a voice behind him. He swiveled around to see Kylor standing there with his hands clasped behind his back and a smile on his face. He was dressed conservatively, with a black turtleneck sweater that emphasized his broad shoulders and black slacks that clung to long legs. Darrian couldn’t get over how handsome the male was. He’d never seen such a gorgeous vampire. Most of the ones that he serviced at Master Broman’s were tall, pale and beautiful, but nothing compared to this master. It took him a minute to register what Kylor had said. Oh, yes. Did he like the view? “It’s nice.” Darrian didn’t say anything more. He’d learned the hard way that Master Broman’s vampires liked him quiet, so he wasn’t used to conversing with one.

“Come. I’ve brought food. I’m sure you’re hungry.”

Darrian was about to shake his head no when his stomach growled loudly. Embarrassed, Darrian felt the heat of a blush and wished he wasn’t so fair that it showed. The laugh that came from the vampire was deep and guttural and Darrian was fascinated by it. So enthralled, he didn’t register Kylor coming close to him until the big vampire cupped his elbow and led him back into the bedroom. Carefully, he pulled his arm from the vampire’s touch. His body might like the huge master, wanted him even, but Darrian knew better than to trust a vampire. Kylor waved towards the seating arrangement in front of the fireplace, which now had a roaring fire lit. When Darrian moved around the loveseat, he saw a tray on a glass coffee table, filled with a variety of food.

There was baked chicken that smelled divine, an assortment of vegetables, a bowl of mixed fruit, several rolls, and three carafes, one with juice, one with milk and one with steaming coffee, the rest of the tray covered with various condiments. Darrian’s mouth watered, but he was hesitant in accepting what was before him, afraid it was drugged or even poisoned. Darrian didn’t know this vampire, didn’t know what he was going to do with him.

“Please, sit and help yourself.”

Darrian noticed there was only one plate and glass setting, so obviously, the vampire was not joining him. That only made him more suspicious, but he did sit, choosing one of the chairs. Before he could verbally refuse to eat, there was a soft knock on the door. A quick frown marred the vampire’s forehead before Darrian saw the male take a deep breath and the scowl disappeared as if it had never been. Darrian remained where he was as the vampire went to open the door. He pulled a younger man into the room, encircling his arm around his waist. When Darrian got a good look at the human, he realized this was the one that had been making out with Master Broman. He had a small gash on his temple and his arm was in a sling.

“Come, my love. There is no need to knock on your own door.”

Darrian glanced at the double dressers and quickly surmised that this must be Hillier, the man whose clothes he was wearing, and the other occupant of this room. Shit! He didn’t know what to do. Based on the vampire’s words, this man was his husband? Boyfriend? Darrian didn’t know what vampires called their significant others. They were mates in Master Broman’s clan. All he knew, for sure, was he felt like an intruder. When Kylor leaned down to kiss the other man, he felt even more uncomfortable, thinking he was invading a private moment. He turned away, staring into the fire that was crackling merrily.

“So, you’re the one.”

Darrian jerked his head up to see the human standing over him, his hand on his hip and a glower on his face. Without commenting, Darrian took in the man’s features. Also handsome, though not even close to the beauty vampires possessed, he was still nice to look at. He had short dark hair, his blues eyes bright with what looked like indignation. He was built, though not as muscular as Darrian was. He did appear taller, but not by much. His lips were full and slightly puffy from the kiss he’d shared with the vampire, his cheekbones high and he had a chiseled jaw that was covered with a fine shadow. Yes, definitely a man to admire. The human snorted and turned back to the vampire.

“Not much of a talker, this one. You’re going to get bored with him real fast.”

Darrian watched as the vampire grinned, and still no sign of fangs. Darrian was sure the male was a vampire, so where were his fangs? Then, before he could track the movement, the vampire’s arm snaked out and pulled the human into his body.

“I could never be bored with you around, my love. He is an added bonus.”

He? He who? Darrian? What the fuck kind of bonus was he talking about? Darrian couldn’t even ask because currently, the other two were in a lip lock that could only be called carnal. Darrian’s body reacted immediately to the erotic sight, his cock going rock hard and pressing against the zipper of the jeans he wore. His breath grew ragged and he couldn’t take his eyes off the scene in front of him, the food completely forgotten. But when Kylor moved his mouth to Hillier’s neck, nuzzling and then biting down hard into the flesh there, his impressive fangs were quite easy to see. Hillier gave a low grunt of pleasure and Darrian came in his pants. Stunned, he sat there dazed at what had happened. Never, ever had he been aroused when the vampires had fed from him. And watching those strangers feed from the female blood slaves at Master Broman’s had only sickened him.

What the hell was going on?

Chapter 4

Kylor breathed deeply, Hillier’s arousal mixing with the heady scent of Darrian’s spilled seed, ramping up Kylor’s need. Kylor’s vampire spirit growled, wanting to claim the other human just as his were spirit had claimed Hillier nearly ten years ago. But that wasn’t going to happen until he and Hillier had a more detailed discussion, and Darrian understood what it meant to be mated to a dyad. Not to mention, Kylor had to get the approval of the Vampire Council. Something that irked him, but the position he was in demanded it, even if he knew the council wouldn’t deny him.

He licked the wound he’d created on Hillier’s neck, reveling in the sweet taste of his mate’s blood and gave the generous bulge in Hillier’s pants a gentle squeeze. He would need to take his mate, and soon. Hillier would not appreciate waiting while Kylor tried to explain to a stranger that they were mates and Kylor didn’t relish dealing with Hillier’s temper. Kylor would allow Darrian enough time to eat, then have Cimon take him to the room they were keeping the pyrina in while he indulged in Hillier’s body.

The small pyrina was refusing to feed, and Kylor couldn’t have that. Even Samuel had been unable to persuade the other pyrina to drink. Since Darrian had once been a blood slave, maybe the pyrina would feed from him, as a familiar face, at least for now. Kylor had smelled Darrian’s scent on the pyrina, so knew they had been intimate, though the scent was not recent, which was the only reason Kylor hadn’t torn the pyrina to pieces. But if the young vampire continued to refuse sustenance, they had a problem.

*~*~*~*~*

Darrian was still in shock when Kylor and Hillier separated, Hillier with lust in his blue eyes and Kylor’s solid amber eyes looking satisfied. Darrian glanced down to see both men were hard behind their zippers, while he’d gone off untouched. He didn’t understand it. So caught up in his confusion and shock, he didn’t even balk at Kylor’s insistence that he eat. Automatically, he filled his mouth, chewed, and swallowed, until the food was gone. The coffee had grown cold, but still tasted good. When the tray was empty, there was a knock on the door. Hillier went to answer it and the vampire that looked most like Kylor entered, the one who’d been scowling earlier, behind him.

“Take him to the pyrina and see if he can convince the vampire to feed. Allow Samuel to stay in the room, but keep an eye on them.”

The other vampire nodded and Darrian was beckoned to follow them out of the room. When he looked back, the beautiful vampire and human were in another kiss, Hillier with his hands under Kylor’s shirt and the vampire’s hand buried in the back of Hillier’s pants, pulling their groins together. The door closed, and Darrian had to blink to bring himself back to reality. Never had he seen something that turned him on so much. He grimaced when the mess in his pants registered again.

“Come on. You’ll have plenty of time to watch that show later.”

Darrian had no clue what the stranger meant by that, but followed him anyway.

“I’m Cimon. Kylor is my brother. This is Dair.”

Darrian just nodded. He didn’t know what to say. So many strange things had happened since he woke up in this place. He’d never dreamed of a clan quite like this one. Or vampires like the ones walking with him. He was trying to ignore the sticky pants and wondering where they were taking him, and why he was so turned on by Kylor and Hillier when he didn’t even know them, and Kylor was a master vampire, and he shouldn’t trust him, much less desire him, and Darrian really thought he was going out of his mind!

He nearly bumped into Dair, who had stopped at a door. A locked door as he watched Cimon run a key card through the slot. Cimon swung the door open and Darrian saw, none other than Bladen, lying on the bed. He hurried forward, wondering if they had hurt the small pyrina in some way. He turned angry eyes back at the two unnatural vampires. “What have you done to him?” Bladen was probably the only vampire on the face of the earth that Darrian had some semblance of actual feelings of caring. He’d had to force himself on the quiet male as Bladen’s punishment, and always regretted hurting him.

“He won’t feed. Maybe you can convince him to. Otherwise, he’s going to starve to death.”

Cimon said this matter-of-factly right before shutting the door. Darrian heard the lock click and he sighed. Going from a locked cell to a locked room. Didn’t look as if his life had changed all that much, as he was beginning to think. He turned back to see Bladen with his eyes closed and his breathing labored. It made Darrian wonder how long he, himself, had been out of it. A vampire could go several days without feeding and Bladen looked as if he’d gone without for a couple weeks, not days. “Bladen.” Darrian went to sit on the side of the bed next to the vampire, until he remembered the mess in his pants. He glanced up to see a large amour in the corner of the room. He stood and strode over to it, opening the doors. Inside was a bunch of folded clothes. He grabbed a pair of sweats and headed to the bathroom. This one was not nearly as nice as the one he’d been in before. For that matter, the room was much smaller too and there was no fireplace. He pulled the stiff jeans off and cleaned his groin before pulling the sweats on. They were too long, but would do for now.

He hurried back out to the prone vampire and once again tried to rouse him. Bladen’s eyes fluttered, but he didn’t move otherwise. Worried, Darrian contemplated what he could do. Cimon had said Bladen needed to feed. Well, Darrian had been a blood slave long enough to know what to do. He leaned over and pushed his arms under Bladen’s shoulders, pulling the male into a sitting position and letting the small vampire lean against him. While one arm supported the thin pyrina, he used his other hand to place Bladen’s face into the curve of his neck. He was hoping just the scent of his skin would work, and he wasn’t disappointed when Bladen latched onto the flesh there, his fangs piercing deeply. Darrian tilted his head, giving Bladen plenty of room to feed, ignoring the burn of pain as Bladen jerked to set his fangs, and the suction making his skin tingle. Moments later, Bladen’s arms came around Darrian’s waist, holding on tightly as he drank from Darrian’s vein.

Darrian was a little light-headed by the time Bladen released him, licking the wound to seal it. Bladen let go of Darrian with a lurch and scooted back on the bed, pulling his legs up and wrapping his arms around them, his face a mask of regret.

“I’m sorry.”

Darrian had never actually heard Bladen speak before and was surprised at the light, yet raspy, tenor. But before he could assure Bladen it was okay that he’d fed from him, a soft clearing of a throat drew his attention to small man—no—vampire, standing in the corner, the dimness obscuring his features. Darrian stared, embarrassed that he’d been caught feeding Bladen. But the other vampire, who was small enough to be a pyrina, was smiling.

“I’m glad he was able to feed from you. I couldn’t get him to with the others that were brought here.”

Darrian flushed and shrugged. He could only assume it was because Bladen knew him. Hell, Darrian had fucked the man numerous times. A little feeding was nothing, though Bladen would soon need to bond with a master. Darrian’s blood would not sustain him indefinitely. Embarrassed, Darrian hadn’t liked an audience. When the vampire stepped forward, out of the shadows, Darrian was struck by the white hair and pale, almost translucent blue eyes. Darrian had once met an albino when he was a kid, and this vampire reminded him of that girl. Ignoring Darrian, the strange vampire addressed Bladen.

“Now that you’ve fed and I’m sure feeling much better, can you tell me your name?”

Bladen glanced at Darrian, who shrugged again. It wasn’t up to him what Bladen did. He was a vampire. Darrian was nothing but a blood slave, though right now he wasn’t even that since no vampire at this compound had bonded him. Bladen would have to decide on his own what he was willing to say or do.

“Bladen. P…pyrina bonded to Master Broman.”

“My name is Samuel. I’m the pyrina for Kylor’s clan. You know that Broman is dead, right? You shouldn’t be able to sense the bond anymore.”

Darrian was shocked at a pyrina refusing to use the title of master, even if that master was dead. And not to use the title for his own master was punishable by death, at least it was in Master Broman’s clan. Samuel must have seen the stunned look on his face but all he did was laugh, which only confused Darrian more.

“There is a lot you don’t know about this clan. Kylor doesn’t stand much for ceremony and has the power to back it. You’ll understand later.”

Samuel’s words made absolutely no sense to Darrian, so he chose not to dwell on them. He jumped when Bladen touched him, the smaller man moving closer. It was easy to see that Bladen was nervous, maybe even scared. Darrian wasn’t much for giving comfort, he honestly didn’t know how, but he put his arm around Bladen’s shoulders, hoping it would help. He grew uncomfortable when Samuel frowned at the care Darrian was showing Bladen.

“I wouldn’t get too cozy with each other. Kylor may be fine with feeding, but he won’t be happy you’re being affectionate with his mate. I think it best if Darrian goes back to his room now. He can come feed you again later.”

Samuel had moved to the door and gave a knock. When the door opened, Darrian saw the same two vampires standing there. Samuel whispered to them, both suddenly glaring in their direction. Samuel moved aside for the other two vampires, who stalked in and grabbed Darrian’s arms, pulling him from Bladen. They yanked him to his feet roughly, though their grips were not painful. They let go once they were out in the hall again. Darrian followed them, wondering what Samuel meant by “mate” and what he’d whispered to the two vampires escorting him to make them scowl so fiercely. He couldn’t possibly by Kylor’s mate. He already had Hillier and it was blatantly obvious the human was Kylor’s lover. He’d seen that evidence himself.

He thought they were returning to the room he’d woken up in, which he wasn’t really looking forward to, not with Kylor and Hillier there. He was still reeling over his reaction to the vampire and human together and didn’t want see that again. Instead, they led him down another hall and then down a set of stairs. When they reached the bottom, Darrian was awed at the size of the place. Master Broman’s estate paled in comparison to this! They were facing a living room that was humongous, with vaulted ceilings and several floor to ceiling windows. Nestled in the center of those huge windows was a sliding glass door which led out to a garden Darrian could just make out. The room was filled with soft looking chairs and couches and a giant fireplace that was roaring. The coffee table and side tables were a rich mahogany and there were paintings on the wall that were stunning. The warm wooden floor was covered in ornate rugs. Darrian startled when Cimon took his arm and pulled him across the room into another hallway.

