Blood Exchange 1 The Drierge Brothers Angelina Canley has been blind from a very young age.

She is saved from mortal i njury when Lucan Drierge removes her from the path of danger. Lucan Drierge is a vampire and knows Angelina is mate to him and his brother, Trey. He invites her back to his home for dinner, and they begin to court their woman. They have to convince Angelina they love her and would give their lives to keep her safe. The ir mate tries to run from them but can't take the last step to leave. Just when their relationship begins to settle and their mate is more accepting, evil stalk s their woman. Will they be able to protect the love of their lives, or will the y be too late to save her? Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. Genre: Mnage a Trois/Quatre, Paranormal, Vampires/Werewolves Length: 37,999 words

THE DRIERGE BROTHERS Blood Exchange 1 Becca Van MENAGE EVERLASTING Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Mnage Everlasting THE DRIERGE BROTHERS Copyright 2012 by Becca Van E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-675-9 First E-book Publication: June 2012 Cover design by Les Byerley All art and logo copyright 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary wor k may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including el ectronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express writ ten permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resem blance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of The Drierge Brothers by Becca V an from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book. Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, shari ng rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. Th e author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quali ty reading entertainment. This is Becca Vans livelihood. Its fair and simple. Plea se respect Ms. Vans right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publishe r www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this book to Diana, Lena, Kathryn, and all the people w orking at Siren-BookStrand, for their continued understanding and support. Thank you so very, very much.

 THE DRIERGE BROTHERS Blood Exchange 1 BECCA VAN Copyright 2012 Chapter One Lucan Drierge felt like hed been struck by lightning. The woman walking down the sidewalk toward him was like poetry in motion. He watched the graceful way she m oved, flowing and elegant even though she was impaired. Her cane swished back an d forth in front of her. Her eyes were covered with dark glasses, and not being able to see them frustrated him. He wanted to know what color they were. Since h er hair was blonde, he imagined her eyes were blue, but he wanted to see them fo r himself to be sure. He shook himself from his trance when another pedestrian b umped into him, and he moved out of the way. With a thought, he hid himself from view, keeping his gaze fixed on the blind woman. He wanted nothing else to dist ract him from her. Who was she, and why did the sight of her move him so deeply? Lucan had come out onto the nocturnal Portland streets to feed, but now nothing mattered except the woman before him. His heartbeat accelerated as she approach ed. Like him, she didnt need the brightness glowing from the streetlights. Unlike him, she looked completely calm and composed. If he tried to talk to her, he wa s going to make a fool of himself. But I must know her name.

The Drierge Brothers 9 Using his preternatural senses, he brushed against her mind, and her name drifte d into his mind. Angelina Canley, such an apt name for her. She looked so angeli c, he was afraid to approach her. If he dared to speak to her, would she even gi ve him the time of day? Lucan wasnt used to feeling unconfident. Not being mortal , he had powers beyond the imagination of a human. He could move so quickly he c ouldnt be seen by the naked eye. He could float amongst the clouds, could dissolv e into tiny particles and reemerge in the blink of an eye, and he had the streng th of more than ten men. He could read minds and heal another by exchanging bloo d. Forming fireballs and electrical sparks was a breeze to him, and he could use his mind to compel others to do his bidding. Yet none of those powers could hel p him now. What good was being a vampire when all he wanted was to talk to the w oman of his dreams? When she walked past him as he hid amongst the shadows, she turned her head toward him, as if she knew he was there watching her. The scent of her blood pumping from her heart and through her veins called to him. He coul d just imagine the sweet, pure taste of her lifegiving fluid as it flowed over h is tongue and filled his organs. Cloaking himself so none of the humans would be aware of his presence, he moved away from the brick wall he was leaning against . Her scent called to him, and he had to follow her. He knew she was on her way home from work after a long day and even though she was tired, she found the wal k invigorating. He knew where she lived and intended to follow her, to make sure she arrived home safely. He inhaled deeply and pulled her scent into his nostri ls and lungs. He knew without a doubt in his mind that she was his and his broth ers mate. Lucan had never reacted to another human being the way he was reacting to her. The scent of her blood running beneath her skin was so sweet, he was hav ing trouble containing his inner beast from rushing over to her, taking her into his arms, sinking his fangs into a

10 Becca Van vein, and tasting her sweet essence. His muscles had grown taut at the first sig ht of her, and he was shaking with the need to be close to her. He had never fel t such excited desire before. Adrenaline ran through his body, making him feel s o strong and masculine, but at the same time, weak with desire. She was so small compared to him, but to the normal mortal she was a good height, standing aroun d five foot nine. She wasnt petite, but she wasnt hefty. She had an hourglass figu re with abundant breasts and nicely rounded hips. Her legs were long and, from w hat he could see beneath her denim blue jeans, muscular. He wondered if that mus cle tone came from working out or walking everywhere. She hesitated at the corne r of the street and cocked her head, appearing to listen. When the pedestrian si gn turned green, the signal sounded that it was safe for her to walk. She placed a foot forward, about to step off the curb. His preternatural senses kicked in, and he leaped forward. He clasped her arm and pulled her to a halt, just as an out-of-control cab careened through the red light. The noise of the vehicle coll iding with another was so very loud to his sensitive ears. He cringed as metal c onnected with metal and glass exploded into the air and onto the ground. Then th e sounds surrounding him diminished as blood roared in his ears. She smelled of honeysuckle and vanilla, and the top her head only came up to his chin. He could hear her rapid heartbeat, and the scent of her blood running beneath the surfac e of her skin called to him. He felt his gums beginning to itch and knew he was in danger of losing control. But he wouldnt allow that to happen. He didnt want to scare her away. Not when hed only just found her. The breath froze in his lungs and his heart stuttered as she spoke for the first time. Oh, my gosh. Thank you s o much. I didnt even hear that car until it was almost too late.

The Drierge Brothers 11 Her voice was light and feminine. He shivered as it washed over him. Youre welcome , he replied as he stood staring down into her upturned face. He wanted her, and he wanted her now, but he knew he would have to take care with her. She would be very cautious of a strange man she couldnt see coming on to her, flirting with h er. He had approached another blind woman once before in his long life, and she had been very nervous around him almost to the point of being afraid. He wondere d if this woman would react the same, or if that nervousness was a personality t rait. Let me escort you. I wouldnt be able to rest well if I didnt know you were sa fe. Thank you, but Im fine, she answered him. He heard her heart rate pick up even m ore, and he held his breath, hoping she wasnt afraid of him. Maybe it was just a reaction to her near miss. He touched her shoulder and slid his palm down her ar m and took her hand in his. My name is Lucan Drierge. I only want to see you home safe and sound. I couldnt live with myself if you didnt make it home safely when I am here with you now. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Drierge, she said, capitulating. Please , call me Lucan. And you are? Lucan asked as he tucked her arm around his and pul led her in close to his side. Even though he already knew her name, he went thro ugh the motions of courtesy. He couldnt very well call her by name if he hadnt ask ed her what it was. He didnt want to scare her off, since they had only just met. Angelina Canley, she replied. Angelina. Its such a pretty name. You are, you know, L ucan said as he waited for a police car and paramedics to come to a halt before sweeping her safely across the road. I am what? she asked. An angel. You look like you should have wings.

12 Becca Van His beautiful angel threw her head back and laughed. Not a titter or a giggle, b ut a full-bodied sound that came from deep inside her. Yeah right, an angel who k eeps tripping over her halo, she replied dryly. He smiled down at her even though she couldnt see him. He was looking forward to getting to know his sweet angel. She obviously had a sense of humor. He wondered what pushed her buttons and made her angry. He wanted to see her with all her emotions laid bare, to know every little detail about her, and he couldnt wait for the layers of her personality to be revealed to him. His cock twitched with excited interest. Engorged, it press ed against his metal fly as the sound of her voice wrapped around him. His breat h caught in his throat when she turned her head toward him and he saw small dimp les indenting her white, creamy skin. He wanted to claim her for all time and kn ow she would never want or be able to leave his or his brothers side. She was a t eacher to blind students. Helping them learn to read braille and how to deal wit h living without sight. She was so caring and patient, and he felt so unworthy o f her. He had lived for over a hundred years and had waited for this moment for so long, he wanted to pull her into his arms and claim her immediately. His desi re only increased when he realized that Angelina, too, would benefit from claimi ng. If he took her lifes blood into his body, exchanging some of his own with her , he could repair the damage to her eyes. It had been done before. Other vampire s had exchanged blood with mortals over the years and the knowledge of the incid ents had been passed from one of his kind to another. She had been blind since s he was a teenager. An accident had rendered her unable to see. She had scarring around her eyes, and thats why she hid behind her dark glasses. She had no need f or them other than to hide. Lucan intended to woo her gently. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with her but knew that just wasnt possible. Her

The Drierge Brothers 13 waking hours were when he slept. Frustration curled through him, and he damned h is genes for the first time in his life. He wanted to spend every minute of ever y day and night with her. I think you have been watching too much television, Luc an. I look nothing like an angel. Oh yes, you do. You are so beautiful. So sweet a nd innocent, Lucan replied adamantly. How would you know? You dont even know me, Ang elina replied with a smile. Lucan could hear her counting in her mind and knew s he was aware of their closeness to her apartment. We are here, she stated. He stop ped when she did just outside her apartment building and then cursed as the smil e disappeared from her face. She turned to him and frowned. Brushing her mind wi th his, he smiled when he heard the inner conversation she was having with herse lf. She wanted to ask him in for coffee but was debating how that would look giv en their short acquaintance. She was attracted to him. His heart lifted as he re cognized that her attraction was rolling off of her in waves. While he could see the effects of that attraction, he also knew the decision to get to know him mu st be hers. If this woman was his mate, he would force nothing upon her. He wait ed patiently for her to decide what she was going to do. When she had resolved h er inner dilemma, he exhaled quietly as the tension eased from his body. Would yo u like to come in for coffee? Its the least I can do after you kept me safe, Angel ina asked. Thank you. I believe I will, Lucan replied and let her lead him up the entrance steps. He took note of the lack of security in the building and mentall y cursed a blue streak when he saw the dark hallway. Angelina was no more bother ed by darkness than he was, but

14 Becca Van he disliked the idea that anyone could hide in the shadows and hurt an unsuspect ing female. Inside the elevator he stood back from her, seeing everything, heari ng everything. The elevator stopped on the fourth floor, and he followed her out . This corridor was as dark as the entry. Lucan heard a tiny sound and looked do wn the hall to see a man stick his head out his apartment door. He nearly growle d out loud when the male watched Angelina until she was standing at her front do or with her keys in her hand. He stepped around her and blocked the strangers vie w of her and glared hard. The man disappeared, slamming his door in his haste. A ngelina had unlocked her door and opened it, but she stopped and turned toward t he other apartment. Mark? Are you there? Well, thats strange. Mark always greets m e when I get home. I wonder what happened, she said quietly. He felt a bit guilty about chasing her protector away. Angelina had gone inside, leaving him in the hall. A vampire was unable to enter anothers home without an invitation. Lucan wo ndered if she had forgotten he was with her, but then she turned to him. Please, come in. And just like that, he was free to enter her home whenever he desired. H e could have used his voice to compel her to invite him in, but he didnt want to force his mate in any way. He stepped over the threshold and closed the door beh ind him. He looked around at her sparse but comfortable furniture. There were no knickknacks or photos around, and he wondered about her family. He didnt want to delve deeper into her mind unless absolutely necessary. Hed gleaned enough from her memories already. Even though he could ascertain everything he needed and wa nted to know by pushing farther into her subconscious, he didnt want her to feel betrayed or violated once he told her that hed been in her thoughts. Humans could take that kind of thing personally.

The Drierge Brothers 15 Not that he did it on purpose. Since she was his mate, her thoughts came at him fast and hard. Hed never experienced anything like it before. Usually he had to p ush further into a humans mind to read their thoughts. She was just so open, and her thoughts had just floated to him when he had brushed his mind against hers. He pulled his mind from hers and followed her into her small kitchen. Watching h er move around as if she could see was hard for him to fathom, since he had neve r lost his sight. She would have had to map out where everything was in her mind . It must have taken her a lot of time and frustration to become as independent as she was. The sweet sound of her voice pulled him from his thoughts. Would you like tea or coffee, Lucan? No, thank you. He was pleased she was willing to get to know him over a cup of coffee, but he would never touch the stuff. Human food an d drink were poisonous to his kind, and he wasnt about to make himself sick. I hav e some soda or just plain old water if you would prefer, she said. Nothing, thanks , angel, he replied and moved toward her. He made sure to make noise so she could hear him coming. She stood with her head cocked slightly and facing him. When h e was a hairs breadth away from her, he stood still and inhaled, once more taking her sweet scent into his nostrils. She didnt move away from him. Though she held her ground, he could hear her rapid heartbeat and feel her breath as it passed her lips and caressed the skin at the base of his neck. The muscles in his body tautened as if her hot, moist breath was her hand on his skin. He moved his hand s up, making sure the sleeves of his shirt rubbed against the side of his body, and he cupped her face in between his hands. What are you doing, Lucan? I only as ked you in for a drink, nothing else, she said breathily. I need to taste you, ang el. I want to taste the sweetness of your lips. Tell me now if you dont want my k iss, Lucan said quietly.

16 Becca Van He held his breath for an interminable moment and let it out with a sigh of reli ef when she answered him. I want that, too. She whispered her reply. He lifted her face up for his kiss. Throughout the brief time hed known her, the desire to tak e her lips had almost crippled him with its intensity. He was nearly afraid of w hat he would feel. He slowly lowered his head, letting her feel his breath brush over her lips, and then leaned down the last inch to connect their mouths. He h eld still. His heart was beating fast at the first sweet contact of her mouth on his. He had to move. He couldnt stand not having all of her. He brushed his lips back and forth over hers, and his balls drew up tight as she softly moaned agai nst his mouth. Hunger such as hed never known before surged through his body and through his blood, heating his skin. Lucan groaned when her lips parted on anoth er moan, and he swept his tongue into her moist cavern. Her sweet flavor explode d on his taste buds, making him crave more of her taste. He tangled her tongue w ith his and savored her honey flavor. He felt his gums begin to itch again, warn ing him the he was pushing his control. He slowed the kiss down until he was sip ping at her moist, plump lips, then gently removed his mouth from hers, resting his forehead on top of her head, his hands still lightly holding her face, as he gained control once more. He felt her stiffen in his arms, and he caressed her face with his fingers, stood up straight, and released her. He stepped back, all owing her room to breathe and taking temptation from his own hands. Have dinner w ith me tomorrow, he stated and watched as she stood still. She reminded him of a fox frozen in the headlights of an oncoming car. He heard her breathy sigh and k new she was going to refuse him. He wanted, no, needed her in his house. He want ed her to meet his brother, Trey. He wanted to confirm his suspicion that Trey

The Drierge Brothers 17 felt it, too, even though he was sure she was the one they had been waiting for. His heart sank, but he strengthened his resolve. If she didnt accept his invitat ion, he would meet her every evening on her walk home from work. Even though he had the power to compel her to his will, didnt think it fair to do so. Winning he r heart, knowing that she truly wanted him was worth having to do it the hard wa y. Braced for disappointment as he was, she blew him away with her next words. Ye s. Id like that, thank you. It was just as well she couldnt see him smiling, Lucan thought. He probably looked like an idiot. A new plan unfolded in his mind. They would talk over dinner, giving her a chance to get to know him. A slow, gentle approach was necessary with humans who had no knowledge of vampires. He and his brother had agreed on this long ago, should they ever find their mate. They want ed her to accept them for who they were and to agree to exchanging blood with th em. Once the third exchange had taken place, she would transform and be as they were. Vampire. She would join them in immortality, surviving off blood as they d id, and she would have abilities beyond her imagining. I will be by to pick you u p just after dusk, at 6:30 p.m. Is that enough time for you to get home from wor k? Yes. Ill be ready. Until tomorrow. Sleep well, my angel, Lucan said. He gave her on e last lingering look and left.

