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Mikhail knew the precise moment she awakened, her body on fire. Her alarm slammed into him, her fear. Deliberately, to show her what she was dealing with, his palm found the inside of her thigh, stroked, caressed.
Stop! Her body ached for his, for his touch, for his possession. He could hear the frantic pounding of her heart, feel the strength of her mental struggle with him.
Has another man ever touched you like this? He whispered the words in her mind, dark, deadly sensuality.
Damn you, stop! Tears glittered like jewels in her lashes, in her mind. All I wanted to do was help you. I said I was sorry.
His hand moved higher because he had to, found heat and silk, tiny curls guarding treasure. His palm covered the tangle possessively, pushed into the moist heat. You will answer me, little one.
It’s not your business. She clenched her teeth, writhed on the bed, fighting against the waves of sensation he created, fighting against him when she had no real chance to do so.
There is still time for me to come to you, to put my mark on you, for me to own you, he warned silkily. Answer me.
Why are you doing this?
He wished he had an answer for that perfectly reasonable question. He didn’t know why, only that he had no choice. Something in him, something dark and animalistic, drove him. Do not defy me. His voice was husky now, raw with need. His fingers moved, probed, found her most sensitive spot. I am being exceptionally gentle with you. I could be using my mouth, tasting you as I would much prefer. It was the stark truth, whether either of them wanted it or not.
You already know the answer is no, she whispered in defeat.
He closed his eyes, was able to calm the raging demons knifing pain through his body. He had no idea what he would have done, what he was capable of doing, had she answered differently. He was a man who held honor above all else, yet he was acting without honor, considering things that he never thought himself capable of. She had saved them both tonight, although she didn’t know it.
Sleep, little one, no one will harm you tonight. He broke contact and found his body hard, heavy, bathed in perspiration. It was far too late to stop the beast in him from breaking free. He was burning with hunger, consumed with it, jackhammers beating at his skull, flames licking along his skin and nerve endings. The beast was unleashed, deadly, hungry, demanding. He had been more than gentle. She had inadvertently released the monster. He hoped she was as strong as he believed her to be, because he had no idea what he was capable of anymore.
Mikhail closed his eyes against his self-loathing. He had learned centuries ago that there was little point. And this time he didn’t want to fight it. This was not simply a strong sexual attraction he felt; it was far more than that. It was something primal, something deep within him calling to something deep within her. Perhaps she craved the wildness in him as he craved the laughter and compassion in her. Did it matter? There would be no escape for either of them.
He touched her mind gently before closing his eyes and allowing his breath to cease. She was weeping silently, her body still in need from the effects of his mind touch. There was hurt and confusion in her, and her head was aching. Without thought, without reason, he enveloped her in the strength of his arms, stroked her silky hair, and sent warmth and comfort to surround her.
I’m sorry I frightened you, little one; it was wrong of me. Go to sleep now and be safe. He murmured the words against her temple, his lips brushing her forehead in gentleness, brushing her mind with tenderness.
He could feel the curious fragmentation in her mind, as if she had been using her mental capabilities to follow some sick and twisted path. It was as if she had raw, gaping wounds in her mind that needed to heal. She was too worn out from their previous mental battle to fight him. He breathed with her, for her, slow and even, matching her heartbeats until she relaxed, drowsy and worn. He sent her to sleep, a whispered command, and her lashes drifted down. They fell asleep together, yet apart, she in her room, Mikhail in his sleeping chamber.
The pounding on her door penetrated the deep layers of sleep. Raven Whitney fought the thick fog forcing her eyes closed, making her body heavy. Alarm spread. She felt almost as if she had been drugged. Her gaze found the small alarm clock on the bedside table. Seven o’clock in the evening. She had slept the day away. She sat up slowly, her limbs heavy, feeling as if she were wading through quicksand. The pounding on her door began again.
The sound echoed in her head, thundered at her temples. “What?” She forced her voice to be calm, although her heart was slamming against her chest.