They moved past a large, fully embellished kitchen that looked like it was straight out of a high-end restaurant to a room that was obviously some kind of media room. Here the deep couches were piled with comfortable looking pillows, there were beanbags scattered around and a TV so large, that Darrian couldn’t possibly guess what size screen it was, surrounded by an intricate sound system. There was a pool table in the corner, a foosball setup, a multitude of gaming systems and a full bar on the far left wall. But all that wasn’t what drew Darrian’s attention. What captured his notice was the number of vampires lounging around. And every damn one of them had the solid amber eyes, though in different shades, and the darker skin. They were chatting and laughing, some wrestling good-naturedly, a few were even dancing to the music that was playing softly. Several were feeding and it was flagrantly obvious that there were no blood slaves here, so the feedings were mutually agreed upon, and obviously enjoyable if the noises and facial expressions were any indication.

Darrian was flabbergasted. Never had he seen what amounted to a group of friends having a good time. There were even female vampires here, having as much fun as the males and not on their knees, naked and ready to service a male vampire, either for blood or sexual release. The few female vampires that Darrian had seen in Master Broman’s clan had been nothing but sexual playthings. Submissives, with the exception of Shirell and Mirsa, both sisters to Master Broman. But the rest were there for the amusement of the male vampires. Little better than the slaves themselves. And he’d seen none in the last few months, even Shirell and Mirsa had disappeared. He had briefly wondered what had happened to them, but didn’t question it. He would have been punished for sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong.

Cimon pulled him to the bar and poured him a drink. Darrian hadn’t had alcohol in the last two years. It was forbidden for blood slaves to be intoxicated or drugged. Their blood had to be pure of contaminants for feedings. Darrian sat on a bar stool and took the drink, staring at the golden liquid, thinking of vampire eyes, before taking a tiny sip. He coughed when the strong brew hit his taste buds and put the glass down quickly so he could concentrate on breathing, his eyes watering from the harsh liquor. Cimon just laughed and poured himself a glass.

Dair had stopped just inside the entrance to the room and approached a male lounging by the fireplace. Too Darrian’s astonishment, he grabbed the male and bit into his neck, holding the vampire close. Darrian knew that feeding wasn’t a sexual act for vampires, but the moan that issued from the unknown male was as wanton as Darrian had ever heard and Dair pulled him closer, rubbing against the male he was drinking from.

Once again, Darrian was lost and dazed, wondering what kind of clan this was. It seemed more like a frat house than anything. It was all too overwhelming, and Darrian struggled to keep his mind from shutting down. He needed to stay alert for any signs of a threat, though there would be nothing he could do about it, if there was.

Chapter 5

Kylor held Hillier close, their bodies replete after a spectacular bout of sex, his mate eliciting a passion in Kylor he’d not experienced since first claiming Hillier. Kylor wasn’t stupid. The urgency that Hillier had shown, his need to have Kylor ravish him was born from his jealousy over Darrian. His mate was asleep now, worn out by Kylor’s prowess. Kylor couldn’t contain the smug smile of satisfaction that he pleased Hillier so much, even after ten years being mated. They’d grown together, Hillier being very young when Kylor had claimed him. Kylor had barely obtained adulthood himself at the time and was still getting used to his alpha master position when Hillier had been found wandering the woods outside the alpha clan house.

They’d been together ever since, except for the agonizing three weeks that Hillier had been abducted by a were pack. A were pack that no longer existed, thanks to Kylor’s rage. By annihilating that pack, Kylor had sent a definitive message to never mess with his clan again. He’d not had any trouble with another were pack since. Being caliph of the Were Council helped, he was sure, even if the were packs thought his clan was nothing more than another vampire clan. He was still challenged at every opportunity by other vampire clans and the occasional coven, but maybe the annihilation of Candlor’s clan, and now Broman’s would at least lesson the number of those true vampires, or anyone else, who thought they could best him.

And now, he had finally found his master mate, the one being that called to his vampire spirit. Even without the claiming, he could sense Darrian in the house, knew exactly where he was. Kylor smiled at the ceiling. Seemed Cimon had taken Darrian to the play room, no doubt to give Kylor and Hillier enough time to finish their activities. It was a useless gesture since Darrian would be subject to Kylor’s sexual aggression soon enough, whether with him or Hillier…or both as Kylor hoped. As always, the claiming would be intense, the creation of the mating bond extraordinarily passionate and sometimes even violent, Kylor unable to control his power.

Kylor stroked Hillier’s soft hair, feeling his alpha mate mummer against his neck, the warm puff of air rising goose bumps on Kylor’s skin. He couldn’t get over how attuned his body was to Hillier after so many years, and he anticipated being as responsive to Darrian. He and Hillier had talked again and even though Hillier said he was fine with Darrian, Kylor could sense his mate’s turmoil and his attempt at holding back his feelings. Kylor didn’t like the envy Hillier was exhibiting, but there wasn’t much he could do about it, other than reassure his mate that Darrian would not take Hillier’s place in Kylor’s heart.

Kylor had hoped that Hillier might be attracted to Darrian, and welcome him into their life and bed. Kylor really didn’t want to have to divide his time between his two mates. He wanted to share this big bed with both of them. And if they felt like loving on each other, well, Kylor would just watch the erotic action until he couldn’t stand it any longer and joined them. He wasn’t sure that was going to happen with the reluctance Hillier was showing and the fact that he’d not had the opportunity to explain things to Darrian.

Carefully, he inched his way out from under his mate and got dressed. He wanted to check on Darrian and get Cimon’s report on the other pyrina and if he’d fed. It was a good thing Kylor knew feeding wasn’t a sexual act, or he’d never have allowed Darrian to try to feed the rescued pyrina. Samuel fed from Kylor, as was needed to keep him healthy and alive, and once the new pyrina adjusted to his clan and he bonded the vampire to him, he would feed from Kylor as well. Having two pyrinas in his clan would make it that much stronger, not to mention the presence of both his mates. Kylor would feed only from his mates. He was dying to know what Darrian’s blood tasted like. Would it be as sweet as Hillier’s? And he desperately wanted to sink his cock into the body he’d admired when they brought Darrian to his home and stripped him of that filthy rag he’d been wearing.

Darrian was the first male blood slave Kylor had ever come across and he was big and healthy. That was the one thing Broman did, he kept his slaves well fed, even if he never should have had them enslaved in the first place. Candlor’s blood slaves had been in much worse shape, most nearly catatonic from blood loss and all of them anemic. Many of those blood slaves were still in the infirmary that took up the basement of Kylor’s estate. Thankfully, since Cimon was the clan healer, a master vampire spirit with a beta were spirit and carried magic of his own, he’d checked Darrian over and found no issues.

Hillier was taller than Darrian, but slimmer. Kylor couldn’t wait to get his hands on all that muscular flesh and have cock and fangs buried deep. Just thinking about it had him hardening in his pants and his gums tingling, which spurred him from his room. Hillier would sleep for several hours yet, which gave Kylor some time to get to know his other mate.

When he reached the play room, he ignored the greetings of his clan and headed straight for Darrian, who was sitting at the bar with a glassy stare in his eyes and a slack expression. Kylor frowned and looked at Cimon for explanation.

“I think the pyrina might have taken a bit too much blood, which means you should probably feed him again. Your human has been a little lethargic since we pulled him from the room. He’s in shock as well, most likely from all the changes around him.”

“I told you to keep an eye on them.” Kylor couldn’t believe Cimon hadn’t watched to make sure Darrian would be okay, and growled his displeasure. But Cimon’s inadequate excuse did answer the question of whether the other pyrina had fed or not. At least he wouldn’t die. Samuel would have been devastated.

“Sir, we were just outside the room, and Samuel was in there with them.”

Cimon was acting nervous and that’s when Kylor noticed that Darrian was wearing sweat pants, when he’d left his chambers in jeans. “What happened to his pants?!” A white-hot rage traveled through Kylor’s system and he snarled. Cimon put his hands up, but Kylor was too angry, a possessive rage threatening to drown him, to be placated by his brother. As a powerful dyad, Kylor’s feelings over his unclaimed mate wouldn’t ease until he’d marked the man. Cimon knew this. Kylor didn’t even notice the silence that came over the play room at his outburst.

“Calm down. You know he spilled in those jeans. He must have been uncomfortable and obviously changed. Samuel said that they were getting too affectionate and you wouldn’t like it. They were sitting close to each other, Darrian’s arm around the pyrina, apparently to comfort him. But except for the feeding, nothing else happened.”

Kylor took a few deep breaths, pushing back the anger. Thankfully, Darrian’s feeding the other pyrina was over. Kylor would provide for the pyrina’s blood needs from now on, once he bonded the vampire. He clapped Cimon on the shoulder, the closest he would get to an apology. Cimon nodded and left them alone. Or as alone as they could be in a room full of half his clan, the other dyads turning back to their interrupted activities. Kylor gently took Darrian’s hand and led him from the renewed chaos around them, Darrian coming quietly. He walked down the hall until they came to a closed door. This was his office. A private place where he could talk with his mate.

Darrian had remained silent and Kylor was getting worried. He closed the door behind them and without resistance, pushed his mate onto the couch that stood against the wall opposite his desk and next to the door they’d entered. He sat beside his mate and gathered him close. Darrian came willingly, but then stiffened when he obviously realized he was in Kylor’s arms. He tried to pull back, but Kylor’s vampire spirit was having none of that. He was barely controlling the need to throw Darrian down on the couch, rip the clothes from his body, and fuck him through the cushions; to spill his seed inside the human’s body and drink his blood and seal them together. He couldn’t handle the man putting distance between them.

“I’m sure you have many questions. Please, ask. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” Kylor figured that was a better way to start a conversation, then to just blurt out that they were mates. Already his voice was gravelly with hunger for the man next to him. He didn’t know Darrian’s background with Broman’s clan, but it couldn’t be good being a blood slave. He had no doubt that Darrian wouldn’t trust him anytime soon. If he’d been in Darrian’s position, he wouldn’t trust easily either. He didn’t know Darrian at all, but he was determined to rectify that.

“Why are you holding me like this?”

Darrian’s question was barely above a whisper, and Kylor assumed it was because Darrian had been trained never to question a vampire, much less a master vampire. He also started with a tough one. What could Kylor say? “You’re my mate and I want to claim you? Right now.” Yea, no, that was not going to fly with the skittish man. “Am I making you uncomfortable?” Okay, it was never good to answer a question with another question, but Kylor couldn’t say what he wanted to say. At least not yet.

“….no.”

Kylor was surprised at the answer, even if there had been a brief pause before Darrian responded to him and it was clear Darrian wasn’t happy to voice the acknowledgment. But Kylor was pleased as well. He was even more pleased when Darrian relaxed a little. He could hear the man’s heartbeat battering away at his ribcage and knew his mate was scared. But he could also smell the man’s arousal. He must be so confused. “Ask another.”

“I don’t…I’m not sure…your clan is so different than Master Broman’s.”

Kylor smiled. Darrian had no idea just how extremely different Kylor’s clan was from Broman’s, since he only had one true vampire in it. “It is different, just as my vampires are different. We are not true vampires, not actually vampires at all. We are dyads. Do you know what that means?” Kylor was pretty sure Darrian had no clue. The human world didn’t know about his kind. They only knew about true vampires. When Darrian shook his head, Kylor continued. “It means we have two spirits residing in us. A vampire spirit and a were spirit. Our vampire spirit is much like what you have seen with Broman’s clan, without the blood slaves, but our were spirits make us so much more.”

“Were? Like in…werewolf?”

The incredulous tone in Darrian’s voice showed he didn’t believe that. And, essentially, they were not werewolves either. As were spirits, they could transform into any warm-blooded animal, not just wolves. “Not exactly. Werewolves don’t exist. Probably not in the way you are thinking, anyway. Our were spirits can transform us, but into most anything. I haven’t transformed into a wolf in a decade or more.”

“Really? Anything?”

It was easy to see that Darrian was struggling to understand what he was hearing, and having a hard time wrapping his mind around something so fantastical. He also wouldn’t consider the consequences of that knowledge. He would—now—never be allowed to leave Kylor’s compound, no matter the outcome of his relationship with Kylor. Their existence was a secret they’d kept for centuries and would continue to do so. Kylor hoped that Darrian would accept him as his mate, a gift from the fates. But Kylor couldn’t force the man to agree to being claimed. His vampire spirit would be in agony if denied, especially with his mate close, but unattainable. But he wouldn’t take what wasn’t freely given.

“I’ve never heard of dyads. Is that why you all have gold eyes?”

Kylor nodded. “Yes, that marks a dyad, among other things, like much longer incisors and canines that can be retracted and larger bodies than most true vampires. We can also partially transform as well.”

“Do you drink blood, like a regular vampire?”

Kylor nodded again. “Dyads, if mated, only feed from their mates. Pyrinas, who are true vampires and not dyads, must feed from their master to survive, though having a pyrina in a dyad clan like mine, makes it stronger, just like a vampire clan. Dyads who are not mated can feed from any other, be it another dyad, vampire, human or were.” Kylor had to hide his smile because Darrian was obviously getting into their discussion.

“Wait, are there just…weres? That aren’t dyads?”

“Yes, though, like dyads, they are unknown to the human world. Their council decreed it unlawful to expose themselves and they were to remain hidden from humans. The Vampire Council voted to go public. As dyads, we have representation on both councils since we are considered to be of both species, even though we are actually a separate species altogether. There are also other paranormal beings that humans know nothing about.” The more they talked, the more relaxed Darrian was becoming, nearly leaning on Kylor’s body and making his vampire spirit crazy with lust. He wasn’t going to be able to hold out much longer.

