Unified

Vampire Union: Unified Kit Tunstall All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2008 Kit Tunstall

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ISBN 978-1-59596-758-9

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Editor: Crystal Esau

Cover Artist: Sahara Kelly

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Vampire Union: Unified Kit Tunstall After WWIII, society was in shambles. For thousands of years, vampires had lived in hiding, fearing extinction from humans. They took advantage of the collapse of society to step into the light, seize power, and rule over the human race. The vampire overlords have herded humans into Quarantine Zones in their various provinces, where they are subjected to the vampires’ every whim… Nadya follows her heart and her plan to unite the two men who mean so much to her. Once Jalen and Rem both know the secrets of the past, they find it impossible not to try a truce. Unifying their kingdoms and merging their ideals is difficult, but their love for Nadya binds them together. Somehow, the men might just find a way to make it work, if Jalen’s betrothed doesn’t manage to kill them all first. Two vampire lords with vastly different ideals fight over territory, their ways of life, and much more. At the center is one human woman, torn between the two.

Chapter One The old military base was in shambles, and the jet hangar Nadya had chosen for their meeting place was cold and dark. She had picked the site from an old map she’d seen hanging on a wall in one of the buildings Rem’s soldiers used for practice. It had been the first thing to jump out at her, and when she’d sneaked back later that night to study the map at her leisure, it was still the most notable landmark between Rem and Jalen’s territories. The map had labeled it as PFAB, and her arrival at the installation had done nothing to demystify what the anagram stood for. There were no signs posted. Most of the buildings had fallen or been demolished ages ago. Even the hangar where she now hunkered in front of a fire was mostly a skeleton of the structure it must have been once upon a time. She wouldn’t have had a clue about the building’s purpose if not for the rusted out bones of an old jet similar to one that had been in some of the articles in her grandmother’s magazines. The metal skeleton of the jet would have been utterly fascinating if she wasn’t under the compulsion to keep a constant watch for the arrival of Rem or Jalen. She’d sent a messenger to Jalen two days ago, making the man think he bore an official message from Rem as he traveled under a white flag. Almost a day later, she had left another note for Rem before fleeing his stronghold. Nadya hoped she had timed events well, so each man would arrive at roughly the same time -- Rem thinking he was there to trade his life for hers, and Jalen believing he was arriving to reclaim Nadya in exchange for recognition of Rem’s territory and lands along their common border. The plan was solid, but had so many variables that she couldn’t muster any level of confidence in its success. If the messenger hadn’t reached Jalen, he would never know to come for her. Or, if the messenger arrived and Jalen read the missive, that didn’t mean he would come for her. In her heart, she believed he would, and she’d

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gambled on emotion rather than logic. Nadya knew if Jalen didn’t show up, Rem would never understand her actions. He would find it impossible to forgive her, and she would have lost everything. She’d busied herself upon first arriving by tending to her horse, and then building a fire and making a simple meal. After that, she had washed herself with water she’d brought. Now, she’d run out of things to keep her busy, so there was no distraction from the worries crowding her mind. The chill in the concrete permeated through the thick bedroll she’d laid on it, and she shivered. The heat from her fire seemed to do nothing to warm her, though she’d found ample fuel lying around to build a nice blaze. She couldn’t get warm because of the fears chilling her from the inside out. Knots had twisted her stomach taut, and she’d have thought it couldn’t get any tighter until she heard the sound of horse hooves approaching. She could identify only one animal, and Nadya held her breath as she waited to see which man would arrive first. Rem came into sight, his body hunched over the neck of his horse, which frothed at the mouth. The animal breathed harshly, its sides heaving, when he drew up next to the mare she had stolen from the stable. The horse had obviously run itself ragged in response to his demands, and she pitied the poor thing. Her pity transferred to Rem when she saw how haggard he was. His complexion was ashen, and he seemed to have aged a decade overnight. Guilt stabbed her in her knotted stomach, making her gasp. She could only imagine what her lover had gone through the past day, thinking his most hated enemy had kidnapped her. He dismounted warily, his hand at the sword he’d strapped to his side. Rem looked around with obvious caution as he walked slowly toward her. “Where is he?” he asked, eyes darting around the dilapidated structure and grounds around it. “Where are Jalen and his army?” She held out her hand. “Come to me, please.”

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Rem seemed not to have heard her. “I came alone, as he instructed.” His stiff posture and tight voice betrayed his fury. “What kind of coward bargains with an innocent woman’s life to force his enemy to surrender?” “Rem, please --” Nadya broke off when the thundering approach of another horse reached her ears. Rem must have heard the approach before her, because he’d already swung in that direction, sword drawn. His stance suggested he was ready to fight to the death, and the way he’d placed himself in front of her revealed he would die protecting her. She gained her feet and walked to him as Jalen suddenly appeared. He jumped from the horse as it was still running, landing lithely just a few feet from Rem. For a second, she could only stare at him, having forgotten his masculine beauty. Even in the meager light from her fire that did little to ward off the pressing blackness, his blond hair shone brightly. His green eyes were cold, his mouth little more than a slash across his face, and his nimble hand was holding his sword in under a second. Nadya had to blink back tears and barely resisted the urge to throw herself into Jalen’s arms. It had been so long since she’d seen him. Almost two months had passed since he’d held her, and she ached to be in his embrace again. “There you are.” Rem’s lips skinned back as he growled at Jalen. The firelight made his fangs gleam. “I didn’t expect you to be here, coward. I thought you would hide behind your walls and send others to do your killing.” Jalen arched a pale brow. “I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to kill you after what you have done. I am going to tear you apart with my bare hands and drain the blood from your heart as it pulses in my hand.” “Enough.” Nadya stepped between them, earning shocked looks from each man as their gazes shifted to her. She propped her hands on her hips and alternated a glare between them for a long moment. Only when she was certain she had their full attention did she speak again. “There will be no more fighting. I’m sick of you trying to kill each other.”

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“Nadya, you must step aside,” said Rem in a gentle voice. “This is between the two of us. Jalen engineered your kidnapping to force me to face him. I am surprised he appears to be willing to face me alone, like a man, but this is how it should be.” “No.” She shook her head. “You two shouldn’t be in this war, fighting one another. You know it isn’t right.” Jalen took a step closer. “We’ve been building to this moment for years, love. You mustn’t try to stop this. There is no reasoning with this animal.” “I am no more animal than you, DuMond.” Rem lunged forward, sword extended. “I am what your kind made me.” “Stop it.” Nadya yelled more harshly than she’d intended, and both men froze. “You two are more alike than either of you want to admit -- especially you, Rem. You say you have nothing in common with the rest of the vampires, but you share traits with him.” Before Rem could reply, she angled her body slightly toward Jalen. “It’s no surprise, though. After all, your brother is sure to have many of your familial traits, isn’t he, Jalen?” Jalen’s wide eyes betrayed his bewilderment and confirmed what Nadya had suspected. He’d had no idea Rem was his brother. Rem knew, but it hadn’t kept him from fighting the other man. It was time for both of them to lay down their arms and try a new way. She only hoped she could persuade them both to agree. “It’s true.” She softened her voice. “He is your brother, Jalen. You have the same father.” Jalen shook his head. “No. My father would never have been so careless with one of his tributes.” “That’s true, but Rem’s mother, Loretta, wasn’t just a tribute. She loved your father, and Lorne loved her.” “That’s a lie,” said Rem so forcefully that his voice reverberated around the shell of the hangar. “What is going on here?” For the first time, Jalen looked at Nadya suspiciously. “What has he done to you?”

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“Nothing.” Nadya struggled to suppress her impatience, reminding herself she’d had lots of time to come to terms with the truth, and to plan this reunion. Rem had known of his parentage all along, but he had no idea she wanted to reconcile him with his brother. Jalen was even more lost. “During my time with Rem, I found out several things. You’ve both been raised with too many lies and secrets, and it has to stop. The fighting has to stop. You have to reconcile your differences and end this war, or it will destroy us all -- the three of us, our families, all the humans, and every vampire.” She squirmed when both men stared at her intently. At that moment, their expressions were identical, despite Jalen’s fair coloring and Rem’s darker complexion, and their different facial shapes. If she could get each of them to look at the other in front of a mirror, neither of them could deny the truth. Hesitantly, she reached for both of them, putting a hand on each of their arms. “There are lies to sort out, and the first one is about me. I arranged this meeting. I made you both think the other was holding me as a bargaining chip. I knew I had to get you together, alone, and could think of no other way.” They were tense under her hands, but neither shrugged her off. She pressed on, looking at Rem. “You haven’t wanted to hear the truth, so I didn’t persist. I wasn’t trying to spare you from facing it. I was just frightened of your reaction, and of losing you. Jalen wasn’t my captor. He was my lover, and I was with him voluntarily.” Rem shook his head. “I refuse to believe that. No woman would stay with a man who leaves scars on her back.” “Those lines are hardly scars, Rem, and that is complicated.” She shied away from further discussion of the dynamics of the relationship she’d shared with Jalen. “Suffice it to say, there are aspects of Jalen’s personality that are very different from yours. I need it all.” “I guess he can have you then,” said Rem with contempt. He tried to throw off her hand, but she clenched her fingers into the rough cloth of his shirt. “Release me, woman.”

