How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) (Love at Stake) (8 page)

Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his smile. Who was this man, that he could affect her so easily? “Where do you come from? Are you staying at the nearby village?”

After a pause, he replied, “I have passed through there.” He removed a box from his jacket. “I have a gift for you.”

She blinked in surprise. First he’d used flattery, and now he had a gift? Hadn’t she made it clear that she wanted to mate with him? There was no need for him to act so gallantly. As if he were . . .
courting
her.

Her nerves tensed. Why would he court her unless he wanted to win her affections? She couldn’t allow that to happen. After tonight, she’d refuse to see him again.

She glanced at the shiny gold box. “That was not necessary, but thank you.”

“Do you not like chocolate?”

She searched her memory of all the books she’d read from Frederic’s small library. “Hot chocolate?”

“Not the drink.” Zoltan gave her a curious look. “Have you never eaten chocolate?”

She felt heat warming her cheeks. When Frederic had returned to England, they’d lost their only contact with the outside world, and now she felt woefully ignorant. “Come with me, and we shall have some tea.” She turned and headed down the hill.

Zoltan walked beside her. “Are you taking me to your home?”

“No.” She shook her head. “That is not allowed. I am taking you to Frederic’s cabin.”

“Is he a friend of yours?”

“He’s Freddie’s and Freya’s father. He taught us English.”

“He’s the one who went back to England?”

Neona nodded, remembering how distraught Freddie and Freya had been. And their mother, Calliope, had been devastated. Queen Nima had declared that it was just further proof that men could not be trusted. They always betrayed you in the end.

She wouldn’t let that happen. Zoltan couldn’t hurt her if she refused to let him into her heart.

“The cabin is this way.” She pointed to a clearing downstream where the stone house was situated.

He followed her inside and looked around. “Is your home similar to this one? No running water or electricity?”

She wasn’t sure what electricity was. “There is running water in the stream outside.” She hesitated, wondering if she should suggest he lie down on the bed. Perhaps she should give him time to get comfortable. He’d said the other night that he needed to be in the mood.

She set the kettle over the fire. “It will take a moment for the water to boil.”

“That’s fine.” He placed the gold box on the table in front of the hearth.

Zhan looked up from his nap and hissed.

“Ssh.” She hushed the cat. “Why don’t you go outside? You can warn me if someone comes.”

Zhan stalked toward the door, snarling at her guest. Zoltan followed the cat, chuckling as the cat gave him one last hiss.

“So long, cat.” He shut the door, then strolled around the perimeter of the room. “This is nice.” He stopped to admire a white silk banner embroidered with red and pink blossoms.

“Frederic’s wife made it.”

“Does she live here?”

“She . . . passed away.”

Zoltan turned to face her. “I’m sorry. Were you close to her?”

Neona tossed a few more sticks onto the fire to increase the heat. “There is no need to discuss anything personal. Once we have had our tea, we can . . . proceed.” She motioned toward the bed.

He glanced at the bed, then back at her, his eyes narrowing as he looked her over. “What you’re wearing is very pretty. Did you make it?”

“Yes.” She adjusted the sash. Why did she feel like he was imagining her without her clothes? “We do quite a bit of sewing in the winter. We can be snowed in for months.”

“You don’t get lonesome?”

She swallowed hard. The next winter would seem endless without her sister. “We keep busy. We make our clothes and shoes. A new supply of arrows. I make ointments and medicine. Some of the women make pottery. And of course, we practice our fighting skills every day.”

His mouth twitched. “I’m sure you do. I’ve been told more than once that you beat the crap out of me.”

She lifted her chin. “You were told correctly.” His answering smile caused an odd fluttering sensation in her stomach. He didn’t seem intimidated or angered by her show of strength. On the contrary, he acted like he enjoyed it. And that only served to make him more appealing.

Don’t fall for him,
she reminded herself. She straightened the teacups and saucers on the table.

He wandered over to a wooden chest that was topped with a stack of books. “These are in English.”

She sighed. He seemed determined to pry into her personal life. “Those belonged to Frederic.”

