Diamond in the Shade 2

Diamond in the Shade 2 DJ Manly (c) 2009

Diamond in the Shade 2 DJ Manly Published 2009 ISBN 978-1-59578-634-0 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2009, DJ Manly. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://LSbooks.com Email: [email protected] Editor Lynne Anderson Cover Artist Amanda Kelsey This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental. Blurb Diamond and Shade are together trying to manage their new relationship when suddenly there is a vampire in their city running wild, killing his victims, and carelessly leaving them everywhere. That is strange enough, but what is even stranger is that he seems to be a Destroyer, and he is connected to Shade. Diamond is aware of the love/hate history Shade has had with Destroyers, and he's none too happy about being confronted by one of Shade's past conquests.

Chapter One “Did you feel anything at all for him?” Sebastian asked as they stood at the gravesite. He went to put his hand on Diamond’s shoulder, but Diamond moved away before he got the chance and stalked off across the cemetery lawn. Sebastian didn’t have any trouble keeping pace with him. He could follow Diamond for hours if he needed to, just allowing him to vent. Almost ten minutes after he’d asked the question, Diamond stopped, looked at him, and answered, “No, nothing.” “Why is it that I don’t believe you?” Shade glanced around him, his keen hearing picking up all kinds of conversations and strange noises. He shut it out. “I really don’t give a damn what you believe.” “Someone who feels nothing doesn’t deliberately miss the funeral.” “You have a problem with sunlight, remember?” Diamond lifted an eyebrow. “Not all that much. I could have handled it. And you could have gone with Richard. He was there.” “I don’t want to talk about this. Don’t you have any bad vampires to finish off?” Sebastian shrugged. They left the cemetery and walked up the street in one of the busy bistro districts. The music, talk, and laughter reached a crescendo in his head. He was having a hard time turning it off tonight, maybe because he was feeling Diamond’s pain, and it was very intense. “He treated you badly as a child,” Sebastian said as they reached the corner. “He was my trainer. He was obligated to treat me that way. He had to toughen me up.” “He abused you.” “I was nobody’s child, abandoned and unwanted. At least Vanguard gave me a purpose.” “If you want to talk about it, I’m—” “You’re a vampire.” Diamond threw him a look. “What in hell would you know about human feelings?” Sebastian sucked in some breath quite unnecessarily. He was still trying to grow accustomed to Diamond’s moods. He lashed out when he was sad because he really didn’t know how to express his pain. He had been an abused child, and it didn’t matter that his abuse had been done in the name of a higher purpose: to train him to be one of the best Destroyers of demons in the world. Abuse was abuse, and it left scars. “I was human once,” he said softly, too softly for Diamond to hear. Regardless of how Vanguard had treated him, he was the only parent Diamond had ever known. Now, he was gone. And for good or bad, Diamond had a lot of unresolved feelings about his childhood. Sebastian placed a hand on Diamond’s forearm. This time Diamond didn’t pull away but he didn’t look him in the eye either. “You may abuse me all you want. I understand why. That’s not going to drive me away. But if you ever deny your feelings for me, it’s over.” It was tough to say, but it had to be said. He loved Diamond. No, more than that; he

was passionately in love with him, even though they were an unlikely pair: a vampire who fought evil and a demon hunter. They were supposed to be natural enemies, except he’d taught Diamond that not all vampires were evil. Now they worked together, and slept together, but it had been a rocky road. And Sebastian didn’t expect it to get any easier. Given the way Diamond had grown up—unloved, hurt, taught to deny his deepest feelings—it was normal he’d lash out. That Sebastian could tolerate. But if Diamond stopped loving him, that was another thing. They crossed the street. Diamond slowed his pace, but he didn’t say anything. Every once in a while he glanced at Sebastian, as if willing him to speak. Sebastian wasn’t going to rescue him this time. His cell phone rang. They both paused in the parking lot while Shade answered. “Sebastian Shade.” “Shade, it’s Josh. We have a problem.” “Rogue vampire?” “Worse, rogue Destroyer.” Shade looked at Diamond. “Do we know who?” “Not yet. Pete is convinced that he’s an independent, not part of the Order. But he has all the earmarks of elite Destroyer training.” “Diamond would have a better idea. We’re on our way.” “I’d have a better idea about what?” Diamond followed him to the car. “Rogue Destroyers.” Shade started the engine of his new Mustang, a shiny red convertible. Diamond hopped over the door into the seat, not bothering to open the door. “Impossible.” Shade glanced at him as he roared out into the street. “Why impossible?” “We’re trained to be disciplined, not draw attention to ourselves.” “So,” Shade muttered, his long dark hair whipping around his face, “one of you went ballistic, that’s all.” “We don’t do that.” Shade rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right. Just like vampires don’t fall off the wagon and go on a blood lust.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said. His voice was without expression but when Sebastian looked at him, he was smiling. “And, ah,” Diamond said as Shade parked the car in front of his home, “the answer to your question back there, is, don’t worry, I don’t think I could.” Sebastian stood on the sidewalk with him for a second, his head tilted slightly. “You don’t think you could what?” “Stop loving you. The heavens only know I’ve tried.” Sebastian swallowed. He nodded briefly and they both walked inside. He smiled faintly. Diamond had a habit of that, answering his questions long after he asked them. That answer had been worth waiting for. Downstairs in Sebastian Shade’s office, Pete and Josh were deep in discussion about all the documentation strewn across the table. Debbie was tapping away on the computer nearby. Wik lifted a hand to them from where he sat in the corner, doing that rolling thing he did with his thumbs. Wik was no intellectual, but his size made him damn good to have

around in a pinch. And Shade found it comforting sometimes to not be the only vampire in the crowd, even if Wik was a big sleazebag. Pete was the first to notice them, probably because Diamond walked right by him into the small kitchen and began swallowing doughnuts. “Don’t eat the jelly ones,” Josh called out. There was no response, which probably meant Diamond had disposed of the jelly ones, and they were gone already. “Why don’t we just buy only jelly ones?” Sebastian suggested. “Because I don’t like them,” Debbie sang out from the computer alcove. “I’m a person here too … I mean, whatever.” Pete sat back with a sigh. “I’m afraid that we have bigger problems than jelly doughnuts.” “Did you have a vision?” “I’ve been having them constantly all day. He’s already slain seven on the East Side. He’s not being careful about where he’s disposing of them either. They’re not all turning to ash.” “He’s not a Destroyer,” Diamond protested as he came out of the kitchen, wiping the white confection sugar off his lips. “No Destroyer would dispose of vamps like that.” “Yeah, you’d say that,” Pete muttered. The relationship between Pete and Diamond was still rocky. Pete didn’t trust him, and for some reason, Diamond considered Pete to be a rival for his affections. Sebastian didn’t get that, and he’d given up trying. Josh pushed a photograph across the table. “Another series of vamp slayings eighty years ago, in Los Angeles, never caught the guy.” “Are you saying this is the same guy?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “He’d be a little old to be fighting vampires, wouldn’t he?” “Not if he was immortal,” Pete said. “An immortal Destroyer, one who was turned.” Sebastian contemplated that possibility as he took a chair and studied the picture. It was a black-and-white police photo of a severed head. “It’s what I’m sensing in these visions.” Pete nodded. “Why in hell would he surface again eighty years later?” Diamond muttered. “He might have moved around, gone somewhere else. Deb”—Shade looked around—“widen your search. Look for similar activity over the last eighty years, North America and Europe.” “You got it,” she said, “but someone bring me a coffee.” Wik jumped. “Got it,” he said. Josh smirked. “Someone’s got something for someone.” Pete and Sebastian grinned. “A mortal and vamp together doesn’t work,” Diamond muttered. Sebastian looked up at him sharply. “In most cases,” Diamond clarified, then cleared his throat. “I mean, would you trust Wik in a moment of passion not to rip someone’s throat out?” There was silence. No one had the answer to that one. ****

“Are you still bothered by what I said?” Diamond asked softly when they were back outside. “What did you say?” Sebastian asked innocently. “You’re doing that again, that playing with my brain thing.” “The expression is fucking with my head, actually.” Diamond reached out and covered Sebastian’s hand as Sebastian rested it on the stick shift. He squeezed it. “I love you. I never want to hurt you.” “I’m the undead, remember? We don’t have feelings.” “I never said that, Shade!” He groaned. “Yes, you did actually, back in the cemetery. You said that vamps didn’t know anything about human feelings.” He met Diamond’s gaze. Diamond’s hand came off his and settled on his thigh. “Forgive me. I know what Tanus meant to you. I know he changed you and … you still mourn him.” “Don’t tell me you’re jealous of a dead man?” He lifted a dark eyebrow and shook his head. He turned the key and the engine roared to life. Diamond sat back in his seat and muttered something under his breath. Shade chuckled and drove away from the curb. “Do we have a plan, aside from wandering the streets?” Diamond asked. “Scouring the East Side is the plan. Pete and Josh are going to meet us later,” Shade told him. “What do you think about his theory?” Diamond shrugged his broad shoulders. “That he’s a turned Destroyer?” Shade nodded. “It’s plausible, but wouldn’t we have heard of this guy?” “Not necessarily. What did Richard say when you called him? Has the Order heard about this guy?” “No. He seemed perplexed. He said he’d look into it. But I tell you, Shade, no honorable Destroyer would allow himself to be turned by the enemy.” Sebastian sighed. “We’re not all bad.” Diamond reached his hand over and placed it on Sebastian’s thigh. He leaned in close to him and pressed his lips against Shade’s hair. “Oh, I know that baby. In fact, you’re really, really good.” Shade laughed and pushed his hand away. “Soft soap.” “What?” “Sucking up?” He glanced at him then back at the road. “The sucking is intriguing.” Diamond grinned. “I don’t get the up part … isn’t it sucking off?” Sebastian laughed. “You are so Hungarian.” “These American expressions really get to me … sucking up, sucking off, sucking on?” “Last one doesn’t work, not by itself.” “Oh.” Shade smiled at him. “Don’t worry, lover, you’ll get it.” “I hope so.” Diamond raised an eyebrow. “English is a crazy language. It sucks.” “There you go, see?.” “Huh?” “Hopeless,” Shade muttered, pulling off onto a side street in a deserted part of the

East Side. He got out and looked around him, mostly strip malls and midsized factories. He zipped up his hip-length leather jacket, watching Diamond as he jumped out of the car, his long tattered brown leather coat flapping out behind him as he walked toward him. Shade still marveled when he looked at him, the molded, muscular body of a man at the height of physical fitness, his coat lined with the most lethal of weapons, with the face of a angel, surrounded by wispy fair hair. “What?” he asked, pausing to look at Shade. “I suddenly had the urge to drag you into the backseat and tame you.” Diamond’s lips spread into a wide smile. “Think you’re up to it?” “Oh yeah.” Sebastian nodded, running a hand down to his groin and gripping his own cock. “I’m more than up to it, but we can’t now. Later,” he whispered, and winked. Diamond rolled his eyes as he walked beside him. He bumped into him, propelling him to the side a few steps. “Tease,” he mouthed. They laughed, and walked into an alley, quieting immediately, both automatically shifting into hunting mode. Everything else would have to wait. * David stood watching them from the top of the Restful Night Hotel. Finally, he’d come. “Well, hello there, beautiful, beautiful Sebastian Shade,” he whispered to the wind. “Finally, we meet again, after all these years. And I plan to keep you very busy, but first, I need to get rid of your new companion.” He bowed his head and said the prayer of the Destroyer. “Forgive me”—he crossed himself—“for killing one of my own, but it must be done.” * Diamond stood quietly by as Sebastian interrogated some of the people he knew on the East Side, some not people technically, but demons and vampires. Some had heard tell of a Destroyer, or someone who resembled one, prowling the neighborhood. Some knew about the vampire slayings. There was some fear, but as usual, a lot of indifference. “You’re too easy on them,” Diamond commented as they headed to a vacant lot where the latest slaying had occurred. “You should have let me question them.” “Yeah, right.” Shade grinned. “And they’d be dead before we learned anything. And I did learn a lot more than you think.” “Like?” “The vamps that were slain weren’t out of control. For the most part, they stayed in the shadows. Why would a Destroyer waste his time going after well-behaved vamps?” “All bloodsuckers are fair game.” Sebastian gave him a look. “You know what I mean.” “Destroyers slay out of control vamps. Quiet ones get overlooked, you know that. The surefire way to attract a slayer if you’re a vampire, is to go on a killing spree. Right?” Diamond nodded. “None of the slain meet the description. There’s Pete and Josh,” Sebastian pointed out, waiting until the two men walked into the middle of the parking lot. “Anything?” “We didn’t see anything,” Josh said, “but Pete has had some funky visions.” “We need to talk,” Pete said. He looked a little pale.

Sebastian nodded. “Go ahead.” “No, I think we need to talk”—he looked pointedly at Diamond—“privately.” “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you,” Diamond said, sneering, “getting all private with Sebastian?” “Fuck you,” Pete said. “Hey.” Shade put up a hand. “Enough. Diamond, ride with Josh; I’ll take Pete with me. It’s enough for the night.” Diamond sighed, trying to control his temper. That little prick; he couldn’t wait to get his hands on Sebastian. But it would be over Diamond’s dead body. “He’ll find any excuse to be alone with you,” Diamond said, leaning over and whispering in Shade’s ear. He knew Shade had heard him. Vamps had amplified hearing. Shade didn’t respond. Every time Diamond brought up the subject of Pete’s lust for him, Shade just shrugged it off. Josh looked at him now. “Coming?” Josh was okay. He was a little rough around the edges but he was up-front. That little mind-reading jerk was another thing. Diamond didn’t trust him. And he especially didn’t trust him to be alone with Shade. Sebastian was already halfway across the parking lot. Pete had to struggle to keep up. Diamond smiled. At least that gave him some satisfaction. “I’m ready,” he said to Josh. “Don’t worry about it, Diamond,” Josh muttered, “Shade’s all yours.” “Who said I was worried,” Diamond snapped. Josh only looked at him and laughed out loud. * “Are you all right?” Sebastian asked as he pulled the car up in front of the high-rise. Pete’s head was in his hands. “My head aches, that’s all. When I got out of the car tonight, I almost keeled over. He was close. I knew that, and I sensed…” “You sensed what?” Shade asked. He could see Pete’s fear. “Evil, and power. And something else.” He reached out and placed a hand on Sebastian’s forearm. “You.” “Me?” “It was the weirdest thing. I could sense you.” “Doesn’t make any sense, unless I was nearby.” “Not you physically, your essence almost.” Shade’s eyes widened. “Maybe your signals are mixed.” “No.” Pete lifted his hand to Sebastian’s face. “He wants you. He’s part of you somehow.” “Huh?” Pete moved closer. He traced Sebastian’s cheekbone down to his lips. Shade took his hand and moved it away. “What are you doing?” Pete shook his head, sat back. “I’m scared.” “Is he immortal?” “Definitely.” Sebastian nodded. “Rest now. We’ll pick it up tomorrow.” Just then Josh drove up in his Jeep, Diamond in tow. Diamond jumped out even before the vehicle came to a standstill. He cast Pete a hostile look.