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“No.” She cast a quick glance at Jalen, finding his closed expression did nothing to bolster her confidence. “I don’t want just Jalen. I don’t want just you. I need both of you.” Jalen snorted. “How do you imagine that will work, Nadya? Will you travel back and forth to us between battles?” With a deep breath, she said, “No, because I will be with both of you. It’s time the two of you worked out your differences and unified your territories.” “I’ve heard enough.” Rem took a step back. “For once, we agree, brother,” said Jalen mockingly. He also stepped away. “Nothing could make such a thing possible.” Heart in her throat, Nadya watched the men stalking back to their horses. It couldn’t end like this. She absolutely refused to allow it. “Nothing?” she asked as sultrily as she could manage. When both their gazes focused on her, she stripped off the dress with one smooth motion, standing before them in nothing. The fire warmed her naked skin, and she hoped it gave it a luster that they would find irresistible. She cupped her breasts in her hands, offering one in each direction. “Is there really nothing that can bring the two of you together? There’s nothing you want?” She tossed her head to make her long hair flow down her back, while better revealing her curves. “Don’t you want me?” Her voice broke on the last word, and tears clogged her throat. Her temptress façade crumbled as the tears streamed down her face. “Heaven help me, have I lost you both by trying to bring you together?”

Chapter Two Silence stretched for a long moment, broken only by her quiet sniffs. Nadya released her breasts to wipe her eyes with the backs of her hands, and when she opened them again, she saw Rem standing near her, uncertainty visible in his posture. Jalen looked similarly lost as he hovered on her other side. They seemed to want to reach out to her, but couldn’t. Their hesitation hurt, but she understood it. Somehow, she mustered the courage to extend a hand to each of them once more, knowing if they rejected her this time, there would be no more chances. Her gaze alternated between the two men as her arms began to shake with the strain of keeping them extended. Another tear rolled down her cheek as she gave up, letting her hands fall. Before they reached her sides, both men stepped forward and took her hands, their movements eerily synchronized. At that moment, they seemed to move as one. The illusion shattered when each man tugged her in his direction. Impatience tempered her happiness that they had accepted her hands. Reminding herself that it would take time, she dug in her heels and pulled the men toward her. Rem offered resistance for a second longer than Jalen, but they both ended up standing on either side of her. Nadya breathed deeply, enjoying their pure male scents and the proximity to their solid frames. “I love you,” she said. “I love you, but this…” Rem trailed off, casting a glance at his brother. Jalen captured her chin, turning her face in his direction. “I never said it, but you must know that I love you, Nadya.” “Yes.” She’d known the moment she heard his horse’s hooves as he raced to “save” her.

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“Why can’t that be enough for you?” Jalen shook his head, clearly confused. “You don’t need him.” “She doesn’t need you.” Rem lunged toward Jalen, only stopping when Nadya stepped between them. “I need both of you, and you need me.” “Don’t try to manipulate me,” said Jalen softly. Nadya looked at him, shaking her head. “I’m not. It’s the truth. You two have as many differences as you have similarities. I enjoy your domination, but I also need Rem’s tenderness.” “But why do we need you?” Jalen’s cold expression almost hid the uncertainty and longing in his eyes. “I want you, but why do you think I need you?” She tried not to let his words hurt. “You need me because you love me, and because you need someone to keep you from turning into your father. I’m the touch of humanity that will keep you humble.” Nadya squeezed Rem’s hand, turning back to him. “You already know why you need me. It’s the same reason I need you.” At Rem’s nod of confirmation, she continued, “What I meant, actually, was the two of you need me to bind you together. You need a common element to help you find your other commonalities.” With a wry smile, she said, “I’m your insurance. Neither of you will betray the other or go back on your word if you know doing so will cause you to lose me.” “You’re awfully confident, love.” Rem sounded amused, but also a tad annoyed. “This is insane,” said Jalen. “I can’t have a truce with that man. He’s completely against our way of life.” “Your ways need to change.” Nadya brought his hand to her lips, kissing the back of his fingers. “You are a good man, Jalen, and it’s time you allowed yourself to rule the right way, rather than the way of your ancestors. Humans and vampires can co­ exist without one race being oppressed, or the other forced to live in hiding.” Another brush of her lips over his fingers made him tremble just enough to be visible. “I’m proof of that.”

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Once again, she swung her gaze back to Rem. “So are Rem and his group. Vampires and humans live side by side at his complex, both equal. It can be the same for the N’work province.” Jalen shook his head. “No, it can’t. The other families will not accept this.” “They will,” countered Rem unexpectedly. “With my army and your bloodlines, they’ll have no choice. If we can do this, and make it work, the other families will have to tolerate our changes. Eventually, they’ll have to follow suit. It’s inevitable.” Nadya’s heart warmed, knowing Rem was on board with the idea. His support gave her hope that Jalen would embrace the union. “I don’t know.” “Let’s worry about politics later,” said Nadya, bringing his hand to her breast. “Right now, let’s make love.” She didn’t need to guide Rem’s hand to her other breast. When both hands were upon her, she looked down, reveling in the visual contrast of their paler hands on her darker skin. Rem’s hands were rough and a bit darker than Jalen’s. Jalen circled her nipple with his smooth thumb, and Rem did the same. She threw back her head, enjoying their caresses. Their ragged breathing indicated they were equally excited. Blindly, she reached out to stroke each of their chests. Her nails caught in Rem’s hair peeking out above his neckline, causing him to wince. She tugged lightly, making him groan. It was Jalen’s turn to groan when she raked her nails lightly over one of his nipples through the soft linen shirt he wore. They stroked her breasts faster, and she trailed her hands lower, finding the hem of Rem’s shirt, and the lowest button of Jalen’s. In her arousal, the button refused to yield to her one-handed attempts. Impatiently, she tugged, and the button popped off. “Let me,” said Jalen, dropping his hand from her breast to unbutton his shirt. “I need this shirt for the journey home, my love.” Nadya nodded and turned to Rem as Jalen stripped. She peeled the shirt from her other lover and pressed herself against his chest. The fur on his chest tickled her nipples and she squirmed at the sensation. She tugged at his pants, anxious to have

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Rem as bare as she was. He assisted her with the process by stepping out of his boots. She pushed down his pants, and Rem kicked them aside. Once he was naked, she started to turn back to Jalen, but he was suddenly behind her, molding his front to her back. His cock pressed into her lower back, telling her how much he wanted her. Rem’s cock was just as hard, pressing into her belly. Being pinned between them, their cocks ready and waiting, had her dripping wet with need. She wriggled, and they stepped closer, keeping her from moving. Their combined strength was overwhelming, but she wasn’t frightened. Instead, they made her feel secure and protected. As if by unspoken agreement, the men lifted Nadya -- Jalen taking her arms, and Rem lifting her legs. She surrendered to them, closing her eyes as they carried her to the bedroll and laid her on her back. Once settled, she opened her eyes to the beautiful sight of each of her men kneeling beside her. Nadya reached for them, burying her fingers in each man’s hair. She guided Jalen and Rem’s mouths to hers, kissing first one and then the other. Rem’s kiss was as gentle and coaxing as ever. When her lips met Jalen’s, he demanded entry with his tongue, and she yielded. Her tongue stroked his when he thrust it deeply into her mouth, and she moaned. Rem moved his lips over her cheek and down to her neck. She cried out when he nipped her, and Jalen absorbed the sound with his mouth. She imagined them both feeding from her, and the thought had her arching her hips rapidly, seeking something to fill her pussy. As Jalen’s mouth drifted from hers, exploring lower, she said, “Bite me.” “Who?” asked Jalen against her chin, his lips tickling her skin. “Both of you.” “No.” Rem sounded alarmed. “That’s too risky, love.” “He’s right.” Nadya didn’t argue, but the idea hadn’t died. She would wait until they were even more aroused before broaching the subject again.

