DreamKeeper (11 page)

Savaant nodded meditatively. “Has he fed on you today?”

“No.” Sage shook her head. “He hasn’t had me since our last day in LA.”

“Then he has begun to weaken. Ciara’s blood does not carry your power.”

“So how about it, Savaant? Can I keep him as my pet for a few days? After all this running around I’ve worked up an appetite.” Sage stood up, then sauntered over to the two men. “After the ceremony we can ship him away.”

Angel observed closely—utterly captivated by the scene unfolding before her. Blade looked up at Sage. His cool, green eyes lacked the brazen arrogance she had seen in them just a few minutes ago. The previous egotism was gone and in its place, dread.

“C’mon, man,” Blade pleaded. “Just let me leave Dunalino. I know I broke the rules, so I’ll accept my banishment from the island. It will be bad enough living in LA without the band and women to bite. Please don’t let her bite me again.”

“Shut up!” Savaant’s eyes flashed with rage. “You have no say!”

Sage laughed triumphantly. “He actually said
please
.”

Savaant gave her a consenting nod while pinning Blade to the floor with a heavy boot as he began to squirm. Sage dropped to her knees with ravenous eyes. After a short tussle she managed to secure his hands with the same leather straps he’d used on her.

With a smoldering look Savaant disintegrated the chain binding Angel’s ankles, then beckoned for her with an outstretched hand. She rushed into his arms, pressing her face to his bare chest. Taking a deep breath, she filled her senses with his inviting scent, then closed her eyes.

He pulled her close, yet simultaneously kept Blade restrained with his boot. Blade proved to be no match for Savaant’s impressive might—no match at all.

Poor Sage.
Angel sighed.
Blade had used her blood to enhance his power in a failed attempt to defeat Savaant in a grab for full leadership. No doubt he’d have forced Savaant into exile and taken all the women for himself.
She felt no sympathy for Blade. Nor did it bother her that Savaant and Sage showed no mercy on his wretched soul.

With a gentle hand, he turned her face away from the couple on the floor. “My woman should never have to watch something like this.” He kissed the top of her head. “Angel, I’ve missed you so. I wasted no time in searching for you. I’m sorry it took me too long and that you had to suffer.”

“I’m not angry. He was more cunning than we thought and had planned this out for quite some time. I’m just relieved we didn’t let him win.”

“Never, my love. He’ll never be a threat to you again.”

Angel jumped when Blade let out a howl. Chills scattered over her skin at his hair-raising screams. Yet she didn’t look down. Savaant’s protective embrace made her feel safe once again. Her decision to take a strong stand and trust her heart had spared Sage from a horrid fate.

She could hear Blade thrashing around on the floor and the sound of Sage sucking his blood. His wailing began to settle into faint whimpering as her venom took effect.

“I’ve got him, now,” said Sage. “Take Angel home.”

Chapter Ten

“How are doing, my love?” Savaant offered her a cup of tea as she sat snuggled on his sofa wrapped in a soft blanket.

Evening was upon them and the exhilarating scent of fresh salt air rode a breeze coming through the open sliding glass doors. Golden rays of sunlight created a brilliant display across a sky streaked with beautiful shades of pink and blue. Sunset on Dunalino was breathtaking.

She smiled up at him as he perched on the edge of a cushion to face her. Once they’d left the cabin, he’d whisked her home to his elegant domicile the immortal way. She hadn’t experienced any further queasiness over the bizarre manner of traveling since he’d given her the coffee bean during her first experience traveling with him.

Following their return home, they had enjoyed a luxurious bath and light breakfast before retiring to the couch for the afternoon.

“I’m okay. Much better now that I’m home with you.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Sage. We didn’t want to overburden you with excessive details. Until our blood is sealed there was always the risk that Blade could’ve intercepted your thoughts. I had no idea he already knew about Sage’s intent to leave his sorry ass. He’d obviously been using her blood to enhance his telepathic strength.”

“I understand.” She reached up to touch the shiny blond hair she loved so much. “You told me in the beginning that I’d receive information as needed. She did a noble thing by coming for me. She thinks fast. Will she be okay?”