Zoltan rummaged through them. “A world atlas. A Bible. Some novels—
Ivanhoe
and
A Tale of Two Cities
.”

“Those were his favorites.”

“They all look well read. This one is falling apart.” He picked up a book and studied the faded lettering on the spine. “
Pride and Prejudice
.”

She selected a plump wild berry from the bowl on the table. “That one is my favorite. I read it every winter.”

“Interesting.” He set it down carefully, then looked at her, the corner of his mouth curling up. “So your favorite is about a man and woman falling in love.”

Warmth invaded her cheeks, but she ignored it and slipped the berry into her mouth. Juice spurted from the fruit as she bit down, and she quickly pressed a hand to her mouth. She swallowed and licked her lips, painfully aware that he was watching her intently, his gaze riveted on her mouth.

More heat flooded her face. Was he remembering their kiss? She turned to look at the fireplace. It was taking an eternity for the water to boil. But the way he was looking at her might indicate that he was now in the correct mood.

Steeling her nerves, she faced him and motioned toward the bed. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

He surprised her by sitting at the table in front of the hearth. “Would you like to try one?” He opened the gold box.

She moved close to the table and studied the chocolates. They came in different shades of brown and three different shapes—round, square, and rectangular. Finally, she selected a round one and bit into it.

Instantly her mouth was filled with the richest, creamiest, sweetest sensation she’d ever tasted. “Oh my!” She licked her lips to keep drool from trickling out.

He smiled. “I guess you like it.”

She nodded and put the rest of the piece in her mouth. It was truly heavenly. What other wondrous things from the outside world was she missing? She put the lid on the box, then turned back to the hearth to check on the water.

“So Frederic lived here?” Zoltan asked.

She nodded. “Frederic Chesterton.”

“And his wife and daughters lived here, too?”

“No, the women live in . . . another valley.”

“Why didn’t he live with them?”

“It is one of our rules. No man is allowed in—” Neona glanced back with an apologetic look. “I guess our ways must seem strange to you.”

“What about
your
family?”

Neona sighed, wishing the water would hurry up and boil. “I’d rather not talk about myself.”

“It was my third condition, remember? We have to get to know each other.”

She glanced back at him. Would he really refuse to bed her if she didn’t tell him more about herself? Maybe a little information would be all right as long as she didn’t disclose any secrets.

She wandered back to the table and opened the tin that contained tea leaves. “I never knew my father. He went back to Greece.” Or did he? She spooned some tea leaves into the pot. “My mother is our leader. Queen Nima.”

Zoltan’s eyes widened, then he grinned. “So you really are a warrior princess?”

She scoffed. “No. I’m not in line for the throne.”

“Why not?”

The kettle whistled, finally, and she hurried to the hearth, relieved for the brief respite from his questions. She wrapped a towel around her hand, then carried the hot kettle back to the table.

“Why can’t you be queen?”

She poured steaming water into the teapot. “It’s . . . complicated.”

“Then explain. I have nowhere else to go.” He gave her a wry smile. “And I’m seemingly intelligent.”

Neona smiled in spite of herself. “Yes, you are.” She set the lid on the pot to let the tea steep. “We all have special gifts, and I have the wrong one.”

“How can a gift be wrong?”

Would the man never stop with the questions? She motioned toward the bed. “It’s late. Perhaps we should . . . rest for a while?”

His eyes glimmered like glowing amber. “You keep trying to seduce me.”

She swallowed hard. The way he was looking at her made her stomach quiver. “Don’t you want to be seduced?”

His mouth curled up slowly. “I’m not in the mood yet.” He patted the chair next to him. “Talk to me. I want to know what kind of gift you have and why it’s wrong.”

She eased into the chair, all too aware that his arm was now resting on the back of it. “I’m a healer. When I touch an injury, I can take away the pain and help it heal.”

“That’s an excellent gift.”

“Not really. I have to feel the pain, too.”

“Oh. That’s bad.” He sat up suddenly. “Is that why you had your hand on my pants? You were healing me?”

