Immortals After Dark 07 - Kiss of a Demon King

forfeit if he remained prisoner here-his female, his child, his kingdom, and eventually his life. "Why help me now?"
    "Because at this moment, Sabine's sister Hettiah is limping her way here to drug you with an aphrodisiac. And that won't do."
    "Not by Sabine's leave?"
    "I would seriously doubt that."
    "What you ask for is too steep, vampire. I'll resist the sister and her potions-"
    "Not if you're unconscious."
    "She could do that?" At Lothaire's nod, Rydstrom grated, "Even if I escape, I'll be found before I can get us off-plane." "Us?" "Sabine. I'm not leaving without her."
    The vampire shook his head sharply. "Come back for her-we'll be discovered, and Omort will never let her
    go."
    "Wherever I go, Sabine goes. It will be this way from
    now until I'm dead."
    Lothaire gave him an appraising look, then nodded. "You have a few days before the sorcerer can manage to get all the illegal portals sealed. Especially since I'm in charge of that security measure. Now Hettiah nears."
    The idea of that woman drugging and using him while he was unconscious made Rydstrom shudder with
    disgust.

    "Make the vow, demon. I know much about this kingdom. And I know much about your intended new prisoner. How to render her completely powerless"
    This time Rydstrom didn't hesitate. "I vow it. Now
    tell me."
    Lothaire nearly smiled, a mean expression on him.
    "She can't purposely cast her illusions with both hands
    bound behind her back." He began unlocking Ryd'
    Strom's chains. "Her tower is the west one."
    Heart thundering, Rydstrom said, "I know."
    Lothaire clasped his wrist and traced them into her
    room.
    Sabine was admiring herself in the mirror, the most beautiful creature Rydstrom had ever seen. Mine.
    "Hello, princess."
    21
    Sabine's breath left her when she spied Rydstrom in her mirror's reflection, with his eyes wild.
    And Lothaire, too? The vampire was working with him? That traitor!
    She raised her hands to cloak herself, but Rydstrom lunged across the room and captured her wrists behind her back. Did he know that would prevent her from casting illusions? She shrieked once before he covered her mouth with his other hand.
    Would it be enough for the Inferi outside to call for the guards?
    While Rydstrom tied her wrists with a length of cord, Lothaire traced over to help him. She fought the two as. the vampire secured a gag around her head.
    With muffled curses, she berated the traitor. He shrugged.
    Shouts sounded as the castle raised the alarm. Seconds later, guards burst into the room with swords raised, a mix of revenants, Sorceri and fallen vampires. The latter nodded at Lothaire and traced away.
    Rydstrom tossed her behind him, sending her tumbling to the ground, then faced off against at least ten guards. His horns flared ominously, the color of his skin deepening in his rage. His muscles expanded and flexed before her very eyes.
    She watched in awe as the demon launched himself at the guards, slashing with fangs and claws. That dragon tattoo seemed to come alive, snaking its movements over sweat-slicked flesh.
    Lothaire casually stood beside her place on her floor, drawing a knee up and resting his boot on the wall. "We could simply trace," he said, "but then, you'll likely want him to work some of this out of his system. And I'm hungry."
    She cursed him again behind the gag, but his attention was fixed on the melee.

    Rydstrom was tearing the soldiers apart with such a ferocity, that even she was stunned. And that's my husband.
    Lothaire himself quirked a brow, glancing from Rydstrom to Sabine and back again, linking the demon's savage reaction to her. He muttered, "Noted."
    Two Sorceri guards charged her and Lothaire. The vampire pushed away from the wall and fought them, seeming to enjoy the battle, easily dodging their swords with his tracing.
    He slew one, then clasped the second's flailing body tightly to his own, piercing his neck. His blonde brows drew together with pleasure. Between his and the demon's brutality, Sabine stared in horrified fascination.
    She shook herself, scrambling to her feet to escape them. Almost to the door . .. But the demon was clashing with two more revenants, and the three barreled toward her.
    Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a sword hilt rushing toward her head.
    When she cried out in pain, the demon roared with fury. Then . . . nothingness.
    His thoughts were dim-any part of him that was rational was muted. His demon instinct was ruling him.
    Take my woman . . . get