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A shiver coursed through her when Jalen and Rem simultaneously reached her nipples, drawing each one into their mouths. Nadya clenched her hands, drawing tighter on their hair. She pulled Jalen and Rem tighter against her. Jalen laved her nipple firmly, applying enough pressure to almost hurt. Occasionally, his fangs raked the skin of her breasts, making her thighs tighten in response. Rem gently licked her nipple, circling his tongue around the taut bud in slow, torturous strokes. Nadya trembled as Rem strayed lower, licking a damp trail from her breast to her navel. He circled his tongue around her belly button, teasing her with the motions she wanted his tongue to perform, just farther south. “Rem,” she said, her voice so thick with passion that it didn’t sound like her. “Easy, love.” The soft words, spoken against her mound, had her arching against his face. Rem denied her the pleasure of his tongue as he continued to breathe against her slit. Jalen moved north, his mouth returning to hers for a long, deep kiss. Nadya had lost her grip on Rem’s hair, so she now dug that hand into Jalen’s shoulder, continuing to clutch his blond hair with her other hand. She pulled him as close as she could, moaning when he nibbled her lower lip before licking the spot to soothe the tiny sting. He deliberately raked open her lip and lapped up the drops of blood that dribbled from the wound. Nadya recoiled at the pain, even as she ground her mouth against his, finally succeeding in pushing her tongue inside. Jalen chuckled, apparently amused by her aggression. His indulgence didn’t last long. Soon enough, he pinned her tongue below his, stroking her. Nadya gasped when Rem chose that moment to plunge his tongue inside her pussy. He licked her from clit to opening, swirling his tongue around the hole before pressing inside her. She arched against him as moisture flooded her, surely soaking his mouth. He seemed to enjoy her additional arousal and lapped eagerly. She cried out against Jalen’s mouth when Rem suckled her clit. Jalen released her tongue to slide down her again. Nadya let her hands fall at her sides, grasping handfuls of the bedroll to maintain some semblance of control. Jalen

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seemed intent on devouring her breasts. He pushed them together to pay equal attention to her hardened nipples. He sucked and licked in a motion eerily similar to the pace Rem maintained between her thighs. In the back of her mind, she wondered if they had coordinated the maneuvers through some vampiric communication, or if they were just that much alike. All thought fled as Rem’s mouth brought her to orgasm. Her body shook with the force of release. Automatically her eyes closed, and she cried out, her sound of pleasure echoing in the skeletal remains of the hangar. While waves of climax overwhelmed her, she was vaguely aware of Rem and Jalen whispering, and then they moved her. Heart pounding, she opened her eyes to assess the new arrangement. She now lay on Rem, her legs over his shoulders. His mouth was too low to line up with her pussy, but when he blew air against her anus, she realized his intent. The idea was startling and delicious at the same time, making her squirm for him to begin. Rem held off, and she soon realized why. He was waiting for his new partner in crime to assume his position in the tableau. Nadya moaned when Jalen knelt behind Rem, bending her legs so that her thighs were on his shoulders. Her feet almost reached his buttocks when he knelt forward, putting his head between her thighs. “You are going to kill me with this,” she managed to say through clenched teeth. “This is what you wanted, love,” Rem reminded her. “What you need.” Jalen lifted his head to meet her gaze, his holding a challenge. He seemed to be saying that if she didn’t accept it their way, she wouldn’t have both of them. Knowing Jalen, that was exactly what his eyes were telling her. Her small nod of consent was all he needed, apparently, because he returned to between her thighs and placed his mouth on her pussy. Jalen licked her thighs and outer labia for several seconds, as if to prolong the torture. Rem, impatient as ever, dived right in to his self-appointed task. Nadya jumped when he licked her anus, wetting her back passage to allow his tongue inside. His

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tongue probing her darkest area made her flinch, but she pressed against him, wanting more. Jalen followed her motion, finally covering her mound with his mouth. He licked her clit with firm strokes meant to incite arousal and release. Nadya tried to arch against him, but he refused to let her move. Rem also kept her in place by virtue of her position and his tongue sweeping inside her. Trapped between them, she had no respite from their probing tongues. No amount of squirming or wriggling could free her even long enough to take a breath and slow the sensations overwhelming her. The experience was a bit frightening, to know she had no control and was at their mercy, but was more exciting than anything she’d fantasized. Their mouths fucked her intently, ravaging her. Jalen and Rem seemed determined to expose every last one of her vulnerabilities and secrets, to exploit them in the most pleasurable ways. Screams punctuated the interlude, and Nadya struggled to focus on the sound, wondering who was disturbing them. After a moment, she realized the screams were primal sounds of ecstasy originating from her. Satisfied no one would be interrupting, she relaxed completely, surrendering herself to the pending orgasm. Her heart raced, and she cried out once more, a long, low groan as release rendered her limp. Convulsions emanated from the epicenter of her womb, causing her entire body to tremble. “Thank you,” she whispered, spent. Neither man acknowledged her thanks as they continued exploring her with their tongues. Nadya became convinced their movements were orchestrated when Jalen and Rem each plunged two fingers into her openings in sync. Each thrust of Rem’s fingers in her ass pushed her against Jalen’s hand. His hand allowed no escape or retreat as he thrust it against her. Still limp with the release that had yet to fade away completely, Nadya offered no resistance. With the same kind of precision that made each man a formidable general and leader of his people, Jalen and Rem drove her to another orgasm. Without even the voice to moan, she came silently. Her body shuddered with the intensity of the orgasm as it built on the remnants of the previous

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release. Each one was stronger than the last, and each one, while physically exhausting, was mentally rejuvenating. It was with mingled relief and disappointment that she greeted their withdrawal. Nadya reached down to caress Jalen’s thigh with one hand while stroking Rem’s navel and chest with her other. “That was amazing.” She wanted to ask: Now what? Uncertainty kept her quiet. How far would the men be willing to go, and how quickly? Would Jalen and Rem both make love to her at the same time, or would they want to separate for such an intimate act? Her heart yearned for both of them to take her together, but she warned herself not to push them. In their passion and release, they would be completely vulnerable, and it was likely neither man was ready to allow the other to see him in such a delicate state. She had underestimated them. “The pussy is mine,” said Jalen as he sat back, and Rem lifted Nadya, seemingly without effort. Suspended above him as he turned her around, their gazes locked. The desire and love in Rem’s blue eyes stole her breath. She’d expected him to have the most difficulty with sharing her, simply because he was the protective sort and had thought she was Jalen’s prisoner all that time. Yet, here he was, accepting what she needed, and even embracing it to make her happy. “I love you,” she mouthed, and he repeated the words without sound as he laid her on top of his stomach, with her head tucked against his neck. Nadya’s sheath tightened around Jalen’s finger when one slipped inside her. She took a moment to study his expression. His tight features suggested he was barely maintaining control. As if feeling her gaze on him, his green eyes met hers. Desire blazed, but she saw the desperation beneath. Her heart ached to think of how painful it must have been for Jalen the past two months. She’d yearned for him, but Rem had been there for her, showing her a different side of love from what she had with Jalen. Meanwhile, Jalen had suffered alone, not sure of her fate and unable to come after her. “I love you,” she whispered. His firm nod made her smile. Jalen was not a man who

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would speak of his feelings very often. She was unsurprised, knowing the childhood he’d endured. “I’ve missed your sweet pussy, Nadya.” Jalen tweaked her clit. “It’s only fair I get it this time, since I’ve been deprived longer than Rem.” He said his brother’s name with no obvious animosity or spite, which she found encouraging. “That’s fine. I like her hot little ass too.” Rem slapped one of her cheeks lightly before grasping the flesh to knead firmly. Jalen quirked a brow. “I haven’t had the pleasure… yet.” “Hold on before you enter.” Rem grasped Nadya’s hips, lining up his cock with her pussy. She threw back her head, hair spilling down her back, as he penetrated her opening. When she started to ride him, Rem held her still. “Not yet, love. I’m just preparing.” A glimmer of what they planned came to her as Rem withdrew from her pussy. The realization that she hadn’t brought lube dawned upon her as Rem licked his forefinger and thumb before using them to open her anal bud. She relaxed as the head of his cock penetrated her back passage, reveling in the accustomed stretching sensation. Only with Rem buried to the hilt did Jalen bring his cock to her pussy. A stirring of unease made Nadya tense as she wondered, for the first time, how both men could fit inside her openings. In fantasies, the union was blissful, but she worried the reality would be painful, or even prove impossible. “Relax, my love.” Jalen stroked her hips before grasping them. “All will be well.” Nadya took a deep breath, relaxing as the head of Jalen’s cock breached her pussy. Rem cupped her breasts, and the stimulation to her nipples was both soothing and arousing. Discomfort made her grimace as Jalen pushed deeper, but it passed in an instant, and the three of them fused into one. Nadya joined them together, and the culmination of her dreams and planning was even better than she’d imagined. Jalen knelt awkwardly over her as she lay flat atop Rem. Once again, Nadya let the men take over. Rem thrust into her, pushing her pelvis upward to fully encompass

