DreamKeeper (7 page)

“You are lovely, Angel…” Sage laid her head on her thigh. “I would do anything for you.”

“I am flattered and touched by your affection. However, I do not expect sexual favors from you in return for my help.”

“I can see why Savaant has chosen you. I offer myself to you freely, not of obligation. I felt an instant attraction between us on the plane. I am straight most of the time but I cannot deny the connection I feel with you. Tell me if I am mistaken?”

Angel smiled for the first time today. She couldn’t dispute Sage’s honest confession. This had become an extremely delicate situation and she wanted to handle it carefully. Not because of Sage’s esteemed position on the island, but because she sincerely cared about this sweet woman pleading for her help.

“Sage…” Gently, she pulled her up to eye level. “You are not mistaken. But what I feel for you is not of a sexual nature. I would describe it as extreme fondness. I will choose you as my handmaiden, but please don’t feel you owe me anything. I’d enjoy exploring a deeper friendship together. I’ve never had any friends as I was kept under constant watch.”

“Really? You are so beautiful, how could anyone not notice?”

“My deceased ex-husband was very controlling.”

Sage reached out to pet her hair. “Thank you for choosing me. I’ll help you learn the ropes around here and not get in your way at home. As your handmaiden I receive the honor of preparing you for the sensual ritual that will consummate your blood union with Savaant.”

“I look forward to having someone to share
girl-talk
with when Savaant is busy.”

“As do I,” Sage responded with a bright smile. “We can snuggle on the sofa, watch movies and chat all night long.”

“That sounds wonderful…if we can get ourselves back there.”

She wrapped her arms around Angel’s neck for a warm hug. This time, Angel didn’t pull away. Instead she welcomed the comfort extended to her by this graceful woman.

“We will,” she stated, meeting her gaze. As if motivated by an unseen force their lips met for a sweet kiss before Sage sat back on her knees. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t push.”

“It’s okay.” She gave her hand a light squeeze. “I enjoyed it. I see nothing wrong with pure affection between close friends.”

All of a sudden the sound of footsteps seized their attention.

“C’mon.” Sage pulled Angel to her feet. “They must’ve picked up our scent. Let’s see if we can find our way back home.”

Chapter Six

“How the hell did you let her get away?” Blade slammed his fist into the mossy wall just past Ciara’s head. “You had one job to do…keep her in the cave until I got here!”

“I don’t know how she managed her escape. How was I to know there’s another way in and out of this cave?” She stared up into icy green eyes. Even in his rage she found him impressively alluring. “Don’t worry. I sent the pack after her. They haven’t fed for days and are hungry…very hungry. I’m sure they’ve already tracked her scent.”

“I don’t want those vultures tasting her blood before I do!”

“Then I guess you better go look for her yourself.” She batted her lashes, knowing that he hadn’t fed in at least a day. She’d spent their entire first day back from LA with him and Sage, helping them prepare for the party. “Unless you’d like a little snack to enhance your…vigor…before you run off in search of
Little Miss Innocent
. After all, you’ll want to be at your best when finally taking the tramp.”

Blade snarled and his lip curled upward on one side, baring his white teeth and lengthening canines. For a breathless instant she gazed into those dominant, animal-like eyes. A shiver of excitement raced up her spine as she anticipated a blood-bite from the indomitable lead singer. Her gaze lowered to watch him lick his lips, knowing full well her taunt had initiated the innate craving in this wayward male.

“Wicked wench,” he growled, gripping the back of her hair.

She didn’t twitch a muscle in resistance as his teeth pierced the vein in her neck. Her body leaned into his, coaxing him to slide an arm around her waist. With one brawny hand at the small of her back he pulled her hips against his while sucking brutally on her skin. A soft moan escaped her as the heat began to build.

He is by far the best I’ve had yet! I can only imagine what pleasure Savaant’s bite must deliver.
Blade intensified his hold as if he’d read her thoughts and intended to leave an impression she would never forget.

He unzipped his fly to release a huge cock, erect and ready for action as it pressed against the thin gauze fabric of her mini skirt. She didn’t need a seduction scene to prepare for what he offered. She’d welcome Blade’s cock anywhere or anytime. Reece was an okay lover but not commanding or wild.