“Is Bladen going to be okay, as a pyrina here?”

Kylor hadn’t expected that question and just barely contained the growl of propriety that threatened. He knew that his mate and the pyrina had been intimate, he could smell it on both of them, but that was never going to happen again. Kylor would replace that scent on his mate with his own. Darrian was his! “Yes, he’ll be fine. You got him to feed, and after I bond him to me, from now on, he will feed from me, like Samuel does.” Kylor tried to make his voice soft, but knew it had come out sharp when Darrian stiffened against him again.

“Uh…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you angry.”

It was time. He couldn’t hold out telling Darrian they were mates any longer. His vampire spirit was becoming too restless. “I’m not angry, it’s just, we are mates and knowing you care for the pyrina makes my vampire spirit agitated.” Kylor waited for that to sink in and knew the minute Darrian understood because he suddenly struggled hard to get out of Kylor’s arms. Kylor let him go, knowing holding him in place would only make things worse, though he ached at the loss. Darrian jumped up and whirled on Kylor, glaring down at him. Kylor was actually pleased at the show of defiance. It meant Broman hadn’t broken the man.

“Wait, what? I can’t be your mate! You have a mate. I saw what you were doing with that other human!”

Kylor remained still and as calm as he could manage, not wanting to spook Darrian and have him bolt so he would have to chase him down. “Hillier is my alpha mate. He is mated to my were spirit, not my vampire spirit. Dyads always have two mates. You are my master mate, the mate to my vampire spirit. Haven’t you noticed how aroused you get around me? I can smell it even now. That’s because we are destined to be bonded.”

Kylor watched a flush of embarrassment crawl up Darrian’s face, clear to his hairline, and damn if he didn’t think that was adorable, not that he’d say that out loud to the irate human. He’d not meant to embarrass his mate, but this was important and Kylor couldn’t afford to dance around the subject. He needed to claim Darrian and soon. He already had a call into the Vampire Council, alerting them that he’d located his mate among Broman’s blood slaves. All he was waiting for was their approval and Darrian’s acceptance. Hillier would have to learn to deal with sharing Kylor from now on, even if Kylor wished for Hillier’s willingness to welcome Darrian without reservation. Kylor, as an alpha master dyad, could bond the two humans, but it was rare to do so, and Kylor didn’t really want to take away their free will to accept each other.

“I don’t…this is just…this is too much. I need time to think. I can’t do that around you.”

Kylor understood, and though he hated the idea, he would have to give Darrian some time to cope with the changes in his life. His mate had gone from the human world who only knew about vampires, to being a blood slave to a sadistic master vampire, to being the mate of a dyad and having more freedom than he even realized. It was a lot for anyone to take in, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. Darrian had no idea just who Kylor was. Kylor stood, Darrian watching him warily. “Let me take you back to our room and give you some time alone. I’ll wake Hillier up and we will give you some space to think. I hope that you will agree to be my mate.”

“I have a choice?”

Obviously, Darrian didn’t think he did, which only cemented Kylor’s belief that Darrian had been denied even the most basic rights as a blood slave. “Yes, of course. You have the right to deny me. I still have to wait for the approval from the Vampire Council, but being who I am, they will agree.”

“Being who you are? Who are you?”

Kylor hadn’t really meant for that to come up, and cursed his slip of tongue. It was hard enough for Darrian to understand dyads, but to know he was the mate of the most powerful dyad to ever be born, and the caliph of both the vampire and the were councils was more information that Kylor thought Darrian could handle. That didn’t even include the fact that because he was both master and alpha, the power he carried created a magical bond that tied his clan to the natural world in a very profound way, making all those part of his clan more powerful than most, which included Hillier and, if claimed, Darrian as well. For Darrian to deny him would cause a rift in that magic. Something Kylor didn’t want to think about and certainly not happen. “I’m Kylor, dyad and your mate.”

“No, you said I was master mate. That the other human—Hillier—was alpha mate. That makes you a master vampire and an alpha…and…and more. That has to mean something. More than what you are telling me.”

Kylor was both thrilled at how perceptive his mate was, and annoyed for the very same reason. “There is a lot more you don’t know, Darrian. But let’s take it slowly. You will learn all you need to know in time, especially if you allow me to claim you.” Darrian remained silent, but just the expression on Darrian’s face told Kylor he was not happy with that answer, but when Kylor let a little of his power shine through, Darrian dropped his eyes to the floor, a shudder working its way through his mate’s body. Kylor didn’t want to use his power on his mate and had hated it when he’d been forced to use it on Hillier as well, but it was necessary because Hillier hadn’t taken the news about being Kylor’s mate well and had run from the compound. Hillier had learned quickly not to push Kylor, even if he tended to exert his status on the rest of the clan. Kylor had not had to use his power on his alpha mate in years.

“Come on, let me take you back to the room.” He strode forward to open the door and then stood back for Darrian to step out first. Silently, Darrian waited in the hall and then followed Kylor back through the play room, which now only had a couple of his clan there, and up the stairs to his chambers. Going in, he saw that Hillier was still sleeping deeply. He went to wake him up, only to have Darrian stop him with a hand on his arm, which Darrian dropped quickly. Kylor turned, waiting for Darrian to speak.

“Don’t…don’t wake him up. He’s not disturbing me while he’s asleep and it’s his room…your room.”

Kylor watched Darrian falter and he gave the man a nod. “It is your room as well now, but I’ll leave him be. Knock when you are ready to talk some more.” Kylor then left quickly, returning to his office, not trusting himself to remain in Darrian’s presence any longer without losing control. Both Cimon and Dair met him there and he could tell they were anticipating news of the claiming.

“Don’t ask. He’s taking it better than Hillier did, but he’s still unsure and wanted time to think. I left him in my chambers with Hillier, who is asleep right now. We need to discuss the next clan on our target list.”

Kylor summoned his other kedges to him and they began making plans on the next clan to be raided. Ten minutes into the meeting, the council called giving full approval for Kylor to claim Darrian, without any further discussion, just as Kylor knew they would. He might have to answer to both councils on political things, but he was the highest authority within the members and they would not question him about his mate status. One hurdle over, Kylor went back to strategizing with his kedges and brother and hoping to hear from Darrian.

Chapter 6

Easton paced in front of the two vampires kneeling before him. He was angry. Weeks had passed, and he was still no closer to finding the clan that had taken Darrian. How hard could it be? He’d put out feelers for vampires unhappy in their clans and found several willing to abduct humans, making them blood slaves. Easton now had seven humans plus the female he’d taken from Broman’s compound. He’d enticed almost thirty vampires to his new compound, bonded them and worked on swelling his new clan. It helped that he was larger than most vampires, and ruled with fear and intimidation. Once bonded to him, it was too late for them to realize he was a tyrant.

Easton grinned inwardly. Any vampire that came to him learned he was a true master. He avoided pyrinas and females, preferring strong males he could control. Only one male had come with a mate, and that female was as ruthless as any male. She was also quite willing to warm Easton’s bed, so he let her and her mate stay. That he’d fucked her mate had only driven her into a sexual frenzy and Easton still wore the scratch marks on his back from that encounter.

“I’m sorry, my lord. It’s as if the clan doesn’t exist.”

Easton whirled around and grabbed the vampire by the throat, lifting him off the floor and glaring inches from the male’s face. “That’s not possible. I saw them. I saw them rip apart Broman’s clan, watched a mere human deal the killing blow to Broman himself. A clan like that should be easy to find.” Easton threw the male across the room, slicing his throat open in the process and watched in satisfaction as the vampire slid and slammed into the wall with a loud crunch. He didn’t get up. Easton turned his attention to the other male kneeling on the floor. “Find that clan or you will be joining your brother.” The vampire nodded and scurried out of the lounge.

Easton turned and roared with frustration. Easton knew there was something weird about that clan that had wiped out Broman’s. They smelled funny, wild and unlike any vampire Easton had scented before. A soft knock broke into his thoughts and he turned to see one of his lowliest kedges enter. The male was tall, taller than Easton and willow thin. He never had much to say, but his bond to Easton was stronger than most. The male nodded and waited to be acknowledged, as was proper. Easton sat in a chair and beckoned the male forward. He’d assigned the male to guard the slaves in the dungeon and wondered why he was here wanting an audience.

“My Lord.”

“Speak.” Easton wasn’t in the mood to wait, wanting the vampire to state his business so he could go relieve some of his tension upon the slave chained to his bed. He’d managed to acquire a male slave, and readily drank and fucked him. A poor substitute for Darrian, but would have to do until he got his chosen mate back.

“My Lord, I’ve been listening to the slaves and have found some information you may be interested in.”

“And what might that be?” Easton doubted the male had anything of interest to him. Slaves held little intelligence and were only good for using. The vampires he’d bonded seemed satisfied with them and that’s all Easton cared about.

“One of the slaves commented that her brother had come across a clan like none other. The vampires were large, with gold eyes and retracting fangs.”

Easton sat up, his gaze intent on the male before him. That was news he’d not heard. “What else?”

“She said that her brother once saw one of the vampires transform…into an animal.”

Easton relaxed back into his chair, a wicked smile crossing his lips. He hid his shock at the male’s words. There was only one type of vampire that could transform. Dyads. He’d thought them a myth, a legend from long ago. Seemed they did, in fact, exist. That would make it much easier to find them. “Well done, Cronel. Take the female as your own in reward.” The male nodded and left. Easton summoned several kedges to him, including the incompetent one. They were nervous, their scent rife with fear. Easton took a deep breath in satisfaction. “It has come to my attention that the clan we seek is not vampires, but dyads. Find them!” Easton assigned one of the males to clean up the dead vampire’s mess and then left to go to his chambers. He had celebrating to do and the male on his bed would be quite gratifying…for now. Darrian was that much closer to obtaining.

Chapter 7

Darrian waited until Kylor left before he grabbed one of the chairs and turned it towards the bed so he could keep an eye on Hillier. He didn’t want his back to the other human. He’d gotten the distinct feeling that Hillier didn’t like him and wasn’t sure what the man would do when he woke up. Darrian had had plenty of run-ins with the female slaves at Master Broman’s compound, and though they couldn’t really hurt him, there’d been a few scratches and bruises he’d worn. Especially if they’d been brought to him for sex and didn’t want to be fucked. Darrian had enjoyed their struggling, in the beginning anyway. He preferred men, but Master Broman didn’t have any other male blood slaves, so Darrian had to settle for the females, even when they were not very cooperative. They didn’t like that Darrian always took them anally. No way would he impregnate them. There was no telling what Master Broman would have done with a pregnant female slave, or the offspring.

Darrian was overwhelmed with all the information Kylor had given him. He’d been surprised that the master vampire, well, dyad, master…alpha—whatever—had been so forthcoming in his answers, though he’d gotten vague towards the end. Darrian wasn’t stupid. He was certain there was a lot more to both Kylor and his clan than he was admitting to. Things were strange here, this clan nothing like Master Broman’s. Darrian wasn’t naive enough to believe that Master Broman’s clan had been the example of most clans, though several of the blood slaves had been traded or bought from other clans which led Darrian to believe there were others out there just the same. But he was damn sure there were no other clans in the world like this one. Humans would have heard of strange vampires that could hide their fangs, or were bigger than normal, or something. It would have been on the news. It just didn’t make sense, unless Kylor was telling the truth and they were truly unknown by the human world. And now that Darrian knew about them, he had a sinking feeling he was never going to be free again. Kylor would not risk Darrian exposing them.

But all of that really wasn’t any of Darrian’s problem. His concern was being the mate of such a powerful vampire, alpha master…vampire were—whatever. He still couldn’t get that straight in his head. It was his own feelings on the matter that he needed to care about, to sort out. Kylor scared him, he could feel the power radiating off the man, even as a mere human. And yet, he was unbelievably drawn to him, aroused by him, attracted to all that he’d seen. Even embarrassed at Kylor smelling his desire, he hadn’t felt this level of attraction in his life. Did that mean that it was true, that he was destined to be this vampire’s—dyad’s—mate?

Darrian got up and walked over to the large bed and stared down at the sleeping man. Hillier. He was Kylor’s mate too. How was that going to work? Would they take turns being with Kylor? Would they share him? Darrian had to admit, reluctantly, he was attracted to Hillier too, though not nearly as strongly as he was to Kylor. Could he see himself in bed with this man? Sure. Could he picture all three of them together? Just the thought of that had Darrian hardening in the sweats he was still wearing and panting slightly. The erotic images were unbelievable. Well, that answered that question. But did he want to be tied permanently to a vampire? Being forcibly bonded to Master Broman had been a nightmare. But that was enslavement, not a mating. How different would it be? Hillier stirred and Darrian hurried back to the chair he’d been sitting in. He kept quiet when Hillier sat up, rubbing his eyes and then stretching, giving Darrian a tantalizing view of his physique. Oh yes, Darrian could easily see himself getting down and dirty with this man.

When Hillier finally saw him sitting there staring at him, he smirked, then frowned when he realized Kylor was not in the room. He threw back the duvet that had covered him waist down, and without regard to his nudity, climbed out of the bed. As casual as could be, he sauntered over to the dresser and rummaged around for a pair of sweats for himself, drawing them up his long legs before turning back to Darrian.

“Why are you here without Kylor?”

Darrian shrugged. “He left me here to think about the things he told me.” Darrian didn’t figure there was any need to be vague with this man. After all, if he decided to agree to mate with Kylor, and that was a big “if”, he and Hillier would be seeing a lot of each other, even if they had to take turns with Kylor. Hillier walked over and plopped down, draping his long body across the loveseat, and eyeing Darrian with an indecipherable expression on his face.

“So he told you about being mates? I have to say, you seem to be taking it much better than I did.”

“What do you mean?” This was news. Kylor hadn’t said much about Hillier other than calling him alpha mate.

