WCP

BLUE BLOODS OF ARCHALON BOOK 1: BLOOD RICH by

Angela Castle

TORRID BOOKS www.torridbooks.com

Published by TORRID BOOKS www.torridbooks.com An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 Copyright  2012 by Angela Castle Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61160-420-7

Credits Cover Artist: Gemini Judson Editor: Dennis Hays Printed in the United States of America

Other Books by Author Available at Torrid Books: www.torridbooks.com Abducting Alice Tempting Tara Resisting Rachel Claiming Claire Dragon Down Under Moonlight Captivation Sin’s City Dragon Down Under: Two Plus One

Chapter 1 The corridor was dark, damp and smelled of blood—both fresh and old; it reeked. Fear and panic gripped Aria. She froze. A steel hand banded around her upper arm, propelling her forward. “This is a mistake. I’ve changed my mind. You can have your money back,” she told her customer, her first and only customer. His charming smile contorted into a menacing grin. She tried twisting her arm to free herself, but his hand held her in place. He dragged her now. They came to a set of steps. “I’m not into any twisted shit. Let me go,” she snarled at him. He laughed. She heard that kind of laugh before, a you’re-more-thanfucked laugh. Instinct kicked in, curling her hands into fists. She twisted sharply, ramming a bunched fist into the man’s solar plexus. The man grunted, winded. His grip loosened. Tearing herself free, she spun on her heels and ran. Her foot twisted in those damn heels she’d borrowed from Mae; she gasped as she stumbled, slamming hard into the stone floor. She whimpered in pain as the unforgiving hard floor scraped her knees and the palms of her hands. Fuck. “I admire your fight, little whore, but it won’t save you.” He stood over her and reached down to grab her by her upper arms. He lifted her, shoving her face first into the brick wall with both arms pinned behind her back. 1

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “I’m not a whore; I’ve never done this before. I-I thought I could, but I can’t. Please, let me go.” She felt his hot breath on her ear. “I know that; every nervous movement you’ve made told me you were no whore. So much so, I couldn’t resist. But you’re not here to be fucked, as tempting as you may be.” He anchored one of his hands on both her wrists to keep her pinned, his other slid up over her hip and lower stomach to cup her breast. He squeezed hard. “Hmm, very tempting. It’s getting harder and harder to find fresh young innocents. I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw you on that street corner. You are beautiful, little dove.” She shivered as his tongue darted out and swirled around her ear; goose bumps broke out all over her body. “Wh-what do you want?” It was a struggle to keep the fear from her voice. He pulled back, taking her along with him as he headed in the direction she had run from, pushing her down the steps, and keeping her moving. If he hadn’t been holding her so tightly, she would have fallen down the spiral stairs. The only light came from sparsely scattered bulbs. “I have a guest downstairs; you’re going to keep him company.” What kind of guest would be put up in a dark, horrid-smelling hole? In a large place such as this, there was only one word for the place he dragged her to. “What kind of guest do you keep in a dungeon? What will he do?” She was trying to keep the panic from her voice. With each struggle, he twisted her arm painfully, so she ceased her efforts lest he should break her arm. “Whatever he likes, I suppose.” The casual way he spoke only increased her fear. With the first door unlocked, he shoved her inside, pushing her away from him. 2

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria rubbed her arms, putting as much distance as possible between herself and her abductor, as she watched him lock the door with a heavy, old, iron key. The door was the only way out. In the dim, electric light of this modern dungeon, she could barely see a row of solid steel doors. He walked to one and inserted another key, but he didn’t unlock it. He turned to her, crooking his finger to beckon her forward. “Be a good little girl now and come here.” Aria shook her head. “Go to hell, you bastard. The cops are going to track you down and see you rot in prison.” Her words only seemed to make him smile that same sinister smile. “Oh, little dove, you do like to make things hard on yourself.” He stalked forward. Aria evaded him as best as she could, until he had her trapped in a corner. She kicked and punched at him, but he was ready and quick. She found herself grabbed and flung over his shoulder with her head hanging down. She beat his back with her fists. His strong arms banded around her legs. For good measure, and as if to amuse himself, he slapped her ass several times as he approached the door with the key. It all happened way too fast. The door was opened, Aria was tossed inside—falling hard on the concrete floor—the door was slammed shut, and she heard the key in the lock, twisting with a firm click. Trying to contain the panic fighting to break free in the complete pitch-black of the cell, Aria scrambled along the floor, feeling with her fingers until she reached the metal door. She rose to her feet and loudly pounded on it. “You son of a bitch, you’ll pay. I swear you’ll pay!” She felt anger, fear and helplessness. Oh, God, she was going to die here. A sudden awareness that she was not alone made her freeze. Even with the blood rushing in her ears and her heart pounding, she 3

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich could sense it—sense him. Aria turned, pushing her back into the wall, as if she could melt herself right through it to safety. “Who’s there?” She swallowed hard; whatever it was in this cell with her, it was dangerous, deadly. A soft shuffling of feet made her heart pound louder in her ears, and her breathing accelerated. She felt along the walls, inching back until she hit the corner and could go no farther. Then she closed her eyes, trying to get them to adjust to the dark. “Please, don’t…hurt me.” Her whole body trembled; she knew it had moved closer. A breath caressed her face. Aria’s eyes flew open; she wanted to see who it was. Still nothing other than darkness, but every other sense heightened. Cold fingers touched her arm. Aria let out a strangled scream. As she was pulled forward, her body hit a wall of solid, naked, hard-muscled chest. Her hand pushed against the cool flesh as an arm banded around her back, tilting her, making her arch backward. Hot breath, cold body? She didn’t understand how that was possible. This man, this thing felt big. She tentatively ran her hands over the wall of muscles she was pressed against. His chest expanded and deflated with each breath he took. She felt that hot breath fan across her throat; she felt his cool lips against her skin. He kissed her throat, like that of a gentle lover, confusing her even more. “Hungry, so hungry. I am sorry. I-I need, I need…” The voice was a hoarse, deep whisper. It should have sent another wave of panic through her, yet, strangely, it calmed her. If this would be her death, she wasn’t going to greet it like a victim. She relaxed into those strong arms. Instead of pushing in hope of escape, she let her hands feel the bare, smooth, cool flesh. Even though she could not see him, she knew he was incredibly well-built by the definition of his pectorals. Her hands searched higher, finding more bunched muscles at his 4

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich shoulders, and she explored around his back. His hair was soft, thick and greasy; her fingers smoothed up and into it. He stilled, but did not remove his face from the crook of her neck. His breathing became harder, almost labored. His cool, hard body trembled under her touch, but still he did not release her from his tight embrace. This man, this thing was in pain; she could feel the hurt radiating off him. “It’s all right,” she whispered. Why? No logic came to mind. This man was in need of something, of help—her help. “If you need me, take me.” Had Aria totally lost her mind? More than likely. Shutting down her brain, she allowed herself to simply feel: to feel him, to feel her acceptance. Something about this felt right; whatever he wanted, she wanted to give him. Those cool lips brushed against her neck. Giving a sharp gasp, she felt his lips widen on her throat. His placed his lips on the side of her neck and felt hard, sharp-tipped daggers sink into her throat. A flash of pain, then a burst of pleasure ripped through her body, making every nerve ending tingle and zing with delight. Aria moaned and clasped him tighter to her, curling her fingers in his hair. Her skin overheated. She wanted skin-to-skin, flesh-to-flesh contact with the man who made her feel like this; she wanted to press her breasts against his chest. She shifted her hips against his, desperately, wantonly, feeling his hard erection straining against his clothing. White-hot, searing, blind lust ruled and drove her, making her hungry for completion. The more he tugged on her skin, the higher she climbed toward the pinnacle. Her body was weakening, now completely at his mercy; he held her firm in his arms. As he gave another long tug on her throat, she let out a strangled cry and everything exploded. White lights flashed before her eyes, her body shuddered, and then she moaned. She was falling, unable to stop it. Unable to think or feel, she had no choice but to let the darkness take her. 5

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Ethan ripped himself from the woman with a hoarse roar. “Mine!” Her blood was so rich, like drinking ambrosia itself. He would not, could not, take her life—oh, no. She was his, her blood and her body. She would live and live for him; he would make sure of it. Never had any of the others reacted to him like she had, their fear drawing him like a bee to sweet honey. She had feared him at first, then everything changed and the fear left her. He felt her heart beat: strong, willing and giving. Ethan wanted her, wanted her blood and wanted her fulfillment. Why? Why is she different from the others? But she was. She was not the usual whore his jailer brought him, those he mindlessly killed, unable to stop himself, never truly sating his bloodlust and leaving his mind still snowed in a fog. But he had stopped. Why? Hardly aware of his prison, the other women had been but a blur. He was always so hungry. Now with her lovely, rich nectar running through him, every sense sharpened; he felt strong and restored. How long had it been since he had felt this whole? He wasn’t sure. Taking in the vision of the woman in his arms—her hair a mass of honey-brown curls tumbling down over his arm—he breathed in the scent of a flowery perfume, her skin soft, now pale because of the blood he took. Her heartbeat, although weak, labored on. If he took any more, she would die. Her face looked painted, large eyes tinted in a shimmering blue, long, black-tinted eyelashes, high cheekbones dusted with pink rouge, lips full and reddened with a glossy red substance. He ran the pad of his thumb over them, smudging the color. She was dressed like the usual whores he had taken. She wore a tight, blood-red top stretched across beautiful, ample breasts and a short black skirt, revealing the curve of her well-rounded hips and lovely long legs. Ethan was very certain she was no whore. He scowled at the scrapes on her knees and on the palms of her hands. Someone had 6

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich caused her harm in bringing her to him—his jailer. This woman’s blood roused him from the nightmare keeping him in this state… He would need more. There was no way he could destroy the one thing which just saved him. Every instinct he possessed screamed at him to claim her; she was a blue blood and she was his. The lock clicked in his cell door. Ethan set his woman down on the floor; he had to act now and quickly. He hung his head down so his jailer wouldn’t see the change in his eyes. Longsuppressed powers surged to the surface. Ethan closed his eyes, harnessing them. The door swung open and faint light flowed in, not that he needed it. There were only two things on his mind now—getting out, and taking his woman with him. He needed her blood; he needed her. Ethan crouched down, every muscle in his body ready for action. His jailer sighed. “Damn, I thought this one was different.” He had assumed he was looking at another dead body. “Oh, she is.” Ethan raised his head, leaping at him before he had time to react, slamming him back against the stone wall four feet from his cell door; the fledgling’s head hit the stone with a heavy thwack, knocking him clean out. Ethan had a mind to finish off the bastard; obviously he had been bringing his meals to him, the one who had hurt his woman. Instead, Ethan quickly stripped him of his clothing, passing on the tight, restrictive-looking material covering his cock. The shirt and jacket were a tight fit, but would have to do. Relieving him of his keys and other possessions, Ethan dragged the man into his old, dank, dirty cell, dumping him there before picking up his woman. With her secure in his arms, he carried her out and locked the cell door, hoping his fledgling jailer rotted in there like he had for so long. Ethan unlocked the last door of his prison and started up the steps to freedom.

7

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich

Chapter 2 Leaving the underground prison had proved relatively easy, until he got outside. He found an unfamiliar land of bright, glaring lights and horseless, metal carriages moving on their own. Women, dressed as men passed him on the streets; there was a rancid, smoky smell in the air and a constant hum of noise. So much had changed; human civilization had advanced much in his absence. It had been hard enough adapting after being forced to survive in a harsh, primitive world. Now, he had to adapt to human advances. Snatching up a discarded newspaper called The New York Times, his gaze scanned over the date. Anger curled deep in his gut after he calculated the amount of time he had been imprisoned. Over two hundred years had passed since he’d been betrayed, tricked, captured and starved into submission. He knew damn well why he’d been kept alive, not that it was living. Any attempt to kill him would mean a whole long line of ancient vampires would fall as well. This was proven when fledglings decapitated his brother Marc in an attempt to seize power. There was shock and horror on their faces when nearly half of those present screamed, as if being boiled alive from the inside, before their bodies sank into gelatinous piles of skin and bones. It had saved Ethan’s life; whatever Ethan and his brothers were, their creations needed them alive. But why had he been moved to this land? Ethan had many questions and much to discover, but they would have to wait; there 8

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich were only a few hours till dawn. He could not wander around with his blue blood all night. Even with so much change in the world around him, the underlying basics of humanity had not changed— money, death, food, sex, shelter. Reluctantly, he was forced to leave his unconscious woman hidden in a dark alley. He snatched a passing mortal woman, finding her mind weak and easy to control; it would seem his powers had strengthened as the centuries passed. Yet, he was not fully recovered. Ethan would require more blood to completely bring himself back to full strength, but it was too soon to feed from his new source. She needed time to recover. Using the other woman, a blond, he commanded her to take him to a place of lodging. With his blue blood back in his arms, he followed her to a hôtel, a far cry from the rented closets which used to exist a few hundred years ago in France. When asked for payment, the green paper currency found in his jailer’s wallet satisfied the innkeeper. They secured a room high in the building’s interior. With his mind being controlled by Ethan, the innkeeper handed over a key without even glancing at the woman in Ethan’s arms. The elevator made him uneasy with hazy memories of his cell still fresh, so he let the entranced blond woman operate the machinery. Following her to the rented room, he ordered her to wait outside, while he gently placed his little savior on the bed, quickly stripping off her clothing, but left the exotic, black, lace undergarments. Licking his lips, more of his newly acquired blood rushed to his already hardened cock. As much as he used to appreciate the curves a corset brought to a woman’s figure, he was tantalized by the lacy wisps against soft, pale skin. Ethan had no time to examine his new beauty; there would be time for that later. Two hundred years was a hell of a long time to go without a woman; he would have to bear it for a few more hours. He covered her, satisfied she was safe for the time being and left the rented chamber after securing it behind him. 9

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich The blond woman waited with the same blank, hypnotic expression. He commanded her to take him to a place which sold clothing and food. Following her back into the streets, she took him to a darkened store clearly closed at this hour. He pushed more green currency into the entranced blond’s hand, commanding her to fetch food and drink. Ethan easily broke the locks of the merchant’s store and moved through the racks, taking what he wanted for himself and what he wanted to see his woman wearing. Thievery was not something he had a tendency for, but at this time he had no choice. He would compensate the human merchants when he was able. With the clothing draped over his arm, he went to meet the entranced woman. She held bags and steaming cups with cooked fleshly smells wafting from them. He took them from her. Her tasks complete, he did not need the young woman any longer. Closing his eyes, he felt the steady, strong rhythm of her heart, heard the blood racing through her veins, but there was no desire to taste her blood—he only craved the taste of his woman. Reaching into the woman’s mind, he scrambled her memories. “You need to go home,” he said, sending the words into her head as a mental command. “I need to go home,” she repeated in a monotone, her blue eyes glazed over in the entranced, hypnotic state. “You will return home, go to bed, and when you awaken, you will remember nothing. Now go.” He stepped back to let her pass. She walked down the alley and into the night, her pointed heels clicking on the strangely paved streets. With the bundle in his arms, he returned to the lodgings. Securing the thick curtains, he examined the bedside light to learn its workings before switching it on. He took the lid off a steaming cup. It smelt strange and was murky brown in color; if this was what she needed, she would get it. He sat down on the bed, studying the pretty, freckled face of his woman. Her body would 10

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich slowly adjust to his feeding from her; her blood supply would increase in volume. Until then, he had to keep her healthy, her blood supply strong. **** The smell of a hamburger, fries and sweet coffee wafted into Aria’s nose. Her mouth watered, her stomach growled, and yet she struggled to open her eyes. Her body felt heavy, weak. “Mae? You been cooking again?” she whispered, turning. She felt her head lifted and smelled the coffee under her nose. The rim of a foam cup was placed to her lips; she parted them, the warm liquid rushed over her tongue. The sweetness of the coffee hit her. She spluttered and the liquid stopped. “Eww. How much sugar did you put in that, Mae?” “You need to be replenished. I am not Mae,” a deep, richaccented baritone said. Now she opened her eyes despite their heaviness. A man with large broad shoulders and piercing, vibrant, emerald eyes gazed down at her. In his hand he held a foam cup, pushing it back to her lips. “Drink.” It wasn’t a request or polite gesture, but a stone-cold demand. Defiance and stubbornness rose to the surface, and she weakly shoved at the cup, spilling half the coffee over the blanket. “Who the hell are you?” Aria wanted to jump from the bed and run. She glanced around the unfamiliar room with no idea where she was. Not that she could run anywhere in her weakened state. She was at the mercy of this, well…this…large, rather good-looking, dark…extremely handsome… Oh, cripes, every part of him oozed an undeniable dark sexuality, even when he was scowling at her. With thick dark eyebrows knitted together in a frown, full lips pulled tight into a line, high cheekbones with a strong, firm, square chin and a bronzed skin tone, he really was beautiful to gaze at. Rich, thick 11

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich hair spilled down across the shoulders of the suit he wore. Aria had never liked long hair on men, but this one pulled it off to perfection. “There is no need for that, ma petite,” he growled with a firmer hold on the cup and the back of her head. Tilting her head back, he forced her to drink the remaining coffee. Some of it spilt out and dribbled down her chin. She coughed as some went down the wrong way in her pathetic efforts to fight him off. What the hell was wrong with her? Why was she so weak? Sure he was sexy and good-looking, but he was also dangerous. He’d done something to her, drugged her maybe. Aria frowned, trying to remember what it could have been; everything was hazy, unclear. “What have you done to me? Have you given me drugs? I don’t do drugs.” He didn’t even blink as he removed the cup, dabbing at her chin with a paper napkin. “No drugs. You are merely weak from blood loss.” The deep timber of his light French accent not only sent tingling chills across her body, but it added to his seductive sensuality. “‘Merely weak from blood loss,’” Aria mimicked in her most sarcastic voice. She wanted to rage at him, but didn’t even have the strength for that. “Why?” “You shall regain your strength; food will help replenish you quicker.” He turned away and stood up. She was forced to look way up to see him towering above her. She gasped when he leaned forward, then took a firm hold of her shoulders to lift her, before propping more pillows up behind her back so she could sit more comfortably. He then easily dragged a small table over to the bed, on top of which was the burger and fries she had smelled earlier. “You will eat.” He set the bag down and fished out the fries. 12

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “What are you? The wicked witch from the gingerbread house?” Those big, hypnotic green eyes stared at her in confusion. “I know of no witch; these are good foods to help you recover from blood loss.” “What happened to my blood? Did I have an accident?” He shook his head. Aria nervously licked her lips. “Where am I and who are you?” The bed dipped under his weight as he sat down, before picking up one of the fries. Aria’s mouth watered. Damn, she wanted to eat them. She couldn’t remember the last time she ate. For that matter, she couldn’t remember much of anything past waking up Thursday morning and deciding on a new venture which would help her make better money than the dinky job at the diner. Oh, my God, the realization just hit her—was this dangerously dark, sexy-as-hell-on-wheels French Adonis one of her, uh, well…her first customer? She didn’t feel like she’d had sex, yet she peeked under the sheets. She still had on her bra and panties. “Non, ma petite, I have not touched you that way, yet.” His tone held sensual promise. Her eyes looked up to his and their gazes locked. Her heart hammered with a mix of fear and desire. The desire she tried to stamp out. “Um, look, I appreciate you taking care of me and all, but whatever you paid me, I’ll give it back. I’m not really an, ah…” Aria stumbled on the last word; she felt the heat in her cheeks and avoided his penetrating gaze. His lips twitched up at the corners. His amusement confused her. “I know you are not a whore.” His tone gentled and his expression softened. “Yet I am curious to know why you were dressed as one.” Guilt flushed over her. Mae, her best friend, her only friend, made good money turning tricks for years. Mae said it was easy, 13

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich just like learning to ride a bike—the first few times were a bit bumpy, but you picked it up easy enough. Her job at the diner was not earning enough to save for the night courses she wanted to take. Thinking she could make money in this manner was a big mistake. She licked her lips tasting the overly sweet coffee. He was staring at her lips with unmistakable heat in his eyes. “I, ah, thought I could do it, but I can’t. Really I can’t. I needed the money, and Mae said it was easy, but it’s not. I’m sorry.” Why the hell was she apologizing to a complete stranger? “This Mae is a fool for telling you such things. I would not allow you to attempt such folly again; you are not a whore, but a unique, beautiful woman. What is your name?” “Didn’t I tell you?” He shook his head. Aria realized how dirty his hair was; she involuntarily wrinkled her nose. Despite the clean suit he wore, he didn’t smell pleasant. “Tell me now,” he asked in a deep, commanding tone. He was obviously a man not used to being disobeyed. Her rebellious instincts overrode the danger alert kicking through her brain. Aria contemplated giving him a false name. As if reading her mind, he said, “Do not lie to me. I can feel your heartbeat, woman. I always know a lie.” Well, shit, so much for that tactic. What about not telling him at all? He leaned forward, cupped her chin, and raised her head until she met his eyes. They were intense, as if they penetrated deep into her soul. His touch was white-hot; her body reacted and began to tremble. “Aria Nova Tempest,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. 14

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich He released her chin. “You will answer all my questions truthfully and without hesitation. Do you understand, Aria?” There he went again ordering her about like he owned her. Well, she was getting the hell out of here as soon as she damn well could. “As long as you answer mine.” He cocked his head to the side. There was something in his green depths she couldn’t quite read. “As you wish.” Aria opened her mouth again to ask, or rather repeat an earlier question. He took advantage of her open mouth to pop a fry in. Her mouth closed over the tasty salted morsel, chewing with a pleasurable moan. He offered more and she almost bit his fingers as he hurried to keep up with her demands. Oh, God, I’m a ravenous beast. Those full, sensuous lips of his twitched up once again. He looked to be enjoying the task of feeding her, and strangely enough, she liked being fed by him. There was something intimate about this whole thing. With the fries all gone, he unwrapped the burger. He looked as if he had never seen one before as he examined its contents. “No more, thank you.” The scowl returned to his face. “Your body needs more.” He pushed the burger at her. She shoved it away, finding some courage to scowl right back at him. “I don’t want any more. The fries were enough.” “You will. Your body is too thin,” he insisted with more force. A little too stunned at being called thin to react to that comment, considering she was in the double-digit size range of a sometimes fourteen, sometimes twelve, she glared at him. “I damn well will not, you arrogant, smelly ass!” The words flew out of her mouth without thought. She shouldn’t be insulting a man who could possibly kill her while she was in no state to fight him off if he tried. At least she was starting to feel better, thanks to the 15

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich coffee and fries. He looked genuinely offended, but made no move to kill her over it. Instead, he rose to his feet. Damn, he was tall, a good six-four, she guessed. “Forgive me, mademoiselle. I haven’t had a chance to bathe. There is no chamber pot or water in which to wash,” he defended. “Uh, haven’t you ever heard of a bathroom?” She read confusion in his expression. Even when scowling, the guy was damn sexy. “A bathing chamber? How could they…” His gaze moved about the room. Standing up from the bed, he walked to the bathroom door, opened it and switched on the light to peer in. “What are you? From the Dark Ages?” Aria noticed his bare feet, which were caked with dirt. He turned, stalked back to the bed; Aria’s eyes went wide, and she gasped when he ripped off the covers to scoop her up into his arms, as easily as lifting a pat of butter. “Oui, you could say I am.” That would explain his attitude, but hang on a second, back up. He couldn’t possibly be from the Dark Ages, could he? He carried her into the bathroom, setting her down on the edge of a two-person bathtub. The shower hung above it. “You’re joking, right? You’re not really from the Dark Ages.” Nothing about his expression told her he was. He pulled off the expensive-looking jacket, casually tossed it aside before removing the shirt. Aria was like a stunned deer caught in bright headlights as she stared at the wide expanse of his chest. Holy crap! Thick muscles bulged from his shoulders and down his arms, oozing raw power and strength. He had defined pectorals and a set of contoured abs putting the best male models and bodybuilders to shame, even if it was mostly covered with sweaty, caked-on grime. “Work the machinery,” he firmly ordered. Aria snapped out of her dazed drooling state and stood up, her legs shaky and weak, but she managed to turn the shower knobs. 16

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich She adjusted them until the heated water streamed down before stepping under the warm spray. The water cascaded down her body; she still had on her black lace panties and bra. Her knees and palms stung a little. She glanced down at them, realizing they were scraped…from a fall? Aria frowned, trying to remember when she had fallen over. Then he stepped in behind her. She didn’t need a degree in nuclear fusion to realize he was stark naked when he pressed up beside her, the heat of his body hotter than the water flowing over them. “’Tis a marvel how far you have come.” His gruff, deep voice held a note of awe. “These metal waterfalls are common?” Aria couldn’t help herself; she turned around, almost tripping in the process. Immediately, his arm banded around her waist, pulling her against his naked chest. He pulled them slightly to the left so the water fell over onto her shoulder and his chest as she gawked up at him. He was a foot taller than her, and she felt his hard erection poking into her lower stomach. “Showers are everywhere,” she managed to choke out. “How can a man not know what a shower is?” His emerald gaze locked with hers. “The truth may be hard for you to take.” His expression and tone were serious. He leaned her back up against the shower wall while glancing around, then picked up one of the packaged soaps, and examined the plastic. Another look of confusion flashed across his expression. Exasperated, Aria snatched the package from his hands and ripped it open. “Soap. Did you have that back in your Dark Ages? Shall I wash you, too, oh my lord and master?” Even with her voice dripping in sarcasm, he simply nodded. “You may tend me, if you feel strong enough.” 17