All the women on Dunalino longed to get a piece of the band’s lead singer—except one—but she would in time, Ciara told herself.
Angel won’t be able to resist him once he finds the little tease.

While he drew heavily on her neck, she slid her satin panties off with one hand, then lifted her skirt. Blade wasted no time. He thrust into her hard and fast, slamming her body against the rock wall with each drive of his cock, drilling into her with wild abandonment.

Shudders ripped through her, the agonizing tightening, then release. He’d given her a thrill ride like she’d never known. Yet, she wished it had lasted longer. His eagerness to quickly slake his burning lust and move along was all too evident. Nevertheless, she had managed to have her way.

If I can manipulate Blade with such ease then surely Savaant will surrender to me as well!

Blade stood back with an insolent grin and blood on his lips. “That should keep you satisfied for the day.”

She stood gasping for breath as he swung away, long blond hair whipped out behind him in the ocean gusts as he trotted along the water’s edge.

* * * *

Savaant caught sight of Ciara lounging in the sand at a cave entrance. He jogged over to her. She was clearly enjoying some afterglow from a recent bite or perhaps more by the look of her tousled appearance.

“Where’s Angel?”

She looked up with a facetious smile. “Well, hello to you, too.”

“I’m not in the mood for your flippant attitude. Where the hell is she? I know you had something to do with this.”

“I only did what I was told.” She tossed her head back with a smug grin. “Your little mistress is not here. Don’t feel bad, darling. I can give you what you need. I’d give up all the men on Dunalino just for you.”

Savaant couldn’t miss the fresh mark on her neck. He wondered which male had indulged her this time. The thought of bedding the wretched woman forced a revolting taste into his mouth.

“Have you seen Blade? Seems he’s gone missing, too.”

Putting a finger to her chin, she looked up. Feigned innocence filled her amber-colored eyes.

“Hm, have I seen Blade? Now that’s an interesting question. What would you give for such valuable information? Perhaps a little bite?”

Ire welled inside. He’d been tracking them all day until losing the trail in the watery sand and he wasn’t at all in the mood for her games. Clutching her wrist, he glared at her and spoke through clenched teeth.

“I’ll give you nothing except a fast boat off the island. If you want to continue enjoying the pleasure of whoever left that ugly mark, you best tell me where my woman is!”

With a huff, she yanked her hand away, then reluctantly pointed down the coastline toward the setting sun. “Blade went looking for her a while ago. He went that way.”

Savaant studied her for a brief moment in disgust. “Angel was right about you.” Turning on his heels, he resumed jogging along the shoreline, continually scanning the area for Angel. He couldn’t see any footprints and realized Blade was carefully covering his tracks. He heard Ciara call after him.

“You’ll be sorry, Savaant! The next time Blade takes me I’m going to return his bite and become a blood-dragon, too!”

Blade! Of all the men on Dunalino, I never figured he’d be one to take up with the likes of her.

Her threat meant nothing to him. She’d never attain the same power as Angel or Sage—who would soon be free. He felt confident Angel would take her in. Under their protection nobody could harm her. And Angel would possess the highest authority as his soul mate.

Ciara was a fool to challenge them. Doing so would be her undoing. No doubt she considered herself worthy enough to rise to their level. However, she couldn’t be more wrong. One uninvited touch to Angel would be the end of Ciara. He doubted it would go that far because once he solved this mess, she’d be on a boat to hell.

* * * *

Angel crouched behind a huge mound of boulders with Sage, who seemed unusually calm considering their predicament.

“Sage,” she whispered, “when Blade challenged my ability to cope with Dunalino, I didn’t think he meant this. What happened to the rule of no violence?”

“Savaant
did
mention they’d want your blood, didn’t he?”

Angel nodded. “He also said I’d be protected.”

“Well,” she whispered in return, “we do have the rule, but not everyone obeys it. If they choose to attack they’ll be cast off the island and back into society. They won’t find easy acceptance in the outside world. Only foolish men obsessed with their own desire would take such a risk.”

“Seems Ciara found a few willing souls.” Angel inched closer to steal a look at the men prowling a few feet away. “I feel a bit vulnerable out here alone with just a silly robe on.”

