The Taste of Magic (18 page)

"Damn you, what visions? Tell me!" He pulled her closer and she winced. But he did not loosen his grip on her arms.

"I saw you and my daughter, together, for eternity. You made the vow never to take her against her wishes. She made the choice."

He was so surprised, he released her suddenly. A surge of excitement ran through him, making him shiver. Could it be true? Katerina his, for all eternity? "Are you sure, Madame Romanov?"

She nodded, her eyes betraying her sadness. "You have won, Monsieur Du Lac. You have taken my husband, and now my daughter."

"I had your daughter years ago. She was mine from the moment you gave her over to my care."

Her eyes blazed with fury and she shook her fist at him. "Do you think I don't know that? I agreed to let her go because she was safer in America, away from you. But now…"

"Now she's come to me, willingly. It's her choice, Madame, never forget that."

"She had no choice, and you know it."

He shrugged. The particulars of his agreement with Kat were not significant now. "I assure you, she is happy where she is."

"Then why this sudden need for her powers to be enabled? There is still time…"

"No! It must be now." He paused, not wanting to incur the witch's wrath any further. Adrian had no doubt the older woman would curse him if she felt it necessary. He knew her powers were real enough. Hadn't she been the one to cast his protection spell? He didn't want to taste the other side of her power.

"Why? Does this have anything to do with that enemy of yours, the one who is trying to ruin your empire? You need her powers to help you, to stop him."

Startled by her acute awareness, he maintained an impassive expression. Again, he shrugged. "You have a vivid imagination. But I would see Kat's full abilities are explored."

"Or exploited."

"Your word, not mine. Mrs. Romanov, your husband lives because I wish it. So does your daughter. Go against me, and that could change." A burst of fiery white energy flew from her clenched hand, shooting just past Adrian's head. He grabbed her wrist before she could aim another fireball at him.

"Do it, and you die. Then who will protect your daughter from me? Not your husband."

She lifted her chin, but he read the resignation in her dark eyes. Triumph flared, exciting him. She had fought him, but he had won, as he always knew he would.

"Very well, I will speak with Katerina."

"You and your husband are invited to my castle to dine with us tonight. You can tell her then."

She shook her head. "No, you cannot be there. What must be done is private, and should not be witnessed by others."

"Others? Or me?"

A hint of a smile played on her lips. "You, in particular."

Now it was his turn to smile. He leaned in close, impressed when she didn't cower away in fear. "I will be by Kat's side while she learns to control her magic. Nothing can keep me away."

"But…"

"There is no further discussion. I will be expecting you at seven this evening."

Before Olga could say anything further, Adrian was through the door. She shook her head. If du Lac knew Katerina had already begun, he would be furious. And as powerful as Katerina was, she could not hold him off yet, should he choose to attack. She had to warn her daughter, and they needed to convince du Lac that nothing yet had changed.

At least he believed what she told him. His surety of having Katerina would make him careless, and let down his guard. Her chance was coming.

* * *

Adrian glanced out his office window. The sun was beginning to set. Kat should be getting home soon, but he still had some time to finish up. He'd accomplished much today, but tonight would be even busier. If he didn't see to the details on the latest bank merger, he would be distracted. And he wanted no distractions while he witnessed Kat come into her magic.

When he finally shut off the lights, he had let a few more hours go by. He hadn't meant to. Would she be worried about him? Now that he thought about it, she should have called looking for him by now. She couldn't still be with her mother, could she? He smiled, recalling his meeting with Olga. If the older witch had done as he requested, Kat would likely be angry with him when he arrived. Calming that anger would make for a very enjoyable night. He confirmed the offices were empty and strode to the window. Anxious to be with Kat, he opened the window and stepped up. Then he soared out over the city, in the form of a raven.

The castle was strangely silent, and he could not even sense his personal servants. Something was not right. He transported to his bedchamber and stared in shock at the destruction there.

The bed curtains hung in tatters, the mattress split open. Tables were overturned, broken glass scattered across the floor, and clothes were strewn everywhere. He turned, and gaped at the cracked mirror.

Written in red were the words, "And now you'll pay."

Machiavelli.

Chapter Fourteen

Before she came to full consciousness, Katerina felt as if her arms were being yanked off at her shoulders. And her feet did not touch the ground. She opened her eyes. And immediately closed them.

The tall, dark man across the room watched her. She knew who he was. His boots echoed on the stone floor of the cavernous room as he approached her. His hand was on her face, squeezing her cheeks.

"Come lovely, I know you're awake."

Once again, she opened her eyes, trying not to flinch at the sight of the demonic hatred she found in his dark eyes. The pupils were red, and tinges of gold hovered around the edges of his irises. He smiled, thin lips stretching over white teeth in a frightening leer, his canines sharp and threatening. Adrian, help me. Please. She prayed he could read her thoughts now, and find her. Before this monster transformed completely.

"That's it, call for your lover. And when he comes to your rescue, I'll destroy him."

Silently, she cursed as she realized this madman could also read her thoughts. She forced her mind to go blank. She had to hold Machiavelli off before Adrian fell into his trap, but she had to find a way to block him first.

Her captor laughed.

"Yes, I can hear you. Clearly. As he will when he gets here. He will hear every terrifying and painful thought that goes through your mind."

He laughed as he paced around her, like a lion stalking its prey in the brush. He casually reached to caress her breast through her shirt. She squirmed away, but hanging as she was like this, she couldn't escape his reach. Think! There has to be some way out of this mess.

