Dream Keeper Read online

  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!

  “Do you know where we are yet?”

  “Sorry, but no.” Sage offered a comforting smile. “No worries though. I’m sure if we keep walking in the same direction we�
��ll end up back home. It is an island after all.”

  “I was supposed to become his Senhora Do Sangue today.” She sighed despondently.

  Sage stopped, then turned toward her. “Aw, I’m sorry. That explains why Blade didn’t waste any time in making his move. He must know you are ready.”

  “Should I have helped you with those men back there? I did bite one man back in LA.”

  “No. You did right by letting me handle them. They aren’t like society men. These chaps bite back. Living out here, dabbling in neck biting, their skills are honed. One mistake and you’d have been in the wrong hands.” She reached out, and with two index fingertips gently tugged the corners of Angel’s mouth upward. “Smile. We’ll make it back safely, and you will be reunited with Savaant.”

  Her unexpected gesture made Angel laugh. Sage was definitely a bright spot.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to complain or sound weak. It’s been a trying day.”

  “You do not need to apologize. After everything that’s happened I’m surprised you haven’t shed a single tear.”

  She half-laughed. “Don’t start passing out the Purple Hearts. If I were not so parched, I’m sure the tears would flow. I miss him so much it hurts. How can someone become utterly addicted to another in just one week?”

  “I’m delighted to hear you say that. In spite of all your trials, you think of Savaant. He deserves a loyal woman with all the suffering he’s endured.”

  “He has and always will be everything to me. My dreams of meeting him kept me alive all those years.”

  Sage motioned that they sit down and rest. “If you don’t mind me asking, what did happen to you?”

  “Unfortunate circumstances.” She plopped down in the sand. “Long story short, I was blackmailed at the age of eighteen into marriage by a wealthy, powerful man back east. For thirty years I played the aristocrat’s showpiece. My only saving grace was his impotence. I never had to give myself to the bastard. And I was never given enough freedom to have an affair.”

  “That’s a long time without love.” Sage lifted her brow and blinked a couple times, openly surprised.

  Angel didn’t fault her stunned response. Who wouldn’t be shocked to know a forty-eight-year-old virgin? Especially in these modern times with the Internet at one’s fingertips. Well, I felt like the world’s oldest virgin until a few days ago. My blight has been lifted in that area…and delightfully so!

  “I’m not sure I could’ve had an affair even if given the chance. Men had never treated me kindly. Savaant was my safe place. Every night I pulled him into my thoughts before falling asleep.”

  “Weren’t you afraid when he bit you?”

  Angel thought about that for a moment. As bizarre as their meeting had been, she’d never been afraid of him.

  “I never felt fear with him. In fact…he makes me feel safer than ever.”

  “He truly has found the right woman,” Sage said. “We just need to get you two back together and complete the union. Are you ready to start walking again?”

  “Yes. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find some water.” She brushed sand off her robe as they resumed their trek. Under a dark sky the ocean took on a different hue. It looked almost eerie as the waves thrashed against the sand beneath a full moon. With no hills or trees to block her view, she could see millions of stars twinkling above. Beyond the shoreline lay nothing but rolling, black water—a striking contrast to the sublime image cast by day.

  They walked side by side for a little while longer before Sage pointed to a small grove of trees up ahead.

  “Pomegranates…” Sage picked up their pace.

  Upon reaching the shrubby looking trees, they plucked the ripe red fruits and smashed the thick skins open with a rock. Sage nudged her into the center of the thicket to conceal their presence while eating.

  “Mm.” She bit into the juicy red fruit, taking both pulp and seeds into her mouth. She couldn’t get the sweet liquid down her throat fast enough.

  Sage nodded in agreement while devouring her own. She glanced at Angel who had juice trickling down her chin. They both laughed and Angel sensed a strong bond developing between them. After spending an entire day getting to know each other while surviving on their own, she couldn’t help but feel close to the beautiful, yet visceral, woman. They had come to know each other on a more intimate level.

  “I think we’re getting closer to home. I couldn’t go back the way Ciara brought you because I feared crossing paths with Blade. I knew he would be hot on her trail. I’m not sure which direction Savaant chose.” Sage gazed up at the moon. “But one thing I do know is that the moon rises close to our villa and sets in the distance. See how large and close the moon seems?”

  She looked up. Sure enough, the rising moon loomed over them like a huge, golden globe.

  “That beautiful full moon is shining in my bedroom window as we speak. By morning it will be on the opposite side of the island. So we must be getting close.”

  “I’ve always loved the moonlight. So many different moods created by a majestic full moon.”