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Jalen’s cock. When he thrust back, Rem yielded. The motions of the men’s hips moved her, lulling her into a passionate trance. It was akin to floating on the ocean, or something equally soothing, but with an intensity of arousal and delight that was unparalleled. “Jalen, oh, deeper. Yes, Rem, more, baby. Give me all your cock.” Jalen and Rem increased their pace, pushing deeper and faster inside her. Nadya came several times, each orgasm coming atop the one before it, until she lost track of how many times she’d climaxed. Both men seemed capable of going all night, and she also lost track of the time as they fucked her. Nadya could sense an air of competition between Jalen and Rem. They were trying to please her, and clearly, they were enjoying the fruits of her proposal, but she could tell they were also determined to outlast each other. Neither Jalen nor Rem wanted to be the first to come. Their stubbornness was both annoying and exhausting, because she was the one pinned between them, constantly subject to climaxes that were physically draining. Determined to end the stalemate, she whispered her fondest desire again. “Bite me. Now.” Made vulnerable by their stimulation without release, driven to a frenzied state, neither man protested this time. Nadya sighed as Rem’s teeth penetrated the left side of her throat. A long second later, and Jalen adjusted his position to lie on top of Nadya so he could reach her throat. When his teeth penetrated her flesh, she shivered, beset by so many sensations that she couldn’t process it all. Instantly, another orgasm burned through her. Somehow, she retained her determination to make the men come even as the fog of ecstasy threatened to engulf her once more. Nadya pressed firmly against Rem’s cock, feeling the head of him buried deep inside her. At the same time, she tightened her pussy around Jalen, milking him with her muscles. Their cocks convulsed, and she found it impossible to tell which man had started coming first as their hot spurts of release filled both her openings. Smiling, she allowed herself one more climax, pleased

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that the competition was a draw, and that the men had come together with her, just as she’d hoped. At that moment, they were three merged into one, a complete unit. She didn’t try to pretend that it would be so easy in all facets of their lives, but Nadya had no concerns about the three of them making a relationship work in the bedroom. That was enough. For now. They would deal with other issues as they arose, together -- because she wouldn’t allow the men to divide their union. The fighting, at least between Rem and Jalen, was over. Nadya hoped that in settling the battle, she hadn’t ignited an entirely new war for Rem and Jalen against the other vampire families.

Chapter Three The silence was overwhelming when they returned to the N’work province three days later. Nadya was conscious of all the eyes burning into her as they passed the Q on their way to the DuMond Manor. Proudly, she rode between Jalen and Rem, though her insides were a churning mass of nausea. Behind the three of them, Rem’s people formed several lines, composed of those on horseback and on foot, along with wagons full of their possessions. Not every member of the Catz-Kills province had chosen to come along, but most of the citizens were in tow. It must have been an overwhelming spectacle to the bystanders. The sight of all those people following Rem when he’d returned to the hangar thirty-six hours ago had filled Nadya with awe at their devotion to the man she loved. He had asked a great deal from them by requesting they give up their homes and security in their lands to try integrating into the N’work province. Most had accepted his proposal and packed up their things. Of the few who had remained, Rem had promised they would always be welcome to join them. As she looked at the faces filled with bewilderment, and in some cases anger, Nadya wondered if Jalen’s people would be as open to change. The humans of the Q Zone had the most to gain by the union between Jalen and Rem, but that was no guarantee they would see it that way. As they passed, Nadya saw her grandmother in the crowd. Her heart twisted when the older woman looked away, deliberately turning her back. She prayed for reconciliation with her grandmother, but knew that couldn’t be her first priority at the moment. First, she had to ensure the union of Rem and Jalen was a success. Once they were near the square of the Q, Jalen drew up on his reins. Nadya followed suit, as did Rem. His people stopped moving, falling silent. They had heard a

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similar version of the speech Jalen was about to make already, but seemed to still be anxious for Jalen’s every word as he opened his mouth to speak. “Citizens of the Q, today is a day for celebrating. Rem and I have declared a truce.” Jalen shook his head. “No, more than that, we have formed a union.” The two men clasped hands and lifted them high. They shared a knowing look before releasing each other. “His people will join you. The wall of the Q will be the first thing to go, and you will see many changes. I hope you will find them positive. Please be welcoming to Rem’s people.” Nadya held her breath, awaiting cheers that never came. Glumly, she nudged her horse to start walking when Rem and Jalen moved forward. The citizens of the CatzKills province had greeted the news of the end of battle and union of the two groups with happiness and enthusiasm. Her people seemed mistrusting and closed to the idea. It wasn’t surprising, considering the lives they had all led up to that point, but she couldn’t help feeling let down. Logic had told her it would take time, but emotion had made her hope she was wrong. Soon, they arrived at the mansion. Jalen drew up hard on the reins, cursing under his breath. He looked wary, and Nadya was a mirror for his tension. The hairs on her neck stood erect, and nausea churned in her stomach. When she looked at Rem, he seemed to have a similar reaction. His complexion was paler than usual, and he looked apprehensive. “Kumiko.” Nadya jerked at the word, and her gaze honed in on the object of Jalen’s attention. So, that was the betrothed. She swallowed a lump in her throat, trying not to feel too inferior, but finding it difficult. How could she not compare herself to the beautiful, cultured, and diminutive Kumiko without feeling inadequate? At not quite five feet, she still managed to be imposing as she stood at the top of the marble steps leading into the mansion. Clad in a pristine white kimono and crimson obi, she was a delicate geisha. Yet, there was no mistaking her power -- and contempt -when she inched forward on white zori that made her little steps so elegant. Nadya

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wondered how she walked in the thong-like shoes until the woman’s gaze settled on her, banishing the inane thought. She shivered under the penetrating gaze of the other woman. Her dark eyes burned with anger, ruining the cool façade projected by the pale complexion and jetblack hair bound into a high bun. There was no mistaking the murderous rage Kumiko projected, and it made Nadya shiver despite the lingering heat of the day that had yet to dissipate with the setting sun. Jalen positioned himself between her and Kumiko, breaking the spell that had frozen Nadya to her saddle and lodged her heart solidly in her throat. “I’ve been expecting her for days, but didn’t know when she’d arrive.” He grimaced. “She would have been here weeks ago, but her father finally died.” His tone left no doubt that he wouldn’t mourn the deceased Yazura clan leader. Nadya nodded, trying to hide how Kumiko’s presence affected her. She didn’t know his intentions toward the other woman. Was he still marrying her? Her mouth couldn’t seem to form the syllables necessary to ask. “Why don’t you take Rem inside and wait for me in my rooms? I’ll come to you as quickly as I can.” He followed the suggestion with lifting her hand to brush a kiss across her fingers. She nodded again, taking the reins of her horse to direct the animal away from Jalen and the entrance. Rem followed her, looking uncertain. When he drew even with her, she told him what she knew of Kumiko Yazura and the betrothal. Her knowledge did little to shed light on the unanswered questions, chief among them being would he still marry Kumiko?

*** Jalen followed Kumiko into a study on the lower floor of the mansion. To his dismay, he saw several signs that she’d already begun to settle in. Her laptop and several papers covered the surface of the desk. An entire shelf of books had mysteriously disappeared, replaced with an eclectic selection of topics on war, strategy,

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history, and some literature that was mostly Japanese in origin, from what his brief examination discerned. As soon as he closed the door, she turned on him. “I was extremely displeased to find my groom not waiting for me. I’m certain you can imagine my distress, wondering what had happened to you.” “And wondering where it left you,” said Jalen with a sardonic twist of his lips. Kumiko’s black eyes revealed nothing when she leveled a cool look at him. “I don’t need the details of where you were. I can infer you went after your human whore. What of Rem Savage? Did you capture him?” Jalen stared at her beautifully drawn features, elliptical eyes, and full lips as comprehension set in. The union with Rem had saved him from a future with this woman. Standing in front of her for the first time in many years, he realized he’d had a narrow escape. Kumiko was even worse than he’d remembered, and there was no way he would have ever been happy with her. It was liberating to know he didn’t need an alliance with the Yazura family in order to stave off Rem’s invading forces. “Well?” Daggers seemed to shoot from her eyes, and she made no effort to hide her impatience. “I saw him on the horse. Are you going to execute him?” An unsettling sparkle appeared in her eyes. “His death will make a fine show as a finale for our wedding celebration.” “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Kumiko, but we won’t be executing Rem.” Before she could open her mouth to probe for an explanation, he volunteered the information. The last thing Jalen wanted was to hear that chilling tone of excitement and anticipation again. “He and I have declared a truce and are in the process of uniting our families.” Kumiko’s mouth dropped open, staying that way for a long moment before closing with a click. “What?” “Our war with his province is over.” She shook her head so vigorously that it threatened to dislodge the mother-ofpearl barrette securing her immaculate bun. “No, it isn’t. You don’t just decide something like that on your own. I will have my say in matters affecting our clans.”