She nodded. “I needed you to be functioning properly.”

“I see.” His mouth twitched, then he gave her a wide-eyed, innocent look. “I’m afraid I’m still suffering from residual pain.”

“From two nights ago?”

“You kneed me really hard. I could use your healing touch.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I think you’re lying.”

“You’re right.” He grinned. “But it was worth a shot.”

She smiled back.

“You have a pretty smile.”

Her heart squeezed in her chest.
Don’t fall for him. Just get this over with.
“So you’re functioning properly now?”

“I’ll be fine once I get in the mood.”

How could such a strong, virile man be so slow? “Maybe I should touch you after all. To help you get in the mood.” She reached for his groin, but he grabbed her hand.

“What kind of gift do you need to be queen?” he asked, encasing her hand in both of his.

She groaned silently with frustration. “Why do you need to know? You cannot be queen. You are a man.” She pulled her hand from his grip and eyed his groin with suspicion. “That is, if you can ever get in the mood.”

His jaw shifted. “I’m getting there. Just a few more questions. What kind of gift does the queen need?”

“She must be able to communicate with . . . winged creatures.” Neona winced. Now she’d said too much.

Zoltan inhaled sharply. “You mean birds? Your mother can talk to birds?”

“Yes.” She gave him a wary look. “That probably sounds strange.”

“No. It doesn’t.” He gazed into the fire for a moment. “Are there other women in your group who have had that gift?”

“My twin sister, Minerva, did, but—” Neona tensed, afraid a wave of grief would sweep over her. She steeled her nerves and continued, “Winifred has the gift, so she will be the next queen.”

Zoltan turned toward her. “You had a twin sister?”

“Let me see if the tea is ready.” Neona jumped to her feet and grabbed the teapot. Her hands trembled, and some tea splashed onto the table.

“That’s all right.” Zoltan took the teapot from her and set it down. “I don’t really need any tea.”

She sat back down and clenched her hands together in her lap. “I think we’ve talked enough.”

“You lost your sister?”

She nodded. “Two weeks ago.”

“I’m so sorry.” He reached over and took hold of her hands. “I’ve lost my loved ones, too.”

She glanced at him and saw the pain shimmering in his golden amber eyes. “I’m sorry.”

He squeezed her hands. “What happens if you get injured? Are you able to heal yourself?”

She shook her head. “There was another healer. Frederic’s wife, Calliope. But she died about six years ago. I couldn’t save her.”

“And now you’re on your own? You relieve everyone’s pain, but there is no one to help you?”

Tears filled her eyes. “The pain I have cannot be healed.”

“I know.” He reached up and brushed her hair back from her brow. “But I would give you comfort if I can.”

He was so tempting.
Oh, God, don’t fall for him.
Her heart yearned for someone to hold her and care for her. But it couldn’t be Zoltan. She had to have a daughter. She could hold and cherish a daughter.

But what if she had a son? Would Zoltan react like Frederic had when Calliope had given birth to a son? Frederic had waited till the boy was old enough for school, and then he’d taken him to England. He’d left his mate and daughters behind. Abandoned.

A tear rolled down her cheek. What if she fell in love with Zoltan? How could she bear to lose him? Good God, she could lose him and a son. The pain she was feeling now could triple. “I cannot do this.” She jumped to her feet and ran for the door.

“Neona!”

She dashed outside, headed for the stream.

“Neona.” Zoltan grabbed her arm to stop her. “What happened? Did I say something wrong?”

She shook her head. “You’re not wrong. You’re too right! I could fall for you.”

“Would that be so bad?”

She broke away from his grip. “I don’t want your heart. The only thing I wanted from you is a daughter!”

He stiffened. “What?”

“I told you. Men are not allowed here.” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she backed away. “I wanted a daughter, but I changed my mind. It’s too big of a risk. I can never see you again. Good-bye.”

Chapter Seven

S
tunned, Zoltan watched her run along the stream with her pet leopard trotting behind her. All she had wanted from him was a daughter? Had she planned to bed him, then never see him again? Was he nothing more than a damned sperm bank?