“When Kylor told me that we were fated mates, I lost it. I didn’t even know vampires, and certainly not weres, not to mention dyads existed back then. I ran, Kylor having to hunt me down. When he caught me and dragged me back here, I made his life a living hell for a long time. Refused to mate with him, called him all manner of despicable names; accused him of kidnapping, even though I had originally agreed to come home with him. It took a while, and a lot of patience on Kylor’s part, but I learned. Once I made the decision to mate with him, I have never regretted that choice.”

This was the most Darrian had ever heard the man speak. He didn’t act as if he hated Darrian, but then they weren’t talking about him right now. “I find that hard to believe. You seem so…comfortable with each other.” Darrian could feel the blush creeping up his cheeks and once again, he cursed his pale skin. He’d ducked his head at the embarrassment, but looked up sharply when Hillier laughed.

“You saw us didn’t you? I can guarantee…you let Kylor claim you, and he will rock your world. The man is a walking sex machine. Besides, we’ve been mates for a long time.”

He’s already rocked my world just bringing me here. Darrian didn’t bother repeating that thought out loud. “I don’t get it. Doesn’t it make you…angry, that he wants to take another mate? I don’t understand this two mate thing with…dyads. He told me so much, I’m having trouble keeping it all straight in my head.” Darrian wasn’t kidding. Everything that Kylor had told him seemed to be jumbled and mashed up in his mind, making it difficult for him to figure out what was important and what he didn’t need to worry about and how he was supposed to make a choice when he didn’t understand what he was agreeing to.

“Let me make it simple. You know vampires, right? You were a blood slave?” Darrian nodded at Hillier’s question and he continued. “Okay, vampires mate for life, especially master vampires, since it makes them stronger being mated. A true mate, if female, could also give a master vampire younglings, which are rare and coveted. A lower class vampire’s mating bond can be broken by death, like the bond Broman had with you when you were a slave. A mating bond with a master cannot be broken, even in death.”

“Wait! That doesn’t make sense. Master Broman was a master. But the bond was broken when he died.”

“No, that was a blood bond, like Kylor’s bond to Samuel. Any blood bond is broken when the vampire dies, regardless of whether he is a master or not. I’m talking about a mating bond. You weren’t mated with Broman, so the bond broke. If Broman had been a lower level vampire and mated with you, the mating bond would also have broken. If Broman, as a master, had claimed you, mated with you, the bond would still be there, even though Broman is dead. Understand?”

Darrian’s mind was swimming, but he was sure he got that part. “So, a blood bond breaks regardless at the death of a vampire, but only a mating bond with a lower class vampire breaks. A master vampire’s mating bond never breaks. Right?” Darrian certainly hoped he was right because his head felt like it could explode at any moment.

“Wait, let me have some refreshments brought up and then we can discuss this in more detail.”

Darrian just nodded absently, ignoring the commanding tone in Hillier’s voice. The information from Kylor and now Hillier was still going round and round in his head. So lost in his thoughts, he was startled when Hillier tapped him on the arm and handed him a glass of juice. Darrian took it gratefully and gulp down half before giving his attention back to Hillier.

“Okay, now, weres are much like vampires. Well, sort of. They mate for life anyway, especially an alpha. The only difference is the mating bond doesn’t break once formed whether the were is alpha or not. My mating bond with Kylor can never be broken, which I’m fine with, if you want to know.”

Darrian wasn’t sure what to think of the cryptic remark, so let it go and just nodded at the man. He was having enough trouble understanding and getting a handle on Hillier’s information and his personality. He hadn’t questioned Hillier’s bond with Kylor, so wasn’t sure why the man insisted on being so clear about it. Hillier seemed frustrated with him, but Darrian was doing his best to follow the other man.

“Look, you asked if it made me mad that Kylor wants another mate. It doesn’t make me mad, really. By his very nature, Kylor needs two mates. As a dyad, he has two destined mates, two fated mates. I’m only mated to his were spirit, not his vampire half. That is you. You’re the master mate. But, I’ve had him all to myself for ten years. And now, I’ll have to share him and I’m having trouble accepting that, even though it’s the way things have to be. Kylor would continue to be incomplete without his second mate, no matter how hard I tried to be enough for him.”

Darrian was shocked that Hillier would tell him something so personal and honest. It made him feel bad for the other man. He’d not meant to horn in on Hillier’s perfect life. He’d not had a choice in coming here at all. Darrian was just a blood slave, or used to be, and just a nobody before that, a college dropout that cared only about having fun and his own satisfaction in all things. He’d never been needed by anyone. “If I deny him, don’t let him claim me, what happens? He didn’t tell me and I don’t know why.” The sigh Hillier gave was not a good sign.

“If you don’t go through with the claiming, Kylor’s vampire spirit will suffer terribly. It will shred the spirit within him and cause a rift in his magic. Magic that keeps this clan together and ties us to the land and the world around us. He will be in pain…all the time. He probably didn’t want to burden you, or influence your decision by telling you that. I’m not so selfless. If you deny him, you will not only be hurting him, but hurting me too, because I will have to watch the dyad I love in agony. And without the mating bond with you, our mating bond will weaken, even if it can’t be broken.”

“You…love him?” Before, whenever Darrian thought of the humans that had slept with vampires or married them, he’d been revolted, thinking how disgusting it was to fall in love with such a creature. He could never imagine such a thing with someone like Master Broman. But he’d seen Hillier and Kylor together. And Kylor was nothing like Master Broman. He knew his time with Bladen was, though forced, not repugnant. Of course, he didn’t love Bladen. Darrian had never been in love, not even with the few humans he’d been with before Master Broman had bonded him into slavery. He honestly didn’t know if he could come to love Kylor either.

“Yes, I love him. I’ll admit to hating him in the beginning, but over time and with the mating bond, he has become everything to me. I would die for him, just as he would die for me. It’s what happens once the mating bond is created. Honestly, you can’t help but fall for the one you’re mated to. You’ll see, if you allow him to claim you.”

“What’s it like? Being mated to not only an alpha, but a master too?” Darrian hoped he’d not asked too personal a question and gotten the wording right. The answer was important. It just might decide his future for him. He realized, he wouldn’t be tying himself to a vampire, but a dyad and from what both Kylor and Hillier had said, a dyad was not a vampire, but a species unto themselves, both vampire and were. And Hillier was human, like Darrian, so would have the answers he needed before he agreed to let Kylor claim him. He wouldn’t allow what would happen to Kylor, if he decided to deny him, to color his decision. It was his life and for the first time since being enslaved, he was being given the choice for himself. He almost grinned at the faraway look that entered Hillier’s blue eyes.

“It’s nothing like you’ve ever imagined. Kylor has this way of knowing exactly what you need, when you need it and has the amazing ability to give it to you just right, no matter what that need is. He’s passionate, insatiable and loving. He’s gentle most of the time, but when his spirit is riding him hard, he can be rough and dominant, though never cruel. He is never submissive, but I’ve been able to seduce him into allowing me to take him occasionally.”

“He has the greatest sense of humor and is fairly laidback for a being such a powerful dyad. He takes his responsibilities seriously, sometimes too seriously and has to be reminded to relax occasionally. He’s never…needy…but nevertheless needs his mate, or mates as the case may be. He doesn’t like showing weakness, and won’t in front of anyone but me, and you if he claims you, and he still won’t like it. He’s interesting and has a huge number of stories about his life. He shares everything with his mates. He’s very protective of his clan, but his mates come first. Right now, he’s been tasked to find and eradicate all the clans that are breaking council law by abducting humans and making them blood slaves. He also enforces council law with all the other paranormal beings.”

Hillier stopped and looked at Darrian, his blue eyes intense, making Darrian squirm under the scrutiny.

“I will stake my life on the fact that you will not regret allowing Kylor to claim you. I have my issues with you being here, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to accept your presence, but I would never interfere with Kylor’s claiming.”

Darrian didn’t know what to think of Hillier’s declaration. It seemed…sad that they couldn’t, at least, get along. And, of course, there was nothing Darrian could do about the attraction he felt towards Hillier. He wasn’t sure he’d do anything with Hillier anyway, not knowing how Kylor might react. Darrian assumed Kylor was similar to other master vampires, and very possessive of what he perceived as his. There was no telling what he might do to Darrian if Darrian touched Hillier in any way.

“Just think about it. I’m going to go take a shower.”

Darrian nodded, but he’d already made up his mind. Most of what Hillier had described sounded wonderful to Darrian, and despite not knowing Kylor, in the short time he’d been around the master vampire—dyad, he’d grown to trust him. That right there told Darrian that Kylor would make a good mate, since he didn’t trust vampires. He could feel it in his gut, or maybe it was his cock, but either way, the attraction he felt and the peace that enveloped him when close to Kylor was enough to allow the claiming.

He’d have to learn how to be a mate himself, since he’d never thought he’d be doing this in a million years. If anyone had told him, even a day ago, that he’d be contemplating becoming the mate to a vampire, much less a dyad, he would have called them crazy. He only hoped that Kylor was patient with him. If Hillier wouldn’t get too annoyed at him, he’d ask for his advice when he got lost or confused. All the so called relationships he’d been in had ended in disaster, most often his own fault. And those relationships had been fairly shallow, just dating, and only humans. There was no commitment in them, at least not from Darrian’s side of the pair. There was so much more he needed to know. He wasn’t sure what he could contribute to this…mating, or what kind of rights or privileges a mate had. He didn’t know what any of the occupants did in this house. Did Hillier have a job? Did Kylor? Where did they get the money to afford such an expensive home? And did all the dyads live here?

Once Hillier was in the bathroom and the shower was running, Darrian knocked on the door. A strange vampire, no, dyad… man—whatever—opened the door. He was as big as the rest, though he sported long black hair and was the first Darrian had seen with facial hair, in a neatly trimmed goatee.

“I need to speak to Kylor.”

The stranger nodded and indicated for Darrian to follow him. When they arrived at Kylor’s office, he could hear a lot of voices behind the door. He waited as the stranger knocked. It was Dair that answered, coming out and closing the door behind him, cutting off whatever was happening inside. The stranger pointed at Darrian.

“He wishes to speak to the Alpha.”

Dair nodded and went back inside the room and shut the door again.

“They will be out to get you. I’m Emmerick, by the way.”

The stranger gave a nod, then left Darrian to wait in the hall alone. He was getting anxious, but refused to second guess himself. He’d made his choice and he wasn’t backing out like a coward. Darrian was not a coward, even if he’d been subjugated as a bonded blood slave. It occurred to him that he’d made this monumental decision within a day of meeting Kylor, and that it was too soon, too short a period to be sure, but the feelings he had were strong and felt…right. He started pacing as the minutes ticked by and then stopped when the door opened again and several vamp…dyads, exited the office. Dair beckoned him in and Darrian finally saw Kylor sitting behind his desk. The vampire smiled at him and waved him forward. Dair was still in the room, along with Cimon and two vampires he didn’t know. He glanced at them nervously. He didn’t want to talk to Kylor with an audience. Kylor must have interpreted his fidgeting because he sent all the others out.

“You wanted to speak to me?”

Darrian nodded, feeling bashful all of a sudden. He ducked his head and cleared his throat. “I, um…I’ve made my decision.” Wow, this was a lot harder than he thought it would be. He just needed to get the words out, but the implications were dancing around in his head. Would Kylor claim him right there in the office? Would he take him back to the room? Would Hillier be part of it? Did Darrian want him to be? Would Darrian be able to please Kylor? He’d not had the kind of sex that meant a claiming. For that matter, he’d never bottomed. Was it different? Well, yes, he would not be the one penetrating. His backside clenched at the image of Kylor topping him. Would he bite him during sex? He’d heard there was biting during a mating, the rumor mill among blood slaves rampant. So many questions, enough to make the words stick in his throat. He was frozen and getting more panicky by the minute. He stared as Kylor stood up and came around the desk to lean against it. He carefully took one of Darrian’s hands and held it, his thumb doing a soothing caress across his knuckles, calming Darrian almost instantly.

“And what have you decided, Darrian.”

Darrian’s heart skipped a beat at Kylor saying his name. He took a deep breath and forced himself to look the master vampire in the eyes, those strange amber eyes with no pupil. “I wish for you to claim me.”

Chapter 8

Kylor could hardly believe his ears. Darrian was going to allow the mating! His blood was nearly boiling with lust just having the man in the same room, but now, he had permission to touch. To kiss and caress. To hold. To connect their bodies creating the bond that would tie them together for eternity, or at least as long as Kylor lived. Which was a damn long time. He was only a little over 200 years old and most dyads lived close to a thousand years, or more. The mating bond would extend both Hillier’s and Darrian’s lives to match his own lengthy existence. Of course, if he were to die, they would too, but he didn’t feel the need to divulge that little tidbit since he had no plans on dying. “You’re sure?” At Darrian’s nod, Kylor pulled his soon-to-mate’s hand to his lips and brushed a light kiss across it. “You have made me very happy.”

He kept ahold of Darrian’s hand and led him quickly from the office. He ignored both Dair and Cimon as they snickered to see him rushing by. Bastards. He’d get them back at some point. Now, his only concern, his only mission, was to get Darrian to his room, naked and under him, so he could join their bodies, sink his fangs in deep and create the mating bond, claiming his master mate. He would prefer that Hillier be there as witness, but he wouldn’t push his other mate to watch something that might make him uncomfortable. This first time with Darrian could not include Hillier. Not during the claiming itself, which would be intense. But after that? Anything could happen.

Kylor couldn’t even wait once they were in the room before he was pushing Darrian up against the closed door and taking his mouth in a kiss that struck lightening through his body, making his heart stutter with need and his vampire spirit soar. With difficulty, he broke away from Darrian, his chest heaving—from just a kiss! He worked to calm himself and turned to see Hillier standing by the bathroom door, his face stoic, his blue eyes hurt. He didn’t like the dispassionate expression his mate was wearing. “Hillier.” He snapped his mouth shut at the glare Hillier directed at him.

“No. Don’t speak. I can see for myself that Darrian has decided to become your mate. I know this is a good thing, it’s just hard to watch. I’ll get dressed and leave, so you can finish.”

