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When Alyssa meets Damian and realizes he's vampire, she wants to put a stake through his heart. But after coming up against his supernatural strength, she finds herself with a new dilemma: how to resist the sexual tension between them. But she must remain strong. Vampires killed her family and she will not forget her vow to destroy them.

Damian was sent to kill Alyssa, but after a taste of the young woman he cannot bring himself to end her life. Instead he brings her under his protection, whether she's willing or not.

Sparks fly with not only the wicked slash of flying stakes, but with the heated passion the two try to deny. It's only a matter of time before the walls tumble down and Alyssa faces the truth: not all vampires are evil. But can she put aside her hate and surrender to Damian, for all eternity?

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First three chapters of 
        ETERNAL SURRENDER:

One

She’d love nothing more than to run across the room and plunge a stake through D’Angel’s heart.

Alyssa fought against tears as she watched the group that surrounded the large table in the upper level of the Miami nightclub. They were engaged in an orgy of sin as they played with every lust and desire.

And D’Angel sat in the center of it all. Every man appeared to be there at her whim, whether he was vampire or human. She couldn’t be positive who was who, of course, though the pale skin and dark eyes of some of them told her a lot. After all, it was Miami. Most young people had tans, and those who didn’t, she could probably safely assume weren’t human.

Alyssa sucked in a breath of rage as she studied her enemy. D’Angel’s dark hair fell in long spirals down her back, a contrast to her milky-white skin. Her face was gorgeous. The cheekbones were high, her nose long and straight, and her lips full and bright red. In addition, the female vampire’s form was tall and willowy, with the exception of the large breasts that almost spilled out of the tight-fitting black top she wore.

Alyssa wiped furiously at her eyes and leaned heavily against a wall, staring hard at the scene. Clenching her fists, she squeezed her eyelids shut and willed her breathing to return to normal, to keep her agony at bay. Finally catching up to D’Angel after all this time made her heart twist painfully in her chest. Alyssa wanted to cause the vampire bitch every ounce of pain that she had inflicted on Alyssa and her family.

D’Angel laughed, and Alyssa’s eyelids popped open. The vampire held a glass of wine to a man’s lips, her blood-red nails trailing down his throat as she bent over him and her tongue replaced her wandering fingers. The man fell back against his seat, pulling her with him. She was clearly toying with him, batting her luxurious eyelashes as she came down and captured his lips.

Music pounded loudly, the strobe lights blinking and twirling as clubbers crushed together on the dance floor. Women flocked to the men who surrounded D’Angel. They pranced around the group, swaying seductively, bold in their desire.

Then Alyssa’s stomach churned. She recognized two of the men. The creatures had been there the horrific night that had been the beginning of her new life. One of them laughed as he drew an eager woman onto his lap. He wasted no time, raising a hand and cupping the blonde’s breast, the other traveled downward, eagerly delving between her spread thighs.

Alyssa watched, disgusted. If only this woman and the others knew the truth of the men they played with, they’d run screaming. Instead, the women were under the vampires’ thrall. There’d be no escape. The females would be lucky if the creatures only sated their physical lust.

Suddenly, Alyssa noticed a newcomer, someone she’d never seen before. He walked up the stairs, his long body grace in motion. He was tall, extremely tall, towering over everyone around him. Her eyes widened as he approached the table where D’Angel held court. She did not look pleased by his presence and sneered as the man spoke.

Alyssa moved forward out of the shadows, intrigued by the stranger and D’Angel’s reaction to him. Who was he? Was he a vampire too? Was he an additional enemy who needed to be taken into account, or could he be a possible ally to her? Alyssa wondered.

The newcomer reached over and plucked the entranced blonde off the male vampire’s lap and whispered something in her ear. She hurried away, and the vampire who had been deprived of his treat rose…and was shoved back down by the tall man.

~*~

“Idiot.” Vincente began to get to his feet, grasping Damian’s arm. He was clearly more than ready to fight his former childhood friend. Damian used his greater height to his advantage and pushed Vincente back into his seat.

D’Angel snapped her fingers, interrupting them. “What are you doing here, Damian? You were supposed to find my little nuisance.” She turned her attention back to the young man at her side, her hand moving inside his shirt.

Damian stared at her impassively. “I did. I know exactly where she is.”

“Then why aren’t you taking care of her?” She purred and nipped at the man’s throat.

Damian growled, gripped the table, then flung it over the crowd of dancers. It shattered against a wall as people screamed, ducked for cover, and scrambled down the stairs. The synth-pop music that continued to blare from the speakers seemed somehow incongruous against the backdrop of panic and chaos. “Don’t play your games with me, D’Angel.”

She laughed, then stood and sauntered over to him, her hands coming to rest on his shoulders as she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I’d never play games with you, my sweet.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Why are you being so difficult, my love?”

He jerked her arms from him and shoved her away. “Stop it.”

She reseated herself and crossed her arms, pouting. “Well, what are you doing here?”

“I told you, I know exactly where she is.” He paused. “She’s here. You know I wouldn’t have come otherwise.”

D’Angel jerked upright. Damian watched Roberto, Vincente and Diego, along with the rest of her pathetic followers, surround her like a shield. “Take D’Angel and go. This shouldn’t take too long.” The group hurried D’Angel downstairs and out the side exit to the alley. He shook his head and turned away.

Damian scanned the remainders of the crowd and immediately found her. He watched as his quarry jumped from the top of the landing to a table below and made a run for the side door.

He beat her there.

He heard her gasp, saw her eyes widen, and reacted straight away, grabbing her by the hair and shoving her outside. She tripped and stumbled into the alley when he released her. Catching herself, she instantly spun to face him. He let the door fall shut behind him and watched as she stepped back, her every movement cautious. She reached behind her, probably slipping a hand into her backpack to pull a weapon. He had to admire her courage, and, as he had begrudgingly for many long nights, her beauty.

She was a petite thing, didn’t even reach his shoulders, and not at all what he had expected when he’d first been sent to take care of the problem she’d become. Long, silken black tresses were pulled back in a ponytail that fell to the middle of her back, baring ivory skin over elegantly cut cheekbones and a slender nose, slightly upturned at the tip. His gaze settled on her lips, which were lush and the color of ripe, pink rose petals. He almost groaned aloud as her tongue darted out over them. But it was her eyes that captivated him. They were green like the brightest emeralds, mesmerizing with their shimmering brilliance.