A blast of anger surged through him. She was rejecting him without giving him a decent chance. Even more infuriating was the thought that she would have dismissed him from the start if she’d known the truth. She would have considered him entirely useless. Hell, she probably would have killed him. For the truth was his sperm was dead.

Dammit.
He could give her jewels and gowns. Mansions and castles. He could give her pleasure. In time, he could have given her love. As a Vamp, he could even give her immortality. But she wanted the one thing he couldn’t give. A child.

Rejected again. For the same damned reason. Over the centuries, he’d fallen for a few women. The affairs would last for a year or two, but they always ended the same way. The lure of immortality would fade, and then they always left him for a man who could give them children and grow old with them.

A few years back, something had happened that had given Zoltan hope that he could break the cycle of rejection. A brilliant Vamp scientist, Roman Draganesti, had figured out a way to insert their Vamp DNA into live human sperm. Now the Vamps with mortal wives were having kids like crazy. Technically, he could give Neona children, but it would require a trip to Romatech in New York, where Roman worked.

Zoltan wasn’t sure she would ever agree to go there for the artificial insemination process. Roman could probably guarantee her a daughter if that was what she really wanted. But would she expect Zoltan to drop her and his daughter off in Tibet, never to see them again? He would not abandon her or his child, dammit!

And why the hell couldn’t a woman want him for himself? Was he so damned unlovable that a woman could only want him for the children he might provide? He’d been rejected in the past for that, but he would not sit by and let it happen again. Not with Neona. She was different. Somehow, her fate was linked to his. They were connected. He wasn’t sure how, but he knew in his gut that she belonged with him.

He charged toward Neona, using vampire speed to catch up with her. Six feet behind her, he slowed to a rapid walk.

The cat looked at him and snarled.
Get lost
.

No.
He glared at Neona’s back. “So that’s it? You’re giving up?”

The cat huffed.
Great idea, yelling at her. That will make her like you.

Shut up, cat
. “Talk to me, Neona. Why did you change your mind all of a sudden?”

She kept walking. “I decided it was unwise.”

“Bullshit. You’re afraid. What kind of warrior are you? I thought you were tougher than that.”

She whirled to face him, her clenched hands raised and ready to punch him. “I beat you once. I can do it again.”

“Then do it!” He spread his hands in surrender. “Tie me up and ravish me.”

“I don’t want to anymore!”

“Why not?” He stepped toward her. “Are you afraid you might develop feelings for me? God forbid you might feel close to me while I’m inside you.”

She swung a fist at him, but he jumped back.

Oh, you’re making fine progress,
the cat sneered.

Sod off!
“You know what really pisses me off?” He stepped closer. “That you see me as a damned sperm bank. There is more to me than my ability to father children. And there is a hell of a lot more to you than your ability to bear a child!”

She blinked, staring at him.

The cat hissed.
Stop
yelling at her, or I’ll claw your foot off.

Not before I stuff it down your throat
. Zoltan gave the cat an annoyed look, then lowered his voice and motioned back to the cabin. “Why don’t we go back in and talk? I thought we were getting along very well.”

She slowly lowered her fists. “I cannot be a . . . friend to you.”

“Why not? I like you. I thought you liked me. We were getting to know each other. That’s what couples do—”

“We cannot be a couple!”

“We can!” He grabbed her by the shoulders. “I’m not giving up on you.”

A pained look crossed her face. “You have to. There is no future for us. Men are not allowed here.”

“Why not?”

“They’re not . . . necessary.”

“Bullshit. Every community needs some men.”

She broke his hold on her and stepped back. “Ours does not.”

He scoffed. “How do you build your houses?” He gestured toward the cabin. “Didn’t Frederic build this one?”

“He helped, but we know how to do it without a man. We built our own homes.”

“What about protection? A man can pro—”

“We can protect ourselves.”

Not against an army. But Zoltan didn’t want to remind her of the recent death of her sister. It would be too cruel. “Men have a lot of uses.”