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“No, you won’t,” he said with icy precision. “The wedding is off.” “I can’t believe you’re saying this.” She massaged her temples, seeming to be in pain. “You’ve lost your mind. That’s all too clear.” “I agreed to the marriage when your father proposed it because it made good sense, strategically. This was no love match, so I’m certain you’re as relieved as I am to be freed from the obligation.” Briefly, she looked devastated, before the serene mask descended over her features again. “Jalen, I do not know what has happened to you, but I will wait a short time. Once you have come to your senses, the wedding will proceed, and we will decided how best to handle this insane situation in which you have put us.” Jalen took a step closer, his voice firm. “That isn’t necessary.” Determination hardened her eyes. “I assure you it is, Jalen DuMond. You will not make a fool of me, and I refuse to allow you to break your pledge to unite our families. There is too much at stake to indulge your nonsense.” She straightened her shoulders, sweeping past him to the door. “I will give you a little time to assess your priorities before interceding.” Before Jalen could retort, she was gone. He blinked, still trying to process Kumiko’s audacity. He was half-tempted to follow her, drag her from his home, and toss her on her ass. Hesitation and guilt kept him in the room. He’d treated her badly, and even knowing he hadn’t broken her heart, he couldn’t allow himself to give in to his baser urges to remove her from his territory. She had to maintain face as the leader of her family. Far better to let her stay for a short time and give the appearance that she found him unsatisfactory as a mate. It wouldn’t harm his already-shaky reputation, and it would allow her to emerge from the canceled marriage without humiliation. Satisfied with the course of action he’d chosen, Jalen left the study, setting out to find his lover. And Rem. He grimaced at the thought, still not sure how he felt about the union. He was now convinced Rem was his brother, but that didn’t mean he was ready to embrace him with open arms. Too much had happened between them to allow for an

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easy union of their families, or a quick merging of family loyalties. It was only for Nadya that he was willing to even try.

*** Rem paced around the confines of the luxurious suite, feeling like a jungle cat in a cage. The sight of Nadya curled so comfortably on the couch, watching him with those big, brown eyes, was the only thing that kept him from tearing from the room and returning to the Catz-Kills compound. He still questioned what he was doing there. How had he ended up in the lair of his enemy without his sword drawn, prepared to finally end the war between them? Much as he’d dreaded killing his brother, Rem had long known it was the inevitable outcome -- one would have to kill the other to end the conflict. It hadn’t made the task any easier, and he’d always shied away when he’d had the opportunity. Had he known on a deeper level that there would be peace between them someday, or had he already lost too many friends and family that he hadn’t wanted to add his brother’s life to the tally, especially taken at his hands? Now, Nadya had presented him with this dizzying new possibility, one he’d never considered before but that made him grateful he hadn’t killed his brother. The idea of a union with Jalen was still distasteful, and he knew it wouldn’t sit well with him until, and if, he saw the changes implemented that Jalen had promised to undertake. The first was supposed to be the destruction of the wall cutting him off from his people, followed by improving housing, medical care, and food for the humans under his care. Rem knew his own people would ensure the others learned selfsufficiency in a cooperative environment if Jalen’s people were open to the lessons. That was a big if, since the citizens of the Q had seemed as unwelcoming to the merger as he and Jalen had been initially. Still, the union deserved a fair chance that wouldn’t have been possible if he’d murdered Jalen, or Jalen had killed him. Rem stopped by the window, watching the bustle in the courtyard below as his people set up temporary shelters around the grounds. The sun had set, and lights twinkled on the ground. The simple conveniences Jalen’s family took for granted awed Rem.

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It struck him that if things had been different, if Jalen’s grandfather hadn’t interfered, this home would have been his birthright. It was a disorienting thought, and he braced a hand against the window to ground his reality, even as he speculated about how things would have changed. Would he have been as distant and cold to his people as Jalen appeared to be? Or would Lorne have been a different man if Loretta had stayed in his life? Would he have been compassionate like Michael had been? Would Lorne have been the same wonderful father Michael had been? Somehow, he just couldn’t picture it. It didn’t square with the memories he had of Lorne DuMond. Rem turned away from the window, turning his back on speculation. There would never be answers for the what-ifs, so it was pointless to spend time asking the questions. The past had made him who he was today, just as surely as it had forged Jalen and Nadya’s paths. He couldn’t regret the outcome, and there was no point wishing he could change events. It was far more constructive to focus on his future with Nadya, which now included Jalen. Though he wasn’t entirely convinced the union would work, he wouldn’t be the one to let it fail. He cared too much for Nadya to risk losing her, just as he cared about his people, and even Jalen’s. If they could pull off the merger, it would be the best thing for everyone.

Chapter Four More than a month later, Nadya entered the suite she shared with Jalen and now Rem, feeling exhausted. It had seemed like that dinner would never end. She understood it was crucial to put on a show for each of the visiting representatives who came from the various provinces, to show she, Jalen, and Rem truly were united, but it was a grueling process. The vampires from the Quebec province had been especially intrusive, asking personal questions, demanding answers they had no right to, and constantly watching Nadya. She’d happily let Jalen and Rem field the questions, but hadn’t been able to hide from the curious stares and vulture eyes that watched her every move. A soak in the tub soothed most of her tension, and she was relaxed by the time she emerged from the bathroom nearly an hour later. Nadya frowned to see she was still alone. No doubt, the men and women from the Quebec family were still grilling Jalen as he gave them a tour of the grounds. She imagined Rem had slipped away at the first opportunity to check his horses and men. Perhaps he’d even ventured to the Q to guarantee the process of converting materials that had once been the wall into useable items to build irrigation and sewage was proceeding without a hitch. He spent a lot of his time in the Q, ensuring the projects aimed at bettering conditions were carried out. Feeling terribly lazy for not doing anything constructive herself, Nadya lay on the bed, closed her eyes, and let herself drift off toward sleep. She was almost in the land of dreams when Kumiko’s shrill yell penetrated her quiet bubble, bringing her to complete consciousness. While she had no idea what Kumiko was yelling in Japanese, the tone was cruel and shrill, indicating she was probably shrieking at either her personal servants or the household staff again. “She has to go,” said Nadya aloud, letting her annoyance spill over.

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“Agreed.” She jumped, startled by Jalen’s silent entrance. She glared at him briefly for scaring her, but let her expression soften when he came over to kneel beside her on the bed. She shivered when he brushed her breast with his hand. “How do we get rid of her?” “I’ve been giving that some thought, and I have an idea, but I need to run it by Rem first.” Nadya sat up in the bed, wrapping her arms around her knees as she drew her legs to her chest. “Tell me.” Jalen laughed. “You don’t like being in the dark, do you, my love?” Nadya rolled her eyes, but didn’t have to retort because he kept speaking. “Neither do I. Can you imagine how difficult it was for me to have you gone, not knowing what happened to you? Sienna took great pleasure in listing the many terrible things Rem could do to you. I finally had to send her away. I didn’t need any help imagining all sorts of horrible possibilities. To think, all that time, you were fucking my enemy.” “He’s not your enemy now,” she said, watching Jalen warily. His mood was dark, and she could see he was finally ready to talk about what had happened during their separation. She only hoped he was in a suitable frame of mind. “No. You are a clever little wench.” Jalen casually twisted her nipple, making her inhale at the combined pleasure and pain. “I think we’re actually going to make this work.” He twisted her other nipple, grinning when she moaned. “All that remains is to convince Kumiko and the other families of our resolve.” “Yes.” She barely managed to speak as he got off the bed, pulling her to the edge by her nipples. “Please, Master.” Jalen towered over her. “Please, what? Release your breasts, or pull harder?” Nadya bent her head. “You should do whatever gratifies you.” “Yes.” He seemed to draw out the word, as if savoring it. “Yes,” he said again. “It satisfies me to have you pay for your silence, for letting me worry.” “I couldn’t think of a way to contact you.”