18 Becca Van

Chapter Two Angelina heard the door to her apartment close. She slumped against the counter and wondered what the hell she was doing. She had never let a stranger into her home before. She had been about to go inside to the sanctity and security of her apartment and leave him on the sidewalk, but instead, she had found herself ask ing him in for coffee. What the hell? From the moment shed heard his voice, she w as lost. Just thinking about that deep voice made goose bumps erupt all over her body again. She squeezed her legs together, trying to relieve the ache in her p ussy. It didnt help at all. In fact, the action only seemed to make matters worse . When hed kissed her, her blood had heated to a raging inferno, burning out of c ontrol. His cool hands on her hot face had felt heavenly. Angelina flinched at t he loud knock on her door. She hadnt moved since Lucan had left, and anyone could walk right on in through her unlocked door if they so desired. She had never be en so careless before. She hurried to the door and stood listening, her hands on the handle and lock. Who is it? Its me, Angelina, open up. Mark, she greeted when she opened the door. I missed you this evening. Were you out? No. I saw you had company and didnt want to interrupt, Mark replied. He stayed in the corridor. Angelina, w ithout realizing she was doing it, was blocking him from coming into the apartme nt. Who

The Drierge Brothers 19 was the man, Angelina? You shouldnt associate with the likes of him. He looks dan gerous. Hes a friend, Mark, she found herself explaining. She frowned. What is wrong with me? I dont even know the man. Ive never seen him before. Youve never brought a nyone home before. Who was he? Angelina felt herself frowning again, though this time for a different reason. Marks peevish tone of voice and prying questions wer e unlike him. She made herself answer patiently. His name is Lucan Drierge and he saved my life. He stopped me from getting slammed by a car. The least I could d o was to offer the man a cup of coffee after he saw me safely home. Have dinner wi th me, Angelina, Mark said suddenly. Angelina was surprised by her neighbors offer . He had never asked her out before. Sure, he looked out each night to make sure shed made it home safely and they sometimes chatted when he did, but that was as far as things had gone. He was nice enough, but she didnt think of him in that w ay. He had only ever treated her like a friend. Thank you for the offer, but not tonight. I am so tired I just want to fall into bed. Mark dropped the disagreeabl e tone, sounding like his usual self. Did you have a rough day, honey? Um, no, not really. It was just a very long day. Did he miss the part about her almost gettin g flattened while crossing the street? Angelina realized that Mark hadnt even rea cted to her description of her near-death experience. What about tomorrow night? M ark asked. Im sorry, but I already have plans. With him? And just like that, his voic e turned aggravated again. Damn it, Angelina. You could be putting yourself up fo r a world of trouble and hurt. I dont like the look of him. He reminds me of a li on after his prey.

20 Becca Van

Dont be ludicrous. How can you tell that? You didnt even meet the man, Angelina repl ied coolly. Im not trying to upset you, Angelina. Im just looking out for you, Mark pleaded. Look, I appreciate it, Mark, but Im a big girl. Ive been looking after mys elf for a long time. Im here if you need me, Angelina. Just give a holler, Mark said . Thanks, Mark. Youre a good friend. Well, Id better be going. Good night. Good night, Mark, Angelina replied. His footsteps receded, and she locked the door. She sighe d with both frustration and relief. Mark had never asked her out before, and she wasnt sure she was comfortable with it, but he was her neighbor, so it wasnt as i f she could avoid him. Maybe hed give up when he realized she wasnt interested. Lu can was the one who interested her. Smiling to herself, she wondered what had ma de her so popular tonight. I should almost get hit by cars more often. **** Luca n arrived home moments after leaving his angels apartment. Blood was still coursi ng through his veins, and his cock was so hard he was going to have to take matt ers into his own hand, so to speak. He looked at his older brother sitting on th e living room sofa watching the football game. Trey looked up at him and stilled . He sniffed the air and, in the blink of an eye, joined him across the room. He leaned closer to him, inhaled again, and looked him in the eye. What is that? That wonderful scent would be our mate. Lucan watched, satisfied, as Treys eyes widene d. His brother leaned back on his heels as though about to fall over. Lucan woul d have liked to milk Treys reaction a little longer, but he couldnt hold back his excitement.

The Drierge Brothers 21

God, Trey, she is so gorgeous. I had to fight my inner beast from stripping her n aked, plunging my cock into her wet pussy, and biting her. Are you sure, though? Tr ey asked, still recovering from his shock. Shes our mate? Ninety-nine percent sure. I want your confirmation, though. She could be the one weve been waiting for. No, she is definitely the one weve been waiting for, Lucan stated on a wistful sigh. W hat does she look like? Whats her name? Where does she live? Lucan laughed and too k a seat on the sofa. She is so beautiful. She has long blonde hair, and shes tall for a woman, Trey. She has curves and the longest, sweetest legs Ive ever seen o n anyone. She has a womans body, not that of a waif or a child. She has hourglass curves, and shes so soft. What color are her eyes? I dont know. Shes blind, Trey. She wears these big dark glasses to hide her eyes. She has scars around her eyes and doesnt like people to see them. She was injured as a teenager and hasnt been able to see since. Shes so sweet, though, and her mouthFuck. I could nibble on her mou th for hours. How did you meet her? She walked past me on her way home from work. I stopped her from getting hurt from a runaway cab, and the rest, as they say, is history. Shes coming here for dinner tomorrow night. That was fast. Good work, Luc. E ven though she was hesitant at first, she finally let go and asked me in for cof fee. She kissed me back of her own free will. I cant wait to have her here, in ou r home. Tomorrow night isnt going to come around fast enough. Lucan sighed. You say she was injured? God, I cant stand the thought of her being hurt. We could heal her so easily. You still havent told me her name, Trey stated.

22 Becca Van Angelina Canley, our very own angel, Trey. Through their mental link, Trey said, Le t me see her. Lucan felt the brush of his brother in his mind. He pictured Angeli na in his mind, and Trey inhaled sharply. His brother growled in arousal and app roval as her saw their angel for the first time, and Lucans dick and balls ached even more as he, too, admired her perfect body. Lucan was filled with a hunger s o fierce he knew he was going to have to feed well this night. It seemed Trey wa s in the same predicament. No sooner did he feel his brother withdraw from his m ind, than he dematerialized with a thought. Lucan followed suit. Lucans body, now a mass of floating particles, flew through the night sky in search of prey to s atiate his raging hunger. His mind vibrated with the awareness that his brother was doing the exact same thing, his desire to feed also sparked by the sight of his perfect angel. Lucan had heard it said that feeding from ones mate was like n o other experience. It was not just a base satisfaction of hunger, but a melding of souls. Someday he knew he would share that with Angelina. When he lowered ov er Forest Park in his hometown of Portland, the particles joined together and re formed into solid flesh. He cleared his mind, allowing him to infiltrate the min ds of the three men walking and chatting through the park and call them to him. H e compelled them to stand before him, and he grasped the first young male by the arms, pulling him close. In a daze and under the control of Lucans mind, the man obediently offered his neck to him by tilting his head back. Lucan wasted no ti me and sank his fangs into the rich, life-giving vein and drank, reveling in the sensation of the blood nourishing him. He would have to be careful as he fed. H is hunger was more than hed ever experienced before, and he didnt want to hurt the young men by taking too much.

The Drierge Brothers 23 He withdrew his fangs and swept his tongue over the wound. His saliva seeped int o the gash, closing it and leaving no evidence of his existence behind. He reach ed for the next young man and then the next. Still his hunger wasnt appeased. Usu ally he was sated after feeding from one human, but he knew he would hunger unti l he had his angel in his arms and her blood running through his veins. It would nt be tonight, he thought sadly. Tonight he and Trey would watch sports, restless for the night to pass. They would sleep the deep, healing sleep of their kind, and when the sun set he would go to her and bring her home for the first time. H e erased the memory of his feeding as he once again dematerialized, releasing th e men from the spell and leaving them to wonder where their time had gone. His d isembodied spirit rose and raced through the air, heading for home with the thou ghts of his angel in the forefront of his mind.

24 Becca Van Chapter Three Angelina had just slipped her feet into her comfortable flat shoes when a knock sounded at her door. She took a deep breath and wondered what had possessed her to accept an invitation to dinner from a stranger. There was something about Luc an Drierge that pulled her in. There was a dark, dangerous, menacing quality to the man, but she felt the need to be in his presence, to be close to him. She wa s excited yet nervous about the upcoming evening. She released her breath and wa lked toward the door. She hesitated with her hand on the doorknob, feeling as if she were standing on the edge of a pool, about to take a plunge into the unknow n. She opened the door on an exhale, trying to calm her nervousness. Hello, angel . His deep voice wrapped around her, making her breasts swell, her nipples harden , and her pussy clench with need. Hi, Lucan, she replied breathlessly. Are you read y to go, baby? Yes, just let me get my purse, she replied, retrieving her purse and stepping out into the hall. She couldnt prevent the shiver of desire that raced over her as he took her by the arm and led her to the elevator. You shouldnt open your door unless you know who it is first, angel, Lucan reproved gently. I knew it was you. I was expecting you. Besides, I never get visitors. Still, please promis e me you will find out before you open your door, Lucan stated.

The Drierge Brothers 25 Okay. Part of her just agreed to change the subject, but she had to admit privatel y that his concern was touching. He barely knew her, but he seemed to care so mu ch. Good girl. Come, we are nearly at my car, Lucan said. He helped her into his v ehicle so she wouldnt hit her head. He powered up the car, and judging by the sou nd of the engine, he drove a powerful sports car. Then he pulled out into the tr affic. Angelina was too nervous to make conversation, though it did finally occu r to her to ask where they were going for dinner. Lucan answered simply that he was going to cook for her. Somehow the idea of going to Lucans house heightened A ngelinas nervousness a little more, and the rest of the car ride passed quietly. Twenty minutes later he slowed the car and then stopped. He helped her out and l ed her inside. Although she couldnt see, the house felt old to her. She could fee l cool draughts and hear the creaks from settling timber. She sighed and wished she could see the place, then pushed that thought to the back of her mind. Angel, Id like you to meet my brother, Trey Drierge. Trey, this is Angelina Canley. Brot her? Angelinas thoughts swirled with confusion. Why was Lucans brother hanging aro und? Maybe hes just helping with the cooking and then hell leave. Angelina, I am ve ry pleased to make your acquaintance, Trey said in a deep, raspy voice. He took h er hand, and tingles of electricity shot up her arm, over her chest, and down to her pussy. What the hell, girl? Youre turning into a whore, lusting after two me n, and brothers at that. Welcome to our home. She heard a gasp and wondered what w as going on. Was it possible he had felt that electric spark, too? Or had she ju st zapped him with static electricity? Way to go. Thank you. Nice to meet you, she replied. Then Lucan began to lead her into the next room.

26 Becca Van

Dinner is ready. Im sure youre hungry after such a long day. Let us feed you and th en we can listen to some music and talk. Angelina noticed that he said we. So Trey wasnt going to just disappear once dinner was served. She couldnt figure out wheth er or not she was disappointed. On the one hand, Lucan had given her every sign that this was a date, not a chance for her to hang out with him and his brother. Then again, something about Treys presence was just as deliciously attractive as his brothers. She was happy to let Lucan guide her while she tried to figure out what the brothers had up their sleeves. She was seated at a table, and the arom a of food wafted to her nostrils. Thank you, Angelina said and relaxed into her ch air. She cautiously felt for the glass with her fingertips and picked it up, tak ing a sip, grateful it held water. What do you do for a living, Angelina? Trey ask ed. I work with sight-impaired children. I teach them to read braille and how to cope with everyday life. Do you like working with children? he asked. Yes. They are so innocent and easy to please. The kids work harder than anyone I have known. I ts hard work but a very rewarding job to teach them how to read and to become ind ependent with their impairment. How old are you, baby? Lucan asked. Twenty-five. Why ? Youre such a babe in the woods. I was just curious, angel, Lucan replied. How old a re you? Angelina asked, raising her chin in defiance. I am thirty-five. Trey is th irty-eight. Youre not married? No. Have you ever been? Angelina asked curiously. No.

The Drierge Brothers 27 Angelina sighed with relief. She had been holding her breath until he answered a nd hadnt even realized it until she breathed out. God Angelina, what is wrong wit h you? Youve only just met and already you feel possessive of both of them. Both of them? Now there was a thought. What if this date was with both of them? That would solve the question in Angelinas mind of which of them she found more compel ling, though it raised a whole host of other questions. Youre letting your imagin ation get away from you. Before she could bring herself fully back down to earth , though, Trey asked, Do you have a boyfriend, baby? No, Angelina replied with a mel ancholy sigh. Being impaired sort of puts me at a disadvantage. Why would you think that, honey? Trey asked from across the table. No one is interested in courting a blind woman, she replied. Thats their loss, angel. They are obviously blind to you r beauty and wonderful qualities. They dont see beyond the surface. Eat, baby. Th en we can go into the living room where it is more comfortable, Lucan suggested. A plate thudded softly to the place before her just before his footsteps moved a way from her. Angelina began to eat. The food was wonderful, and she ate everyth ing on her plate. She heard the sounds of cutlery on plates from the mens seats, but something was off. She couldnt for the life of her fathom what it was, though . They talked about inconsequential things as they ate, keeping the mood light. She placed her cutlery on her plate and picked up her wine. She took several sip s of the fruity, rich drink and listened as silenced prevailed. What are they do ing? Are they staring at me? The hair on her nape stood on end, and she shifted in her seat nervously. She heard a swishing sound, and she felt Lucan beside her . She knew it was him by his unique scent. Already she was able to discern him f rom Trey because their scents were different. Lucan

28 Becca Van smelled of the earth with a hint of pine and Trey had an aroma of sandalwood abo ut him. Lucan took the wine glass from her hand, and his voice washed over her a s he spoke. Lets go to the living room and get comfortable, angel. Lucan placed his hand on her shoulder. She rose when he pulled her chair back, and she shivered when Trey took her other arm. They led her into the other room and seated her on a comfortable sofa. She felt the cushion beside her dip, indicating Lucan was a t her side. Soft music filled the air, and the cushion on her other side compres sed as Trey sat down. She could feel their eyes on her. Goose bumps rose where t heir sight touched her. Her areolas puckered, and her nipples elongated. Why did these two men turn her on so much? Shed never felt desire for anyone before. Ange lina, Trey and I are both very attracted to you. We want to begin a relationship with you and see where things end up, Lucan stated. Um, I dont know what to say. Th ough stunned that both men were interested in her, she was also a little thrille d. For a minute there, shed been thinking this wasnt a date at all, and now it tur ned out to be a date with both of them. Honey, are you attracted to us? Trey asked . She debated about whether to answer truthfully but couldnt lie to them or to he rself. Knowing they were as attracted to her as she was to them made her yearn e ven more for their attention. She had never really had a relationship before and even though she knew she should be cautious and not plunge into anything with b oth feet, the urge to have a close, intimate relationship was too good to ignore . Having been so lonely for so long, she couldnt pass up this opportunity and dis regard what she felt. Even though she had only just met them, she felt connected to Trey and Lucan on a soul-deep level. It was as if she had known them for yea rs, instead of just hours. She didnt know if they would begin a

The Drierge Brothers 29 relationship, much less if it would last, but if she didnt give them a chance she may forever wonder about what could have been. Taking a deep, fortifying breath she turned toward Trey and answered. Yes, but before we start anything I would r eally like to know more about you both. What would you like to know, Angelina? Luca n asked. What do you do for a living? Honey, we dont really work. We are retired, Tre y answered. But youre so young, she stated with bewilderment. We made some very lucr ative investments when we were younger, angel. We have so much money we wouldnt b e able to spend it all in one lifetime, Lucan explained. Hm, okay, I can accept th at, but if you dont work, what do you do with your time? There is so much you need to know about us, honey, but we dont want to overload you with too much informati on too soon, Trey stated quietly. Thats very intriguing. Despite herself, Angelina f ell a little more under their spell. Their reticence ought to have made her susp icious, but she found, to her surprise, that she trusted them. They must have fe lt her relax or somehow understood that her curiosity was satisfied, because Tre y asked, Will you let us pleasure you, honey? Lucan and I would very much like to make you feel good. Angelina wanted that more than anything else in the world, r ight at that moment. She craved to feel their mouths and hands on her body. She ignored her inner voices warning that this was a dangerous idea and decided to le t things happen and see where they led. She wanted to get closer to them on a ph ysical as well as an emotional level. She wanted to burrow her way under their s kin and into their hearts and never leave, but she also wanted to know she had s ome control over the situation.

