“Mortals?” she asked with a frown. “What an odd thing to say.”
“Yes,” he said, laughing softly. “I suppose it is.” He stopped the car and switched off the engine.
She felt a rush of anticipation when he slid his arm around her shoulders. His eyes looked fathomless in the moonlight. A sigh escaped her lips when he leaned toward her.
“A kiss?” His fingertips stroked her cheek and slid down the side of her neck. “Will you give me a kiss from your sweet lips, wife?”
She nodded, her heart pounding as he lowered his head to hers. His kiss was infinitely gentle, his lips as light as down on her own. And yet, for all its gentleness, the touch of his mouth on hers sizzled through her like summer lightning. She felt the heat of it, the power of it, all the way to her toes.
She knew a moment of regret when he drew away. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him to kiss her again. Instead, she folded her hands tightly in her lap.
“Will I ever be able to go into town? I’m getting tired of spending all my time in the castle.”
“Is that why you were out in the garden this afternoon?”
“How did you know about that?”
He turned to look at her, his teeth flashing in a smile. “I know everything that happens in my domain.”
His domain, she mused with a frown. What an odd way to put it.
“Make any changes to the house or grounds you wish,” he said. “If you need anything, you have but to let me know.”
“Thank you.”
“As for going into town, you are free to do so. I will set up accounts for you in all the shops. Do you know how to drive?”
“Yes, but . . . what about my uncle?”
“I will speak to him tomorrow night.”
The tone of his voice left no doubt in her mind that her uncle would do whatsoever Drake asked, though it was hard to imagine Tavian Dinescu bending his will to that of another. The idea pleased her beyond words. Her uncle had had his own way for far too long.
“I should have informed him of our marriage before now. My only excuse,” Drake said, smiling at her, “is that I’ve been too besotted with my bride to think of anything else.”
“You’re teasing me.”
“Not at all. Your beauty puts the moon and the stars to shame.”
His words brought a rush of heat to her cheeks. She didn’t know if he meant them, but they pleased her just the same.
She could feel him watching her. Was he hoping she would ask for more than kisses? Foolish question. Of course he was. He had made no secret of the fact that he wanted to make love to her.
After a moment, Drake switched on the ignition. “Would you care to go into the city tomorrow night?” he asked after turning the Porsche toward home.
She looked at him, her eyes alight. “I’d love that! I’ve never been anywhere.”
“Then it will be my pleasure to take you.”
Elena could think of nothing but the upcoming trip on the way back to the castle. Her uncle had often gone into the city, but he had never invited Jenica or Elena to accompany him. Elena had often wondered why he insisted on going alone. Jenica had been of the opinion that he kept a mistress there. Elena had been shocked by her cousin’s suggestion.
“You’re frowning,” Drake remarked as he parked the car in front of the castle. “Is something wrong? Have you changed your mind about going to the city?”
“What? Oh, no! I was just thinking. . . .” She paused a moment before asking, “Will we stay overnight?”
“If you wish.” Alighting from the car, he opened the passenger door, then handed Elena out of the Porsche. He held her close for several moments, savoring her nearness, her warmth, before releasing her. “Go inside, it’s getting cold.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be along in a few minutes.”
He watched her climb the stairs. A thought unlocked the castle door for her. Another lit the fire in the hearth to warm her. A third brought the candles in her bedchamber to life to turn away the darkness.
He was raising the top on the car when a sudden ripple in the air told him he was no longer alone.
Chapter 8
Breathing out an irritated sigh, Drake turned to face his visitor. “Stefan.”
“Drake. It has been a long time.”
“Not nearly long enough.”
“You know why I am here.”
Drake shoved his hands into his pants’ pockets. “I can guess.”
“You were to have returned to the Fortress a year ago. You cannot avoid him forever. The longer you make him wait, the angrier he will become.”
“I have no desire to return to Rodin’s Coven, not now, not ever.”
“You are the chosen one, brother.”
An oath escaped Drake’s lips. “Let him choose Vardin!”
“Is that what you want me to tell Rodin?” Stefan asked, his voice brittle with fear.
“Yes. How many times do I have to say it?”
“Our sire will not be pleased.”
Drake snorted softly. “When have I ever done anything to please him?”
“There is a woman in the castle,” Stefan remarked, changing the subject. “Does she have anything to do with your decision?”
“She has nothing to do with it,” Drake said. The lie rolled easily off his tongue.
“Then bring her with you.”
Drake smiled as he savored the effect his next words would have. “We are on our honeymoon.”
Stefan stared at him, his deep gray eyes wide. “You married a mortal? Have you taken leave of your senses? You know such a thing is forbidden.”
“Yet another reason to stay where I am.”
Stefan’s expression turned morose. “You know if you do not obey Rodin’s summons, I will be the one to suffer for it.”
Drake rocked back on his heels. How like his sire to threaten Drake’s favorite brother in order to get his own way.
“Rodin never did play fair,” Drake muttered. “Go back and tell him I will be there at the appointed time.”
Stefan bowed his head in a gesture of gratitude and respect. Rodin’s temper was well known. Drake was the only one of his sons who had ever willfully defied him.
“Stefan? A favor?”
A faint smile tugged at the other man’s lips. “I will not mention the marriage.”
“When you return to the Coven, the sword in my room is yours.”
Stefan grinned. He had long coveted the ancient weapon. A wave of his hand, and he was gone.