That was when Kylor noticed that Hillier was standing there in nothing but a towel wrapped around his slim hips, water droplets slowly running down the man’s defined chest. It slammed into Kylor, again, how perfect Hillier was. He needed to claim Darrian, but not at the expense of Hillier’s feelings, at least not without trying to comfort his mate.

“Hillier, my love. Claiming Darrian is not going to change anything between you and me. Nothing can change how much I love you and the strength of our bond. You are my mate. My alpha mate and Darrian is not taking that away from you. I had hoped you would stay, that you would expand our link and share this with me. But if it makes you too uncomfortable, I will understand.”

Kylor wasn’t sure what more he could say. He’d known this would be hard on Hillier, and he loathed upsetting his mate, but he was a dyad. There was no denying his second mate. And his need to claim Darrian was growing to unmanageable proportions. Already his body was vibrating with need, primed to take his mate, his pants having become unbearably tight. Sadly, he watched Hillier shake his head, his mate unwilling to be here. Kylor was disappointed, but he wouldn’t force such a thing on Hillier. Dragging himself away from Darrian, he carefully approached Hillier, his mate standing still with his head down. He gathered Hillier in his arms, holding him tightly and nuzzling Hillier’s neck over the mating scar he’d placed there so long ago. A shudder went through Hillier’s body, but then his mate was struggling out of his hold. He let go, but not before planting a passionate kiss on Hillier’s lips, tasting the salt of tears. Fuck! He hadn’t known this would affect his mate this strongly, but there was nothing he could do about it. He had to claim Darrian.

Without a word, Hillier went to his dresser and grabbed clothes before going back into the bathroom and shutting the door. Minutes later, he came out fully dressed, eyes red, cheeks flushed, but now dry. He paused only long enough to look at Kylor, then Darrian. The emotions that played across his face nearly gutted Kylor.

“Have fun.”

With those sharply sardonic words, Hillier left their chambers, slamming the door behind him. Kylor sighed in disappointment and guilt. He opened his mind to see that Hillier had blocked their link, which hurt more than Kylor had expected it to. As both alpha and master, he could access the mind of any of his clan, though the mating link was much stronger, the connection deeper. He sent a quick mental message to Cimon to keep an eye on Hillier. As much as he would like to savor claiming Darrian, draw it out and enjoy their first coming together, his love for Hillier wouldn’t let him, nor would the drive to claim. Hopefully, someday soon, his feelings for Darrian would be just as strong as they were for Hillier. He closed his mind and pulled Darrian back into his arms, the confrontation with Hillier having cooled his ardor and Darrian’s too. He could feel Darrian’s insecurities had come forward again, his expression worried, his cock wilted, his body stiff. Well, that would just not do. He took his soon-to-be mate’s lips fervently, exploring the plumpness of flesh and forcing his tongue inside so he could taste his mate.

*~*~*~*~*

Darrian had to struggle to get his breath under control after that kiss Kylor had planted on him and then felt like a piece of shit to see how upset Hillier was. Honestly, he’d been going on mostly Kylor’s word that they were mates. He had no experience to go by other than the overwhelming attraction he felt. If allowing Kylor to claim him was this painful to Hillier, then what Kylor had said damn well better be true, or Hillier’s anguish would be for nothing. He would never knowingly hurt someone. He’d been a selfish bastard before becoming a blood slave, caring only about himself and his pride. His own needs. Always doing whatever he fucking wanted to no matter the consequences or who it hurt. But since he’d been enslaved, he’d learned the pain that others carried, the degradation he and others were subjected to and a compassion he didn’t even know he had filled him. It hadn’t happened at first, but he’d learned, just as he’d learned to obey the vampires of Master Broman’s clan.

Silently, he watched the interaction between Kylor and Hillier, an ache in his chest at the love he could see between them, even with Hillier being upset. Darrian wanted that, surprising himself with the longing. He’d never wanted a relationship before, preferring his variety and freedom to fuck anyone he wanted. What would it be like to have a lover—mate—that looked at him the way Kylor was looking at Hillier? Would Kylor ever feel that strongly for him? Sadly, he watched Hillier leave after getting dressed, his parting words making Darrian feel even more worthless.

Darrian almost gave out an unmanly squeak when Kylor grabbed him and began to devour his mouth. He opened up under the assault, allowing Kylor to sweep his tongue inside, and groaned at the taste of the big dyad. He hadn’t even known Kylor was moving them until the back of his legs hit the bed. The feel of Kylor’s hands on him, made Darrian’s skin burn and his breath hitch. Never had another made him feel so…needed, desired. It was as if Kylor craved him. Not to be left out, Darrian pushed his hands up under Kylor’s shirt, stroking soft skin over hard muscles. He’d caught a glimpse of Kylor’s torso before, but now he had the opportunity—the pleasure—to feel and see for himself. He pushed Kylor’s shirt up and off, Kylor breaking their kiss so Darrian could pull the shirt free and toss it aside. Darrian leaned back in Kylor’s hold to admire the wide shoulders, well defined hairless pectorals and flat waist. Kylor’s abdomen was not ridged as Darrian thought it would be, but it was clear the muscles underneath were hard and strong. Darrian let his hands wander across all that expanse of warm, lightly tanned skin, still amazed that Kylor wasn’t pale and cool to the touch, like the vampires Darrian was familiar with.

He stood passively only long enough for Kylor to divest him of his clothing, before he was once again exploring Kylor’s body with his hands. He could see the large bulge in the vampire’s pants and his mouth watered. He gave a grunt when Kylor pushed him to the bed and then Kylor stood back to undo his slacks, letting them fall to the floor, his glowing amber eyes never leaving Darrian. Kylor went commando, and Darrian got his first good look at the cock hidden behind Kylor’s zipper. The vampire—dyad—was well endowed, his uncut shaft hard, long and thick, the foreskin stretched back to expose the shiny head. It was an angry red, and pulsed as Darrian stared, smearing pre-cum over Kylor’s lower abdomen.

“Like what you see?”

Kylor’s voice had gone guttural with lust and Darrian dragged his gaze up Kylor’s body to those unusual amber eyes. They were filled with heat, Kylor’s lips puffy from kissing and a flush of arousal covered him from his hairline, clear to his stomach. Darrian was awed. Never before had he a lover that was so obviously attracted to him, so focused on just him. His heart skipped a beat as Kylor came forward, forcing Darrian to scoot backwards, to the middle of the bed, before he lowered himself onto Darrian’s body, both of them giving a groan. Kylor was large enough to completely cover Darrian from shoulder to feet, his body a welcome weight on Darrian’s.

Nervousness filled Darrian, knowing Kylor would be in control. He’d never submitted in sex, not before his enslavement, and not after either. He’d known the claiming would mean Kylor would be penetrating his body, but now, after seeing the size of the vampire, he wasn’t sure he could do it. Kylor must have felt his hesitation, because he gentled his touch, brushing his lips lightly across Darrian’s neck and jaw, his hands tender on Darrian’s skin. But it didn’t last. Soon, Kylor’s actions had grown heated again, as if he couldn’t help it. He pushed Darrian’s legs apart with a muscled thigh, bringing their groins closer and causing Darrian to swallow thickly with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

“I won’t hurt you, but I have to make you mine. Now.”

Kylor’s voice was literally vibrating, filled with a power Darrian had never experienced and his words were garbled from his incisors and canines dropping. Darrian lost his breath when Kylor moved, slotting their bodies even more firmly together; the head of his impressive cock grazing over the entrance to Darrian’s body. He gasped at the tingling sensation that started around his hole, even as he felt his muscles relax on their own and despite his worry that Kylor wouldn’t fit. “L…lube?” Darrian could barely get his voice above a whisper as he struggled to breathe, his heart racing. Even as he said the word, Kylor flexed his hips and pushed forward, his thick shaft entering Darrian in one smooth thrust, until Kylor’s balls were nestled firmly against Darrian’s ass, and there was a fullness he’d never felt before. There was no pain, none at all. Darrian was gob-smacked, but didn’t have time to puzzle it out when Kylor pulled back and began a hard rhythm, stealing Darrian’s ability to think.

The pleasure built quickly—Darrian feeling the tingling in his spine and balls, the need to come—within minutes. He wanted this to last longer, but it didn’t seem as if either one of them could slow down. Darrian had grabbed Kylor’s shoulders, holding on tightly as Kylor pounded into him. Kylor expertly hit his prostate with every inward thrust, driving Darrian insane with the need to climax. Kylor’s big body covered him completely and he desperately wanted to grab his cock, but was unable to. He couldn’t believe the sounds coming from him, from grunts to moans, to loud shouts. He’d never been such a vocal lover and marveled at Kylor’s ability to please him. Hillier had been right, Kylor knew exactly what he was doing.

Just when Darrian was about to beg to come, Kylor shifted, pulling from Darrian’s body, causing Darrian to whine in protest. Whine! He couldn’t believe how he was responding to Kylor and then gasped when Kylor flipped him over, pulling his ass up and plunging back into him. The dyad draped his bigger body over Darrian’s and reached around to grab Darrian’s cock, stroking it in time to his thrusts. Just three pulls and that was all it took. Darrian’s orgasm rolled over him, making him cry out as his muscles clenched around the fast moving cock buried in his ass. He cried out again, this time Kylor’s name, his climax renewing as Kylor sank his fangs deeply into the soft flesh between Darrian’s neck and shoulder. Holy hell! Darrian had never come so long and hard in his life.

Chapter 9

No matter how hard Kylor tried, he couldn’t be gentle, his need to possess Darrian too overwhelming. Darrian’s body was perfect, his responses to Kylor exactly what Kylor needed, the submission soothing Kylor’s vampire spirit, even as it provoked his lust to new heights. The dyad power that swirled within him broke loose, filling the room and causing Kylor’s voice to vibrate and his fangs to drop. The moment he buried his cock inside his mate, his vampire spirit glowed with contentment, burning brightly in his mind. The velvety muscles encasing him felt euphoric, making Kylor even more determined to rut to completion, filling his mate with his seed.

So in tune with Darrian, he felt his mate’s frustration and need to come. Even Kylor’s were spirit was involved, so Kylor pulled from Darrian’s body and turned him to take him from behind. The new position allowed Kylor to go even deeper into his mate and he was able to grab Darrian’s cock, giving him the added stimulation he craved. Seconds after stroking his lover, Darrian climaxed, his body clamping down on Kylor’s and yanking Kylor’s own orgasm from him. The moment he felt it start, his fangs burned hotly and he struck, sinking his long incisors and canines deep within the soft flesh between Darrian’s shoulder and neck, his alpha master power pulsating, sending a wave outward, like a ripple in water, announcing his claim to anyone close enough to feel it.

He felt the bond click into place, Darrian’s feelings and lust-muddled thoughts swamping him and extending his orgasm even longer. He ground against his mate’s ass, depositing his seed as deeply as he could, marking his mate inside, just as his bite marked Darrian from the outside. There would never be a doubt as to who Darrian belonged to. Darrian’s blood was as sweet as Hillier’s, just as he’d hoped and he drank deeply, needing his mate’s essence to fill him. At the last moment, he felt Hillier open his mind to him, his alpha mate able to feel Kylor’s orgasm. Kylor knew the moment Hillier spilled in his pants in response to Kylor’s pleasure. Both Kylor’s spirits meshed and encased his bond with Hillier, sharing the love he felt for his alpha mate and the intense gratification Darrian’s body had given.

When he felt Darrian’s orgasm ebb and exhaustion overcome him, Kylor carefully pulled from his new mate’s body. He maneuvered Darrian around until he was cuddled up against his side, contentment blanketing him, Darrian’s mind slipping into sleep. He turned his head when he heard Hillier enter the room and put out his arm in invitation for his alpha mate to join them in their bed.

“Just let me clean up.”

Kylor nodded before caressing his now sleeping mate’s soft hair. He sighed when Hillier came back into the bedroom and crawled into the bed on his other side, pulling the duvet up over all three of them. Kylor couldn’t believe how complete he felt, his mates beside him and he squeezed them closer to his body, ignoring Hillier’s quiet snicker at his possessiveness. He turned to give a gentle kiss, first to the top of Hillier’s head, then to Darrian’s. Closing his eyes, he dropped the block he had on his mind to keep from being  disturbed during his claiming of Darrian.

“Kylor?”

“You felt it. We are mated.” Kylor acknowledged Cimon’s happiness for him before his brother withdrew and he smiled into the darkening room. He would introduce Darrian to his whole clan tomorrow, after they got some sleep. He’d scheduled the next clan attack for several days from now, first, to give Darrian time to make a decision and now, thankfully, time to deepen the bond with Darrian, and hopefully give Hillier and Darrian time to get to know each other as well.

*~*~*~*

Darrian awoke slowly, his body heavy and warm. When he moved to stretch, the twinge in his backside had memories rushing back. Kylor had claimed him. Even now, he could feel the mating bond pulsing within his mind, felt Kylor’s satisfied slumber, and continued arousal. When he blinked his eyes open, he was facing the wall of curtains, the sun high in the sky and streaming dimly through the heavy material. He could feel Kylor’s big, warm body behind him, the dyad leader’s arm over his waist, holding him securely. Darrian kind of liked that after spending the last two years alone on an uncomfortable cot, with an ineffective blanket, in a tiny cell behind a locked door.

He carefully turned over and then bit his lip to keep from gasping when his morning wood brushed against Kylor’s rigid shaft. Darrian felt Kylor’s arousal spike through the mating bond, but he didn’t wake up. He could just see Hillier on Kylor’s opposite side, the other human’s arm draped over Kylor’s hip, his face buried in Kylor’s nape. They made a stunning couple, sleeping close like that. Darrian’s chest ached, an unreasonable sadness overtaking him. He was startled when Kylor’s eyes snapped open, the amber color dark and Darrian gave a grunt of surprise when Kylor grabbed him, pulling him close and slamming his lips down on Darrian’s. Kylor stole he breath away with his passion and Darrian’s concerns melted away under the onslaught.