She gave him a dubious look. “Really?”

“Of course. A man can . . . build a fire.”

She shrugged. “I can do that.”

“A man can provide food for his family.”

“I am an excellent hunter.”

“A man can till the soil and plow the field.”

“We have a donkey.”

He snorted. “You can’t replace a man with a donkey. They are stubborn creatures who won’t do as they’re told.”

Her brow arched. “And there’s a difference?”

He gritted his teeth.

The cat yawned.
You stepped right into that one, moron.

Go chew on your fleas
. Zoltan planted his hands on his hips. “A donkey doesn’t have hands. He can’t do repairs around the house. Or cook. Or clean.”

“I can do those things myself.”

“What about those ten climaxes you wanted? Are you going to do that yourself, too?”

She lifted her chin. “What makes you think I haven’t?”

Dammit
. Zoltan searched his brain. “I know! What if you can’t open a jar? You’ll need a man for that!”

Pathetic,
the cat muttered.

She shrugged. “Our jars do not have lids. We tie a piece of fabric around—”

“What if you need a hug? And don’t you dare mention that damned donkey!”

She laughed.

“There! You see. You need me around to make you laugh.”

“Actually, the donkey has made me laugh a few times.”

He scowled at her. “I refuse to compete with a donkey.”

“You don’t have to compete at all.” Her face grew sad. “I shouldn’t see you again.”

“I’m not giving up on you.” He stepped closer. “Who will listen to you in the middle of the night? Who will you share your secrets with?”

She gasped, her eyes widening. “Did you hear me?” She shook her head. “You couldn’t have. I was alone.”

“Hear what?”

“Nothing.” Her eyes filled with tears.

“You’re grieving for your sister, I understand that.”

She closed her eyes briefly. “You don’t understand how long we were together, or how long we will be apart.”

The first part of her sentence struck him as odd, since he assumed she’d been with her twin for only about twenty-two years. But facing the rest of her life alone was clearly causing her pain.

When a tear rolled down her cheek, he smoothed it away with his thumb. “I could be with you for a very long time. Trust me.” He kissed her cheek.

She trembled. “Men cannot be trusted.”

“I would never hurt you. Trust me.” He kissed her other cheek.

“Men cannot—”

He stopped her by planting his mouth on hers. She tensed at first, her hands splayed against his chest. But as he moved his lips gently and insistently, her fingers slowly dug into his jacket. He deepened the kiss, and with a moan, her mouth opened.

Yes.
He explored her mouth, claiming it as his own. She would belong to him. This was no mistake. The arrow that had haunted him for almost eight hundred years had led him to her. She knew the answers he’d sought for so long. She’d touched his heart that had been cold for so long. Their fates were entwined, he could feel it in his bones. This was the woman he’d waited centuries for.

He scattered kisses across her face and down her neck. Her breaths grew quick and agitated. Her hands slipped up around his neck.

His groin hardened, and he debated how far he should go tonight. As much as he wanted to bed her, it didn’t seem fair to take her when she believed the act would result in pregnancy.

But he could pleasure her. Give her one of those climaxes she wanted. He slipped his hand to the front of her tunic and palmed a breast. The silk was so thin that he could feel her nipple hardening.

“Neona,” he whispered in her ear. “Let’s go back to the cabin.”

She leaned back, giving him a nervous look. “You’re in the mood now?”

“Yes.” He grasped her hips and pulled her tight against his erection.

She gasped. “You . . . you’re vibrating.”

“I am?” He glanced down, then realized the sat phone was buzzing in his pants pocket.
Dammit
. If he didn’t answer, would Howard send Mikhail looking for him?

“Just a minute.” He stepped back and retrieved the phone from the pocket. “Why the hell are you calling, Howard?”

“Good evening to you, too,” Howard grumbled. “Russell showed up here out of the blue and insists you talk to him. I tried to get him to tell me what the problem is, but he said it had to be you. Something about an arrow.”

Zoltan winced. He would have to go. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He hung up.