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“Liar.” Jalen cupped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “You held off contacting me until you were certain you had made your choice. Do you deny it?” “No.” She squirmed at the heat in his eyes, wondering if they burned so intently green because of anger or desire. “I was confused, and even after I figured out what I wanted, I had to think of a way to get it.” “Your honesty thrills me, but I was still tied up in knots. That’s a fitting punishment, don’t you think?” Jalen’s voice was rough with passion, increasing her desire. “Well, Nadya?” She nodded, her stomach churning with excitement and a touch of dread. “What shall I do, Master?” “Don’t move.” To her regret, he released the punishing hold he’d maintained on one of her nipples, leaving the hard bud aching for attention. Her pussy was slick with need, and she wanted to crawl off the bed and follow him on her hands and knees but knew even in that subservient position, he would be angry with her for disobeying his command to stay put. He left her line of sight, and she buried a restless hand in her pussy, stroking her clit to soothe the raging fire building between her thighs. When he returned, she made no effort to stop touching herself, since he hadn’t forbidden it… exactly… At the familiar sight of the red velvet ropes in his hand, her heart raced with excitement. Many times, he’d used them on her for both their pleasure. “I’m going to tie you in knots.” Jalen stopped before her, his gaze centered on her masturbating. “Stop touching yourself, Nadya. You’re not supposed to enjoy all of this any more than I enjoyed not knowing your fate.” “Yes, Master.” Immediately, she dropped her hand. Jalen intercepted it, bringing the appendage to his mouth, where he thoroughly licked her fingers before pulling her arm behind her. She offered no resistance when he took her other hand to bind both of them behind her back. The rope bit into her skin just enough to feel it, and she shivered at the sensations. He bound her wrists to her ankles, but didn’t tie her feet together.

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A sound of satisfaction rumbled his chest when he stepped back to survey her, looking pleased. Hobbled as she was, lying partially on her stomach and partly on her side, it was difficult to look up to see his expression, but she managed. “Lashes are appropriate, so you can know the sting of uncertainty.” Nadya smiled, pleased to see the whisper-soft whip he produced from a back pocket. It was the softest kid leather. She sighed with satisfaction at the first lash of the whip. Each strand separated, smacking her ass with pleasing coverage that left enough sting to remind her she’d just been spanked. Jalen struck five times with the whip before pausing. Nadya groaned when he rubbed the tender flesh to dissipate the tingle. “Thank you, Master.” “I want your mouth open for only one purpose, my love.” Jalen pushed his cock against her face, using one hand to slap the head lightly against her cheek. When he rubbed his erection against her lips, she parted her mouth to accept all of him. Nadya bobbed and sucked on his shaft as he continued striking her with the whip across the lower thighs, buttocks, and back. Their mingled cries of pleasure must have masked the sound of the door opening, because Rem caught them unaware as he charged across the room, lunged at Jalen, and toppled him to the floor. “Leave her alone, you sadistic fuck.” “Rem --” He didn’t allow his brother to speak. Rem pressed his forearm against Jalen’s throat. “I should have known I couldn’t trust you. Here I was, starting to think you were a good man who had just chosen the wrong path. I was a fool.” “Rem, stop it.” Nadya rolled onto her side in order to better project her voice and to see the two men. “He isn’t hurting me.” “Don’t defend him, Nadya. There are marks on your skin.” She nodded. “Okay, yes, he is hurting me, but because I want him to. I need this aspect of Jalen’s sexuality as much as I need your tenderness and caring. You might not understand why we enjoy this kind of play, but you must know it is consensual. I like having him whip me.”

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Rem eased his hold on Jalen, allowing his brother to roll away. The men rose to their feet almost in concert, eyeing each other warily. “I don’t understand this, and I won’t pretend to.” He shrugged, gaze still on Jalen. “If that’s what she wants…” Trailing off, Rem looked toward the door, soon turning to leave. “Don’t leave, Rem.” Panic made her voice thick, and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. Would the darker side of her relationship with Jalen prove to be too much for Rem, with his gentler nature, to accept? He turned back to her. “I ain’t leaving for good, love. You two need your privacy.” Nadya shook her head. “I don’t want you to go.” Rem looked lost. “What do you want from me? I don’t have a role in this game.” “Playtime is over,” said Jalen. “This can wait until another time. Right now, let’s fuck Nadya until she forgets her name.” After a brief hesitation, Rem nodded and returned to them. Clearly impatient, he shed his clothes along the way, and by the time the three of them were on the bed again, he was naked. Nadya reveled in his gentle fingers unfastening the ropes, and she shivered when he bent her over his lap in order to brush his lips across the marks on her back. As he soothed the sore spots, Jalen laid beside her, turning her head so he could kiss her. Her tongue engaged his in passionate battle, and sensations flooded her body. She was wet and ready for them. Jalen and Rem guided her to a sitting position, and Jalen pulled her onto his lap. His slippery cock, clearly lubed already, nudged her anus, but he held off. “I think most of the families are accepting the union. What do you think?” Rem shrugged as he knelt in front of her, the hair of his chest tickling her skin. “No one has openly challenged us yet, except that harpy houseguest of yours.” Distaste laced his tone, and he licked her neck, as if making the effort to cleanse his palette. Nadya wriggled, trying to impale Jalen’s erection. To her frustration, he held her still against him, his hands vises locking her hips in place. “I want --”

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Jalen interrupted her, still talking to Rem. “Kumiko won’t give up the anticipated merger easily. She’s the type who likes power. I’ve been thinking and have come to the conclusion that we have to show her we’re completely serious about this union.” Nadya reached for Rem’s hand to guide it to her breast, and then whimpered with frustration when all he did was lightly squeeze the globe before letting it rest in his hand. “Touch me, Rem,” she purred, trying to sound sultry. “Hold on, love.” He brushed a light kiss across her mouth before lifting his head. “I don’t know what else we can do to prove to her that you’re not marrying her crazy ass. I understand why you think you owe her something, but I think you’re going to have to drag her out of the house if you want to get rid of her.” Jalen finally relented to her squirms, loosening his hold on her hips. Nadya lifted her bottom until his cock barely penetrated her opening. “You might be right, but I’ve come up with a plan that should show our sincerity to all the families, and especially Kumiko.” Nadya sighed with satisfaction as she sank onto his erection. Rem now cupped both her breasts and was rubbing her nipples. She was satisfied and content to block out the details of their conversation. She had more important matters to pursue -- such as getting both their cocks inside her as quickly as possible. Her pussy ached for something to fill it. “What’d you have in mind?” asked Rem as he cuddled closer, the head of his cock rubbing against her clit before he lowered it to nestle in her opening. Nadya lifted her ass higher to accommodate Rem’s questing cock, forcing Jalen to lean back slightly in the process. “Fuck me, Rem.” He grinned at her and complied, sliding as deeply into her as the position would allow. She leaned back against Jalen, her hair falling over both their shoulders and down his back. “I think we have to make Nadya one of us.” She froze in mid-thrust. “What?” “You mean a vampire?” asked Rem, already shaking his head. “I won’t do that.”

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Jalen seemed to have anticipated his objection. “It’s no secret how much you hate being a vampire. Everyone knows you were converted against your will, so you wouldn’t undertake making a vampire lightly.” “I won’t undertake it at all.” Rem seemed on the verge of separating from them and storming out. Nadya was starting to see the brilliance of Jalen’s plan, and she reached out to Rem, putting her hands on his shoulders. “He’s right, love. If you and Jalen both convert me to a vampire, it will prove your commitment to me and the union.” His features contorted, revealing his confusion and pain. “Don’t you understand how terrible it is to change? How dangerous? Do you really want to be dependent on blood?” “Your transformation wasn’t typical, Rem,” said Jalen. “It can be a beautiful process, or it can be horrifying. No one made an effort to guide you through the visions and dreams that plague the one being transformed. We wouldn’t do that to Nadya.” “I can’t do it,” said Rem. He was so upset that his cock was softening inside her. Nadya nodded. “It’s okay. You don’t have to.” Disappointment pricked her, surprising her. She’d entertained the thought of asking Jalen to change her since the three of them united, but hadn’t really considered it a possibility. Apparently, she’d hoped for it to be anyway, regardless of what she’d told herself. “Brother --” Jalen put a hand on Rem’s shoulder, “-- there’s one thing you aren’t thinking about.” Rem’s stiff shoulders and firmly set lips indicated he wouldn’t surrender to any argument. “What’s that?” “Barring any accidents or death in battle, you and I will outlive Nadya by at least a hundred years.” He rubbed his chin against the top of her head. “The idea of spending a century without Nadya is unthinkable. I can’t do it. Even if I could, there is a more political side to her early death, one that we have to address. Not knowing we are brothers, the other clans are going to be expecting our union to splinter when she dies. Some might be content to let Nadya live out her natural lifespan. Some won’t.”