She was in trouble. She needed to pack quickly, run. She knew how futile it would be. Wasn’t she the one who had tracked four serial killers, following the mental path of their thoughts? And this man was a thousand times more powerful than she. The truth was, she was intrigued that another person had psychic abilities. She had never met anyone like herself before. She wanted to stay and learn from him, but he was far too dangerous in his casual use of power. She would have to put distance, perhaps an ocean, between them to be truly safe.
“Raven, are you all right?” The male voice was filled with concern.
Jacob. She had met Jacob and Shelly Evans, a brother and sister, last night in the dining room when they had first come in off the train. They were traveling with a tour group of about eight people. She had been tired, and the conversation was a blur. Vaguely she remembered making some kind of a date with them all to do something, but her mind was hazy on the details.
Raven had come to the Carpathian Mountains to be alone, to recover from her last ordeal of following the twisted mind of a depraved serial killer. She had not wanted the company of the tour group, yet Jacob and Shelly had sought her out. She’d managed to wipe the memory of her promise to join them from her thoughts very efficiently.
“I’m fine, Jacob, just a touch of the flu, I think,” she assured him through the safety of the door, feeling far from fine. She shoved a shaky hand through her hair. “I’m just so tired. I came here to rest.”
“Aren’t we having dinner?” He sounded plaintive, and that annoyed her. She didn’t want any demands on her, and the last thing she needed was to be in a crowded dining room surrounded by a lot of people.
“I’m sorry. Another time, maybe.” She didn’t have time to be polite.
How could she have made such a mistake as she had last night? She was always so cautious, avoiding all contact, never touching another human being, never getting close.
It was just that the stranger had been broadcasting so much pain, so much loneliness. She had known instinctively that he had telepathic powers, that his isolation far exceeded hers, that his pain was so great that he was considering ending his life. She knew what isolation was. How it felt to be different. She had been unable to keep her mouth shut; she had to help him if she could. Raven rubbed her temples in an attempt to relieve the pain pounding in her head. It always hurt after using her telepathic powers.
Pushing herself up, she moved slowly to the bathroom, every step a fight. She had that same lethargy as last night just before she fell asleep, her body heavy, as if she were wading through quicksand and it was dragging her down. A terrible idea began to form. Could he be somehow controlling her without actual physical contact? The thought terrified her. No one could be that powerful, yet her body felt more like a jerky puppet than human. She turned the shower on full force, wanting the steady stream of water to clear the cobwebs.
She had come here for rest, to clear the stench of evil from her mind, to feel clean and whole again. Her psychic gift was draining to use, and physically she was worn. Raven lifted her chin. This new adversary would not frighten her. She had control and discipline. And this time she could walk away. No innocent lives were at stake.
She pulled on faded jeans and a crocheted sweater in defiance. She had sensed he was Old World and would frown on her American clothes. She packed quickly, haphazardly, tossing clothes and makeup as fast as she could into the battered suitca
se.
She read the train schedule in dismay. There was no service for two more days. She could use charm to beg a ride from someone, but that meant being in the small confines of a car for an extended period of time. It probably was the lesser of two evils.
She heard male laughter, low, amused, mocking. You would try to run from me, little one.
Raven sank down onto the bed, her heart beginning to pound. His voice was black velvet, a weapon in itself. Don’t flatter yourself, hotshot. I’m a tourist, I tour.
She forced her mind to be calm even as she felt the brush of his fingers on her face. How did he do that? It was the lightest caress, but she felt it down to her toes.
And where were you thinking of touring? He was stretching lazily, his body refreshed from his sleep, his mind once more alive with feeling. He was enjoying sparring with her.
Away from you and your bizarre games. Maybe Hungary. I’ve always wanted to go to Budapest.
Little liar. You think to run back to your United States. Do you play chess?
She blinked at the strange question. Chess? she echoed.
Male amusement could be very annoying. Chess.