Shade hid a smile. The fact that Diamond was jealous of Pete pleased him a little. He couldn’t deny it. It always made his anger show, and he became a wild man in the bedroom later. Shade reached over and patted Pete’s hair. “Go on now. It will be okay.” Pete got out and hurried inside, Josh trailing after him. Sebastian got out of the car and closed the door. “Hey,” he said, really wanting to get Diamond inside now, and into bed. “What’s with the patting?” “He’s upset.” “Yeah, I bet. So, what was the big secret?” “Let me digest it, okay? We’ll talk about it tomorrow. I believe I have some taming to do.” Diamond gave him a dark look. “You’re the one who should be tamed, shamelessly leading that fool on.” “I wasn’t leading him anywhere.” Shade laughed and headed for the door. Diamond moved up close behind him and grasped both his ass cheeks in the palms of his hands. “Lead me on,” he breathed hoarsely into his ear. “I did that already,” Shade replied, shaking him off as he walked into his private apartment. “You seduced me, corrupted me, gave me a taste of something I can’t live without.” Diamond grabbed him again, this time winding his arms around his waist and fumbling with the zipper on his jeans. Sebastian lay back in his arms, knowing that he could break the hold at any time, but he didn’t want to, at least, not at the moment … not that he wasn’t going to torment the Destroyer a little before he gave him what he wanted. Diamond pushed Sebastian’s pants down to the floor. One hand fondled his cock and the other moved up over Sebastian’s chest. “Sebastian,” he murmured into his hair, “I love you.” “You better,” he replied, reaching back with his hand and pulling Diamond’s head down so that he could turn his head to kiss him. They kissed deeply while Diamond continued to stroke his cock. Sebastian heard him moan deeply and he turned around in his arms and began to take off his clothes. “I love getting you naked,” Sebastian said with a grin as he threw aside his T-shirt, then undid his leather pants. He pushed Diamond onto the bed and pulled off his boots along with the pants, and kissed up the length of his calf to his thigh. Diamond lifted his hips in invitation as Sebastian ran his tongue around the head of his cock and sucked in the flesh of his shaft. He knew exactly what Diamond wanted, exactly what his body needed. He swallowed his cock, opening his throat and massaging it with the muscles, careful to keep his fangs retracted. Diamond was pounding his fists into the mattress. Sebastian redoubled his efforts and closed his eyes when Diamond’s cum squirted into his mouth and cascaded down his throat. Sebastian released his cock and lifted his legs. He placed one hand at the small of Diamond’s back and lifted him off the bed. With the other hand, he spread the delightful cheeks of his ass and inserted his tongue there. Diamond let out a cry, his cock rising again as Shade alternated between his tongue and his fingers. “Fuck me, oh fuck me,” he hollered.

Shade lifted his head and whirled Diamond around in the air, delving his cock up inside of him. He held him tight against his chest, kissing and licking his neck, nibbling ever so lightly with the tips of his fangs. He began to pump him slowly, listening to the beat of Diamond’s heart, sensing when he wanted him to speed up and slow down. He could do this for hours, but Diamond would come soon and after that, it seemed rather redundant. Shade wanted to make him happy. Diamond’s body rocked with orgasm quite violently and Shade held onto him, slowing his pace to a sensuous dance then pulling out. He let Diamond down gently on the bed, allowing him to get his breath. He watched his face for a minute, hovering above him in the air. Diamond’s eyes were closed. He licked his lips as if he’d just eaten the most succulent dessert. He was beautiful, a beautiful mortal in a beautiful place. Diamond looked up at him now. “Stop playing vampire, and come down here.” Shade dropped into his arms, causing Diamond to grunt and then laugh hysterically. “You’re bad.” Shade kissed his mouth. “Um, you too.” Diamond wrapped him up in his arms. He kissed his head, his forehead, reached down and held his cock in his hand. “You’re always hard. You’re a mortal boy’s dream.” “As long as I’m one mortal boy’s dream, that’s okay.” Diamond wound Sebastian’s long dark hair around his other hand. He sighed softly. “Happy?” Sebastian asked. “Yes. You?” “Um.” “Sebastian?” “Yes?” “Isn’t sex better with a vampire?” “Yes.” “Wouldn’t you be more satisfied with another vampire?” “Are you suggesting I go and find one?” “No, I mean…” “What are you trying to say, Diamond?” “I’m a mortal. I can’t give you what you give me.” “You give me much more than that.” Diamond eyed him. “Your body is warm, and when I’m close to you, I feel warm. I can hear your heart beat. There’s something precious about that.” “It’s rare I make you come.” “That’s not true. It just takes me longer, and sometimes you’re all worn out.” He chuckled. “I wish I had your strength, your stamina.” “No, you don’t.” “How did Tanus deal with it?” “As time went on, he learned how to please me. He developed an obsession about it, now that I remember.” “You don’t talk to him anymore.” “How did you know I talked to him?” “I heard you once. And Deb told me. Don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad.” “Do you miss him?” “Yes. I never thought I’d love again until I met you.” Diamond drew him closer. “I feel so close to Tanus.” Shade glanced at him. “Why?” “It’s tough, our love. I’m afraid for the future.” “Don’t think about it. Live for today.” Diamond kissed the top of his head. “I did care for Vanguard. He was my … father.” “Oh, baby, I know.” Shade kissed his mouth tenderly. “I know.”

Chapter Two Diamond glanced over at Shade and smiled. When he went into that sleep, he slept like the dead. He was dead technically, although Diamond told himself not to think about it. He watched the sun rise in the sky and marveled at the bizarre turn his life had taken. Just last year, he was a Destroyer living in a monastery in Europe hunting old-world vampires, and now here he was in New York, fighting evil with a vampire by his side, and in his bed. This love he had for Sebastian Shade frightened him, and he couldn’t help but think about Tanus, a Destroyer like himself who had been Shade’s lover for years after unsuccessfully trying to stake him. He’d never thought about vampires having any feelings before he’d met Shade, but then he’d discovered that Tanus’s death had just about finished Shade, causing him to go underground. It was his very own Order who recruited Shade, although it had remained a secret due to the Order’s prejudices. He agonized over where he and Sebastian would end up. He’d never been in love before, and on top of that, loving a vampire wasn’t exactly easy. Although Shade had never bitten him, sometimes in moments of passion Sebastian had to take a moment to recover from the desire to feed off of him. And the sex, incredible as it may have been, was hopelessly one-sided. He couldn’t even hope to give Sebastian what Sebastian gave him in bed. He worried that Sebastian was left unsatisfied but then again, he had to remember that Shade had spent many years in Tanus’s bed, a mortal like himself. Maybe Shade found his sexual satisfaction elsewhere, with some other vampire. He sighed, deciding to put it out of his mind. They had bigger problems right now, a Destroyer gone crazy, who was possibly even immortal. He wasn’t yet convinced that it was a Destroyer, not an authentic one anyway. He’d never heard of a Destroyer losing it like that, and this immortal bit? It didn’t seem plausible. He got up from where he sat near the window and walked over to the bed. He leaned down and kissed Sebastian’s cool lips. He took a long, hot shower and contemplated going over to see Richard, his overseer here in the city. It had been awhile. There was no one around when he wandered downstairs and into the kitchen. He made himself some toast and scrambled eggs and wolfed them down at the table. Everyone had a bedroom down here in the back. Although he wasn’t sure who slept where. Wik slept in the traditional coffin, proclaiming that it was classy. A half hour later, he was ringing Richard’s doorbell. “Diamond,” he said, opening the door, “I was wondering when I’d be seeing you. I was just about to call.” “Any new information we can use?” “Deb was here last night and I think we found something.” “Deb, eh?” “No comments. It was a working evening.” “Yeah, okay.” Diamond smiled. “How’s your vampire boyfriend?” “He’s fine. How else would he be? It’s not like he can catch a cold or anything. Whatcha got?” He walked into Richard’s office and eyed all the papers and books strewn

across the desk. “You might not like it.” “He’s not really one of us, is he?” Diamond sat in the chair and put his boots up on the desk, then lowered them when Richard gave him a dirty look. “Well, he was.” “Do we know his name?” Diamond leaned forward. “He’s called Dragon.” “Why does that sound familiar?” “He was one of the original Destroyers, the first of his kind when the Order changed the name from Slayer to Destroyer.” “That would make him almost two hundred years old.” Richard nodded. “There’s more. His first assignment was Sebastian Shade.” Diamond narrowed his eyes. “Do you know in what year?” “Says here around 1846.” “And obviously he didn’t succeed so what happened to him?” “Says he died. September twelfth, 1847.” “How do we know it’s him?” “Pete gave me a description. He’s seen him in his visions.” “Maybe someone who looks like him?” “Maybe, but not only this. He’s done the same thing before.” “I know. LA.” “Did you also know that Sebastian Shade was in LA at that time, with Tanus?” This was getting interesting. “Pete says Dragon’s connected to Shade. And there’s something else.” “What?” “Pete saw your death.” “He would.” “What’s that mean?” “He’d love for me to be out of the way.” “Why?” “He’s crazy in love with my vampire.” “Oh. Well, he seemed shaken by it. Be careful, Diamond.” “I need to talk to Shade. There’s something he’s not telling me.” “Could it be he’s forgotten; it was a long time ago.” “Um.” Diamond shook his head and stood up. “I’ll be in touch.” **** “So who in the hell is Dragon, and why has he got your scent all over him?” Shade toweled off his chest after he’d stepped out of the shower, and shot Diamond a lazy glance. “Hello, darling, did you sleep well?” “Don’t fuck around. Did you know him?” “Dragon?” “That’s what Richard said he’s called.” “Never heard of him.” “He’s probably got another name. We’ll put Deb on it. Did you turn a Destroyer?” Sebastian sighed. “I sincerely doubt that. When was this supposed to be?”

“Late 1840s. Where were you in 1847?” “Ireland.” “Okay, that helps. How long had you been a vampire?” “I was turned in 1822. Why?” “Put some clothes on,” Diamond muttered, his gaze following him as Sebastian walked around the room naked. Shade laughed. “Deal with it.” “This isn’t funny, Shade. Pete saw my death.” Shade sobered. “What?” “You heard me. This thing wants to kill me. He wants you. That’s why he’s here. He was there in Los Angeles as well when you were with Tanus.” Shade appeared to consider that. “Dragon. We need to know what else he’s been called.” “Don’t you remember what you did in 1847? Where were you? What were you doing?” “It was a bad time for me, Diamond.” He sighed. “I wasn’t a very good boy. I was a killer, a vampire, and I screwed and drank my way across Europe. He could have been any number of men.” “And you were making them as well.” “It wasn’t my habit but I might have, by accident.” “How in hell do you make someone into a vampire by accident?” “In the heat of the moment.” “I’m going to talk to Deb.” Diamond stalked out of the room. * Sebastian sank down on the edge of the bed. Eighteen forty-seven was a long time ago. He didn’t remember anyone called Dragon, but he sure had bedded a lot of men, drank them dry as well. He didn’t remember any converts. And why in hell would a Destroyer sleep with him? He laughed suddenly. What was he saying? Tanus and Diamond were living testimony to that. He dressed quickly and went down to the office. Deb was busy working on the computer with Diamond standing over her, which she hated. Josh, Pete, and Wik were sitting at the table. They were engaged in a heated discussion about their new nemesis. “Will you guys please shut up?” Deb hollered. “I can’t hear myself think.” Pete stood up and came over to where Shade stood. He touched his arm. “Are you all right?” “Sure. Why?” “This is all about you. He won’t rest this time until you go after him. Why didn’t you go after him in Los Angeles that time? You must have known about this kind of activity.” “Tanus,” he said softly. “Tanus was sick at that time so I probably wasn’t paying much attention.” “I’m sorry.” “It’s okay.” “You are his sire,” Josh said, standing up now too. “No. I didn’t make any vampires that I remember.” “I’m not wrong about this,” Pete said. “Somehow you did, and didn’t know it.”

“With all the whoring he was doing,” Diamond said, scowling, “anything could be true. Like you said, could have been an accident.” “Like Tanus, he probably came to kill you,” Pete said, “and then fell in love.” Shade shifted his gaze away from Pete, who looked at him strangely for a moment. Diamond came to stand beside him suddenly. “Shoo, go away.” He waved his hand at Pete. “Come back to earth, Sebastian. Did you let some guy back then drink your blood?” “I may have, sometimes, but…” “Sometimes?” Diamond echoed. “You got to be kidding.” “Diamond, I don’t need a sermon from you. It’s complicated.” “I guess.” Shade pushed past him and went to Deb. “Anything?” “I found a Destroyer with that nickname, and his first name is David.” “Doesn’t mean anything to me.” “He’s probably had ten dozen Davids in his lifetime,” Diamond muttered. Sebastian ignored him. “Anything else?” Deb shook her head. “We could send you back in your mind,” Pete said suddenly. “What?” Diamond and Shade both said at the same time. “Send you back there in your mind. I can do it. I think I know how.” “Hypnotism?” Sebastian asked. Pete nodded. “Do it. Send me back.” Deb jumped up from her chair. “It might be dangerous. Is it dangerous?” “No,” Pete said. “I just need some object from the past. Do you have anything from back then?” “An old pocket watch from my father,” Shade offered. “Get it.” Diamond looked Pete directly in the eye. “You better know what in the hell you’re doing. What in the hell are you now, some kind of a sorcerer?” “I’ve picked up a thing or two from our demon contacts.” Pete took a step backward. “If anything happens to him, I’ll kill you.” The room was filled with absolute silence. “Is that understood?” Pete nodded. A few minutes later, Pete stood in front of Sebastian Shade with his watch in his hand. He swung it in front of Sebastian’s eyes. “Now relax, and try to think of that time. Close your eyes.” Sebastian closed his eyes. “Take me back to times forgot, when present trouble began. Taken timus patis. Taken timus patis. Taken timus patis.” After a second, he glanced at the others, and said, “He’s gone.” Ireland: 1847 It was a bad time in Ireland. A large part of the population was dependent on agriculture and when the crops failed, there was a large outbreak of starvation and disease. People were leaving the country in droves, heading for the United States and Britain. Human misery and suffering were immense. The population was dying off in

incredible numbers. It was a vampire’s paradise. Walking along the streets was a scary experience for the stranger. The streets were filled with dirty, ragged beggars and thieves. Sebastian considered killing them a community service. And kill he did, often and heartily. In a pub one night he sat watching what he thought of as his disgusting but necessary food that he could hardly stand the smell of, when he saw him. He was tall and fair-haired, and he’d bathed. He wasn’t staggering around shouting out nonsense like the rest. He stood quietly at the bar and ordered a drink. He wore clean clothes without holes and his boots were shined. Impressive. When the man noticed Sebastian looking at him, he raised a glass and smiled. Sebastian nodded at him. A few minutes later, he rose and joined the man at the bar. “Sebastian,” he said, introducing himself. “David,” the man rejoined, holding out his hand. Sebastian took it in his briefly, then released it. He was always careful not to hold a mortal’s hand too long, due to his own cold skin. “Can I buy you another?” “Certainly.” “So, where are you from?” Sebastian asked. “London,” David replied. “What brings you here; surely not visiting at this time? Ireland is sinking into the sea, I’m afraid.” “It’s a pity, too dependent on the land.” “Yes.” “You seem relatively unaffected, Mr. Sebastian. Are you a man of some means?” “Just Sebastian, and yes, I’m one of the lucky ones.” “Um, wealth and looks, you have surely been blessed.” Sebastian was surprised at the mortal’s boldness. He was making it quite obvious with a series of words and looks that he was interested in more than talk. No sane man would risk it. It was a death sentence. “It’s very noisy in here,” David said. “I would love to continue our conversation but it’s difficult to hear.” “I have a small apartment not far from here,” Sebastian said. “I can offer you a drink there if you like.” “I like.” Sebastian couldn’t believe his good luck. This one had fallen right into his hands. And he didn’t smell like he hadn’t washed in a year. On top of that, he was rather attractive, attractive enough to stimulate more than just his thirst for blood. They had sex, and Sebastian enjoyed himself so much, he didn’t kill him. In fact, he didn’t even bite him. They met again, at least three times, and then Sebastian decided that it was time, not only to leave this wretched country of his birth, but to savor the sweet blood of his new toy, David. That night, David had drunk quite a bit and he was rather giddy when Sebastian picked him up and carried him to the bed. David looked up at Sebastian at he undressed him, the candlelight casting ghostly shadows across the wall. “I love you,” he whispered. Sebastian paused. He lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed. He certainly didn’t want his food falling in love with him. He fucked him roughly, licking the length of his neck then sinking his fangs into his

jugular. Sweet, warm blood seeped into his mouth. As he drank, he felt David struggle, his fingernails scraping down over his chest, over and over. Suddenly Sebastian’s eyes snapped open and he looked around him. Diamond was asking him if he was all right. Pete looked relieved. “I remember,” he said. “I was drinking his blood and he scratched me, in fact he scratched me over and over with his nails. I thought he was trying to fight me. He was trying to draw blood. He must have put my blood in his mouth.” “When you left him, what happened?” “I don’t know. His heart stopped. I thought he was dead. I left. Actually, I left Ireland that night. I never thought about him again.” “Is it possible that he could have drunk enough of your blood to turn?” Diamond urged. “I don’t know. He must have.” Deb came over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s not your fault.” “Yes, it is,” he said. “I tried to kill him.” “You’re his sire,” Josh said. “Only you can reel him in, control him.” “He wants to be with Shade,” Pete said then looked at Diamond, “and he wants you out of the picture.” Diamond remained silent. “Where do we start?” Deb said. “Well," Shade said, standing up, "now that I know he’s mine, I can track him. I just have to concentrate on him. I should be able to find him.” “Let’s go,” Diamond said, heading for the door. “No,” Shade said. “This is something I have to do on my own.”