“Do not doubt yourself, my mate. You are part of me now, and I will always want you.”

Darrian jerked to hear Kylor inside his head. He didn’t know once the bond was created, he would hear him like that, in actual words. For that matter, he knew nothing about the mating bond he was now part of. He still had so many questions, but right now, his mind was getting fuzzy with desire as Kylor moved to lie over him, his big body warm and solid. Darrian spread his legs, allowing Kylor to sink between them, his heart skipping when Kylor began to rock against him. The friction was exquisite and Darrian couldn’t help his hips from thrusting up against the hot skin of Kylor’s rigid shaft.

Kylor broke the kiss and nuzzled into Darrian’s neck, brushing his lips over the mark he’d made when he’d bit him, causing tingles to rush through Darrian’s body. Not more than a second later, Kylor shifted, his cock wet with pre-cum probing at Darrian’s entrance. Once again, Darrian thought of the need for lube, but before he could voice it, Kylor pushed forward and sank into him to the hilt, his heavy balls pressed up against Darrian. He sucked in a breath at the fullness, unconsciously lifting his legs and wondering why it didn’t hurt for Kylor to enter him without preparation. He lost all thought when Kylor buried his fangs in his neck even as he pulled back and thrust forward hard, making Darrian grunt with the strength of his movements.

Within minutes, Kylor was rutting inside him, driving Darrian’s arousal to heights he’d never imagined. The way Kylor was drawing his blood from his body, even as he continued to move within his channel was more than Darrian could take and he felt his orgasm getting close. He’d squeezed his eyes closed when Kylor had entered him, anticipating pain, but opened them now to see Hillier awake, and not only observing them, but moving to join them. Darrian watched as Hillier loomed over Kylor’s back and then Kylor yanked his fangs from Darrian’s neck and groaned loudly, a look of pure ecstasy twisting his beautiful face.

Kylor’s thrusts grew harder and erratic and that’s when Darrian realized that Hillier was inside their mate, fucking Kylor even as he fucked Darrian. That was so…so…so hot.

“Love…”

Darrian didn’t know if Kylor was talking about him or Hillier, but it didn’t matter as Kylor pushed up onto his arms, driving his cock even deeper into Darrian and then someone’s hand was on his shaft, stroking it relentlessly. Darrian screamed as his orgasm slammed through him, his dick spurting great ropes of semen all over his and Kylor’s chests. Just as his climax began to ebb, Kylor started grinding against him and then grunted his completion, filling Darrian with his seed. Hillier cried out at the same time, thrusting madly into Kylor, causing the big dyad to remain hard.

He pulled from Darrian and flipped Hillier off his back, Hillier landing on the bed, still climaxing, his hips lunging forward into the air, semen arching over his chest. Kylor pulled his other mate under him and slammed into him, thrusting fast and deep. Hillier cried out again, his cock continuing to surge, his come mixing with Darrian’s spend on Kylor’s chest. Darrian turned to his side and stroked his softening cock as he watched Kylor bite down on Hillier’s neck, his hips grinding into Hillier’s body as he filled his other mate with more of his seed. Darrian began to harden again from the stimulation he was giving himself and the sight of his mate fucking Hillier. A sudden power filled the room, pulsing electrically and Darrian was instantly coming in a less intense orgasm, spewing semen over the swell of Kylor’s flexing ass cheeks.

Darrian was in awe, his breath coming in hard pants as he watched Kylor feed from Hillier, continuing to rock his hips into his lover. The other human had been right, Kylor was insatiable.

“I am, and I will take you both often and well.”

A bubble of giddiness rose up in Darrian and he had to swallow hard to keep from giggling. He’d never giggled in his life, but Kylor’s smug satisfaction was funny…it made him happy. Whether the dyad would come to love Darrian, he didn’t know, but it was enough Kylor desired him, wanted him with a fierce need. Feeling languid and sated, Darrian closed his eyes. He’d never felt so content. He opened them again when he felt Kylor kiss him, this one soft and sweet. He was pulled back into Kylor’s strong arms, Kylor once again biting down on his neck and feeding. Darrian closed his eyes again, relaxing into Kylor’s hold and letting sleep take him.

Chapter 10

Slowly, over the weeks, Darrian learned a lot about Kylor, Hillier and the clan he was now a part of. For one, he learned that the dyads were not all that rare. Kylor’s clan was fairly large, and several of the dyads came from other places, many from true vampire clans with no idea what they were. Dair, the lead kedge, was one such dyad, not that Dair spoke to Darrian. The stoic man never had more than two words for Darrian, and he suspected the big dyad didn’t like him, though he’d never really given Darrian a reason to believe that.

Samuel and, now, Bladen were the only true vampires in Kylor’s clan, while Hillier and he were the only humans. There were only four dyads with magic of their own, Kylor, of course, Cimon, Galen, and Keeth. Cimon, Kylor’s brother, was the clan healer and a master vampire spirit. Darrian liked Cimon, he was friendly, funny and very bright. He was also quite blunt, leaving Darrian with no doubt as to where he stood with the dyad. Keeth was Cimon’s apprentice, another master vampire spirit. He was still in his youngling stage and just learning what it took to be a dyad in Kylor’s clan. He’d been rescued, when he was small, from a coven of witches that wanted to use his powers. They had no idea he was a dyad, thinking him only a rogue master vampire youngling. That coven was no more, thanks to Kylor. Galen was a mystery to Darrian. Unlike Kylor, Cimon and Keeth, Galen was not a master vampire, but an alpha were spirit. He was quiet and withdrawn and Darrian never had the courage to ask about him.

Surprisingly, not many of the dyads had mates. Kylor alone had both his mates bonded to him. There were a few with one mate, and all but one of the female dyads was mate bonded. Jeralyn was the only unmated female and she was scary as hell. Darrian avoided her at all costs. He’d watched her nearly kill a male dyad that had come on to her. It had taken three dyads to hold her back from ripping the male’s throat out. At the time, Cimon had whispered to Darrian that Jeralyn preferred females, and it must have taken some big balls, or a lot of stupidity, for the male to approach her at all. Kylor told him the lack of mates was partially from staying hidden from the world. He didn’t explain what any of the other reasons were, and Darrian suspected there were more.

He learned quickly that Hillier had no patience and was easily irritated. The human had a temper, a bad one. And, despite the attraction he felt, Darrian wasn’t willing to make any moves on the testy man, even if they shared the big bed with Kylor. He hoped, over time, that Hillier would warm up to him, but in the meantime, he gave Kylor’s other mate a wide berth. Another surprising, yet welcome discovery, was that there were no more locked doors for him. As master mate to Kylor, he was given freedom, respect and deference, a very new experience for him.

And then there was the problem with Bladen. The little pyrina was still refusing to leave the room he was in, and would not feed from Kylor. Darrian’s mate was growing increasingly agitated with Bladen, and Darrian wasn’t sure what to do about it. Especially with Bladen continuing to feed from him. Darrian’s blood wouldn’t be able to sustain Bladen much longer. The pyrina needed to let Kylor bond him and feed him, or eventually he was going to die. Darrian really hoped Bladen would come around. He didn’t relish Kylor forcing a bonding on Bladen to keep him alive. He knew how painful a forced blood bond could be.

“Do you have any idea why he won’t bond with Kylor?”

Darrian was in the large dining room eating lunch with Cimon. He shook his head at the dyad healer and swallowed his mouthful. “I really don’t know why, other than he was mistreated badly by Master Broman.” Darrian had tried to explain to Bladen that Kylor was nothing like Master Broman, but the pyrina was still refusing to bond with Darrian’s mate. He’d even explained that Kylor wasn’t a vampire, but a dyad. Bladen hadn’t believed him. It didn’t help that Kylor was angry and had not gone to see the small pyrina since he’d been brought here.

“I still think Kylor needs to talk to Bladen himself. Maybe he can convince Bladen that he won’t harm him, or treat him like a slave. I mean, Samuel has talked to Bladen and he’s a pyrina bonded to Kylor, but Bladen remains stubborn. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Darrian shook his head before popping a grape into his mouth and chewing. He was still struggling himself with Samuel’s need to feed from Kylor. The first time he’d witnessed it, an unreasonable flash of jealousy had filled him. He didn’t feel that way with Hillier, but maybe that was because he could sense the mating bond Kylor had with the other human.

He knew Bladen needed to bond with Kylor and feed from him, but he wasn’t looking forward to it happening. It was his problem, though, so he kept the unwelcome feelings to himself. Bladen needed to bond with Kylor and Darrian would deal with his own insecurities since the last thing he wanted was for Bladen to die. He had more important things to worry about anyway. Kylor and the other dyads were leaving later today to take on another clan that was abducting humans for blood slaves. As much as Darrian knew his mate needed to stop the kidnappings, and never would he want another human to go through what he’d gone through, he was anxious, scared even, to have his mate away from him on such a dangerous mission. Hillier was going with him as well. The last few missions had been brief and easy, Kylor returning to him within a day or two. This one was different, the master vampire unpredictable and from what he’d heard, psychotic.

Darrian would be angry that he was being left behind, but he knew he was no fighter. Kylor had called him a mittere, meaning a submissive human, despite the fact that Darrian was big and strong and had been arrogant and cruel before being enslaved. Kylor said Darrian’s blood bond, and now their mating had brought out Darrian’s natural tendencies. Something he had unconsciously fought against before, when he used people for his own gain. Hillier was not a mittere, though he wasn’t nearly as dominant as Kylor. But Hillier knew how to fight, especially against vampires. Darrian had been subjugated for so long by a sadistic master vampire, he was in no condition to fight them.

“I have to get ready to leave. Try talking to Bladen again, will you?”

Cimon gave Darrian a clap on the shoulder and left. Darrian finished his meal and took his plate and glass to rinse them. He wasn’t allowed to clean, other than picking up after himself. There were dyads that did those chores. Darrian was master mate, and apparently above such activities. It made him uncomfortable, but Kylor insisted. Hillier had no such problem, usually acting very haughty with the rest of the clan more times than not. In the short time Darrian had been here, he’d made a few friends with the regular dyads, and seemed to be more popular with them than Hillier. Kylor’s other mate tended to remain aloof, giving his attention only to Kylor. Hillier liked issuing orders when Kylor wasn’t around, including ordering Darrian around. Darrian didn’t feel he had the right to command like that, and kept to polite requests when he needed something.

Darrian made his way to the room Bladen was in and knocked. The lock had been disengaged a couple of weeks ago, and Bladen could come out if he were so inclined. He never did. There was no answer and Darrian opened the door to see Bladen sitting up in the bed, pillows supporting him. His usual pale skin was even whiter, his solid green eyes listless and sunken, his body almost emaciated. “Bladen.” Darrian was at a loss and getting panicky. How could he convince the small pyrina that he was going to die if he didn’t bond with Kylor and feed? “Kylor?”

“Darrian. What’s wrong?”

“It’s Bladen. Please, you need to come. I don’t think he’s going to live much longer.” Bladen didn’t even acknowledge Darrian calling his name. His breathing was shallow as he stared at nothing. Darrian shut the door and strode across the floor to sit next to the small vampire. “Bladen. Bladen!” Darrian shook him, Bladen’s head listing to the side. He blinked finally and his green gaze landed on Darrian.

“Dar…?”

“It’s time, Bladen. You can’t continue to deny Kylor. He’s on his way. You have got to feed from him and let him bond with you, or you’re going to die. I don’t want you to die, Bladen.” Darrian knew he was pleading, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t let Bladen die. He’d hurt the small vampire so many times, even if it wasn’t by choice. He had to save him. He looked up when the door opened to reveal Kylor and Cimon. Kylor was frowning and he stalked over to Darrian. Gently, he pulled Darrian from the bed, gave him a kiss and moved him to the end of the bed and out of the way. Cimon closed the door and approached the other side of the bed and looked over the pyrina.

“He’s dying. I’m not sure if bonding him and a feeding will save him at this point.”

Darrian’s heart skipped a beat. “Kylor.” Kylor looked up at him, staring as if trying to find something in Darrian’s eyes. He then gave a nod and looked back down at the prone vampire. Kylor’s fangs dropped and he sat on the edge of the bed. He sliced his own wrist, and with Cimon’s help, lifted the sickly pyrina and forced the hot liquid into Bladen’s mouth. Darrian’s heart ached as Bladen’s whole body jerked and he gave a feeble cry. He struggled and tried to turn his head, but he was too weak and Kylor held him strong, keeping his wrist tight to Bladen’s mouth, Cimon rubbing the pyrina’s throat to encourage him to swallow.

“Now, Kylor.”

At Cimon’s urging, Kylor leaned down and sank his fangs into Bladen’s neck, creating the blood bond that would keep Bladen alive. Minutes later, Bladen’s body slumped and stilled, his green eyes blank and dull. Darrian’s own eyes burned and he crumpled to the floor. He’d waited too long. He’d failed the little pyrina. Now Bladen’s death would be on his conscious, the guilt at how he’d treated the little pyrina eating at him. He felt Kylor pull him from the floor and gather him close. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry…so sorry.” The tears Darrian had been holding back spilled over and he buried his face in Kylor’s chest.

“Be calm, Darrian. He’s not dead. Enough of my blood is in him now, but he needs to heal.”

Darrian jerked his head up, staring at his mate. Kylor smiled at him and kissed his forehead.

“You are so compassionate, my mate. I didn’t understand until now. Bladen is bonded to me and will eventually be fine.”

The relief made Darrian weak and Kylor’s arms tightened around him, holding him steady. “Thank you, Kylor. Thank you.” Darrian made sure to push his gratitude along their link so Kylor would understand just how much this meant to him. He cared about the little pyrina, maybe too much, but he loved Kylor. Even more so knowing his big dyad saved Bladen’s life.

“You love me?”

  Darrian’s face grew hot with embarrassment. He’d known he loved Kylor for a while now, but hadn’t had the courage to tell him. He looked up when Kylor growled, a scowl on his face. “What?” Was Kylor angry that Darrian loved him? Or that he hadn’t told him?