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria was about to tell him where to shove the soap, but the idea of getting her hands all over that body of his stopped her. Her eyes moved downward and widened and she swallowed. He had the most beautiful and strangest cock she’d ever seen, not that she had much to compare it to. Long and thick, she was certain she’d never fit her fingers around it. The head was almost flat and rounded, slightly purple, and arrow-shaped with a series of raised ridges from the tip running down the side to the base. Aria shivered, thinking about how it would feel with all those bumps thrusting in and out of her. Her mouth dry, she swallowed. Her gaze flew back to his face. His lips twitched farther up his face. He was enjoying this, the bastard. She gripped the soap tightly in her fist. “Turn around,” she said, so she wouldn’t have to confront his enormous hard-on. “I’ll start with your back.” His heated green eyes regarded her for a moment before he turned. Oh, cripes! It was just as bad seeing his tight firm ass, narrow waist, wide back and broad muscled shoulders. He was simply beautiful all over. Aria snatched a washcloth and lathered the soap over it, pushed herself away from the wall, and began scrubbing it over his skin, starting with his neck and shoulders and working her way down. She heard him draw a sharp intake of breath, his muscles clenching and retracting under her touch. He was just as affected by her as she was by him. This knowledge emboldened her. “So, who am I washing? Do you have a name?” She hoped some conversation would keep her mind off of wanting to press her lips over every inch of skin she washed clean. “Ethan of Archalon.” She ran her fingers farther down his back, working the soap and cloth. “Well, Ethan of Archalon, am I going to get the answers 18

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich I want?” She glided her hands over his left ass cheek. Hmm. It was firm. “Wench!” he hissed, reaching out to grip the shower railing. She dipped lower, lathering both long strong legs, making sure she thoroughly cleaned each one. She even knelt down to wash the caked grime off his feet before working her way back up. Surprisingly, Aria was enjoying herself. “Considering this is the weirdest situation I’ve ever been in—almost naked in a shower, washing a man I don’t know who’s never seen a shower and I’m weak from blood loss with no idea why—I think a few answers are in order.” She rose to her feet, reaching for the shampoo. “Put your head back under the flow.” He obeyed. She poured the shampoo on and began lathering her fingers through his shoulder-length, dark hair. “What do you remember?” His tone was huskier, deeper than before. She massaged her fingers through his scalp; he gave a low moan of pleasure. Aria forced herself to think back while she rinsed his hair. Shame suddenly washed over her as memories began flooding back. One stupid, irrational decision led her to this point. She remembered walking from their shared apartment to the street corner in Mae’s tight short clothing. She was trying to mimic the way her friend walked, but nerves made her shake. She was trying to give the tough act she had seen her friend do often enough. I can handle giving a blowjob. Full sex would cost a customer dearly, several hundred at least. A dark flashy BMW pulled up along the curb, the smile of a handsome, blond, blue-eyed man who offered more money than she could make in two months at the diner, money toward the education and freedom she wanted. She climbed in, telling herself over and over, You can do this. He was a damn good-looking guy, and he appeared charming enough. It will be a breeze. How wrong she had been; the reality of her decision was more than she could handle. 19

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Chapter 3 “Ma petite?” Ethan turned. Those succulent, bewitching fingers had stopped moving. The fire in his blood was raging. If he hadn’t been gripping the railing so tightly, he would have ripped off the last of her garments and buried himself inside her, which he longed to do. His control slipped with every slick glide of her hand on his skin. She was pure pleasure, and she was all his, even if she didn’t realize it yet. He could not, would not, stop his blatant possession of her. Everything about this woman called to his very soul. He had to keep her. Slumped against the wall, her eyes held a glazed, faraway expression. What was running through that pretty head of hers? “He took me to a flashy uptown building and gave me money upfront.” A frown creased her brow. “Then he took me down some stairs; oh, God, I thought he was going to kill me.” Her head tilted back and she raised her eyes to meet his; she had beautiful flecks of gold in her hazel eyes. Yet he could also see the shame and fear haunting her. He could feel her lush, little body trembling. Ethan drew her into his arms, the water sluiced over them, hot and soothing. He wanted to erase her fears. He smoothed down her wet hair. “I don’t remember what happened after that.” Ethan would not lie to her. He had seen enough lies and deceit in his long history to know how it distorted and destroyed. He owed this woman his honesty. “I awoke with you in my arms, 20

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria. He brought you to me, but instead you saved me and I am going to keep you.” Her brow creased in confusion. “What are you talking about? How did I save you?” “He brought you to me to kill, ma petite; he thought you were nothing but my next meal. Your blood brought me back to life. You have very special precious blood. Please understand that I would never harm you, Aria, never. I have been living a nightmare for over two hundred years, imprisoned, nothing but a mindless killer, until you, my lovely, sweet Aria Nova Tempest.” “You’re two hundred years old?” She gasped in surprise. “Non, ma petite, I am much older. I have been imprisoned for over two hundred years.” “And my blood set you free, how?” Something flashed across her face as realization dawned. “Holy shit, you drank it, didn’t you? Y-You’re some kind of vampire?” “Oui, chèri, I am a vampire.” Surprisingly, she didn’t look fearful at the news. Instead, she pulled back to glance him with great interest. “Aren’t vampires supposed to look all pale and pasty? Where are your fangs? I haven’t seen any.” He let his incisors lower and push over his lower lip. “Holy shit, they are real. Can I touch them?” He raised an eyebrow and suppressed a smile at her avid curiosity. “Do as you wish, ma petite. I will not harm you.” Her fingers traced over his lips and two teeth before she lowered her hand. It rested on his chest over his heart. “Well, it certainly makes sense now why you’re so clueless about the things around you, why you’re so dirty and I feel so damn weak. But why were you imprisoned for so long? Why didn’t you kill me? Why did my blood wake you up? Who the heck was that other guy who was obviously trying to feed me to you? I mean he did, but how did 21

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich we end up in a hotel room?” The rapid-fire questions tumbled from her mouth. “Do you always ask so many questions?” He let his smile show. “Well, yes, I mean no. C’mon, it’s not every day I have a shower with a real, live vamp boy. But I think the most important question is, are you going to kill me?” “I told you I would not harm you, ma petite. You are too precious.” Her brows knit together in confusion. “Okay, so no death by blood loss, which leaves the question of what are you going to do with me?” “Kiss you.” Vocalizing his intent made her heart accelerate again; he felt her whole body respond to his simple words. Ethan smiled. He’d been staring at those lips for too long. The feel of her hands on him and her positive responses only seemed to confirm his actions in claiming her. Not only was she a blue blood, but so much more—she was his blue blood. She belonged to him. He tightened his hold, pulling her body closer into his. The wet material holding her breasts rubbed against his chest, creating a delicious friction. He slid his hand up to grasp at the base of her head, gently tugging her back so he could take full advantage. Then he lowered his head to brush his lips over hers. She whimpered softly when he ran his tongue over the seam of her lips. They parted and hot, sweet breath expelled. Ethan used that moment to seal his lips over hers, at last claiming what was his. All sanity left Aria when his mouth took hers. His tongue pushed possessively into her mouth, tasting, exploring, claiming. If she was weak before, she was even weaker now from the desire and lust strumming through her entire body, from the tingle in her toes to the tip of her scalp. It was insanity, all of it. Yet she wanted more. He tasted clean, sweet. Aria moaned as strong, large hands cupped her ass. He tore off the panties and cast them aside before he pulled her tighter 22

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich against his harder-than-steel erection which stabbed into her lower belly. A small snap and he yanked her bra from her body. His tongue, which had been ravaging between her lips, trailed to the corner of her mouth and down along her chin to her throat. She shivered in his arms when he pressed his lips over the pulse in her neck and she tensed for a moment, wondering if he would bite her. “No, ma petite,” he said, reading her thoughts. “Soon you will recover and be stronger; right now I want your body, not your blood.” “Ethan!” she gasped. His hot mouth closed over her nipple, sucking it deep into the cavern of his mouth. Aria let out a moan of pleasure. His breathing was heavy when he released her breast with a soft pop. “Oui, ma petite, let me have you.” The deep, husky tone of Ethan’s voice only added fuel to the flame of her desire. She was glad of Ethan’s vampire strength as her legs no longer supported her. He pressed her back into the tiled walls, the chilly, smooth ceramic on her skin doing nothing to cool her rising body temperature. Ethan went back to feasting on her breast, rolling the flat of his tongue over her nipple, then slowly letting his mouth slide off, before catching the hardened peak between his teeth. It was hard enough to cause a small level of pain, which only heightened the pleasure coursing through her; the tug on her nipple had a direct invisible line to her clit, making it pulse with each tug. Her breast bounced free of Ethan’s hot mouth, but before she could protest the loss of his heat, he snatched the other breast between his lips, repeating the process, wrangling longer and louder moans from her, along with small panting whimpers. With one arm supporting her, he leaned back a little and slid his hand down over the curve of her hip, moving lower to nudge her thighs apart. His large, calloused fingers threaded through the 23

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich soft curls at the junction of her thighs and into her wet, weeping heat. Aria jerked in his arms, letting out a whimper as a long digit slid straight into her pussy while his thumb flicked over her clit. He gripped her hips, pinning her against the wall as he moved down her body, water beating down on his back. He trailed openmouthed kisses under her ribs and over her rounded stomach, while nudging her legs farther apart with his shoulders. “Such a sweet smell. I know you are going to taste even better.” Aria gave a shuddering gasp as his tongue laved over her sensitive bundle of nerves. Never had she felt like this, not even with her first lover, Kevin, who had been nice enough but only as a means to an end. It always seemed people or men were only nice when they wanted something from her. Kevin turned out to be a real prick when she refused to continue fucking him, and he spread a rumor around the school telling everyone she was an easy slut. Aria was hurt and angered. Mae told her the simple truth: all men were bastards and never to be trusted. Something about Ethan made Aria want to sample everything he had to offer. He was more than just a man, and it was more than her attraction to this dark sexy being. Something drew her to him on a level she couldn’t comprehend. In this time and moment, she didn’t want to think about it, but simply feel. And feel she did. Her body was weak and alive at the same time in the hands of this ancient vampire. He laved again, and her belly quivered, her hips arching out, seeking more of his tongue. He gave it to her, spearing into her heat. She moaned, undulated and writhed. She could feel herself rushing toward release as he sucked on her core. Then his mouth was gone.

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria whimpered in protest. She had been close, oh so close. Her whole body burned with a white-hot fire for the man on his knees before her. “Do you want me, Aria?” His tone was husky, strained. “Yes,” she hissed. “I want you.” “Do you give yourself freely to me?” “Yes,” she wailed. “Please, Ethan.” He buried his face into her crotch, pushing his tongue deeper inside her. She sighed in ecstasy, curling one of her legs around his back, with her heel deep into his shoulder. A rumble of pleasure vibrated from his chest. Her body was so tightly coiled, it suddenly burst apart as she shook and trembled. Her cream rushing down, he lapped and laved. He withdrew his tongue and stood up, towering over her. His hands slid down, cupping her ass and lifting her up his body. His hard cock now pressed between her legs and her trembling limbs wrapped around his narrow waist. She felt the blunt tip of his cock piercing her. Aria cried out when he pushed his entire cock into her in one long, slow thrust, forcing her body to take him. If she hadn’t already been soaking wet, Aria knew it would have been a hell of a lot more painful, but this was just the right mix of pain and pleasure. He rested the top of his head on her wet hair, allowing her time to adjust; never had she felt so stretched and full, but it wasn’t enough. Greedily, she wanted more. His breath labored while he waited. “Did I hurt you, ma petite?” Concern was evident in his strained voice. “No, so good, Ethan, don’t stop. More, give me more.” “So tight, my little Aria,” he groaned. “Mon dieu, so good.” He pulled back to plunge back in. French spilled from his lips while he frantically started hammering into her. 25

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich It was incredible. The ridges rubbed every possible nerve ending inside her. All Aria could do was cling helplessly to him, her fingers digging into his shoulder and succumb to the building of another climax. He pumped in and out of her faster; she tumbled over the precipice, feeling like her whole body splintered into millions of pieces. With a deep, guttural groan, her eyes flew open, feeling him grow thicker within her, prolonging her orgasm, before his hot seed ejected into her center. His body shuddered, trembling in her arms. Time had no meaning as her body went limp, their pounding hearts starting to slow. Any remaining strength vanished. Ethan raised his head and reached behind her to turn off the shower flow. Aria hadn’t even noticed when the water cooled. “You cannot leave me, my Aria. You belong to me.” Too weak to make any protest, she barely noticed Ethan lifting her from the tub and toweling her dry, before carrying her back to the bed. Even before her head touched the pillow, Aria tumbled into a deep, dreamless sleep.

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Chapter 4 Thank goodness Jacob planned to meet John not long after feeding Ethan; of course, when he hadn’t shown up, John had gone looking for him. He had a spare set of keys to the lower part of the elders’ building, but not one to Ethan’s cell, which forced John to beg one from Lord Formont. The senior elder was understandably pissed off to learn Ethan was awake and free. “She was just a whore,” Jacob defended to Lord Formont. “A plain, common whore, no different from any of the others I’ve fed him. How was I to know her blood was different?” He was humiliated and angry by the situation he now found himself in. “Whore or not, she is a blue blood. Only a blue blood could have awakened him.” Lord Formont’s tone dripped with venom. Blue blood? Jacob had heard rumors of such women existing, but only before his time. Jacob studied the elder vampire before him with his long, white hair and piercing blue eyes. He gauged he must have been in his early thirties when he was turned. “He’s out of his time. He’ll have trouble adapting to this century, and if the woman manages to live, he’ll be lumbered with her, as well.” “For the sake of every vampire and human alike, find him, or it will not be his head I will hunt, Jacob,” Lord Formont threatened. “I don’t care what it takes to find him, just do it and quickly.” Jacob knew there was more at stake here for Lord Formont. Jacob had done his research after he had been given the job of taking care of Ethan. Ethan was one of the first vampires to have 27

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich ever walked the Earth. There was some sort of argument or war between Lord Formont and his elder buddies which forced them to relocate to America. What exactly happened between them no one knew but them. Ethan was one of the major reasons Lord Formont kept power over the other vampires in the country. “If this woman is alive, bring her to me unharmed. If she is a true blue blood, then we can’t allow her to keep feeding Ethan.” There was an evil gleam in the elder’s eye. “Blue bloods are the only women on Earth who can bear a vampire child. I have not been able to find one since moving to this country.” Jacob raised his eyebrows at Lord Formont’s comment, as it gave Jacob much food for thought, and that delectable little innocent woman was in the forefront of them. Jacob deliberately left out a lot of information for the elder; despite her appearance, the woman was no whore. He wanted to taste her himself. If her blood was so special, maybe he’d sample her in more ways than one. “You waste my time here. Go do what must be done,” Lord Formont hissed. Not wasting another moment, Jacob spun on his heels before striding out of the long, opulent room. It was time to do a little tracking. Fortunately, the tasty little lady had left her purse behind. Jacob knew where to start tracking her. A plan formulated. This time, he would have the advantage. **** Aria awoke with a jolt. Sunlight filtered in through the window. She glanced at the lit red numbers on the bedside clock, which said it was just after noon. Shit, she had to be at work in an hour. Unfortunately, she was still imprisoned in two exceptionally strong arms: one wrapped around her waist, the other curled over her upper torso. Looking down at the hand clutching her breast, she smiled. Vampire or not, men were men. Often, male customers at the diner would leer at her ass or breasts. On the odd 28

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich occasion some of the worst of them groped her, then left a lousy tip. Those men were bastards. But this one wrapped around her? She wasn’t so sure; she hated when she doubted herself. “Ethan?” She spoke quietly at first, before trying louder. He didn’t stir. Did vampires really sleep like the dead during the day? Well, she was about to find out. Aria pinched the arm holding her waist hard, but there was nothing, no response. She remembered his words before she fell asleep. “You cannot leave me, my Aria. You belong to me.” Like hell she belonged to a centuries’ old vampire, even one as sexy as Ethan. He could find someone else to be his snack bar. Aria had an unfortunate night, though, in a twisted way, she owed him her life. He saved her from a situation which could have been a lot worse than being a blood donor. She felt better, stronger, and learned from her mistake, so now it was time to move on. Aria had to be strong; she had no one else to rely on but herself, though at least she still had Mae. Never again would she try her hand at turning a trick. No matter how desperate things got, Aria would battle through. She was a survivor. No more trying to be what she wasn’t. She would work hard, stick with the diner, even find a second job if she had to. It was time to say goodbye to Mr. Sexy French Vampire. It was a struggle, but she managed to wiggle out from his grasp and roll off the bed. She let her gaze linger on Ethan; his relaxed features in sleep made him appear boyish, beautiful, making her almost reluctant to leave him. Why shouldn’t she just snuggle back into his arms and say to hell with the rest of the world? He treated her tenderly, and hadn’t bitten her again. His kisses did things to her she never thought possible. She sat back down on the bed, gently brushing several strands of hair out of his face. Something was tugging at her to stay. 29

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Don’t be stupid,” she muttered, jumping to her feet, recalling all her bad experiences. Men were only nice when they wanted something, and this one wanted her blood. That was all. She fought the compulsion to stay, tearing her gaze away from him to glance around the room. She found clothes thrown over a chair. They were men’s and women’s clothing, all with tags still attached. Ethan went shopping last night? It didn’t matter. Aria snapped off the tags and dressed in a silk blouse—more than she could ever afford—and a cream skirt which hugged her hips. There were no panties or bras; her nipples brushed against the silk material and tightened. She let a soft moan escape her lips, remembering how good Ethan’s mouth felt tugging on them. “Oh, get a grip!” She searched the room for her missing purse. Damn. Aria went to the pile of clothing Ethan wore last night, searching through the pockets and tugging out a black leather wallet. She flipped it open. Jacob Mather’s driver’s license photo stared back at her. The man from last night; Aria realized he must be a vampire as well. Ethan must have snatched his wallet along with his clothes. That bastard kept Ethan naked and dirty in that cell. Anger curled into her being. He had treated Ethan worse than an animal. “Asshole,” Aria hissed softly. She liberated a twenty from the wallet before placing it onto the nightstand next to the sleeping Ethan. She stood transfixed a second time, watching the rise and fall of his beautiful sculptured chest, the muscles bunched in his shoulders. She licked her lips, her own mouth watering for another taste of his tanned skin. Damn it, she had to get away from him before she found herself enslaved to this dangerous vampire. Without shoes, she padded softly to the door and pulled it open, then paused. She wouldn’t look back. She couldn’t afford to look back. She had to get away from this madness for her own sanity’s sake. **** 30

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria pushed a stray hair out of her face and spun on her heel at Dennis’ yell and the ding of the bell. “Order for table two, Ari!” Stifling a yawn, Aria snatched up the two plates and balanced the third on her arm. Six hours into her shift, her stomach grumbled and her body ached with fatigue. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Ethan. A gnawing feeling of guilt for leaving him kept her edgy and snappy. She tried to shove it to the back of her mind and get on with her job. She hadn’t noticed the sun had set. Aria barely made it to work after finding herself thirty blocks from her apartment, so she took a cab to get home quicker. Dressed with shoes on, there was no sign of Mae as she skipped out, tugging her hair into a ponytail, before racing the four blocks to work. “You look beat, Ari.” Amy, her fellow waitress, passed her. “Two hours and then I’m down and out, straight home, straight to bed.” “What, on a Friday?” “Yes, on a Friday. I had a hell of a night last night, and I have no intention of reliving it.” She headed out with her plates, pasting a fake smile on for the customers. No, she was going home to lock the doors, now that she knew what really prowled the streets at night. She wanted no part of it. The only hope of having a normal life was to forget Ethan even existed and last night never happened. She stifled a groan; it was an impossible task to ever forget Ethan and how incredible he made her feel. The diner door dinged as more customers came in. Aria whipped out her pencil and order pad. One lone man took a seat at the counter. Amy escorted a couple to a table. Grabbing a menu, Aria headed to the counter, lifting her gaze to her new customer. “Hello, little dove.” 31

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria gasped. A cold fear ran through her upon seeing the man who threw her into the cell with Ethan. She tried to jump back, but he was quick, latching onto her wrist to stop her retreat. “You! How’d you find me?” Jacob slid her purse over the counter. “A few small inquiries. You were not hard to find. You are quite the lady of the hour, my dear. I left last night’s fee in there, which is generous considering you and your new friend did quite a number on me, Aria Tempest. Such a pretty name for a pretty little thing. Much better than Candy. You can call me Jacob. Don’t fret, pretty. I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to talk.” His words didn’t ease Aria’s fears. “I’m not a whore, so you can keep your dirty money, and as I recall, you tried to kill me,” she hissed quietly. He shrugged. His handsome blond-haired and blue-eyed façade wasn’t fooling her any longer. His lips curved up into a smile, as his gaze swept over her uniform. “Oh no, I wouldn’t have killed you. I’m a lover, not a fighter. It was my job to feed the beast; how was I to know you’d make friends with him?” “Ethan’s not a beast and I’d be pissed off too if I was caged like a pig for two hundred years.” “On a first-name basis already, I see. Aria, we really do need to have a little talk.” She tried to yank her hand away. He held it firm. “You okay, Ari?” Dennis called from the kitchen. Jacob released her. “There’s a lot you don’t know about your new friend, Aria.” “Yes, Dennis,” she called over her shoulder, and then she turned her attention back to Jacob. “He’s not my friend. Thanks to you, he almost killed me.” “Ahh, unlike many thousands of women before you, he didn’t. I wasn’t his first keeper, little dove, but friend or not, Ethan is not 32

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich going to let you go so easily. He tasted you and will be back for more; you’re a blue blood.” “A blue what?” Her curiosity started to override her fear. She glanced around to make sure she wasn’t needed in the diner. “Order something.” She shoved the menu at him. “And tell me what the hell you’re talking about.” She picked up a mug and fetched the coffeepot, pouring the handsome vampire a cup. Jacob pretended to be interested in the menu. “I must say you’re taking this all very well Being almost drained dry, knowing there are other things out there and you haven’t run screaming yet.” Aria narrowed her eyes at him. “Near-death experiences tend to change people. Now quit stalling and tell me about this blue blood nonsense, Ethan and why you had him locked up.” “He was locked away not only forhis own protection, but everyone else’s, vampire and human alike. He’s been nothing but a monster…well, until you.” “I still don’t get it.” Jacob sighed. “He’s one of the first of our kind and a heck of a lot older than anyone cares to remember. If the rumors are to be believed, he’s not even from Earth.” “You’re an alien?” Aria snorted in disbelief. “No, Ethan’s the alien. I was merely turned. I actually grew up in upstate New York. But back to the point. From what I’ve been told, Ethan needs a special kind of blood to function and survive on our world. Not just any human will do and, sweetness, you’ve got just the right flavor for him. If I had known, I wouldn’t have given you to him.” Aria slammed the coffeepot down to keep her hands from shaking. “I was never anyone’s to give. What I did last night was a mistake, one I’d rather forget.”

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “We’ve already established that, though I must say you were so sweet, like a little girl playing dress up.” He gave her a seductive grin. Aria wasn’t biting. “Why is my blood so damn special?” “I really don’t know. Something to do with your genetic makeup, DNA, or something like that. It’s very rare and hard to come by. From what I’ve read, there hasn’t been a real blue blood ever found in the States, so that makes you the hottest commodity in the American vampire world.” “You’re a vampire. Do you live off a blue blood?” He shook his blond head. “As I was human, human blood is fine for me. Only the ancients need blue bloods, creatures like Ethan.” Aria frowned, trying to make sense of what Jacob was telling her. “What do you want from me? I doubt you tracked me down just to give me a vampire history lesson.” “Very perceptive. Ethan is awake and roaming the city. You, my dear, are literally his meal ticket. The elders want you brought in so they can bring him in, too.” Aria frowned. “Firstly, I’m not going anywhere with you again and secondly, what do you care if he’s awake?” “Because he’s dangerous.” Aria snorted. “What, and you’re not?” “My dear, I’m the lesser of the two dangers you have to worry about now.” His handsome face formed a serious expression. Amy chose that moment to swing around the side of the counter, giving Aria a glare for taking too long with a customer and leaving all the work to her. “I have to get back to work,” Aria said. Jacob grabbed her arm and tugged her forward. “I don’t think you get it yet, Aria. This life as you know it is over; once you’re identified as a blue blood, every ancient bloodsucker in the world will want you and for more than just your blood. Be thankful I 34

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich found you first. I don’t want to hurt you, little dove. I can protect you, but you need to trust me and leave with me right now.” “You’re crazy if you think I’m just going to up and leave with you,” she said, not even attempting to hide the disgust in her voice. “As I see it, you have three choices. One: stay here and wait till Ethan finds you and enslaves you. Two: you can leave willingly with me under my and the elders’ protection.” “And the third?” she prompted when he didn’t continue. “You won’t like it, but you will give me no choice but to take you anyway. I can’t guarantee my protection if I have to do that, Aria.” His voice took on a menacing tone. “Dennis!” Aria yelled and in the next moment, the large heavyweight cook came out of the kitchen. Sweet on all the girls, the big black man also served as protection against any unruly customers. He glared at Jacob, who still clutched Aria. “Unhand the waitress, mister, right now.” Jacob did so, but he smiled. “I’ve been more than fair with you, Aria Tempest, but it seems you’ve made your choice.” “You and your elder buddies can go fuck yourselves. I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t want any part of your nightmare world.” “It’s not your choice anymore. Your misadventure last night put you in deep. You can’t escape your fate. Your only hope is with me now.” Not for a second did she believe that. He rose to his feet, shelling out a few dollars onto the counter while Dennis watched with his big burly arms folded, glaring at Jacob. Aria kept a passive look on her face, hiding the fear and anger from Jacob’s threats. “I’ll see you again soon, little dove. There’s a long night ahead.” With that, he turned, before striding casually out of the diner. 35

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Dennis’ hand on her shoulder made her jump. “Are you all right, Ari?” “I don’t know, Dennis. I sure hope so.” Her voice sounded a little shaky. Could Aria ever live a normal life again? Jacob had clearly stated that no matter what happened, he and Ethan were after her. Maybe she had another option: she could run. “I’ll make sure you get home tonight, okay?” Dennis offered. She gave him a grateful smile and snatched her purse off the counter. It had four hundred dollars in it, enough for a bus ticket to… She had no idea where to go and she couldn’t leave Mae, the only friend she had. The thought suddenly struck her that Mae was in danger. If Jacob had been to her apartment looking for her, he would have encountered Mae. Aria gabbed some quarters out of her apron pocket while hurrying around the counter and weaving her way to the payphone at the back of the diner. Her fingers trembled as she dialed their home number. While it rang, she struggled to contain her rising panic. She had to get back home and quickly. Aria headed back to the kitchen, ignoring customers trying to gain her attention. “Aria, what’s wrong? You look as white as a ghost. What did that customer say to you?” Amy asked in concern. Aria grabbed her jacket from the back of the kitchen. She looked at Dennis’ and Amy’s worried faces. “I think Mae’s in danger. I gotta go, right now.” Mitch, the owner of the diner, came in through the back door, carrying boxes of frozen hamburger meat, as Aria tugged on her jacket. “What’s going on? Aria, your shift isn’t over, yet.” He glared at her. “I’m sorry, Mitch. I have to go. Something important came up.” “If she’s in danger, call the cops. Who was he, Ari?” Dennis asked. 36

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Who’s in danger?” Mitch glanced between her and Amy. “I can’t. I have to sort this out myself.” Aria snatched her bag and ran out the back door and into the alley.