Chapter Three Shade was gone before Diamond could stop him. He drove at breakneck speed, not really sure where he was going, or how he'd find this David whom he'd transformed unwittingly with his own blood. When you'd existed all these years, something was bound to pop up unexpectedly and bite you in the ass. He slowed down and looked around him, realizing that he had driven into the neighborhood where many clandestine vampire clubs existed. He needed to see Lionel, which was something he wasn’t looking forward to. Lionel was something of a necessary evil, an arrogant blood drinker who had his ear on everything. He considered himself to be a bit of a god, a guardian to the vampires. Sebastian found him repulsive. After he found a parking spot, he got out and reluctantly glanced back at the car, not sure it would still be there when he returned. He paused and looked around. If he closed his eyes, maybe he'd sense him. Nothing. He continued on his way down the dark street. Suddenly, he turned around. A human. On the defensive, his fangs appeared. He hissed. "Are you going to eat me?" Diamond stepped out of the shadows. "What are you doing here?" "I can help you." "No," Shade said. "Go home." He began to walk. Diamond fell into step beside him. "You are in danger," Shade told him. "He wants to kill you." "So I was told." Diamond laughed. "This isn't funny," Shade protested, stopping to look at him. "This vampire is dangerous. He has the training of a Destroyer, aside from having incredible strength and—" "I'm aware of that," Diamond said curtly. "I'm not letting you face him alone." "Diamond, I told you—" Suddenly, a figure came out of nowhere, letting out a cry which sounded like some kind of animal that had just cornered his prey. Diamond grunted and went flying up in the air as if being taken by some invisible force. Sebastian flew up in the air as well, his keen night vision searching the sky for movement. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of them, two figures struggling on top of an apartment building in the distance. He flew toward them, realizing that he hadn't taken flight in a long time, and he was feeling a little unsteady. He swooped down on them like a hawk, grabbed the attacker by the back of the neck, then tossed him across the roof like one would toss a bag of potatoes. "Diamond." Sebastian reached out to him, but Diamond sank to his knees. It was then he saw the blood. "Diamond!" He went down beside him. Diamond's head fell to the side, his eyes closed. Sebastian listened closely for his heartbeat. It was there, but faint. He frantically ripped open Diamond’s T-shirt and examined the gash. It wasn't a bite. It had been made with a sword. Shade pressed his hand to the wound, trying to slow the bleeding as he struggled to take his cell phone out of his pocket with the other hand. He

began to key in Josh's cell number when suddenly he was hit from the side. The phone flew in the air and dropped off the roof before Sebastian could retrieve it. He rolled over onto his back only to meet the tip of a sword poised at his throat. "Hello, Sebastian." Sebastian looked up into the eyes of the man from his memory, of whom he had no conscious recollection. The man’s eyes looked fierce, overly bright, which meant he was ready to do battle, and thirsting for blood as well. "My love," he whispered. "It's been a long time." "I'm not your love." "You are my father." "I'm not your damned father either." "You remember me? Say my name." "David. Your name is David." "You didn't know about me. You left me for dead. You loved me like an angel and then murdered me. You're a fiend, Sebastian." "I've changed." He glanced over at Diamond. He hadn't moved an inch. Please don't be dead. "He's slowly bleeding to death. What will you do I wonder, will you turn him, or let him die?" "Please, whatever you have against me, it has nothing to do with him." "It has everything to do with him. You have a thing for Destroyers. First me, then Tanus, now him." "I didn't know what you were when we met. You were sent to kill me. Why didn't you?" "I wanted you. I intended to kill you each time we met but then you'd touch me and…” "Let me help him," Sebastian pleaded, glancing over at Diamond’s motionless body. "You can't. He's dead." "NO!" Sebastian cried. He grabbed the sword David held in his hand and pushed it away. David’s hands were soaked in blood. David tried to grab him but Shade pushed him aside. He snatched Diamond in his arms and flew into the sky with him while searching the ground frantically for his cell phone. He spotted it, dived to the ground to pick it up and took to the air again, then cautiously looked over his shoulder to see if David was following. He didn't bother going back to the car. He headed toward the nearest hospital, taking comfort in the fact that he could still hear the faintest beating of Diamond’s heart. He keyed in Josh's number again as he descended to the parking lot behind the hospital, not caring who saw him. Josh picked up just as he reached the door to emergency. "Yeah. Where you at, boss?" "New York-Presbyterian Hospital. It's Diamond." "We’re on our way." **** Sebastian paced impatiently outside the room where they had taken Diamond. He wasn't sure what he would do if Diamond died. He wanted to destroy David. He would

destroy him. The first person he saw coming toward him was Debbie. She walked at a fast pace, her eyes filled with tears. She opened her arms and hugged Sebastian. "How is he?" "I don't know. I'm still waiting. The doctor said he'd lost a lot of blood. He needs a transfusion." Deb hugged him again. "He'll be all right. He's strong." Josh was there now. He had overheard the conversation. "Pete is coming. He's trying to find a parking space. Wik is watching the perimeter, making sure he's not hovering around somewhere. What in hell happened, Shade?" “David attacked out of nowhere. He almost got me as well. I think he might be insane." "Oh, great, an insane Destroyer vampire. Perfect." He took a seat in one of the chairs. Deb sat beside him. Sebastian continued to pace. All around him, bizarre sounds and smells bombarded him. Pain, sickness, death. He didn't like this place. Pete came around the corner now. He raised a hand, squeezed Sebastian's arm. "Is he in there?" he asked, moving his head in the direction of the room where the doctors had taken Diamond. Sebastian nodded. He took Pete's arm. "What do you see? Tell me." "I see … death," he whispered. "I'm sorry, Sebastian." "No." He shook his head. "No." He pushed off Pete's attempt to comfort him and walked down the hallway. When he returned, the doctor was talking to Pete, Josh, and Deb. Shade rushed over to them. "How is he?" he asked the doctor. The doctor looked at him. "I'm sorry. If he has any family, it might be a good time to—" "I am his family," Shade interrupted. "We tried. He lost a lot of blood and the internal damages are extensive. We did what we could to repair the…" The words were fading out. Sebastian couldn't hear them anymore. "How long?" he asked. "Hours," he said. "Does someone care to tell me what in the hell happened? It looks like he was attacked with a sharp knife, maybe a sword of some kind, and there are strange bite marks all over. Was it an animal?" "Yes," Sebastian said, "an animal. Can I see him?" "Okay, but he's not conscious." The doctor nodded. "I doubt very much if he will regain consciousness. At least his death will be peaceful. He won't feel any pain." Shade brushed past the doctor and entered the room. Diamond lay motionless, surrounded by machines, plugged into tubes. Sebastian touched his cheek, leaned over, and pressed his mouth to his. "Diamond, I love you. Don't die on me. Please. I don't know if I could bear it. I want you to know that he'll pay for this; he'll pay." Sebastian took Diamond’s hand and closed his eyes. Would Diamond hate him if he did this? Hopefully, a little bit of his blood wouldn't turn him. It would just make him stronger, help him to heal. He looked around the room, then bit into his own wrist. When the blood flowed to the surface, he held it over Diamond’s lips. With his other hand he opened Diamond’s mouth and pressed his wrist there.

Diamond didn't react. He remained motionless but the blood flowed into his mouth and down his throat. He got a few drops into him before Sebastian’s wrist began to seal up again. Sebastian withdrew his wrist. "Don't hate me," he whispered. "Please. And please, don't turn. It was just a little bit of blood, not enough to—" He stopped as the door opened. A nurse walked in. Sebastian hastily wiped at the corner of Diamond's mouth. There was a bloodstain on his upper lip. "You will have to leave now," the nurse said. Sebastian nodded. He cast one last look at Diamond and left the room. He headed down the hallway, not saying anything, with Pete, Josh, and Deb at his heels. "Hey," Pete said, "where are we going?" "I'm going to see Lionel." "You're not going after that killer on your own?" Josh demanded. "Don’t follow me," he said. Outside, he took to the sky before either of them could say another word. **** Diamond opened his eyes. He felt as if a truck had run over him. His gut hurt. "Sebastian?" He heard the steady beat of the machine, moved his head to the right, saw the machines, the tubes. He wasn't dead. He'd had a dream that he was dead. He’d had a dream that Sebastian had abandoned him. "Sebastian?" he called, frustrated with his weakness, "where are you?" The door opened. A man in a white coat came into the room. "You're awake?" He looked perplexed. He came over, shined a light in his eyes. "We thought you were a goner." "Sebastian?" "Oh, he was here earlier. He left." "He left me? Where did he go? I need a phone." Diamond tried to lift himself off the bed. The doctor pushed him back down. "Hey, take it easy. You are not going anywhere. You're lucky to be alive. What kind of animal attacked you?" "Animal?" "Yes, your friend said an animal attacked you." "My friend," he whispered with a smile. I suppose Shade was his friend, but he was so much more. I love you. Please don't have gone after that bastard alone. "Were there others?" he asked the doctor as he poked and prodded him. "Yes, two men and a woman." "Did they leave together?" "They stayed until they knew you were all right, then left." "Can I have the phone, please? It's important." The doctor handed him the phone from the nightstand. "Two minutes, that's all. I'll be right back. It's a miracle," he said, looking back at Diamond, "it's like you've come back from the dead." Diamond gripped the phone. He keyed in Sebastian's phone number. It rang and rang. Diamond slammed down the phone, causing the pain to shoot through his side. He then keyed in Josh's number.

"Yeah?" "Josh, it's Diamond. Where in hell is Sebastian? Tell me you’re with him." "Diamond, you're supposed to be dead." "So I'm told. Where is Sebastian? Are you guys with him?" "No. He took off before we could follow. He said he was going to see Lionel, but Lionel might be in one of those vampire-protected clubs … and we have no way to access them without Shade." "Damn it. Find it. That Destroyer is strong. And he wants Sebastian. He told me…" His voice faltered a moment. He cleared his throat. "He told me that he won't rest until Sebastian is his, existing or no. If Shade resists him, he'll destroy him. He's crazy." "We'll find him. Just rest." "Come pick me up. NOW." "No. Stay put. Shade would kill us if we did that." Josh hung up. Diamond let out a shout of frustration. The doctor reappeared. He took the phone out of his hand. "You need to rest, sleep." Diamond nodded, sliding down into the bed. He’d rest all right, after he got his hands on him.

Chapter Four Fifth Avenue loomed ahead of him as he glided high in the sky, looking down at the pavement, still slick from a short downpour. He zeroed in on the Garment District and dropped down on Ninth Avenue. The images of all the workers, many of them Eastern Europeans, who suffered here each day, sewing until their sight went, played in his head. Many of them were unable to understand a word of English, and afraid to complain about the abhorrent conditions. He felt their pain. He was also suffering from hunger, but that was a good thing. It kept him feral, on edge. Sebastian walked on, his senses keen for any other immortal who may be in his midst. He arrived at the vacant lot beside the factory outlet without picking up on anything except for a few scampering rodents. He moved his hand in front of his face and concentrated. The door appeared in front of him, and he reached out and pulled on the handle. Vampire clubs were often clandestine like that, allowing only other vampires, or demons, to detect them. This one was Lionel’s kingdom. Sebastian walked down the darkened corridor, voices all around him. Lionel had to know he was here, and they had never been friends. As he stepped into the dimly lit room as the end of the passage, he saw several vampires standing around. There was a fight going on, some kind of a show. Lionel was the only vampire sitting, his face poised in one hand. He looked bored, but then he often had that expression on his narrow face. He didn’t look up when Sebastian moved deeper into the room, but the others all glanced away from the two bloodied vampires, snarling and hacking at each other with knives, and focused on him. Shade nodded then walked over to Lionel. “I need to talk to you.” “Really?” The vampire didn’t look at him. “About?” “Not here.” He did look up now. “Am I being summoned by the great Sebastian Shade?” His eyes widened. “Don’t piss me off.” He laughed slightly. “I know what you’re here for. He’s made quite a reputation for himself already, so if it’s about him, I can’t help you.” Shade reached out and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. He pulled him out of his chair. A silence fell over the room. Shade bared his teeth, revealing his fangs. He held Lionel’s face close to his. Telepathically he told him, Now either you can follow me out of here with dignity, as if it’s voluntary, or I can drag you out of here, kicking and screaming. You decide what you want your followers to witness. Lionel nodded, giving Sebastian his answer. Sebastian released him gently and walked out of the room. When he got to the end of the corridor, Lionel was standing in front of him, his arms folded across his chest. “What do you want to know?” “How did you know about David?” “I know everything. I want to inform you that I am now the head of the vampire council.”