Sage shot her a quirky look. “One…you could never look silly. Two…you’re not alone. You have me.”

“How can two little women fight off a pack of-of whatever they are?”

“Let’s just wait and see if they have the guts to attack.” She patted Angel’s hand. “They’re nothing more than lusty, mortal men.”

Angel wondered how a petite blonde—blood-dragon or not—wearing a cropped tank top and white Capri pants planned to fend off several hungry males. She waited silently as the men scanned the immediate area. They appeared to be moving past them until a rock came loose under Angel’s foot, sending her sprawling to the ground with a thump. Looking up at Sage, she mouthed the words
I’m sorry
.

Within minutes they were trapped in a rocky cove with several hungry-looking men standing in a half circle formation to block their escape. Ravenous eyes stared down at Angel. Panic rose in her throat. Her stomach felt tight.

Sage stepped between Angel and her predators. “What’s on your mind, boys?”

“Move away, Sage,” the tallest man barked. “We only want a taste of her blood to feel the ultimate high…no harm will come to her.”

“I’m only going to say this once…boys. Angel doesn’t want to play today. Now move along or you’ll be sorry.”

They laughed mockingly, exchanging cocky looks with one another. Angel could see they weren’t going to back down. Yet, Sage stood her ground.

“Stay back, Angel,” she said. “This is what I call a
late
brunch
.”

And with that Sage’s sweet demeanor instantly transformed into that of a vicious vamp. She took out the tall one first, biting his shoulder with such ferocity the man howled in pain before slinking to the ground unable to move. Angel scooted back against the rocky wall behind her, watching in shock as Sage leapt like a cat with supernatural speed from one man to another. Her precise bites disabled them instantly until all were crumpled on their knees begging for mercy.

Angel knew she would never forget what came next. Once the men had been subdued, Sage stalked them like the prey they had become. One by one she sank her now protruding fangs into each man’s jugular, taking enough blood to render them unconscious but not to kill. When finished, she looked at Angel with a satisfied smile.

“You asked how I deal with the cravings.” She licked excess blood from her lips with obvious zeal. “There’s always some asshole seeking to break the rules. It’s my job to hunt them down and deliver punishment before they are sent away on the next cargo ship.” She grabbed Angel’s hand and pulled her up. “Now c’mon, it’ll be dark soon. We need to keep walking.”

“That’s some wicked bite you’re packing,” she muttered, astounded by Sage’s sudden transformation. “How’d you paralyze them so quickly?”

A naughty grin traversed Sage’s pretty face. “Female blood-dragons carry venom. But only Savaant and I know this. There are many carefully guarded details about Nahtosha, and Savaant is the only person who knows them all.”

“Because he is the alpha male?”

“Yes. Nahtosha gave him supreme rule over all other blood-dragons…male and female.”

“Will you and I be the only female blood-dragons on Dunalino?”

She nodded as they walked briskly. “Unless one of the women take the leap and bite one of the band mates. Even though I am a blood-dragon, you will be the only
Senhora Do Sangue
…ever. Your power will greatly exceed mine.”

“Am I going to grow fangs, too?” She furrowed her brow and ran one finger along her upper teeth.

“It is part of the transformation, doesn’t make us look pretty when in attack mode but the fangs are quite effective. Don’t worry. You’re hunger for the blood will override any anxiety when the time comes.”

Details surrounding Dunalino continued to unfold and amaze her. Angel now understood why Savaant had chosen to give her information slowly and as needed. Had she been told everything at once, she might have been too overwhelmed and faltered. The last thing she wanted was to delay their consummation or let him down. He had been wise to let her fall into his world at her own pace. In doing so he enabled her strength to increase without wavering.

Chapter Seven

Angel watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting its last few streaks of light across the waves and giving the crystal-clear waters of Dunalino a diamond-like sparkle. She couldn’t recall viewing anything this lovely or untainted.

Sadness began to blanket her emotions as she and Sage hiked along the beach. Today would’ve have been the consummation ritual. Now she didn’t even know where she was or how far away she’d been taken from her love. Trekking along in a white bathrobe and bare feet wasn’t how she had envisioned this day—exhausted with tangled hair, sore feet and hunger pangs.
No, definitely not what I expected!