Damian stepped out of the shadows, noticed as her small frame shifted to a defensive stance, a silver stake flashing into her hand in the blink of an eye. He grinned, the closest thing to a smile in more years than he could remember, and swung his long coat wide as he removed it. The leather fell to the ground away from him. “Welcome, little one. I have been waiting for you.”

Her gaze didn’t fully meet his. He felt a twinge of admiration that she was aware he would’ve brought her under his power. Unfortunately for her, it was likely she didn’t know simply avoiding his gaze wouldn’t stop him— with his voice alone, he could have her do anything.

She spoke then, demanding. “Who are you?”

He bowed regally, mocking the situation they were in. “How rude of me. I am Damian Cristo Salvatorio. It is a pleasure to meet you, Alyssa Quinlan.” She blinked. “Yes, I know who you are, little one.”

~*~

The menacing way he said those last words sent shivers down her spine. Alyssa knew from the way he’d handled the vampires in the club and shattered a table with a mere toss that he was very powerful. In fact, his entire presence spoke of dominance. He seemed the embodiment of strength, confidence…masculinity.

Although she stood several feet away from him, she noted the stranger’s fitted black T-shirt, which revealed sinewy muscle, and snug leather pants that emphasized a lean waist and long, brawny legs. His frame towered in front of her so she had to crane her neck to look up at him. His raven-black hair touched the tops of his shoulders, strands pushed behind his ears, but a single dark lock lay along his striking face. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. His nose was long and straight as an arrow, centered between high, smooth cheekbones, and he had a wide slash for a mouth…which was curled now in a vicious grin, baring gleaming white fangs for her view. For a second, she looked into his eyes. Pitch-black orbs, cold as death, stared back at her and attempted to seize her mind, to pull her into their swirling depths. She immediately averted her gaze.

Summoning her best malicious smile, Alyssa readied her body to strike. “Why, the pleasure is all mine.” Before her words ended, she flipped into the air, kicking and spinning at the same time—and connected across his shoulder with a wicked slash of the stake. She landed before him in a crouch. The smell of burned flesh filled the air.

In a flash, she struck out with her weapon again, intent on ending his life, but he brought his hands up. Without touching her, he somehow sent her body hurtling through the air. She tried to scream, but the breath was knocked from her body when she crashed against a dumpster and fell hard to the ground. The stake slipped from her fingers and rolled away down the slight incline in the pavement. Groaning at the impacts from the dumpster and ground, Alyssa looked up to see the vampire approach her and rose warily to her feet.

Her eyes narrowed at the trickle of blood staining his black shirt; she snarled at him, pleased at the sight of the bubbling, searing wound she’d scored. “You bleed just as humans do. Vampire.” She couldn’t help but taunt him, feeling a victorious satisfaction, although her hands were now bare.

Touching his fingers to the wound, he looked at her, his eyes beginning to glow. She moved sideways along the wall while he smiled and brought the long digits to his lips, licking the dark liquid from their tips. She sneered in disgust.

“I imagine yours tastes much sweeter.” His voice was a seductive murmur, sending chills down her spine.

Enraged, Alyssa lunged toward him. Her fist shot into his jaw, whipping his head to the side. She lashed out her foot and hit his chest, slamming his body into the wall behind him. Before she could follow up on her surprising success and tear him to pieces, his hand snaked out, grabbed her wrist, twisted her body around, and yanked her to him. Her back was now pressed against his chest, his arms wrapped around her, binding her in the iron cage of his arms.

She fought his hold with everything she had, but he laughed. At that, Alyssa stopped struggling, held her head high. If this were to be it, she wouldn’t go down like a coward. Refused to. She’d make her family proud!

Lowering his head toward her, Damian whispered against her ear. “You’ve killed too many of D’Angel’s offspring, thus, you’ve ended your own life.” He held her tightly against him for a moment before continuing. “Did you not know when you began this murderous spree, you would die?” He kissed her earlobe, pulled it into his mouth with a slight suction. She trembled as waves of warmth rushed through her at the rasp of his breath, the deep baritone of his voice, and yet, chills raced up her spine at his softly spoken words. “How is it you found out about vampire kind? Watch too much Buffy and Angel?” His mouth moved below, and pure fire sizzled along her flesh as his tongue caressed its way to her rapidly beating pulse.

Alyssa was mortified that her body reacted this way, betraying her every instinct. Her mind screamed at him to stop, but she seemed to melt against his hard, sinewy length.

“Your death does not bring me joy, but I must do it just the same.”

Her eyes closed and she gave a small cry; her body jerked in his embrace as his fangs pierced her flesh. White heat seared her, then, shockingly, she surrendered to him, despite the warnings clamoring in the back of her head.

She moaned as pleasure swept her away, drowning her in waves of foreign sensations. His lips were unexpectedly gentle as they caressed and suckled at her flesh. Alyssa wanted him to take her, to give her what seemed just out of reach. The needy intensity grew in the pit of her stomach, and her breasts tingled as though they might burst into flames at any moment. Instead, the ache traveled south, settled between her legs, throbbing, begging for release.

It felt as if she’d been waiting her whole life for his touch.

~*~

He’d watched as she’d lifted her head, looking straight ahead with all the courage of a warrior, evidently accepting her fate, but her pounding heart had betrayed her. Its rhythm had beat frantically in his head. The hum of her blood whispered of the sweetness the fluid would provide—and had sent waves of its scent to him, even as he became aware that she fit him perfectly in all the right places. Her curves were lush despite her slender frame, the flesh soft and supple. He’d had to suppress a groan at the feel of her and remind himself why he was there.

Alyssa had threatened and challenged D’Angel, and although he himself despised his maker, he protected her. Had always protected her in the hopes of…saving her. Damian had loved D’Angel once, and he still carried with him those same dreams of redeeming her. Though he might be a fool, this little one surely should’ve known she could never defeat one as powerful as D’Angel—or one as powerful as Damian.