“Lionel, you can believe yourself to be the president of the United States if you want; I couldn’t give a shit.” He knew that Cole was still the president of the VC. “What do you want?” “I want to know everything you know about David.” “You turned him and left him, without any instruction. I don’t approve.” “Ask me if I care what in fuck you approve of, Lionel. So, what’s he want?” “You, of course, and to get rid of any distractions. He’s been waiting a long time. By the way, how’s your human?” Sebastian took him by the throat again and pinned him against the wall. “Where— is—he?” Lionel thrashed against the wall, his eyes red, fangs exposed. “I’ll ask you one more time before I take off your head. Where is he?” I don’t know. “When did you see him last? And why did he come to you?” He killed one of the members, someone just minding their own business. I was hunting him one night and he came to me. Just let me go, Shade. I’ll tell you everything. Shade released him. “Go on.” “He needed a place to sleep in the day. He said he meant no trouble, all he wanted was you.” “And you told him what?” “He knew where you lived. He knew about that scum you sleep with.” “Watch your mouth,” Shade threatened. “Where does he sleep in the day?” “I don’t know.” “Don’t lie to me, Lionel. Does he still sleep here?” “No. He said something about finding a spot in some cemetery somewhere. He has a thing for tombstones.” Sebastian scowled. “Where can I find him at night?” “I don’t know, prowling, hunting I suppose. Maybe looking for you”—he grinned— “right now.” Sebastian gave him the finger and walked to the portal opening. With a wave of his hand, he exited. He took flight and returned to the hospital. He walked steadily down the hallway to the room where Diamond was, but before he even opened the door, he knew Diamond was gone. “God damn it!” He punched in his office on the cell phone. Deb picked up. “Where is Diamond?” “Hello to you too. He’s in the hospital.” “No, he isn’t. Where are the others?” “They took off a while ago.” “You’re alone?” “Yeah.” “Make sure the doors are locked. I’ll be right there.” “Okay, you’re freaking me out now. What’s wrong?” Sebastian closed his phone, and headed back toward his place. The cemetery where David had chosen to rest in the day had nothing to do with his love of tombstones. It was blocks from where he lived. ****

David walked around the room as if he belonged there, picking up this and that, opening the closet, the bureau drawers. Diamond watched him through the window, sword clutched in his hand. What in hell was that bastard doing in their bedroom? When he threw himself in the middle of their king-sized bed with a fiendish laugh, Diamond was poised to strike. Two strong arms caught him from behind; a hand clamped down on his mouth. Suddenly he was looking into Sebastian’s dark eyes. He shook his head and removed his hand, then dragged Diamond off to the side of the building. “What do you think you’re doing? Don’t you know he can smell you? He has your scent. You’re a mortal. What in hell are you doing here? Why aren’t you in the hospital?” “That’s a lot of questions there, Shade.” Diamond smirked. Shade suddenly grabbed him and hugged him tight. “I’m so glad you’re all right.” “You had a little something to do with that, maybe?” Diamond gave him a shove and a quick kiss on the mouth. “Are you angry?” “I’ll kick your ass for it later, especially if I suddenly develop a taste for blood. Meanwhile, that freak is rolling around in our sheets.” “Debbie,” Shade bit out, quickly changing the subject. “Go around to the other side, slip into the office, and get her out of there.” “And what are you intending to do?” “I’m going to deal with David. Where are the others?” “I have no idea.” “Go.” Shade stood at the window and peered in a second, then slid it open and crawled in. David immediately picked his head off the pillow. “Well, Sebastian.” He sat up. “How nice to see you again.” “What will it take?” “Pain, suffering—yours.” “You plan to kill everyone I love?” “Do you love?” He got off the bed, cocked his head. “Did you turn him?” “No.” “He’s alive. He’s in the building, trying to save that pathetic girl.” Shade took a step toward him. “If you hurt her, you … I’ll…” He shrugged. “A vamp’s got to eat.” “Sebastian!” He heard Diamond call out suddenly. “Fuck!” Sebastian cried out. “David, tell me you didn’t … I’ll destroy you.” He grinned at him. “Not if I destroy you first. You’d better go. I smell death. And your pathetic boyfriend is not so good with that.” Sebastian lunged for him but David flew into the air and jumped through the window. “Shade!” Diamond called out again and Sebastian raced down the stairs to the office. Diamond knelt on the floor beside Deb, her head in his lap. His eyes filled with tears. There were two discernible teeth marks in her throat with the slightest traces of blood congealing around them. Sebastian knew immediately her heartbeat had stopped. “No, no, no,” he muttered, falling to his knees and taking Deb’s face between his hands. “You bastard!” he cried out, pressing his forehead to Debbie’s.

“Is there anything you can do?” Diamond asked him, his eyes pleading. Shade swallowed. “No. She’s gone.” “She’s not going to come back as a…?” “We’ll have to make sure she doesn’t.” “I can’t,” Diamond said, “not with Deb.” “I’ll do it,” he said, finding it hard to speak. “You’re not going to cut off her head. This is Deb.” “Diamond, I have no choice.” “What if she comes back like you? It would be okay.” Shade had never seen Diamond like this. He reached out and squeezed his biceps. “I’m sorry, baby, but David is evil. He’d only use her against us. She’d have to obey him. He’s her sire.” “Then why in the hell don’t you make him obey you? You’re his sire. Whatever possessed you to make him?” “I didn’t make him on purpose. And I can’t control him. It’s been too long. The process begins right away, the relationship between sire and…” Diamond wasn’t listening. He gently put Deb’s head down on the floor and stood up. “How many more is he going to kill before you stop him? Sure is a lot to pay for one night of fucking. Hope he was good at it.” Sebastian lowered his head. “I feel as badly as you. Deb was my friend. I never wanted this to happen.” “Maybe all he needs is a fuck from you and—” Shade stood up. “Stop it.” “You seduced him, put him under a spell, like you did to me, then abandoned him.” “It wasn’t like that. You don’t know what you’re saying, Diamond. It’s the grief talking.” He tried to touch him but Diamond shook him off. “I’m going for a walk. You deal with the mess you’ve created.” “It’s too dangerous. He’s out there.” “I hope so because if I find him, I’ll kill him.” Sebastian watched him go then he sank down beside Deb again and put his face in his hands. Wik was the first one in the door. He froze when he saw Deb on the floor. “What have you done?” “It wasn’t me,” Shade snapped. “What in hell is wrong with you? I wouldn’t hurt Debbie. It was that bastard, David.” “Oh no, oh no,” Josh cried out as he came in the door. Tears ran down his face. “That’s what Pete was saying.” “What?” Shade asked. “Pete saw this, in the car. He said … I didn’t want to believe it … oh no, not Debbie.” Pete was crying in the other room. He didn’t need to come in. He already knew his sister was dead. Sebastian walked into the other room. Pete sat in front of the computer, a place where Deb could usually be found. When Sebastian entered, he looked up, his face streaked with tears. “You’re going to cut off her head, aren’t you?” Shade bit his lower lip. He nodded.

“She loved you.” “Yes, and I loved her. But I got her killed.” Pete stood up. “No. She would never blame you for this, Shade. She always thought,” he paused, “she dreamed that one day, you and I…” Shade opened his arms. Pete sank into them. Pete cried a few more tears. Finally Pete released him. “I want to be with you when you do it.” “You don’t have to be.” “I want to.” “Okay. Right now, I need to find Diamond. Stay with her. I’ll be back.” * Diamond walked for several blocks before he slowed his pace. Deb had always been kind to him. She was the first to welcome him when he began working with Sebastian and the others. This murder was senseless, an act of pure vengeance. And Sebastian, what kind of a being was he? Had he forgotten that Sebastian was a vampire, a blood-drinking killer that he’d been trained to slay? No matter how you looked at it, Sebastian’s actions in the past were responsible for this. Can a vampire ever really reform? Had his prowess in bed blinded him to the fact that he was fucking with the enemy? “So, you’re going to leave me then?” Sebastian’s voice startled him. He had that habit of sneaking up on him. Diamond looked at him. Beautiful. But many of them were. It was how they drew in their prey, with their beauty, their voices, their smiles. Could he leave him? Did he have the strength to break his own heart? Diamond drew his long brown coat around him. He looked up at the inky sky, trying to make out some of the stars through the light pollution. “Is it done?” “Not yet.” “How is Pete taking it?” “Hard. Diamond, I love you.” Diamond looked at him. “There’s fear in your voice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that before.” “I fear nothing except being without you. I won’t survive it.” Diamond lowered his head. “You survived Tanus.” “I was coaxed out of hibernation. I found a reason to go on. Tanus was everything to me, but it was a different lifetime.” “And David?” “I told you about David. He used me, transformed without my knowledge. He blames me for something I had no part in.” He paused. “You blame me too.” “I’ve been a fool,” Diamond said, not sure if it was really his voice speaking or not. “You are what you are. I’ll hunt this bastard with you, but after that…” He looked away. “After that?” “I want my own bedroom until we find him. Then, I’ll go and live with Richard. I promise not to hunt you as long as you don’t go rogue, or get in my way.” He had hardened his voice, swallowed his emotions. He was good at that. Shade said nothing. “Are we agreed?” Diamond glanced at him, then away. There was pain. He pushed it away. “I'm not going to force you to love me. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Sebastian said

coolly, “I’ve got to get back to Deb. But I hope you realize that you are playing right into his hands, giving him exactly what he wants.” “I don’t give a damn what he wants,” Diamond snapped. “I’m doing what’s right for me.” He brushed past Shade and headed back to the building. * Shade took to the sky, watched Diamond from overhead, made sure he was safe until he entered the building. Then he touched down lightly on the sidewalk, looking up at a sky which was drawing gradually toward dawn. Two blood tears ran down his face. This was his punishment for something he never intended. He was going to enjoy destroying David. The last thing he wanted to do was mutilate Deb’s corpse, but he didn’t have any choice. Just like he couldn’t make Diamond stay if he didn’t want to. He walked into the building and gradually descended the stairs into the basement. He opened the cabinet and took out a sharp, long-handled ax. Then with a heavy heart, he climbed the stairs. **** They’d all stood together quietly in the woods a few miles away as the remains of Deb’s ashes blew away in the wind. No one spoke. Wik left before the sun came up and sought sanctuary. Shade had donned sunglasses and a hat and stood there with the others for at least a half hour. As they began to walk away, Diamond had come up beside him. "I wonder what it is you felt when you hacked into Debbie. Did you feel anything at all?" Shade had glanced at him; his voice was steady and cool when he responded. "I know you don't know what to do with all that pain you have, but now is not the time to dump it on me, okay? So, sincerely, Diamond, fuck off." The last thing Sebastian wanted to see when they returned was Diamond walking off down the hallway to the spare bedroom. He wanted to hold him, in spite of how much those words back in the woods had hurt. He didn’t want to be alone, not after what he'd had to do. But he was alone, and in despair. He paced the bedroom and spoke to Tanus, something he hadn’t done in a long time. “He’s convinced I’m a monster now. I wonder, did you ever have your doubts? I’m not a monster. I would have sacrificed myself to save her. You know that, don’t you?” “Yes,” a voice said from behind him, “I know that.” Sebastian turned around, surprised to see Pete standing in the middle of the bedroom. The door was closed. “Pete. What are you doing?” “I need you,” he said, removing his shirt as he came across the room and throwing it on the bed. “I need you, and I think you need me. I know what you are, Shade, and I know who you are. I’ve never lost faith in you, not like he has. Sebastian,” he groaned, taking his face in his hands, “I want you. I don’t care that you don’t love me. Make love to me. Make the pain go away.”

Chapter Five Diamond tossed and turned in his sleep. He was alone in the monastery. Vanguard was hovering over him. "You're a coward, Diamond. You showed fear. You are ruled by your emotions. You're too soft to be a killer. Look what you've gone and done, fallen in love with a blood-drinking corpse. All that training, wasted. All that hardship for nothing, you've gone soft … soft…" But he wasn't soft. He squeezed his cock in his hand and groaned, hovering somewhere between sleep and wakefulness. "Sebastian," he breathed. "Oh God. Sebastian, I love you … touch me. Touch me. Take me away to that place." He saw his face, beautiful, sensuous, a faint smile on his lips, sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry," Diamond whispered. "I'm sorry. I know who you are. I didn't mean … didn't mean … it." He let out a little cry, his eyes snapping open, his hand coated with his own cum. "Damn!" he snapped, anger slowly taking over. "God damn you, Sebastian Shade." He swung his legs over the side of the bed and swore again. "I should stake you while you sleep," he muttered. He paused, walked over to the window, and looked out. Who was he kidding? As much as he knew he should walk away, he couldn't. Even now, he wanted him. In fact, his body was aching for him. What in hell was he doing here in this room alone when he could be holding him, kissing his mouth, feeling Sebastian's cock inside of him? Diamond looked down at his cock. He stroked it, lifted it in his hands, and ran a tongue over his lips. Maybe if he begged. Maybe he'd just walk in and seduce him. Forgive me, baby. * Pete was on his knees. He had unzipped Sebastian's pants and was licking the head of his cock with great enthusiasm. Sebastian felt miserable. He and Pete were surely two of the most miserable sons of bitches he'd even seen. He placed his hand on Pete's head and let him suck his cock out of pity more than anything. Poor guy was in tears, declaring all kinds of crazy things to him. Sebastian stroked his hair as he fell back against the wall. "You should get up, Pete, stop this nonsense." Pete's efforts were having little effect on him. His mind was elsewhere. Pete looked up at him. "What's wrong with me?" "Nothing. You're a beautiful man. It's just that…" "It's just that you love that animal down the hall," he muttered angrily. "Please, Pete, stop. Get up now." He reached down to pull Pete to his feet just as the door opened. Diamond stood there, stark naked. His mouth fell open as he surveyed the scene. "It's not what you think," Shade said, trying not to focus on the fact that Diamond was totally erect. He moved his gaze to his face. Pete was scrambling to put on his shirt. Shade hastily did up his jeans. He knew how bad this looked. Diamond slammed the door shut and then he lunged. Pete let out a yell, ducking and moving out of the way, but Diamond didn't even look at Pete; his sights were on

Sebastian. Diamond hit him hard, hard enough to knock him flying across the room and into the window. It shattered, spraying glass all over the place. Sebastian shook himself and started to get up. Pete was yelling, "It wasn't him. We didn't do anything, Diamond." "You," Diamond growled, whirling around and glaring at him, "get out of this room before I kick your ass. NOW!" Pete didn't hesitate; he ran. Diamond stood over Sebastian now, his hands on his hips. "Don't bother getting up, asshole. I'll just knock you down again." Shade glanced up at him then he started to laugh. "You think this is funny?" Shade sobered, a faint smile remaining. "Not really. It's just that, I guess you like me still … a little?" "Fuck you." "Okay. Anytime." Shade grinned. "Which is what I assume you came to my room for, naked and ah…" He glanced at Diamond’s cock, no longer erect. "You were … ready for action." "I hate you," Diamond said, reaching out and slapping his face gently. "No, you don't." Diamond turned his back on him. Sebastian let his gaze travel over that delectable ass. "You know"—he rose to his feet, brushing himself off—"you can come and knock the shit out of me anytime," he said as grabbed Diamond from behind and wrapped his arms around him, "on the condition that you're naked like this." Diamond feigned a struggle but it wasn't much of one. He moaned when Shade moved his hand over his belly and seized hold of his cock. "Let me stroke it a bit," Shade whispered, moving his lips over his shoulder, "let me make it hard." The other hand smoothed up his well-muscled chest and unmercifully played with his nipple. He released Diamond’s cock for a second and undid his own jeans again. Haphazardly, he pushed them to the floor and kicked them away, brushing his own erection against Diamond's hard, round ass. Diamond's head fell back against his shoulder. He sighed, his hips jutting out wantonly as Sebastian intensified the stroking and nonchalantly rolled his balls between his fingers. He was ready. He was more than ready. "Should I punish you for your bad behavior?" Diamond groaned. "Baby," he whispered. "Punish me." Sebastian dragged his head around and kissed him deeply, his tongue melding with his. At the same time, without warning, he plunged his cock into his ass, deep, thrusting slow and steady. "Oh God," Diamond cried. Sebastian grabbed his hair and directed him to the bed. He pulled out of Diamond, turned him around to face him, and spread his legs wide and brought them up over his head. With both hands he lifted him and impaled him again with his cock, thrusting deeply and slowly, in a way he knew was driving Diamond out of his mind. "You are so sexy," Sebastian whispered, looking down at him. "You ass is so open to me, you are my slave." He pumped harder.