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Chapter 5 Her scent was powerful. Before he awakened, he sensed she wasn’t there. He quickly cleaned, dressed and left the hotel to start tracking her. He let her scent lead him through the crowded streets. His thirst for her blood pulled at him. The hunger and lust for her body inflamed his soul. The woman was his. No one was allowed to touch her or taste her like he had, or would again. By now, his ex-jailer would have figured out she was no ordinary human. He would be in pursuit. Ethan continued to hunger for more of her blood, touch and taste. He could easily go several more nights without feeding before the urge became overpowering. It would take a good week before he would turn back into the monster he once was. Ethan was angry she ran from him, even after making it clear she wasn’t to leave. She belonged to him. She ignored everything he’d told her. It would not happen again. He would take measures to ensure she stayed, even if it meant chaining her to his bed. As selfish as it sounded, it was the only way to protect her now that she had been discovered by more than himself. Protecting Aria would be much easier once he took her to France, and the safety of his home, if the fortress still stood. Right now, he would face one problem at a time. There was still much Ethan did not know about this modern human age and at this moment, he didn’t need to know. All he needed was Aria safe and by his side. The rest would follow at his command. He had to find out what happened to his brothers-in38

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich arms and then he would find the bastard who turned on him and imprisoned him for so long. Laws would be reinstated, and all human vampires would fall into line or be destroyed. It was the only way to keep order to protect the humans. From what he had seen of this world and the vampires dwelling here, everything was chaos. Ethan drew in a deep breath. She was close. His gaze scanned over the people passing on the sidewalk. Then he saw her wavy honey-brown hair hurrying through the thrum of humans. Her lush pink lips were drawn into a tight line of worry. He could feel the race of her heart while she ran up the steps of a tall, worn building, then disappeared inside. Ethan made to follow, then saw two other hybrid vampires follow her through the same door. His anger surfaced upon recognizing one of the vampires as his ex-jailer. They were after Aria. Ethan jumped into action, racing down the streets. He moved silently, so as not to alert the others to his presence. He wanted to question these two vampires before he killed them for daring to go near his woman. **** Aria’s hands trembled while she pushed open the door of her apartment. That it was not locked and slightly ajar added to her fear. “Mae?” she called, before stepping through the door. She hadn’t checked on Mae earlier when she dashed home to change, assuming she had been sleeping. But surely she’d be up by now, getting ready for the night. “Mae!” She stepped over the threshold and passed their old sofa with the large pink throw rug hiding the stains underneath. Both she and Mae strived to make their apartment clean and comfortable, a haven away from the rest of the world. 39

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Very cautiously, she moved into the hall to stand in front of Mae’s door and knock. “Mae, you in there?” She closed her fingers over the doorknob and twisted. The door opened with a soft click. Aria stared into darkness. Her fingers ran up the inside of the door and flicked on the switch. The dead stare of her only true friend made her feel like she had been punched hard in the gut. A hand clamped over her mouth stifling her scream. She was pulled back into a hard male body. “I see where you got your role model from, sugar. Now she really was a whore,” Jacob said in her ear. Aria clamped her teeth into the side of Jacob’s hand, biting down hard while shoving her elbow back into his stomach. He cursed breathlessly as air whooshed from his lungs. Then she tore herself from his grasp to run for the door and slammed right into another hard body in the hallway. Another pair of strong hands grabbed her. “You were right about her being a fighter,” the second vampire said in an amused upper New York accent. Aria stared into a pair of dark brown eyes as he quickly took hold of both her wrists, pinning them behind her back. This made her strain her lower body against the stranger as she struggled. He turned her in his arms. She glared angrily at Jacob, who was examining the bite mark she left. “Had she been one of us, I’m sure she would have bit my finger clean off,” said Jacob, amusement clear in his voice. “You killed Mae, you fucking bastard!” “Well, not me exactly. Whores aren’t to my taste. I much prefer pretty little innocents, like you. How did someone as sweet as you get mixed up with the likes of that?” His blue eyes regarded her while she struggled in the grasp of the second vampire. “John, here, was happy enough to snack on your dear departed friend.” “I’m going to kill you!” She was overwhelmed with anger and shock. 40

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Oh, come now, Aria Tempest, no need to dramatize everything. I gave you fair warning back at the diner: either come with me willingly or we would take you by force. I think I much prefer this way now. I see the beautiful bloom in your cheeks when you’re all riled up, hear the blood rushing through your veins, the wonderful sound of your pounding heart.” He stepped closer and ran his finger across her jaw line, before resting it on the side of her neck, feeling her racing pulse. Aria stopped struggling. It was getting her nowhere. She gulped down some deep breaths, glaring at Jacob. “The elders said I had to bring her in unharmed. They never said anything about not sampling her delights before we do so. I’ve been wondering what a blue blood would taste like.” Behind her, John chuckled. “I must confess, I’ve been having fantasies about this little pink polyester uniform ever since I saw you in it.” “Didn’t peg you for a cross dresser, but, hey, whatever gets your motor running.” The sarcasm was lost in her angry tone. Jacob laughed as his hand slipped down the front of her uniform, before brushing over her left breast. “Don’t touch me!” “I would advise you to do what my lady says,” a deep, commanding voice said from the doorway of her apartment. Ethan stood there, looking as sexy as hell in tight blue jeans and a navy blue T-shirt which defined his bulging chest and shoulder muscles. Jacob spun around, but John held her firmly. The deadly gleam in Ethan’s eyes made even her fearful. “Well, my luck has certainly changed—two for the price of one,” Jacob said with a menacing smile. Unfazed, Ethan took a step forward. “You touched my woman, which is grounds enough to execute you. Let her go right now, and I will make your death painless and quick.” 41

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Oh, I don’t think so.” Jacob pulled something out of his jacket pocket. Aria’s gaze followed Jacob’s movements. “Ethan, he’s got a Taser. One jolt from it can render an elephant unconscious.” She was breathless, knowing he’d probably never seen one before. Ethan’s gaze moved to the weapon Jacob held, summing up the situation. “Shut her up,” Jacob growled, his fangs suddenly lengthening. John’s arm held her around her waist and the other around her mouth. “You’re both coming back with me.” Jacob lunged at Ethan with the Taser. Ethan sidestepped the younger vampire, avoiding contact with the Taser, and moving quicker than Aria could see. Suddenly, Jacob was flat on his face with Ethan’s boot on the back of his neck, pressing him into her pink rug. He’d removed the Taser from Jacob’s hand and looked it over. Aria was flung onto the sofa before John moved to attack. Ethan leapt off Jacob, diving at John. The pair crashed backward, her little wooden table breaking into splinters as they barreled into it. The two vampires snarled, fists flying. Aria didn’t stop to watch the fight; she scrambled off the sofa. Jacob jumped back to his feet, glanced at her, and then at the other two. He smiled and winked before making a quick exit. Aria stumbled back into Mae’s room. She couldn’t hold back the tears while she gathered her friend up in her arms, then gently closed Mae’s eyes. If it wasn’t for Mae, she would have starved in the streets years ago. In more ways than one, Mae had saved her life. “This is all my fault. Oh, Mae, what have I done?” she whispered, brushing the blond hair from her face. 42

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich There was silence from the other room, and Ethan appeared in the doorway. “Aria, it is not safe here anymore. You must come with me now.” Anguish tore at her and she looked up at him. “I can’t leave her; she’s all I have left.” Ethan walked to the bed and reaching out, gently touched her face, wiping away a tear with the pad of his thumb. His expression softened as he looked at her. “I am sorry, ma petite. There is nothing I can do for your friend. You must trust me to take care of you, now. Aria?” He held out his hand to her. A sudden rage overcame her. Jacob was right in one respect: her life, as she knew it, was over. Now, Ethan had come for her and Mae was dead. “Why should I trust you? Jacob said you were nothing but a monster.” Anger laced with pain raced to the surface. She wanted to lash out and hurt someone as much as she was hurting. “I will not lie to you, Aria. I was a monster, but not by choice. It is only because of you that the beast is caged. I need you to help me keep it that way, and right now, you need me.” Aria climbed off the bed and drew the blanket over her friend’s body. “I don’t need you and I don’t want you. My life is now fucked up. The only chance I have is to get the hell away from you and all this vampire shit!” She stormed past Ethan, pausing to note with satisfaction that Jacob’s lackey lay dead on the kitchen floor, a splintered piece of wood jutting out of his chest. She headed into her own room, then pulling a backpack out from under the bed, she started to shove clothes into it from her dresser. The tears continued to flow and she kept swiping at them with the back of her hand.

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Ethan followed close behind. “I am sorry, ma petite. You cannot run from me or them. You are a blue blood. You gave yourself freely to me, which makes you mine.” “I don’t care who the fuck you are or what you think I am. I don’t belong to you or anyone! Get that into that thick prehistoric head of yours.” “Run now, Aria, and you’ll be running for the rest of your life,” Ethan said in a soft voice. “Like it or not, you are a blue blood. Without you, I cannot survive.” “I don’t care.” She stuffed more things into her backpack and swiped up some shoes, before stuffing them into her bag. She went to her closet and pulled a small box from the top shelf, adding it to the rest of her belongings. With nothing left to pack, she slung the backpack over her shoulder and made to storm past Ethan. He stood immovable in front of her. “Get out of my way,” she spat out between clenched teeth. Ethan took the backpack from her, before taking hold of her hand in a tight grasp. “You are mine, Aria, and I will not let you go.” Aria was about to dispute his claim, but with a quick tug, he pulled her into his arms, then his mouth crashed down on hers, his tongue demanding entrance. Without thought, she opened for him. He dove in, possessing every part of her mouth. Her head swam with emotions, desire reigniting deep within her belly. The fight vanished from her by the time he broke the kiss. Damn him. He pulled her out of the bedroom, through the apartment and into the hallway. Sounds of yelling and footsteps racing up the stairs made her panic. A low growl rumbled from Ethan’s chest. Tugging her to the window, he shoved it open. The window had been sealed shut from overpainting. She and Mae tried for ages to open that window, but it never budged. Well, obviously, it needed some vampire strength for it to open. 44

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Come.” Still gripping her backpack, Ethan held out his hand. He had already stepped out onto the fire escape. “You can’t go this way. The ladder has been broken for God knows how long. We’re five stories up. There is no way down.” His jaw was in a tight line, his eyes showing no emotion while she climbed through the window. “Do you forget what I am, ma petite?” Aria gasped as he lifted her into his arms, before leaping up onto the railing. Her scream was stifled against Ethan’s chest and her arms clung to him for dear life—he simply walked off the rail and fell.

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Chapter 6 Aria’s stomach pitched just like the sensation of dropping down too fast in an elevator. She felt a whoosh of cool night air, a slight jarring, and then nothing but the strong beating of Ethan’s heart beneath her ear. “Open your eyes, ma petite. We are quite safe.” Aria heeded his gentle command, her head rising to gaze into his emerald depths. “Holy shit!” Ethan set her down on her feet; she wobbled slightly from shock. He didn’t give her time to recover. Keeping a firm hold of her, he pulled her after him into the thrum of people striding along the sidewalk. His pace made him tug at her so she was almost running. Aria managed to recover enough from the shock of falling five stories to ask, “Where are we going?” “They have our scent now, so they can track us. We will return to the rented chamber, collect our belongings, and then find transport back across the sea to my homeland.” “Where’s that?” It may have been an obvious question from his sexy French accent, but according to Jacob he wasn’t just a mere vampire—he was an alien vampire. “I have a fortress in northern France.” “Have? How do you know it’s still there? France went through a revolution while you were locked up. They don’t have a monarchy anymore. How do you know it will still be there, or even if it still belongs to you?” 46

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “I do not,” he said without missing a beat. “So what will you do if you manage to make it all the way to France and not have anything there?” “I am aware of the possibility and will deal with each situation as it arises. You have no reason to worry or fear, Aria, I will always take care of you.” “What about those other vampires who are chasing us?” “I shall take care of them also.” By the hardened line of his jaw and the wave of anger wafting off him, she knew he would. “Great, and what’s your plan, genius?” She let the sarcasm back into her tone. “This is the twentyfirst century. You have no identification, no money and can’t even function at all during daylight hours. How the hell are you going to get to Europe?” “We will get there. I have my ways.” “Sure, just drag around your portable twenty-four/seven snack bar. I’m not someone who will follow you like a lost puppy. I’m not going anywhere with you!” she yelled, enraged by her helplessness. She tried to plant her feet and tug away from his hold, but it was a useless act, as he was far too strong. “You don’t have a choice.” There were people everywhere. The thought flew into her mind to scream for help, maybe draw the attention of a cop, but in a blur of movement, Ethan snatched her up into his arms. He moved so damn fast. She was forced once again to cling to him. Then everything stopped and they were in a dark alley. He slammed her up against a brick wall, not so hard as to cause her harm, but hard enough to make her gasp for breath. His green eyes glared angrily into hers, a tremor of fear and excitement ran through her. “You will learn to whom you belong, Aria. Do not attempt to escape me again or I will be forced to punish you.” 47

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Punish?” her voice squeaked. Yes, she was definitely excited. Damn and he knew it too. His full beautiful lips curved up into a sensual smile. Aria swallowed hard, her breath quickening, as her fear changed into a sudden thrill of anticipation making her panties damp. What the hell was wrong with her? Why was she so turned on by the idea of being punished by Ethan? He cocked his head to the side, his nostrils flaring. He leaned in closer covering her body with his, his cool hand sliding up under her uniformed skirt to her panties. He tore them off in a swift jerking movement. One of his legs moved between hers to push them apart, as he supported her weight with one arm. “I think you like this idea, or rather your body loves the idea of punishment. Does it not, Aria? I can smell you.” She fought back a moan; his hand slid between her wet folds, the tip of his index finger running a tight circle around her sensitive bundle of nerves. “So wet for me, Aria.” “Wh-what will you do to me?” She licked her lips. Unable to tear her gaze away from his intense green depths, her hips jerked forward, allowing him to sink his thick finger into her depths. His thumb now started to flick her clit back and forth. This time, she did moan while he slowly finger fucked her while pressed against the wall of a dirty alley hidden only by a large dumpster. “Anything I wish, Aria. You are mine. You will obey my commands without question.” Her eyes closed, feeling a climax building within her, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted release, needed it with a sudden hunger which frightened her. She rocked her hips, trying to urge him faster. His laugh was dark and humorless. Hot breath puffed against her ear. “Do you want to come, Aria?” 48

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich His wet tongue licked the outer shell of her ear before taking her lobe into his mouth, then sucking gently. His teeth clamped down, lightly tugging, heightening the pleasure he was giving her. Aria cried out in protest when he took his thumb off her clit and stilled his finger fucking. Ethan’s mouth was now on her neck. A sudden sense of déjà vu swept over her, but she was too far gone to care. “Please, Ethan, I want to come,” she wailed, clinging to him with desperation. He shifted her up farther, with both hands clutching her bottom. Automatically, she wrapped her legs around him. The hard blunt tip of his cock pressed against her entrance. She groaned not understanding how or when he had freed his cock—she didn’t care. She wanted him to fill her. “Yes, Ethan, fuck me.” They both moaned when he pushed his thickness into her tight entrance, sinking all the way in until he could go no farther. God, she loved his cock ridges. He stilled, his ragged breathing telling her that he was struggling and just as desperate to fuck her. But he remained still. Damn him. “Look at me, Aria.” Her eyes opened to lock with his clear, green ones. “You are mine. Say it,” he demanded. Aria hesitated. Ethan pulled his cock almost all the way out, then slammed it back in, freezing again. Aria gasped at the sensation of his cock ridges rubbing her insides. She whimpered in protest when he didn’t move again; it was torture to have him not move. “Who do you belong to, Aria?” he persisted. Still, she resisted. He pulled out again and slammed back in. She gasped then wiggled her hips. His hand suddenly clamped down on her hip, stilling her movements. His gaze was determined. Her stubborn 49

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich streak rose to the surface. She couldn’t let him win this, no matter how much she wanted to come. She would not be his possession. “No,” she blurted out. He looked surprised, but didn’t pull away from her. Aria didn’t have to speak French to know he had uttered a string of curses, his resolve snapped. “Such a strong-willed woman. You are mine, Aria. I will make you see that, no matter what it takes.” He moved again. This time, he started thrusting in a quick hard rhythm, making her pant, moan and writhe against him. The climax building all the while. He was back at her throat, nuzzling her neck, chanting her name over and over with every deep, penetrating stroke. “Vous êtes le mien!” She felt the sting of his teeth in her throat and screamed with a climax tearing through her. The tugging suction on her neck pushed her higher and she became light-headed and struggled to breathe. The vibration of Ethan’s low groan on her neck spiraled her into a second orgasm. She went completely limp in his arms before darkness swept in to claim her. Ethan tore his teeth from Aria’s throat, then drew in a ragged breath before licking the wound to close it. His body trembled with his cock still embedded deep within a limp Aria. Her heartbeat stronger than the first time he took her blood. The power of her sweet nectar strengthened him completely, bearing witness to his woman’s own strength. Never had he lost such control over a woman. Her sheer stubbornness alone was maddening. Mixed with the intoxicating aroma of her blood and arousal were her fierce hazel eyes aflame with such passion, he couldn’t stop himself from taking her, even in a dirty alley only a few feet from where humans passed on the street. Obviously no one came running when she screamed her release. 50

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Reluctantly, he pulled away from the warmth of her body, while shifting her in his arms to tuck himself back in before nestling her more comfortably against his chest. She was right when she said he needed a plan. Instinct and revenge were driving him. He had to get back and find out what happened in the years he was gone and if the fortress was there or not. Two things he was sure of: one, he would find his feet and the other was the woman in his arms. When he did find his feet, there was going to be hell to pay. If there was one thing Ethan learned from being kept senseless for so long, it was there was no time like the present.

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Chapter 7 Aria awoke to a rocking motion and the constant thrum of an engine vibrating through the walls. She was naked, but not cold, something warm pressed along her back and a strong arm held her around her waist. She smelled the delightful masculine scent of Ethan and twisted in his arms. Something else pressed around her ankle. Glancing down, she saw a silver cuff encircling her skin attached to a lengthy silver chain. Her gaze followed it down. She pried Ethan’s arm from around her waist and sat up. The chain was secured at the bottom of the bed. The son of a bitch chained her to the bed! She climbed off of it. Everything pitched forward and she swayed. Fucking fantastic. She was on a boat of some sort in a cabin, which wasn’t too dissimilar from a motel room. There was short dark blue carpeting beneath her bare feet, a long dresser with a television and DVD and two wardrobes. There was also a small round table with two chairs. On top of the table was a plate loaded with sandwiches and a large carton of orange juice. Her lips twitched upon seeing crystal glasses and a red rose propped up in a similar crystal vase. It was obviously Ethan’s touch. She glanced back at the slumbering Ethan, every inch of him delectably mouth-watering. The perfect curve of his chest was smooth and free of any masculine hair. She couldn’t help but notice he was hard, which surprised her considering he was in one of his deathlike stupors. 52

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Her stomach growled in gnawing hunger; she hadn’t eaten anything since Ethan last fed her. Jumping on the bed to rage at Ethan for chaining her would be useless until he was awake. After examining the ankle cuff and chain, she saw there was no way she would get free without a key. Although she didn’t know Ethan that well, she knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t keep the key anywhere she would be likely to find it. She tugged the cover up over Ethan’s lower half before the sudden flaring of lust and the mouth-watering sight of his erect cock tempted her. Instead, she turned and went to the wardrobe, where she found her bag. Ethan hung up their clothes and added to her modest collection of garments—silk blouses, dress pants and skirts. How very domestic for a vampire. She grabbed her toothbrush and headed into the bathroom. Aria snorted, noting Ethan was clever enough to make the chain long enough for her to go into the bathroom, but not long enough for her to reach the cabin door. She could yell and shout to draw attention. Someone would surely hear her and Ethan would be helpless to do anything about it. As she started the shower, thoughts of yelling or escaping melted away under the warm water. What did she have to go back to anyway? Mae was gone. For the second time in her life, she felt utterly alone. Ethan only wanted her as a portable meal ticket. The sex was good—well, mind-blowingly fantastic—but to what end? She was nothing but a useful toy to this man. Depressed, she finished the shower, then toweled herself dry, brushed out her damp hair and cleaned her teeth. Wrapped only in the towel, she sat down and devoured the food he’d left her. This whole mess was her fault; everything she worked for, the life she built, had been destroyed by one stupid mistake. She didn’t like feeling helpless, so she blinked back the tears threatening to spill. Ironically, she realized the only one she had to hold on to now was Ethan, but did she really want that? At twenty-five, she was still 53

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich young and strong enough to build a new life somewhere. As she tried to imagine a new start, strangely none of the scenarios going through her head were without Ethan. Damn the man, vampire or alien? She didn’t know exactly, but she was going to damn well find out. If she had to put her trust in him, then she was going to find out everything she could about the man. With the shower and food now settling into her stomach, a wave of sleepiness swept over her. She yawned, took off the towel and crawled back into the bed. She curled up against Ethan, enjoying his warmth. It didn’t take her long to fall into a deep sleep. **** Daylight was fading. Slowly, Ethan started to regain his senses and body movements. The soft, even breathing and rhythmic drumming of Aria’s heart was music to his ears, as was the warmth of her body pressed against his side. He drew in a deep breath of her honey scent. In a single moment, everything was as it should be, especially waking to find Aria by his side. Lifting his head to gaze down at his little sleeping beauty, he smelled the soft, flowery lotion she used to wash her hair. He nuzzled the top of her head, inhaling deeply. He moved above her as she rolled onto her back and he watched with utter fascination. His cock hardened to the point of pain when she raised her arms above her head and arched her back, stretching like a feline. Then she yawned and fluttered her eyes open. She blinked several times and her pink tongue darted out to moisten her lush pink lips. Ethan could not resist the temptation before him. He dipped his head to taste her lips. Gently running his tongue over her bottom lip until they parted, he closed his mouth over hers to capture her soft moan. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth, wanting to taste her sweetness. There was not one part of Aria’s soft body he did not relish or enjoy touching and tasting. When the only flavor in his mouth for hundreds of years was blood, the taste 54

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich of this woman was beautifully addictive. He wanted to spend the rest of his existence with her flavor on his tongue. Ethan shifted to cover her body with his without pausing the plundering of her soft, sweet mouth. He glided his fingers up through her scalp, into her silken brown tresses, his fingertips coming across a series of long raised welts along her scalp. After breaking the kiss, Aria gasped for air and he gingerly ran his fingers along the obvious scars. “What happened to you, ma petite, to obtain these?” She blinked, momentarily confused. Ethan wanted to smile, watching her take a moment to comprehend his question. “Oh, it apparently happened when I was twelve.” “‘Apparently?’” He raised his head at her curious use of the word. “Well, I don’t remember. I was told by doctors that my family and I were involved in a serious car accident.” Her voice held a slight quaver. “A truck driver, who spent too many hours on the road, swerved into oncoming traffic. While they were killed on impact, I wasn’t, but I had serious head damage. Most of the damage was to my memories. I have absolutely no memory of who I was, who my parents were, or anything of my life before the accident.” Ethan gently stroked her scars. “Who cared for you after?” “I was placed in a foster home and shuffled around from home to home until I was seventeen. Then I was placed in a house where the family was nice enough, but dear ol’ foster dad had a thing for young girls. I broke his nose when he tried to rape me. Of course, no one believed a juvenile delinquent so I left and didn’t go back.” Ethan’s jaw tightened, enraged that a girl such as his beauty had been treated like this, that any man dared to harm her. He silently vowed he would never allow harm to befall her ever again. 55