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Rem paled as the implication set in. “Is this really the best way to protect her though?” She felt Jalen nod when his cheek brushed hers. “I think so. As a vampire, she’ll be more resistant to any assassination attempts, and our converting her together will signal to those waiting for the union to dissolve that it is permanent. Even Kumiko will have to believe it then.” “I’d let you turn me into anything if it meant getting rid of that harridan.” Nadya said it lightly, but she couldn’t hide the underlying note of seriousness. Kumiko had to go, and if becoming a vampire was the way to get rid of her, she could do that. Besides, the thought of leaving Jalen and Rem alone for so long was intolerable. Almost as unbearable was the idea of growing old and feeble while they stayed young and strong, aging at a much slower rate. “Please change me.” Rem’s shoulders dropped, and while he didn’t verbally consent, it was clear he was in agreement. Jalen began thrusting into her again, and Nadya returned his thrusts, making sure she wiggled her bottom to stimulate Rem’s semi-flaccid erection. Soon, he was hard and filling her pussy again. They fell into a thrusting trance, the three of them moving in union. Completely filled, Nadya strained for climax, needing it as much as she dreaded the moment when they would separate again, at least until the next time the three of them made love. Their throbbing cocks pounded into her, pushing her to the brink of orgasm. Her pussy convulsed, and her back passage clenched tighter around Jalen’s shaft. “Now,” said Jalen in a reverent whisper. “Bite her, Rem.” The orgasm overtook her as their mouths pierced her skin. They sucked her neck, draining her blood just as surely as her muscles tightening and spasming around their cocks drained them. Their hot spurts of release shot into her as her warm blood filled their mouths. A sense of vertigo overwhelmed her, making the room spin. Nadya clung to her lovers as the dizziness worsened, and a black veil fell over her eyes. She hovered on the edge of unconsciousness, and surprisingly, another orgasm. When Rem pushed his wrist against her mouth, she drank from the wound her

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tongue found. The taste of his blood was coppery and salty, but not wholly unpleasant. Jalen brought his wrist to her mouth, pressing it beside Rem’s. Nadya lapped the blood that dripped into her mouth, no longer able to discern whose blood she was ingesting. As planned, their blood mingled in her, as hers now flowed in their veins. Her pussy tightened as she came, and the euphoria of her climax ushered her into a state deeper than unconsciousness, but with a heightened level of awareness beyond anything she’d ever imagined.

Chapter Five Several days later, Nadya rode through the Q on a white mare in the company of two men from Jalen’s militia. She didn’t necessarily agree that she needed protection, especially since word of her conversion had surely reached all the provinces by now, but her lovers had been insistent. Their combined strength and sense of purpose, when exerted upon the same goal, was nearly insurmountable. Arguing had proven for naught, but at least she’d remained firm in her conviction that she had to see her grandmother without Jalen and Rem. If she could get her grandmother to see her at all, her best chance was by herself, not with the two vampires at her side. All around, signs of rejuvenation manifested themselves. The streets were free of litter and waste. New ditches flowed with water for crop irrigation, and cleared fields showed sprouts of greenery here and there. Other groups had undertaken the task of upgrading the buildings, and several structures looked new after renovation. Even the people themselves showed marks of change. Homespun clothes still seemed to be the norm, but most were neat and clean, recently repaired, or newly woven. The most amazing sign of transformation was in the children. The ones she saw playing looked healthier, without the hollow cheeks indicative of too little food that she remembered from when she’d lived among the humans of the Q. The apartment building where she’d lived with her grandmother remained unchanged, though it seemed to have fewer residents. Her newly heightened senses told her that as much as the forlorn air of the building itself. Nadya dismounted, trying to ignore her bodyguards, and entered the building. The stairs were rickety as ever, but she treaded them confidently, knowing all the weak spots. She knocked on the closed door, no longer feeling comfortable just walking in. After a second, she heard the shuffle of feet and her grandmother’s heartbeat as the

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older woman approached the door. Nadya held her breath when the door opened, not certain if Granny would even allow her past the doorway. A look of displeasure contorted Granny’s face, but she didn’t slam the door. “What do you want?” “I wanted to see you.” Nadya smoothed the front of her dress nervously. The plain cut and fabric, deliberately chosen so as not to remind her grandmother of her new life of luxury, had no wrinkles, but she needed something to busy her hands. “Why?” “Because I love you. Oh, Granny, please forgive me,” Nadya begged as she threw herself against the other woman. Tears leaked from her eyes, and she cried harder at her grandmother’s rigid posture. Finally, Granny put an arm around Nadya, her entire body softening. “I’ve missed you so much, Granny,” she whispered against her grandmother’s neck. “I’ve missed you too, child.” Granny sounded gruff, and her eyes were moist when she stepped back, leading Nadya inside. When the two guards would have followed, Nadya held up a hand and closed the door on them. Rem and Jalen could insist she have protection, but they couldn’t make her take the men everywhere. She wouldn’t bring the vampire guards into her grandmother’s home. As a vampire now herself, she must have been an intrusion to her grandmother’s sensibilities on some level. Nadya edged away from the chair nearest the window, avoiding the patch of sunlight falling across the cushion. Once safely in the shadows, she removed the heavy veil that had shielded her sensitive skin from the late afternoon sunshine and sat in the other chair. Granny sat in the window seat, and after a few moments of awkwardness, they were soon talking just as they had in the past. No, there was one critical difference now. Granny was treating her with the respect due a fellow adult, not as a child. Peace settled in her heart as she sat in the old living room where she’d spent her first eighteen years, basking in the glow of her grandmother’s love again. She wouldn’t have changed any of her actions, but it

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lightened a burden she had carried for months to know Granny had forgiven her and still loved her. Several hours passed before Nadya knew it. “I must get back,” she said after a look out the window. Shadows dotted the landscape, and it would be fully dark before she arrived back at the DuMond mansion. She took her grandmother’s hands in hers, squeezing for a moment before releasing her. “Thank you for understanding, Granny.” Granny frowned, her gaze still full of concern. “I won’t pretend to understand why you’re with either of them, but I love you. All that matters to me is that you made the choice voluntarily, and that you’re happy. You deserve better than your mother’s fate.” She sniffed. “So did she.” “I know.” Nadya swallowed the lump in her throat, biting back the melancholy emotions that threatened to destroy her warm glow of happiness. Clearing her throat, she said, “I am happy.” With a nod, Granny rose to walk her to the door. “Come back soon, child.” She embraced Nadya in a comforting, familiar hug. She took the feeling with her as she left the apartment. The men fell into step behind her, following her from the building. Nadya went to her horse and mounted. The presence of the guards was a minor irritation that she supposed she would adjust to, with time. Thinking of time had her spurring the horse to a canter. It was getting late, and she didn’t want Jalen or Rem to worry about her. She knew they would anyway, probably imagining a bevy of disasters befalling her -- from robbery to a bad sunburn, because she might have forgotten about her new vulnerability to extended sunlight exposure -- as they occupied themselves with their daily tasks, probably each trying to hide their concern from the other. She smiled at the thought and the sight of the road to the mansion, knowing she would be with them soon. A noise behind her caught Nadya’s attention. She twisted in the saddle to see what had caused the clatter, but never identified the source. All she saw was the blur of a thick staff swinging at her too quickly for her to duck. The wood collided with the

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side of her head and cheek, making her cry out and fall from the horse. She was unconscious before she hit the ground.