Diamond moved his head back and forth, his tongue wetting his lips, his fingers pinching his own nipples. Sebastian leaned down and licked the sweat off his chest, played with Diamond’s cock. Then he levitated in the air, taking Diamond with him, turning with him and slamming him against the wall where he fucked him frantically while listening to a series of grunts and groans coming from Diamond's lips. Diamond's palms pushed against the wall, his chest heaving; his muscular body was slick with sweat. He was pleading. "Please, please, Sebastian, no more. Oh God, I can't take any more." Sebastian pulled out of his ass. He let his hands and lips wander over his back and down to his ass. He spread his ass cheeks and licked his anus, causing Diamond to thrash and hump the wall. Finally, Sebastian allowed him to turn around. He gently placed them both on the floor. * Diamond raked his eyes over Sebastian's body. He'd never wanted anyone the way he wanted him. He wanted to lick and taste every inch of him. "Go ahead," Sebastian invited, his eyes shining. "Stop doing that," Diamond protested, giving Sebastian a push. "Stop fucking reading my mind." "Or what?" "You'll see," Diamond said, pushing him down on the bed and crawling on top. He kissed his mouth deeply, feeling Sebastian's sharp teeth prick his tongue and taste his blood. It was sexy. He really liked it when he did that. He pulled his mouth away and moved his lips down his throat to his nipple, where he devoted his tongue and teeth to coaxing it into one stiff peak. When he was satisfied with that, he moved to the other, all the while handling Sebastian's cock. "I want to crawl into your skin," he breathed, moving his mouth down his belly to capture Sebastian's cock between his lips. "Baby," Sebastian said. Diamond lifted his head. "If you ever fuck anyone else, I'll hunt you down and cut off your head." He met Sebastian's eyes for a second then returned to the task of eating his cock, a task he immensely enjoyed. "That was clear enough." Sebastian chuckled. Diamond inserted a finger up into his ass suddenly, cutting short the laughter. Sebastian moaned as Diamond fucked him with one finger, then two, his throat now meeting the head of his cock. There was no more talk. Diamond was pretty sure Sebastian had gotten the message. **** "What are you going to do about Pete?" Diamond asked Sebastian later that day. He was lying on the bed, one arm tucked under his head. Sebastian was doing up his pants, his hair damp from the shower. Sebastian didn't reply. "Not to mention Josh." "We don't have time for that now, Diamond. I need to find David." "He'll kill you."

"I'm already dead, remember?" He grinned. "Stop it," Diamond said, sitting up, and wrapped his arms around his knees. "We need a plan." "I have a plan: find him and destroy him." "You did do him an injustice." Sebastian glanced at him. "You think I made him on purpose and dumped him. Why would I do that, for a fuck?" Diamond considered that. "You must have made some impression. What is this thing you have with Destroyers?" Sebastian walked over to the bed. He bent down and kissed Diamond’s mouth tenderly then looked into his eyes. "Works on you, doesn't it?" "Smart-ass." He pushed him away. "And don't start that. You won't be getting out of this room anytime soon." Sebastian gave him a sassy look and slowly moved closer. "Oh yeah?" Diamond gave him a warning look but his heart was thudding in his chest. He let his gaze rake over Sebastian’s naked chest. He wanted to kiss him all over. Just then the door flew open. Wik stood there. "Don't you knock?" Diamond snapped. Wik looked sheepish. "Sorry. Am I interrupting something?" "You might have been," Diamond muttered. "What do you want?" "Boss"—Wik ignored Diamond and looked at Sebastian—"we got another body, looks like your ex-lover has been at it again. Left a message for you this time." "He's not his ex-lover," Diamond announced, hopping out of bed. Wik glanced at him. "Not modest, are you? Hey, Diamond, not bad. I might be tempted to—" "Dream on. One vamp is more than I can handle." "What message?" Shade demanded, ignoring the exchange between Diamond and Wik. "The one that says he'll never let you go and that you’re his … forever." Wik lowered his head. Silence filled the room for a second. It was Diamond who broke it. "That bastard," he shouted, pulling on his pants, "I'll show him. Sebastian Shade is mine. It's time David dealt with that." Sebastian lifted an eyebrow. He smiled. "Although I appreciate the sentiment, my love, I think we shouldn’t go off half-cocked." "Oh now, you have a plan?" "I need to face David alone. I think if I set up a meeting, he'll come." "No," Diamond said. "What do you mean, no? We can't keep letting him kill innocent people in my name. Wik, you, Pete, and Josh stake out the territory where the last victim was found. If you see David, don't approach, just track him and make sure he doesn't kill again." "And what are you going to do?" "I'm going to see Stella." Both Diamond and Wik spoke at exactly the same time. "Who's Stella?" "Someone who will reconnect the psychic cord between David and myself. I'll be able to reach his mind, bring him to me."

Wik nodded and left the room. "And while you're plotting your own demise," Diamond demanded bitterly, "what in hell do you expect me to do, plan your funeral service?" "Very funny. You're so cute." Sebastian pinched his cheek. Diamond glared at him. "Don't patronize me." "You've just gotten out of the hospital." "Yes, and a lot stronger than when I went in, thanks to you. Try again, bloodsucker." Shade shook his dark head. "Okay, you can come with me, for now. But you're not coming with me to meet David. He'll kill you." "I can take care of myself, thank you. And when you meet this David, what then? You’ll fall into his arms, beg his forgiveness?" "Yes, Diamond, what a great plan." Diamond followed Sebastian out of the room. "I'm not leaving you alone with that fiend." "You'll do as I say." Diamond lifted an eyebrow. "Ha. That's what you think. You're not my boss." Shade stopped and looked at him. He sighed. "Don't make this any more difficult. He is mine. And I have to destroy him. Even though it's forbidden. I'll have to face the consequences." Diamond stared at him. "He's a rogue." "Doesn't matter. The council will claim that I should have brought him to them for judgment." "Then do it." "No. He's my problem, my responsibility. I'll deal with him in my own way." "Why do I get the impression he'd be better off facing the council?" "You'd be wrong." * Shade walked outside and to his car. He was relieved that Wik had already left with Josh and Pete. He wasn't sure what he would say to Pete, given what had happened. He'd felt the psychic’s lust for him before but he'd never let it go that far. He wondered if it wouldn't be better if he just let Pete go his own way. "And what about Josh?" Diamond said suddenly as he got into the car beside him. "Huh?" Shade stared at him. "I didn't say anything." "You were wondering about Pete, after what happened, which was what exactly?" "Nothing. And how did you know what I was thinking?" "I … I don't know." Shade stared at him. "The blood," he said. "What blood?" "The blood I fed you in hospital, my blood. It must have created a psychic link between us." "I can't hear what you're thinking now." "Maybe it's weak. It's not like I made you. I just fed you a little." "Amazing," Diamond whispered. "Think something else. I'll see if I can do it again." Shade nodded. He thought about Diamond lying naked on the bed, his cock erect. He smiled. "I don't have to read your mind to know what you're thinking." Diamond laughed.

"You have that look in your eye." Sebastian laughed too. "Okay, okay." "Think something else, if that's possible for you," Diamond said with a smirk. Sebastian lifted an eyebrow then shook his head. "Okay." He thought about the night sky suddenly and how he longed to be up there, flying, alone, without care. Diamond muttered something then shook his head. "No. Nothing." Shade started the engine. "Like I said, it's weak." "So, tell me about this Stella," Diamond said as Sebastian drove through town. "She's very old, some say immortal, sold her soul to the devil or some such thing." "Oh good." Shade laughed. "Does the devil exist, you think?" "I don't know." Shade shrugged. "It's possible. I know that evil does." "So what can she do for you?" "She can reconnect me to David." "If I could read your thoughts, with just a little blood, why not you and David? I mean, you made him, right, or rather, as you say, he made himself with your blood." "First because I didn't even know he existed. I didn't willingly make him, so I don't have the bond. It is possible he can connect to me, though. I have no way of knowing that. That's why I need Stella." Suddenly he turned onto a side street and parked the car. They got out in front of a small pastry shop. Sebastian took the side door and bounded up three flights of stairs, Diamond on his heels. At the top of the third flight lay a single door. Shade knocked. "Don't be shocked. She's very old." "She may not answer the door to just anyone." "She knows who it is." They waited. Suddenly the door fell open. Shade walked down a long, dark corridor. Diamond followed tentatively. The corridor emptied into a large room, shadowy and sparsely furnished. An old, white-haired woman sat in a heavily padded chair. A small white love seat and a round table were the only other furniture in the room. "Sebastian Shade," she croaked, "come forward. And bring the mortal Destroyer with you." Diamond was surprised but he didn't speak. Sebastian approached, his head bowed. "I'm honored that you would see me." "Sit." Shade sat on the love seat; Diamond perched beside him. The old woman looked ancient, her hair as white as snow and piled on top of her head. Her face was replete with wrinkles. "You have troubles, my benevolent immortal. He destroys life because of you, but you are not to blame." "Thank you. I need to stop him," Sebastian replied. Diamond's hand crawled toward Sebastian's. He covered it with his. "His love is strong." "David?" "No, your Destroyer." Diamond hastily removed his hand.

"You can stop touching him but your heart will never let go. You're the reason David is here." "Me?" Diamond muttered. "He was drawn to this place because he felt your love, just as he felt Tanus's years before." "Why didn't he show himself before?" Sebastian asked. "This love is different." She looked directly at Diamond. "Your love is stronger than your mind, but your mind is filled with pain and disbelief. You have been denied love and so when your love blazes through you, you fear it. David senses that it would be easier to separate you from Sebastian. That would have never happened with Tanus." "Are you saying Tanus never doubted?" Diamond demanded. "Yes, he doubted, but never enough. He always knew where he belonged, in Sebastian's arms." Diamond stood up. "You're a fraud," he accused, and stalked out. Sebastian sighed. "I apologize." "It is of no consequence. Have no doubt, Sebastian, that he loves you, as much, possibly even more than Tanus did. But it is the very power of that love that terrifies him. David believes he has a chance to be with you. He won't stop until…" "I need to be able to establish a link, bring him to me." "He has always been linked to you, by your blood that courses through him. You don't feel it because you blame yourself for his misery. You didn't transform him. He did this because of some memory of your love he can't forget. He is to be pitied." "I must destroy him. I have no choice." "Are you sure?" The question hung in the air. Sebastian nodded. "I wish Diamond could have heard you say that I didn't make David deliberately." "He doesn't need to hear me say it. He needs to trust you, totally. He doesn't. He was reared to kill creatures like you. It's all he knows. Be careful, Sebastian, I see treachery." Sebastian stood up. "Thank you." "Reconnect with your past, and you will be able to call David to you. Take care. His want of you is strong, and there is a fine line between love and hate, my friend." Sebastian nodded.

Chapter Six They rode in silence for the longest time, both in their own thoughts. "You're angry with me," Diamond said suddenly as Sebastian parked in front of his building. "No." "I didn't mean to…" "Yes, you did." Sebastian looked at him. "She doesn't know me." "Maybe you don't know yourself either." Sebastian reached over and opened the passenger door. "Not long ago you told me you didn’t want me anymore. Then, you just about knocked me into tomorrow when you found me with Pete. The next thing I know, you’re in my bed. You don’t know what you want, Diamond. And right now, I just can’t deal with your pain, not with David out there killing in my name.” Diamond visibly swallowed. “This isn’t easy for me either.” His voice was low, thoughtful. “I would have never believed I’d fall for a…” “Vampire?” Sebastian looked away. “Get out." "Why? Where are you going?" "I need to be alone." "You’re going to call him, aren't you? You’re going to take him on alone." "He’s my responsibility. Now go." Diamond stepped out of the car. He slammed the door shut. "Go hunt vampires," Sebastian told him, his voice like stone. "That's what you’re good at." Diamond turned to look at him, about to say something, but Sebastian drove away from the curb and roared off into the night in a cloud of dust. Treachery. Stella had said she saw treachery, but from where? He already knew about David. Sebastian leaned his head back in the car and closed his eyes, his thoughts deeply disturbed. He still hadn’t gotten over the fact that hours before, he’d had to hack off Debbie’s head. He’d loved her. He would miss her terribly. She didn’t deserve that, and it was his fault. And Diamond. Maybe it wasn’t going to work out between them after all. How was he supposed to overcome all that brainwashing? How could he prove his love when all Diamond could see when he looked at him was a monster? He shook off those thoughts. He tried to clear his head. He needed to focus on David. This had to stop. He couldn’t let any more innocents die. Stella said that David and he were connected, but he didn't feel him. He needed to feel him. He pictured him in his head. "Where are you? Come to me. I am your sire. I command it." * Diamond walked into Sebastian's bedroom and sank down on the bed. He had no idea what that old woman had been babbling about. To imply that he loved Sebastian less than Tanus had. It wasn’t true. If his love wasn’t so strong, he wouldn’t be here, losing himself in the arms of a… Bloodsucking fiend. That’s what he is, Diamond. You know it. All your life, you’ve been trained to kill that monster, but now, you let him take your innocence. You submit to

him, disgrace yourself by descending into debauchery and lust. You are a Destroyer, a killer of vampires. You are confused. He has poisoned your mind, stripped you of your destiny. Remember your lessons. Never trust vampires. They will turn on you. They can't love. He is dead. They can only give you the illusion of pleasure. Kill him, destroy him, and you won't have to feel the pain. Kill him … kill him … kill Sebastian Shade, and free yourself. Diamond sprang to his feet, on high alert. He glanced around the room, felt his sword under his coat. “You don’t want to kill me, Diamond.” Diamond blinked. There he was, standing right in front of him. “David?” The vampire put his hands out, palms up. “Look what he did to me, Diamond. I was like you once, a Destroyer, proud and brave. I was sent to destroy him, but he tricked me, seduced me, made me believe I wanted to be his lover. Then he turned me into this, and abandoned me.” “No,” Diamond said, shaking his head. “He’ll do the same to you if you don’t stop him.” Nothing seemed clear anymore as the vampire came closer. David’s gaze penetrated his, causing Diamond’s head to spin. He tried to look away but he couldn’t. He heard the words but they seemed far away now. You need to do what you were put on earth to do, my friend. You need to destroy him before he destroys you. Now, you see, you’re confused. He has put you under his spell, made you surrender everything to him, your innocence, your very purpose. Join me, help me get rid of Sebastian Shade once and for all. * Sebastian’s eyes snapped open as he heard his voice. "You can't trust a mortal," David said. Sebastian lifted his head off the headrest. There he was, standing there in the open field. "David." He stood perfectly still, not moving. "Sebastian. You called me?" "We need to settle this." Sebastian stepped out of his car. "We won’t have to. He's coming." "Who's coming?" "Diamond. He's coming to do what he was meant to do. Only I can save you now." "What are you talking about?" Sebastian stood cautiously beside the door. He looked around him, his senses homed in on every movement, every sound. There were several other vampires standing nearby, waiting. David hadn’t come alone. "I’m talking about Diamond, your mortal lover." "Diamond would never hurt me." "Don't be so sure of that." "What have you done, David?" “I haven’t done anything, my love.” “I am not your love.” “You could be.” “No, I couldn’t be. You tricked me. I never turned you.” “No.” David laughed bitterly. “You just left me for dead.”