30 Becca Van If I let you touch me and I dont feel comfortable or dont like something you do, an d I ask you to stop, then will you? Yes, honey, I promise, Trey answered. I will sto p immediately if that is your wish, angel, Lucan replied. Then yes, I would like t hat very much. She jumped when each of her hands was enveloped in one of theirs. They leaned closer to her, and then they began kissing along the sides of her ne ck. She leaned her head back on the sofa, with her breath rasping in and out of her lungs. Her pussy clenched and dripped her juices as two tongues slid over he r sensitive skin. They never released her hands, but their free hands reached up at the same time and cupped her breasts. Angelina arched into their touch, want ing, needing more from them. She sobbed with frustration when Lucan removed his hand from her left breast, then cried out as he took her nipple into his mouth, heedless of the bra and shirt covering her flesh. Trey urged her to turn her hea d, and she whimpered as he covered her mouth with his. He tasted so good that sh e never wanted the kiss to end. She slid her tongue along his and groaned as he tangled his with hers. She was on fire, and she didnt know how to quench the flam es. Her stomach quivered when she felt a hand caress lightly over her belly and deft fingers undo the button on her slacks. The zipper was lowered, and cool, ma sculine fingers slid beneath the waistband of her panties, sifting through the c urls that covered her mound. Her hands were released, and Lucans and Treys hands s tole to the buttons of her shirt. One started at the top, the other at the botto m, and they met in the middle. Cool air wafted over her skin as the material of her blouse was pulled away from her body. A small tug to her bra and her aching breasts were bare. Her nipples hardened ever further as the cool air kissed her skin. The hand in her panties glided down until it cupped her pussy, and she ope ned her legs more, giving it access. Fingers slid through her

The Drierge Brothers 31 wet folds, gathering her cream, and then they touched her clit, massaging her, p leasuring her in tight, light little circles. She cried out as two warm mouths c overed her nipples and suckled them. Something was happening deep inside her wom b. She liked it, craved it, but didnt know what she was reaching for. A finger sl id into her wet pussy hole and began to move in and out of her sheath as a thumb flicked over her clit. Her body was shaking, the storm roiling around her, swee ping her up in its tempestuous embrace. She arched her hips up as her limbs shoo k, and then she was swept up in the maelstrom and flew through the air. She scre amed as the walls of her pussy clamped down on the finger buried in her cunt, he r whole body trembling as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. White-ho t pain stabbed into each side of her neck, throwing her into the vortex once mor e. She was only vaguely aware of the two men at her sides until finally the last contraction ebbed away. Her harsh, rapid breathing was loud to her own ears, an d she became aware again of the two men at her sides. Oh fuck. What have I done? Angelina pulled her clothes back into place, covering her nakedness, trying to hide the vulnerability she felt. She bit on her lip nervously and jumped when sh e felt large male hands clasp hers. Youre beautiful when you come, angel, Lucan whi spered into her ear. Oh God, I cant believe I let you do that, she said, berating h erself for letting her libido rule her mind. She had never let anyone touch her so intimately before. She wanted to run home and hide away forever. Ive never had one man touch me, let alone two. Did you enjoy it, honey? Trey asked. How can you as k me that? Of course I enjoyed it. But now I think you should take me home. Why, a ngel? If youd like it, too, wed love to spend more time with you. Is that okay, ba by? Lucan asked.

32 Becca Van Yes! No! I dont know, Angelina replied with uncertainty. She slipped her hand from Lucans and touched the side of her neck. Thats weird. The skin there was smooth an d unbroken, but she remembered a pain there, momentary but intense. She was incl ined to doubt what she remembered, or to write it off to the whirlwind of sensat ion shed been feeling. But she trusted what she remembered. There was something s trange going on Lucan took her hand again as soon as she lowered it from her neck . His big hand squeezed hers Baby, that was only a taste of the pleasure we can g ive you. Wouldnt you like to explore thisconnection between us? I dont know. God, how can you make me want you? I feel like youre taking over my body and my mind. I f eel like Im losing myself. We dont want you to feel that way. You will always be who you are. No one can change that, Trey stated. He placed his free hand over hers reassuringly. Please, stay the night with us. Angelina was torn. She wanted to sta y and experience more of what they had just given her, but her head protested. S he had only just met these two men, and she was confused over why they both want ed her. Were they just playing with her and her emotions as well as her body? Or were they genuine and really felt a connection with her? The thought of going b ack to her empty apartment, of being alone and lonely again, held no appeal. She had filled her life with her students and had no social life at all. She hated being alone. She had become independent and self-sufficient out of necessity, bu t while she loved her students, she craved adult contact. Although she had learn ed to ignore her bodys urges and had buried them deep, she didnt know if she would be able to do that again. The thought of being held in their arms was just too tempting to ignore. She didnt want to go home to her empty apartment. She wanted to stay.

The Drierge Brothers 33 Angelina took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She was about to do one of th e most insane things she had ever done in her life. Angel, we will never crowd yo u or make you do anything you dont want to. Stay, Lucan whispered against her ear, causing her to shiver as his warm breath caressed her flesh. Yes, she replied qui etly and hoped she just hadnt made the biggest mistake of her life. She agreed to stay the night because she wanted to have sex with them, but the thought was in timidating. You wont regret it, baby, Lucan stated and swept her up into his arms. She prayed he was right.

34 Becca Van Chapter Four Lucan lifted his angel up into his arms and strode purposely from the room. He t ook the stairs two at a time, his brother following close behind, and he entered the room he and Trey had prepared a long time ago for their mate. Trey swept hi s hand in front of him, dispelling the dust from the room. He carried Angelina t o the large bed and gently placed her in the middle, climbing on beside her with Trey on the opposite side. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he turned her head to ward him, leaned over, and covered her mouth with his own. He nibbled and nipped on her lower lip until her flesh parted and he tasted her sweet breath. His ton gue slid out and pushed into mouth, and Lucan groaned as she tentatively respond ed. His balls tightened at the sound of the whimpers emerging from her throat, a nd he tangled his tongue with hers, deepening the kiss. One taste of her would n ever be enough. He withdrew his tongue, released her lips, and opened his eyes t o look down at her. She was so beautiful, so lush and ripe, with her passion sim mering beneath the surface. He moved his hand beneath the material of her shirt, and Trey took her mouth. He released the buttons on her blouse and parted the f abric. Her skin was tinged pink with her desire, from her breasts all the way up her neck to her cheeks. Lucan reached up and released the front catch of her br a, and her nipples peaked in the cool air. He bent his head and took one of her ripe berries into his mouth and sucked. Her nipple touched the roof of his mouth , and he growled as he tasted her sweetness on his tongue. He gently scraped

The Drierge Brothers 35 one of his now-elongated fangs over the hard nub and caged her soft, fleshy moun d with his hand as she bucked up into his mouth. Lucan pulled back and stood to the side of his bed. He had to have her now. He couldnt wait another minute. He p ulled his shirt up over his head, heedless of the buttons ripping from the mater ial, and shucked his jeans and briefs. He climbed back onto the bed, but this ti me he made room for his body between her legs. He undid her pants and hooked his thumbs into the waistband, pulling them and her panties down her legs and off o ver her feet. Trey pulled her shirt and bra from her torso, and then he, too, be gan to remove his clothes. Placing the palms of his hands on her shins, Lucan sl owly, gently slid them over her soft, warm skin. He took deep breaths, trying to hold his inner beast back when the scent of her pussy reached his nostrils. His palms smoothed up the inside of her thighs, and he gently spread her legs. He m oved his body down between her limbs until he was lying on his belly. He lowered his head and kissed the top of her pubic mound then slid his tongue into her de w-moistened slit and licked over her clit. His angel bucked her hips up, silentl y begging for more. His tongue glided through her folds and pushed into her crea mfilled hole. Her salty-sweet essence coated his tongue, and he lapped it up and swallowed her fluid. Moving his free hand to the top of her cunt, he lightly ca ressed her clit, producing more of her sweet cum. His tongue moved between her l abial lips again, flicking and laving over her clit as he slowly rimmed her hole with a finger. He gently thrust his digit into her cunt and growled as her musc les clenched around his flesh. Lucan pulled his finger out and pumped it back in , all the while attending to her engorged bundle of nerves with his tongue. She was so damn tight that he wondered if she was a virgin. Then he remembered what she said. That she never had one man touch her, let alone two. His angel was as pure as her name. As he thought of any other man touching his precious angel, a flood of possessiveness washed over him. No one else would touch

36 Becca Van her. He would never let her leave for the rest of eternity. He brushed against h er mind with his own and felt how much she needed Lucan and Trey to put out flam es burning inside her. He withdrew his finger and mouth, sat up between her legs , and clasped her hips. He aimed his cock for her pussy and stayed still with hi s flesh kissing hers. He halted before pressing into Angelina and looked into he r face, still obscured by the dark glasses. Tentatively, he raised one hand and brushed the hair away from his angels face. This is your first time, isnt it, baby? She nodded and wriggled her hips, teasing his cock with the delicious moisture s eeping from her cunt. Are you ready? he asked, pushing his cock against her wet fo lds, and she moaned in response. Baby, I need to know. She nibbled on her bottom l ip, appearing hesitant for a moment, but then her resolve returned. Yes. Yes what, angel? I need to hear you say it. On a shuddering breath, she said, Yes, Im ready. Please. He groaned as her flesh separated around the head of his hard, blood-engo rged dick and held still when he was through her tight muscles. When her muscles relaxed, he eased his way into her wet cunt until his balls were against her as s. She cried out with pleasure and bucked her hips up toward his. Nudging Trey a side, he covered her body with his, taking her mouth with ravenous carnality. He glided his cock out to the tip and surged back in. He weaned his mouth from her s as he rocked his hips back and forth, savoring her wet heat enveloping him. Ag ain and again, he surged into her, craving a sweet taste of her blood. Her inter nal walls rippled around him, and he knew that she was close to release. His fle sh slapped against hers, and he twisted a little, making sure his pubic bone sli d over her clit. She screamed as she clamped down on him, her muscles contractin g and releasing around his hard rod, over and over again.

The Drierge Brothers 37 He was so close to his peak but needed to feel her lifes essence on his tongue. H e pulled her up into his arms, growling as his cock slid in a little farther int o her now-dripping cunt. Angel, I need to taste your blood. Will you let me sink my fangs into you? Lucan asked through panting breaths, holding still as he waite d for her answer. Her face was still flushed pink from her orgasm when she tilte d her head in toward his. He smiled down at her. Fangs? You have fangs? What are you? she asked him with a tremor in her voice. We are vampires, baby, and you are our mate. I need to feel connected with you on a deeper level, angel, and if I t aste your blood our union will be more soul deep than you could ever imagine. Will I change if you bite me? Would I end up like you? she asked and he brushed again st her mind to ascertain her level of anxiety. He was surprised when he found ac ceptance of his species in her mind. Making sure not to push too deeply into her thoughts, he stayed connected to her as she processed what he had told her. She had felt that there was something different about him from the beginning, and t he bite he and Trey had slipped in back on the couch swirled in her thoughts now . Their mate was a clever one. He couldnt stop a grin from forming when he found bits of mythology running through her mind. Some of it was factual, though other thoughts were fiction. He and Trey would have to set her straight later. If she accepted them and agreed to bond with them for eternity she would need to learn everything she could about their species to keep her safe. Pushing those though ts aside, he answered her. No, baby. We would need to exchange blood with you thr ee times for that to happen. I wouldnt do that to you without your consent. But i f you allowed us to exchange blood once, we would be able to heal your sight.

38 Becca Van You could heal me? she asked in an awed whisper. Yes. Oh my God. You are telling me, by just exchanging blood with you and Trey once, I would regain my eyesight? Yes, angel. Will it hurt? For a brief moment but then the pain will turn to pleasure. Sin ce you are our mate, you will climax every time we bite you, baby. Lucan was stil l in her mind as his angel thought about what it would mean to see again. At fir st she felt elated, but then her logic kicked in and she wondered if she would s till be able to teach her blind students. But underlying all her thoughts was th e need to be loved, no matter whether she could or couldnt see. He felt her lonel iness and empathized with her emotions. Even though he had never been totally al one with Trey by his side, it wasnt the same. He knew what it was like to yearn f or the other half of his soul. He pulled her in tightly against his chest and hu gged her. She felt so right in his arms that he wanted to tell her to come and l ive in his house with him and his brother, but he didnt want to throw too much at her at once. Yes, his angel blurted out. I want you to bite me, the both of you. Are you certain, honey? Trey asked. You will be linked to us for all your life if we do this. Yes, and I also want to exchange blood with you. I want to see again, but I dont know if I can stomach drinking your blood, she whispered, and Lucan saw a single tear track down her cheek. I can help you with that if you will let me, an gel. I can use my mind to make it easier for you. If you allow it, you wont even know what you are doing until it is over. Yes. Please. Do it now, she commanded.