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Tell me his name, Aria. I will kill him for you; anyone who has ever hurt you, I will make pay.” A smile lit her beautiful face, as her hand came up to run her fingers along his jaw line and across his cheek. Ethan closed his eyes, relishing her gentle touch. “That’s sweet of you in a very sexy macho way, but I’d prefer the past stay in the past, thank you.” “As you wish, ma petite, but all you need to do is say the word and vengeance is yours,” he promised in all seriousness. “You think I’m sexy?” Aria laughed softly, dropping her hand. Ethan caught it, raised her palm to his lips to swirl his tongue over it, unable to stop himself from tasting more of her. “Anyone who is not deaf, blind and stupid would know how sexy you are. It’s probably why I can’t resist you.” Ethan felt a grin curve his lips; it appealed to his masculine pride that she found him attractive. “Oui, ma petite, I am a hard man to resist,” he teased. His reward was a delightful, musical laugh from Aria. “You, too, are irresistible. You have such beauty, strength and spirit.” She blushed prettily at his compliment. “But tell me what happened once you ran away.” The smile fell from her face. As much as he wanted to see her smile again, he wanted her to continue her story. He felt her slow intake of breath beneath him before she let it out again. “I was on the streets for only three days. I was pathetic.” She shook her head. “Lots of kids who survived on the streets are tough, but I wasn’t, and I was starting to think about going back to the welfare agency for a new home. I was cold and hungry and scared shitless, just wandering the streets. A man propositioned me and when I told him to go fuck himself, he got angry and tried to drag me into a car. That’s when I met Mae. She saw what happened and intervened, scaring the guy off with some Mace. She 56

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich took pity on me, coming from a background of foster homes herself. I went home with her and she looked after me, and made sure I went to school during the day. Later, I found a job at a diner, working to pay my way. Though even with tips it was just enough to pay rent and buy food and basic essentials. Maybe I’m selfish, but I wanted more than to be just a waitress all my life. I wanted to go to college and study. The years slipped into each other. Mae and I made a comfortable home; we had everything we needed, but no more.” Tears rolled down the side of her face, making her eyes bright and clear. The way her bottom lip quavered made him want to never stop kissing her. “You thought you could make money the way Mae did, I understand, but you are so much better, Aria. You have a bright, strong spirit. Your beauty shines within and out.” He wanted to kiss away the pain of losing her friend and the memories of a hard life. “If not for Jacob, I would not have you now, although he will pay for touching you.” He kissed away her salty tears, another flavor he enjoyed. “I will never lie to you, Aria, and I want you to always be honest with me. Can you do that?” “Yes.” Her answer was barely a whisper. “Then you must know there may be more dangers to come, ma petite. I shall protect you. Do not fear.” “I want to know everything,” she told him. “I want to know who you are, why you are and everything in between. Will you tell me?” “You may not like some of what I will tell you.” Aria pushed at his chest. She was no match for his strength, but he moved off her as she wished. He flipped onto his back. She crawled on top of him, straddling his lower body and wiped the tears with the palms of her hand. Then, suddenly and sharply, she slapped his chest. 57

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Considering you’ve kidnapped me and chained me to your bed, you damn well better tell me everything. If you keep insisting we are going to be together for a while, don’t you think I have a right to know everything about you, bad and good? Otherwise, I’ll kick your ass across Europe as it’s obvious that’s where we’re going. You owe me answers, Mr. Ethan of Archalon.” Ethan was amazed at the sudden swing from tender vulnerable woman to feisty vixen. He was mesmerized by the swaying of her bountiful breasts. The crest of his cock touched her soft bottom, making him groan. When he reached up to cup her full breasts, she slapped at his hand. “No more wild monkey sex until you’ve told me everything.” Ethan smiled, letting his hands slide down her thighs, resting them there. “Hmm, belle petite, the idea of wild monkey sex intrigues me, but I promise to tell you anything you wish to know.” “Good.” Straddling his chest, she moved to swing her legs off him, but he gripped her hips, stilling her. “We shall have this conversation here.” “What, with me naked sitting on top of you? What if I suddenly decide I don’t like what I hear and want to rip your arm off and beat you with it?” His lips twitched up at the corners. “Such pleasant imagery, Aria. I doubt you have the physical strength for such a task, but you may try if you wish.” “Thank you, Mr. Comedian.” Her sarcasm was not lost on Ethan. “Where do you wish to start?” “From the beginning. Jacob said you were an alien.” The smile fell from his face at the mention of Jacob’s name. “What else did he tell you?” 58

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Uh-uh, it’s your turn to talk. You’re not going to renege, are you?” “I honor my word.” “Good, start talking,” she demanded, trying to give him a serious glare, which was extremely difficult to do when she was naked, straddling a delicious naked man. “My home planet is called Archalon.” Aria bit back the instant question which popped into her head. She waited to let him finish before peppering him with more questions. “We were in a fleet of a hundred and sixty starships. Our solar system’s sun was no longer able to support life, so we were traveling the galaxy in search of a habitable planet when we came into Earth’s solar system. My family was a part of the ruling body of Archalon. I was next in line to rule and also in charge of scouting possible new planets to colonize. Earth seemed habitable, even if its inhabitants were primitive and savage. We were similar in physiology.” Aria could not contain the question. “Primitive and savage? Just how long ago did you come?” “Nine hundred Earth years ago, about the middle of what you call the twelfth century, A.D.” “Wow, I guess humans would have appeared primitive and savage back then.” She shivered on top of Ethan, feeling the chill in the cabin. He shifted, pulling her down onto his chest and holding her tight, before rolling them until she was beneath him. He then braced himself on his upper arms, so as not to crush her with his weight, but cage her in with his warmth. “More comfortable?” That arrogant half-smile played upon his lips again. His body warmth above her and the bed beneath took away the chill. She was more comfortable like this, hot even. “Yes, thank 59

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich you. Now continue.” Her voice sounded huskier than she had intended. “Our scout ship contained twenty crew; three of those were females of our species. We landed in a remote northern part of France, but once we stepped out of our ship and our own atmosphere—despite our readings that your planet’s was safe, as we found your air had molecules we didn’t pick up— our metabolism started to change. The radiation from the sun, filtered through the atmosphere, affected our skin. It became sensitive to the light, but didn’t knock us out entirely at first. Forty-eight hours after researching and testing the Earth for suitability, we started feeling the effects of the changes to our systems. Our stomachs became sensitive to foods. We started to feel drowsy during daylight hours. Physically, Archalons are stronger than humans, but our senses became heightened, along with our speed and strength. By the time we got back to the scout ship with our data, it was too late. The change was almost complete. When we tried to board our ship to join the rest of the fleet, we could not stand our own atmosphere. It caused us crippling pain and we could not breathe.” Ethan drew in a breath and closed his eyes, as if seeing it all again in his mind’s eye. “The Earth’s sun was killing us, our air would kill us, and we were slowly dying from starvation. After managing to flood the ship with oxygen, we were able to board once again, but it was still no good. We tried every kind of medical procedure to reverse the effects and they even sent supplies down from the other ships. Every one of our top scientists was working on the problem, but it was to no avail. Even if we left Earth, there was nothing for us to eat. We could never walk among our own people without the atmosphere killing us. As leader, I made the decision to sacrifice our crew and ship for the greater good of our people: remain on Earth and find a way to survive. We designated the Earth off limits to our people. My father had no choice but to take the fleet and 60

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich continue our search. They finally left the Earth’s solar system to continue the search for a new home. He still had my two brothers to pass leadership to.” He understood loss more than Aria had given him credit for. He’d lost his home and family. They had much more in common than she realized. “I’m sorry. It must have been hard on all your family to be left behind,” she said in a soft tone. His eyes opened, then emotion passed across his face before he tucked it away behind a passive mask, but Aria knew better. “How did you figure out you needed blood to survive?” “We went among the human population in desperation, seeking help, but we were greeted with hostility, fear and violence. In an effort to defend ourselves, blood was spilt. The aroma was intoxicating and made us hunger greatly. Luc, my commander, was the first to drink human blood, yet it only sated a part of his hunger. In the beginning, it was bloody. Many people were killed because we couldn’t control our hunger. We became monsters, not unlike what you found when you were placed in the cell. We lived, but were not truly alive.” “I still don’t understand. If you can’t live off human blood, then how did you survive?” “Many of us did not. Humans hunted us down in those early days, believing us to be demons from your hell, until the day I sank my teeth into an unsuspecting peasant girl. Everything changed that night. Her blood cleared my head and took away the horrid cravings. I found I had no wish to kill her. Instead, I took her back to the ship. When she recovered enough from the first blood loss, I hunted down my crew, who were running wild, and fed her blood to them. We were careful not to harm her, but it was clear we could not all keep feeding from only the one source.” “And just how did she feel about this? Did you chain her up like you did me?” Aria accused. 61

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Ethan shook his head. “Luc was fond of Claudia and she of him. Apart from the frightening first bite, Luc took her under his protection. She willingly gave him her blood. There was something different about her. Using our advanced technology from our scout ship, Marc discovered she had a slightly different genetic makeup and Claudia’s mother and sister had the same gene sequence. We promised them wealth and protection in exchange for their regular donation of blood. They became what we dubbed our first ‘blue bloods.’ I made it my mission to seek out others like Claudia and her family,to stop our mindless killing of humans.” “Do you think your people found a new home?” “I can only hope they have.” He looked distant for a moment, before getting back on topic. “There were many discoveries over those first hundred years here on Earth and great losses. By the time I found enough blue bloods to sustain my people, we lost over half of our original crew because of humans hunting us down. It is only certain human females who carry the blue blood strain. Never have we found any males. We learned that with every bite, their blood supply would slowly increase, allowing a greater volume of blood to be taken without any ill effects. We also learned blue bloods could conceive our children when Claudia became pregnant by Luc.”

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Chapter 8 Aria blinked. Had she heard him right? “Did you say ‘have children’?” “Yes. Blue bloods can carry our offspring or the offspring of any vampire.” Aria tried to scramble up in a sudden panic. “You mean you could have knocked me up?” Ethan frowned. Her use of words was confusing him, but he did not let her up. “I have not struck you, Aria. I would never hurt you.” “I meant I could be pregnant. We haven’t used any condoms and I’m not on any birth control.” “This worries you because we are not yet wed?” he asked in all seriousness. Aria stared at him as if he’d completely lost his mind. “You son of a bitch!” She hit out at him. “Let me up now.” Ethan moved to let her up. She scrambled off the bed to pace around the cabin. “How could you do this to me? I had a right to know this kind of information before we fucked.” “It matters not, Aria. I shall never let you go. I would be delighted if you have conceived, ma petite.” Aria was so pissed off at Ethan in that moment, she could almost feel her blood boiling with rage. “Aaahhg!” With her hands on her hips, she glared at him. “I know you’ve been out of it for the past two hundred or so years, so here’s a quick crash course on 63

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich modern women. One: we’re liberated and don’t put up with this macho alpha male crap. Two: we run our own lives. Three: we don’t need a man to make our lives complete.” “Is this the part where you wish to rip off my arm and beat me with it?” It was clear he found her amusing. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Did you ever stop to consider what I want? What makes you think I want a backward Neanderthal alien vampire anyway? Do you even care about my feelings? You’re a selfish, heartless bastard. I want you to stay the hell away from me.” Ethan was quick to leap off the bed. She slapped at his hands as he slipped his arms around her waist, then pulled her tight against him. She beat her fists against his hard chest. “You are your name, Aria Tempest—a beautiful song in a raging storm,” he breathed into her hair. “Do not think I care not for you. With all I am, I wish to see you happy. From the moment I first held you in my arms, I knew you were the one I have been searching for all these centuries. I may not know about modern women, but I do know I am a man. I need to protect and provide for those I care most about. I want to do all these things for you and more.” Aria stilled her struggles, tears stinging at the back of her eyes. She tilted her head to look up into his emerald depths. “Would you wound my pride to deny me these things: a chance to soothe your pain, a chance to make you smile and give you untold pleasure? Could you truly walk away from me, knowing I could turn back into the monster you saved me from, a monster which is nothing but a mindless killer?” Damn him. Of course she cared whether others could get hurt if Ethan turned into a monster; this made him her responsibility.

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Her body relaxed in his arms, her softness molding against the hard planes of his chest. His cock protested his prolonged, hardened state. He longed to sink himself into her again. “Are you going to unchain me?” “Are you going to run away again?” “I’ll make you a deal. You promise to treat me with respect and not as property and never again chain me to the bed, and I’ll stay put.” Ethan smiled. These modern Earth women reminded him of the women from his long-lost home, but he had also discovered something else about his little wildfire which he would play to his advantage. “Never, ma belle petite chanson.” He lifted her suddenly, tossing her back onto their double bed hard enough to make her gasp, but gentle enough not to hurt her. He gripped her delicate ankles, holding her firm. “But what if I enjoy having you chained and bound for my pleasure?” He watched her response to his words, the way her breath quickened along with the beating of her heart. His mouth watered at the sound of the blood thrumming through her body, the wafting smell of her arousal. He released her for a moment to fish out the key from a spot under the bed and swiftly unlocked the metal cuff. It fell away. He was quick to recover his position of dominance. He gripped her wrists, tugged them above her head and secured them tightly with one hand. Her body arched in this position, making her breasts jut out temptingly. He let his hand skim over the hardened pink nipple. It abraded against his palm. “Ethan…no…I…” “Shh, belle,” he cut her off. “Understand you shall always have my respect, never are you my property but a treasure to be cared for, protected, cherished and pleasured. I will give you everything you desire and you will stay by my side.” Her lovely hazel eyes darkened with desire. He watched her tongue leave a moist trail along her bottom lip. 65

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “What if I desire my freedom?” Ethan held her gaze. She was as stubborn as he was. He had no desire to stamp out her fiery strength, a strength he admired. She wasn’t some weak, passive woman. She challenged him on so many levels. Her vulnerability made him want to protect her. Everything about her made his body and mind burn for her. Yet it seemed she would always come back her freedom, so he changed his tactic. “What did you have in this life to set you free? You were a slave to your life, Aria, trapped, confined, pushed to desperate means to survive. I offer you freedom from all that. Surrender to me and you can do and have whatever you wish. With me, your life is now open to more possibilities…” He pinched her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her lungs expanded before she gasped, letting it out in a slow moan. “…more pleasure than you could ever imagine.” Dipping his head, he laved his tongue over the reddened bud and her back arched a little more. He sucked it into his mouth, pressing it to the roof of his upper palate before letting it slide out. His hand snaked down, caressing the soft flesh of her quivering belly, then skimming over her hip to her outer thigh. Her legs parted beneath him in open invitation.

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Chapter 9 Aria trembled in unfurled desire; she never had a man who made her as hot as Ethan did. The feel of his large calloused fingers skimming over her sensitive heated flesh made her tremble. When he pinned her, using his dominant strength as a sensual weapon, Aria wanted the whole damn firing squad and he knew it. Her mind went over his words. She was trapped, but would life with Ethan be any better? He’d bitten her twice thus far. The flashing sting of his teeth mixed with the euphoric pleasure of him drinking from her was something she wanted to experience again. Ethan was quickly becoming her addiction of choice. If he was true to his word, it would be a win-win situation. He had been gentle, he took care of her and gave her rapturous pleasure, and when he used his wondrous strength and became all dominant, she wanted to push his buttons to see where it would take them. Yet right now, she had to keep a level head and address a few issues which were bothering her. “I won’t run, but I don’t want children yet.” “And if it is already too late, ma petite?” His roaming hand slid back up to caress her rounded stomach. “Let’s cross that bridge if we come to it, but that doesn’t mean we have to take a direct path to get there.” He gave a husky chuckle. “I confess I would know if you were with child. I feel every beat of your heart and would know if there was a second heartbeat within your body.” 67

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Now you tell me!” she gasped, struggling slightly in his firm hold while enjoying the weight of his body on top of hers. “I want a lot more time to play with you, ma petite l’un. Until it is safe, I shall have to do my best to find pleasure in other parts of your delectable body.” The smile fell from his face to be replaced by intense desire. He released the grip on her wrists to slide one thickly muscled arm under her shoulders and the other around her waist, easily lifting her as he sat back on his knees, her legs now straddling his waist. In this position, she was almost eye-to-eye with him. He grabbed her wrists again, pulling them behind her back and holding them tightly in one hand, as the other slid up to grip the base of her neck. Her lower body arched into his. She was completely at his mercy and it made her wetter. His steely erection pressed along her slit. The top ridges of his cock rubbed over her clit, making her gasp and moan with pleasure. “Archalonians are a highly sexual race. The male cock is designed to give maximum pleasure to our females, who demand no less than complete satisfaction. They choose their mates based on who can give them the best sexual gratification.” Using his hand on the base of her neck and the grip on her wrists, he moved their bodies to glide his length a little faster along her sensitive bud. “If our males knew how easy it was to pleasure a human female, how soft and submissive they could be, I think all of them would willingly make the transformation into a vampire to pursue one.” Aria’s mind raced with questions. “So,” she managed on a gasp, “all the Count Dracula stories… They are…” “I know of no stories, yet if there are, I am sure they are just that,” he said in a deep, husky tone. “The imagination of the human mind mixed with a little truth can be quite creative and deadly.” 68

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Wh-what about those human vampires?” Aria struggled to keep her line of thought with the overwhelming pleasure running through her body. He arched her back slightly and Aria whimpered when he lowered his head, attending to her left breast with slow, lazy strokes of his tongue, sucking it into his mouth to let it catch between his teeth. The pleasure/pain mix was heady. He slid his cock down along and between their bodies. “Ahh. ma petite, you and your questions,” he breathed against her breast, before snatching the right one between his teeth and tugging harder this time. All questions flew from her mind. She was overloaded with raw sensation while he continued sliding his long thick cock directly over her clit in a slow tortuous rhythm, driving her insane with need. Releasing her breast, he mouthed and licked his way up to her throat, licking over the spot he seemed to favor when he bit her. If he didn’t have direct control over the movement of her head, she would have leaned it to the side to allow him better access, almost craving the bite and explosive orgasm which came with it. His chest rumbled with a short, dark laugh. “I can feel you beginning to crave my bite, ma cheri, oui?” “Oui, monsieur,” she mimicked. His tongue passed on, moving up and away from the spot. Aria mewled in protest. “Ethan, I… I…” “Oui, ma petite. Tell me what you want.” “I want…” He turned her head slightly, his tongue tracing the shell of her ear before plunging inside. He thrust his tongue in and out, keeping time with his cock gliding over her now-soaking vagina and clit. The incredulous tandem sensation made her pant and writhe, trying in desperation to shove her hips forward, to grind her pussy 69

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich against his cock to make him go faster. She keened and growled in her lust-drenched fervor. “I want you to make me come. Oh, Ethan, please!” she wailed like a petulant child. Aria had absolutely no control. She surrendered. Ethan used her body like a toy, gripping her tighter against his chest, his cock’s rhythm quickening along with his own breath, telling her he was finding as much pleasure in this as she was. “Open your eyes,” he commanded. Aria obeyed. She stared into the fire of his intense green gaze. “Come for me.” She inhaled sharply, the scream curling to the forefront of her body, and shattering at his command. He crushed his mouth over hers, plunging his tongue in deep and capturing her scream. He pushed on, grinding against her sensitive clit, rolling her orgasm into a second wave. She shook, trembled, and in her throes she involuntarily bit down hard on Ethan’s lower lip, tasting a metallic burning tang on her tongue. The flavor was like tasting a flame, one which did not burn. Ethan’s chest rumbled with a deep sound. His body shook as he gave a long, guttural groan, signaling he was coming. Aria went completely limp in his arms and he loosened his grip, holding her tenderly in his embrace, as they tumbled backward onto the bed, falling to their sides, their breathing ragged. Still he gently stroked her skin, pressing his lips to her closed eyes, face, hair and shoulders. He whispered in a language she had never heard before while they came down from the euphoric bliss. “I’m willing to place a bet that you were highly popular with your Archalon women.” He chuckled softly. “Not as popular as I wish to be with you.” He placed a tender kiss on her lips. Aria couldn’t help but smile, basking in the afterglow. Gazing at Ethan, she realized she was in great danger of losing her heart. 70

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Chapter 10 Jacob stooped over the body of the record-keeper of the harbor docks, clicking through the computerized files. Ethan was not stupid and neither was he. Taking an airplane was risky for a vampire, unless it was chartered, which left ships as the safest mode of transport. He had barely escaped by the skin of his teeth after his last encounter with Ethan. If he hadn’t fled, there would have been no doubt Ethan would have killed him in the ancient vampire’s possessive fury over Aria. It taught Jacob several lessons. First: Ethan was a hell of a lot stronger than Jacob had first assumed. Second: he was adapting to the modern world quickly. Third: he had to plan a lot more carefully if he wanted to capture him. The elders knew if Ethan reached France, then everything could dramatically change—and not in their favor. The human vampire alliance hung by a thin thread as it was. Jacob was irritated they hid behind their thick walls, demanding their fledglings do their bidding to keep an old mystic air around those who held power. Jacob was placed in charge of Ethan’s keep because he was a man who got things done by any means necessary. That delectable little morsel he’d found on the street corner changed everything. Hunting in a different part of the city to find Ethan’s weekly meal, he had found a few worn, haggard women to choose from, and yet the moment he set his sights on Aria—trying to balance in heels she was obviously not used to wearing—the aroma of innocence had been too tempting for him. The flash of her nervous hazel 71

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich eyes, her wavy honey-brown hair which felt like silk on his fingertips, even the soft, flowery scent of her skin tantalized him. He had been an idiot to feed her to Ethan. Now, the elders held him responsible. The knowledge that blue blood women were able to bear vampire children had Jacob thinking and formulating a new plan, one which had a future without him being at the beck and call of the damnable elders. The delectable little dove was pivotal to this. After all, everyone should have plans for a future. Jacob wanted a future and a little family of his own, one created through pleasure and not blood. He was keen to create a new legacy of his own, and the thought of sinking himself into Aria, fucking her until she screamed made him hard. But first, he had to deal with one possessive ancient vampire. It was clear Aria was Ethan’s weakness, a vulnerability he wouldn’t hesitate to exploit. Perhaps there was a way to get everything he and the elders wanted. Unfortunately, he couldn’t kill Ethan, because they all descended from the ancients. Jacob and the elders were in agreement over that. Glancing over the recently departed ships and their destinations, he saw two were heading in the same general direction—Europe. Yet one would get him to his destination quicker than the other. Jacob stood and fished out his phone. Time to put a new plan into motion. The phone was picked up on the second ring. “Frank, I know where they are headed. I need the use of one of our jets. We are taking a little trip to Europe.” **** Where better to get to know someone than on a long, leisurely cruise? Only the Hav Sang was a working cargo ship which also took paying passengers. The sting in Aria’s arm made her wince. Her gaze automatically flew up to Ethan’s mouth, wondering why she 72

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich wanted to feel that sting rather than the two hypodermic needles in her arm. He stood with his arms folded, making his biceps bulge under his black T-shirt. His normally loose hair was tied back from his face, which made his prominent cheekbones stand out more. His clear emerald-green eyes were watching her with an unreadable expression. Damn, the man was too sexy for his own good, even when brooding. The medical officer, Dr. Juan, didn’t see anything unusual in her request for a pregnancy prevention shot. He simply suggested she also have a yellow fever shot as well. Ethan nodded his approval. In fact, none of the crew of the Hav Sang noticed anything unusual when they were around. They didn’t notice two of them slumbered all day or their lack of passports or papers. “Remember, it will take a few days to work. You’re welcome to a few of these until then.” Juan handed Ethan a box of condoms—extra-large. Juan winked at her and Aria felt her cheeks flush. “Stand back from her, Doctor,” Ethan said in a low tone. The man blinked, a glazed look falling over his face and he stepped back. Aria jumped off the examination table. “What the hell did you do?” She glared at Ethan. “Simple mind control.” He held out his hand to her. “I can manipulate the human mind, bend it to my will when I wish.” Without thinking, she placed her hand into his, and he tugged her into his warm embrace. “Did you do that to me?” Ethan shook his head. “There are some advantages to being a blue blood. No vampire can use mind control on you.” “Oh, yippee,” she said dryly. “I’m just a snack bar and breeder.” 73

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich He chuckled, slipping his arm around her waist. “Uh, what about him?” she asked, hooking her thumb at the doctor. Ethan glanced back at the medical officer, fixing him with a pointed stare. The man suddenly blinked and the dazed look fell away. “Oh, you’re welcome,” Dr. Juan said, as if in reply to unspoken words. “If you need anything else, just let me know.” He smiled as if nothing unusual had just happened. “You’re just full of surprises,” she muttered. “How many of the crew have you hypnotized?” He guided her out of the medical rooms and through the ship’s corridors. “I prefer to call it ‘mind suggestion.’ I simply place select information into their brains, making them think or see what I want them to see, or become blind to things I have no desire for them to see. No one is harmed and it ensures our safety during our passage.” Aria shook her head in thought. “There’s still a hell of a lot I don’t know about you yet. What happens if you get exposed to the sun? Why were you locked up for so long and why are those other vamps after you?” “So many questions, ma petite.” “Shit, yes. If I have to be stuck with you, I think it’s important I know these things.” Ethan gave her that sexy half-grin again. “Ethan, be serious. I know you want to protect me, but what if Jacob has human thugs come after us during the day? You’re pretty much useless in that stupor of yours.” Her reasoning seemed to knock the smile off his face. Ethan sighed deeply, while pushing her in front of him, then keeping a hand on her hip as they climbed a set of stairs. “I admire your independence, ma petite, and you care enough to worry about 74