Damian drank, filling himself with her essence. She was more delicious than anything he had tasted in over eight centuries of dark existence. His body warmed with her life. Then, with a sudden rush, her memories flooded his mind. Her happiness as a child, her insecurities as a teenager…the disaster that had altered her life forever. Her family gone, slain by the ones he now fought alongside…

Her father, mother and brother all lay in a pool of their own blood. She cried out in denial as she stared into the eyes of monsters, holding against her breast the family Bible, a silver cross on its cover. They laughed at her, at her defiance, mocked her. But they didn’t approach her. Then she was shoved to the floor from behind and the Bible slid out of reach.

D’Angel jeered, “Silly child. You watch too many movies and television. As if a cross and your God could stop us.”

Her hands smeared into the blood of her loved ones. She rose on her knees, staring in horror at them. Tears fell and the sobs came in great waves. The one leading the pack of killers, one whom she’d thought a friend, sneered down at her with glowing eyes. Alyssa closed her own for only a moment, wishing everything was just a terrible nightmare.

When she opened them again, a now beaming D’Angel remained patiently before her.

“Take her brother. He’ll make an excellent wall ornament in my home.”

Alyssa screamed, leapt to her feet and rushed forward as one of the creatures lifted Justin’s lifeless form, but D’Angel grabbed her wrist in a viselike grip Alyssa couldn’t break. She was forced to stand there, her free arm outstretched as far as she could reach toward Justin, staring with impotent hatred as her brother’s body was carried out.

D’Angel spun Alyssa to face her once more and leaned close, forcing her attention. “Thank you again for inviting me into your home and your lives. For introducing me to your lovely,” she licked her lips, and Alyssa flinched, “and delicious family.”

Rage twisted and speared deep inside Alyssa. She raised her fist. “Mark my words, D’Angel, I will destroy you for what you’ve done!”

Malicious laughter filled the room, and D’Angel’s pale and petite features were abruptly mere centimeters from her own. Alyssa gagged at the sight and smell of flesh and blood on the vampire’s breath. D’Angel’s smile was cruel.

“I’d like to see you try.” She flung Alyssa to the floor, turned on her heel dismissively, black hair flowing behind her, and stepped on Alyssa’s father as she exited. The others followed, leaving Alyssa alone with the aftermath of their destruction and her crushed dreams—and setting her on the course that had eventually led her here, tonight, to the alley behind the club with Damian.

Damian’s attention returned to the present.

That then was the reason she had fought so hard against D’Angel and her spawn—against him—and why he could not end her life. No doubt he was making a mistake, but something within him couldn’t bring himself to finish her. He was tired of the vicious cycle D’Angel perpetrated, destroying lives while he protected hers, tired of her endless games.

Damn all of them—and him—to hell!

Alyssa’s body fell limp against his, her head lolling against his arm. He was astounded at the spark of terror that gripped his heart. So long it had been since he’d felt anything, since he’d allowed himself to care for anyone, let alone himself. He listened closely and finally heard her heartbeat, a slow, but relatively steady, rhythm. He let out a heavy sigh, though he had stopped drawing her blood before the point of no return, he had still taken too much.

Her eyes opened dazedly then, and despite the confusion in her gaze, the shimmering emerald orbs beguiled him.

Without a thought to the consequences, Damian tore open his shirt, baring his chest, and ran a nail over his right pectoral. Threads of blood flowed down his skin. Lifting her, he caught her gaze while she tried weakly to fight him.

“Drink, little one. I command you.”

Lightning jolted through his body when her lips brushed his flesh, as her arms ceased pushing feebly against him, came up and clasped his waist instead. His head arched back and his eyelids slid shut at the desire that coursed through him, raising an inferno within him. Her tongue stroked his skin as her mouth sipped at his dark offering. One of Damian’s hands clenched her hair as he opened his eyes and focused on the sight of her drinking from him.

She was the most beautiful creature he had ever encountered, and his body reacted. He had felt no desire or lust for long years, but now…now, he wanted to possess this woman, this hunter. He groaned as she finished taking her fill of his blood, and her tongue flicked along his nipple. Scorching need rushed through him, and his manhood hardened and pressed against her curves as he held her.

Sirens shrilled ever closer and the screech of tires ended somewhere in front of the club. Damian pulled Alyssa away. Footsteps pounded the pavement and the sounds of commands filled the air.

Damian cradled Alyssa as he retrieved his coat, using it to pick up the silver stake and replace it in her backpack. Then he carried her and her belongings away into the night.

Always, he had walked the border between good and evil, wanting to do the right thing, but not always succeeding. His friend, Jacques, had repeatedly warned Damian to watch his step before he was irretrievably lost to the darkness. He would have to be cautious where Alyssa was concerned. She needed protection from those who hunted her—and from herself. She could not be allowed to continue to hunt D’Angel’s younglings.

Guilt washed over him. She was a delicate thing, but she was a fighter. Damian didn’t know how he’d do it, but he would help and watch over her.

Blocking their presence and using his preternatural speed to move swiftly through the neighborhoods to get to his home outside of the city, Damian knew he would be but a blur or a whisper of wind to anyone who might happen upon them. As he left the city behind them, his thoughts churned. He was already treading dangerously on the border of complete darkness. Could he save Alyssa and himself? Alyssa had caused him to feel more emotions than he had had in centuries.

Reaching one of his many homes, at last, this one on a large rise near the beach so he could watch the sea, he entered and made his way down a hidden set of stairs. The doors of his chambers opened as he approached with his new houseguest. Damian moved directly to his bed and laid her on the sheets, covering her with the comforter folded at its foot.

Alyssa Quinlan was his now, he’d claimed her with his blood. Although it would take time, she would surrender to him, and when she did, he would reap the pleasure that fate had finally given him.

Two

Alyssa groaned. She slowly opened her eyes. Where am I? she wondered, looking around the dimly lit room. She lay on a bed with a dark comforter and sheets. A nightstand sat on either side of it, with a gray lamp atop each shiny marble surface. The mattress itself was soft with a gray metal footboard and headboard, the frames encasing a spiraling design of rods, which gave the room an almost gothic feel. There was a dresser made of dark wood to her right, as well as an open walk-in closet filled with a vast array of clothes. The walls were a deep gray, dark and rich, with silver trim.

A door on the other side of the room opened. She lost her breath as the vampire she’d fought—Damian, she recalled he’d told her his name was Damian—stepped into the room, wearing only a pair of snug, black boxers. There was no denying the attractive picture he made. He was all whipcord muscle, his stomach was rock solid, and his arms and chest rippled in all the right places. The only flaw marring him was the long, red welt along his shoulder—a souvenir from the slash of her silver stake.