The Drierge Brothers 39 Shifting her in his arms until they were chest to breast, he bent down, licking over the skin of her neck. He groaned when her pussy pulsed around his rock-hard cock, which was still buried the depths of her hot, wet cunt. His teeth sliced through her skin like a hot knife in butter. He felt the heated tingle at the ba se of his spine and thrust his hips up, pushing his cock to butt against her cer vix. She cried out again as her muscles spasmed around him, and his balls drew u p tight. His roar of release was muffled against the skin of her throat. His coc k shot load after load of his cum deep into her body, and he held still, savorin g the carnal rapture. He withdrew his fangs from her neck, bathed the wound with saliva from his tongue, and pulled her head down to his chest. He elongated one of his nails into a razor-sharp claw and sliced open his wrist. He held her hea d gently but firmly and compelled her to take his blood into her body. Lucan moa ned as her mouth and tongue glided over the flesh of his wrist. His heart clench ed as she drank his blood, forever entwining them, mind, body, and soul. He pull ed his wrist away and closed the gash with his own tongue. Holding her against h im, he looked down into her face. Her lips were smeared with remnants of his blo od. She looked like she was intoxicated from his essence and from the passion th ey had just shared. He gently lifted her up and passed her over to Trey. **** Tr ey took Angelina from his brother and pulled her onto his lap. Her head slumped back onto his shoulder, and she smiled up at him. Trey, I need you, she panted out and reached up to clasp his shoulders. He wanted to see the color of her eyes, but he didnt want to frighten her by removing her dark glasses. He bent his head and

40 Becca Van brushed his lips over hers. His cock pulsed and throbbed as she moaned into his mouth. He deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue into her depths and tangling it with hers. He sucked and nibbled on her lower lip. He had already removed his c lothes, and now he just wanted to sink his erection into her wet pussy. How was t hat, honey? Did you like that? She twisted languorously in his arms, and a slow s mile spread across her face. Very, very much. She ran one hand up and down his arm s, as if seeing him by touch, and he could smell her arousal climbing once more. In fact Id like to do it again. A lump of anticipation formed in Treys throat. With me? he asked, his voice unusually raspy. With you, she whispered. Now. He scooted up the bed until his back was resting on the pillows against the headboard, and he turned her in his lap. She was now straddling his hips, and her cunt was touchin g his dick. He clasped her hips and lifted her until his cock was aligned with h er vagina, and then he slowly began to penetrate her. The sensation of her delic ate, wet flesh separating and then enfolding him was nearly too much to bear. An gelina mewled as she used her legs and hips to help impale herself on his cock. He growled as the walls of her pussy clenched and released around his now fully embedded shaft. His first instinct was to pump his hips and slide his cock in an d out of her sheath hard and fast until they both reached completion, but he did nt want his first time with her to be over too fast. He wanted to savor her body and their lovemaking. He wanted to connect with her on a deep emotional level as well as the physical. Trey began a slow, easy rhythm and helped her to move wit h his hands at her hips. Now that he was inside her, loving her, he couldnt get e nough. He wanted to burrow his way inside her heart and never leave. The walls o f her cunt fluttered around his hard rod, and he

The Drierge Brothers 41 groaned, knowing he needed more. He scooted down the mattress until he lay flat and carefully rolled until he covered her with his body. He levered up onto his arms and began to move faster. He shuttled his cock in and out of her pussy, inc reasing the speed and depths of his thrusts. His balls crawled up into his body in response to the sounds she made in the back of her throat. He sat up between her splayed thighs and held on to her hips firmly, propelling his erection in an d out her faster and harder. She arched her hips up to him, making him go deeper inside her than he had before. He felt the head of his cock touch against her c ervix, and she arched her neck, crying out with pleasure and passion. She was so beautiful. He wanted to stay buried inside her forever. Her internal walls ripp led around him once more, getting tighter and tighter, and he knew she was nearl y there. Please Trey, I need more. Bite me, she sobbed. I want to feel connected to you, just like Lucan. Take control of my mind and make me drink from you. Are you certain, honey? he asked just to be sure she knew what she was asking. Yes. Pleas e, she begged. He leaned back over her and licked along the skin of her neck, bre athing in the intoxicating scent of woman and blood. He scraped his fangs over h er, and then he slid them into her vein as she screamed with her climax. Her del ectable lifes essence filled his mouth, and he felt the connection with her strai ght away. She was wrapped around his heart and soul almost instantly. Her pussy contracted around his dick, massaging his flesh, and drew the cum up from his ba lls. He yelled as his cock palpitated inside her, spewing his sperm deep. He wit hdrew his fangs from her skin and laved his tongue over the wound. He moved back , sitting between her thighs, his deflating penis still buried in her, and pulle d her up over his lap.

42 Becca Van Trey was still breathing heavily but concentrated on lengthening his fingernail into a talon. He slashed a wound on his chest and gently brought Angelinas head d own. Drink my blood, Angelina, Trey commanded, using the power of his voice to com pel her. She gave in to him without a qualm, and his cock began to harden once m ore as her mouth moved over his flesh. Her tongue lapped over the wound he had c reated, and his body clenched tight. He gently tugged on her hair, removing her mouth from his chest, and looked at the already-healing gash. Gently he removed his dick from her cunt, tenderly lowering her to the bed. Trey heard her sigh, a nd she rolled over onto her side. Her breathing deepened and evened out, and he knew their mate had fallen asleep. He covered her with the quilt, and he and Luc an dressed and retreated from the room. He and his brother had to make sure Ange lina was safe while they were sleeping in the hours of the day. They hadnt planne d to love her body and claim her. It had just happened. Now, he wanted to make s ure she stayed within the confines of the house. He didnt want her out amongst th e humans. They could not be trusted. He needed her to stay because now that they had exchanged blood with her, she was going to begin healing and even though sh e had consented and wanted the exchange he was worried that when her sight retur ned, she was going to freak out. He just hoped she didnt become too frightened or disorientated once her sight returned. What the hell am I going to do if she ru ns?

The Drierge Brothers 43 Chapter Five Angelina stretched out her muscles as she awoke. Her body was sore, but not in a bad way. The soft sheets and quilt slid over her naked body as she moved, and s he froze. What the hell? Why am I naked? Memories of the previous night came cra shing through her brain. Shed had sexwith two men. What the hell was I thinking? S he opened her eyes and gasped as her world spun on its axis. She could see! They had told her they could heal her, and even though she had wanted that more than anything, she hadnt believed them. She closed her eyes and opened them again slo wly. The images before her were blurry, but she could see! She put her hands to her face and felt that the skin on the outsides of her eyes was unmarked. Even h er scars were gone. Acting on instinct, she reached out to grab her dark glasses , but then realized she wouldnt need them. There was no longer any reason to hide her unseeing eyes or the unsightly scars from the world. She looked around the room and gasped again. She was alone in an unfamiliar room. The bed she lay in w as an old four poster with navy-blue velvet draping from the frame. Oh. My. God. I can see! Angelina pushed the covers aside and stood. She looked about curious ly and saw a mirror attached to an antique-looking wooden dresser. She moved slo wly toward it, almost too scared to look, but drawn nevertheless. She looked at the strange woman in the reflection and looked for the child she remembered. Her eyes were the same strange violet color. Her hair was longer and thicker than s he remembered, but still

44 Becca Van the same strawberry blonde with gold streaks. Her body was trim but voluptuous. She had wide hips and a narrow waist, and she was topheavy. Nothing special, but oh, what a joy it was to be able to see herself. The last time she had looked a t herself in a mirror, she had been teenager. The explosion of the stove in her parents kitchen had taken her sight as well as her parents lives. She remembered h er mother and father dancing around her in the kitchen. They had just found out her mom was pregnant again, and they were all celebrating. There had been a funn y smell and then a loud explosion. Angelina had been thrown across the room and had been blind from that moment on. She studied the skin around her eyes and kne w a miracle had happened to restore her eyesight and to make her scars disappear . Even though she could see, the images were hazy and she felt a little queasy. She felt as if her balance was off. She turned away from the image and looked ab out the room for a connecting bath. Her gut clenched. The room wasnt just unfamil iar, it wasnt hers. She was still in the Drierges home. More of the previous night came flooding back to her, but her mind recoiled from the memories. Theyd said t hey could heal her, and now she could see, but how was any of that possible? The y said they were vampires, too Angelina closed her eyes and took a deep breath. S he wanted to go home. At home, she could figure out what was happening to her an d what she wanted to do about it. After finding both her clothes and the bathroo m, she stepped into the opulent room. The bathroom was nearly as big as her whol e apartment. Who would need so much room? She gave a negligible shrug and steppe d into the shower. Once she was washed, dried, and dressed, she crept to the doo r of the bedroom and opened it, peering out along the hall. When she saw no one, she stepped out. Keeping her hand on the wall for balance, she walked along at a quick pace. She grasped ahold of the banister on the stairs and began to step down, holding her breath until she was nearly at the bottom,

The Drierge Brothers 45 expecting Lucan or Trey to make an appearance and stop her. When no one appeared she felt a little disappointed. The house was bigger than shed originally though t, and she had no idea where they were. As much as she feared them showing up an d stopping her from leaving, she also wanted them to be here. There was so much she needed them to explain. Angelina walked into the large living room where she had left her purse. She looked around, trying to reconcile her mental map of th e space with what it looked like. After she realized she didnt even know what col or her purse was, she closed her eyes. By feeling her way around the room as she would have when she was blind, she traced her way back to where she remembered leaving her purse. She found it exactly where she expected it. When her hand clo sed around the strap, she opened her eyes. Okay, so its a black purse. Sighing, A ngelina picked it up and headed to the front door. Her hand was on the doorknob, and as she turned it, the thought of leaving Lucan and Trey rushed into her hea d and pierced her heart with pain. She sobbed out loud, then choked the noise of f. She couldnt do it. For some reason, the thought of walking out that door and n ever seeing Lucan and Trey again devastated her. She turned and walked back into the living room. The sun was going down and it would soon be night. She stood a t the window for a long moment, unable to enjoy the radiant colors of the sunset . Shed missed a whole day. Soon she would be expected back at work. Could she go back to work? How would she explain her sight? She wanted to go home, but couldnt stand the thought of walking out that door. She wondered where the two brothers were. Why arent they here with me? What the hell is going on? Angelina sat down on the sofa and curled up in the corner. She was going to have to wait to questi on them until they deigned to put in an appearance.

46 Becca Van She had no idea how long she sat there staring into space, her mind awhirl, but the next thing she knew, two men stood before her. Angelina straightened. She ha d just enough time to wonder if these two were the Drierge brothers, and then th eir scents reached her nose. Sandalwood and pine. Her recognition was cemented w hen one of the men stepped closer to her and spoke. Angel, are you all right? She sighed, feeling a little less conflicted already. Shed know Lucans voice anywhere. She looked up at Lucan and studied him. He was very tall, and had dark, collarlength hair and dark eyebrows and eyelashes. His irises were nearly black. He ha d broad, muscular shoulders and biceps which bulged from beneath his black T-shi rt. His pectoral muscles were large, and then his torso tapered down to slim hip s, muscular thighs, and long legs encased in black jeans. She perused his length again until she was looking into his eyes once more. What did you do to me? I wa nt to go home but I dont want to. I cant, she said, uncertainty in her voice. Baby, w e are connected for all time. Now that we have exchanged blood, we wont want to b e apart for very long, Lucan said as he sat down on the sofa next to her. She wan ted answers, and she wanted them now. She couldnt blame either of them for what s he was feeling. They had both tried to explain to her what was involved if she l et them make love with her and exchange blood, and even though she had accepted what they had told her on the surface, on a more subconscious level she hadnt bel ieved them. Angelina, you are our mate. We have been looking for you for more yea rs than we can remember. We never thought we would find the woman of our dreams, but then you walked past me and I knew. You are the only woman for Trey and I. You complete us in a way you will never be able to understand. We told you this last night, baby. What dont you understand?

The Drierge Brothers 47 What do you mean, I am your mate? Angelina flinched when Lucan took her hand in hi s and Trey moved closer. He knelt down in front of her, and she couldnt help but stare. Trey was the complete opposite of his brother in coloring. His eyes were a sky blue and his hair, brows, and lashes were blond. Even though he was muscul ar, his body was leaner than Lucans. We would give our lives to keep you safe, Trey stated quietly. Angel, Lucan and I are vampires. I know Lucan told you this last night and even though you accepted his declaration at the time, you didnt really believe him, did you? We have lived on this earth for over a century. You are o ut mate, which means you are our wife. What? Are you for real? No way. You cant be. Vampires arent real, and theres no way Im your mate or wife, whatever you want to call it, Angelina stated adamantly and withdrew her hands from theirs. She blinke d as tears pricked the back of her eyes. She was confused about what she felt fo r them. On one level she wanted to run and hide in her apartment, on another lev el she wanted to stay by their sides and never leave. She swung her legs to the floor, careful not to touch Trey, and stood. Whenever either of them touched her or she them, her body went up in flames and she could think of nothing but maki ng love with them. Her sight was getting better and wasnt so hazy, and she didnt f eel nauseous anymore. She moved away from the sofa and the Drierge brothers, pic ked up her purse, and headed out of the room without looking back. She placed he r hand on the doorknob and tried to make herself open the door. Once again, she couldnt do it. What the hell? It was easy to open a door and step out, but she co uldnt make herself go through with it. Angelina gave a moan of despondency and an xiety, then turned her back to the door and slid down the timber until she was s itting on the cold tile floor. She brought her legs up to her chest, wrapped her

48 Becca Van arms around her knees, and rested her head on them. Tears seeped from her eyes, and she didnt even know why. She felt them nearby, but didnt look up. She didnt wan t them touching her, but she felt as if her heart would break if she left them. Muscular arms slid around and beneath her, lifting her from the floor and startl ing her. She snuggled into the masculine chest and inhaled. The warm scent told her that Treys arms enfolded her. She clutched her purse tightly, the one thing t hat was real in an unfamiliar world. Trey sat down and cradled her on his lap, b ut she kept her head and eyes lowered. Are you compelling me into not being able to leave? she asked and waited with trepidation for the answer. No, Angelina. We w ould never do that to you. If you want to go home we will take you. I dont unders tand why you feel you cant leave, he answered. She didnt want to answer. She knew t here was nothing keeping her here except her own conflicted desires, but to admi t that aloud seemed like a confession of weakness. I think I know whats going on, L ucan stated from across the way. Last night Trey and I put up a protection spell around the property. Beside her, Trey said, Oh. Angelina looked between them in con fusion. Protection spell? she repeated. Its among our powers, Lucan said. Angelina na rrowed her eyes. So you didnt control my mind, but you put a spell on me? Not on you , Lucan reassured her hastily. Its there to protect you What my brother is trying to s ay, Trey interrupted, is that we might have cast the protection spell kind of stro ng. The little smile he offered her went some way toward dispersing her fear and irritation. We wanted to make sure youre safe.

The Drierge Brothers 49

Let me remove the spell, Lucan said. Im not saying itll fix things, but it might make you feel better. She watched as Lucan chanted under his breath and waved his han d in the air. Nothing visible happened, but immediately she felt the grip of des pondency leave her, and she sighed with relief. I feel almost normal again, she sa id. Lucan was wearing a guilty expression. Im sorry, angel. We didnt mean for it to make you feel so sad. Its okay, Lucan. You didnt do it intentionally. I dont like tha the protection spell is disarmed, though, Lucan said. Well have to recast it so th at it doesnt affect you. If she stays. At Treys words, Angelina felt her body go tigh t. She dropped her gaze to the floor. Look at me, honey, Trey requested of her gen tly. Angelina looked up into his eyes and was lost, drowning in the depths of hi s soul. She loved his eyes, they were the window to a persons psyche as far as sh e was concerned and even though he tried to hide his emotions, she could see tha t he was worried or concerned. If you want to go, you may, Trey said. Well never kee p you here against your will. She watched Trey open his mouth and saw that his ey eteeth were sharpened and elongated. His eyes were nearly totally black. She kne w he and Lucan had made themselves vulnerable to her by telling her what they we re. She was honored that they trusted her with their secret after knowing her fo r such a short time and vowed she wouldnt betray that trust. Funny. As soon as Im able to leave, I want to stay Ive decided to stay another night if thats all right w ith you both. I would like more time to get to know you, she stated. Of course you can stay, honey. You dont ever need to ask us, but you should know that we sleep during daylight hours and are awake all night, Trey explained.