Chapter Six Nadya woke with a groggy feeling, at first not sure why she was so hung over when she didn’t recall drinking anything. Gradually, the sound of her name penetrated the fog, and she turned her head, wincing at the dull dart of pain accompanying the motion. “Rem?” She blinked, not certain if the room was really dark, or if her vision was affected by whatever had left her so unfocused. A gasp escaped her when she remembered the guards attacking her. Some safety measure they had turned out to be. She almost said so, but the sight of the thick ropes holding Rem distracted her. “What’s going on?” He shrugged and then winced, seeming to regret the movement. “I don’t know. Some cowards attacked me from behind. They caught me unaware, and it was too late to stop them by the time I realized they were there. Next thing, I woke up here, beside you.” Just where were they? Nadya squinted to make out anything familiar, but it was too dark. Even her increased visual acuity didn’t assist her in discerning anything more than a couple of feet away. If Rem hadn’t been so close, she wouldn’t have been able to see him either. As it was, she could make out little more than the shape of his form. “That’s basically what happened to me too. Have you seen Jalen?” “No.” Rem grunted. “I’ve almost got this knot free,” he whispered, clearly worried they were under observation or some kind of surveillance. “Work on yours.” Nadya nodded, testing the ropes holding her. She’d determined she was bound to a chair, but little else. Her bonds held her tightly, but she could feel some slight give when she struggled against them. A light clicked on from a distance, and Nadya stopped to study her surroundings. The illumination had reached them from another room, but provided

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enough ambient glow to make out a four-post bed, dresser, and chaise lounge. It appeared to be a guest room similar to the one where she’d spent the first days of her time with Jalen, after he chose her as a tribute. “What’s this all about, Kumiko?” asked Jalen, his voice distant but approaching. “It’s been a long day.” “I know, but I have to show you this before I go. You do still want me to leave tonight, don’t you?” Nadya rolled her eyes at the way Kumiko’s voice had dropped an octave, to a seductive pitch. “Yes.” His voice was much closer now. Nadya blinked when the door opened and the light came on. Her eyes had grown accustomed to the gloom, and it took a moment for them to adjust. Her heart leapt at the sight of Jalen framed in the doorway. “What the hell is this?” Jalen demanded. Nadya could see his rising anger, barely kept in check, as he strode toward them. She looked around as much as her captivity would allow, finding they were near the closed doors of a balcony. Straining, she looked over her shoulder and saw the same two guards who had accosted her standing on the balcony. Clearly, they weren’t meant to be part of this unless Kumiko had need of them. “That’s close enough.” The whisper of steel against leather followed the other woman’s orders. The tip of her blade rested at Jalen’s throat. “Don’t take another step in their direction, please.” Her formal politeness somehow made her all the more chilling. Jalen froze, looking more annoyed than frightened by the sword at his throat. “What do you expect this to achieve, Kumiko? What do you want?” “I want you to come to your senses. I’m offering you a choice. The other clans have fallen in line. They will not challenge you now, with Savage’s army added to yours.” “What kind of choice?” Jalen seemed intrigued, but Nadya could tell from his coiled muscles that he was still seething with fury.

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“Get rid of these two. I have two stakes from the wall they insisted on toppling awaiting them in the courtyard. How very symbolic, don’t you think?” Her girlish giggle sent a frisson of ice down Nadya’s spine. “The families will still follow you. Why would they care if you disposed of two human vermin with no bloodlines once they were no longer useful? Savage’s army will either disband or follow you, having no one else to turn to.” Her voice dropped almost to a hiss. “Think of all the power you can wield. It will be all yours.” “And yours?” asked Jalen softly. “That is the point of all this, isn’t it?” Kumiko gave a demure shrug. “I will take my place as your wife, and we will share the power.” Jalen shifted, appearing to be contemplating the scenario. “What happens when I’m no longer useful to you? Will I meet a similar fate?” Kumiko seemed shocked by the possibility. “Of course not. You are from noble bloodlines. Despite a few misjudgments…” She cast a glance at Nadya. “…you are everything one would expect from a DuMond. Jalen, you are a perfectly suitable mate. Our children will unite all the provinces under their leadership if we don’t manage to.” Jalen hesitated, and then shook his head. “You put such stock in bloodlines, but I don’t think I am the mate for you. The DuMond blood isn’t as pure as you think. After all, DuMond blood flows in my brother’s veins, and he’s nothing like our father, or the man my father raised me to be.” He jerked his head in Rem’s direction as he spoke, leaving no doubt about whom he spoke. Kumiko looked at Rem, clearly horrified at the revelation. “It can’t be.” Jalen continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “Rem is not a man like my father. He’s a much better one, and I thank Nadya for helping me realize that. Your plan will never work, because I want nothing to do with you, and I don’t lust for power the way you do.” “No,” shouted Nadya when Kumiko shrieked, slashing the sword across Jalen’s throat. She jerked against her bonds, and a reserve of strength she’d just discovered came to her aid. In her fear and anger, she ripped the ropes from the chair. They fell to

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the ground as she surged forward, lunging at Kumiko. Peripherally, she saw Jalen stagger but not fall. Rather than ease her concern when he didn’t fall, the sight of him staggering with weakness fueled her anger. She reached Kumiko as the vampire swung her sword toward Nadya. Instinctively, she ducked under the blade and up the other side. She wrenched the sword from Kumiko and turned it back toward the other woman. “It’s time you left. Get out now, while you can still move.” Kumiko seemed unafraid. She darted to the side, away from the sword. In the process, she scratched Nadya’s cheek, flaying her flesh. “You will die, vermin.” All the rage exploded from Nadya, centering in her arm. She thrust the sword forward and up with all her strength, lodging the blade solidly in Kumiko’s heart. For a moment, they appeared equally startled, and she clapped a hand over her mouth, stunned that she had stabbed Kumiko. The insane urge to apologize hovered on her tongue, but she remained speechless. Kumiko looked down at the hilt extending from her chest. She placed a hand on it, almost caressing her family seal. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.” Still looking shocked, she backed away from Nadya, toward the balcony. Her gaze shifted to Jalen, making it clear he was the only one in the room whom she considered an equal. “You did this. You and your whore.” Jalen and Rem stood close together, the guards unconscious at their feet, clearly no match for the brothers. They appeared stupefied by the turn of events, and he didn’t deny the accusation. Kumiko stumbled over one of the chairs that had imprisoned Rem and Nadya. She didn’t fall, but seemed close to collapsing. Her eyes shifted out of focus, and what little color had been in her face drained away. She limped to the railing, staring at Nadya with unseeing eyes as she braced herself against the metal balustrades. Nadya edged closer, not sure whether she wanted to reach out to Kumiko or shove her over the balcony. She froze when Kumiko started speaking.

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“I spent most of my life in my brother’s shadow.” A shaky smile crumpled as soon as it formed, leaving Kumiko looking lost and more than a little dejected. “My father ignored my existence until he needed me. Once I killed my brother, the Yazura clan had no leader. I was the only remaining heir. That finally got his attention. I endured his disappointment and abuse so that I could rule one day in his stead.” She shifted dark, accusing eyes to Jalen. “In the end, he betrayed me. Father never had the confidence that I could rule, so he arranged for me to marry you. Do you know what a bitter pill that was to swallow?” “Kumiko, come inside.” Jalen stepped closer to her. “Perhaps it isn’t too late for you to return home and take over the leadership of your family.” Kumiko stroked the blade piercing her heart. “It’s much too late. I have lost everything.” She glared at Nadya. “You stole everything from me. It should be you…” Her face contorted, and her body went rigid. A convulsion racked her frame, knocking her backward. Nadya cried out as Kumiko plunged over the railing. As one, the three of them rushed to the edge of the balcony to look down. Sickened, she looked away from the sight of Kumiko impaled on the stake she had intended to use on Nadya and Rem. At that moment, it didn’t matter if Kumiko had planned the same fate for Nadya. She pitied the other woman and hoped she’d been dead before the sharpened stake pierced her. “It’s over,” said Jalen, turning away. Rem followed suit, wrapping an arm around Nadya to lead her from the room. She was aware of Jalen speaking to guards as they walked down the hallway, but tuned out the conversation. Upon entering their suite, he said, “She was the last opposition to our union.” “I can’t pretend I’m sorry she’s dead, but that’s a terrible way to go.” Rem shook his head. “I killed her.” Nadya was numb, uncertain how to process the events that had transpired. She didn’t regret her reaction to Kumiko wounding Jalen, but she couldn’t be glad that she’d disposed of the other woman either. Her gaze jerked to Jalen’s neck.

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Nadya reached out to touch the jagged line, finding it mostly healed. “How can that be?” “Vampires heal quickly.” He seemed unbothered by the injury. “Kumiko would have had to sever my head to do away with me. Maybe she miscalculated, or maybe she really didn’t want me dead.” He cast a seemingly reflex look in the direction of the balcony. “I guess I’ll never know.” “I’m just happy you’re alive.” Nadya embraced Jalen before drawing Rem to her. Pressed between them, she was calm. Relief spread, though couldn’t completely obliterate her darker emotions regarding Kumiko’s death. She would carry that with her a long time. There had been no other choice, but it would be a while before the other woman’s countenance at the moment of her death faded from her memory. Rem and Jalen would be there for her. She knew that as instinctively as she knew how to breathe. They were the other parts of her soul, and there was nothing to divide them now. “I love you, Rem, Jalen.” She snuggled closer and Rem followed. “I love you too, Nadya.” Jalen kissed the top of her head. “Thank you for bringing us together. Unified, we are invincible.” “More than that, we’re complete.” Rem sounded choked up. That summed it all up. They completed each other in ways they had only begun to realize. It was wonderful to finally be whole.

Kit Tunstall Kit Tunstall lives in Idaho with her husband, son, and two dogs who think they are humans. Writing, mothering, and college classes keep her busy, but in her (little) free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, walking, and biking.