“You pick now to let me know, when I have to leave.”

Darrian relaxed, realizing Kylor was just annoyed at the timing. He smiled up at his mate, his heart skipping when Kylor leaned down and covered his mouth and kissed him thoroughly, the vague taste of Bladen’s blood on his tongue. Darrian could never get enough of Kylor’s kisses, his big dyad always so passionate. A mild throat clearing had them pulling apart, Darrian’s chest heaving.

“We need to go. The sooner we dispatch that vampire clan, the sooner we get back so you can feed Bladen again.”

Kylor nodded at his brother before turning back to Darrian. He gazed down at Darrian, his unfathomable amber eyes intense. Darrian shuddered at the fierceness in Kylor’s gaze. There was no doubt that Kylor cared for him, craved him with a longing Darrian had never experienced before. Whether he loved him or not, Darrian didn’t know, but he could hope. He pushed at his big mate ineffectually. “Go on. You have a job to do. I’ll be here waiting.” Kylor gave him one last kiss, then let him go and strode out of the room, Cimon on his heels.

Darrian looked over at Bladen and smiled. The small pyrina was going to be okay. He thought he would regret Kylor having to force the bonding on Bladen, but he couldn’t. Not when it saved his life. He moved to pull Bladen into a more comfortable position, covered him with the duvet and then left the room. He tried to stay out of the way as dyads rushed by him, all headed for the front of the estate. Most wore leathers and many were covered in weapons. Darrian didn’t really want his mate going on this dangerous mission, but Kylor was strong and powerful. He had to believe his mate would come back unscathed.

Chapter 11

Easton watched the large estate from the surrounding forest. It had taken much too long for his vampires to find this clan, but finally he was here. Soon, he would have Darrian back. He’d wanted to eradicate the clan that had wiped out Broman’s clan and taken Darrian, but now he just wanted to get the male human and leave. If this was truly a dyad clan, Easton had no desire to take them on. He might be strong, but even he knew that tangling with a whole clan of dyads was suicide.

He turned when he heard a twig snap and growled low. “Quiet.” He’d brought only his kedges with him, intent on creeping in and taking what he wanted. After watching the clan for several weeks, he’d seen Darrian a couple of times. The human seemed happy and it irked Easton that he was. The man was his! Easton squeezed his hand around his sword, impatience eating at him. But he had to be stealthy and smart. He’d noticed there were a lot of dyads around, the males big and powerful. He’d felt it, even if he wasn’t sure they were really the mysterious dual spirits.

Easton contented himself with visions of what he’d do to the human once he had him back in his clutches. Darrian was a blood slave, and Easton had every intention of reminding him of that. It made no difference that he would mate bond with the human. That bond was only to keep Easton satisfied and unavailable to any true mate that he might encounter. Darrian needed to remember he was just a lowly human, there for Easton’s pleasure, to provide blood and a body to fuck. He’d thought to replace the male he currently had chained in his chambers with Darrian, but, in his greed, decided two slaves would be more satisfying.

Today, Easton had watched the majority of the vampires leave, for what reason he didn’t know, but now was the time to act. In the weeks he’d been stalking the compound, he’d counted nearly fifty vampires. With that calculation, he determined they’d only left three to protect the estate. Odds were in his favor to move tonight. Much to his delight, just before he was ready to move in, Darrian exited the mansion…alone. He wandered the open area in front of the house, leaving himself vulnerable and easy pickings. Easton gave the signal and they moved in.

Chapter 12

It was late and Darrian couldn’t sleep. Not with Kylor, and even Hillier, gone from their bed. It was too big, too lonely, to lie there without his mate. He’d tossed and turned for hours before finally getting up and dressed. He went and checked on Bladen, the small pyrina sleeping soundly. His color was better, though he’d always been pale. But he was breathing easily now, his healing almost complete. Darrian had even enticed him to the garden a couple of times for some fresh air.

Darrian could vaguely feel the mating bond in the back of his mind, taking comfort in that even if he felt restless. The mansion was quiet, all the dyads either with Kylor or retired for the night. Unlike Master Broman’s clan, Kylor’s dyads didn’t sleep during the day and stay up at night. It had taken Darrian a few weeks to get used to the opposite schedule. Now, he wandered the dim halls feeling anxious and edgy. He didn’t know what was wrong, but something was nagging at him. Thinking a bit of fresh, night air might help, he made his way to the front entrance.

Opening the big, oak door, he stepped out and took a deep breath. Kylor’s estate was nearly double the size of Master Broman’s and most of it was covered in a huge forest, reaching all the way to the sea. A lot of the dyads liked to transform and run, some hunting the small game that inhabited the woods. Even Kylor had gone on a run a few times. Darrian liked to make a game of it, seeing if he could figure out each dyad by the animal they chose to transform into. Kylor had been easy, his big mate preferring a tiger form. Dair also chose a tiger form, though he wasn’t quite as large as Kylor’s size. Cimon was a surprise, picking a condor form and taking to the sky. Condors were scavengers, and Cimon was a healer. It didn’t make sense to Darrian, but he never asked the dyad why he liked that form.

Sometimes he got it right, most of the time he didn’t, but it was fun to try. It was really the only fun he had, other than the nights spent with Kylor. He’d finally gathered the courage to ask how Kylor financially maintained the estate and all the dyads that lived there. Especially when Kylor and his clan spent much of their time traveling and eliminating clans and packs that were breaking council laws, rescuing the enslaved and rehabilitating those that showed remorse. Much to Darrian’s surprise, Kylor was independently wealthy, his family having invested in companies that now were worth mega-millions. The councils also supported Kylor, as caliph and the determining factor in which clans and packs were to be raided. Some of the dyads lived separately in houses scattered throughout the compound and had jobs in the small town about twenty miles from here.

Twice monthly, Kylor left to go to meetings, only Dair going with him. The councils did not mix, so the monthly conferences were split, Kylor and Dair spending two or three days at each. Darrian was immensely curious about what went on at the meetings, but Kylor never spoke of it, and Darrian would never have the courage to approach Dair. He just assumed it wasn’t any of his business, but it all made for very boring days, with nothing to keep him occupied.

So deep in his thoughts, it took Darrian a moment to realize how silent the night had gotten. No crickets chirping, no leaves rustling with small animals moving around, no hooting of owls. He’d come off the porch and was wondering around the open area in front of the mansion with no particular destination in mind. Hearing a twig snap, he jerked his gaze in that direction, but could see nothing. However, the hairs on his neck rose ominously, and he started making his way back to the door he’d left open.

He’d taken only two steps when several blurs came out of the forest and Darrian was suddenly thrown to the ground on his stomach, his arms being wrenched painfully behind his back and secured with a course rope. Oh, no, no, no, no! Darrian’s first immediate thought was to cry out for Kylor, and he did, his mind screaming for his mate. There was no answer, and Darrian’s heart tripped at the silence along the mating link.

“Well, well, well. You’ve been a hard little whore to find, human.”

Darrian’s body trembled in dread and his stomach cramped painfully at the voice behind him.

Easton.

Darrian had thought Easton killed along with all of Master Broman’s other vampires, but it was blaringly obvious he was alive and well…and here. Darrian couldn’t turn his head, a vampire’s knee pressed to the back of his neck, but he did struggle, his flight or fight instincts kicking in at the sound of Easton’s voice. A hard kick to the side made him stop, his heart racing and his breath coming out in ragged puffs. Where was Kylor? Why couldn’t he hear him?

“Grab him. My sources say this is a dyad compound and I don’t fancy being here when the alpha master realizes I’ve taken one of his own.”

“Too late.”

Darrian jerked and started struggling even harder against the hands and ropes that were holding him at the sound of his beloved mate’s voice. “Kylor!” His mind nearly sobbed his mate’s name and could feel the soothing emotions coming from the big dyad.

“I am sorry I didn’t answer you, my sweet. But I needed to concentrate on getting here as quickly as possible.”

Darrian didn’t care, as long as Kylor was here. Here to rescue him and protect him from the likes of Easton. He went limp when he felt the hard grip holding him ripped roughly away from his body and the ropes cut away. Gentle hands lifted him to his feet and he looked up to see Dair holding him steady. When he turned, he saw his mate standing a few feet in front of Easton, his amber eyes glowing with anger and his swords ready in his fists.

“You dare to come onto my territory and try to take my mate?!”

The low, deadly timbre in which Kylor spoke sent a thrill of desire down Darrian’s spine. He loved when Kylor got all alpha master aggressive, his power coming forward. Darrian had watched in horror, at first, when Kylor had fought in challenges, but learned quickly no vampire was a match for his mate. Darrian could feel that power now, a resonance that vibrated through his body, making the mating bond pulse and electrifying the very air around them.

“Mate? No! He’s mine! He’s always been for me!”

Darrian was struck dumb at Easton’s declaration. The master vampire had never shown an ounce of interest in Darrian the whole time he was imprisoned at Master Broman’s compound. For that matter, Master Broman would have killed Easton for being attracted to a lowly human slave. Darrian’s heart beat even harder at Kylor’s response, his dyad mate’s incisors and canines slowly coming down, long and wickedly sharp. Before Darrian could even blink, his mate attacked. Darrian watched as two dyads he didn’t know dispatched the other vampires quickly. He focused on his mate, Kylor locked in a battle with Easton. Darrian had never seen Easton fight, but knew the master vampire was strong and ruthless. Fascinated, he watched as Kylor played with the vampire, his mouth twisted in a vicious grin. Soon, Easton was covered in a multitude of cuts, many bleeding heavily. He was panting and looked angry. After several more minutes, Kylor was by his side, gathering him into his strong arms and Easton was on the ground, his head severed from his body. Darrian vaguely heard Hillier telling a few of the other dyads to clean up the mess as he stared at the dead vampire.

Darrian looked up into Kylor’s face, awed at the speed in which his mate had killed Easton. He had no idea Kylor could move that fast. Kylor dropped his mouth down on Darrian, devouring his lips in a harsh, possessive kiss, crushing his body to him.

“No one takes my mate. No one. None are allowed to touch the man I love.”

Such a warmth filled Darrian, he thought he might burst. It was the first time Kylor had said he loved him. Dair moved away, and suddenly they were alone. Kylor didn’t break the kiss, even as he picked Darrian up, Darrian wrapping his legs around Kylor’s slim hips, and headed into the woods. Long moments later, Darrian heard water rushing in the background and Kylor gently knelt, Darrian still in his arms, their mouths fused together. Kylor broke their kiss and stared down at him, his amber eyes intense and still glowing a beautiful gold color. Darrian couldn’t look away if his life depended on it.

Slowly, so slowly, Kylor pulled Darrian’s t-shirt from him, and slid his sleep pants down, exposing his erection to the cool night air. Darrian sucked in a breath at the contrasting sensation of heated flesh meeting cold air, goose bumps erupting across his body. He watched in fascination as Kylor first removed his weapons, then his clothing, leaving his magnificent form naked to Darrian’s gaze. There was a flush of color over his broad chest and his cock was thick and hard, the foreskin pulled all the way back and standing straight out as if pointing right at Darrian. Darrian’s mouth watered and he started to sit up to take a taste, but was pushed back when Kylor lowered himself onto Darrian. Darrian had barely pulled in a breath before Kylor was inside him, his shaft piercing deeply, stretching Darrian so much that he felt as if he would split in two. As always, there was no pain, Darrian having learned that a dyad’s penis exuded a substance that relaxed their partner, male or female, causing their lover’s body to prepare for penetration.

Kylor pushed his strong arms under Darrian, pulling him close even as his hips began a slow slide in and out of Darrian’s body. Kylor kept his thrusts long and deep, his shaft running over Darrian’s prostate with each rocking motion. Darrian’s heart pounded and he couldn’t seem to catch his breath. His cock was caught between their bodies, Kylor’s movements giving him the friction he needed against the sensitive skin, the tender head of his shaft catching on the underside of Kylor’s ribs, making him gasp at the exquisite feeling.

It didn’t take long for Darrian’s balls to draw up and the tingle in his lower back heralding his orgasm. His need for Kylor to stake his claim once again was overwhelming. When Kylor’s arms tightened and his hips stuttered, Darrian’s orgasm overtook him, his shaft spurting heavily between them. Kylor gave one more massive thrust, burying his cock so deep that Darrian could imagine feeling it in his throat, and sank his fangs into Darrian’s neck. Darrian could literally feel Kylor depositing his seed deep within him, the wash of warm liquid inside his body causing Darrian’s climax to go longer than it ever had.

Much to Darrian’s surprise, Kylor pulled from him and flipped him over onto his hands and knees, entering him from behind and began to thrust again, his cock still as hard as ever. Darrian arched, giving Kylor a better angle to take him, his spent cock bouncing under him and dribbling semen. Kylor gave a guttural growl, his fangs once more piercing Darrian’s neck. Kylor jerked his jaw, setting his fangs deep, and his arms around Darrian were tight as a vice. Kylor’s thrusts changed to a sharp, hard and fast rhythm, driving Darrian to the ground. Kylor pushed their legs apart with his strong thighs, spreading Darrian wide. Darrian could only lie there and take it, Kylor’s need to possess beyond anything Darrian had ever experienced. He could hear Kylor along their mating link, a continuous litany of mine, mine, mine.

Moments later, Darrian felt another wash of warmth within him as Kylor spilled more of his seed. Kylor’s thrusts grew softer, more of a rolling of his hips, before he finally stilled. He continued to drink, drawing deeply from Darrian’s neck, even as their bodies calmed. When Kylor’s softened cock slipped from Darrian’s channel, he turned them to their sides and settle into a more comfortable position, Darrian’s back to Kylor’s broad chest. And still he fed, filling Darrian with a sense of pleased pride that he could give his mate something of himself. So far, he’d not had the opportunity, nor the courage to seduce Kylor into letting him inside his body, like Hillier had done. But at least he could do this, give his blood to someone he loved, instead of having it unwillingly taken from him as a blood slave.