"Adrian won't come. He won't fall for your trap."

"He won't have a choice. I believe he's weak enough to offer himself in your place. I can hardly wait for the fun." He squeezed her breast a little harder, twisting her nipple in his fingers. She inhaled sharply, but refused to cry out.

"You may as well kill me now. Adrian would never do that."

Machiavelli chuckled. "We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? And perhaps, I'll keep him alive long enough for him to endure having you help me destroy him."

"Never."

"Oh my dear, but you will. Before I am through with du Lac, you will belong to me. He will see it happen, he will know the exact moment you become mine. And then you will help me, your master."

"I'll kill myself before I'll help you."

With a snarl of rage, Machiavelli drew his hand back and slapped her, hard and then again. He jerked her head back by her hair. "You will serve me. I see no reason not to start your lessons now."

He stepped away and went over to a table where he had various instruments. When he turned back, she focused her energy, her gaze boring into his. She would not allow him to hurt her. She focused her energy on keeping him at bay, calling on the elements to aid her task. Power surged through her as she summoned everything she had. The energy vibrated in her bones, and she breathed deeply to allow it to flow throughout her, fueling it with her desperation to get free.

He smiled cruelly as he shook out a long leather whip and neared. And suddenly stopped. Confused, he took one step back, his eyes roaming wildly, as if searching for something. He tried once more to approach her, but was unable.

She let out the breath she'd been holding in a rush. It worked. She'd created a barrier, using her power to change the air around her, forming an energy field that Machiavelli couldn't penetrate. He tried once more to get closer, but couldn't. It was as if an invisible wall stood between them.

"You bitch, what have you done?" His face darkened with rage. Within moments, his fangs had elongated further, his eyes burning a deep red. She shivered but the barrier held. Now if only she could get free of these chains. Machiavelli composed himself and replaced the whip on the table. He folded his arms, his still-blazing eyes narrowing thoughtfully. The sight was terrifying, and Katerina began to tire as the energy she channeled faded slightly. It took all her concentration to keep the barrier in place. She wouldn't be able to continue indefinitely. She had to think of something else soon.

"There's a way to get to you, I'll figure it out long before du Lac gets here." He paced slowly before her, no longer attempting to get closer. She clenched her numb fingers, wishing she could unlock the cuffs. The more tired she became, the more painfully the cuffs bit.

Suddenly, Machiavelli seemed to tense, and lifted his head as if he'd heard something. He swore and turned toward the door. Her heart pounded. Adrian. Could he be here? Excitement roared through her, and renewed her determination and strength. Power surged, growing stronger once again. As if in response to her rejuvenation, the energy surrounding her vibrated and hummed, resonating throughout the room. Her fear faded.

Machiavelli turned back. "He's here." He tried once more to approach Katerina, but the protective barricade had grown stronger, and he was propelled away. As if in a panic, he began to open drawers in the chest near the door. He withdrew something as the door slowly opened, but Katerina could not make out what it was.

Her heart threatened to burst from her chest as she caught a glimpse of Adrian. He had come. She tried to keep her mind free of thought, focusing only on the energy surrounding her. Machiavelli would also hear whatever message she tried to send, so she couldn't risk it.

Machiavelli took up a position behind the open door, a wooden stake raised above his head. Katerina longed to scream a warning, but was afraid to anger Machiavelli into doing something which would harm Adrian. She remained silent, praying Adrian would evade the trap. If only she could transfer some of her power to protect him as well. Machiavelli jerked his head toward her and she knew he'd been able to invade her mind again.

Damn, she couldn't do anything. Except wait.

Each second seemed to pass as slowly as an hour, then a burst of golden, swirling lights appeared behind Machiavelli. Adrian materialized, one hand clenched tightly on the Italian's shoulder. Machiavelli twisted, trying to bring the stake down. Adrian stopped him, easily lifting him and tossing him across the room. The other vampire hit the ground with a loud thud and groaned. He slumped forward, stunned and motionless.

For the first time, Adrian finally met Katerina's gaze. She stared at him, for the first time seeing him in full vampire state. He was truly frightening. His eyes burned with red-gold flame, his long teeth clearly visible through the sneer of his upper lip. His skin was so pale, a strange shade of grayish blue. Like some hideous creature from a horror movie. She forced back a shudder, yet held his wild gaze for a few brief moments. He stepped toward her, then stopped, as he realized he could get no closer. Katerina relaxed her concentration, feeling the energy slowly fade, the barrier disappearing. Questions were clear in his flaming eyes, but there was no time to voice them as he reached up and tugged on the chains, using his vampiric strength to break the iron as if it were little more than paper. She slumped against him, longing to wrap her arms around him, but her numbed and aching limbs wouldn't respond.

"Kat, go. Now. There's no time."

"I won't leave you here. Come with me." She clung to his arm, but he shook her free.

Adrian glanced over his shoulder and swore. "It's too late. Go!" He turned completely about, searching the room.

Machiavelli was not there. Where had he gone? Was he still in the house at all? Adrian silently cursed his distraction once again. Kat would end up dead if he kept letting his guard down. Anticipating what was coming, he grabbed her arm, ignoring her protests as he pulled her toward the door.

She was suddenly wrenched free of his grasp, and he roared with outrage to see Machiavelli hold her tightly against him, pulling her head back and exposing her throat.

"Adrian!" she cried.

He wouldn't take the chance this time. He refused to meet her gaze as he stalked Machiavelli.