He walked closer, looking at her as if he might devour her. She swallowed her fear and was about to roll from the bed when she realized she was chained to the headboard. She jerked at the metal links in a panicked frenzy, never taking her gaze from him.

He leaned over her, and she stiffened. “Don’t touch me, vampire.”

His black eyes were cold. “I will not harm you.” The words were simple, but she didn’t believe him.

“Release me.”

“No.”

“No? No!” Her voice rose along with her terror and temper. “Where have you brought me?”

Straightening, he walked to the other side of the bed, as if everything were as it should be. “You are in my home and chained for your protection—” He looked down at the wound on his shoulder, then back at her. “And mine.”

“Why did you bring me here?”

He came down on the bed beside her, and she sucked in a breath, arching away from him, her hands pulling tight above her head.

“To help you.”

Alyssa was surprised by his response. “To help me?”

Nodding, he tenderly touched her forehead and brushed his fingers through her hair. He looked mesmerized. He studied her hair as if he were memorizing the feel. She didn’t like it. He was too close, touching her, causing feelings to stir low in her belly.

She hissed at him and his gaze returned to hers. She shivered at the contrast between his light touch and the lack of warmth in that stare.

“Yes, Alyssa, to help you.”

“I don’t need the help of vampire scum.”

Damian growled, his lips curling into a snarl. He roughly grabbed her chin, and she couldn’t help the tiny whimper that escaped her. “But you have it just the same,” he murmured.

She tried to control her trembling, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. When he released her, she fell back against the pillows, but continued to watch him warily. “You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?” Her voice was barely a whisper, but she knew he’d hear her with his preternatural hearing.

He brought his hand up once more when she refused to meet his gaze, steeling herself for his hurtful grip. But he was gentle, his voice soft. “No, little one. I’ve already said I won’t harm you.”

Then, to her amazement, she watched as he gradually became lethargic, his eyelids heavy and his movements slow. Somehow, his body appeared to know the sun was rising. Where had the night gone?

He lay beside her and brought the comforter up over both their bodies. Panic rose like a tidal wave once more, and she fought to push it down. She had to think clearly, but then, being chained next to a corpse for the day was not conducive to calm.

She twisted, straining against the chains that kept her bound beside this monster.

Yes, little one, I am a monster.

Alyssa jerked. Her gaze moved over his motionless figure.

“Did you say something?”

Yes.

Like black velvet, his voice stirred in her mind. She gasped and tried to sit up, but was jerked back to the bed by the chains. “Y-you can speak to me in my head?”

A hint of a smile fluttered across his features. It is a bond we share.

Aghast, Alyssa lay still as death as she stared blindly at Damian, her heart racing madly. Peripherally, she was aware of the candles burning in the room. She had to escape, had to find a way to free herself.

Sleep or I will be forced to make you.

She stiffened at the idea of him controlling her. “No, don’t use your mind tricks. I’ll sleep.”

Alyssa willed herself to calm and waited for the time he’d be in deep slumber. Once the sun rose completely, the vampires were weak, she knew, then she could make a break for it, after she freed herself from the blasted chains.

And yet, left with nothing to do for the moment, she was appalled to find herself admiring the way his black hair framed his face. His heavily fringed eyelashes lay stark against his pale features, and his mouth was full and inviting. Her own went dry at the thought of those lips kissing hers.

Shaking her head from such thoughts, Alyssa glared at the corpse before carefully beginning to pull against the chains that held her. She bit her lower lip to avoid any involuntary cries as the metal cuffs cut into her flesh. Blood beaded and formed along the shackles. She chanced a quick glance at Damian now and then, ensuring he was still asleep. Thankfully, he hadn’t budged.

Returning to her task, her flesh continued to tear as she strained her wrists this way and that. She ignored the wetness seeping from her eyes and the line of blood that trailed down her arms and dripped onto the pillow beneath her. She yanked and twisted her wrists to slicken the cuffs even more, hopefully enough so she could slip free.

She never felt him move, never noticed he watched her until her gaze inadvertently clashed with his furious one. His black eyes burned like freezing ice as he leaned up on one elbow over her, clearly fully awake.

He looked at the shackles and they fell away, freeing her. Stunned for only an instant, she quickly recovered and reacted, jumping from the bed. Unfortunately, his arm whipped around her waist and dragged her back to the mattress. He covered her with his body.

She bucked underneath him, but she was no match for his strength, even though it was day. She could barely fathom how it was possible that he was still so powerful.

He grabbed her wrists and brought the bleeding wounds toward his lips. Her eyes grew wide, and she struggled to pull free, but his grip was sure and cruel. She cried out as he squeezed painfully, forcing her to stop moving. Alyssa could only watch, terrified, as his tongue trailed a burning path from her elbow to her battered wrists.

Alyssa desperately wanted to be disgusted, but her body again betrayed her at the feel of his hard length pressing her to the bed and the caress of his lips savoring her blood. His tongue swept across the cuts, and she suppressed a moan at the erotic waves shooting through her. She wanted him to touch the rest of her body with his sensuous lips, to feel the roughness of his tongue stroke elsewhere along her flesh and fulfill the promises in the depths of his eyes as they gleamed at her while he drank.

~*~

Her eyes shone with the tears she’d shed during her attempts to free herself, and he felt a tug at his heart. He felt her fighting her emotions, the sensations that were swirling in her body matching his own. He pushed himself into her mind, immersing himself in the wonder of her newfound passions.

Alyssa could deny it all she wanted, but she desired him as she never had anyone before. So bent on her vengeance in the years since her family’s death, she hadn’t allowed herself to crave another—just as he hadn’t in centuries. He gave himself a brief moment of amusement at the irony, and yet, here they both lay, both breathing heavily and on fire for the other, neither of them ready to admit their longing.

She tried to turn away, but he gripped her chin. Her eyes closed, and he smiled.

Foolish girl! You think that will stop my will? Look at me.

She attempted to shake her head vigorously, but his hand held her immobile.

Open your eyes, little one.

He lowered his voice, compelling her to do his bidding, and although she tried to fight the compulsion, it was futile. Her lids lifted, she gazed into his eyes.