Yes. Do you?
Of course.
Play with me.
Now? She began to braid her heavy mass of hair. There was something captivating in his voice, mesmerizing. It tugged at her heartstrings, put terror in her mind.
I must feed first. And you are hungry. I can feel your headache. Go down to dinner and we will meet at eleven tonight.
No way. I won’t meet with you.
You are afraid. It was a clear taunt.
She laughed at him, the sound wrapping his body in flames. I may do foolish things occasionally, but I am never a fool.
Tell me your name. It was a command, and Raven felt compelled to obey it.
She forced her mind to go blank, to be a slate wiped clean. It hurt, sent darts of pain through her head, made her stomach clench. He was not going to take what she would have given freely.
Why do you fight me when you know I am the stronger? You hurt yourself, wear yourself out, and in the end I will win anyway. I feel the toll that this way of communicating takes on you. And I am capable of commanding your obedience on a much different level.
Why do you force what I would have given, had you simply asked? She held her breath, feeling his puzzlement.
I am sorry, little one. I am used to getting my way with the least amount of effort.
Even at the expense of simple courtesy?
Sometimes it is more expedient.
She punched the pillow. You need to work on your arrogance. Simply because you possess power does not mean you have to flaunt it.
You forget, most humans cannot detect a mental push.
That isn’t an excuse to take away free will. And you don’t use a push anyway; you issue a command and demand compliance. That’s worse, because it makes people sheep. Isn’t that closer to the truth?
You reprimand me. There was an edge to his thoughts this time, as if all that male mockery was wearing thin.
Don’t try to force me.
This time there was menace, a quiet danger lurking in his voice. I would not try, little one. Be assured I can force your compliance. His tone was silky and ruthless.
You’re like a spoiled child wanting your own way. She stood up, hugging the pillow to her protesting stomach. I’m going downstairs to dinner. My head is beginning to pound. You can go soak your head in a bucket and cool off. She wasn’t lying; the effort to fight him on his level was making her sick. She edged cautiously toward the door, afraid he would stop her. She would feel safer if she was among people.
Your name, please, little one. It was asked with grave courtesy.
Raven found herself smiling in spite of everything. Raven. Raven Whitney.
So, Raven Whitney, eat, rest. I will return at eleven for our chess match.
The contact was broken abruptly. Raven let out her breath slowly, all too aware that she should be feeling relief, not feeling bereft. There was seduction in his hypnotic voice, his masculine laughter, in their very conversation. She ached with the same loneliness as he did. She didn’t allow herself to think of the way her body had come alive at the touch of his fingers. Burned. Wanted. Needed. And he had only touched her with his mind. The seduction was far more than physical; it was some deep, elemental thing she could not precisely put her finger on. He touched her inside her soul. His need. His darkness. His terrible, haunting loneliness. She needed, too. Someone to understand what it was like being so alone, so afraid to touch another being, afraid to be too close. She liked his voice, the Old World elegance, the silly male arrogance. She wanted his knowledge, his abilities.
Her hand trembled as she opened the door, breathed the air in the hallway. Her body was her own again, moving lightly and fluidly, obeying her instructions. She ran down the stairs and entered the dining room.
Several tables were occupied, certainly more than the night before. Ordinarily, Raven avoided public places as much as possible, preferring not to have to worry about shielding herself from unwanted emotions. She took a deep breath and walked in.
Jacob looked up with a welcoming smile and stood, as if waiting for her to join the group at his table. Raven made herself smile back at him, unaware of the way she looked, innocent, sexy, completely unattainable. She crossed the room, greeted Shelly, and was introduced to Margaret and Harry Summers—two fellow Americans. She tried not to let her alarm show on her face. She knew her picture had been plastered all over the newspapers and even on television during the investigation of the last killer. She didn’t want to be recognized, didn’t want to relive the horrible nightmare of the man’s twisted and depraved mind. There would be no discussion of such a hideous thing at dinner.