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich what could happen, but you have to start trusting me to take care of matters, even during my daytime sleep. If you must know, sunlight cannot directly harm me. I am harder to kill than you would imagine. I will not allow them to recapture me,.” He spoke with firm surety. “They would not dare to harm me. If I die, then they all cease to exist too.” “Oh.” He had guided her back through the corridors. “Once we learned we could convert humans through infecting them with our blood—and it is not something done with great ease, I assure you—we took companions, friends. We thought if they were like us, they would no longer fear us.” There was another sigh from Ethan and they stopped walking; Aria realized they were standing outside their cabin. “Unfortunately, what we did not consider was the human greed for power. As the creators and masters of the human vampires, we took our role and responsibilities seriously. We taught our young fledglings not to kill, but to help humanity. Many rebelled against the idea. Being a vampire turns you into a superior predator and your lust for blood can sometimes overrule your senses. I took leadership over our kind. Anyone who did not comply was dealt with.” Ethan moved around her to open the door, tossed in the condom box and closed it behind him. “So what happened?” He took her hand while they walked along the corridors. “Four hundred years passed peaceably under my leadership. The number of human vampires increased. No humans were allowed to be turned without first knowing what would happen to them. Any vampire who did not comply with this was executed.” Aria gasped. “It may sound harsh, but it is extremely necessary. Some of our first fledglings were greedy and wanted to be free of our 75

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich control. They used humans to chain us during the day when we were asleep.” “‘Us’? How many Archalonians were left?” “Seven then. I do not know how many now. At first, they thought they could simply kill us. I watched helpless as Marc, once our brilliant science officer was killed. They cut off his head, but his death saved my life, because every human vampire made by him died with him.” “Oh, so that’s why they won’t harm you.” Ethan gave a bitter laugh. “Locked away and denied blue blood, I soon became the monster you found. They fed me only enough to keep me alive.” Aria stopped and turned on the steps they started to climb and looked directly into his eyes. She could see the sadness and anger etched on his face. She felt for what he must have gone through. “So, going back to where it all started will help you how?” “I will find the others, restore order and take my revenge on those who murdered Marc.” Aria reached out to touch his face. He watched her with curious eyes. “Sometimes revenge isn’t always the best way; can’t we just go somewhere and live in peace?” He caught her hand, then raised it to his lips. “Ma beautiful innocent, I wish it was that simple. Until order is restored, there will never be peace…but enough.” He placed his hands on her hips to turn her gently, pushing her up the stairs. Upon reaching the top, they came into a comfortable communal area. Mostly men and a few women sat at tables, some on bolted-down lounge chairs watching a large flat screen TV. “You have no reason to fear, ma petite. I will always protect you.” He lowered his voice to whisper in her ear. 76

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich The eyes of the people present moved to them and Aria smiled. A tall gray-haired man with aged wrinkles around his bright blue eyes strode through the crew lounge to greet them. “Bon monsieur du soir,” he said to Ethan before switching to English. “Good evening. Welcome onboard the Hav Sang, madame.” “Uh, thank you.” Once again, Ethan slipped a possessive arm around her. “I’m Captain Paul Ruther,” he addressed Aria, before looking back at Ethan. “I hope you and your wife have a pleasant journey with us. If there’s anything else we can do during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask me or any of the crew.” Aria glared up at Ethan, but bit her tongue. “That is most accommodating of you, Captain. As long as our rest is undisturbed during the daylight hours, you shall hardly know we are here,” Ethan said. “We shall be sorely disappointed if we do not see some of you and your lovely wife during the journey. A fresh face on these long trips is always a welcome sight among our crew. Dinner will be served soon. I hope you will approve of our chef. He is a fine French master of his art.” “Thank you, Captain. I’m looking forward to it.” Aria gave him what she hoped was a charming smile. “Wife!” she whispered in annoyance when the captain moved away toward the dining room. “Did I sleep through our wedding?” She wanted to smack the cocky grin from his face. “I want no doubt left in anyone’s mind as to whom you belong.” “Has anyone ever told you how irritating you are?” “No, but I have been told how sexy I am.” He raised an eyebrow, and flashed a dazzling smile. Aria’s irritation melted like ice on a flash pan. Her breath caught. Damn the man. 77

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich He laughed and caught her hand, before raising the back of it to his lips. “If I am captivated by your beauty, then other men will be also. Can you not blame me for staking my claim, ma petite?” “I don’t have a wedding ring.” She kept her voice low. “No one shall notice; remember what I can do.” His voice was gentle, laced with authority. “Soon you will learn not to doubt me.” She opened her mouth to say something in reply, but his gaze became authoritative, making her clamp her lips shut. A tremor ran through her body and she felt her pussy flood with fresh juices. “No more questions until after you have eaten.” Aria got the distinct feeling there wouldn’t be much talking after that either judging by Ethan’s hot, hungry gaze.

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Chapter 11 The air whooshed from Aria’s lungs when Ethan slammed her up against a bulkhead. He knew she loved it when he manhandled her roughly; he quite enjoyed playing her aggressor, but never would he ever hurt her. The way she put up the pretense of battling him before surrendering made his blood boil with whitehot desire. His cock ached throughout the tortuously slow dinner. Watching her consume her food was highly erotic. The way the fork would slide into her mouth, her tongue gliding across her lips, even watching her swallow had him ready to burst. He claimed her mouth in a hungry kiss and pushed his tongue past her lips, tasting the flavor of the wine she’d drunk. He wanted to drown himself in her flavor. He couldn’t understand why this small woman could affect him so deeply. She was a craving deeper than the bloodlust which consumed him ever since his change. Hoisting her up and rubbing his body against hers, he used the friction of their clothing in an erotic dance. He heard her groan as she undulated her hips against his straining cock. Without breaking contact with her mouth, he fumbled with their cabin door; they almost made it before he was no longer able to contain himself. Her fingers tugged at the tie in his hair and it fell free. The feel of her hot little fingers gliding along his scalp made him groan. The door gave and he stumbled through it with her in his arms, before slamming it shut with a swift kick. Managing steady steps with the sway of the ship, he tumbled with her onto the bed. He 79

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich took the brunt of his weight on his side, rolling to pin her beneath him. “You taste so sweet. I could spend eternity simply tasting you.” He licked up the side of her neck. She shuddered in his hold. He gently tugged her arms above her head, gripped the hem of her shirt and whipped it up and off. Aria then curled her fingers around the metal bars at the top of the double bed. He tore the buttery material of her bra and tossed the remnants carelessly aside. “God, you move fast,” she gasped. Her eyes were as wide as saucers before narrowing into a smile of appreciation and lust, her gaze sweeping over his body, her tongue darting to lick at her lips. “Only when it matters.” She made him smile more than any woman—friend or family—ever had. She was the bright ray of light in his ever-darkened world, the one thing he never wanted to lose. “Being naked matters?” She gave him a saucy grin. His heart melted a little more. “Everything I do to and for you matters, ma petite. Do you trust me?” Without hesitation, she said, “I trust you.” Taking care not to harm her, he picked up the cuffs and chain he used on her ankles upon their arrival onboard to ensure she could not run from him again. He slid them around the headboard to take up the slack in the chain. With a soft clink, he shackled her wrists on either side of her head. It allowed her only a little amount of arm movement. Then he reclaimed her lips in a hard, demanding kiss. When he pulled back, they were both panting. He tugged her legs apart, leaving her spread open and vulnerable. He skimmed his hands down her body, enjoying the feel of her soft skin under his palms and fingertips until he reached the tips of her toes. Ethan slowly began to worship her body, tenderly kissing each of her toes and both feet. Her sudden squealing 80

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich pierced the air. Laughter bubbled out and she kicked at him. A grin split his face. “Ticklish here?” Securing her ankle, he ran his tongue under the instep. She squealed again and squirmed, the chain to the headboard rattling against her frantic tugging. “Yesss…” she hissed between clenched teeth. “Please, Ethan, don’t torture me like that.” He stilled, gazing up over her body. “Torture? Only with pleasure, ma petite, but now I know how to make you behave.” He glanced at her with a mischievous grin. “Ooh, you are an evil man.” Her tone now husky and laced with humor. A thrill ran through him because she had called him a man, not a vampire, not an alien, but a man. This filled him with pride. Ethan released her foot to run his tongue up over her calf, under her knee. His hand searched higher, sliding up under her breasts until he had filled his palms with her full globes. Pushing her thighs wide with his shoulders, he closed his eyes, breathing in her musky scent. Her brown curls glistened with her juices, wet and ready for him. The squirming quickly turned into a slower writhing and soft, little whimpers. Dipping his head, he parted her outer labia to study her pretty pink folds. They beckoned him to take his pleasure and he did just that by swiping a long lick from the top of her anus and up over her clit. Aria’s body jerked and she gasped before she softly moaned. Gently, he flicked his tongue over her clit several times before sliding it down to plunge into the source of her cream. He feasted, delving deeply into her weeping heat, and sucking up her flavor. All the while, she gasped his name over and over. Her body began to tremble, a sign she was close to climaxing. He pulled back and a frantic little wail of protest burst from her lips. He grinned when her hips jerked up, trying to reach his mouth once again. 81

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Greedy little vixen.” Running his tongue around his mouth to take in her juices, he was close to losing complete control. He snatched up the box of condoms and little blue packages spilled across the bed. He tore one open and examined it with distaste. Aria stifled a giggle. He glanced up. Her giggle faded when she saw the raw fire of desire in his eyes. “Humans are an inventive people,” he muttered. Ethan wasn’t so sure the flimsy substance the condom was made from would hold his cock. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation, placing it at the tip and rolling it down. It was snug against his ridges. Not as good as the raw sensation of nothing between them, but he would respect her wishes until the injection became effective. Right now, he was desperate to be inside Aria’s warm tight body again, so he would try even this. Rising up over her trembling body, he placed the tip of his covered cock at her entrance, then pushed in an inch, all while holding her gaze. Unable to hold back his moan at the sheer pleasure of her tight walls gripping him and glancing down into her beautiful hazel depths, Ethan felt the weight of his responsibility to this beautiful woman. She had given him everything—her body, her trust—yet selfishly, he wanted more—her mind, her heart and soul. He loved her. The revelation was not as surprising as it could have been. Gripping her hips while keeping her legs high against his shoulders, he thrust the rest of the way in. Her back arched and he leaned down, slanting his mouth over hers to capture her moans and whimpers. He thrust his tongue in, possessing every part of her mouth as his cock possessed every part of her inner body. His fingers curled up around her breasts, thumbing the hard peaks of her nipples. With a shift of his hips, he began to move inside her, each stroke deep and measured. He broke from her mouth and felt her lungs expand, Aria drawing in a deep breath. 82

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Whose body is this, Aria?” His voice sounded desperate in his ears. “Say it.” “Yours, Ethan.” He almost groaned aloud at her words. “Who do you belong to, Aria?” “You, only you,” she gasped between his thrusts. Finally, her admission to whom she belonged broke the last of his control. Squeezing her globes tightly, he thrust wildly, pounding into her. He felt her body tremble, her soft whimpers becoming louder groans, while he pushed her toward release. She reached the edge and fell, screaming out his name. His thrusting became more frantic, his hips working like a piston, slamming into her. The silver chain rattled as she strained against him, gasping for breath. Three more strokes and his cock grew with his impending release. White-and-black shadows flashed behind his eyes. Gripping Aria tightly to him, burying his face in her hair, he groaned her name as he came—hard. Slowly, the shuddering subsided and their breathing calmed. Ethan unlocked the cuffs before gently bringing her arms down. Then he raised himself off her and withdrew from her heat. Gently, he rubbed her arms to help with her blood circulation. “You didn’t bite me,” she said finally, breaking the euphoric silence. “I do not always need your blood.” He smiled, the dimple in his chin making her smile. “But you like it, no?” Aria felt the heat rise again in her cheeks. “Maybe just a tad. Do all of the blue bloods get orgasms from vampire bites?” Ethan chuckled, pulling her up and into his arms before feathering kisses over her face and shoulders, his fingertips tracing down the curve of her spine, then slipping around to grip her hips. “I have taken the blood of other blue bloods, but only you have ever reacted to me like this. It proves to me that we are meant to be together.” 83

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria gasped when he lifted her. Then he tossed her face down on the bed. He grabbed a pillow to shove under her hips, raising her ass into the air. “Wh-what are you doing?” Her body tightened in response to his hands smoothing up over her shoulders to push her face down onto the mattress. Then he glided his hands down over her sides, before sweeping them back up like a soft massage. His strong, large hands and callused fingertips felt heavenly on her skin. She was amazed to feel his cock hard again, poking against the soft globes of her ass. “Oh, ma petite, I am far from finished with you. The dawn approaches and I wish to spend my last hour pleasuring you.” He pushed her knees wide off the pillow. Aria felt a little guilty. He seemed to be doing everything to her and she was giving nothing back. The thought of getting her hands on his magnificent body once again had her even more excited, but when she tried to push herself up, Ethan grabbed her wrists, pulling them back to her sides and holding them firm. “I want to touch you.” Her breath came in little pants as Ethan licked his way down her spine and spread open the cheeks of her bottom, and then planted an electrifying wet kiss into the cleft. She groaned and tensed with his tongue in such an intimate area. “Another time. I promise, ma petite. This is for you. Allow me to enjoy the pleasures of your beautiful body.” Aria felt like a wanton sex goddess; he made her feel beautiful and desired. His silken tongue slipped down into her pussy then back up to her ass, before circling the small pucker,then gently pressing in, but not penetrating. Fresh cream came flooding down to her cunt. She was helpless to do anything but moan and whimper into the mattress. A finger slipped into her, and she moaned and whimpered when he pulled it out. “So wet for me, Aria.” 84

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich His husky tone sent shivers down her spine. The finger pushed in again and his tongue stabbed harder against her ass. Her inner walls clenched around his invading finger, while his tongue pushed past the ring of muscles, triggering lightning bolts of pleasure flashing through her body. “Ethan, I-I’ve never,” she gasped, awash with sensations. He pulled back. “Shh, relax. You must trust me never to hurt you, or must I restrain you again?” Aria shivered in delight at his words. Ethan’s husky chuckle told her he, too, was fond of this idea. “No, you will obey, will you not, ma petite? Say it.” She did trust him and allowed her body to relax. “Yes, Ethan, I will…” Before she finished, his tongue was pushing farther in. She relaxed into the sensations. Her body felt weightless. She was unable to focus or speak while his tongue continued to do wickedly delightful things to her ass. His thick fingers plunged in and out of her wet cunt. His tongue pulled out to be replaced by a slick finger, which pushed straight past the tight ring and deep into her ass. At the exact same time, his mouth fastened onto her clit. He sucked hard, making any discomfort melt away. Aria mewled with the dual sensations pulsing through her. He pumped her ass with his finger while sucking on her clit, and then added a second finger to the first, making her ass burn. The pain/pleasure mix was almost too much; her whole body began winding up like a tightly coiled spring. “Ooh, gaawwd.” She gulped down lungfuls of air, slamming her eyes shut as it all became too much. “Oui, come for me.” His words were the last trigger. Aria exploded around his fingers and tongue, light and shadows flashing before her eyes, her body shaking. He was gone. She was vaguely aware of the sound of foil tearing and then she was suddenly, completely impaled from 85

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich behind. Still quaking from the first orgasm, she brought her hands up to fist the bedding, while shoving her face into the mattress screaming as he rolled her into a second climax with a single thrust of his cock. It was almost too much for her to take, her whole body becoming a boneless mess of jelly. Every nerve ending zinged with overloaded pleasure. Even her skin became highly sensitized. Ethan gripped the base of her neck with one hand. She screamed again at the pressure and intensity when he pushed his finger deep into her ass. He kept a steady thrusting with his cock and added a second finger into her ass, making it burn in a delicious way. She could do nothing but take everything he had to give. More strange words spilled from his lips, the pace of his cock and fingers increased. He pulled his fingers free, the heat of his body hovering over her while he continued. As he kissed her neck, she tilted her head to the side allowing him better access. Then he did what she had been craving him to do. The sting of his teeth penetrating through her skin, combined with the orgasmic pull of his sucking triggered her third release. She let it roll over her. Ethan pulled his teeth free, but continued to lick and kiss the spot he bit while he drove hard into her, until his cock thickened and he came with a guttural cry, his whole body shuddering around hers. Aria felt crushed. His weight suddenly crashed onto her back, knocking the breath from her lungs. She struggled to breathe. His weight lifted and he dragged her to her side and into his arms. She gulped in lungfuls of air until her breathing and heart rate slowed. Her limbs were heavy; she felt sated and sleepy. “You are a gift to treasure, ma petite,” Ethan said as he smoothed down her hair. She whimpered in sleepy protest when he pulled away for a moment, not even bothering to open her eyes. If anything, Ethan was her treasure. Then there was something warm and wet 86

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich between her legs. He was washing her, she realized. It was such a tender action from such a strong violent warrior. Her heart melted a little more. She felt him rearrange their bed, then he pulled her back into his arms before tugging up the covers. In that moment, there was no other place she wanted to be than in his arms forever.

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Chapter 12 Aria felt terrible. A storm raged over the ship, making it pitch and sway with more violence than she had grown accustomed to in the past two days. Her stomach churned and her head ached. She’d lost count of how many times she hunched over and heaved in the cabin’s toilet bowl. Ethan awakened to find her slumped over the toilet, her body racking with tremors. Her sweating made thin wisps of hair stick to her forehead and cling against her neck. He took a cool cloth, crouched down, pulled her hair back from her face and wiped her brow and neck. Then he gently rubbed her arms and back. Any mortification of seeing her in such a state he dismissed; his expression held only tender concern. “It is not just the pretty parts I care about, Aria, but all of you, whether in health or not. You are mine to take care of.” Take care of her he did. He scooped her up, before stripping off her clothes to shower her down and towel her dry before tucking her into the bed. He propped pillows behind her head and emptied the wastepaper basket, then placed it by the bedside. “You sure I’m not pregnant?” She glanced up at him, smiling weakly. She had never been in love before; she was pretty damn certain what she was starting to feel toward Ethan may be just that, and it scared the hell out of her. Vampire and alien he may be, but he was also a man. Aria would rather face a hundred hungry vampires or battle a pit of vicious snapping alligators than feel like this. It made her feel 88

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich vulnerable and weak. Right now, it was the last thing she needed to be. Through the hard road of her life, she’d learned how to survive. Ethan kissed her forehead and shook his head, giving her a heart-warming smile. Her heart lurched, along with her stomach. “You shall gain your sea legs soon. I shall fetch the doctor; there may be something this modern medicine can do for you.” As Ethan left to fetch the doctor, Aria had to face the facts: as much as she hated to admit it to herself, she was indeed losing her heart. **** Dr. Juan smiled kindly and gave her a bottle of motion sickness pills, advised her to drink plenty of fluids, eat nutrient-rich soups and get plenty of rest until she felt better. Ethan must have taken the doctor’s words to heart, for he was always holding a glass of water and pushing it to her lips. He insisted on feeding her bowls of rich beef and vegetable soup one of the ship’s stewards brought to their cabin. Aria dozed on and off and cuddled against Ethan’s side, feeling comforted by his strong arms around her. He read a myriad of books he gathered from the ship’s library, including, to Aria’s amusement, a complete set of encyclopedias. Even knowing what he was, she was still amazed by the speed he could do things—speed-reading through each book, then casually tossing it aside, before reaching for the next. He also watched dozens of movies on the small entertainment unit at the end of their bed. The horror films amused him; the science fiction made him laugh; the one vampire movie made him frown. Not once did he push for sex or blood. She would have been blind not to have noticed his constant state of arousal, nor did she fail to notice the way his eyes would glaze over with a hungry look. 89

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria would ask him questions about his life throughout the different centuries. He painted such clear, vivid pictures. She could almost see herself standing alongside him within each moment in time. She found herself wondering if he had girlfriends, even a wife. With each small story of the nightlife of French villagers, her curiosity gripped her, compelling her to ask. “Was there someone special? You know, a wife or girlfriend?” Even though she didn’t glance up, she could feel his amused gaze while laying against the comfort of his side. “I had lovers, if that is what you ask, ma petite, but never a wife. Never have I found my destined heart.” “Destined heart?” Aria did raise her head this time, their eyes meeting for a brief moment before she lowered hers. “Among my people, when a couple becomes mated, we call them destined hearts, as they were always destined to be one; it is a deeper bond than husband and wife.” “I like the sound of that.” Not wanting to delve deeper with the sudden fear of her feelings for Ethan, she fell silent. This tender side of him was starting to melt the glacier-sized ice from her stubborn resolve. His kiss was soft against her hair; her mind drifting off once more. She figured it was useless, so she gave up the fight. **** Anticipation made Jacob edgy. He guessed it was the law of nature which gave vampires their one weakness and vulnerability to even out the strength of being the superior predators. Daylight, at least, gave humans a fighting chance. This left Jacob little choice but to rely on other resources. Humans, if they were not ignorant walking food, could at least be used for daylight duty. There were two ways to secure a human’s loyalty. One: pay them an extreme amount of currency. Two: offer them power and immortality. The second method worked better than the first. 90

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich He glanced at the two men he chose to bring with him from the States; they had at least proven their usefulness by keeping him safe while they traveled on the chartered plane. Jacob and the others who found it necessary to travel by aircraft made sure they planned their journey to start and end in darkness. Traveling to Europe left him vulnerable during the trip; he was unable to avoid daylight. He had been secure in the jet’s private hold wtih his two guards outside. Now he stood on the Dunkerque docks and studied the ships coming into the harbor. The Hav Sang was due after dawn’s break and he was ready for them. A French property agent secured the use of an old rundown building in Paris and hired laborers put all the traps into place. Nothing was unobtainable when he flashed the right amount of Euros. Ethan would not be able to outmaneuver him this time, even with his speed and strength. He could have simply let the men take Ethan during his slumber, but where would be the fun in that? Jacob wanted Ethan to know he could not and would not be outsmarted. He didn’t care how old the vampire was; Jacob was simply better. “You have your assignments.” He nodded to his men. “The girl and the vampire are not to be harmed in any way.” He had to drive that point home. If they didn’t follow his instructions to the letter, he would kill them. They both gave assuring nods. “Try not to draw attention to yourselves when you search the ship for them and carry her out. The passenger deck is the third level.” Both of the men he chose were apt at gaining access to locked and restricted areas, or he wouldn’t have brought their useless hides along. A short, sweet capture and retrieval. Ethan would be back in the hole where he belonged, and Jacob would have little Aria in his 91

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich possession and away from the prying elders. He would make sure they would never be found. Sure, the elders were going to know he took the woman, but ultimately they would have what they wanted—Ethan—and continued control of their corner of the planet. **** When Aria awoke, it was early morning. Her head was clear, and it took her a moment to realize the ship wasn’t pitching or swaying. The constant low hum and vibration of the ship’s engines were oddly silent. They must have come into a harbor or port. After being ill and stuck in a cabin for the past three days, she felt a great need to get out and about, to feel the warmth of the sun on her skin, and to see some daylight. Untangling herself from Ethan’s embrace and climbing off the bed, she quickly showered and dressed. Exiting the cabin, she made her way through the corridors and up into the warmth and light. Grabbing a passing crew member, she asked where they were. They were docked in Dunkerque, France. She sighed. There was nothing she could do until nightfall. They would find their way out to wherever it was he wanted to take her. She watched from her spot on deck as huge cranes reached over the ship, lifting and unloading several of the large shipping containers. Her thoughts were churning over how she felt toward Ethan; yes—she loved him. His every action over the past few days tightened the ties binding her to him. The feelings of fear and euphoria were mixed in the strangest way. Yes, she belonged to Ethan, wanted to belong to him, but in turn that man belonged to her right back, which left her uncertain of his true feelings. Yes, he was kind, caring and possessive as hell, but that didn’t mean he loved her. Aria shook her head before raising it to enjoy the heat of the sun on her face. It always boiled down to a matter of survival. Ethan promised her a better life and she didn’t need his love for 92

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich that. She could steel herself against loving him, even if she couldn’t stop the emotion. It would work, could work… Oh, who was she trying to fool? It would never work. She would be the biggest idiot trying to stop the way she felt. Sighing again, she turned, before making her way below deck. Ethan would be hungry when he awoke. She was amazed how normal the thought of Ethan drinking from her sounded, how much she craved his touch, his bite and yes, his love. She prayed she was wrong for her own sanity’s sake and could hold in her feelings—well, just a little longer. Entering the haven of their cabin, Aria quickly stripped, pulled back the covers and paused to admire her dark sexy vampire’s gorgeous body. She curled up against his side. With a contented sigh, Aria knew this was where she belonged.