  “Perhaps you’ve always been meant to be one of us. Nahtosha waited a long time to choose her male. The timing for you to be with Savaant couldn’t be better.” Sage had posed an intriguing thought.

  Angel recalled Savaant’s account of Nahtosha and the day they’d agreed that the sea creature had selected them long ago to carry out her plan. “Savaant and I kind of felt the same way…as if our lives had been destined to merge by a more prevailing force.”

  She chose not to reveal that she’d heard Nahtosha’s voice speak to her. She wasn’t sure how Sage would react or if, in doing so, she might anger Nahtosha’s spirit. Risking agitating an unseen spirit didn’t seem like a wise decision.

  “Are you feeling better?” Sage asked. “Though you didn’t say much I could see you struggling.”

  “Yes, much better. I’ve learned to endure many things in silence. I must confess this day has been one of the most challenging.” Her thoughts drifted. “Except for…never mind.” She caught herself before dredging up the past.

  Sage didn’t pursue the matter, much to Angel’s relief. Nobody except Savaant needed to know what had been dead and buried long ago.

  “Ready to move on?” Sage tilted her head with an encouraging look.

  “Yeah.” She stood up and stuffed a few pomegranates into the pockets of her robe. “I’ll take these along just in case.”

  With a pleasant smile Sage led the way as they left their quaint little grove. Upon their emergence from the thicket, a tall figure cast his shadow on the sand from behind.

  “Good evening, ladies.”

  Sage spun around. Angel felt the hairs on her neck bristle before she turned to face Blade. His eyes glimmered with lust.

  “You came out of hiding just in time. Another few minutes and I’d have passed you by. Everyone’s been fretting over your whereabouts all day.” He sounded anything but sincere.

  “Stay the hell away from us,” Sage hissed. “We know you were behind Ciara’s evil deed. So drop the innocent act.”

  He let out a sardonic laugh. “You’ve been in the heat too long. I’ve no dealings with the wench. What are you doing way out here so far from home, Sage?”

  “I saw you. And I saw Ciara sneaking around the back of Savaant’s house while you went inside. You lying bastard!” Sage kicked sand at him. “I wasn’t going to let you get away with your evil scheme.”

  “I’m not going to stand here and argue with you.” Blade cast a guarded look behind him as if expecting someone. “C’mon.” He grabbed their arms and began dragging them down the beach.

  Angel kicked and flailed in an attempt to break free but he had a vise-like grip on her.

  Sage shot her an admonishing glance. It will do no good fighting him this way. Conserve your energy. Clear your mind.

  The fact that she received Sage’s thoughts took her off guard. Recalling what Savaant had taught her about fear and anger
blocking her telepathy, she ceased thrashing, then cast Sage a confused look. Why can’t you take him down like the others?

  A sad expression flooded Sage’s eyes as she again communicated silently. Blade is a blood-dragon. The others were mere mortal men seeking a high. I cannot physically overpower Blade. I must try and catch him off guard. We must use our wits, not our bodies, to defeat him.

  Blade didn’t say a word as he pushed them along in front of him. They stumbled through the dark for quite some time before coming to a dense area of foliage and tropical trees. He forced them into the jungle-like sector and continued onward.

  To her surprise and by the shocked expression on Sage’s face to her surprise as well, they arrived at a secluded cabin hidden deep within the maze of thicket. She wondered if they were at all close to home as Sage had thought. She felt as if they’d been walking toward nowhere the entire day. Now night had fallen and they found themselves trapped in another unrecognizable territory on Dunalino.

  She eyed the adobe cottage with its thatched roof. Small, one story, as if built specifically to house captives or perhaps even a place to perform rituals. Rituals! Oh no! He brought us here to take my blood and steal Savaant’s power! She pondered what method of madness Blade had in mind to coerce them into such a traitorous act.

  He shoved them inside from behind, then bolted the door. Angel looked around furtively in the dark while he roamed about lighting candles. Only one room existed inside the small house and it appeared to be every bit a ceremonial-type setup. One bed was set up against the far wall. White candles everywhere. Strange art covered the walls, paintings of things Angel couldn’t distinguish like some type of tribal symbolism. The wooden floor was bare except for one plush area rug in the center. She didn’t see a bathroom or anything that indicated one could live in the cabin with modern conveniences and there didn’t appear to be electricity or running water.

  “What are you going to do?” Sage snapped. Her green eyes flickered with fury in the candle-lit room.

  “What I set out to do before you got in the way.” Blade gave her an insolent smirk. “Worked out rather well, I’d say. I needed a witness anyway, better you than Ciara. Your account will hold more weight with Savaant than hers would have.”