50 Becca Van But dont worry, baby, Lucan added. When the spell is up again, you will be protected even when we are at our most vulnerable. She wanted to ask him how he could weav e spells, but decided to wait and deal with the issues one at a time. All right. Thank you for thinking of my safety, but do you think its really necessary? Who w ould want to hurt me? We have enemies, angel. There are those of our kind who have no compunction about harming humans. I dont think you will come to any harm, but its better to be safe than sorry. Angelina nodded. Is it okay for me to be alone f or a little while? I need to think. Of course, angel. Call us if you need anything . Angelina went back upstairs and flopped onto the bed. Shed woken up only hours a go, but she felt exhausted again. At first she could think only of the difficult ies she might encounter with Trey and Lucan, and how shocked she still felt at r egaining her sight. Slowly, however, her anxiety faded. She wanted to learn ever ything there was to know about them. What innermost dreams and desires they had. What scared them and what their abilities were. Excitement permeated her body a t the thought of being with these two men for eternity. She would never suffer w ith loneliness again and she knew eventually she could learn to love them. But w ould they learn to love her, or were all their feelings because of their claim t o be her mates?

The Drierge Brothers 51 Chapter Six She listened intently, her heartbeat racing, gasping in breaths as she tried to calm her emotions. Something had woken her from a deep sleep. She didnt open her eyes, but was certain someone was in the room. Her senses were still better attu ned without the use of her newly healed eyes. She knew it wasnt quite dawn but al so knew it wouldnt be long before the first rays of the sun would chase away the last of the night. Her heartbeat sounding overly loud to her, she listened for a presence in her room and wanted to see, but she didnt trust her newly reborn eye sight to interpret the images that would play upon her retinas. Keeping her brea thing even and deep and her muscles relaxed, she lay still in hopes of deceiving whoever was in her room. An evil malevolence floated around her, chilling the a ir. It couldnt be Lucan or Trey. They had never made Angelina feel so cold, so af raid, so helpless. She wanted to leap from her bed, but the cold froze her in pl ace. The air was cold, so cold, like she had never felt before. Her bones ached, her body shivered, and her teeth chattered even behind her pursed lips. Icy. Ev erything was icy. A frozen finger brushed against her cheek, and she couldnt stop the shudder racing through her body. An evil laugh assailed her ears, nearly de afening her until it finally faded away and she felt the presence leave. She wan ted to leave, to escape the room, but she was still too cold. Her limbs were sti ff and cramped, and a cold sweat covered her skin. She didnt think she would ever feel warm again. She screamed when the door to her bedroom crashed open, bangin g against the wall. She opened her eyes, but all she saw were

52 Becca Van two blurs. Her brain finally cooperated with her frozen body, and she scrambled up the bed, shivering and shaking uncontrollably. Then she was in their arms. Th ey wrapped her in their warmth, and she buried her head against Lucans chest, inh aling his familiar scent. Her sobbing breath was loud even to her own ears, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Her tears slowed, and she opened her eyes, findi ng herself on Lucans lap with Trey wrapping her in his embrace from behind. Are yo u all right, angel? Did he hurt you? Trey whispered against her ear. No. Im okay. W howhat was that? He is like us but evil. He might have found you here when I lowere d the protection spell yesterday evening. Im sorry you were frightened. What did he do to you? Trey asked. Nothing. Thats what I dont understand. He just stood in this room and watched me. I could feel the evil rolling off him in waves, and the co ld. God, I have never felt so cold in my life. I tried to pretend I was still as leep, but I dont think he bought that. He touched my cheek. His finger was so icy . What the hell is going on? Who was he? He is one of our enemies, baby, Lucan answ ered. He is in league with the humans who hunt us, but also out to destroy everyo ne else. He and his kind take great delight in harming the innocent and also tur ning other unsuspecting humans into vampires. I dont know how he was able to pene trate our defenses. We will have to look into that. We have so many protection s pells around the house and the perimeter of the property, he should not have bee n able to get in. Angelina sat up on Lucans lap and looked up into his eyes. How is any of this possible? Why would that man be after me? Shh, its okay, honey. We wont let anything happen to you. Lucan explained, We studied with the white witches ma ny years ago. We learned a great deal from them, and they learned from us in

The Drierge Brothers 53 return. The vampire who got in, Paulo Harold, turned evil when he began to study with dark magic, and he kills when he feeds. At first he wanted us to join his league, but when we refused he became an adversary. We will have to be more aler t from now on. Lucan glanced at his brother. I think we should arrange more protec tion for you, Angelina. We cannot be with you during the day. We sleep the deep sleep of our kind when the sun is out, and we dont wont you alone and vulnerable. Please, stay in the house for safetys sake today, and when we rise at dusk, we wi ll call in a few favors and have you guarded during the day, Trey stated. Where do you sleep? Angelina asked tremulously. We sleep in our bedrooms just along the ha ll, baby. We have roll-down shutters on the windows to keep any light out as wel l as heavy drapes covering the inside. Well, thats a relief. I had images of you bo th sleeping in sarcophagi, Angelina replied with a smile. That doesnt sound very co mfortable, Trey teased. We must leave you now and rest. Make yourself at home, bab y. There is plenty of food in the refrigerator and pantry. When I knew you were coming I wanted to make sure you had nourishment. There are movies in the cabine t in the living room to while away some time. Come, and I will show you how to u se the entertainment center, Lucan said and held a hand out to her. Nodding, Ange lina rolled out of bed and began to dress. She blushed the whole time as Trey an d Lucan watched her, and then she took Lucans hand and let him lead her to the li ving room. **** Trey showed Angelina how to navigate their entertainment system, but his mouth was working independently of his brain. He tried to hide from her how stunned he felt by the attack against her.

54 Becca Van Not only had the protection spell failed to keep out one of the evil ones, but t he vicious creature had gone straight for his mate. Trey knew other vampires liv ed in the city, for he had often sensed their presence in the streets as he sear ched for prey. But he and Lucan had avoided the rest of their kind. Now he curse d that they hadnt made an effort to find out more about their own species. Lucan and Trey had withdrawn from vampire society ninety years ago when their parents had been killed by one of the evil ones. Trey and Lucan had just been on the edg e of adolescence, and their parents violent murder had impacted them deeply. They had vowed to steer clear of any other vampires. He knew that not all vampires w ere evil or bad, but had instinctively mistrusted others of their kind. The exce ption to all of that was Vladimir. They had known their good friend since they w ere young, and Vladimir had been the one constant throughout their long lives. H e was the one who had trained them and taught them to control their powers so th ey could help in the battle against evil, but when he had tried to advise them a bout the way of the vampire, Trey and Lucan had always interrupted and shunned h im in their naivet. In time, Trey and Lucan had become so sick and tired of the f ighting that they withdrew from the battle of good versus evil. Now that Angelin a had come into their lives, Trey felt a renewed interest in protecting the inno cents of the world. He watched her face as she ran her fingers over the shiny co vers of their DVD collection, her eyes alight at seeing the faces of the actors for the first time in years. Everything she did and said only deepened his resol ve to protect her. He wished, too, that they had paid more attention to the time s Vlad had begun to talk of mating, love, and women. Thinking they would never b e so blessed to find their mate, they had closed themselves off to all discussio n of the subject. He cursed his ambivalent ignorance now.

The Drierge Brothers 55 He pushed his speculation aside and concentrated on Angelina once more. When he and Lucan were confident she could spend the day comfortably and safely in their home, they each kissed her on the temples and ascended the stairs to their bedr ooms. **** The credits rolled over the screen, and she wiped the tears from her eyes. She had watched a romantic comedy which had made her laugh and cry, and sh e planned to watch all the movies she had found in their entertainment cabinet. She loved to read, but shed been frustrated just trying to read the titles of the movies. She remembered how to read in her mind, but after reading only braille with the tips of her fingers for so long, knew it would take time, practice, and patience to get that skill back. In the mean time, now that she could watch sto ries come to life on a screen, she didnt want to miss out anymore. It was so wond erful to watch peoples expressions and the colors on the TV, and to see emotions rather than imagine them was just too good an opportunity to pass up. Angelina t urned off the entertainment system and meandered through the house. She walked t hrough room after room and imagined what the old-style mansion must have looked like when it was filled with guests in their evening finery. She had read her fi rst historical romance not long before she lost her sight and then had found som e in braille at the library at the school. She had often tried to visualize what the characters had looked like back then. She imagined this house playing host to a ball, and to imagine the men and women living here under the strict rules o f nineteenth-century society. After admiring the bluestone walls and marble floo rs, she decided to attempt to wander outside. This time, because she knew why sh e couldnt leave the house, it was easy to push the feeling down deep and pull her self through the front doors. Her movements were slow, as if the air around her were viscous, but once she made her way

56 Becca Van outside, she admired the vine-covered facade and the landscaped gardens. She wal ked out onto the gravel path to study the fountain statue of a beautiful woman, maybe what she imagined Aphrodite to look like, in the middle of a circle of hed ges. She moved around the fountain and followed the path. She was getting used t o feeling heavy and tired as she traversed the estate, but the farther she got f rom the house, the more the feeling of despondency left. The protection spells i n the gardens mustnt be as strong as the ones near and in the house. She didnt tur n to go back inside, though. She kept right on walking. There was a tall brick w all in the distance, and she assumed that it marked the edge of the grounds. She thought she caught movement in the shadows at a corner of the wall. Though she stared hard, she couldnt see anything. A malevolent presence crept over her again , sending a shiver down her spine. She turned back and hurried toward the house. She ran through the front doors and slammed them behind her and slid the lock i nto place. She rubbed at the gooseflesh on her arms and headed for the kitchen. It was getting close to suppertime, and even though she wasnt really hungry, she felt the need for the comfort of food in her belly. She made herself a small sna ck and had just begun to eat when she felt that evilness seeping in through the walls of the house. She looked around but couldnt see anything. She knew it was t here all the same. As it had the night before, the cold seeped into her body dow n to her bones. In her peripheral vision, she caught movement near the kitchen w indow and turned her head. A black shadow crept through a small crack in the win dowsill, and she gasped with dread. She wanted to scream and run, but she was fr ozen with terror. The black came nearer and began to gather into a solid lump. S he finally managed to push herself to her feet and slowly backed away. She bumpe d into the doorframe with her elbow

The Drierge Brothers 57 but didnt make a sound. When she was about to step out into the hall, the black f og finally coalesced into a man. He wasnt the same one who had invaded her room p reviously, but he was just as evil. She could feel his malicious intent toward h er rolling off him in waves. She opened her mouth to scream, but the sound was a rrested before it could form. She could feel his hand squeezing her throat, even though he wasnt close enough to reach her. How is this possible? She clawed at h er neck with her nails, trying to release the constriction around her throat, bu t she only ended up scratching her own skin. The pressure eased slightly. She gu lped in a much-needed breath of air, filling her lungs with life-giving oxygen, but then the band tightened around her throat again. He didnt say anything to her , just smiled maliciously and gripped her neck even tighter even as his hands re mained at his sides. She didnt know how such a thing was possible. Black spots fo rmed before her eyes. She could see the certainty of her own death in his black, soulless eyes. Her head rolled to the side, and she stared out the kitchen wind ow as the last of the suns rays diminished with a burst of red, pink, and yellow. That was her last sight as she slowly sank into unconsciousness. **** With Luca ns first waking breath, he sought out his angel with his mind. He brushed the edg es of her consciousness with his. When he felt her fading from him rapidly, he c ursed and sprang up from the bed, moving with preternatural speed. He followed t he faint trail of his mate, finding her in the kitchen with a man who was dresse d in designer tuxedo. A gray stripe of silver ran down the middle of his head. T hough the evil warlock stood

58 Becca Van motionless, he had Lucans mate dangling by the hold around her throat. Before Luc an could react, Angelina flew through the air, flung by the warlock through the kitchen door. Lucan was just in time to catch her. By the time he tore his gaze from her face, the warlock was dissolving into smoke. Seething, Lucan called for Trey in his mind, though even as he felt his brother wake, the warlock was slip ping out the kitchen window. He carefully placed Angelina onto the sofa in the l iving room. He took hold of her mind with his and made her take a deep breath. T rey knelt at his side, but Lucan paid him no mind, instead keeping a hold on his mates mind until she was breathing on her own. The blue tint around her mouth an d on her lips finally faded, and her eyelids fluttered open. Are you all right, a ngel? asked Lucan. Yes, she replied. Lucan mentally cursed when he heard her husky voice rasp even more than normal and she winced with pain. Dont try and talk, Ange lina. I dont want to cause you any more pain, Lucan stated. She licked her dry lip s but ignored his suggestion. Who? I dont know who it was, baby, but I do know what. That man was a warlock practiced in the art of black magic. Why was he here? We dont know, honey. We are going to have to try and find out what is going on, Trey rep lied, taking her hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand. Lucan stood back, preoccupied by the danger he had found her in. Cursing silently but eloquently, he remembered the fear and rage hed felt at finding his woman near death. Even no w she still felt weak from her horrifying experience. We are going to have to tal k her into completing the mating bond with us, Trey stated firmly through his men tal link to Lucan. I dont want to lose our angel just when weve found her.

The Drierge Brothers 59 I dont know if shes ready to accept everything that goes with the bonding, Trey. I dont want her to fear what she would become. We cant allow her to be in danger, Luca n. The only way to keep her safe is to complete the blood exchange and make her immortal, Trey explained. You think I dont know that! God, if I thought she would a ccept everything that goes with the mating bond I would have suggested it alread y. Why are you frowning? Whats going on? Angelina asked in a raspy voice. Lucan sigh ed. It seemed they had no choice, though he still wished there was more time for them to explain everything to her. Angel, you are in danger. It seems our enemie s are targeting you. The only way we can keep you safe is if we complete the blo od exchange. Lucan watched her intently. When she didnt speak or grimace he contin ued. We would need to exchange blood with you twice more for the exchange to be f inished, but we wont do that without your permission. Please, baby? We just want to know youre safe. What happens when the exchange is complete? Will I be like you are? Angelina asked. Yes, honey, you will, Trey answered. Youll live as we do, sleepi ng during the day and living off the blood of humans. Oh God, Angelina groaned. Luc an sighed with frustration when she pushed away from them and sat up. She rose o n unsteady feet, but when he tried to help she slapped his hand away. I cant. I do nt know anything about what you are, but I do know that I could never survive by living off other human beings. Angelina, your life is in danger. They will come af ter you again and again. You are mortal. They are not. We will do everything in our power to protect you, but you cannot fight them yourself, honey, Trey explain ed.