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Chapter 13 Aria was jolted awake by hands clamped around her wrists and one over her mouth to muffle the scream rising in her throat. The sound of hard breathing reverberated around the cabin as two men flipped her onto her stomach to bind her wrists and ankles. “Shit, she’s naked,” said a gruff baritone with an unmistakable American accent. “Hell, if she was mine, I’d insist she be naked all the time, but we’re not to touch her,” another replied, half-wistfully. The other one chuckled. “Yeah, but he never said anything about not looking.” “Wrap her in a sheet. We’ll take all her belongings. I, for one, will not risk Jacob’s anger.” At the mention of Jacob’s name, all of her fears over their safety didn’t feel so foolish after all. Ethan assured her they would be safe. She didn’t have a chance to see who they were, as a blindfold descended over her eyes, a strip of material was secured around her mouth and she was wrapped in a sheet. Aria screamed into her gag while she was lifted and flung over one of the men’s shoulder. It was useless to struggle. She allowed her body to relax. There was nothing she could do now except conserve her strength for the fight she was sure to come. “Is it true what I’ve heard about him being one of the firsts?” “He’s fucking ancient, man. I wouldn’t want to mess with him. He’s gonna be pissed as hell when he wakes up.” 94

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria was relieved; at least they weren’t taking Ethan. She wondered about the move though. They had her and Ethan was there, vulnerable and for the taking. What did Jacob hope to achieve by taking her and not Ethan? Obviously, Jacob had not learned from his last encounter with Ethan, unless he had something else up his sleeve. “Let’s get the hell out of here before any of the crew realizes what’s going on and calls the French cops.” Aria heard the door open and shut softly while holding back the nausea at being bounced on a broad shoulder as she was carried out. Through the thin wrap of the sheet, she could smell the freshness of early morning. She was still tired from her illness and had fallen quickly into a heavy sleep. She had always been a light sleeper until Ethan; with him, she had felt safe and secure enough to let everything drift from her mind but him. Her abductors were right about one thing. Ethan was going to be one seriously pissed-off vampire when he woke up. **** Ethan bolted upright. He drew in a deep breath, smelling everything around him. Even though the day had passed, there were still lingering scents, like sweaty palms which had come in contact with surfaces like doorhandles, and the odors of more than one masculine presence. His whole body was rigid with pure rage. He leapt from the bed, then stalked naked across the cabin, before ripping off a little square of paper pinned to the door. Written on it was an address in Paris. He noticed everything of Aria’s was missing, along with her. Whoever had taken her guaranteed themselves a painful death by his hand. So, they wanted him to come. It smelt of a trap, but at the moment, he didn’t care. They took Aria and he would always go to her. She was his to protect. Ethan quickly dressed, laced his boots, and with his vampiric speed, made his way topside, emerging on the upper deck. He 95

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich paused to take in the port of Dunkerque, the French seaside town. It had come a long way since its beginnings in the early fifteen hundreds. Ethan gripped the railing and launched himself over the upper deck banister, not caring if anyone saw him. He landed with a solid thump on the paved dock. He scanned the area, while inhaling a deep breath. He could not scent Aria and it unnerved him. He would have to enlist the help of a weak-minded mortal for fast transportation to Paris. Aria’s words popped into his head. Yes, he was going to rescue his woman and kick some serous butt across Europe. **** Handcuffs were fun with Ethan, but now they were simply pissing her off. She was cuffed for the better part of the day to a small cot in some sort of sparse rundown apartment building. Her two good-looking, burly abductors took turns dozing and going off somewhere to buy food. They allowed her only thirty seconds to dress, or threatened to do it themselves. They also refused to talk or respond to any of her questions and threats, even if Ethan was going to tear them apart limb from limb. They seated themselves in another room with the door wide open so either one could keep a close lookout on her. They left her a banquet, some fruit and a few bottles of water. She managed to doze a little, needing to conserve her energy for nightfall. Darkness descended like a heavy veil. It took them a few hours to get from Dunkerque to Paris. She heard the men grumbling about French traffic and French drivers, even while she was blindfolded and shoved in the trunk of a car. It meant Ethan was a few hours away from coming and for once, she didn’t want him to come to her rescue. It was a trap, plain and simple. It would break her heart, yes, but it would be a hell of a lot better if Ethan just walked away and found his people. In the grand scheme of things, she didn’t matter. He would find another blue blood. He 96

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich would continue to make Jacob Mather’s life a living hell. She grinned at the thought. Hell, yeah, she would bitch-slap and kick ass as much as she possibly could. Why should Ethan get to have all the fun? “Hello, little dove.” Aria jumped at the sound of Jacob’s voice. “Quite the romantic setting, don’t you think? You and I in Paris.” She glanced up to see him leaning on the doorjamb and smiling triumphantly down at her. “Go fuck yourself,” she growled. Jacob laughed, a laugh she heard before, just like the one he gave her before dragging her down the stairs and throwing her in with Ethan. “Tempting, but I would rather fuck you, little dove. Lover boy won’t be here for a little while yet. That will give you and I some quality time together.” “Touch me and I’ll cut your balls off and feed them to you.” He barked with laughter, pushed off from the doorjamb and moved in closer. She scooted as far away as her cuffed hands would allow as he sat down on the bed, all the time watching him with careful weariness. “I don’t get it, Jacob. You took me, but why not Ethan? You could have easily had us both.” “And where would be the fun in that? I want him humiliated as he did to me, and I am going to enjoy watching him suffer when I finally taste you and fuck you in front of him.” “What makes you think he’s even going to come for me? Ethan’s been around a hell of a lot longer than you have, asshole, and he knows how to survive.” “He and I think in similar patterns. We know what we want and we don’t share what belongs to us. You, little dove, are something we both want, but in the end only one of us will have 97

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich you. Unfortunately, it won’t be lover boy. Don’t fret. I’ll soon put any thoughts of him out of your pretty little head.” “Gee, your mother must be real proud. You turned out to be such an asshole,” Aria said, sneering. Jacob never flinched at her insult. “Dust, Aria. All humans eventually become dust, including my dear departed mother, but we live forever and will endure when all else is gone. This is why you and I are going to create a legacy, little dove. A legacy to last forever.” Aria looked at him thoughtfully. “You know, I thought you were just an asshole, but now I realize you’re a crazy asshole as well.” Jacob’s features darkened with anger. Ahh, she finally hit a nerve. He reached out, grabbed her by the arms and yanked her closer. He undid her cuffs before pulling her to her feet. “Try anything stupid and I’ll drain you. I won’t kill you, little dove, but I’ll drink enough to make you nice and compliant. Understood?” Aria swallowed hard. A tremor of fear ran through her; she knew he would make good on his threat. “Good. Now smile as I have arranged a nice little romantic dinner before the show begins.” **** Damn Jacob to the depths of whatever hell he believed in. Ethan clenched his jaw, his lips pressed in a tight line while he scanned the darkened street. It had been three hundred years since he had last walked the city of Paris. He entranced a weak-minded young man in Dunkerque with a shiny black car. It had Jaguar written across the back and a sleek silver cat on the front hood. It took several hours to drive directly to the address they left for him. Then he sent the man safely away. He would not remember his strange passenger by morning. 98

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Drawing in a deep breath, he closed his eyes. She was definitely here. With care, he circled the six-storied Parisian building. The once-white structure was covered in the spoils of wear, rain and painted vandalism—all had left their marks. Tall arched windows ran around the building on each level. Many rooms looked abandoned. There was one main entrance. In the back alley, there were only two exits. Few cars were parked along the dim-lit streets. Trash littered the old cobbled ground and gutters. People walked at a hurried pace with fear in their eyes. It was obviously not one of the better class areas in Paris. Jacob planned well. The exits were few, and there would only be one way in to reach Aria. No doubt Jacob would have anticipated Ethan’s speed and strength. He had no care for the great changes the centuries brought to the city; his only care was for Aria and her safety. Right now, while she was being used as bait, she would be safe. Her inner strength was something he admired. There was only one thing on their side right now—time. It tore at him inside to do it, but Ethan glanced at the building once more and forced himself to turn and walk away. **** Tandem emotions rolled through Aria. She wanted to both scream in despair and sob with relief. Jacob had monitors set up around the building which showed Ethan casing the place, but after a long moment, he simply turned and vanished into the darkness. “Well, this is certainly an interesting development.” Jacob had been transfixed by the same monitors. Aria laughed humorlessly. “You’re on his turf now, asshole. He doesn’t care about me. Sure, he needed me to get out of the U.S., but here he has his pick of blue bloods.” Her words sounded empty in her ears and she knew they were nothing but a lie, yet they were necessary to make Jacob believe Ethan wasn’t as possessive as he had first thought. “You and your elder buddies are 99

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich truly fucked now. If I were you, I’d be running for the nearest French exit and scurrying right back to the U.S. ’cause there’s gonna be hell to pay.” Aria jumped as Jacob suddenly slammed his fist into the wall right next to her head. White flecks of plaster exploded. Jacob glared into her eyes with a look of anger which did scare her. “Keep that mouth shut, little dove. You have yet to see me lose my cool and trust me when I tell you, it is not something you want to see.” “You think he’ll be back?” one of Jacob’s men asked. His expression changed. Understanding flickered across Jacob’s face as he realized something. Whatever he was thinking worried the hell out of her. “Yes he will and soon.” Jacob licked his lips, his eyes suddenly flaring with lust—bloodlust. He turned on her. Aria jumped to her feet, knocking back the chair she had been sitting in and backed away from the vampire. “You two, out now!” Jacob demanded, not even looking at them, his hungry gaze fixed on her. Shit, she was in trouble. The door slammed shut leaving them alone. “Don’t you fucking dare.” She tried to keep the tremor of fear out of her tone. “I will do as I like, little dove. I was going to wait for Ethan to watch me feed from you but I will just have to be content with fucking you in front of him instead.” Her back hit the corner and before she could dodge along the wall, Jacob pinned her with his body. She struggled and screamed. She wasn’t going to let him touch her without a fight, but he was too damn strong. “I suppose you enjoy it when Ethan sinks his teeth into you, hmm?” 100

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Capturing her chin, he moved her head to the side, exposing her neck and throat. She could feel his hot breath against her skin and she shuddered in revulsion. “Fuck off, asshole.” Her breath was labored due to her struggles. “Oh, little dove, you will learn to take pleasure in my bite as well—that and so much more.” The swipe of his tongue over her jugular vein was the only warning Aria got. She screamed in pain as Jacob’s teeth tore into her skin. With Ethan, she only felt a slight sting then nothing but pleasure. This was like a fistful of needles being jabbed into her neck. The pain spread out down her arm and squeezed at her heart while he tugged on the vein, drawing out her blood. Her thoughts flew to Ethan. She loved him utterly and completely. It had taken Jacob and his cruelty to show her that she did not want to live her life without him. As her body began to weaken, Jacob withdrew his teeth and pulled back. Her defiant gaze held his cold blue one. “That was pure divinity. No wonder Ethan wants you.” He licked his lips in pleasure, savoring her blood. Aria stared at him with disgust and hatred. A flush of red rose through his skin and face. Once he released his hold of her, she leaned against the wall for support and raised her hand, slapping him as hard as she could across the face. He blinked in surprise at her move, touched his face and then laughed. Aria moved to slap him again, but he caught her wrist this time and tugged her body close to his. His lips crushed hers in a bruising kiss. She almost gagged at the coppery taste of her own blood when he thrust his tongue into her mouth. It was only when she bit down on his lip, hard, that he yanked back and touched the spot she’d drawn blood. “We are indeed going to have fun together. C’mon, little dove. Time to prepare a little treat for lover boy.” 101

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Jacob gripped her upper arm, firmly pulling her out of the room. “With that acute hearing of his, no doubt he’ll be rushing back at any moment.” Aria gasped, realizing he bit her not just to drink her blood, but to make her scream. He knew it would bring Ethan back. Would it work? She damn well hoped not. **** Ethan froze at the sound of Aria’s pained scream; no one fucking hurt his woman and lived. Any good intentions of waiting to just before dawn to rescue Aria were shot. He could not leave her there in the hands of that deranged vampire. He promised to protect her, to keep her from harm. Guilt tore through him; he had failed to keep her safe. Ethan backtracked down the street, heading straight into the building. He was stronger, faster and smarter. Jacob was going to pay.

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Chapter 14 Her bare feet barely touched the wooden box below them, allowing her to take some of the strain of her weight from her arms. Her hands were tied above her head suspended in the center of a cage. Aria felt like a piece of meat hanging in a butcher’s window. Reality crashed in around her. This was a cage. She was the bait and according to Jacob, Ethan was the animal. The gag in her mouth prevented her from telling anyone just how dangerous it would be to touch her cage. Jacob assured her that if she managed to get free from her bonds, anything she touched, other than the box, would kill her. Ethan, not being human, would simply be rendered unconscious. The whole room was one large trap. Even the floor was wet, and unless a person was wearing rubber boots and gloves, there was no safe place to tread or touch. Aria wanted to scream in frustration at her situation. She was no longer fearful of Jacob, but plain pissed. Unfortunately, he had drained her enough to weaken her so any fight she put up was even more useless than before. Don’t come, don’t come, don’t come. So much for that thought. The door to the room was impressively ripped from its hinges. Ethan’s familiar figure stood there, looking dangerously sexy filling the doorframe. The intensity in his expression told her that he was out for blood—and not hers. 103

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Frantically, she shook her head, trying to tell him not to come any closer. He glanced at her and looked the cage over before surveying the rest of the room. She could only guess he was trying to figure out what kind of a trap it was. She had no idea where Jacob was. “I know it’s a trap, ma petite.” He was trying to reassure her, but as he stepped forward, Aria shook her head again. “But I cannot leave you.” Aria rolled her eyes at him, then tried to growl. Damn the gag and damn him for trying to be so heroic. She helplessly watched him step farther into the room and her gaze flew to his booted feet. Good. At least he wouldn’t get shocked from below. “Where are you, Jacob? Be a man and come out and face me!” he yelled. Aria snorted, as if he was dumb enough to do something like that. Ethan reached the cage, his gaze sweeping over her body and his face darkening with his evident rage. “The bastard bit you.” Aria squealed and bucked against her restraints, but couldn’t stop his naked hand from reaching out to the door of the cage. “Aria, it’s going to be all right.” Her eyes widened in horror. The full voltage of power shot its way into Ethan on contact. He was thrown back against the opposite wall. Aria renewed her struggles, at seeing his eyes roll back in his head as he slumped down unconscious. Her initial panic calmed when she saw the rise and fall of Ethan’s chest—he was breathing. He was alive. A moment later, the sound of footsteps made her look up. Jacob strode through the door followed by his hired hands. Between them, they carried a strong-looking long metal box with heavy locks all along the edges. Oh, God, they were going to put Ethan into that. She was going to kill the evil bastard herself. 104

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Why do I feel that was way too easy?” He smirked, looking down at Ethan. Aria glared daggers at him, but remained still and silent, watching the men set the metal box down, open it, and place her man inside. She noticed there were thick metal bands within the box as well as outside it. They shackled Ethan in and Aria winced when they slammed the lid down before locking it. Jacob opened the cage with a key, forcing Aria to focus her attention on him and his slimy smile. He ran his hands up over her body, breasts and arms, and then unhooked her from the ropes holding her in the cage. She couldn’t help but slump forward, straight into Jacob’s arms when she was freed. “I must say, it’s a nice feeling to get everything I want.” God, she wanted to smack that damn smug smile right off his face. The arrogant bastard. Leaving her hands tied and the gag in place, Jacob carried her back upstairs to the room where she spent the day before setting her down on the cot, then removing the gag and offering her a drink of water from a bottle near the bed. She snatched the bottle and took a deep drink. She sucked in a breath, trying to stay calm and focused when all she wanted to do was launch herself at Jacob, rip out his eyes and cut out his heart. Ethan’s life depended on her and she wasn’t about to let him down. She took a few deep breaths before forcing herself to look at Jacob, who was studying her with that same look of hunger. “What are you going to do with him?” “Even though I can’t kill him, I can make him suffer before he loses his mind from lack of your lovely blood. I am going to make him watch me fuck you, then deliver him back to the elders.” Aria snorted in disgust. “It’s going to be a cold day in hell before that happens, you disgusting asshole.”

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Jacob just smiled confidently and continued. “After the show, he’ll be delivered to the elders and you and I can go on our honeymoon.” Aria stared at him. The vampire was mad. “You really are deranged, you know that.” The smile fell from his face. Roughly, he grabbed her wrists, yanked off the ropes, snatched up the discarded handcuffs and recuffed her to the bed railing. She turned her head when he tried to stroke the side of her face. He frowned and stood abruptly. “Get some rest, little dove. You’re going to need it.” There was an undercurrent of warning in his tone. “Be assured, Aria, you and I are going to be together for a long time, so the sooner you come to terms with that fact, the better off you’ll be. I’ll be back at nightfall tomorrow. Lover boy should have regained his senses by then.” The arrogant smile was back as he walked from the room. Aria threw herself into the pillow, thumping the mattress hard with her free hand and screamed in sheer frustration and desperation. Ethan, Ethan, oh, God, Ethan. She fought back the tears. She needed him like she needed to breathe. There had to be a way out. There was no way in hell she would give up, ever. **** Ethan’s eyes snapped open only to be greeted with a confined darkness. There were strong tight bands around his legs, arms and chest; he could not break free. He squeezed his eyes shut, calmed his breathing and concentrated. His mind and senses searched the surroundings of his prison. Air holes in the box allowed him to breathe in scents. Aria was close. He could hear heartbeats—three, all human. Ethan was angry at himself for walking into Jacob’s trap. When he saw her disheveled and hanging in the middle of that cage, he was barely able to contain his rage. Seeing the bite mark 106

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich on her neck, her stubborn, pleading eyes telling him to leave… Yet he couldn’t leave her, even if it meant falling into a trap. His rescue had failed, now he was just as trapped as she was. Ethan wanted to roar in frustration, but it would net him nothing. He grew weaker with each night that passed without feeding from his Aria. Four nights passed since he’d last fed from her, not wanting to take from her while she was ill. As the pull of dawn started, a sudden panic gripped him. He would soon become the monster he despised. If ever he needed a miracle, it was now. **** Damn, she must have fallen asleep. She turned, trying to stretch as far as the cuffs would allow, wincing at the painful bruise Jacob had left on her neck. She still felt weak from him taking her blood. Daylight filtered in through the dirty windows; at least Ethan would be sleeping peacefully. It tore at her to think how he would feel once he woke trapped in a box. Glancing around the room, she noted her two guards were back on duty. One looked to be sleeping, while the other paced around the room. They were human and flawed as much as she was. An idea jumped into her head. She sat up and rattled her cuffs. “Hey, Tweedledum, I need to go to the bathroom!” Liam was his name, built like a bear with huge biceps, dark brown hair and large brown eyes. He stopped his pacing to glance at her. “Yes, you. Are you going to uncuff me, or do you want me to pee right here?” He frowned and stalked forward. “You got a smart mouth on you, woman.” “Gee, and you’re just full of witty repartee. You know he’s never going to turn you.” He ignored her comment and fished out the key from his pocket to uncuff her from the bed. 107

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Chapter 15 He shackled her wrists in front of her body before shoving her into the bathroom. Aria swiveled and glared at her captor. “A little privacy, if you please.” The man gave no indication of moving, so she added, “I’ll be sure to let Jacob know how considerate you were about taking care of me. I hold a lot more value to him than your worthless hide.” The man scowled, unfolded his arms and slammed the bathroom door shut. Aria sighed in relief, spun around and scanned the bathroom: there was a small window above the toilet. Quickly, she placed the toilet lid down and climbed up, trying to keep her cuffs from rattling, then worked the lever on the window. She would just be able to fit through, or so she hoped. On tiptoe, she stood with her bare feet to either side of the toilet tank. She gripped the ledge and hauled herself up. When she had anchored her elbows on the ledge, she scrambled up, her toes and feet trying to find a grip on the wall. She wiggled her upper body through the window and gasped when she glanced down: she was three stories up. A drainpipe ran the length of the building and there were a series of small windows, just like the one she was halfway out of. With her hands cuffed as they were, she would not be able to reach out. Her only hope was to shimmy down the pipe. Her heart was pounding in fear and she fought against the sudden dizziness; she hated heights. Her determination pushed aside her inept fears. 108

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria contemplated the other scenario. If she let Jacob take her and Ethan back to the States, she wouldn’t be able to stop him from raping her. He had made it perfectly clear he would do so and often. Ethan would revert to a mindless monster. No, she would rather face death than allow that to happen again. Ethan had given her a glimpse of a fulfilled freedom she never dreamed she could have. She didn’t care if he slept all day, had fangs and drank her blood. She loved him utterly and completely and would gladly give her life to save his. Life without Ethan was simply not worth living. Strengthening her resolve, she shimmied farther out of the window and balanced on her hips, while reaching for the drainpipe. The damn thing had better hold. It was a leap of faith. Her fingers curled around the pipe, gripping as far as the cuffs would allow. With a firm hold, she pulled the rest of her body out. She knew she didn’t have much time before her day guards would check in on her, find her missing and automatically put two and two together. Aria whimpered in fear as she hung for a moment, her feet grappling to find purchase on the pipe. She was now thankful her feet were bare. Perspiration broke out over her body, including her feet, giving her some grip. She pushed out slightly with her elbows and moved her arms down before letting her feet drop a little. She managed to move down one story when she heard a shout. Yup, she was discovered. Glancing up, she saw her captor’s head poking out of the window. He was way too big to follow her down. He vanished and she knew he was racing for the stairs. Aria began to panic, loosened her grip and started to slide down. With only a few feet left, she let go and dropped the rest of the way. She fell heavily onto her right arm and cried out from the pain flashing through it on impact. Rolling, she panted, trying to ignore the agony in her arm. With a groan she climbed to her feet and ran down the cobble-stoned Parisian alley. 109

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich It didn’t matter that she had no idea where she was running; her only goal for the moment was to get away. She didn’t know who to turn to for help. Would the Paris police help her or lock her up for being in their country without a passport? If she told them about the vampires coming after her and how they locked her vampire lover in a metal box, she would end up in a mental asylum. She had no idea how to contact the other elder vampires either. Aria made a turn, attempting to keep her arm still, but it continued to jolt with each soft thump of her bare feet on the stone. She could only guess she might have broken something, as intense pain radiated down her arm and across her chest. Hearing heavy footsteps behind her made her run full pelt, trying her best to ignore her discomfort. She saw cars up ahead. Maybe finding a French policeman was her only option at the moment. “Stop her!” yelled a heavy-breathing voice. Shit, her captors were closer than she realized. Aria hit the larger street at a dead run, weaving her way around people who turned to stare as she bolted past. She ran down a sloped street, her pursuers now gaining on her. The pain drained her body of strength and she already had been weakened slightly by Jacob’s bite. She was thankful Ethan’s bites increased her blood supply. It helped her better withstand Jacob’s taking blood from her. She flew around a corner and ran smack into something solid, warm and fleshy, with a loud humph. “Facile là bien-aimé,” exclaimed a deep voice. She was grabbed suddenly by two strong arms, jarring her upper arm, which made her cry out in pain. She stared up at the man who had incredibly quick reflexes. He had green eyes, instantly reminding her of Ethan and a strong jaw, dark brows and hair. The crisp, clean expensive suit he wore did not take away from seeing the man was built tall and strong. His handsome face was marred with a deep frown as he 110

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich took in her disheveled appearance, bare feet and cuffed hands. His hand smoothed the hair from her shoulder and his gaze riveted on the bite mark on her neck. Instinct took over. “Help me, please,” she whispered, her voice sounding breathless and panicked and laced with pain. “Do not fear, little one. You are safe now.” He switched to English with only a hint of French in his accent. Once again, he reminded her of Ethan. It was so uncanny and made her want to trust this stranger. Without another word, he scooped her up, then quickly crossed the street with her in his arms. They reached an expensive dark BMW with tinted windows. He unlocked the doors and slid her into the passenger seat before slamming the door shut and heading around to the driver’s side. Across the street, her captors came barreling around the same corner she had only a moment before. The two men paused and glanced around. She shrank down in her seat, frightened they would find her. “They are your pursuers?” her rescuer asked without looking at her. “Yes,” Aria whispered. He turned his green eyes to her. “Who bit you?” It was more a command than a question. Aria gasped softly. Is this man friend or foe? Have I just run into the arms of someone worse than Jacob? She studied the man, trying to ignore her throbbing arm. He reached across her side and opened the glove box, then pulled out a little handheld black leather case. Aria watched him unzip it to discover it looked much like a lockpicking kit. “My name is Lucas Archalon,” he told her, selecting a solid wire with a hook on the end from his kit. He then motioned for her to hold out her cuffs. 111

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria did so, trying not to whimper, as the movement made the pain in her arm worse. No wonder he looks so damn familiar, is he an Archalonian? But how could that be—he’s out in the daylight? “You’re not a vampire either,” she blurted out. “You can’t be an Archalonian and walk around in the daytime.” The cuffs clicked after he released the spring. He slid them off one wrist and then started on the other. “Let’s focus on one thing at a time, shall we? I will ask the questions, and you will answer or I’ll let your friends over there know where you are.” Aria gasped at his threat. Yup, he’s Archalonian all right and damn bossy, just like Ethan. The other cuff slid free from her whatshe-knew-now-was-broken arm. Lucas quickly shoved the cuffs and lock-picking kit back into the glove box and turned his full attention on her. Aria cradled her hurt arm. “Let’s start with your name, ma petite.” “Don’t call me that.” She only wanted Ethan spouting that familiar endearment to her and no one else. “Fine, now answer. Who are you?” Aria swallowed. If this man really was Archalonian, then he could help Ethan. “Aria Nova Tempest.” “And those?” He motioned out the window. Her captors had split up to search for her. “They work for Jacob Mathers, a vampire from New York. They were ordered to watch me while he got his beauty sleep,” she said with hatred. Lucas seemed to think for a long moment before he shook his head. “It is not a name I know, and I do know many vampires. It was fortunate I had business in this part of town this morning.” His gaze softened as it roamed over her. “Was it he who bit you?” He reached forward, brushing the hair back from her neck. 112

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria nodded. “We have rules,” he continued with a frown. “No foreign vampires are allowed to hunt or trespass on European ground without approval and clearance from the elders.” “Do you know Ethan of Archalon?” she asked, testing the waters with his proclaimed Archalonian status. His frown deepened while he studied her. “I know the elders have been searching for him for a very long time. They know he is alive, but do not know where.” “I do. I’m his blue blood.” Surprise crossed Lucas’ face. His gaze swept over her with greater interest. Feeling she could trust this man, Aria told him her story of Ethan being kept like an animal for the past few hundred years until she had been fed to him. With some details left out, she told him how they had journeyed across on a cargo ship and the trap Jacob had laid out for him after kidnapping her during daylight hours. Aria noticed Lucas’ jaw clench. He was struggling to keep the anger out of his expression. Not that she blamed him—she was downright pissed off for what those elders had done to him and now he was trapped inside another box. Lucas drew in a calming breath. “It will be all right.” He spoke with a sudden gentleness and yanked out a BlackBerry phone from his pocket. He hit a number, then spoke in rapid French. Despite Ethan’s few French lessons, she had trouble keeping up. He glanced in her direction through a part of the conversation. “It is fortunate we have daylight to our advantage. I will take you to a hospital; your arm appears broken.” “Getting to Ethan is more important than me. We need to get to him quickly. They could move him now that I have managed to escape. Plus, I don’t have a passport or any papers. We left New 113

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich York without much of anything. He really wanted to reach France.” Lucas flashed her a megawatt smile. “You’re a blue blood, sweetheart, and we take care of our own.” What did he mean by that? “Who are you, really?” He reached across, buckled her seatbelt and started the engine of his BMW. “I am the great-grandson of Luc of Archalon. Unlike my great-grandfather, I am half-human and blue blood myself.” “Oh, yes, Ethan said I could get pregnant.” Aria felt her face turn three kinds of red after blurting that out. Lucas simply laughed. “Shit, sorry.” “You belong to Ethan. I understand that, and I’m not surprised you’re a beauty. There’s no need to worry about paperwork. As for Ethan, we already have people moving in on his location. We need to get you seen to,” he said in a firm tone. “My people can sniff out any vampire within a two-mile radius.” He handled the wheel of his car with one hand while pulling out his wallet and flipping it open, revealing an official-looking badge. “I’m a detective with the Paris Police.” “Do they know you’re not fully human?” “I’m sure you know the only differences which would show up would be during an extensive medical, and well, Archalon men are made for pleasuring their women.” Aria’s gaze automatically dropped to his crotch before she could stop herself, her cheeks heating as he gave another chuckle. “Exactly.” He winked. Ten minutes later, Lucas walked Aria into the emergency entrance of a tall hospital building; where she was in Paris, she had no idea. His cell rang and he was quick to answer it. She really wished she could understand French better. He hung up and spoke to a nurse, who immediately ushered them through the white corridors and into a cubicle. 114

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich When they were alone, Lucas turned to her. “We have found Ethan just as you described, sealed in a metal box.” He leaned casually against a white wall, his green eyes regarding her. “Oh, thank God.” The full weight of her exhaustion and pain folded in around her and Aria started to feel faint. “Where will you take him?” Lucas gave her a small smile. “Home, of course.” “Are you sure he will be safe? If you or any of your people hurt him in any way, I’ll kick your asses all the way across Europe.” Lucas laughed at her threat. He pushed off the wall and gently pushed her down fully onto the bed. “Do not fret, sweetheart. Ethan is family and will be treated with the utmost respect and care—as will you. When was the last time Ethan fed from you?” “Four nights ago.” Lucas nodded. “Let’s get you fixed up so we can make sure you’re by his side when he awakens. I can speak for my greatgrandfather when I say this is a reunion we have all been looking forward to for a long time.” Even with Lucas’ words, she felt nervous at being away from Ethan for so long and she would only feel safe and secure when she was in Ethan’s arms again.