Her vivid and defiant emerald stare shot right to his heart, one he had come to believe he didn’t possess anymore…until he’d met her.

Her will still warred with his, but he grinned down at her with what he knew was a purely masculine and possessive smile. “Sleep, little one. Sleep.”

Alyssa resisted the persuasive lure of his voice, but, inevitably, she succumbed and slumber claimed her.

He pulled her into his embrace as he lay down, marveling at the feel of her lovely curves pressed along his hard length. Just before Damian allowed himself to rest, he let the scent of her surround him and her warmth to permeate his body.

He realized he felt some semblance of peace for the first time in centuries.

Three

He didn’t want to wake her. Not yet, knowing the moment he did, he’d be looking into eyes filled with hatred. Her dark hair held a glossy sheen, and her elegant features were still, perfect. He wanted to keep the image of her calm and beautiful for as long as possible.

Damian let one of his hands trail down her shoulder and over her ribcage, coming to rest on her hip. It seemed a natural thing to do, although he couldn’t recall the last time he’d done this to a woman, or, indeed, if he ever had. He traced a finger along her jaw line.

Is she dead?

The feminine voice came without warning. Damian lay motionless in the bed, his thoughts guarded.

It has been taken care of.

She’s dead then.

Infuriated, Damian sent his anger roiling at D’Angel. I told you, it’s been taken care of. She’ll no longer hunt you, and that’s all you need to know.

He felt puzzlement, then her rage, before the emotions quickly subsided. Damian wasn’t fooled. He knew the calculating predator within her, felt her attempts to probe his mind.

What is she to you, Damian?

Damian didn’t have an answer. Nor did he know why he was so bent on helping Alyssa. Leave it be, D’Angel. I don’t question you, and you have no need to understand my methods.

Would you let her harm me? Her voice was coy, sweet. He could see her face clearly, preening at him.

No.

Very well, so long as you have a handle on her.

I do.

Just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone. Damian sighed. He knew it wasn’t the last he’d heard from her, not by a long shot. D’Angel, the one who’d made him, was biding her time to express her anger.

He closed his eyes at the fresh wave of pain that enveloped him at the thought of her. She was a constant sorrow buried deep within. Within what? Damian thought. My heart? My soul? Neither exists. Still…. His hand touched his chest in wonder.

Focusing his attention on the one who had suddenly created all these problems, he spoke. “Alyssa.”

~*~

A dark angel held her in his arms, his black-eyed gaze burning into her, scorching every fiber of her being. One hand lay gently on her hip, while the other caressed her cheek. Sighing, she nuzzled in closer to this dream man, glorying in the heat that seeped into her core as his solid body pressed so intimately against hers. His scent flooded her senses. She never wanted to wake.

The sound of her name whispered against her ear brought a rush of desire surging through her, and with it, the sense of reality. Alyssa abruptly tensed, her eyelids snapping wide. She looked up at the man cradling her protectively against him.

He smiled, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “Good evening.” His low voice glided over her skin, raising goose bumps. He must have mistaken her shiver for fear. “Cease your worries, Alyssa.”

“How can you say that when you tried to kill me, when you took my blood not once but twice?” She held her wrists up for his inspection.

“Well, in all fairness, you did try to kill me too.”

When it was put that way, it did seem tit for tat, but he was a vampire, undead. He didn’t deserve to live. On the tail of that thought, she heard a hiss of breath and knew somehow he had heard her.

He glared at her, eyes suddenly blazing, then he rose from the bed and jerked her to her feet. Her head wobbled and her hair fell wildly around her face. “You live only because I allow it. I permitted you to get in a few strikes last night, but I am faster, stronger, more powerful than you could possibly imagine. You believe I am a monster, a beast from the depths of your nightmares.” His voice remained at the even level of softly spoken menace, and his fangs lengthened. “Remember that, and try not to push me too far.”

Alyssa didn’t move a muscle. Fear beat at her; she knew what he said was true. She did live only by his grace, such as it was.

“Go and bathe. I’ll wait upstairs. Do whatever you want in the house, you’ll be safe here, but don’t try to leave. I’ll know your every movement. If you attempt to escape, I’ll hunt you down. I promise you won’t like what you’ll pay for your defiance.”

He released her; only then, as she fell to the floor in a crumpled heap, did she realize she’d not been standing on her own. Alyssa watched him leave the room without a backward look. Scrambling to her feet, she glared at the open doorway, wishing a more final death on him.

What was he thinking to keep her here? What were his plans?

Snorting in disgust, Alyssa pushed aside her questions and uncertainty about what fate would next deal her and walked across the room to what appeared to be a bathroom. The chamber was another large one with dark gray marble floors and an inviting hot tub to her right.

She touched the arched chrome of the tub’s faucet, but decided against using it. She didn’t want to get too comfortable, after all. Passing by the double sinks and bright florescent lights shining over the dark marble counter, she pulled her hair back and examined herself in the mirror.

Looking over every inch of her neck, she was shocked to find nothing, no evidence that he’d ever bitten her. How was that possible? She dropped her hair, shoulders slumped, before venturing to the shower at the end of the room. Alyssa slipped her jeans over her hips and stepped from the denim that pooled on the floor at her ankles. Then she removed her shirt, bra and panties. After entering the shower, she flipped on the water, sighing as warm water rushed over her body.

She didn’t know how long she stayed there. The cascading fluid felt so good, relieving the tension from her muscles, but her biggest reason for remaining where she was, the one she didn’t want to admit, was that she was afraid to face him. Not because she thought he’d hurt her. Worse, something about him touched her on a primal level.

He seemed so cruel one minute, then gentle the next, as though he wanted to be kind, but didn’t quite know how. It confused and irritated her all at the same time.

And what was it with his claim of wanting to help her? Help her do what?

He’d almost seemed protective, but she didn’t want or need a vampire to protect her. Vampires had killed her family, and now one was suddenly pushing his way into her life. He was keeping her from taking apart the one who had killed those most dear to her.

How would she escape? He was right about being too strong for her. Her mind churned, but no possibilities flourished. Alyssa slid to the floor of the stall. Had she come up empty-handed again, failed her family despite seven years of searching for D’Angel? Her tears were scalding compared to the rapidly cooling water.

She clenched her fists against her knees and let it beat down on her. She had to escape, find justice for her wronged loved ones. She had to.