“Oh, yeah. All she needed was a bit of help subduing Blade.”

“What will she do with him?”

A distant smile swept over his face as Savaant stared out over the frolicking waves.

“Feed.”

“Like she did on those men who came after us?”

“Yeah.” He gazed at her with sincere eyes. “Those pricks will be put on a cargo ship headed to the depths of the southern seas. What happens to them down there in those dark waters will be out of my hands. Ciara bought herself a one-way ticket to travel with them. Seemed like proper retribution. After all, the little whore will have several men seeking her blood. But at least she won’t be a threat to our community anymore.”

“And Blade?”

Lines on his face tightened. “He’ll be joining them soon enough.”

“What about your band?”

“Ah, it will survive. There are thousands of hungry, talented artists looking for a break.” His expression softened with that easy smile of his. He framed her face with gentle hands, his eyes searched hers. “No worries about the band. I have everything I want right here. Tonight, when the full moon is at its highest…you will become my
Senhora Do Sangue
.”

She shivered with excitement. “It won’t be long. Becoming joined with you can’t come soon enough.”

“I love you, Angel. You are my heart.” Gently, he took the empty cup from her hand before pulling her into his strong arms.

His scent floated over her. She sighed contentedly against his bare chest, sliding her arms around his waist. He wore nothing except fresh black leather jeans and his unique, sensual cologne.

“If I had known the guitar pick was in my robe
pocket, I could’ve called out to you right away.”

“I had completely forgotten I’d put that in there. When we returned from the party to clean your clothes, I remembered you’d put it in the jeans pocket back in LA. So I tucked the pick into your robe to keep it safe while you showered. We got to foolin’ around and I never had the chance to tell you.”

She smiled, recalling the night Savaant had to stop her from biting his neck. “Ah, yeah…that was a hot night.”

“Yes…indeed it was.” His sensual undertone stirred the flutters down below.

“Is it possible that the pick held most of your energy? After all, I had it with me since the beginning.”

“Perhaps, look at the barriers we’ve crossed to end up here…in each other’s arms.”

The concept behind it blew her mind. Just over a week ago Savaant had been but a dream. Staggering forces had come together to bring her all this way in such a short time span.

With her head resting on his chest again, she gazed dreamily through the glass doors leading to the balcony. She noticed the sun had set, leaving a golden glow in its place, which meant the moon would soon begin its ascent into a clear night sky right before her eyes.

How unique that they built their homes to face the direction in which the sun and moon rose. Most of the mansions she’d been in had their main rooms constructed to face the sunset. She liked the mindset of Dunalino.

Savaant’s beautiful home was spacious and bright with elegant furniture upholstered in fine white linen. Not what she’d expect from a man who drank blood from her neck. At one point she had deemed them glorified vampires.
Yet, they view themselves as human and not vampires. Can one really be human and immortal? Will I feel different after the ritual? Perhaps the transformation has ensued at a slower pace than I realized.

She considered how she traveled with him easily now with no sickness. Recent events had risen way beyond human behavior. And now—now she’d finally arrived at the place where Savaant said she’d become his
Senhora Do Sangue
—his Lady of the Blood. Her entire life felt suddenly surreal.

Feathery caresses on her arms woke Angel from a much-needed rest. Still wrapped in the blanket, she gazed up sleepily at Savaant, who looked like he’d never left her side.

“I must have fallen asleep in your arms.”

A relaxed smile curved his lips. “You needed sleep. I’m glad you were able to let down before our ceremony.”

“How long have I been out?” She glanced out the door at a dark sky, brilliantly sprayed with twinkling stars.

“About five hours. It’s almost midnight. Time to get you dressed.” He brushed loose strands of hair from her face. “I cleaned your clothes while you slept.”

She frowned slightly. “Now they won’t smell like you again.”

“After the ritual we can take care of that.” He gave her a spirited wink. “Perhaps even finish what we started the last time I put those on for you.”

“Mm… I like the sound of that.” She let her hands glide over the rippling muscles of his chest, then down to the leather waistband of his black pants. “Are you wearing these tonight?”

“Yeah. Is that good with you?”