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Chapter 16 Feminine scents drifted into his consciousness and the familiar warm softness of his beloved lady pressed into his side—Aria. His beautiful Aria… Her heated breath warmed his cooling skin. The thrum of her blood made his mouth water and his erection bloom to full hardness. Through all time and space, she was the one soul who connected with his to complete him. He loved her unreservedly and would do anything she asked of him. He would protect and worship her for the rest of time. He had not forgotten Jacob or what Jacob did to her, but it did not matter now. The only that mattered was that she remain safe. Opening his eyes, his gaze drifted around the darkened room. They lay in an elaborately carved bed with soft silk burgundy sheets. The room was decorated with rich comfortable furnishings, tastefully matching the old stone walls. Where were they, and what miracle had occurred that he was no longer in a box and his Aria was safe in his arms? Unable to keep his gaze away for a moment longer, he looked down on the beauty in his arms. Her right arm was encased in a hard white substance. He let his fingers trace over the material and realized it was covering an injury. She was hurt by more than just Jacob’s bite. The mark was slowly fading on her neck. Ethan shifted, rolling her slightly and moved over her, before lowering his head and softly kissing her lips. He smiled when a soft sigh parted her lips, allowing him deeper access to the silken 116

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich cavern of her mouth. He traced the tip of his tongue over those lush lips before sliding it in, and tasting her fully, gently coaxing a response. It didn’t require much; a soft, feminine moan sounded in her throat. Her lips began responding with a heat and passion along with her body. He knew her nipples were hardening, begging for his mouth. Her skin was coming alive with sensation. He recognized the sweet scent of her arousal wafting up. It was like an addictive intoxication. He knew if he felt between her thighs, she would be wet and ready. Such a wonder was this woman and she was all his. He broke the kiss. Aria whimpered in protest and he raised his head to watch her eyelids flutter open. Their gazes met and locked. The smile she gave him was breathtaking. He had two questions in that moment. “Are we safe?” Aria nodded. “Were you harmed?” “No, I broke my arm escaping through a window, but it’s all right. I’m all right.” She lifted her left hand to touch his face. “It all worked out great. You’re home, Ethan. I found those you came to find.” Ethan was in awe of this woman who had saved him not once but twice. Words didn’t have enough power to express what he felt for her. He could only show her. He captured her lips, pouring all his emotion and love into that kiss. He wanted and needed to worship her. He began running kisses over her face, down her throat, across her shoulders, not leaving one inch of her skin unkissed or untouched by him until she was begging and crying for him to take her, but he wanted more of her pleasure. He licked his way up her thighs, pushing her legs wide, while taking in the musky scent of her arousal. Her dark curls glistened with the evidence of her readiness to take him. Ethan parted her outer lips and ran his tongue from her anus to the top of her clit. Aria cried out. He kept his hands on her hips 117

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich as her back arched. Again he licked and lapped, hungry for her every flavor. He speared her as deep as he could penetrate with his tongue. She mewled and undulated. Over and over, he fucked her with his tongue until he felt her body begin to tremble. He quickly took her hard sensitive nub into his mouth and sucked down hard. She screamed his name and flew apart in his arms. “Ethan, I want you. I need you!” It was a heartfelt cry, one he could not deny. He rose over her, plunging in deep with one deft stroke. He was on the edge. With her every whimper and moan, he struggled to hold back his own impending release. Now, as the wet heat of her inner walls gripped his cock, he knew he would last no more than a few strokes. “I know you need it.” Her gaze met his and she moved her head to the side. Ethan saw the faint bruising of Jacob’s bite. He nuzzled down, gliding his lips over the spot and let his fangs lower before reclaiming what belonged to him alone. She cried out when a second climax hit her. Ethan groaned, feeling her walls clenching him. He withdrew and plunged in once, twice, his cock thickening and his eyes slamming shut. Colors swirled before them. He groaned and shuddered, his seed releasing into her willing body before he let his body drop onto her small, soft one. His head nestled in the cradle of her neck, keeping the bulk of his weight on his upper arms so he wouldn’t crush her. He knew she enjoyed the security and comfort of his body. Neither of them spoke; their breathing started to calm. Slowly, Ethan raised his head before gazing into her hazel depths. “I want you to know you mean everything to me, Aria; you have my heart, my soul, my life, ma petite.” Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes before sliding down the sides of her face, making Ethan fear he spoke words she did not wish to hear. “Do not cry, ma petite. I have no desire to hurt you.” 118

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria’s face lit in a smile. “No, no, Ethan. I’m crying because you’ve made me so happy. I love you more than the air I breathe.” Trying to throw her arms around him, she winced in pain from her arm. Ethan growled. “First.” He let his incisors lower before biting down on his tongue until the blood started to flow within his mouth. He caught her chin in his hand and sealed his mouth over hers, thrusting his bleeding tongue deeply inside and letting his blood flow between them. Aria’s eyes went wide. Ethan’s blood spilled into her mouth and she had no choice but to swallow his offering. It slid down her throat, burning like hundred-proof liquor yet not. It spread a fiery heat unlike anything she had ever experienced. Colors and lights danced before her eyes. The darkness around them suddenly brightened and she could see with the utmost clarity. The purity of colors and shapes, smells and scents all bombarded her senses. She could hear things so clearly: the steady thump of Ethan’s heartbeat, the rush of his blood, even movement of humans within the walls of the castle around them. Her outer and inner flesh had a sensitivity she never felt before. Ethan’s cock grew hard and strong inside her. She broke free and a growl tore from her throat. With an all-consuming hunger, she wanted Ethan to move, to fuck her. He gripped her plastered arm, ripping the cast apart under his vampiric strength. She no longer felt pain in her arm; she realized it was completely healed. Yet now was not the time to wonder about such things. “Fuck me, Ethan, now!” Her legs clutched his waist and she clawed his skin. Ethan withdrew, grabbed her hips and flipped her over onto her hands and knees. Without any preamble, he plunged back in. Aria cried out at the sheer pleasure of it, but she was hungry for more—for a strong, hard fucking. He understood her hunger 119

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich and need, grabbing her wrists to pull them behind her back, and keeping them shackled in his strong grip. Aria’s face was pushed into the mattress. Ethan fucked her hard and fast. She screamed his name into the mattress; the fast friction of his deep pounding pushing her over the edge. The intense climax ripped through every cell of her body. Her head spun while Ethan kept her coming hard, his thrusts becoming shorter until he groaned heavily. His body shook and she felt his seed shooting deep into her body. His hold released and he collapsed to the side, taking her with him. When she had regained her breath, she also felt the euphoria of Ethan’s blood starting to fade. “God, what a rush.” She snuggled deeply into his arms. “You are a very addictive man.” She felt the rumble of his chuckle run through his chest. She glanced up to see the love and admiration shining in his emerald depths. He gently brushed her mussed hair out of her face. “You can have me as much as you wish, ma petite.” Aria waggled her eyebrows at him. “I just may have to keep you to your word.” He chuckled again. “You know, I think there are some people downstairs waiting for you to rise and shine.” “This is my fortress, ma petite. Grateful as I am to be home, it pleases me more to be here with you.” Aria couldn’t have kept the grin from her face if she tried. “Why, you’re a romantic softie,” she teased, pulling out of his arms and climbing off the bed, while giving him her best come-hither look. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. C’mon, big boy, let’s grab a shower before we go downstairs. I’m feeling very, very dirty.” She loved the sound of Ethan’s laughter. He gracefully leapt from the bed, making her squeal as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bathroom. **** 120

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich They showered and dressed from a large selection of clothes they found in a wardrobe. “This used to be my room. I did not recognize it due to the changes.” Ethan sat on a large reclining daybed, pulling on socks and polished expensive Italian shoes. They were all in his size. “It’s a nice mix of the modern and old.” Aria smiled as Ethan stood up to glance over the selection of ties with a frown. She selected a simple cream silk top and a soft-flowing black skirt. There were several pairs of heels, and she chose a flattering pair of matte black. There was also a large range of beautiful and sexy lingerie and she selected a black lace bra and panties. Her light brown hair was neatly brushed and hanging loose around her shoulders. She walked over, took the ties from his hand and placed them back. She reached up and opened his collar over the jacket. Damn, the man was drop-dead sexy…and all hers. “You look good enough to eat,” she whispered, raising her head to gaze into his emerald depths. His eyes held the same heat and passion, making her feel wanted, desired and most of all, loved. “You are more beauty than I deserve, ma petite.” He lifted her chin and lowered his head, before tenderly brushing his lips over hers in a sweet kiss making Aria want to cry. A soft knock sounded at the door. Ethan lingered a moment longer before pulling back. “We will finish this later.” His tone left her with no doubt they would. “Ready?” She nodded. With her hand securely in his, they went to the door. Lucas was there, waiting to escort them downstairs. He made no comment about Aria’s healed arm as if he had expected nothing less, and then he introduced himself to Ethan, telling them everyone was waiting downstairs. **** 121

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria wanted to weep at watching the emotional reunion between the three Archalonian men. They were victims of circumstance, turned into creatures of modern legend and myth. They stood in a huge room of the castle which had been remodeled into a comfortable modern living area. Lucas had stayed with her while they X-rayed and set and plastered her arm before setting off to Ethan’s castle. She’d fallen asleep in the car, thanks to the injection of pain drugs they gave her. She was barely aware of being carried up a flight of stairs and placed next to Ethan’s sleeping body. “Thank you,” she murmured, grabbing hold of his arm for a moment. “My pleasure, sweetheart. Welcome home.” Lucas told her where the bathroom was located, pressed a soft kiss on her forehead and left. She shifted around just enough to undress. Strangely, she had grown accustomed to sleeping naked next to Ethan and once she snuggled in, she fell asleep. Aria pulled her attention back to the room, the people and vampires present. Lucas winked as he stood with his father and mother. A tall, beautiful, willowy, golden-haired woman with lovely wide blue eyes, pale skin and full red lips stared at her. Her expression was one of curiosity, making Aria feel uncomfortable. Aria was quite apt now at spotting a vampire when she saw one, and this woman was clearly one. Luc of Archalon had the appearance of a blond surfer she would find on the beaches of sunny California, but the green eyes were unmistakable. The other Archalonian, Blair, was half an inch shorter than Ethan and Luc with short dark hair. His tailored suit was stylish and expensive, giving a very debonair appearance. Ethan turned, taking her hand and tugging her into their tight little circle before placing an arm around her waist and pulling her in tightly to his side. “If not for Aria, none of this would have been possible.” 122

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria felt the heat of a blush rise to her cheeks. “We owe you a great debt, Miss Tempest,” Luc said with a charming smile. “Thank you for saving Ethan.” “I think it was more of a mutual rescue,” Aria said, her blush deepening, hoping she hadn’t revealed too much. Ethan smiled, giving her a gentle squeeze of reassurance. “We have caught the American vampire and his assistants; at present, they are guests in our dungeon,” Luc said. Ethan’s arm tensed around her. “I will take great pleasure in watching him die.” “I understand your need for revenge, but please hold off for a little while until we extract the information we need. Much has changed in your absence, Ethan. Ever since the first coup, there has been two sets of vampire clans. The American vampires have formed quite a society of their own, but they do not set foot on European soil for they know we will take any of them out unless they have express permission from us. It is an uneasy truce, but a truce nonetheless.” “I do not give a damn about any truce. The American vampires will fall into line or face my wrath. I want Formont. This is not just about me. Justice must be served for Marc’s murder, mine and the others’ imprisonment, and the suffering they have caused for over two hundred years. They will be made to reveal the whereabouts of Armond, Ricard and Bella.” Ethan spoke with such a firm, commanding tone, it wasn’t a wonder he was once a prince among his people. Luc nodded. “With you back, Ethan, I now believe it is achievable. I know the whole clan will be behind you.” Ethan glanced down at Aria. She was startled by the vulnerability and worry in his expression. Despite the strength of his words, she sensed he waited for her permission and acceptance. She squeezed his hand. “Those bastards deserve to pay for what they did to you alone,” she whispered. “Time to kick some 123

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich vamp butt, Buffy-style.” The laugher sparkling in Ethan’s eyes warmed her heart. She would stand by his side and support him no matter what he chose to do. The other men chuckled. “My lady is a strong believer in ass kicking,” Ethan said with fond amusement. “I have no wish to disappoint her.” “Soon. We shall discuss this later. Let us not cloud this reunion with talk of war just yet. Come. Many others have a desire to see you again.” Blair broke their circle to lead them to the others in the room.

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Chapter 17 Luc proudly introduced the members of his family, including the original blue blood and now vampire, Claudia, the beautiful blond woman who hung on Luc’s arm. They walked into a huge hall filled with people waiting for Ethan to appear. Not everyone in the room was a vampire; many others were blue bloods, the majority of them women. They had damn well better stay away from her Ethan. She was unable to contain the thought ramping around in her brain while she stood by Ethan’s side. Watching him, not once did he seem interested in any other woman in the room, making Aria feel more secure. Far from the peasant girl Aria first imagined when Ethan talked about her, Claudia was quite the graceful lady. She greeted Ethan with great affection. Aria suppressed a surge of jealousy ripping through her. She was Luc’s wife. Any jealousy was unfounded. Claudia turned her attention to her, smiling a warm welcome. “May I borrow your lady, Ethan?” she asked in a beautifully light musical voice with a cultured French accent. Not waiting to hear a reply, she took Aria’s arm to lead her away. Ethan gave her a brief nod, giving his focus to the people who wanted his attention. “You will have to forgive my staring earlier, but I confess you remind me of someone I once knew. Do you know your family history well, Aria?” 125

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “I’m sorry, I know nothing about my family. I was in an accident when I was young and suffered damage to the part of my brain which stored my memories and I can’t remember anything past waking up in a hospital.” Claudia was genuinely distressed by this information. She laid her hand on Aria’s shoulder in comfort. “Oh, my dear, I am so sorry. You do not even remember your mother or father? Did not anyone try to show you who they were or help you remember?” “I was orphaned and placed in foster care. No one did anything or even showed me who my parents were. All I have is their names and an old newspaper article about the crash. I did bring them with me, but they must have been left at the place we were, um, captured.” Claudia straightened, her blue eyes scanning the room for a moment before waving someone over. Lucas was talking with three beautiful blond women with lovely green eyes. He broke away from them to saunter up to his great-grandmother’s side, then placed an affectionate kiss on her cheek. “Grandmamma, mademoiselle.” He flashed a sexy smile. Aria couldn’t help but smile back. “It seems we have a little mystery to solve and if anyone can solve mysteries, it’s my Lucas.” Claudia beamed proudly. “You have a mystery, Grandmamma?” Claudia quickly relayed the information Aria had just told her about her blank past, car accident and missing bag. His gaze held Aria’s as Claudia spoke. “Any belongings are now stored down below. I’ll have them brought up for you. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Aria.” For the first time in Aria’s life since she had awakened from the accident, she felt as if someone other than Ethan cared about her—she felt a sense of belonging. It felt like she had truly come home. 126

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “I would be delighted to help you find out about your past, if that is what you want, Aria.” Lucas brought her out of her thoughts. “To know who you are, who your family was.” “Yes, I would like that very much.” The blond women who had been with Lucas bustled in on the small party. Aria found herself surrounded by these women who were Lucas’ sisters. They talked about taking Aria shopping in Paris and getting her hair and nails done. Aria was quite overwhelmed by the attentive kindness everyone was showing her. “Girls, save it for tomorrow,” Claudia warned. They all gave their great grandmother fond smiles. “We’ll hook up tomorrow, okay, Aria?” Sophie said, linking her arm with Belle’s—her sister. “We’ll have fun. We promise.” Adell smiled before they moved away, still discussing which shops they should take her to. Lucas laughed. “You must forgive and indulge my sisters, Aria. They won’t rest until an obscene amount of money has been spent on your behalf.” “I wouldn’t… I couldn’t I don’t have…” Aria suddenly felt out of her depth. “Ethan is very wealthy. Several hundred years can accumulate to a lot of treasure, and our families have invested well over the centuries,” Lucas said. “So don’t ever feel bad about spending money.” “Oh,” was all Aria could croak out in response, overcome with unfamiliar, confusing emotions. She felt him behind her before his strong arms wrapped around her waist. Ethan placed a kiss on the top of her head and she leaned into his protective embrace. “Have they upset you, my lady?” His tone was calm, but laced with warning. 127

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “They haven’t,” she said in a small voice. “Sorry, I’m not used to people being so nice to me.” She hated the way her voice sounded small and weak. “You are family, Aria. We would do the same for anyone here,” Claudia said, with a genuinely warm smile. Aria was suddenly overwhelmed. It had been hard enough for her to accept she was deeply in love with Ethan. Now she had a whole barrage of people being overly kind to her. She was struggling to keep her emotional turmoil under control; she glanced to Ethan for help, hoping he would understand and to her relief, he did. “I need a word in private with Aria, if you do not mind,” he swiftly told Claudia, before leading Aria out of the crowded hall, ignoring the attempts from those who wanted his attention. The whole world could wait for all he cared. What he did care about was Aria and her well-being. At the end of the hall were two large double doors open to let in a cool breeze. He guided her outside, down a small path into the garden, and away from the thrum of people. The moment they were alone, she burst into tears, genuine heart-wrenching sobs tearing at his heart. He held her in the circle of his arms, not caring if her tears soaked though his evening shirt. He guided them to a stone bench before lifting Aria onto his lap as she clung to him and sobbed. Ethan felt helpless. All he could do was hold her and let her weep. He wanted to take away her distress, solve all her problems and battle any demon haunting her. He had lived long enough to realize when something had to be overcome and battled by a person, all he could do was be a supporting pillar and wipe away the falling tears. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your friends,” she said after a while, her sobs calming. “I’m not 128

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich used to people being nice to me.” She swiped at her tears with the back of her hand. She’d had such a hard, cold life. Ethan wished he could change her past, but he could not. He could only give her a better future. He hugged her close. “You had better get used to it, Aria. You are going to have nothing but kindness from now on. I guarantee it. Do you feel better?” She nodded, giving him a small smile. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I’m keeping you from your friends and family.” “You apologize one more time, ma petite, and I shall have to give you the punishment I keep promising. You keep me from nothing I want to be doing; I much prefer being here with you.” She glanced up at him through wet spiked lashes, the tears making her eyes sparkle in the soft light of the moon. He watched the corner of her lips twitch up in a provocative smile. “And I thought you were a man who kept his promises. I do understand if you don’t keep that one.” Her soft teasing voice fired his blood. Ethan felt the feral growl rise in his chest at her challenge. “You play with fire, ma petite.” His tone was already husky and laced with need. She shifted on his lap, wiggling her ass against his straining cock. Ethan groaned. He could see the desire in her hazel depths— she wanted this. How blessed was he to have found such a strong and fiery woman, one who accepted his need to dominate and control, who could take and enjoy his strength without fear he would ever overstep the boundaries and hurt her. “I can handle it,” she whispered, then shook her head. “I’m being selfish and greedy. You shouldn’t be away from your friends after so long. This is your reunion.” “That would have never happened without you. I want this as much as you do, Aria.” Ethan already decided. Gripping the back of Aria’s head tightly, he jerked her forward to kiss her, leaving no part of her silky mouth untasted. 129

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich She was panting for breath when he broke the kiss. He lifted her and sat her on the bench facing away from him. Then he pulled several neckties from his pockets. He had stuffed them in before they came downstairs. “I am going to bind you, blindfold you, remove all your clothing then spank your soft creamy ass until it glows rosy red,” he whispered into her ear. He loved the way her body responded, the strong smell of her arousal sending twin spikes of pain and pleasure into his cock. “I will tie you to a tree, helpless but to let me take my pleasure in your body, drive you to the brink of release, then deny you again and again until you beg me to let you come.” Aria moaned. “Oh, I’ll beg now.” Ethan chuckled at her enthusiasm. Starting on the first part of his promise, he swiftly bound her wrists and elbows so she could not move at all. He stood up and glanced down at her wide hazel eyes so trustingly gazing up at him. He had to make sure they had some privacy first. “I want you to wait. Sit on this bench, Aria. You are not to move. You are not to speak to anyone. When I return, you are not to speak to me unless I ask you a direct question. Understand?” “Yes, Ethan.” Her unhesitant response pleased him. “I will return shortly.” He bent to place a quick kiss on her swollen lips, turned and left her alone for the moment.