“Sit here, Raven.” Jacob graciously pulled out a high-backed chair for her. “I’m glad you could join us after all.”
Carefully avoiding skin contact, Raven allowed herself to be seated. It was hell to be so close to so many people. As a child she had been overwhelmed by the bombardment of emotions around her. She had nearly gone insane until she learned to protect herself, to build a shield. It worked unless the pain or distress was too concentrated, or unless she physically touched another human being. Or unless she was in the presence of a very sick and evil mind.
Right now, with conversation flowing all around her and everyone seemingly having a good time, Raven was experiencing classic signs of overload. Shards of glass pierced her skull, her stomach roiled in protest, left over—she was certain—from prolonged contact with the deranged mind of a serial killer. She couldn’t possibly eat a thing, but concentrated instead on appearing to enjoy the conversation at their table.
“Well, my dear.” Margaret leaned forward and beamed at her. “Tell us all about yourself.”
Raven kept her eyes on the various dishes as she served herself small portions from the bowls on the table. Home style was what had been advertised, and now she was grateful that she had a reason to study her choices.
“There’s not much to tell. I like to backpack, and when I get a chance I go to as many smaller, less touristy places as I can. I like to hop the train a lot and see what interesting places I can find. What about you?”
“It doesn’t worry you, a woman traveling alone?” Jacob asked.
She felt a shiver of awareness go down her spine. Beneath the table, she rubbed her suddenly damp palms on her thighs. She was in no condition to be in a roomful of people. She knew better. Why had she been so silly? After tracking killers, she always needed solitude. She looked for a remote place and stayed there alone as long as she could, letting her mind heal. Here in the dining room, with so many people raising their voices in conversations, so many crowding close to her, she felt sick.
“No, I don’t mind traveling alone. I do it all the time,” she answered, aware she was allowing too much time to go by before she answered. They were all going to think she wasn’t quite bright.<
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“You’re very brave,” Harry said. “Haven’t you heard the rumors? Don’t you see that most of the villagers hang garlic on their doors?”
That made her laugh, her first feeling since she’d awakened. “I’ve read all the legends, Mr. Summers, but I’m a pretty modern woman. Isn’t half the lure of coming to this region Bram Stoker’s Dracula? It’s fun and interesting and that little bit scary. A perfect vacation.”
Two
Mikhail inhaled the night air as he moved slowly through the small town, seeking what he needed. Not a woman. He couldn’t bear to touch another woman’s flesh. He was aroused, dangerous in his highly sexual state, and far too close to turning. He might lose control. So he had to find a male for feeding. He moved among the people easily, returned greetings from those who knew him. He was well respected, even looked up to.
He slipped up behind a young man who was physically fit, strong. His scent spoke of health, veins bursting with life. After a brief, easy conversation, Mikhail spoke his command softly, laid a friendly arm across the other’s shoulder. Deep within the shadows he bent his dark head and fed well. He was careful to keep his emotions firmly in control. He liked this young man, knew his family. There could be no mistakes.
As he lifted his head, the first wave of her distress hit him. Raven. He had unconsciously been seeking contact with her, touching her mind gently to assure himself that she was still with him. Alert now, he finished his task quickly, releasing the young man from his trance, implanting the continuing conversation, laughing amicably, accepting the handshake with ease, steadying the man when he was a bit dizzy.
Mikhail opened his mind, focused on the thread, and followed it. It had been years—his skills were rusty—but he could still “see” when he wanted. Raven was seated at a table with two couples. Outwardly she looked beautiful, serene. But he knew better. He could feel her confusion, the unrelenting pain in her head, her desire to leap up and run from everyone. Her eyes, brilliant sapphires, were haunted, shadows in the paleness of her face. Strain showed in the telltale lines around her mouth. It amazed him how strong she was. There was no telepathic spillage, no way for anyone with telepathic ability other than he to tell she was in distress.