60 Becca Van Then thats just a chance I will have to take. Im sorry, but you cant keep me here. I need to go home, Angelina stated. Will you come back? Trey asked. I dont know. It de pends. So much has changed, and I cant make sense of anything when you are here. S he lifted her chin bravely. You said I can go, so Im going. Lucan could hear the de termination behind her statement and knew he couldnt stop her from leaving. He co uld keep her safe during in the dark hours of night, but she would be vulnerable throughout the day. He only hoped that the first blood exchange had established enough of a connection that they would be able to track her. If she was in trou ble, that connection would be the only way to sense it. She was made for them. S he was so passionate beneath that cool, controlled faade. Shed had to be so indepe ndent when she couldnt see. That independence was showing now, but he was afraid that she wasnt prepared for life as a sighted person. He wanted to be there for h er when she needed help. Lucan opened his mouth to try once more to persuade her . But Angelina turned away. His angel grabbed her purse from the side table near the door and left without a backward glance.

The Drierge Brothers 61 Chapter Seven Angelina had just unlocked her door and was about to enter her apartment when Ma rks whiny voice halted her in her tracks. Angelina, where the hell have you been? S he turned toward him, eyeing him through her dark glasses. Shed put the glasses o n again when she was outside the building, partly in anticipation of seeing Mark . She wasnt sure how she was going to explain her sight to her friends and cowork ers, but until she figured that out, she didnt mind pretending. She got her first look at her neighbor. He wasnt handsome, but he wasnt ugly. If she had to describ e him she would have called him nondescript. He wasnt tall for a man, only an inc h or so taller than her, and his face wasnt anything to rave about, but he was a nicelooking man. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and he wasnt muscular. He look ed soft somehow. Not feminine, but definitely not in the league of Lucan and Tre y. Ive been visiting friends, Mark, she answered coolly. You could have let me know you werent going to come home. Ive been worried about you. As you can see, there was no need, but I do appreciate your concern. Now if you dont mind, Im tired and wou ld like to get settled, she stated and stepped into her apartment. You were with h im, werent you? Mark whined. I told you he was dangerous. You dont know what youre ge tting yourself into, Angelina.

62 Becca Van Look, Mark, as I said before, I appreciate your concern. However I am an adult an d have been looking after myself for years. I dont need you to look out for me. Oh my God. He stood on his toes, peering at her face over the tops of her glasses. A ngelina met his gaze automatically, realizing as she did so that shed been caught . Oh crap. You can see me, cant you, Angelina? What the hell is going on? Mark bit out and grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving his side. Let me go. Mark, pleas e, youre hurting me, Angelina cried out as his fingers dug viciously into her fore arm. He looked down as if he hadnt realized he was holding on to her and causing her pain. Then he smiled at her maliciously and gripped her arm harder before he removed his hand. Im sorry, Angelina. I didnt mean to hurt you, he stated and stepp ed back. But she could tell by the malevolent look in his eyes that he was lying . He looked up and down the dimly lit hallway and then looked at her nervously. Il l talk to you later, Angelina. I have something I have to do. Mark scurried to hi s door, glanced at her over his shoulder, and then he was gone. She had a bad fe eling about her neighbor, but then shrugged off her paranoia and stepped inside. She made herself a cup of tea and sat staring into space. Her heart felt as if it had been ripped out of her chest, and she knew it was because she had left Lu can and Trey behind. She thought back to how Trey had asked her if she would ret urn. The sad expression on his face still bothered her. Will I go back? She wasnt cut out for the kind of excitement that seemed to surround the Drierge brothers . On the other hand, how the hell was she going to survive when she felt so damn lonely and despondent? Her whole body ached with the need to have them close. T o feel the touch of their hands and mouths on her body. The first tear trickled down her cheek, followed by another and another, until she was crying incessantl y. No matter

The Drierge Brothers 63 how hard she tried, she couldnt stop. She felt as if she were grieving for a spou se shed never had. She was so torn up inside she couldnt think straight. She finis hed her tea and climbed into bed. She cried herself to sleep. Even in her sleep their separation tormented her. She dreamed of them, craving their presence, and it felt as if she would die if they didnt come to her. She called their names ov er and over in her mind. She was running through their house searching for them, but she couldnt find them. No matter how hard she tried or where she looked, the y were nowhere to be found. She stood at the top of the stairs to the dark basem ent and took the first step. Once she started, no matter how hard she tried, she couldnt prevent herself from continuing on. She didnt want to see what was in tha t damp, dark room, but she felt compelled to search anyway. As she stepped onto the bluestone floor, old-world flame torches sprang to life, lighting the room. She saw the two open coffins resting side by side in the middle of the room. The y were resting on stone pedestal altars, and even though she didnt want to see wh at was inside, she couldnt stop from walking toward them. Angelina screamed with horror as the mummified bodies of two male corpses burnt themselves on her retin as. She screamed until she was hoarse and gasped with terror as the two cadavers lifted paperythin arms and reached for her. She sat up in bed gasping for breat h, covered in sweat, and crying. She had never been so scared in her life. She s crambled from her bed and flicked the light switch. The room illuminated, and he r eyes rapidly scanned the interior. She slumped against the wall when she reali zed her bedroom was empty and slid down the wall to the floor. God, she was goin g out of her mind. What the hell am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to deal with this stuff? She couldnt cope with the depth of her desire or handle the emot ion coursing through her. She had never been so deeply enmeshed in another perso n, let alone two. She had been a virgin, for

64 Becca Van Gods sake, and she had given her body over without a qualm. That was so unlike he r. She was always so independent and analytical. She had never been so emotional in her life. Now, you know thats not true, girl. You have been dreaming of your prince charming coming to your rescue and sweeping you from your feet for years. The truth of that thought clenched her heart, and two warring emotional faction s began to argue within her. Shut up. Just shut the hell up. I dont want to hear this. Well, that may be so, but you know its true. Youve hidden from yourself out of necessity, having no one but yourself to rely on. You dont have to anymore. Bu t I like being independent! Those two men want you to be their mate. You know yo ure in love with them, so why not admit it. Im not in love with them. And as for a dmitting it, the idea terrified her. What if they didnt care for her as she did f or them? But you know they do. Angelina pushed her inner voice aside and rose to her feet. She drew her dressing gown on and headed to the kitchen. She was abou t to pour water into her cup when she felt them. If she concentrated, it was alm ost like they were there in the room with her. Their scents and the warmth of th eir bodies surrounded her. She placed her fingertips on her braille watch. It wa s only ten p.m. It felt so much later, but they would be awake now. Do I feel th em because theyre thinking about me? They seemed so close. It was as if she could feel their arms around her, and the despondency she had been fighting left her in a rush of warmth. She placed the kettle back onto the counter and turned arou nd. There they stood, their heated gazes pinning her. It wasnt just her imaginati on. She covered her mouth to contain the sob of delight

The Drierge Brothers 65 bubbling up in her chest and felt tears leak from the corner of her eyes. She di dnt ask them how they had gotten into her apartment. She took one step toward the m, and then closed the distance. She sobbed with relief when their arms closed a round her. Shh, its okay, honey. Were here now, Trey stated, pulling her up against his chest from behind. Lucans front touched along the length of her back. She clu ng to Trey, her arms slipping around his waist, and she leaned into him. I missed you so much. I dont think I can survive without either of you at my side. Angel, t ake a deep breath. Everything is going to be all right, Lucan whispered into her ear. She felt complete since the first time she had left their house hours earli er. They enveloped her in their warmth, and she sighed and never wanted to leave again. She wanted to go home with them. She was finally able to admit, if only to herself, that she was in love with them. There were still things she didnt kno w if she could deal with. The thought of drinking blood, even to sustain her own life, still repelled her. But she knew she had to be with them. Trey eased her back from him so he could see her face. She looked up and drowned in the depths of his bottomless blue eyes. He stared at her with such heat that her body began to respond. She caught fire as she fell into his gaze. Her blood warmed, and cr eam began to leak from her pussy. Her eyelids fluttered closed as he leaned in t oward her, and she sighed when his lips finally met hers. She groaned as he swep t her away into heated passion. His lips brushed over hers, back and forth, and he licked along the seam of her mouth, seeking entrance. Angelina didnt hesitate to open to him. She moaned as he thrust his tongue between her lips and teeth, c raving his touch and taste as if she had been starving, just waiting for Trey an d Lucan to satiate her hunger.

66 Becca Van She clutched at Treys shoulders as he devoured her mouth until she had to pull aw ay in order to breathe. She gulped air into her oxygen-depleted lungs and opened her eyes to look at Trey. His eyes had turned a deep blue, shades darker than t heir normal sky blue. He cupped her face in his hands and placed a kiss against her lips, so gentle and poignant that it made her tear up. He stood up straight again and turned her by the hands he had on her waist. Angelina looked up into L ucans deep, dark eyes and reached for him just as he bent down to her. He lifted her into his arms effortlessly and slanted his mouth over hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist, clinging to him as if her life d epended on the close contact. He pushed his tongue into her mouth and tasted eve ry inch of her interior. She rubbed her tongue along his, and his dark, masculin e flavor exploded onto her taste buds. She buried her fingers into his hair and held his mouth to hers as they ravaged each other with animalistic carnality. Tr ey moved in behind her and pushed her hair to the side of her neck. He kissed, l icked, and nibbled his way up her neck to her ear. He sucked her earlobe into hi s mouth and nipped at her tender skin with his teeth, drawing a cry of arousal f rom her. She moved her hands from around Lucans neck and frantically began to tug at the buttons on his shirt. She only had the first two open, but that was just enough for her to slip her hands inside the parted material so she could touch his warm, hard flesh. She wanted more. So much more. She wanted them both naked so she could touch, explore, and arouse to her hearts content, unimpeded by any b arrier. She gripped the lapels of the shirt in her hands and was about to rip th e material open when a knock at the door interrupted her intentions. Trey and Lu can tensed at the intrusion, and then she was in her bedroom. She blinked her ey es into focus, wondering how she had gotten to her room so quickly. She was abou t to ask Trey, but he

The Drierge Brothers 67 placed a hand over her mouth to stop her. He pulled her back to his front and he ld her wrapped in his arms. Shh, honey. I dont want anyone to know Im here. Your ne ighbor is at the door. I sense animosity toward you coming off him, Trey whispere d in her ear. Angelina turned in Treys arms and hugged his waist. He bent down so they could speak to each other without being heard. Why would Mark resent me? she asked quietly. I think your neighbor has feelings for you, angel. He doesnt like it that Lucan has come into your life. No, that cant be. He has had years to ask me out. Im sure he would have if he had wanted to, she whispered. Baby, you have a vi sitor, and he wishes to speak with you, Lucan called through the bedroom door. Be careful what you say to him, angel. He could be dangerous, Trey whispered. Are you sure were talking about the same man? she asked. Angelina, Mark would like to talk to you, Lucan said again. Trey released her and gave her a gentle push toward Lu can. He took her hand and led her into the living room, where she could see Mark waiting just inside her apartment entrance. She and Lucan stopped a few yards a way from Mark. She didnt like the way he was glaring at her. When Lucan wrapped h is arm around her shoulders, she leaned against him and felt so secure and comfo rted from his touch. Hi, Mark, what can I do for you? she asked. Mark swallowed ne rvously and cleared his throat before he could answer. His eyes kept shifting to Lucan, and she could tell he was intimidated by his presence. Angelina, Im worrie d about you. Youve not been yourself lately, Mark stated and shifted from foot to foot. She noticed he had one of his arms bent up behind his back and wondered if he was

68 Becca Van hiding something. Pushing that thought aside, she concentrated on what hed just s aid. I appreciate your concern, but Im perfectly fine. No, I dont think you are. You are supposed to be with me, he stated through clenched teeth. I beg your pardon? An gelina asked incredulously. As if in slow motion, she watched his arm come out f rom behind his back. To her horror, he pointed a gun at her. Lucan stiffened by her side, but made no sudden moves. Step away from him, Angelina, Mark said with a high-pitched squeak in his voice. She moved away from Lucan slowly, hoping Mark would keep his attention on her. Just when she was about to speak, Lucan steppe d in front of her and hid her from view. She tried to see around him, but he was so tall and muscular her effort was futile. She did hear what he said though. Yo u will leave Angelina alone and seek help for your mental problem. You will avoi d her. If you do see her, you will run away from her, and will fear being near h er. Leave now and forget you ever saw me, Lucan commanded in a low, even voice. A ngelina could feel the power behind Lucans voice. She shivered as his deep, mascu line timbre caressed over her body. The door snapped closed, and he turned back to her. What did you do? Angelina asked in a whisper and stepped into his arms. Sh e was shaking and couldnt seem to stop. Lucans muscular arms around her gave her c omfort and the shaking lessened. I altered his memories and coerced him into leav ing, he replied. Thank you. I have never been so scared in my life. I had no idea he had feelings for me. Honey, he is obsessed with you and he was suspicious of Lu can. He was a danger to us and to you, Trey explained as he came up behind her. Yo u dont know that, Angelina stated.

The Drierge Brothers 69 Yes, actually, we do. His mind was all but yelling at us. He was so easy to read, Lucan explained. Oh. My. God, Angelina whispered as she slid out from between them and backed away. You can read minds. Have you been reading mine, too?

70 Becca Van Chapter Eight Yes, Lucan replied. We can read your mind. Shit, Angelina squeaked and walked over to the sofa. She sank down into the seat because she had no idea how long her shaky legs would continue to hold her. She looked up at Trey and then Lucan, her mind working at a fast pace as she tried to remember everything that had happened si nce she had met Lucan. Youve been controlling my mind, too. Youve been somehow mesm erizing me with your voice, havent you? Oh God. I gave you my body, Angelina whisp ered with trepidation. The only time I have taken control of your mind was when y ou accepted the first blood exchange, Lucan said. Dont you remember? You asked me t o. I have not done so at any other time. Please, believe me, angel. I would neve r do anything you havent consented to. How can I believe that? How do I know if I c an trust you? You can trust us with your life, baby. We would do anything to keep you safe, Lucan declared. I dont know what to think anymore, she whispered. Angel, I can show you what I say is true, Lucan said. How? If you let me near you, you can re ad my mind, he explained. Angelina nibbled on her bottom lip. She wanted to belie ve that he was telling the truth, but after seeing what he did to Mark, she was going to need to know that he hadnt controlled her before. How do I know what you let me see would be real? she asked.

The Drierge Brothers 71 Vampires memories cant be changed, honey. If Lucan lets you into his head, then wha t you will see will only be truth, Trey stated. How do we do this? she asked. We wil l need to sit close. I will need to get into your mind so you may delve into my memories, Lucan explained. How do I know I can trust you? Angel, you are just going to have to have a little faith. I promise I wont go searching through your mind a nd I would never do anything to hurt you, he said. Angelina could see the sinceri ty in his eyes. She gave him a small nod and waited. Honey, you need to try and s tay relaxed. Will you let me hold you and help you through this? Trey asked. Yes, s he answered immediately. She knew then that even if she was questioning her resp onse to these two men, some part of her did trust them implicitly. She had never let anyone as close to her as she had Lucan and Trey. Her body trusted them on a subconscious level. Otherwise she would never have let them make love with her . She wanted to trust them, more than anything. They had crawled their way into her heart and she was running scared. Shed never felt this way before and was pet rified it wouldnt last. Trey sat on the sofa beside her and then pulled her onto his lap. She loved the way they held her, kept her safe, and comforted her. She hadnt even finished the blood exchange with them yet, but didnt like being away fr om them. She was terrified of becoming dependent on them for her happiness. Havi ng been independent for so long, only relying on herself, it was a startling tho ught. She just didnt know if she could be like they were, doing what they had to do to survive. Lean back and relax, honey, Trey said and pulled her more firmly ag ainst him. She was leaning on his arm and resting her head on his shoulder. Good girl. Now dont try and block Lucan. You may feel his presence in your mind, but j ust remember why were doing this.