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Chapter 18 What was taking him so long? Aria was sitting on the stone bench for what seemed like an hour now. No one had come by, so thankfully she hadn’t broken the second of his orders. Yet she was sorely tempted to get up and pace around the garden. She wiggled at her bonds and found them securely tied. A thrill ran down her spine at the thought of what Ethan would do to her if she disobeyed. She was extremely turned on and the longer she waited, the wetter she got; the black lace panties she wore were already soaked through. Maybe that was the whole point of this game: make her wait, build anticipation. Well, it was working. She couldn’t fidget and didn’t know what she would say if someone other than Ethan happened upon her in this state. Damn it, she couldn’t sit still any longer and she tried to rise to her feet. “Disobeying already, Aria?” Ethan’s deep, husky voice rumbled from the darkness, making her almost jump out of her skin. “Damn it to hell, you scared me shitless.” Aria clamped her mouth shut, realizing she had done it again. She wasn’t to talk unless he asked her a direct question. She felt his heat at her back. She swallowed hard and a thrill ran through her body. She wanted this, wanted him, wanted every commanding inch of Ethan. “Every word you speak will be a strike of my hand on your pretty ass; I believe that is now eight.” “But I…” 131

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Ten.” Aria clamped her mouth shut. There were other things she wanted to ask him, but she kept her mouth closed. She started to turn to see where he was, but his hands clamped on her shoulders, keeping her in place. “Stay.” Aria swallowed and obeyed. Full darkness descended when he placed a silk cloth over her eyes. Her breath quickened and every other sense was heightened. “Do you trust me completely, Aria?” She felt his hot breath by her ear and trembled. “Yes, Ethan.” And she did trust him, with her life, her heart and soul. The weight of his hands on her shoulders shifted, sliding down her bound arms, before gripping them just below her shoulders, then lifting her off the bench until she stood on top of it. He lifted one foot to remove a heel then the other. His hand slid up her legs, over her thighs, then the material of the skirt before they rested on the waistband. Aria exhaled sharply when he tore it as easily as tissue paper; cool air rushed around her thighs and legs. His hands slid upward and her top quickly suffered the same fate as her skirt. She was suddenly worried someone missing Ethan would come looking for him and find her half-naked and bound. “No one will mind my absence tonight, ma petite; they understand destined hearts need time together,” he said as if reading her thoughts. His words sent a thrill down her; he had called her his destined heart. She knew it held a deeper meaning than just love. She parted her lips to speak, but again held her tongue. Ethan chuckled softly. “Good girl, Aria, we are destined to be together for the rest of our lives, but I ask you now if this is what you want. Will you accept me for the rest of eternity?” His voice was a soft husky whisper, but she understood what he was asking of her. She knew it was the Archalonian version of a 132

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich marriage proposal. Did she want to spend the rest of her life with Ethan, to love him, to be his wife and bear his children? Damn, the man had better marry her after all he’d put her through. She smiled. “With all my heart. You’re mine, too, Ethan, and I am damn sure I won’t share you with anyone.” She felt him expel a breath he had been holding in anticipation of her answer before chuckling. Despite all his power and strength, there was a vulnerability to Ethan. She was empowered in the knowledge she could bring this powerful creature to his knees if she wanted to. “Ethan?” “Ask, ma petite.” He granted her permission to talk. “What would you have done if I had said no?” He turned her in his arms and she squealed in surprise when he lifted her up. She felt the world tilt as he hoisted her onto his shoulder and swatted her ass, giving her a small taste of what was to come. “Kept you tied to my bed and pleasured you senseless until you could think of no one but me.” “Okay, I’ve changed my mind!” “Fifteen,” he answered. Aria shut her mouth. She had a good feeling she was going to be pleasured senseless anyway. Bound and blindfolded, she sighed softly and contentedly as Ethan carried her off. It grew cooler. The sounds of the night seemed heightened and Ethan’s hand on her ass was almost scorching. The night air caressed her skin, but did nothing to cool the burning need to have Ethan’s hands all over her body. He stopped, shifted and set her down. Her bare feet touched soft grass. She scented fragrant flowers and other flora she couldn’t identify. As much as she wanted to ask where he had brought her, she did not want to increase the number of strikes. Excited as she was at the prospect of having her ass spanked by Ethan, it was also a little scary. She’d never had her ass spanked before—not that she could ever recall. 133

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria couldn’t contain her gasp when he pulled her by the arm, tilting her off balance. She fell forward, but he was there to catch her, secure and strong. She felt the hard planes of his legs against her stomach when he laid her across his lap, letting her head be lowered and her ass raised and exposed. She shivered in excited anticipation. “When I first saw these,” he said, his finger tracing the line of her black lace panties, “I knew I would have to buy you hundreds. As much pleasure as I get from seeing the black wisps against your creamy skin, I knew I would also be doing much of this.” He reached under the front of her crotch and ripped the lace panties off her, in one swift twist of his hand. Aria squirmed. She loved every minute of her helplessness. Being under his power did things to her mind and body she couldn’t quite understand, but in this place and moment, she didn’t want to understand, only feel. Her skin heightened to his every touch, her hearing sensitive to every sound. He glided his thumbs up the curve of her spine, making her shudder with the pleasure of his calloused finger pads. Reaching the top of her bra, he unhooked the catches and slid the lace off, freeing her breasts, preserving at least one part of her outfit. How she was going to get back to their room in her naked state was beyond her, but Aria didn’t have to wonder for long as a sharp, resounding slap landed on her right ass cheek without warning, forcing all thoughts from her mind. It both stung and shocked her at the suddenness. “So beautiful, Aria—the imprint of my hand on your ass. Branded with my mark. You are mine.” She wholeheartedly agreed while he rubbed away the sting of his hand, fondled her left ass cheek, then landed a second and third blow. He slapped her again and again. She felt her pussy clench with every slap; long, thick fingers caressed her dripping slit before 134

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich his thumb slid into her, curling down to rub her in just the right spot while his finger pressed and circled her swollen clit. She moaned feeling her ass burn. She was close to coming. “So wet, ma petite.” His voice held a tightness Aria knew meant he was struggling with himself to hold back. She inwardly smiled knowing she could have this effect on such a powerful man. “You are not to come, Aria,” he ordered firmly. She groaned. Not come? How the heck was she not to come? Another slap made her cry out and brought her to the brink of a climax. Ethan suddenly withdrew his thumb and finger, startling her and making her cry out in protest. He lifted her and set her knees on the soft grass, gently pushing her head down. When her lips encountered the tip of his penis, she opened wide, greedily accepting the offered treat. She swiped her tongue across his full head, enjoying the sweet flavor of his pre-cum, then swirling her tongue around and around the crown, before opening wide to take it into her mouth. She hadn’t had the opportunity to taste Ethan like this—always, he had been pleasuring her. She was thrilled at being able to do this, even if she had little experience giving head and those experiences had not been pleasant ones, but this she enjoyed. Not only did he taste great, but she also loved pleasing him as much as he pleased and pleasured her. Like her favored candy treat, she sucked, taking him as deep as she possibly could. Ethan’s trembling and groans spurred her on, letting her know he was enjoying the attention of her mouth. She pulled back, placed open-mouthed licks down one side, coming to his balls, then taking her time to thoroughly taste and suck each one into her mouth, before heading back up the other side. “Aria,” he growled a warning. He was close to coming. Good, she wanted him to. She may have been helplessly tied, but in that moment, she was in control. 135

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Let me,” she whispered. He did not protest when she took him as deep as she could, sucking hard. His penis was large and thick; if she went too far, he could easily choke her. His hands were gentle while cupping the back of her head as his trembling increased. He shouted her name when he came with a loud groan, spurting thick ropes of cum into the back of her throat. She swallowed as quickly as she could, feeling some of it dribbling down the side of her chin; she liked the sweet, almost fruity flavor of his cum. Making sure she took every drop, she then licked him clean. He was still half-erect when she finally pulled back on her heels, smiling as she licked her lips, staying obediently silent. She felt him grip her arms again and haul her up into his lap. His mouth captured hers in a hard, punishing kiss and she kissed him back just as fiercely. “Greedy vixen.” He chuckled. “You have more than earned the right to speak now, Aria. I want to fuck you so hard and fast that every planet in the galaxy will hear your screams of pleasure.” “Oh, thank God, yes!” her proclamation burst forth. “You taste fantastic. You’re my new treat whenever I get a sweet craving.” Ethan laughed. “You are a treasure, but now I did promise to tie you to a tree.” He stood easily with her in his arms. Damn, she loved his strength. It made her feel small, weightless and feminine in his arms. He carried her a short distance before placing her on her feet. He removed the blindfold and Aria blinked, but was greeted by a large smooth tree trunk in front of her face. She turned her head to glance around; all she could see was a shadowy, moonlit garden and it looked as if they were in a secluded wooded area. “Where are we?” She heard the rustle of clothing from Ethan shedding the last of his. Ethan unbound her arms and rubbed out 136

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich any aches before he pushed the heat of his naked chest against her back until she was pressed into the bark of the tree trunk. “Still within the grounds of the fortress—the lower gardens. They have been kept well,” he said, before placing a kiss on her shoulder. Raising her arms up and around the trunk in a swift motion, he retied her wrists all the way around the tree trunk. It was wide enough so her fingers almost touched. Her arms were raised slightly so when Ethan pushed her thighs wide, she was left on her tiptoes, almost hanging while she hugged the tree. Her skin prickled with perspiration. Her breasts felt heavy and her nipples scraped the smooth bark. Ethan suddenly slapped her ass again, making her cry out and forget her next question. “What was that for? You said I could talk now,” she protested, with a grin in her voice. “You weren’t counting, were you, ma petite? I only gave you eight swats; you have seven more to go.” He dropped to his knees behind her and Aria moaned loudly, feeling his hot tongue glide through her slit. Still dripping with need, she automatically thrust out her ass to gain more attention from his probing tongue. He didn’t disappoint. He licked and lapped at her cunt, swirling his tongue around her hard sensitive bud. “I love your taste.” His words vibrated up through her body, making her moan and writhe. His mouth withdrew, and without warning, he spanked her right at the apex of her sex, making her jerk and cry out. It hurt, yet it brought pleasure beyond what she was used to. As if he waited for her reaction, she pushed her ass out for more. He chuckled softly and spanked her again and again; each tap against her clit pushed her back to the brink of climax. 137

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “Ethan!” she wailed when he pulled away. The bastard had the gall to chuckle. “Do you want to come, Aria?” “Fuck, yes!” she all but screamed. “You are only allowed to come when I am inside you, is that clear?” Damn it. Her body shook and she sobbed in frustration, but she nodded. “Good girl.” He stood, covering her back with the delicious heat of his naked body. His cock teased up and down her dripping slit. She turned her head as far as she could, wanting to see him and he captured her lips in a heated, probing kiss. She kissed him back hungrily, wanting him to thrust his dick so deep within her, she wouldn’t know where he began and she ended. He didn’t disappoint her when he positioned the head of his cock at her opening and pushed all the way in, making her gasp and pant, her inner walls forced open to accommodate his girth and length. He felt so damn good snug and tight within her, his cock ridges rubbing at all the right spots when he pulled out and again thrust in. She was so damn close. Just a little more, just a… He knew and started pounding hard and fast. His hand came around and tapped repeatedly at her clit with just the right amount of pressure. His lips nuzzled the base of her throat. She knew what was coming. He bit down and Aria screamed. Blinding white lights flashed behind her eyes with the intensity of her climax, making her almost pass out, her every nerve ending overloaded with raw pleasure. His hand pulled away from her clit and his mouth pulled away from her neck, before licking the wound. He gripped her hips and her body became a limp mass of jelly.

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Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Ethan continued his furious pace, in and out and in he hammered, reigniting the spark and once again he pushed her over into a second climax. Aria could only groan, feeling it roll through her trembling body. Ethan’s body shook and his strokes became short and jerky. He tensed a second before he yelled and exploded deep within her body, groaning as she milked him of his every offering. They were both sweating in the cool night air. He leaned heavily against her back, both of them gasping for breath. Still panting slightly, Ethan lifted off her; Aria whimpered in protest as he withdrew from her body. “I know, ma petite. I feel at home when I am within you also,” he said, releasing her binds and catching her as she fell back into his arms. He turned her and she wrapped her arms around him, looking up. His eyes almost glowed in the moonlight. He was truly beautiful to her. She smiled and he held her tightly. “Well, if the people on every other planet didn’t just hear us have sex, then I’m damn sure everyone up at the fortress sure did.” Ethan threw back his head and laughed, making Aria smile. She loved hearing his laugh. “No one is going to care in the slightest, my dearest heart. They know I love you and will enjoy you every chance I get.” Aria grinned and so would she.

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Chapter 19 Screams echoed off the dungeon walls from several cells away. Ethan folded his arms, glaring at Jacob Mather chained to the far dungeon wall. The interrogation had netted them little information. Jacob panted, glaring back at him. He would recover and his wounds would heal. Luc and Blair stood by Ethan’s side. The door opened and Luc’s great-grandson, Lucas, walked in. Both he and Luc smelt the blood on Lucas’ hands before they turned to see him wiping it off with a cloth. “There is nothing his hired hands can tell us we don’t already know; they were very forthcoming with information. They were paid to do whatever he told them. As long as they were loyal and obedient, it would buy them a ticket to be turned. There are underground network clubs and places humans and vampires mingle in New York. They won’t be too hard to find.” “Things have been allowed to get out of hand. Order must be restored. Vampires like this can’t be allowed to roam free,” said Ethan. “They feed on more than just blood. They also cause death and destruction, while doing nothing but serving their own interests.” “So do the majority of humans; are you going to bring them to order as well?” Lucas asked. “Lucas works with the human law enforcement,” Luc informed him. “He helps to keep our kind out of the spotlight and maintain order. He has seen the worst of humanity.” 140

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “I mean no disrespect, Ethan,” Lucas said. “I’m just not sure how you are going to bring an entire planet of vampires under control.” “When you create something, you also have to be responsible for it. Vampires like this”—he motioned toward Jacob—“are not as great as a human population. Make a good enough example of those who step out of line and the rest will fall into place.” “But first you must reestablish the power base,” Blair said. “There are three of us and three more missing. Will it be enough against the human vampires?” “First we must find the others. As much as I want to kill this creature for what he did, not only to me, but to my woman, he will lead us to Formont, who in turn will lead us to the others. Once we are at full strength, no human vampire on Earth will dare stand against us.” He turned to the other men. “It will not be easy and more blood will be spilt, but it is necessary. Are you with me?” Both Luc and Blair nodded. “Make preparations to return to America. We will be going on a little hunting expedition.” “What do we do with him in the meantime?” Lucas asked. “Extend him the same courtesy he did me for the past two hundred years. Feed him only what he needs to survive, nothing more.” “She was so sweet. Her blood tasted better than ambrosia.” Jacob raised his head to provoke Ethan. “I was so looking forward to fucking her sweet little pussy over and over and you know that’s exactly what I’m going to do if I ever get out of here, so you might as well kill me.” Ethan knew it would be too easy to kill Jacob. No, he wanted him to suffer as he had until his usefulness was over. “You are going to feel what it’s like to rot, to suffer and maybe after a few hundred years, I may kill you. At least now that is something you have to look forward to.” He swiftly turned and walked out before 141

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich he ended up giving Jacob what he wanted. He had more pleasant things to attend to, like his lady waiting for him. “You have quite a remarkable lady.” Lucas walked by his side, the others following closely behind. They took the winding dungeon stairs. “Grandmamma is convinced she is familiar, related to someone she used to know. We are going to check the archives in the morning to see if we can find where she comes from. I’ve already started the process of the paperwork; that shouldn’t take too long. You will legally be able to travel anywhere you wish.” “It is appreciated,” Ethan told the younger man. “Make sure she has anything and everything she wants.” “It will be a pleasure to spoil her and not just me. My sisters are eager to take her shopping and from what I understand, she hasn’t had a lot of that.” “It is not safe for her to leave the fortress grounds without me,” Ethan growled. “We have only the best security, Ethan. No matter where Aria or any of our women go during daylight hours, they are guarded and monitored,” Luc informed him. “I put these measures in place after the uprising.” Still, Ethan felt uncomfortable about her going out without him, but he also knew she needed this kind of freedom. It was what he had been offering her all along. To keep her locked in the fortress would destroy the trust she placed in him. “Anything she wants, she gets.” Lucas nodded to assure him. They broke off when they reached the top of the stairs, Lucas bidding them a good morning, then leaving them alone. “More than half the night has slipped away once again.” They moved into a private sitting room, Luc closing the door and turning his expression somber. “It pleases me greatly that you are safe and have returned to us, Melethainan. These years have not been easy.” They used their original names only when alone. 142

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich “It was a mess after the rebellion. You and the others were taken. We fought back the best we could and have built on what we had,” Luc said. “Punlucknos, Blairnatar, your families are strong. You have raised your sons and daughters well. It is a legacy I know you are proud of; I no longer have to envy what you have.” They smiled knowingly. “Our families are everything. It may be a small piece of what we left behind, but it is all we have. We will always fight to protect what is ours.” Ethan looked at the men who’d had everything ripped from them when they stepped upon this planet so long ago. They all battled to build some sort of normal life, even with the abnormality of what they became. Never had it been easy, but Ethan was proud of what they achieved. “You are still our prince, Melethainan. You know we will always follow where you lead and so will our families.” Ethan nodded at Luc’s comment. Even after nine hundred years, he felt their loyalty and love. He was their leader and a prince among their people, yes, but he was also their friend. “Thank you, my friends.” He clamped his hands down on their shoulders in a show of pride and affection. Blair laughed. “It sure took you long enough to find a woman, Melethainan. Everyone including the whole of Paris heard what you were doing earlier.” “Aria would be mortified if she heard you say that,” Ethan said without a hint of remorse or embarrassment. “She is a remarkable woman. The prize was worth the wait.” “She brought you home to us, which esteems her greatly to us. Lucas will dig up her origins. There is no doubt about that. He’s a clever boy.” Luc’s pride was genuine. “It is appreciated by both of us. Now I will take my leave. I wish to elicit more screams from my woman before the night is through.” 143

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Blair and Luc gave hearty laughs as Ethan walked from the room with a smile on his face. Yes, there were battles yet to come, but for the first time in nine hundred years, Ethan was feeling not only at home, but peace had settled around him, a peace he thought he would never again find since his ascension into the blood-soaked world of what he was. And it was all due to a small woman waiting for him in his bed. He quickened his pace, thinking he would endure it all over again for her. Simply, Aria was now his life. **** Stifling a yawn, Aria stumbled into her chamber. The guard who followed her up carried the extra packages and placed them quickly and discreetly on a table near the door before making a swift exit. She allowed Belle, Sophie and Adell to take her around to high-class clothing and accessory stores all around Paris. Aria blushed profusely, but requested she have plenty of soft black lace lingerie. The girls simply laughed and took her to one of the best places to buy lingerie in Paris. It hadn’t gone past Aria’s notice that they also had discreet bodyguards following them around wherever they went. She was polished, preened and pampered by Lucas’ three sisters, who were all affectionate and friendly, their bubbly personalities rubbing off on Aria, making her smile and laugh. Not once had they asked her about her past in New York, even though just over a week had passed since her biggest mistake also saved both Ethan and herself. Her life back in New York almost seemed distant and surreal. She smiled, seeing Ethan hadn’t moved from where she’d left him. He kissed her just before dawn and told her to enjoy her day, but she missed being away from him, missed his comforting arms around her and, most of all, missed her sleep. During the day, the fortress bristled with staff bustling around cleaning. There was also a security crew guarding the resident 144

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich vampires. Only the family of the Archalonians lived in the fortress. Other blue bloods and what the sisters called “donors” lived in lavishly expensive homes in the surrounding area. No vampire was allowed to take blood from anyone who was not willing to freely give. And for the wealth and opulence the vampires offered, it was a small price to pay. Aria was now beginning to see a great difference between the type of vampires in America and those here. Yes, they were a superior predator and could take what they wanted without fear if they chose, but they did not. Instead, they gave back to the community at large, were kind, friendly and helpful. She understood the weight of Ethan’s responsibility. He and the others had created vampires, who instead wanted to use fear and abuse their power. Aria was all for the ass whopping Ethan wanted to give those vampires in the States. Stripping off her new expensive clothing, but leaving the new black lace bra and panties on, she pulled back the sheets to crawl over to Ethan, lifting his arm to wrap it around her, safe and secure, just where she belonged. **** Aria snatched up the papers Lucas set in front of her. Her eyes scanned over the information. “I had contacts in the States do some investigating on the accident, then trace your parents. Your father was American, sweetheart, but not your mother. The marriage records state she was born in Australia. I couldn’t find birth records for you, so I had a few people do some digging over in Australia and they came up with not only your birth record, but the fact you also have a twin sister.” “Twin sister, Australia.” She repeated the words like a stunned parrot. Ethan had a comforting hand on her back, rubbing in gentle circles, giving her the strength and support she needed. She drew 145

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich in a breath to steady her thoughts and Ethan took her trembling hands into his. “Sh-she was killed in the accident?” “No, she wasn’t.” Mixed emotions rolled through Aria, confusion being the strongest. She looked at Lucas’ face. His expression was serious and she knew there was a hell of a lot more and it wasn’t all good. It had been a week since Lucas had started digging into her past. As much as she wanted to hear this information, she feared and dreaded it. “Where is she? Do you know?” Lucas took a seat at the table and glanced across at Ethan, who nodded. Aria got the suspicion Lucas had already told Ethan all he knew. “I’ve pieced this together from both the investigators’ reports, so it may not be one hundred percent accurate.” Aria was about to brain Lucas if he didn’t hurry up. “Your father was registered as an astrologist; your mother, it seems, was a singer.” Well at least her name made sense. “Your family had just moved across from Australia when the accident occurred. Your parents were killed on impact whilst you, of course, were severely injured and your sister was relatively unharmed. A relative, your mother’s aunt, living in Australia was contacted. She flew over and took care of the burial and took your sister back to Australia.” This piece of information stunned Aria. Lucas drew in a breath, continuing. “But I survived the accident. Why didn’t this aunt come back for me?” “I suspect it was because you were not expected to survive,” Lucas said gravely. “But I did, so why didn’t my aunt come back for me?” “I also managed to get a hold of your welfare records.” Lucas pushed a brown-colored file toward her and she stared at it. 146

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria went cold, as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her. If she ever wanted to remember anything, it was not those years. “We can stop if you want, ma petite,” said Ethan, his voice full of concern. Turning her head to glance at him, she shook her head. “No, I have to know. Go on, Lucas, please.” “There were repeated attempts to contact your aunt in Australia, but all attempts failed, so you were simply placed into child services once you were well enough to leave the hospital.” Aria swallowed a lump in her throat. “So, I have family, but they didn’t want me.” “I do not have those answers for you. I am sorry, Aria, but the information does get more interesting. This, I hope, you won’t find as painful and it concerns us as well.” Lucas looked at Ethan again. “When Grandmamma told me she thought you looked familiar, I started checking back in our records and also in your mother’s family history. You are not going to believe what I discovered.” The man knew how to frustrate by pausing for dramatic effect. “Ethan, were you aware that Marc’s wife was pregnant during the time of the uprising?” Ethan stiffened by her side. “I was not aware Marc had taken a wife.” His surprise flashed across his face. “The records clearly show ‘Marc and Josephine Archalon.’ She must have fled during the uprising or after Marc’s death. From what I have been able to piece together, she made her way to England and remarried. Much later, their family moved to Australia. I can’t be completely certain without DNA testing, but I would bet damn good money and blood, that Aria and her twin sister are the direct descendants of Marc and Josephine,” Lucas said with a note of pride. 147

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich Aria felt the heat of Ethan’s gaze staring at her, as if seeing her anew. “Marc’s little girl?” he said softly in awe. Aria locked gazes with him. “Just how closely related are all the Archalon men?” Ethan laughed, knowing her thoughts. “We are family by association, not blood.” Aria pulled out of Ethan’s arms and pushed back from the table to stand. She walked to the wide-open doors leading out onto a stone balcony. She paced, trying to process everything she had just learned. Thoughts bounced around her brain, but nothing settled. “I was never a believer in fate until you, Aria.” Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his arms folded, his emerald gaze fixed on her. He made no move to touch her, to still her pacing. “Since stepping foot on this planet so many years ago, I took each step with hatred, knowing what this place did to me and the people who followed me. The only thing that gave me solace was those I held dear to my heart, my friends became my family. I have no idea what happened to my people, if they found a home or survived. I only know Archalonians have survived here, and it is and has always been my duty to protect them, lead them and keep us together.” Aria stilled for a moment to look at him, his tall frame taking up half the doorway, his beautiful, green eyes almost luminous, his expression filled with love. “The night you were placed into my cell and into my life, it was not because of any error of yours, but because you were meant to. You may hate your past; I despise what you went through and want to kill those who have made you suffer. Yet it has made you the vibrant, strong woman standing here now, the only woman in 148

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich existence who steals my breath and has the ability to bring me to my knees.” If she had not already been deeply in love with Ethan, she would have been falling hard for him then and there. She blinked back the tears threatening to spill. She loved this gorgeous, sexy man. That he would admit his vulnerability to her, exposing himself on an emotional level, melted her. It was a trust she would never betray. “You are Archalonian, Aria, and were destined to be mine, just as I was destined to be yours. I knew Marc. He was kindhearted, tender and had an inner strength few possess which I do see in you.” Aria leapt into his arms. He caught her and held her tightly against his chest. He kissed the top of her head, stroking his hands down her back, and igniting the fire within. Aria realized the past didn’t matter. What they had here and now mattered. Together, in each other’s arms, they were their own family. “I want to find my sister.” “Yes, she is a daughter of Archalon and we will bring her home. I swear it.” Tilting her head back, Aria gazed into his green depths. “I also want what you want, Ethan: to serve justice on my greatgrandfather’s murder.” How easily she accepted who she was, for deep down, she did know. “It will be done,” he promised. Aria was assured. She felt secure, loved and knew she belonged. With a quick glance around, she noted Lucas had silently left the room. Her lips tilted up into her best seductive smile. She smoothed her hands up the planes of his chest, loving the feel of his firm muscles. “I remember you telling me Archalonians were a highly sexual race. I’m suddenly feeling the need to be satisfied by my destined heart.” Already, she was overly hot, wet and wanting him with a desperation she knew would never fade. The smile 149

Blue Bloods of Archalon Book 1: Blood Rich which lightened his features could have burned brighter than a supernova. “Your satisfaction will always be my pleasure, my Aria, my destined heart.” Ethan claimed her mouth in a hungry kiss. Aria’s soul cried out at their passion, possession and obsession, for she knew it was one which would never die.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Let’s seebreaking it down into a list, I’m a: wife, mother, cook, cleaner, sewer of buttons and darner of socks, waitress, nurse, teacher, gardener (well, sometimes), handyperson, and writer of romantic books, just to name a few. I am obsessed with the color blue, and a chocoholic (Please feel free to send donations to the chocoholic’s cause). I live in a small corner of Australia, and have been writing ever since my teenage years, living in a fantasy world almost endlessly. I have to thank my hubby and kids, who often knock me back to Earth and keep me grounded. In my younger days I discovered romance novels, then paranormal romance. I’m a sucker for the ones where the hunky hero can wield a sword, save the day, and get the lady. I welcome feedback from my readers, so feel free to e-mail me at [email protected], or you can visit my website, www.angelacastle.net or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/AngelaCastle/150741621619377

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