“Oh, very. You fill out leather jeans better than any man alive.”

He smiled modestly. Even so, she saw delight sparkle in his eyes.

“I’ll wear anything you like, love.” His lips touched hers. “Or nothing at all.”

Silky hair brushed her cheeks when he leaned over. She drew a deep breath—absorbing everything about him into her soul.

“I’ve invited Sage to serve as handmaiden. She sent word around the island.”

Angel asked the dreaded question. “Will Blade be there?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I especially want
him
to watch. Don’t worry. Sage has him under control. She rang me while you slept. He will not cause you another moment of distress.”

“I’m not worried. I’m with you now. I’m not looking forward to seeing him though.” She sat up, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I didn’t get to tell you everything that happened.”

“We’ll be sure to keep him out of your sight,” he said, then added, “Sage told me most of it when she popped in while you slept. You’ll have plenty of time to fill me in on the details.”

“Sage was here?”

He nodded. “That’s how I knew you’d chosen her as your handmaiden.”

“I like her a lot. Once you and I seal our blood, Sage will be free of Blade, right?”

“Yes. He’ll have no recourse but to release her. When a woman seeks to leave a man who has been feeding on her, she must find another domain willing to give her asylum or leave Dunalino forever. We have this law to avoid chaos. Nobody is forced to stay but they are expected to obey the rules.”

“Blade didn’t obey the rules. He was going to force me and Sage to accept him.”

He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. “I know, love. He was out of control. He’ll pay the price for his crimes. I’ve decided to let Sage enjoy tormenting him for a bit before sending him into exile.” Scooping her off the sofa and into his arms, he carried her upstairs to the bedroom. “Now let’s get you ready. The moon is high. I want your bite.”

“It’s gorgeous,” she said as he helped her into a short red, backless dress. Standing before a floor length mirror she gazed at herself and saw a different woman staring back. Her hair had grown since his first bite and the island sun had brightened her blonde streaks. Even her fair skin had developed a tan now.

She watched in the mirror as he lovingly fanned the long shiny locks around her bare shoulders. The dress felt and looked like silk and shimmered beautifully. Straps crisscrossed her breasts, leaving very little to the imagination, especially where the fabric parted and bared her midriff before coming together in a clingy skirt around her hips.

Pressing against her from behind, his body meshed with hers in the most pleasing way. She could feel every toned muscle and the hard bulge in his pants.

“I want you.” She leaned into him, laying her head back against his shoulder.

Their eyes met in the mirror as one hand drifted down over her stomach and lower. He held her gaze with an intensity that made her ache. She moved her bare feet apart on the floor to widen her stance, then curled one arm backward around his strong neck.

“Is this what you want, my sweet?” he purred with one finger stroking her clit. Then he slid it inside and continued stroking.

She moaned softly. “Mm…yes…” Her dress had slid up beneath his touch and the visual aspect combined with physical stimulation induced a surge of warmth that trickled down her thigh.

His lips found her neck, kissing and nibbling a path up to her ear where he bit down lightly. Shivers raced down her arms and the sudden craving for his blood besieged her, making her mouth water.

“I see the hunger shimmering in your lovely eyes,” he murmured as their gaze met again in their reflection. “You’re ready.”

Residents of Dunalino gathered around as Angel and Savaant approached a canopy that had been erected at the water’s edge for their long-awaited ceremony. She glanced at the crowd a few feet away, all looking on with expectant eyes. Mild anxiety had subdued her craving somewhat and she prayed she’d not falter when the moment came.

Frolicking waves lapped at her bare feet, and Savaant’s. He’d worn his black leather jeans as she’d requested and nothing else. Never had she seen him look more inviting—if that was possible. Sensuality emanated from him in unseen waves of undeniable charisma.

White candles placed in the sand surrounded a red blanket sprinkled with flowers under the sheer, lacy covering. Waves tumbled ashore beneath an enchanting full moon, leaving white froth just below the canopy as they rolled back out to sea. What looked like a billion stars sparkled in a perfectly clear night sky. Nature itself appeared to be celebrating their union, casting warm streaks of moonlight down upon them.