Get out of the shower!

Alyssa scrambled to her feet, peering around the shower door, but the room was empty. “Where are you?”

Upstairs. Would you rather I return and help you finish washing?

“No, I wouldn’t.” She scrubbed at her face and scowled up at the ceiling, as if in doing so she could burn a hole straight through to him. “Leave me alone.”

She heard a soft chuckle in her mind and thought she saw a flash of gleaming, white teeth. Angrily, she quickly finished her ablutions before she shut off the water and stepped from the shower. Grabbing a towel from the linen rack beside the stall, she dried off, then slipped back into her clothes. She glanced cursorily in the mirror as she pulled her wet hair into a pony tail, then exited the room and outer chamber.

The stairs leading up to the next level were dark. She had to force herself to walk up slowly instead of running. As she reached the main floor, she was pleasantly surprised to discover he lived in a spacious and colorful home that reminded her of pictures she’d seen of Italy and Spain. She’d thought the rest of the house would be as gray as his bedroom below.

She entered what appeared to be the living room. Windows lined one wall and provided an excellent view of the ocean. Sheer curtains fell over the slightly opened panes and swayed with the breeze as they allowed the sea air to waft into the room. A tan wraparound couch sat near the ivory fireplace with matching wooden end tables and lamps. The floors were hardwood, gleaming under the moonlight that spilled into the room.

He’d read her thoughts again. “I did not design or decorate the house. I leave it to others to make the place look habitable, as I rarely spend time here.”

She whirled to face him. “Quit doing that.”

“Quit what? Reading your thoughts?” One dark eyebrow arched. “They are so loud I can’t help but hear them.”

Alyssa frowned. “I don’t care how loud they are. Stop it.” Something seemed to tug at the corners of his mouth, but surely she was mistaken.

“Come, I’ll show you the rest of the house.” He walked away and stepped down into another room that held a large screen TV, then disappeared around a corner. She glanced in the opposite direction down a short hall where the front door stood. It beckoned her.

Heart pounding, she quickly looked back to where the vampire had gone and wiped her sweaty palms against her pant legs. It was now or never. She spun and ran as fast as she could toward the door. It got closer and closer. She was only feet from it and knew she would make it. The excitement of freedom nearing her rushed through Alyssa.

Then the vampire suddenly appeared, and her feet slipped on the hard surface of the floor as she tried to avoid him.

He caught her effortlessly as she slid into him, then shoved her back. She fell with a squeak of surprise and a loud “Umphf!” Alyssa glared at Damian, who leaned negligently against the door, his arms crossed over his chest. “I told you not to try it.” He reached down and snatched her to her feet. She refused to wince at his grip.

“Shall I lock you in my chambers?”

Alyssa paused for a heartbeat, determined not to let him see her trepidation. “No. I’m sorry.”

He stared at her for a long moment, his countenance cold as he studied her. Finally, he released her, and she immediately rubbed her arm. “Since you are bound and determined to do everything by yourself, you can find your own way around.” She watched, open-mouthed, as he stalked away.

“Bastard,” she muttered under her breath. If she were stuck here, she might as well scope out the place. Maybe she could find another escape route.

She made her way from the foyer, up the main staircase and found a few bedrooms, all containing large four-poster beds with dark bedding, nightstands and armoires. The furniture looked old, but in excellent condition. She briefly wondered if the vampire had ever had very many guests.

Back at the stairs, she followed them up to the third floor. Among her discoveries was a room she liked very much. It was filled with all types of weaponry from swords to axes to spears, pikes, shields and an array of knives from lean stealth to big. The floor was cushioned, perfect for training. Walking around the room, she studied the display more closely.

Choosing her weapon, she picked up the double-pronged, dagger-like sai and gave them a quick twirl in her hands before gripping the handles and crouching into position. She lunged, going through the motions of a mock battle. She focused on the task at hand, making every move deliberate and deadly. This was a fight for her life, the chance to avenge her family. The training she’d received from others who’d lost loved ones to vampires— those who’d dedicated their lives to eradicating the species and who’d heard of the devastation of her family, then found her—kicked in.

Perspiration beaded her brow and body. She brought her leg up, balancing perfectly as she struck out with one of the sai to her right, then the other to her left. Lifting her leg over and down, she meticulously counted off steps in her head. Whirling around, her sai abruptly clashed with an extended pole.

Instinctively, she disengaged Damian, then moved quickly, striking and jabbing, although he deflected every thrust and advance. He wielded the fencing pole deftly, and her arms hurt with the continued blows and vibrations from the stout weapon. She leaped as he tried to swipe her feet from under her. She swung out an arm to slice at his face, but he bent backward, missing the wicked slash of the sai.

They came together again, their weapons between them. Her arms were straining, it infuriated her to see he hadn’t even broken a sweat. In fact, he seemed completely at ease. She ground her teeth, shoving against him, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he pushed forward, and she went reeling. Before she could hit the mat, he caught her. She gasped. She hadn’t even seen him move. One second he’d been in one spot, the next, he held her.

Getting her bearings, she jabbed up, aiming to bury the sai under his ribcage and through his heart, but he knocked her weapons away and dropped her. Panting heavily, she pushed herself to a sitting position while he stood over her, still holding the pole in hand.

With a blurred move, it suddenly hovered a mere breath from her throat.

“You’re dead.”

~*~

He could hear her heart pumping a wild rhythm in his head.

“You distracted me,” Alyssa snapped.

Damian’s eyes narrowed. “You can’t afford distractions. You need to be ready for anything, if you’re going to hunt vampires. The fact that you’ve made it this long surprises me. You’re weak. You might have a strong spirit, but you’re no match for a vampire physically.”

“I’ve killed quite a few of you already.”

He shrugged dismissively. “Fledglings who are vulnerable during the day. Trust me, you’d never be able to sneak up on me, much less stand against D’Angel. We’re both older and more powerful than those you’ve hunted and killed before.” He reached down to help her to her feet, but she smacked his hand away. Damian growled low in his throat, then jerked her up by the collar of her shirt. She yelped and kicked him in the shin. He cursed and released her.

“What do you care, anyway? Why tell me all this?”

He shrugged, staring at her, purposely watching as he made her nervous with his steady gaze. “I’m bored.”

