Page 79 of Midnight Enchantment

He sensed the others as soon as he stepped out the front door. He paused as a half-dozen male vampires materialized out of the darkness, fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

One of them stepped forward, unleashing his preternatural power as he did so.

The Master of the City, Raedan thought, come to assert his authority. Raedan smiled faintly as he unleashed his own power. It drove the Master of the City to his knees, though his head remained unbowed.

The others took a wary step back.

“What do you want?” Raedan asked, though he knew perfectly well why they had come.

“We want no trouble,” the Master of the City replied, bristling at Raedan’s tone. “It is my right to question those who come into my territory.”

Raedan inclined his head. “It is, indeed. I have no wish to usurp your authority. But I warn you that if you harm those under my protection, you will not survive long enough to regret it.”

“I understand.”

“How are you called?”

“Bondurant. And you?”

“Raedan.”

The vampire’s eyes grew wide.

Raedan arched one brow. “You have heard of me?”

“Who has not?”

Raedan grunted softly as he gestured for the Master of the City to rise. Most vampires knew of him, and about the blood-demon that possessed him.

“Why have you come here?” Bondurant asked.

“My companions and I are looking for a black dragon. Have you seen one?”

“No.”

“Do you know if one exists?”

“According to legend, a dragon lives in a cave high in the Carpathians. No one has seen it, only the blackened remains of those who didn’t live to tell of their encounter with the beast.”

“I thank you for your help,” Raedan said. “I trust you will not object if I hunt in your territory?”

“And I trust you will not leave bodies in your wake.”

“You have my word.”

With a nod, the Master of the City melted into the shadows, and his companions with him.

Whistling softly, Raedan went in search of prey.

Lily tossed and turned in her bed after Raedan kissed her good night. She knew he had gone to feed. She knew it was necessary for his own survival, and to keep the blood-demon satisfied, as well, but she couldn’t help worrying. Or missing him. They hadn’t had much time alone together lately. Was he losing interest? Getting tired of her? With Ava and Mason in the house and their bedroom right next to hers, it was doubtful she and Raedan would get to have any private moments together in the near future.

Unable to sleep, she threw the covers aside and went to stand at the window. Outside, all was dark and quiet. There were no lights to be seen save for the millions of stars sprinkled across the indigo sky. Where was he?

I am on my way to you.

Raedan!

He appeared beside her in a shower of shimmering motes, his arms wrapping around her waist to draw her body flush with his as he bent his head and claimed her lips in a long, searing kiss that drove every thought, every doubt, from her mind. He kissed her again and yet again, his hungry hands caressing her, his tongue hot against her skin as he backed her toward the bed, lifted her onto it, and covered her body with his.

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