“You had no right to take my blood.” “You had no right to take my life.” “You’d come to kill me, so why didn’t you? It would have saved us all of this. You had plenty of opportunity.” “I fell in love.” He shrugged. “This has to stop. In fact, I’ve come to—” When the blow hit him, Sebastian wasn't sure where it had come from. His words came to an abrupt end. He clutched the open car door and then looked down at his chest to see the pointed wooden stake poking out of it by about three inches. He grunted and went to his knees. The stake itself couldn't kill him, but it would paralyze him enough so that he’d be defenseless. He heard David's feet crunch on the gravel as his image swam in front of his eyes. David looked down at him. "You got what you wanted,” Sebastian grunted, “go ahead, finish it." "No." He shook his head. "It won’t be that easy, I’m afraid. You’re my sire. I want to show you that I'll always take care of you. You've given your heart to a Destroyer. It is he who wants to finish you, not I.” David moved his head to the left. Sebastian followed the movement and then his eyes widened as his gaze met Diamond’s. Diamond stood there looking crazed, disoriented, with a sword poised over his head, ready to strike. Several hands held him back. David reached out and took the sword from Diamond’s hands. Sebastian couldn't speak, not only due to the pain in his chest but because he was now staring into the face of his lover. Treachery. Sebastian looked back at David. "You made him do this. You did something to him." "I only forced to the surface what was there all along, my love, his true nature. You know that we don’t have the power to plant suggestions, only to expose a mortal’s innermost feelings. I guess”—he shook his head and clicked his tongue—“it wasn’t love he secretly harbored. I’m sorry, Sebastian." Sebastian’s gaze returned to Diamond, whose head had dropped. He went limp in the other vampires’ hands. "Kill him," David said to the vampires who held him. "No," Sebastian croaked, struggling to get to his feet and failing. "Please, don’t." Everything looked blurry suddenly. He was losing a lot of blood. Soon he knew he’d lose consciousness. "I'll do whatever you want. Just spare his life. Don’t hurt him." "He tried to kill my sire. The penalty for that is death.” “Please.” Sebastian looked up at him. “And you'll be mine? You'll stay with me, be my slave?" David smiled. He reached down and stroked Sebastian's hair. “My pet.” "Anything you want," Sebastian groaned, struggling to remain conscious. "But you must promise not to hurt him. If you hurt him, I’ll know. We’re connected now. And then you might as well kill me.” If David responded after that, Sebastian didn't hear it. Everything faded to black. * Diamond heard the moaning all around him. It had begun as soon as he had stopped pounding his fists on the lid of the wooden crate he’d been sealed in. He’d been unconscious for God knew how long, and then when he opened his eyes, it was to

blackness. He tried to move, only to find that he was in some wooden coffin-like box, with the lid securely nailed down. He could feel the movement underneath him, the slow steady hum of a vehicle rolling over paved roads. He’d yelled until his voice was hoarse, pounding his fists on the lid, but no one responded. Now he could hear someone scratching on top of the box, and moaning. Vampires. Diamond knew his constant pounding had bloodied his hands. They could smell the blood. The vehicle stopped. He felt himself being lifted, his body jerking violently from side to side as the box was carried up a slope then lowered again. Where in hell were they taking him? Sebastian. His first thought of Sebastian brought tears to his eyes. He saw himself with the stake, watched as he lifted the sword over his head. “Oh God no,” he croaked. He’d destroyed Sebastian. Somehow David had put him into some sort of a trance and he’d … he could hardly bear it. Suddenly, it didn’t matter where they were taking him. He closed his eyes, praying for death. “Sebastian,” he said softly, tasting his tears, “I don’t want to live without you.” * Sebastian opened his eyes and smelled the dampness. Somewhere nearby a rat scampered over a cement floor. Water was running inside the walls. He tried to move his arms but they were caught above his head, manacled to the wall. He lifted his head to see that he was naked, lying on a stone slab which served as a bed. He was weak. The blood loss had been severe, and there was great pain in his chest. The stake had been removed. He could still see the wound. With the blood loss, it would take much longer to heal. “Sleep well?” a voice asked. Sebastian glanced above him to see David plastered to the ceiling. “Where are we, in some sort of a cave?” “It’s my den. Do you like it?” “Not especially.” “Ah.” David floated to the floor. He stood there looking at him for the longest time. “You’re just as beautiful as I remembered.” Sebastian pulled a little on his handcuffs. “If you were at your full strength, those wouldn’t hold you,” David said, reaching out and placing a hand on Sebastian’s thigh. He caressed it for a minute then withdrew. “Talk to me.” “What would you have me say?” “You can start by thanking me for saving your mortal.” “He is far away,” Sebastian said, rather than asked. “Yes. And he thinks he cut off your head.” Sebastian closed his eyes. “Perhaps that’s for the best. He won’t be tempted to come looking for me.” “Yes, that would be a mistake. You’re mine.” “So it seems.” “So now that we are alone, tell me, what is your fascination with Destroyers? Me, Tanus, Diamond. Is it the challenge?” “It was never you. So, cross yourself off the list.” “Cruel.”

Sebastian looked away. He felt David’s hand on his thigh again and he turned off his mind. When he felt him take his cock in his hand, he swallowed. “I need blood,” Sebastian said. “If you want me, you’re going to have to feed me first.” “I’ll take care of that.” “I have a supply at—” “Oh no,” David said, “I have something better, my love.” He stopped touching him and moved away. Sebastian looked at him again. “Samuel, bring in the treat.” Suddenly, a young boy of about sixteen was brought in, kicking and screaming. The vampire who had him in hand threw him on the floor in front of David’s feet. Sebastian shook his head, struggling again with the wrist shackles. “No,” he cried, “I won’t do it, David. Take him away.” David pulled the terrified boy up by the hair. He dragged him over to where Sebastian lay. “Look at him,” he said to the boy, “see how beautiful he is, more beautiful than any of your clients you’ve been servicing on the streets.” David stared into the boy’s eyes. The boy went limp and fell across Sebastian’s lap. Quickly, David undid Sebastian’s shackles as Sebastian tried to recoil from the boy. “There,” David said, backing away, “he’s yours.” Sebastian gave David a threatening look. “Remember, at any time, I can give the order to finish off your precious Diamond, and it will be a long, slow, painful death.” David walked to the exit. “Bon appétit.”

Chapter Seven Diamond went from plane to ship, most possibly some kind of a cruise ship. And when he heard the gypsy Hungarian music coming from far above, he realized that he was heading home. It was quiet where he was, possibly down below in the cargo hold, lost among the trunks and boxes. There was no one to hear him down here, unless someone came down to get something out of the cargo. There were cracks of light filtering through the box, which was the reason he was still alive. Otherwise, he would have run out of oxygen long ago, but he hadn’t eaten anything for days, no water either. And he knew that if he didn’t at least get some liquid soon, he was going to die anyway. He tried not to think about Sebastian, but the vampire was all he thought about as he lay there, contemplating his own death. He’d misunderstood him from the beginning. But it was all he knew. Killing was all he knew. Death. He’d only learned how to live, to feel, in Sebastian’s arms. And whatever price that was, it had never been too high. He closed his eyes, fell asleep, thinking that maybe he’d never wake again. He wondered if they’d find each other in death, or maybe they wouldn’t go to the same place. Then again, maybe they would. He was just as much of a killer as Sebastian was, maybe worse. At least, Sebastian had the excuse of survival. All he had was a way to make his life seem worth living, an identity. Who was the real killer? * “No,” Sebastian said, scrambling off the slab, “stay away from me, boy. Do you want to die?” The boy had been placed under David’s power. There was pure lust in his eyes. He had no idea what he was doing. He opened his shirt at the collar and bared his throat. “Take me. Drink. You’re thirsty.” Sebastian had backed into the wall. He shook his head. He wouldn’t take this boy’s life. “No,” he yelled, pushing the boy away when he came closer. “Go,” he hissed at him, knowing that his eyes glowed red in the darkened cave, “run, get away, I’ll kill you … he’ll kill you.” “Please,” the boy said, falling to his knees, “I want to be your slave.” He crawled over to Sebastian and clutched his legs. Sebastian tried to shake him off. His fangs were now completely revealed. He could hear the blood coursing through the boy’s veins, hear his heart thudding in his young chest, taste him. Oh God. He doubled over, grunted, pushing away from the boy again. He was so hungry. If he fed off this boy, he wouldn’t stop until he drained him dry. “So tender,” David said suddenly, “young and sweet. Come to me, boy,” David said softly. “Looks like Sebastian isn’t hungry enough yet.” “No,” Sebastian said. “Don’t touch him.” “You don’t want him. And I’m not one to waste food.” “He’s mine,” Sebastian growled, reaching out and dragging the boy closer. “You gave him to me.” “Then drink,” David insisted, “or I will.” “You’ll kill him.” Sebastian placed his hand in the boy’s hair.

“What do you care?” “I won’t let you.” “You have a choice; take him, or I will.” Sebastian knew he was serious. Did he have the strength to stop once he’d started, spare the boy’s life? At least he could try, which was something David wouldn’t be bothered to do. With one abrupt pull, he yanked the boy up into his arms and bent his head. He looked at David once before he brought his teeth down into the jugular. David was smiling. It had been a long time since he’d tasted fresh human blood. It was intoxicating. Couple that with the fact that he was literally starving. His consciousness eluded him the moment that sweet, warm blood flooded into his mouth. When he finally released the boy’s limp body, rational thought returned. He dropped down beside him and desperately sought out a pulse. It was there, but faint. “No, no.” He shook his head, tears threatening. “Please no, live,” he urged. “Don’t die.” “He gave his life to save yours,” David said without emotion. “He’s not dead,” Sebastian snapped. “With some rest and—” “I can’t allow him to live.” “He’s mine. You won’t touch him,” Sebastian commanded. “I am still your sire.” “Now, after all this time you think you have power over me.” Sebastian stood up. He moved around the boy’s body, placing it behind him. “I made an agreement with you. You let Diamond live and I will stay with you. That doesn’t mean that I obey your every command. That’s not the way it works. It’s my blood in your veins. I made you. Don’t ever forget it.” The boy’s blood had made him strong, restored him to his former self. He moved closer to David. “I am a man of my word. I will honor our agreement. You claim I abandoned you. I am here with you now. You will cease all murder of innocents, is that clear?” David opened his mouth to speak but didn’t have the chance. Sebastian placed a hand around his throat and pushed him to the wall. “Is that clear?” David nodded. “And don’t ever forget who is the stronger. You wanted me, David, you’ve got me, but under my conditions.” He released him. David rubbed his throat. “Doesn’t seem like much of a bargain. I saved your whore and you—” “You will never speak of him again.” Sebastian pointed at him. “I agreed only to be with you.” “As my lover,” he emphasized. “Only mine.” Sebastian shrugged. “If that’s what you want. It makes no difference to me either way.” David sneered. “How nice.” “It’s honest. But if you feed off innocents again, I will destroy you myself, before you can give the order to harm Diamond.” “You drive a hard bargain.” “Be careful what you wish for.” Sebastian narrowed his eyes. He went back to the boy and knelt beside him. “I want him taken to a hospital.” “The bite marks on his neck?”

“I’ve healed them with my saliva. Call your cabin boys and get them to take him now.” “And after, I think I’m ready for some loving.” Sebastian stood, the boy in his arms. “When I’m ready,” he told him without emotion. “Now, call your boys.” * “Ó istenem, mi van nekünk itt?” “Csak kap én ki én ki innen.” Diamond could hardly stand up when the man helped him out of the box. It was only by chance he heard him. He’d been drifting in and out of consciousness, then he’d heard this voice. It sounded like Sebastian whispering in his ear. You’re not alone. Wake up, Diamond, yell, pound on the box. Someone will hear you. A man tore the lid off the box and in Hungarian, he said, “What do we have here?” Diamond told him to get him out of that thing. He’d been taken to a Budapest hospital, where he tried to avoid all the questions the police were asking him. He had no papers. He had nothing. He’d told them to call the monastery. After a day in the hospital, he announced that he was going home. The monastery was the only home he’d ever known, where he’d been taken in when he’d been abandoned as a baby, where Vanguard had trained and tortured him to become one of the world’s top killers of vampires. But Vanguard was dead, and everything was different now, except for his tiny room in this cold, empty place. He needed Sebastian. He needed his touch, his cock. He needed to see him smile, to touch his hand. “I killed my lover,” he whispered as he watched the rain slap against the window. There was nothing left for him. He curled up on the hard plank which served as his bed and cried bitter tears until sleep dragged him into crazed dreams. * “He’s at the hospital. Are you happy?” Sebastian stood in the damp cave, staring at the wall. No, he wasn’t happy, far from it. You can’t escape your past. And sometimes you just have to pay for it. He was responsible for what this fiend had become. He had to either destroy him, or control him. He couldn’t destroy him. He’d made a bargain with him. He’d honor it, no matter how unhappy it would make him. He turned around. “You’re coming with me, back to my home. I don’t want to stay here like some bloodsucker out of a Dracula movie.” “I like it here.” “Either come with me, or stay. But I’m going.” “To live among your humans?” “Josh and Pete are my friends.” “Friends who’d like to be more, I hear.” Sebastian ignored that. “I have work to do. You’re going to help me do it, and keep your primitive urges in check.” “And live off stale blood?” “Either that, or you know the alternative. If you want me, then come now.” “I could kill your precious Diamond.” “That’s getting old. I guarantee you, David, if you lay a hand on him, I’d make sure you paid if I had to hunt you to the ends of the earth.”

David considered that. He shrugged. “So, you’re going to make me a crusader now?” “Better than a bloodthirsty killer.” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Besides, you were trained as a Destroyer. I can use that.” “And what about your team?” “They’ll do what I tell them to.” He walked through the entrance. He knew that David was following. **** Diamond was shocked to see Richard standing in the garden three weeks after he’d come back to Hungary. His first instinct was to run to him and embrace him, but he didn’t. “You look like hell,” Richard told him when they came face-to-face. “Are you all right?” “What are you … how did you know I’d be here?” “I received an anonymous message in my e-mail. It said simply that you’d returned to Hungary.” Diamond blinked. “Who could have sent it?” “I don’t know,” Richard said. “I tried to find out but the e-mail appeared to be bogus, said it didn’t exist. Might have been created just for that message, then deleted.” Diamond walked a little, glancing at the roses, letting the fragrance take him away for a moment. “I killed Sebastian.” “No, you didn’t.” “Yes,” Diamond said, looking at him, “I did. David tapped into something deep inside me, my killer instinct maybe … I don’t know. He tricked me into it. I—” “You didn’t kill Sebastian Shade,” Richard insisted, placing his hands on Diamond’s shoulders. Diamond blinked. “What are you saying?” “He’s been spotted in the city, doing what he’s always done. David is by his side.” Diamond’s heart sank. “I don’t believe it.” “He’s reined in his fledging, Diamond. They’re together.” He gave him a meaningful look. “Maybe it’s just…” “No, sources say they’re lovers. Some demon snitches have seen them kissing in public.” Diamond let out a sound which sounded like a cry. He paced a few times. “I have to talk to him.” “No. That’s what I came here to tell you. The rumor is … Sebastian now sees you as his enemy, someone who betrayed and tried to kill him. The word is if you come back to town, he’ll kill you.” How had it come to this? “Surely he knows how much I…” He swallowed. “He can’t believe I deliberately…” “You put a stake in his chest, Diamond. David had to wrestle a sword out of your hands to protect his sire.” “Not you too. David planted those things in my mind, he made me—” “Vampires can’t plant suggestions, Diamond. They can only manipulate emotions that already exist. Did you ever think that you are what you are, and so is Shade? A

leopard can’t change his spots.” He placed a hand on Diamond’s shoulder. “Look, the Order needs you. They want you to go France.” “Fuck France, and fuck the Order.” Diamond threw up his hands. “I’m going back to New York. If Shade wants to kill me, then let him tell me that to my face. Let him do it.” “Diamond, listen to yourself. You have obligations to—” “No.” He looked at Richard. “I love Sebastian. It doesn’t matter what he is. He’s good. His heart is good and when he loves me, when he takes me in his arms … there’s no heaven like that. I have to be with him. If he wants to kill me, so be it, let him, because if I am now his enemy, I don’t want to live.” “Diamond, the Order won’t—” “I’ve given all my life to the Order. Let them find someone else to fight vampires. I’m finished. The only one I want to fight beside, lie beside, and die beside, is Sebastian.” “What do I tell the Order?” Richard threw up his hands. “Tell them I can no longer kill what I love. I can’t kill my own heart.” He turned and walked back inside. Sebastian was alive. It was a miracle, a sign from above that all was not lost. It didn’t matter anymore. If Sebastian really had stopped loving him then he’d die by his hand, as long as he could die looking into those beautiful eyes. But, if there was a chance, any kind of a chance that Sebastian would forgive him, then Diamond had to find out.

