Dream Keeper Read online

  “I guess not,” Angel snarled. “Maybe you’re not so averse to tasting a man’s blood as you claimed.”

  “Can you blame me? What woman wouldn’t want Savaant as her soul mate? But he won’t even consider me as long as you’re available.” Ciara let out a mocking laugh. “And you thought you’d be that woman. Such a naïve little tart you are! I think Blade will be a much better match for you. And after Blade claims you as his own, Savaant will be wide open…longing for comfort. I’ll be right there to give it to him.”

  Several men formed a circle around Angel. Their lusty eyes increased her anxiety. No doubt these men intended to bite her neck for the high Savaant had spoken of. She wondered if any among them sought to steal her power. Her eyes darted from one to another. They had a better than average appearance for renegade males. None were ugly or scraggly. Even so, they could’ve all looked like Orlando Bloom and she still wouldn’t want anyone except Savaant.

  “Back off, boys,” Ciara commanded. “I have strict orders to keep her pure.”

  She looked away, utterly disgusted. Even though Ciara was keeping these men away, the thought of Blade touching her left a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Lead singer or not, her heart belonged to Savaant and so did her body. The thought of any other man putting his hands on her made her inwardly cringe.

  “Aw, don’t look so glum. At least I’m not turning you over to this pack of hungry males.” Ciara paused with a longing sigh. “Yet, I wouldn’t mind sharing my blood with these handsome scoundrels. Don’t even think of making a break for it. I’ll let them take you in a New York minute whether Blade likes it or not, if you try to escape.”

  Refusing to give her the satisfaction of a response, Angel pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Savaant had surely begun searching for her. She sighed nervously, trying to bring her fear under control. Perhaps I can buy some time when Blade takes over this sordid game.

  A noise at the distant cave entrance caught Ciara’s attention. Angel laid her head on her knees, secretly looking up to see what was going on.

  “Looks like your wait is over. Stay here and don’t do anything stupid.” Ciara nodded toward her pack of men. “C’mon, boys, Blade is here. You’re no longer needed.”

  A flurry of grumbles spread throughout the small pack. Nevertheless they obeyed and followed her through the rocky passageway toward the opening. She watched Ciara strut ahead of them, her hips swaying seductively in open flirtation. She fought back the urge to cry. How will Savaant find me?

  Ciara and her crew became smaller in appearance as they reached the cave entrance. Tears blurred her eyes. Several minutes later she couldn’t see them at all.

  “Psst!”

  Angel looked behind her into the shadows but couldn’t see anyone.

  “Angel, are you hurt? Can you make your way over here?” a soft voice whispered.

  “Who are you? What do you want?” Another wave of panic engulfed her.

  “It’s me, Sage. I’ve come to help you.”

  Immediately Angel rolled onto her side, then wriggled onto her knees before bracing her hands on the rocky ground to push herself up. She hopped into the shadows. Sage pulled her down instantly.

  “Sshh, Blade has sharp senses. Don’t say a word.”

  She nodded as Sage produced a box-cutter and began sawing through the nylon bindings. First her ankles, then her hands became free as the rope fell away. Angel gave her a quick hug, then let Sage lead her by the hand through the damp, dark caverns. They moved quickly, quietly, without uttering so much as a whisper. Instinctively, she knew to trust Sage.

  After what seemed like a long trek, they emerged into sunlight. White sand stretched as far as she could see. She shielded her eyes to gaze down the beach, nothing to see but water and sand. The sudden brightness amplified her pounding headache. Once clear of the rocky ground, Sage gripped her hand tightly and broke into a full run. She didn’t question or protest. With a hand blocking the intense sun from her eyes, she ran beside Sage until they came to a stop in a small shady grove.

  They hunkered down beneath the cluster of palm trees that provided the welcome relief of shade.

  “Are you okay?” Sage asked quietly, then glanced cautiously about.

  Angel nodded. “Other than my aching head and dry throat, I haven’t been hurt. How long have I been gone?”

  “Only overnight.” Sage held out bottled water. “Drink slowly. I grabbed one of these on my way out the door last night. Sorry I didn’t think to take more. I didn’t know this would turn into such a long journey.”

  While she forced herself to refrain from gulping, Sage talked.

  “When Blade left our villa last night I followed him. By the time I reached Savaant’s home, Ciara and her crew were already carrying you away. I had to make a split decision. Either run in to tell Savaant what I saw and let Ciara get away…or follow them so we didn’t lose track of you. I figured that if I went in after Blade he’d find a way to stall things and give Ciara more time to get away. So I went after her to reach you before he did.”

  “Why were you following Blade when you had such a horrible headache?”

  Sage looked at her curiously. “I didn’t have a headache.”

  “Oh. That explains a lot. Ciara and Blade carefully orchestrated the entire thing, even getting me out of those clothes.”

  “I knew Blade was up to something. I doubt he even went back to our villa to check on me before taking off. But I must admit I didn’t expect Ciara to be so heavily involved. She’s always been nasty and slutty, but I never thought she’d stoop to this.”