She rolled her eyes as she retrieved the sai, then continued with the routine he’d interrupted. He knew she meant to ignore him, but for some reason he felt like provoking her.

He’d listened as she’d wandered through the house, hadn’t believed it when he’d found himself in the kitchen, leaning against the counter as he stalked her with his senses. When he heard her reach his training room and begin her movements, he’d had to come up and see what she was doing. Imagining hadn’t been enough.

He’d stood at the door watching her for quite a while. The way her breasts rose steadily with every deep breath she took. The way her long, dark ponytail swished across her back. When she’d lunged with her arms in an “L,” her legs sturdy and spread, he’d found he’d wanted to walk across the room, wrap the length of her hair around his fist and kiss her. The thought had been unbidden and he’d cursed himself. For so long he’d avoided feelings at all cost. Emotions were for the weak.

It had also been quite clear she knew how to use the sai. Alyssa had almost looked as if she’d been born to be a warrior as she moved through a complex routine he knew had come from Asia centuries ago. From part of her memories he’d shared last night, Damian was aware that the man who’d taught her had been well-educated, patient and skilled. The man had also hated vampires as much as Alyssa did, had gladly taken her under his wing. Unfortunately, Damian had been unable to gather from her memories where the man himself had trained. Her teacher had apparently never told her.

Now, as she leapt away from him, bringing one of the sai forward through empty air, he struck with the pole again. A loud crack echoed through the room.

She flung the other sai at him, and he stepped aside as it buried itself in the wall behind his head. “Stop it!”

He twirled the stick in his hands. “If you’re going to practice sparring, isn’t it best to practice against someone?”

“You aren’t someone, more like something.”

He flashed a predatory smile, putting as much malice and contempt in the gesture as he could. If he’d been human, he would have missed the slight tremble that coursed through her body. Oh, yes, he’d gotten to her.

“Get this through your dead head. I don’t want to have anything to do with you. You’re nothing to me.”

“Sticks and stones, little one.”

She blew out a frustrated sigh and marched past him. Damian watched her go, then picked up the discarded sai and took out the one that was buried in the wall. He cleaned the weapons before he replaced them in their appropriate locations.

As he headed down the stairs, he heard the TV in the “family” room. Alyssa sat on the couch, but she didn’t appear to be watching the screen. Knowing he shouldn’t delve into her thoughts, still he entered, a quiet shadow in the corner of her mind. She was thinking about her family, and the ways in which she could escape him, preferably ending his life in the process.

He grinned at her overdramatic imagination, the stake through his heart, perhaps a swipe through his neck. The wiping of her feet for good riddance as she left.

Then, on the tail of that thought, came another: the picture of him over her on the bed, his tongue gliding up her arm and over the wounds on her wrist.

The rhythm of her heart accelerated, her respiration increased. He felt her arousal and her struggle to fight it.

He pulled away from her mind and noticed her face was flushed with embarrassment and self-anger. He knew she’d be horrified if she realized he’d been aware of her thoughts.

Retreating through the house, he left her to her own devices for now and went to his study. He needed to figure out what he was going to do with her. The fact that he felt such protectiveness toward her was unlike him.

The only one he’d safeguarded for centuries had been D’Angel. It was all he knew. And although he loathed D’Angel and what she was, for years there had been a glimmer of hope that she might change. He knew now she never would.

He sat in his leather chair and stared out the window at the expanse of beach and the waves that rolled up over the sand. How would he protect Alyssa? Would she allow him to, or would she always fight him?

He sighed and leaned forward in the seat, his elbows on his knees. There were many other things he’d like to do with her, but he knew she’d refuse him. She hated his kind too much to recognize they weren’t all evil. But how could he blame her? D’Angel had killed her entire family, and his own parents had gone insane because of a vampire. Even he thought himself unworthy of the light—of any love or affection.

He looked down at his hands, clenching them into fists.

He was unworthy of the woman sitting in his very home.

He stayed there for a long time, torturing himself with secret desires until he saw the sky begin to pinken in the distance. The sound of the TV had been in the background of his head the entire time. Finally, he returned to where she still sat, motionless. Her stomach growled. Damian winced as he watched her arms instinctively cover her stomach, as if that could stop the loud rumbling. He hadn’t thought of food. Did he have any in the house? Why would he? He was unable to partake anything but blood, but of course she was human and too skinny as it was.

He knew she’d never lower herself to ask him for something to eat. Guilt warred in him. She must be terribly hungry after her workout and for not having eaten for at least twenty-four hours, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Damn, he felt like a cruel bastard, but the sun was rising.

“Come, Alyssa. It’s time for bed.”

She shook her head wearily, like an old woman. “I don’t want to lie down with you.”

The TV turned off with a glance. He picked her up, easily evading her punches by grasping both her wrists in one hand. “Stop it.”

Alyssa’s eyes were like icy daggers of hatred, but her pounding heart and excited breaths belied that gaze. He nuzzled her neck as he made his way to his chambers. She was stiff, arching away from him, but his tight hold didn’t let her get too much space between them. As he brought both of them down on the bed, he picked up the shackles. “Do we need to go through this again?”

She shook her head once more, so he dropped the chains over the headboard, pinned her with a stare, then entranced her and sent her to sleep.

~*~

Alyssa awoke to an empty bedroom. She sat up and stretched before she checked the bathroom. She found no sign of Damian and decided to take a quick shower. If she were lucky, he’d be gone and she could get away. If she were luckier, she’d be leaving with a stake through his heart.

The water felt good, but she scrunched up her nose as she put on the same clothes from the night before and the night before that. Commando it was then.

She went upstairs and found Damian in one of the rooms she hadn’t explored. He held a ledger in his hands as if he were going over figures and glanced up at her. When he did, her stomach growled loudly. Embarrassed, she laid her hand over her stomach and tried to remember the last time she ate.

Damian stared for a moment, blinking a few times as if to clear his thoughts. He wore all black again and seemed to blend into the shadows. She hadn’t looked too closely at his closet and wondered suddenly if he wore any other color.

He rose without speaking and waved for her to follow. Damn her own hide for obeying him like a dog. He walked through the foyer, then the dining room and into a large, elaborate kitchen with a central island. The stone tiles were gray with gray countertops and cabinets. No surprise there at the color scheme. There was also a refrigerator, microwave, electric stove and oven. She thought it ridiculous that whoever had decorated his place had supplied these useless items. It wasn’t as if he were human and would cook.

