Page 4 of Love in the Forest
He was tall, at least six-five, and built all to hell with muscles on muscles. She could recall savoring every inch of his body during their night together. He’d made these odd wolf-like noises that had spoken of his pleasure and something more, something like contentment.
She wasn’t sure how many times they’d made love, but it had been a lot. She’d been sore in the best way the next day.
She hadn’t been with anyone since and that was a year ago.
But here they were with some kind of cord binding them together.
Finally, he spoke. “I need this chalice, Abby. Bad.”
She couldn’t imagine why. “Explain.”
“My pack has been on the brink of civil war for the past year with violent outbreaks and two near-deaths. Nothing I’ve tried has resolved the issues. Then a wolf hears of a chalice that has brought peace to vampires at a counseling center in Crescent. Under his own volition and without my knowledge, consent or orders of any kind, he brought the chalice to our compound.
“Peace flowed through my pack like water through a quick-moving stream. I didn’t even know the reason until the wolf brought the chalice forward.
“I experimented by removing it from the building, and within hours the tension among my wolves had returned. I knew the fighting would erupt all over again.
“I brought the chalice back to the pack’s general meeting area and, though it makes no sense to me, peace was restored. Abby, I can’t have a serious war break out. People will die. I’m begging you, let me keep it.”
“Don’t you understand, it’s equally important to those under my care? You have difficulties here in Savage. I’m aware of that. But it’s no different in Crescent Territory. Most of the vampires I know live under a constant worry of attack by rogue vampires. The blood chalice made a huge difference among my people.”
He thought for a moment. “Can you have another one made? I’d pay a small fortune for it, if that’s a consideration.”
She shook her head. “No, I can’t, Braden. I’m sorry. The witch I worked with was very clear that it was a once-only deal, something about metal and blood.
“I’m sorry for your pack’s troubles, but I have to put my people first. You must see that. I sympathize, I really do because I understand your level of responsibility. Maybe you could try having a chalice made with your own wolf’s blood, or something.”
Suddenly, the air felt disturbed in a way she couldn’t explain. But soon after, she felt the arrival of a third person and a deep masculine voice intruded. “Or maybe you’ll both turn it over to me.”
She pivoted in the direction of the newcomer. She gasped and instinctively drew closer to Braden. He took hold of her hand.
There were a number of full-fledged wizards in Elegance Territory, men of extraordinary power and gifts. Unfortunately, at least half of those worshipped vile things and even performed human sacrifices as part of their rituals.
This wizard had a dark aura that even she, as a vampire, could see. He also had the ability to kill her with a touch of his fingers if he chose.
And he wanted her blood chalice.
Something told her he didn’t want it for a dinner party.