Chapter Eight Sebastian lay on his side, his eyes open. David’s naked body lay close to his. It suffocated him. He loathed touching him, but at least David hadn’t drunk from any innocent for the past six weeks. And he’d proved pretty handy when it came to fighting off demons and crazed vampires. Now, his life was his work, protecting innocent lives and keeping David on the straight and narrow. So what if he actually had to fuck him once in a while. He felt nothing; his mind and body turned off completely when David touched him. In fact, lately, his heart had turned ice-cold, and he knew that those around him knew it, especially Pete. “You’re not the same anymore,” Pete said one evening when David and Wik were playing checkers in the other room. “I miss the old Shade.” “Don’t be ridiculous,” Sebastian told him. “I’m me.” “No, ever since Di—” “I told you, you are not to mention his name, ever!” “That’s what I mean.” Pete shook his head. “It’s like something has died.” “Debbie did, remember?” “Not just Debbie, something is dead inside of you, Shade. You are becoming more and more like a…” “Vampire?” The word hung between them for a moment. Pete nodded. “That’s because I am one, remember?” “But…” Pete gave up because Sebastian’s eyes flashed with anger. Now, as he lay there, struggling to put more distance between David and himself, he felt cold, colder than usual, and there was fear. Maybe he was being swallowed up. Without his work, he’d lose his humanity; he knew it. “We belong together,” David said suddenly, moving closer again, running his hand over his forearm. Sebastian shuddered. Diamond. He sat straight up suddenly, a pain stabbing his heart. “What?” David asked him. “What is it?” “I have to go,” he said. “Where?” “I’ll be back, stay here.” He grabbed his pants and put them on, hastily dressing on the way down the hall, grabbing his car keys. “NO!” he called out in the night sky, racing to his car. “Damn you, Diamond. You were never supposed to come back here.” He knew that David had his spies out. They were told to keep watch, to make sure Diamond never came back to this city again. They’d kill him, and there was nothing he could do to stop them. * When the plane touched down in New York, Diamond raced through the airport to catch a cab. He elbowed his way through the crowd, spotting the exit for the taxi stand

straight ahead. When he saw the dark figure standing outside the door, his long black hair being taken by the wind, his coat flapping out around his boots, he stopped dead. His heart raced. “Sebastian,” he mouthed. Sebastian was looking right at him through the glass, his expression unreadable. Diamond hoisted his bag up over his shoulder and steadily walked toward him. He opened the door and stepped outside, the strong wind drying the tears on his face, tears he hadn’t realized had fallen. “What are you doing here, Diamond?” Sebastian didn’t seem pleased to see him. “I need to explain.” “You need,” he said between clenched teeth, “to get on the next flight back to Hungary and stay there.” “If you’re going to kill me, do it. I’m yours.” He threw his bag on the ground and opened his arms. “Do it.” Sebastian took a step back. “Get away. Go. I can’t…” “I didn’t mean to … you know, don’t you?” He fell to his knees, his head bowed. “I’ll do anything.” “Jesus Christ, Diamond,” Sebastian hissed, “get off your knees.” He had moved closer. “People are staring at us.” “I don’t care.” He looked up at Sebastian. “I thought you were dead.” “Well, surprise, surprise.” “Don’t.” Diamond shook his head. “What are you doing with him?” “He’s mine. I made him.” “Do you … love … you love him?” “What do you know of love?” That hurt. Diamond took a painful breath. “Too much. You taught me.” Sebastian looked away. “Tell me you don’t care anymore, and then kill me.” “Diamond,” Sebastian snapped. “Go home. Go home or I’ll…” “Do it.” He stood up. “Well, I can’t very well do it here.” “Which tells me, that if you really wanted to kill me, you would have waited for the right moment.” “Don’t second-guess me, Diamond. It’s over between us. It should have never been. We weren’t meant to be.” Diamond reached out to touch his cheek. Sebastian slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me. Now, I’m giving you one last chance, go home or die.” He turned now and walked off down the street. Diamond watched him walk to the parking lot. He picked up his bag and took off on a run after him. * Sebastian started the ignition and put the car in gear to back out of his parking space. As he faced front again, Diamond stood right in front of him. He sighed. God, Diamond had no idea what seeing him again was doing to Sebastian, how much he loved him. But loving him meant he had to save him. He had no choice but to send him away. David would have him killed. And if he moved to protect Diamond, he’d have to either kill

David, which would make him an outlaw with the council, or let David go, which was as good as releasing a crazed killer into the streets, with Sebastian’s name all over him. His hesitation allowed Diamond enough time to hop into the passenger’s seat beside him. “You should put the top up,” he said, “it’s cold.” “We’re not going anywhere,” Sebastian said. “Kiss me.” Sebastian banged his fist on the steering wheel. “I don’t want you anymore, Diamond. Can’t you understand that?” “I don’t believe you. I don’t know why you’re doing this, but—” “You don’t believe me?” Sebastian seized hold of his hair and dragged him closer, bent his neck so that his throat was exposed. “Then maybe this will convince you.” He exposed his fangs and lowered them to Diamond’s throat. Diamond looked at him without fear. “Do it,” he urged, “drink my blood, just tell me you love me.” Sebastian growled, sinking his teeth into the flesh and drawing blood, then pushed Diamond away and let out a roar of frustration. He got out of the car and paced around it a few times, trying to regain control. Diamond stayed in the car. Sebastian finally came around to the passenger’s side and yanked open the door. “Get out.” “Make love to me.” “What?” “You heard me. If you take me somewhere and fuck me, and then tell me you don’t love me, I’ll leave, or you can kill me, your choice. I have to have you.” Diamond looked up into his eyes with such a look of longing, it practically knocked Sebastian over. Whatever ice had covered his heart began to melt. Could he have Diamond this one last time, then convince him he felt nothing? “You promise you’ll leave here after, go home, never come back?” Diamond nodded. “If that’s what you want. Take me somewhere we can be alone.” Sebastian nodded. He got behind the wheel, his hands shaking, his cock suddenly hard as rock. He licked his lips at the thought of it, roaring out of the parking lot, and rearing off the exit at the first hotel he spotted. When Sebastian had the key, Diamond didn’t waste any time; he took the key out of his hand and opened the door, grabbing him by the lapel and dragging him into the room. “Take off your clothes,” Diamond demanded, throwing the key aside as he began to take off his own clothes. Sebastian shrugged out of his coat, pulled his sweater over his head, and began undoing his pants. “You’re shaking,” Diamond told him, brushing Sebastian’s hands aside and undoing the zipper on his jeans. Diamond placed a hand on his chest and pushed him against the wall while the other hand pushed his jeans and underwear down to his knees. Diamond stood there staring at him as Sebastian’s chest heaved. He was thinking that if Diamond didn’t make a move soon, he was going to lose his mind. “Tell me you want me,” Diamond urged. “I want you,” Sebastian replied, closing his eyes. “Fuck, Diamond, stop tormenting me.” He reached out and pulled Diamond into his arms, kissing him brutally. Sebastian

was lost. * Diamond felt as if he’d come home. It didn’t matter what happened after. All that mattered now was that Sebastian was hungrily kissing him as if he were starving for kisses. The sounds coming from both of them sounded surreal, desperate, as if they couldn’t get close enough, couldn’t kiss deeply enough. Sebastian had ripped down Diamond’s pants so quickly, he hardly realized that they were off until Sebastian planted both his hands on Diamond’s ass and lifted him off the floor, hauled his legs up around his waist and drove his cock up inside of him in a way which left them both gasping. Diamond’s back landed on the soft mattress, and he looked up into Sebastian’s dark eyes, now glowing just a little too brightly as he fucked him hard and fast. If there had initially been any pain, Diamond couldn’t recall it. All he could feel now was joy as he clutched Sebastian’s muscular forearms and rocked his hips in motion with Sebastian’s hard cock. His head went back into the mattress as he called out something that might have been a prayer, and he heard Sebastian laugh, and redouble his efforts. Diamond grabbed some of Sebastian’s long black hair and pulled; his nails scratched down his well-muscled chest, and he met his mouth in a lustful dance of surrender and need. When Sebastian finally released him, Diamond reached out to hold him but Sebastian was across the room. In fact, he hovered there in midair, his head down, face hidden by his hair. Diamond went to sit up, and Sebastian said, “Don’t. I don’t want you to touch me. In fact”—he looked up now, his face hard—“I don’t want you at all. You got what you wanted; you got your answer. Get dressed and leave, or prepare to die.” * Sebastian couldn’t look at him anymore; one time was enough. It had almost killed him, the look on Diamond’s face. He hadn’t needed to fuck him again to know how much he still loved the man. He had always known. “You don’t mean that.” “Face it, Diamond; you have a nice ass. I’ve had finer. In fact, I can have any I choose. Why settle for one?” “You love me.” “You have a big ego.” “Why are you doing this? If it’s to protect me, I don’t need your protection. We can work this out together.” “No. We can’t. I don’t want to. You have to leave. He probably already knows you’re here.” “David?” “Don’t you get it?” Sebastian was losing patience now. He touched down to the floor and reached for his pants. “I don’t want you anymore. You tried to kill me.” “David did that.” “He brought your true feelings to the surface.” Sebastian put on his shirt. He tried not to focus on the fact that Diamond lay there naked on the bed. He wanted to touch him again so badly it hurt. “I know I’ve had a lot of conflicting feelings but deep down, I’ve always loved you.

Sebastian, it took me longer to realize it. When I thought I’d killed you, I didn’t want to live. I won’t live without you.” “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll find someone else.” Diamond got up and took a step closer. Sebastian backed away. “I don’t want anyone else. And neither do you.” “I’m David’s lover. I fuck him every night. Still want me?” He knew that hurt Diamond. He could see the pain on his face. Shade looked away from him. “It’s not real. You’re doing it for a reason. I can help you.” “Can you? How?” Sebastian looked at him. “Diamond, the only way you can help me is to leave me.” Diamond nodded. “Then there’s nothing for me. I’ve lived my entire life without love, then I find it, and you want me to just let it go.” Sebastian almost reached out to him. He held himself back. “I’ll take you to the airport.” “No. Kill me like you said you would.” Sebastian sighed in frustration. The longer they were together, the more chance David had of finding out. He had to get away from Diamond one way or another. “If you don’t go willingly, I’ll make you go.” “Do what you have to.” Sebastian made a lunge for him. They struggled, Sebastian trying to drag Diamond out of the room. “I’m naked.” Diamond laughed. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Sebastian released him. “You find this funny?” Diamond folded his arms across his chest. “Personally, yes. You won’t hurt me. I’m not afraid of you. And I’m not leaving you. So, you better tell me how in the hell we’re going to deal with this.” “Don’t you see, God damn it,” Sebastian said, “I’m trying to—” “Protect me. I know. But I’d rather die than be protected if it means living without you.” “Don’t be—” “Sebastian”—Diamond grabbed his arm—“that old woman was wrong. I love you with my heart, my head, and my body, more than Tanus ever did, or could. I know what I feel. I might have been confused by an emotion I’d never known, but I’m not confused anymore. David won’t manipulate me again because there is no conflict left in me. I knew that the minute I thought I’d killed you. You love me. I know that. So let me help you. We have to be together.” Sebastian melted toward him, pressed his forehead against his. “I can’t let him hurt you.” “He won’t. We’ll fight him together. Tell me everything.” He took his hand and led him back to the bed. Sebastian sat down beside him. He pulled Diamond into his arms and held him there for the longest time. It was Diamond who finally pulled away. Sebastian touched his cheek, kissed his mouth softly. “I feel like I’m losing my humanity,” Sebastian told him, “like my heart is slipping away. I feel cold all the time.” Diamond dragged him back into his arms. “I’m here, baby. I won’t let that happen. What kind of deal did you make with him?”

“I’d be with him if he wouldn’t hurt you.” Diamond looked stricken. “You did that for me?” Sebastian smiled faintly. “I’d do anything for you.” Diamond kissed him again, long and passionately. This time they fell together on the bed, touching and kissing each other all over. Sebastian felt Diamond press his cock inside of his body and then cry like a baby when he came. “Love makes me weak,” Diamond whispered against his cheek, “but I’ll take that weakness over living without you.” Sebastian stroked his hair and held him close. Diamond sighed. “How do we fight him?” “I have to kill him.” “It’s forbidden. I’ll kill him. I’m not his sire. Let him loose, make him a rogue, and I can kill him justifiably.” “But that’s setting him up.” Diamond looked into Sebastian’s eyes. “Yes. But then he almost made me kill my own heart. I consider it justice.” “I won’t let you do it alone.” “I have to.” “What if he kills you?” “Then know this, Sebastian Shade: I’ll always love you.”

Chapter Nine When Sebastian returned home, Wik gave him the news. “He knows. He’s out there. Blood is running in the streets. Should we go after him, boss?” Pete and Josh were standing there in the kitchen as well, waiting for his answer. Sebastian took a breath. “No.” “What do you mean, no?” Josh demanded. “We just can’t let him—” “Diamond is going to take care of him.” “Diamond?” Pete balked. “Diamond is back?” “Yes, he’s back,” he said, walking off toward his private quarters. “And what do you want us to do?” Pete called out. “Take a night off,” he replied, and closed the door. When he was alone in his room, he picked up the phone. Richard answered on the third ring. “Richard?” “Shade?” “That’s right. I want you to round up any Destroyers who might be in the city tonight. I’ll inform you of the location shortly.” “Why?” “David is rogue. He needs to be eliminated. Diamond is out there and he may need some help. You are not to interfere unless his life is threatened, only to watch from the sidelines.” “Very well.” “And Richard, this is between us.” “I hear you.” “Expect a call soon.” Sebastian sat down on the bed and closed his eyes. He told himself to concentrate. “Now, David,” he said aloud, “where in hell are you?” * Diamond knew he wouldn’t have to wait long. David would find him. And when the vamp did, he was ready. Shade had brought Diamond an arsenal of weapons from his own supply. All he had to do was roam the dark streets and wait. His motivation was strong, not only because David was a killer, but because he had a personal vendetta with this one. Not only had he almost made him kill Sebastian, he had stolen his lover and taken him into his bed. “Come and get me, David,” he called out. “Let’s finish this.” “He’ll never be yours, Diamond,” David said, walking toward him down the alley. “You’ll lose this. Not only am I trained like you, but I’m immortal. Beat that. Is Shade really worth it?” Diamond withdrew his sword, “In a word,” he said, “yes.” David withdrew his own sword. He swiped it through the air, laughing. Diamond stood poised, waiting, the sword above his head. “Bring it on.” “He’s in my blood, Diamond, beat that.” He approached, swinging his sword. “Last night he was in my bed, David. Where were you?” David snarled at him. “Whore. Sex means nothing to Shade.”