He walked over to one of the cabinets, opened it and frowned. She scouted. The shelves, cupboards and fridge were completely bare. He turned and shrugged. “I forgot you’ll need to eat. Come, you must be hungry, and I have no food for you here.”

He walked toward a side door, grabbed a set of keys from a small table. He held the door open for her. She saw it led into a garage from where she stood. She gave him a suspicious look. “Why are you doing this?”

Damian was silent. She didn’t think he was going to answer her. Finally, he spoke. “Because I can feel your hunger, and we need to get you some other clothes. Those are beginning to reek.”

Her face flamed, though she noticed he didn’t really respond to her underlying question. She also didn’t know why his insult hit her so hard. After all, it wasn’t her fault she was a virtual prisoner in his home. Her eyes narrowed and she clenched her teeth. “If it bothers you so much, vampire, why not let me go?”

He ignored her words. “Come,” he repeated, obviously expecting immediate obedience. She planted her feet firmly, hands on hips.

“I have my own clothes. I don’t want anything from you.”

“Very well.” He moved back to her and gripped her arm before he walked her quickly through the door. “I’ve seen your clothes. They’re old and

holding on by threads.”

Alyssa elbowed him in the stomach, trying to wrench free from his ruthless grasp. Her efforts were rewarded with the tightening of his fingers, bruising her tender flesh. She hated feeling inferior to him. He was right. Her clothes were worn, but she had a couple of shirts like the T-shirt she wore that were still in good condition. Not torn or nearly see through thin. Then his comment registered.

“You ass! Have you been following me? Did you go through my things?” She continued to yell at him all the way to a black Harley. She was vaguely aware of an expensive-looking car nearby. If he kept pushing her, she’d key it. “Let me go!”

At her words, he shoved her none too politely toward the motorcycle. His features were drawn and harsh when he pointed at her, then the vehicle. “Not another word. Get on.” He tossed her a small black helmet and took a threatening step toward her when she didn’t immediately don it. She shoved it on her head and straddled the back of the bike.

Climbing on in front of her, he reached behind him to shift her arms around his waist as the motorcycle roared to life. The garage door lifted with a simple glance, and they were off toward downtown Miami.

Alyssa’s mind churned as they drove down a long, empty stretch of private road, then a more populated highway, and eventually, the well-lit streets of the city where many shops were open and people milled around.

How would she escape? She needed to be ready to run at any given moment. When she got free, she’d return for Mr. Vampire and see how he liked being pushed around.

He glanced over his shoulder. She glared at him. “What?”

He didn’t answer and went back to watching the road, though she thought she’d seen a hint of a smirk. Realizing he was probably reading her thoughts, she tried her best to close her mind to him.

Deciding not to dwell on it for now, Alyssa looked around and couldn’t help but notice as they finally reached town that many women seemed to follow them with their gazes as the two of them swept by. Although she couldn’t argue that he was unbelievably handsome, and that it was almost a sin for anyone to be that good-looking and sexy, he was still a walking abomination. Alyssa wanted to yell at them for their ignorance.

What are you gawking at? Despite his physical attributes, he’s a vampire, for crying out loud.

At last, Damian pulled up in front of a popular clothing store, parked, then guided her inside. “Get whatever you need, I’ll wait here.” She was about to walk away when he pulled her back to him. "Don’t try anything.” His voice was low, but carried the underlying warning clear as a bell.

Nodding, she left him and started picking items off the racks, not really paying attention to what she grabbed. Heading to the dressing room, she felt his attention on her, his eyes watching her every move. Once she was in the secluded area, she dropped the clothes to the floor and swiftly checked each available stall for any kind of an exit.

Finding no other way out, Alyssa looked at the young woman behind the counter at the entrance who was folding clothes and getting them ready to be put back in the main shopping space. Her hair was streaked with blue and her nails painted black. Alyssa hoped she was pegging the girl right, that she would ask no questions and just provide the helping hand Alyssa needed. She raced toward the girl and grabbed her arm, speaking in a low whisper and praying Damian couldn’t hear.

“Please, you have to help me.”

The girl’s blue eyes widened and she took a step back, jerking her arm from Alyssa’s.

“My ex-boyfriend is following me and I can’t stand to see him again after he cheated on me with my best friend. He thinks all I need to do is listen to him explain why he slept with that bitch and I’ll forgive him.” The lies came easily to her lips. Alyssa anxiously checked to make sure Damian didn’t suddenly appear. “Can you help me sneak out of here, please?”

The young woman nodded, her face changing from wariness to one of determination and delight. Alyssa mentally let out a loud whoop, then covered her mouth quickly as if the sound had actually escaped her lips, worried Damian might have picked up on her happy thought. When he didn’t storm into the dressing room, she turned back to the girl and almost smiled when she realized she’d been right, the girl liked to live on the edge.

“We can’t have that, the freakin’ bastard,” the girl said. “I hope you kicked your friend’s ass.” She didn’t wait for an answer as she grabbed a clothes cart, then looked at Alyssa. “Get in. I’ll throw some clothes over you and take you to the back of the store. You can leave from the back alley.”

Alyssa gave her a grateful smile and quickly climbed into the cart. Lying down, she curled into a ball as the girl tossed clothes on top of her. Her heart seemed to pound out of control, but she tried to remain calm as the cart moved into the main room. She held her breath as the wheels glided softly across the floor.

~*~

Damian stood with his arms crossed over his chest, staring in disbelief as the

cart Alyssa hid in was wheeled across the floor. Did she really think she could fool him, that he hadn’t expected her to try something or listened to her conversation? He knew the sound of her heartbeat, recognized her scent, and she was attempting to escape right beneath his nose? He’d smile at her daring, if he weren’t so angry at the fact that she tried to play him for a fool.

Damian waited until the saleswoman pushed the cart through the doors leading to the back of the store. Then he turned and exited the building, walking around to the freight area on silent feet. He waited patiently as he heard the back door click open, then Alyssa’s light steps as she moved swiftly.

He watched as she turned toward the alley opening, obviously prepared to make a break for it, then stopped dead in her tracks when she saw him. Damian was pleased that his vicious smile made her eyes widen with fear.

 “Surprise.”