Neona eyed the phone curiously. “You were able to talk to someone far away?”

Had she never seen a phone? “Yes.” He dropped the phone into his pocket. “I’m afraid I have to go.”

She nodded and stepped back. “It’s for the best. I shouldn’t see—”

“Don’t say that.” He touched her shoulder. “I will return tomorrow night. Meet me at the cabin at midnight.”

She regarded him sadly. “Good-bye, Zoltan.” She turned and walked along the stream.

So long, loser
. The cat trotted after her.

I will win her, cat. You can count on it
. Zoltan watched her for a minute, then stepped behind some trees to teleport home.

N
eona returned to the rock wall where the stream from Beyul-La jetted out in a waterfall. The rope ladder was there, but she realized she couldn’t go home, not when she was still dressed in her finest clothes. With a sigh, she started back to Frederic’s cabin, where she’d left her hunting clothes.

As she walked, she scanned the forest. Where had Zoltan gone to? The village? It was about fifteen miles away, with nothing but a footpath to show the way. Did he have a horse tethered in the next valley?

She shook her head. There was no point in thinking about him so much. Even if she did enjoy being in his arms. When he kissed her, she forgot all reason. Her heart swelled with such yearning that she could not hold him long enough. With an ache in her heart, she realized it had happened. She was falling for him. She wanted him.

But how could she ever have him?

She entered the cabin and let her gaze wander about the room. There was the embroidered banner he’d admired, the books he’d looked over, the gold box of chocolates he’d brought.

The tea had steeped too long, but she needed a strong drink. She drank as she tidied up the cabin, putting out the fire and hiding the gold box under some blankets in the wooden chest. She rinsed out the teapot and cup in the stream outside, then back in the cabin, she changed into her brown and green linen tunic and pants. She stashed her good clothes in her bag and swung it onto her back along with her quiver of arrows.

She grabbed her bow and headed back to the rock wall. Zhan joined her on the way.

She patted his head. “Zoltan had to leave. It’s for the best, I suppose. I should be grateful it didn’t go any further.” She could have loved him and lost him. She could have lost a son. Breaking off the relationship now was the only way to save herself from heartache. Then why did she feel so miserably sad and lonely?

While Zhan scampered up the rock wall, jumping from one ledge to another, she climbed the rope ladder. At the top of the wall, she pulled the ladder up. And the tears began. With each tug, she was sentencing herself to a long life of loneliness. There was no place for a man in her life. Zoltan might come tomorrow night, but she would not be there. Better to live lonely than risk shattering her heart.

She dropped the end of the ladder on the ground. It was done.

“How was the hunting?” a voice asked behind her.

The queen
. Neona quickly wiped her face. “No luck tonight. I’ll try again at dawn.” She took a deep breath and faced her mother. “You’re welcome to join us if you like.”

“I’ll be busy in the cave tomorrow.” Queen Nima tilted her head, studying Neona. “Did you see anyone in our territory?”

Her stomach clenched. “No.”

Nima gazed out into the neighboring valley. “The owl landed on my windowsill and told me there was an intruder.”

Neona swallowed hard. Had her mother seen her walking about in her finest clothes?

“We must be extra vigilant,” Nima continued, “especially now that we’re in the beginning of a new cycle.”

“I understand,” Neona murmured.

“I fear Lord Liao will continue to search for our valley. He may have sent spies.” Nima turned to look at her daughter. “If any man discovers our valley or our secrets, he must be executed.”

Neona nodded. “Yes.”

Her mother arched a brow. “The correct response is ‘yes, your majesty.’ Did you think I wouldn’t notice that you have neglected to use my title for the past two weeks?”

Neona tamped down on a sudden surge of anger. “I have had other things on my mind.”

“The death of your sister.” Nima nodded. “I understand that you’re hurting. That is why I have not reprimanded you for the lack of respect.”

Neona scoffed. “And you are not hurting? Minerva was stabbed to death right in front of us!”

“We all risk death when we engage in battle. You know that. Now let us return to our homes.” Nima started down the path to the base of the valley.