Sneak peak at Dair’s Risk, Book 2 in the Vampire Wars series

Chapter 1

Dair just barely managed not to slam the door to his room. Seconds later he was prowling in tiger form. It was much better for pacing than when housed in his vampire spirit. It was the second time in as many days that Kylor had reprimanded him in front of the whole clan. The humiliation and betrayal he’d felt was overwhelming and he’d had to turn away quickly or risk Kylor seeing his fangs drop in anger. That would have been disastrous. As pissed off as he was at his alpha, he didn’t want Kylor thinking he was challenging him with his reaction to the dressing down.

Kylor was wrong…and Dair knew it. But the man was arrogant as well, and no matter how hard Dair tried to explain to him that going into Miranti’s clan full throttle was a mistake, Kylor wouldn’t listen. Honestly, Dair was beginning to think Kylor’s mating to both Hillier and Darrian was making him soft. He was too focused on pleasing them to see the truth in Dair’s argument. Dair had too many run-ins with Miranti’s clan before he bonded to Kylor for the alpha to ignore him. The only way to stop Miranti was to infiltrate the clan and destroy it from within. But Kylor not only refused to believe Dair, but scoffed at the idea that Dair actually knew what he was talking about, and had flat forbidden Dair to take a couple of dyads and sneak into Miranti’s clan.

It was the first time Kylor didn’t trust Dair, and damn it, it hurt! Dair let out a roar of anguish, and swiped a large paw across the back of his couch, shredding the material. Fuck! Now he was going to have to replace his couch…again. Dair knew he had a temper, but he was heartily sick of destroying his own furniture when he could be turning that rage on a clan he knew was abducting and abusing humans and turning them into blood slaves. Dair had seen them, witnessed the violence. Hell, he was the one who brought Miranti’s clan to Kylor’s attention to begin with. Even the Vampire Council hadn’t had them on their radar, the clan too small to be of much significance. And Miranti didn’t just snatch humans, but other paranormals as well, for his own twisted amusement.

Dair continued to prowl, his tail twitching in agitation. What was it going to take to make Kylor listen to him? Was there any way to convince his alpha that attacking Miranti’s clan would end badly? Maranti wasn’t like Broman, or even Candlor. He was smart, unpredictable and had a penchant for inflicting pain and ruled his clan with an iron fist and a strong bond. That made Maranti a very dangerous master. Maranti’s vampires were loyal out of fear, not respect or love like Kylor’s clan. But then, they were true vampires, not dyads. Dair wasn’t sure that made a difference, but he was eternally thankful he’d not joined Maranti’s clan when he was a youngling. The way the vampire master had treated humans had turned Dair’s stomach, even if he wasn’t fond of the race himself.

He had no issues with Hillier, even tolerated the human occasionally, and he didn’t know Darrian, but what he’d seen so far was the man was caring. Maybe even too caring if the way Kylor got annoyed when Darrian spent time with Bladen. The pyrina was still unwilling to leave his room, but he was not going to die as they had first thought. He’d refused to feed from Kylor for a long time, and Dair had watched his alpha lose patience, especially since Bladen had still been feeding from his mate. But that ended when Kylor forced a blood bond on the pyrina, and now fed him regularly. Bladen had needed Kylor’s blood to sustain him, or he would have wasted away and died.

Dair plopped down on the floor and growled. Once again, he thought Kylor was putting too much time and attention into his personal life with his mates, instead of thinking about what really mattered. Darrian and Hillier weren’t going anywhere. Kylor had successfully executed Easton, the vamp that had tried to steal Darrian. Any threats to Kylor’s mates were gone. For now. There were always challenges to Kylor and his clan, and Kylor’s mates would forever be targets, but Kylor, along with his clan, including Dair, were more than capable of keeping Hillier and Darrian safe. The failed attempt at kidnapping Darrian by the master vampire from Broman’s clan had proven that. Even when that were pack had abducted Hillier, they had rescued him without much effort.

Dair was thinking his only alternative was to leave, by himself, and try to worm his way into Miranti’s clan without any backup, since he was unwilling to have Kylor’s ire come down on any other dyad’s head but his own. It wasn’t a great plan, and extremely dangerous, but Dair had one thing going for him. His vampire spirit was much stronger than his were spirit, which would make it possible to blood bond with Miranti without losing himself in the process. He wasn’t sure what that would do to the bond he had with Kylor, but something had to be done. Tomorrow, they were moving out to take on another clan. A small one that was attacking were packs. Not a mission Kylor needed Dair for, despite him being Kylor’s lead kedge. Tonight, he would leave and make his way to north Colorado and find Miranti’s clan…and kill the master.

*~*~*~*~*

Kymone cried out as the whip sliced over his back again. Larson, Master Miranti’s lead kedge was angry, and taking that rage out on Kymone. Nothing new there. Kymone was every vampire’s whipping boy. He slumped for a second before the next lash cut across his ravaged skin, making him arch in agony. His wrists stung, the metal cuffs digging in and ripping his flesh, but the pain was nothing compared to the fire that pulsed over his back. And all of that was nothing compared to the fear of what Larson was going to do when he was done using the bull whip. Kymone didn’t want to even think about it, and hoped he would pass out before the vampire was done and…and…defiled Kymone in a very different way. He shuddered, his stomach cramping, hot tears leaking from his eyes. No matter. Larson liked it when Kymone cried.

Minutes later, Kymone heard the whip hit the floor and Larson’s harsh hands were on him. Kymone only wished he had the strength and courage to fight the vampire off, but he knew it was useless. He’d tried, and they’d broken him. Grabbed at seventeen, still a whelp, by Master Miranti’s clan, he’d endured four long years of torture and had given up fighting long ago. Kymone couldn’t stop the scream that ripped from his throat as Larson pierced his body. Blessed relief came as his vision blurred and darkness took him.

Kymone blinked to awareness and saw that he was back in the slave quarters, Milry tending to his back. A whimper escaped him when Milry rubbed over a particularly painful cut.

“He was more brutal this time.”

Kymone just nodded. He didn’t know why Larson was so angry, and he didn’t care. All he knew was his body paid for it. He wouldn’t even get a respite for being injured. The vampires of Master Miranti’s clan didn’t care that Kymone’s skin was in shreds when they wanted to feed. There were only seven of them for the vampires’ nourishment. Himself, Milry, and Jytis, all of them weres snatched from their packs. There was also Tilin and Bris, two human females, Callin, a male human and Zenis, a female witch, that were separated from them by thick bars. He could see the females and lone male staring with wide, frightened eyes at him.

He closed his own eyes and turned away as Milry continued to wash the blood from his back. When the other were worked his way lower, Kymone jerked away, stifling a moan as the move stretched the still raw wounds. It wasn’t like Milry didn’t know what had happened to him, but he didn’t need the evidence stared at. Milry didn’t like it either when Kymone had to care for him, though the other were spirit was never abused as often as Kymone was. He could only surmise that it was his mistake in fighting when he’d first been caught that motivated the brutality. Vampires never forgot. “Thanks.”

Milry nodded at Kymone’s whisper then moved to dump the red-tinged water, Jytis watching and looking sick. Jytis was still a whelp and wouldn’t mature for another couple of years. Kymone was just thankful that Master Miranti and his clan hadn’t bothered with the Jytis…yet.  Kymone took a few deep breaths, then transformed to speed the healing process, choosing a lion form, before returning to his human spirit. He ignored the gasps from the humans and stretched experimentally. It would take several days, a meal or two and another few transformations before he was completely healed, and he knew with certainty that he wouldn’t be allowed such a luxury. Master Miranti wouldn’t bestow that dignity on his were slaves. The Master kept all of them hurt and weak with starvation to control them. Had he, Milry and even Jytis been in full health, they might have a chance in besting the sick bastard. Master Miranti wouldn’t let that happen.

Less than an hour later, Moster came for Milry, Kymone and Tilin. Kymone ignored the sting of his tunic as it scraped across the fresh cuts along his back. They were shackled tightly, having to shuffle awkwardly to walk. Kymone wondered if it was Larson that had summoned for them, but bit his lip in resignation and dread when they were brought directly to Master Miranti’s chambers. This was not good. If Kymone thought Larson was bad, Master Miranti was ten times worse. The master—reveled—in causing pain. He, Milry and Tilin kept their heads down, eyes averted as they were presented to the master. Kymone chanced a quick glance up through his lashes to see Master Miranti lounging on the couch near the fireplace in his room, covered only in a robe, looking cruelly gorgeous as always. With long golden hair, deep, pupil-less brown eyes and a strong, lean body, Miranti was intimidating in his beauty.

Surprisingly, there was a stranger standing nearby. Never before had Master Miranti had another vampire in his chambers when he felt like feeding, or indulging in his depraved urges. Kymone didn’t know if that was a good thing, or not. Like most vampires, Miranti didn’t approve of public feedings and when he was in the mood to torture, he preferred no audience, though there had been a few floggings done in front of the whole clan. Miranti’s way of punishing vampires bonded to him. There had even been a few executions, something Kymone noticed Larson enjoyed immensely.

“Make your choice.”

Kymone could hear the challenge in the master’s voice, the suspicion. This was a test, an initiation, which meant that Master Miranti would be getting creative with his torture tonight, asserting his dominance and control. Kymone contained a shudder of horror, despair swamping him. Once again, he wondered if he would live through this, and as always, wishing he wouldn’t. He would welcome the freedom of death. The only chance at escape he had left to him.

“The black-haired one.”

Kymone’s stomach flipped at the smooth low timbre of the newcomer. Kymone was stunned at his reaction. Never in the four years he’d been bound and enslaved, tortured and abused, had he had this kind of reaction to a vampire. He could feel his were spirit growing restless, wanting lose to submit to the stranger. Gods, but that didn’t make any sense. There was no reason in hell that he would desire a vampire, wish to submit to him. Omega he might be, but this was just ludicrous and impossible. Kymone gritted his teeth as his gums tingled, his incisors wanting to drop. He struggled to contain his were spirit. To show fang around Master Miranti was forbidden, and would cause the master to be even more vicious.

“Are you sure? That one can be a bit of a handful. He’s were, not human.”

“I’m sure.”

Kymone trembled when he felt a hand grab his arm, the heat from the contact scorching his skin, yet the grip was gentle. Kymone almost looked up at the stranger, but managed to stop himself at the last minute. No doubt, the vampire was a master and Kymone wouldn’t risk eye contact.

“I wish to keep this one. I’m sure he will be quite pleasing.”

The malice in the stranger’s tone made Kymone’s stomach knot in dread. He had no clue what he was in for, but it would be bad. It always was, though no vampire had requested him permanently before.

“I don’t think so. Larson has taken a liking to that were…and his ass. My kedge would not be happy to know his favorite toy was unavailable. Chose another if you wish for a constant bed-warmer. However, feel free to take the little were whore tonight. I’m not sure he will be much use to you since Larson favors his bull whip, but you’re welcome to fuck him senseless.”

Kymone took a few deep breaths to keep from vomiting at Master Miranti’s words. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know he was a whore for the entire clan, or that Larson had an addiction to hurting him, but to hear it so blatantly voiced was unnerving. He didn’t know what to think of the stranger’s grip tightening on his arm either. He also wasn’t sure, but he thought he heard a low growl from the vampire. He chanced a look at Master Miranti, to see him scowling. Had he heard the growl as well? Kymone could only speculate what the master would do to a newcomer who defied him. No one challenged Master Miranti. Not unless they had a death wish. Kymone had learned that the hard way. He’d barely survived the one and only time he’d resisted.

“Thank you, Master. I’m sure I will enjoy myself immensely.”

“Go. My need is upon me and I tire of you.”

Kymone glanced back at Milry and Tilin as he was led off, the panic and dismay in their eyes clear. He wondered, once he was returned to the slave quarters, if he would see either of them again. He stumbled, the shackles cutting into his ankles and concentrated on walking. The strange vampire remained silent as they left Master Miranti’s chambers and strode down the hall. The unknown vamp seemed in a hurry and it was all Kymone could do to keep up without tripping and landing on his face.

Much to Kymone’s surprise, the shackles were immediately removed once they were ensconced in the vampire’s chambers. He carefully stretched his wrists and ankles, ignoring the pricking in his muscles as blood flowed again and waited for instruction. Maybe, if he did exactly as the vampire said, he would be spared from any additional pain, or at least it wouldn’t be as bad as what he was used to. There was no doubt the vampire would be having sex with him if the pheromones in the air were any indication. The scent of arousal was thick, causing Kymone’s body to react and his were spirit to go crazy. He locked his muscles down, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from getting hard under the dirty shift he wore, and hoped his response to the vampire wouldn’t anger him if he noticed.

“I can’t believe it.”

The muttered words made no sense to Kymone, so he chose to ignore them and wait.

“Look at me.”

Kymone couldn’t stop from raising his eyes and gazing into the stranger’s unusual amber eyes. It was as if he was compelled, though he knew true vampires didn’t really have that ability. They used brute force, nothing else.

About the author:

CR Guiliano is an avid reader which logically morphed into the love of writing. She writes in many genres, but is most happy writing the love between two men (or more!) She makes them work hard for their HEA and considers herself an expert in angst. CR finds her favorite form of writing is in serials, where she can continue to write about characters who have captured her heart and hopes have captured her readers as well.

You will usually find CR cuddled up to her laptop creating stories to entertain, inspire and bring your emotions to the surface. CR has a huge warren of plot bunnies that is growing every day and can’t wait to fill out each story idea and share them all with her readers.

CR was proudly nominated in the Goodreads Best Anthology Nominations and was thrilled to be included with the many talented writers from the same Anthology.

CR is a committed advocate for the GLBTQ community and does her best to change society’s attitudes, one mind at a time. You can learn more about CR Guiliano and her stories at the following locations and feel free to drop her line as she loves to hear from anyone interested in her or her writings:

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Email: pernwish@gmail.com