“Maybe with you it doesn’t.” David swiped at him. Diamond moved out of the way, bringing the sword down and across. David laughed and flew up in the air. “You missed, Hungarian. Try again.” He hovered above Diamond. “Come down here and fight.” “Come up and get me,” David taunted, indicating the rooftop of an old building. He flew up higher and landed on it. Diamond raced down the alley to the fire escape. He pulled it down and hurried up the rungs. At the top, David grabbed him by the throat and lifted Diamond in the air. Diamond struggled, swinging his sword. He caught David on the shoulder. The vampire let out a yelp and released him. Diamond fell hard on the roof. He shook himself before he got up, but almost toppled over the side of the building until he found his balance again. * Nearby, Sebastian hovered, watching the scene. He knew that Richard also had Diamond in his sights, ready with three other Destroyers to step in at any time. Sebastian winced when he saw Diamond struggle to regain his balance, only beginning to breathe again when he raced across the roof after David. * They struggled. Diamond pushed him and David howled with laughter and floated around above him while Diamond swiped at him with his sword. “Come down here, you coward, and fight.” David swooped down like a bat and attacked. Diamond fell back, then vaulted back to his feet, somersaulting like an Olympic athlete. He hit David square in the jaw on his way back up with his boot then sliced down, a sharp blade extending from the toe. David was cut; the top part of his throat gashed open. He put his hand there to try to stop the flow of blood. His eyes glowed red; his teeth dripped with saliva as he went for Diamond. * Sebastian knew David’s strength had intensified tenfold. He was fighting for survival now, going for the kill. His cell phone vibrated; he flipped it open and put it to his ear. “Now?” Richard asked. “Wait,” Sebastian said, then closed the phone, his eyes on the scene. David took a chunk out of Diamond’s arm. Diamond howled in anger and swung his sword again, aiming for David’s already torn throat. At the same time he sprung at him with a sharp wooden stake. He aimed for the heart, missed once as David managed to dodge him, and almost took off the top part of David’s head with the sword. “You bastard,” Diamond yelled, pursuing him as David backed up toward the edge of the roof. “Watch it, Diamond,” Sebastian said softly to himself, “he’s leading you to a trap.” “You tried to make me kill the only thing I’ve ever loved. You can’t have him, David. You tricked him into making you. You shouldn’t even be. Now, die!” David pretended to stumble but then he stood aside just as Diamond lunged in for the kill. Diamond went flying over the edge of the building. “Oh shit,” Sebastian cried, flying up into the air and aiming for Diamond, who was on his way down to the pavement below.

Sebastian landed hard on the ground, Diamond on top of him. He was dazed, bruised, but he’d be fine. Diamond looked at him, then got angry. “What in hell are you doing? You said you wouldn’t interfere. You can’t be here, Sebastian.” “No, but they can.” He pointed, getting up from the ground and pulling Diamond with him. Diamond squinted. “Richard?” Richard and three others were scrambling up the fire escape. “How? What in hell are they doing here?” “This is a matter for the Order.” “The Order?” “David is one of you. He has betrayed his mission, joined the enemy. The punishment for that is…” “Death.” “Yes.” “How did you know?” “Richard and I had a little talk.” “I want to go back up there.” Sebastian nodded. “I’ll wait for you at home.” “Oh, and Sebastian,” Diamond said, pausing before mounting the fire escape, “this discussion is not over. You’re in big trouble.” Sebastian grinned. * Diamond slowly climbed up onto the roof. Richard and three Destroyers he didn’t know held David prone. He didn’t struggle as Richard read a passage from the oath. “Do you understand these charges?” David nodded, glancing at Diamond. “Where is he? Where’s Sebastian? Isn’t he even going to attend my execution?” “He’s not, but I am.” “I do love him.” Diamond nodded. “I know.” David bowed his head. One of the Destroyers stood back, took aim with his sword, and swung. It was over. “Take the body and the head and bury them in different spots,” Richard instructed, “at least a few miles apart.” Diamond waited until the Destroyers had disappeared with what was left of David. “Richard,” he said, walking over to him, “I want to talk to you about something.” Richard nodded. “Sure, Diamond, what about?” “Sebastian Shade.” * Pete, Josh, and Wik were sitting around looking rather forlorn when Sebastian walked into the kitchen. "Why all the long faces?" "Diamond's back," Wik grumbled. "You're the one who made the biggest stink about it," Josh accused. "Look, you guys, I'm in a good mood, and I'm not going to let you downers spoil it, okay?" "Anything's better than David," Pete spoke up. "What's the story?"

"You don't need to worry about him anymore. He's been taken care of." "Are the VC coming after you?" Josh asked. "No, at least not for that. They'll have to find something else to pin on me." Pete got out of his chair. He moved closer. "Sebastian?" "Yeah?" "I'm happy for you really. You've been pretty miserable without Diamond. I know you love him. I'm just not sure if we can trust him." Sebastian held up his hand. "I'm not saying it's been an easy ride, but I trust Diamond with my life, and you should too." "He tried to stake you…" Wik began. "That was David who did that, and—" "And," a voice said behind him, "a lot of background baggage." Sebastian turned around to see Diamond standing behind him. He looked a little worse for wear, but to Sebastian, he'd never see anything more beautiful. "Listen," Diamond said, looking at the other three, "I want to say one thing. I haven't always been easy to get along with. I just want you to know that things will be different now. I," he paused and looked at Sebastian, "I've finally found the one place I want to be." Sebastian smiled but he didn't say anything. "And Sebastian, I don't want you to be angry with me." "About?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, Richard walked in with the other Destroyers. "Sebastian Shade," he said. Josh and Wik got to their feet. Pete pulled Sebastian back a few steps. "What in hell is this?" Josh demanded. "I knew we couldn't trust him," Pete muttered. Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry, Sebastian," Diamond said, "it had to be done." Richard came over and placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "The Order has business with you." "The Order?" he repeated. "What business could you have with me?" "It's concerning your past deeds," Richard replied. "Come on," Pete grunted. "He's reformed. He's—" "We want to make you an honorary member of the Destroyers," Richard said, then grinned broadly. "Diamond pressed it home to us, all the good you've done, the sacrifices you've made all these years in silence. We think you deserve some recognition for that." "But I'm a vampire." Sebastian laughed. "Isn't that against the rules?" "Sometimes rules need to be broken," Richard replied. Pete, Josh, and Wik were speechless. Diamond came over and hugged Sebastian tightly. "I can't wait to see you in the ceremonial robes." "You’ve got to be kidding," Sebastian muttered, pushing him away. Richard bowed his head to him. "There is a ceremony. We would be honored if you attended. There will be many people wanting to thank you." "I don't need any thanks. I don't do it for that, but I appreciate the sentiment, Richard." Sebastian shook Richard’s outstretched hand. Richard turned to the others. "Let's go."

"Thanks Richard," Diamond said, nodding at him, "for everything." Sebastian stood there for awhile, still in shock. The other three congratulated him and left the kitchen. Diamond stood a few feet away. "Mad?" "About you, yes." "At me?" "No. And technically mad means crazy." Diamond grinned. "English! Let's go to bed." "So soon?" Sebastian teased. Diamond reached out and took his hand. "I've missed you so much. Does it show?" Sebastian raked his eyes over him, paused at the conspicuous bulge between his legs. He contemplated it for a moment then shook his head. "Not at all." Diamond laughed. "Wash the blood off, and I'll consider paying some attention to what ails you." Diamond nodded. "It's a deal, but only if you help me. Washing all this guck off is a big job.” Sebastian followed him down the hall to his room. "So," Diamond said, beginning to remove his shirt, "are the guys all right with me being back?" "Guess they'll have to be," Sebastian said. He leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. He watched Diamond lazily from across the room. "And why's that?" Diamond asked, undoing his pants. "Because I love you." "Oh," he said, looking down at his hands. "Is that so?" "It is." Diamond slid the zipper down on his pants. He looked up. "How much?" "Enough not to beat the crap out of you." Diamond grinned. "I thought you said you weren't mad?" "I'm not mad, although some may disagree." "Now he's playing the English teacher again." Diamond discarded his clothes on the floor and walked into the bathroom. Sebastian grinned, propelled himself off the wall, and followed. "I’m the one who should be angry at you," Diamond muttered, starting the shower. "What for?" Sebastian asked, licking his lips. Diamond's state of undress was starting to get to him big-time. "For not trusting me to deal with David on my own." "You might try thanking me for saving your hide." Diamond stepped into the shower. "Thank you," he said. The water sprayed down on his head, cascading over the muscled curves of his body. Sebastian stood back. He'd make him wait, no matter how much of a challenge it was. "What are you doing, by the way?" Diamond asked suddenly, peeking out at him through the shower curtain. "Nothing." Diamond reached out one hand and grabbed Sebastian's collar. "Come here, you. I can still take you." Sebastian laughed as he stumbled toward the shower. Diamond pulled him forward with such force that he had to levitate to avoid falling into the tub headfirst. "H-hey! I

still have all my clothes on, you idiot," he stuttered. "Are you trying to drown me, Destroyer?" "Only with kisses," Diamond muttered, tearing his shirt down the center. "And as for your clothes, I'll take care of that." He pushed him back against the tile and kissed him hard and fast, then buried his face in his wet hair and moaned. "I've missed you so badly. Every time I got into bed, I ached to hold you. It was an eternity being without you, touching you." He rubbed the palms of his hands over Sebastian's wet chest, pushing the material of his shirt aside. The other hand reached for the zipper on his pants, and he hastily pulled it down and dipped his hand inside so that he could grasp hold of Sebastian's cock. Sebastian closed his eyes, lost in the sensation of Diamond's hands on his flesh. He instantly warmed to his touch, murmuring his encouragement as Diamond sank to his knees, taking Sebastian's pants with him. Sebastian settled his hands in Diamond's fair hair, watching him as his head bobbed up and down on his shaft. He could stay hard as long as Diamond needed him to, or let go when he sensed that he was tired. But Diamond seemed relentless. Suddenly, Diamond came off his cock and looked up at him. "I'm going to make you come. You won't have the control." Sebastian smiled lovingly at him. No one had ever made him come. His will was far stronger than any bodily response he might have, but he would do whatever pleased Diamond. He concentrated, enjoying the pleasurable sensations shooting up his shaft, rocking his balls. He longed to be inside of him, take him to that place where he knew Diamond was at peace and happy. His pleasure had always been to please them, his mortal loves; and in doing so, he himself felt pleasure. Diamond didn't need to prove anything. The pleasure intensified. Perhaps it was time to let go. Diamond suddenly sensed his surrender and again, he paused, looked up at him. "Don't," he said, "don't come yet. I don't want you to." Sebastian nodded. "As you wish." Diamond went back to it, his tongue doing a sensuous dance around the tip of his cock, and then moving up until he felt the head hit the back of Diamond’s throat. God, when had he gotten so good at this? Sebastian moaned, his fingers tightened in Diamond's hair. Diamond glanced up at him, the message in his eyes clear. Don't come yet. Sebastian took a breath; his head went back against the tile, back and forth. "Oooo … God," he cried out, his cock pumping suddenly and shooting, his entire body vibrating with orgasm. "Um … God," he hissed, his tongue darting out over his lips, his hips jutting forward, pushing against Diamond's face. Diamond released his cock and sat back in the tub, letting the spray wash over his face. He was laughing. "Almost smug, aren't you?" Sebastian managed when he could speak again. "Not almost, very smug." He grinned. "I told you not to come." "When have I ever done what I was told?" "Never, except in bed when you think you're pleasing me, or fooling me." Sebastian scowled. "Help me up, old man." Diamond reached out his hand and Sebastian pulled him to

his feet. Diamond pulled him into his arms. "You look so sexy, vampire, standing there, your shirt open and plastered to that sculptured chest of yours, your pants down to your shoes." Sebastian pushed him away playfully. "Do you know how much these shoes cost me? They're ruined." He stepped out of the tub and pulled off his shoes, studying them disdainfully. Diamond turned off the shower and stepped out after him. "Fuck me," he said, glancing at him. "Why should I?" "Because you want to." He grinned. "And because I made you come." He ducked out of his way as Sebastian made a grab for him. Sebastian chased him into the bedroom. * Diamond fell on the bed on his stomach. He went up on his knees and elbows, displaying his ass in a seductive way. He knew Sebastian wouldn't deny him. He wanted him so much, he wanted to please him so much, his beautiful Sebastian. "Beautiful, am I?" Sebastian said deeply, crawling in behind him. He slapped his ass playfully. "Stop reading my mind, you evil fiend." "Pretty pleased with yourself, aren't you?" Sebastian said, moving his hands over his ass then around to his cock. "Um," Diamond licked his lips. "Yeah, touch me. Yeah." Sebastian stroked Diamond’s cock then, with both hands, he opened his ass cheeks and dipped his tongue into his quivering entrance. Diamond let out a cry as Sebastian rimmed him, practically fucking him with his tongue then replacing it with two of his fingers, the other hand moving between his cock and his nipples. Diamond was breathing hard, his cock close to bursting. "Don't come yet," Sebastian taunted. "Is this revenge?" "You bet," Sebastian growled, suddenly teasing his hole by rubbing the head of his cock over it. "Se … bast … tian…" Sebastian laughed. "Please. I surrender, I'm begging. Take me. Make me yours." "You are mine," he breathed, trailing his lips over his back. "And I am yours." Diamond cried out as Sebastian drilled his cock into his ass deep. It filled him completely, took him out of himself. He was floating in the air, not just in his mind, actually, as Sebastian lifted him clear off the bed, fondling his cock and his balls as he moved in and out of him at a frantic speed then slowed to a luscious dance which hit every nerve he had. He came with a shout, his cream flowing into Sebastian's caressing hand. Sebastian pulled out of him and turned him around in the air, keeping a slight distance between them. He looked down at him with those eyes and lowered him to the bed. He hovered there above him for a moment, only moving into his arms when Diamond pleaded.

They lay there together, Diamond running his hands over Sebastian’s smooth body, kissing his silky black hair. "So, why did you do it?" Sebastian asked him suddenly, still looking into his eyes. "Do what?" "You know what." "You deserved to be recognized. You do so much. And it's time that we Destroyers knew that not all vampires are the same. Some of them are good, just like some Destroyers are bad." Sebastian didn't say anything. He just kissed his mouth tenderly. "It won't be easy for us. I know that, just like it couldn't have been easy for you and Tanus." "You're not Tanus." "I know. I didn't expect to be in love like this ever." "Neither did Tanus." Sebastian smiled. "Must be my vampire—" "No," Diamond said, putting a finger on his lips. "It has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with me, me falling madly in love with you, no charms, no magic, just the magic of Sebastian." Sebastian smiled. "You're my hero." "You're mine." "So next time you'll let me fight my own battles?" Diamond cocked an eyebrow. "Sure, as long as you're going to win them." "Hey," he protested, sitting up, "that's not fair. I had him really. He—" "Hey, hey there, macho man, don't get all excited." Sebastian was laughing at him. "I'm sure in the end if I hadn't of intervened … I mean … you would have managed somehow to survive falling off the roof and you would have gone back up there and given him hell." "Okay, okay." Diamond laughed too. "I fell off the roof, almost died, thanks for being my landing pad." "Anytime, baby. It was kind of fun." "Only someone like you could say that." Diamond settled back down beside him. After a few minutes, he said, "Hey, ah … bloodsucker, ready for me to make you come again?" Sebastian grinned as Diamond rolled on top of him. "I was born ready. Give it your best shot, Destroyer." The End About the Author: D.J. Manly is first and foremost a writer, but is also a college professor, a small business operator, and a sociologist who works as a consultant on research projects. D.J. is a proud Canadian who lives in French Canada, and is fluent in both English and French. Human rights are a great concern, and D.J. longs for a peaceful world free of sexism, racism, and homophobia.

D.J. writes for the pure love of writing, and always with the reader in mind. If D.J. doesn't enjoy reading it, it won't be written. Great characters, great sex, and a great love are the elements you'll find in D.J's work. There is nothing quite as exciting as beautiful men falling in love. Come taste D.J's work, but be careful—you may become as addicted to reading it as D.J. is to writing it. One reviewer wrote that reading D.J. can give you "third degree burns in an air conditioned room." That says it all. E-mail D.J. any time with questions or comments. Visit D.J. online at www.djmanly.com

Meet Lsb Authors At The House Of Sin Lsbooks.Net We invite you to visit Liquid Silver Books LSbooks.com for other exciting erotic romances. 2007: Terran Realm Urban fantasy world: TerranRealm.com Featured Series: The Zodiac Series: 12 books, 24 stories and authors Two hot stories for each sign, 12 signs The Coven of the Wolf by Rae Morgan Benevolent lusty witches keep evil forces at bay Fallen: by Tiffany Aaron Fallen angels in hot flight to redeem their wings The Max Series by JB Skully Meet Max, her not-absent dead husband, sexy detective Witt, his mother… And many, many more!