  Angel offered the half-full bottle back to her. “Ciara wants Savaant.”

  “And Blade wants you.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want my coming here to cause trouble, especially for someone as nice as you.”

  “Don’t worry.” Sage placed a kind hand on hers. “I’m just glad Savaant’s chosen one has so much integrity. A lesser woman may have fallen for Blade’s animal magnetism. But you…you have eyes only for Savaant, as it should be.”

  “I love him.”

  Sage smiled. “I know you do, hon’. I know.”

  “Where are we?”

  “That I don’t know.” She laughed lightly, in a sweet, almost carefree manner. “Ciara and those men traveled all night. I think we’re on the other side of the island. But at least we are together and two is better than one.”

  Angel stared at her through misty eyes. “Thank you…thank you so much for helping me.”

  “No need to thank me. Like Savaant said, perhaps you will choose me as your handmaiden.”

  “What does a handmaiden do?”

  “She lives with the chosen one and her mate. Whoever you choose will become part of your house to be with you whenever Savaant is not. There will be times when he works with the band, or tends business on the island without you. Your handmaiden is there to serve as a companion or sentinel of sorts.”

  “Will I really need a bodyguard after our blood is sealed?” Angel remembered Savaant mentioning a handmaiden, but she hadn’t given it another thought.

  Sage didn’t answer right away. She appeared to be searching her thoughts. Finally, with a hesitant sigh, she placed both of her hands over Angel’s and looked straight into her eyes.

  “I’m a blood-dragon, Angel. The truth is you’d be protecting me and in return I will serve you.”

  “What? How?” Angel stared back with wide eyes. “Who did you bite to become one?”

  Sage lowered her gaze seemingly in shame. “Blade, when they first learned of their blight. I was his only woman at the time and thought we had a future together. Little did I know what a womanizer he is. No sooner did he get his virility back than did he set out for his own private harem of women.”

  “Savaant told me there are no female blood-dragons yet.”

  “Please don’t be angry with him.” A pleading expression filled Sage’s eyes. “He didn’t want to co
nfuse you or break my confidence. He is an honorable man.”

  She understood. She’d never expect Savaant to betray another’s trust.

  “So you are bound to Blade? Did you go through the transformation and the cravings?”

  “Yes to all of that except that I can leave Blade and still live here if I find sanctuary. Female blood-dragons are not permitted to live independently because of the chaos it would create. We would be hunted day and night for our powerful blood.” She paused to sip the water, offered her the bottle, then continued. “My only hope of escaping Blade is to be taken in by the Senhora Do Sangue until I find a mate.”

  “How do you deal with the cravings?”

  “I find ways,” she replied with a charming smile.

  Angel began to understand more about the inner workings of Dunalino and the power struggle in place. “I take it Savaant knows all of this?”

  Sage nodded. “He is a very kind-hearted generous man and when I approached him on the matter he agreed to help me if possible. We felt best to keep my intentions secret to avoid fueling Blade’s lust for power. If he found out that I want to leave him, he’d unveil my secret and pandemonium would ensue. I’d have to leave the island or consent to their demands. He’d rather see me leave and live in exile than see me with another man.” Her hands moved to rest affectionately on Angel’s bare thighs just beneath the robe as they knelt in the sand. “I will be eternally grateful if you choose me. It’s not easy living as a female blood-dragon. Now I know why the others have refrained.” She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Angel’s lips. “I have been praying for Savaant’s success in finding the chosen one in hopes of gaining my freedom.”

  Pulling back, Angel was a bit stunned by the gesture. “What keeps Blade from telling others about your status now?”

  “Arrogance, his ego can’t handle rivalry. Heaven forbid that one of his women should even consider another mate. Most likely he wants all my power for himself. He receives quite a high from my blood. And I don’t think Blade wants anyone outside the band converting. The more blood-dragons on the island the more competition he will have.”

  “I guess that makes sense.”

  “Making love to an immortal is much hotter than bedding a mortal man,” Sage elaborated. “If more men became blood-dragons through me, Blade would have less control. As of now, he has an edge over all the men outside of the band. I’m sure he intends to keep it that way. So in a twisted way his lust for power is protecting me at the moment.”

  “I see. He wants to keep the blood within the group so women will always set them above other men. Reece and Miles seem too laid back to pose a threat to his dominance. Savaant is his only real competition.”

  “That sums it up well. With me as your handmaiden, we can keep Blade under control. I will do your bidding and fulfill anything you desire of me.”

  And now he even wants to eliminate one of his own band mates! The full force of Blade’s intentions came to light. He wants it all and Savaant is in his way.

  While Angel did find Sage attractive, she had never entertained fantasies about women and felt a bit nervous regarding her open affection. Even so, her quiet touch had a calming effect.

  She pondered these new sensations as Sage drew submissively closer, her delicate hands inched upward to gently caress Angel’s thighs. The soothing caress brought comfort after a long night of pain. Her headache began to dissipate along with the stinging from the rope burns. Sage’s touch seemed to possess similar healing properties that she’d felt from Savaant’s.

  “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.”