72 Becca Van Angelina closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She exhaled and loosened her muscl es as much as possible. She concentrated on keeping her mind open and her body r elaxed. She was aware of a slight brush against the corner of her mind, and even though her first reaction was to tense up and push him out, she didnt. Lucan pul led her into him. That was the only way she could describe it. She felt like he was drawing her spirit from her own body into his. She watched his memories of h er from the first time he had seen her walking by on the street. It was like wat ching a home movie as the images flashed by, but she also felt his emotions. She felt the deepseated need to claim her as his. It was unlike any yearning she ha d ever felt before. That he had controlled himself and astounded her. He had wan ted to exchange blood so she could not leave him, but he had mastered his urges. He wanted her to come to him and Trey of her own free will. He had told her the truth. Once he had shown her what she wanted to see, he pulled her in deeper. S he felt the loneliness he and his brother had endured. They had lived for over a century and knew they had one true mate, but might never get the chance to meet . She experienced his elation when he had first seen her. He began to recede, ge ntly pushing her back from his mind to her own. He brushed against her once more , and then he left her. She wanted to cry out as emptiness threatened to consume her, but she bit down on her lip instead. She opened her eyes and found Lucan s taring at her, nostalgia in his eyes as he looked at her with longing. She took a deep breath and reached out to him. He took her hand in his, brought it to his lips, and kissed her skin. Im sorry, Angelina stated. You have nothing to be sorry for, baby. Its our fault for not telling you so much about our kind.

The Drierge Brothers 73 And yet I do. I have always trusted my instincts, and I did when I let you make l ove to me. IIts just when I saw what you could do to Mark, I began to doubt myself . Dont beat yourself up, honey. Your reaction was natural, Trey said. Angelina shive red when his warm, moist breath caressed her ear. Angel, you arent safe here. Weve updated all our protective spells, and right now I think our home is the safest place for you. Besides Lucan paused, sighing as he held her. We missed you. Will you come and stay? asked Trey. We know you still have a lot to think about, but stay w ith us. Thats all we ask for now.. The idea of staying with them just made her fee l safer, especially if she was being targeted by an evil vampire and a warlock. Shuddering, she remembered what it had felt like in their presence. She hoped to never feel so scared and cold again. If she stayed with Trey and Lucan, maybe s he never would. The idea of being with them warmed her all by itself. Okay, let m e go and pack a bag, she replied and hurried to her bedroom. Lucans and Treys voice s rumbled in her living room as they talked quietly to each other. She felt in h er heart that she was doing the right thing. Hoping she had everything she neede d for an extended stay, she closed the lid on her small suitcase. She was going to have to contact the school and resign from her teaching position. The last th ing she wanted was to put innocent children in jeopardy by staying. Are you ready , baby? Lucan asked from the doorway. Yes. Good. Angel, we didnt travel here by car, and we cant walk the distance. Its too far, and I dont want to be out on the street s where anyone can get to you. Are you willing to trust us to get you to our hom e safely? he asked. Um, are we going by cab?

74 Becca Van No, angel. We will be traveling in the way of our kind. Come here, baby, Lucan sai d and held his hand out toward her. She walked over to Lucan with her case in ha nd, and he took it from her and led her from her room. He passed her bag over to Trey and pulled her in close to his big body. I want you to close your eyes and relax, angel. Just remember I wont let you get hurt, he reiterated. She closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his waist, and leaned her weight against him, rel axing into his muscular frame. She felt the brush of his mind against hers and d idnt dare open her eyes for fear of what she would see, but she felt light as a f eather and if she were floating. Her brain felt disconnected from her body for a moment and then a breeze blew against her face. The temptation to see was too m uch. She opened her eyes and squeaked when she realized they were somehow flying . Far below, the lights of Portland were spread out, and cars the size of toys m oved along the streets. Wispy clouds passed her to one side, yet she didnt feel t he wind as they travelled. She pulled her jean-clad legs up and wrapped them aro und his hips. Then she very carefully moved first one arm and then the other unt il she was clinging to his neck. Shh, angel, youre safe, Lucan said against her ear . How is this possible? she asked breathlessly. We have many powers, baby. We can d issolve into tiny particles that float through the air. We can control humans wi th our voices and wipe memories if necessary, and we can move our bodies through the air without any effort. We are much stronger than any mortal, and we live f or eternity. Does that scare you, angel, to know we live forever? he asked. No, bu t surely you can die somehow, she queried. As she spoke, she made the mistake of looking down. She felt vertigo surround her and had to close her eyes for a mome nt, tightening her arms around his neck.

The Drierge Brothers 75 Easy, angel. Take a deep breath. Ive got you, Lucan said soothingly. Yes, we can die . If we bleed out, we cant sustain life, just like a human. If we are decapitated or our heart is pierced, we die, but we have rapid healing abilities and blood helps speed up the healing process so we can survive other grievous wounds. Clos e your eyes again, angel. Were home, and I dont want you to become afraid. Why? What are we going to do? she asked nervously. Just trust me, baby, and Ill have you ins ide in a moment. Angelina closed her eyes and gripped her arms around Lucans neck a little tighter. He gave her a squeeze with the arm he had wrapped around her w aist, and then she felt him more firmly entrenched in her mind. She felt that fl oating, disconnected sensation again, but kept her eyes closed. She wasnt quite r eady to find out what Lucan had done to her, because she had a pretty good idea that her body wasnt whole. Finally her feet touched the ground, and she opened he r eyes to find she was now safely ensconced in their kitchen. She released her t ight hold on Lucan and was about to step back, but he kept her in close to his b ody. He reached down and tilted her face up to his by cupping her cheek, and the n he leaned down slowly toward her. He took her mouth beneath his, slanting it t his way and that in a rapacious hunger. She moaned as his tongue tangled with he rs, and she felt so hungry for his touch. Every time he and Trey were near her, the passion inside her built to an almost painful level. She didnt know if she co uld keep them at arms length much longer, but mostly she didnt think she wanted to . She mewled in the back of her throat when Trey came up behind her, pressing hi s body along the length of her back. She sobbed with relief as he began to kiss the side of her neck and his hands reached around to cup her breasts through her sweater. He kneaded the mounds of flesh, shaping and weighing her with his palm s, and then

76 Becca Van he took their hardening peaks between his index fingers and thumbs and squeezed. Lucan lifted his head, and she opened her eyes to look at him. She could see th e fire and need he had for her glittering in the depths of his dark irises and k new she probably looked just as ravenous as he did. We want to make love with you , angel. Will you let us? Lucan asked in a deep, rumbling voice.

The Drierge Brothers 77 Chapter Nine Lucan waited with bated breath for his angels answer. He craved to have her skin beneath his hands and mouth. He ached acutely to have his cock buried in her dep ths and the taste of her sweet blood on his lips. He didnt know how much longer h e would be able to hold back from her. Never had he felt such intense starvation for anybody in his entire life. Yes, she answered on a breathy sigh. Angel, you ne ed to know that I dont know if I can contain my need to taste your blood. It seem s to go hand in hand when we make love to you. This craving for your blood durin g sex has never happened before, Lucan rasped. Do you still want us to make love w ith you? Do you want us to bite you? Yes. She groaned her reply. Then lets go and fly to the stars, angel, Lucan said and lifted her into his arms. In the blink of a human eye he carried her to her bedroom and lowered her feet to the floor once m ore. He held her eyes with his as he and Trey removed her clothes. Once she stoo d before him naked, he looked his fill. She was gorgeous and so damn sexy. His h eart clenched when he saw the trust in her eyes, and he removed his clothes with the sweep of a hand. She blinked and looked at him with wonder. He could see th e question in her face, but the need to feel her silky, soft, warm body against his took precedence over talk. He pulled her into his arms and ravished her mout h. She clung to his shoulders as if he were the only anchor in a wild storm. He moved them to the bed with a thought, teleporting them and covered her body

78 Becca Van with his. He lifted his mouth from hers and began to nibble and lick his way dow n over her soft, feminine body. He loved the differences between them and traced his hands over her curves, dips, and valleys. Her skin was so soft beneath his hands and mouth, and he had never felt anything so exquisite. The bed dipped, an d Trey moved in close to Angelinas side. Licking his way down over her taut, sati ny belly, Lucan inhaled her sweet, musky arousal. His gums itched and his fangs exploded from them as he got closer to her mound. He desired the taste of her es sence nearly as much as he needed blood to survive. He flicked his tongue into h er drenched folds and grazed her clit with the tip. She cried out, and he looked up the length of her body to watch her as he caressed the sensitive bundle of n erves again. Her head moved restlessly on the pillow, and Trey suckled at her br east while pinching the other nipple between thumb and finger. Lucan moved his a rms around her thighs and spread her legs wider. Using his thumbs to gently open her labia, he lowered his head to her pussy. She was so responsive to his touch that he had to take hold of her hips to keep her anchored to the bed. He slid h is tongue from the top of her cunt down to her dripping-wet hole. He thrust his muscle into her depths and groaned as more of her cream coated his taste buds. S he was so damn delicious, and he was so fucking hungry. He massaged her inner wa lls and growled when she released more of her juices. Lucan licked and slurped o n her pussy until she was writhing beneath him. He released one of her thighs an d rimmed her cunt with a digit. He pushed the tip just inside her entrance, and his hard cock jerked with anticipation when she grabbed hold of his finger. Once her body released him, he began to gently push farther into her cunt. She was s o damn tight, and he felt as if the top of his head were about to blow off when her internal muscles rippled along his finger. He began a slow pace of advance a nd retreat while caressing her clitoris

The Drierge Brothers 79 with the tip of his tongue. He found her hot spot inside her pussy and massaged the pad of his finger over it again and again. Lucan felt the need to be connect ed with Angelina by more than just their bodies. He carefully entered the edge o f her mind. His arousal notched up another level, and he was in danger of shooti ng off because he could now feel her desire as well. He removed his finger and m outh from her cunt and moved up between her thighs. Trey was kissing her, so he couldnt see her face, but he knew she wanted to be joined with him as desperately as he did because she begging him silently in her mind. He grasped her hips in his hands and touched the tip of his hard, aching cock at her pussy entrance. He groaned as he pushed in and held still, giving her time to adjust to his penetr ation. Her muscles fluttered and wavered around his pulsing flesh, and when she released him again, he slowly surged forward until his balls touched her ass. Tr ey released her mouth and looked at him. Lucan gave him a nod and then picked hi s angel up and pulled her onto his lap. He growled as his cock inched in farther and he could feel the head of his erection touching the entrance to her womb. Ho ney, we want to make love with you together. Will you let us? Trey asked from beh ind her. Lucan felt her hesitate, and he followed her thought process since he w as still in her mind. He could see the questions she had, so instead of answerin g her verbally, he portrayed to her in images how he and his brother would take her together. She must have liked what she saw, because the arousal in her mind triggered a bodily response, causing her pussy muscles to clamp on his cock and release more of her delectable cream. Our baby likes that idea. Dont you, angel? Lu can rasped. Yes, she answered with a sob. Good. I wont hurt you, honey, but you will feel a little pinch and burn the first time I take your ass. If it gets to be t oo much and you want me to stop, just say the word. Okay? Trey asked.

80 Becca Van Okay, she sighed. Just lean on Lucan and relax, Angelina, Trey whispered. **** The l ube was in the drawer, but Trey brought it to his hand with a thought, popped th e top, and squirted some of the gel onto his fingers. He lowered his hand and be gan to massage the viscid fluid into the skin of her anus. He wanted to know she was okay with everything he did to her and needed to feel connected to her on a more soulful level. Honey, will you let me into your head? I want to be able to feel what youre feeling so I dont hurt you, Trey said, justifying his query. Yes. She answered him without hesitation. Trey brushed against the edges of her mind and groaned at the sweetness he found there. She trusted them without any apprehens ion. She was so open and honest and pure that he almost felt that she was too go od for them. She didnt trust easily or have many friends, but when she did, she w as almost loyal to a fault. His gums were itching, and he knew it wouldnt be long before his fangs erupted and lengthened. He could feel what he did to her and g round his teeth together to control his barely leashed libido. He could feel her excitement at what he did to her, and as her muscles relaxed, he began to penet rate her anus. She gasped when his finger slowly inched its way into her dark en trance, and when he came to the end of his reach, he began to withdraw again. He started pumping his digit in and out of her ass, slowly increasing the pace of his thrusts in increments. When he divined that his mate was ready for the next step, he withdrew from her, got some more lube, and began to push two fingers in to her canal. Trey stayed connected with her mind the whole time he was stretchi ng and preparing her for his throbbing cock. Once she accepted his digits and he had scissored them a few times, he knew

The Drierge Brothers 81 she was ready. He withdrew from her body, slathered his aching cock with lube, a nd moved in close to her back. One hand held on to her shoulder while the other held the base of his penis, and he aimed for her ass. He gradually began to pene trate her anus and couldnt prevent a groan of pleasure spilling from his lips whe n her muscles gripped the head of his cock in a tight clench. He stilled, giving her time to adjust to his invasion, and knew she was ready for more when she fi nally relaxed around the head of his hard rod. His hips pumped in a slow, gentle motion until he was through the tight ring of muscles of her sphincter. He froz e again, and his mate surprised him by her thoughts and then, a short moment lat er, her actions. She used her muscles to push him out and surged back against hi m until he was embedded in her anus balls-deep. She moaned as her body clamped a nd released around his cock. He could feel the slight burning, pinching pain thr ough her mind as he rested inside her back entrance, but he also felt how the er oticism of the act turned her on. Trey groaned as his fangs erupted into his mou th and pierced his own flesh where he bit his lip for control. The scent of bloo d drifted to his nostrils, and he knew he was about to lose control. Please, Angel ina whimpered breathlessly. Please what, baby? Lucan asked. Please move, she cried o ut. Trey uttered a guttural growl and began to pull his cock back out of her ass . As he pushed back in, Lucan withdrew from her cunt. He and his brother began t o advance and retreat from her body with the slow pumping of their hips. As one surged forward, the other withdrew, and gradually, by degrees, they began to spe ed up the pace. Trey had never felt such joy and completion as he had loving his mate. He wanted to stay buried in her body forever. The friction his thrusting hips caused on his hard, aching rod was absolute nirvana. As he could also feel what Angelina felt, his pleasure was twofold.

82 Becca Van She clenched and released on him repeatedly, and he knew he wasnt going to last m uch longer. He wanted to make sure she went over into bliss before he did. The t hought of taking his pleasure first was untenable. His gums and fangs were achin g. His beast was just begging for the exquisite taste of her life essence on his tongue as she climaxed. He wanted to sink his fangs into her blood-rich vein an d feast on her sweetness. Honey, I want to taste you. I want your lifes essence on my taste buds. Will you let me feed from you, Angelina? He gasped with another p ump of his hips. Ioh God, yes, bite me. Please? I need you to bite me! she cried. Sh h, baby. Well give you what you need, Lucan rasped. Trey continued to thrust his h ips, gliding his cock in and out of his mates ass in countermovement to Lucan as his brother shuttled his dick in and out of her pussy. He leaned down and licked along the side of her neck, and then he growled against her skin when he slid h is fangs into her life-giving vein. She screamed with pleasure, and her body cla mped and contracted around his pulsing cock. He swallowed her essence and felt t he loneliness and coldness of an eternity leave his heart and soul. He roared wi th pleasure as she milked the cum from his balls while he fed from her. He surge d forward and held still while his cock jerked and shot load after load of semen into her back channel. He was vaguely aware of Lucans shout as his brother also climaxed. He wanted to gorge himself on her but knew he couldnt put her life in d anger. He only took enough of her blood for a true exchange, and then his fangs receded, and he closed the two small puncture wounds with the swipe of his tongu e. He lifted his head, and his gaze connected with Lucans. His brothers eyes were such dark pools of desire, and he had a rosy hue to his cheeks as he, too, had j ust fed from their mate. He gently cupped Angelinas chin and tilted her head back so he could see her

The Drierge Brothers 83 face. She was so goddamn beautiful with her rosy cheeks and passionglazed eyes. He had never met such a kind, loving, selfless person and knew he was beginning to fall for her. Honey, I want to feel you drink my blood. Will you do this for m e? Trey asked and held his breath. Oh God. I want to please you so much, but I dont know if I can do it, she replied. I can compel you, honey and you wont remember a thing about it, if you allow me to take control of your mind. Then yes. Do it! I w ant a part of you, both of you, to reside in my blood. Trey pushed into her mind and took control. He brought his free hand up and watched as his fingernail elon gated and sharpened. He slashed across his wrist and held it against her mouth. When she had taken enough of his essence for a true exchange, he closed the woun d with his tongue, released his hold over her mind, and turned her toward his br other. His brother copied his previous movements, and then their angel cried out once more as she tipped over the edge into rapture. Oh God, she is so perfect, Tr ey whispered, easing his nowsemiflaccid cock from her ass. He lifted his sleepin g angel into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom.

84 Becca Van Chapter Ten Angelina jerked upright and looked about her room. She remembered having sex wit h Trey and Lucan, but she also remembered the metallic taste of blood in her mou th. She delved into her hazy memories, and images of her drinking their blood af ter they had fed from her assailed her mind. Shit. Why did I let them exchange b lood with me? I need to go home so I can think rationally. She scoffed at hersel f. Yeah, since that worked so well last time. She searched for her clothes and f ound them on an antique chair near the side of the room. I cant think when theyre near me. She threw on her shirt, her temper beginning to heat up. They wormed th eir way under my skin. My body reacts to their presence, thats all. Irritated, sh e flung the covers up the bed, thumping harder than necessary to smooth them. No . You want them as much as they want you. Are you going to be a coward again, or will you find some of that backbone and accept that they only did what you want ed them to do? Angelina stood and squeezed her eyes shut. Just shut the hell up, s he muttered. She hurried down the staircase and found them sitting on the sofa i n the living room. How could you do that to me? she demanded heatedly. Lucan then Trey rose and moved toward her. She stood just inside the living room door with her hands on her hips as she stared at them with ire.

The Drierge Brothers 85 Angel, we asked for your permission to exchange blood with you. You accepted. How can you be angry with us? Lucan asked. Honey, are you angry with us or yourself? T rey asked. I felt your acquiescence when I was in your mind and you verbally aske d us to bite you and exchange blood with us. Angelina eyed them warily and was ab out to take a step back, but her conscience got the better of her again, and tha t inner voice sprouted loudly in her mind. Dont you dare back out now, girl! Here are the men of your dreams and you are running scared. What is wrong with you? There was no sense trying to argue with herself. Angelina took a deep breath and realized she didnt want to argue with Trey and Lucan, either. She met them in th e middle of the room, took one of their hands in each of hers, and led them back to the sofa. She sat in the middle, giving a gentle tug so they sat down beside her. Look, Im sorry I got so incensed. Its just that Imscared, she explained. I know ou want to change me, and that makes me very nervous. The thought of drinking bl ood to sustain my own life is totally abhorrent to me. I dont think I can do it. An gel, if we could change what we are, we would so we could have you stay by our s ide. But thats totally impossible, Lucan said quietly. I understand how revolted yo u feel about feeding from fellow humans. You are very precious to us, baby. I do nt think I could survive without you by my side. We have lived for over a century , but in that time, we have just existed. We were just waiting to meet you. We w ere so lonely, lost, and empty without you, angel. Please tell us what we can do so you can accept that part of our nature. I dont know. I dont think I can ever acc ept that, she cried. Whenever you ask us to compel you, it seems like you want the closeness of drinking from us, Trey observed. Its just that the blood itself bothe rs you. But if thats the case, what if we continued to

86 Becca Van feed you while were having sex? Do you think you could accept the change then? IYes. No. Oh, I dont know, she answered with conflicted emotion. Baby, we have exchanged blood with you twice already, Lucan stated. It will only take once more for the c hange to begin. If you decide to go through with it, then you will be with us al ways. One of us will be at your side every minute of every day if that is what y ou wish. If you want space, we will give it to you. But at least we will know wh ere you are at all times and be able to keep you safe. What Lucan is trying to say , honey, is that once the change is complete, you will be connected to us within our minds as well as our bodies. You will have our blood humming through your v eins, which will tie us together mind, body, and soul. I love you, Angelina. Ple ase, dont say no. Im not forcing an answer from you, but I want you to take the ti me to think things through before you reject us, Trey said in a deep, gravelly vo ice full of emotion. Angelina felt moisture prick the back of her eyeballs. Treys heartfelt declaration had filled her soul as no one else ever had. She shifted on the sofa and looked at Lucan when he nudged her face around. I love you, baby. You may never know how much, but I dont want you to do anything you couldnt accep t. If you want us to leave you alone, and stay out of your life, then we will, Lu can said huskily. Angelina felt the last empty space in her heart fill. She was so full of love and hope she didnt want to walk away from them and wonder for the rest of her life what could have been. Even though she abhorred the thought of drinking blood, not being with these two men pierced her heart with pain. The se lflessness of their love and care and their acceptance of maybe having to let he r go did more for her than mere words. She was overcome and overwhelmed by such actions. The moisture shed held at bay spilled and trickled out onto her

The Drierge Brothers 87 cheeks. She took a deep breath, but that didnt help at all. She sobbed, and then she was wrapped up in their love and warmth. Talk to us, angel. Tell us why youre crying, Lucan requested gently and Trey pulled her onto his knees, wrapping her i n his embrace. You take such good care of me and you love me. Its just too much to comprehend. I feel so full of life and joy, she explained with a sniffle. Im sorry . I know Im not explaining very well, but its hard to put into words. Honey, you mak e us so damn happy. You mean everything to me. If you agree to the change, you w ill be like us, you will become a vampire. You will have the powers we have, but remember you wont be able to go out into the sunlight and will sleep the deep sl eep of our kind during the day. You wont be able to eat food anymore, honey, but I promise we will take care of you and make sure you feed without any knowledge if that is your wish, Trey whispered into her ear. Angelina shifted on Treys lap a nd looked at him intensely. I love you, Trey, she declared and gently kissed his l ips. She turned to Lucan and placed the palm of her hand against his cheek. I lov e you, Lucan, she whispered and then kissed her fingers and placed them on his li ps. I would very much like to spend eternity by your sides. I want you to change mebut I want to wait a little longer. Theres so much I still want to know about yo u, about being a vampire, about how my life will change. When its time, you will have to compel me to drink your blood, but as long as I know I will only be feed ing from you two, I think I will be able to handle that part of my new life. She smiled tremulously. Just give me a little time. Angel, Trey said, for you we would wa it for eternity. God, baby, you dont know how happy youve made us. I love you so muc h. Lucan reiterated his feelings and then plucked her from Treys lap and placed he r onto his.

88 Becca Van He leaned down and slanted his mouth over hers. He ate her up with such hunger t hat she felt the embers which had been simmering beneath the surface flare to li fe. She moaned as she tangled her tongue with his and reached up to thread her f ingers through his hair. He stiffened and then removed his tongue and lips from hers. He looked at Trey, and then he placed her on the sofa beside him. She coul d see the concern on his face and was about to ask him what was wrong, but he pl aced a finger over her lips. Shh, angel, I want you to stay here and be very quie t, Lucan whispered. What? One of our enemies has returned. If it will make you feel b etter, you can lock yourself in your room. That wont stop them! Angelina whispered. She didnt want them to leave her. Angel, well protect you, Trey said. But we must go now. Angelina gasped with awe when both Trey and Lucan began to dissipate before her very eyes. The frames of their bodies became obscured and then shimmered int o small dust molecules, reminding her of fog swirling in a breeze. Their particl es became so small they were barely visible to her eye. She sat on the sofa grip ping her hands as they disappeared. She wanted to follow them and make sure they came to no harm, but didnt because she knew she could end up more of a hindrance than a help. She flinched when she heard a yell of pain from elsewhere in the h ouse and couldnt stay still another moment. She jumped up and began to pace. Back and forth she went until she felt dizzy. She stopped and took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. It didnt help to diminish her anxiety. Only knowing her men were safe and not hurt would calm her. She spun on her heel and headed to the kitche n, the direction from which the yell had come. She entered the dining room and h eard a bloodcurdling scream of agony. She rushed over to the glass doors, opened them, and stepped outside.

The Drierge Brothers 89 Her eyes lit onto Trey and then Lucan. They were standing in the middle of the g arden, seemingly without a care in the world, in relaxed stances as they faced t heir enemy. Both of them were hurt and bleeding. Lucan had a gash in his shoulde r and Trey had one on his arm. Their cavalier attitude didnt match their wounds, and neither seemed overly concerned with the figure stalking toward them across the garden. Angelina made out the tuxedo the intruder was wearing, and with a ga sp of shock, she recognized the warlock who had attacked her in the kitchen. Pla nting his feet, the warlock shook a gray-streaked lock of hair from his eyes and bared his teeth in an evil grimace. Trey and Lucan moved slowly closer. Angelin a watched, her heart in her throat. Her mates moved like sleek predators, but sh e wanted to scream for them to run. The dagger in Treys hand seemed too small to protect them. Though she had no idea how to help them, she couldnt keep standing here. She didnt get to take more than one step before an icy-cold hand wrapped ar ound her throat and squeezed. Her feet left the ground, and black spots began to form before her eyes. She whimpered with fear. It was the evil one who had firs t slipped into her bedroom. She had never seen him clearly, nor could she now, b ut the cold that permeated her body was unmistakable. Paulo Harold, the evil vam pire, had her in his grip. When she thought she was about to pass out from lack of oxygen, the evil vampire lowered her feet to the ground and loosened the hold he had on her neck. She clawed at his hand with her nails, but that didnt seem t o faze him at all. Angelina sucked in great gulps of air, and when her vision cl eared, she sought out her mates. They stood near the warlock, who lay moaning on the ground. Both men seemed to have forgotten about him. As they watched her, t hey seemed frozen, their expressions fixed between rage and horror. She beseeche d them with her eyes, begging

90 Becca Van them to forgive her for getting into harms way. She coughed and tried to push awa y from Paulo, but he didnt let her. He squeezed her throat in warning and eased h is hold once more, but didnt release her. Let her go, Paulo. If you want a fight, then fight me. Dont be a coward and use a defenseless woman as a shield, Lucan sai d in a clear, calm voice. Come, we will settle our differences. I think not, Drierg e. You should have joined our side when you had the chance. You cannot defeat us , Lucan. We have the dark warlocks on our side now. We dont want to have to hide our existence any longer. We are so much more powerful than these sheep, Paulo sa id, indicating Angelina. She wondered why he thought so little of humans, but th at thought left as he began to speak once more. We have more food than we could e ver want and more power than these mere mortals can comprehend. Why not join wit h us, and together with the dark warlocks we can rule the Earth? You know we canno t allow that to happen, Paulo. You will be tried and decapitated if you do not l et the woman go, Trey snapped through clenched teeth. Ha! You and your brother are so self-righteous. You think you can tell everyone how they should live their l ives. Do you think you are strong enough to stop us all from getting what we wan t? You are so full of yourselves you cant see what is right in front of your face . We will prevail, and there is nothing you can do to stop us, Paulo snarled. Ang elina squeaked when the grip on her throat tightened to the point of unbearable pain. She scratched at his hands again, using her nails to dig deeply into his f lesh. Her tongue felt like it was swelling in her mouth, and the pressure in her brain was excruciating as blood barely flowed to her head. As she was about to pass out, she felt herself flying through the air. She couldnt scream, couldnt eve n make a sound with no oxygen coming through her constricted throat.

The Drierge Brothers 91 She saw stars as her body slammed into the houses brick wall. What little air she had managed to pull into her lungs went rushing out, and she couldnt scream when agony ripped through her shoulder, down her arm and side. Her sluggish heart be at loudly in her ears, and her vision was hazy. She saw Trey fighting with Paulo , blood seeping from another slash on Treys chest through his white T-shirt. She heard an evil chuckle and moved her eyes toward Lucan. He was battling with the dark warlock. They stood at least ten yards apart, and sparks and fire shot out of their hands, aimed at each other. She wanted to go to them and help them, but she felt so weak. She could feel lethargy traversing her body, leaving her depl eted of energy and strength. She looked down at her shoulder and felt a weak shu dder of fear move through her. A wooden peg pierced her flesh, and her blood was flowing rapidly from the wound. The tip of the spike protruded through her shou lder, clearly visible. Her breath was rasping in and out of her crushed esophagu s, and what little air she could capture wasnt enough to fill her lungs. Consciou sness was slipping away from her, and she knew she was dying.

92 Becca Van Chapter Eleven Trey had been so wrapped up in his battle with the warlock that he hadnt seen Ang elina coming out until it was too late. He had been about to leap on the warlock when the circumstances of the battle had changed. Fear permeated his body as Pa ulo sped up behind his mate and wrapped his hand around her throat. He wanted to dispose of the evil vampire until there was nothing of him left but dust, but h e didnt dare move in case he put Angelina in more jeopardy. His mate was in dange r. Trey clenched his teeth on a roar of fury, afraid of goading his enemy into h urting his woman any more than he already was. Bruises were already forming on h er white skin where that motherfucker was squeezing her throat. He hadnt seen or felt Paulos presence and cursed himself. In his haste to eliminate the first thre at he sensed, he hadnt thought to scan for anyone else. Paulo had only shown hims elf moments ago, and now Trey wondered if the warlock had only ever been a decoy . Paulo flung Angelina aside as if she were no more than a bug beneath his foot. Every cell in Treys body cried out for him to go to her, but none of them would be safe until they dispatched with the evil one. He leaped toward him and slashe d his claws down his side, ripping him open from chest to hip. Snarling, Paulo w as distracted, trying to heal the wound quickly. Trey pulled the silver dagger f ree from its sheath and plunged forward. He stabbed the tip of the metal blade d eep into Paulos chest and yelled with satisfaction as it gouged the bastards flesh .

The Drierge Brothers 93 A full-body shudder ripped through the evil one. Trey jumped back, exultant. The silver dagger had pierced Paulos heart. His enemy burst into ash that dispersed on the nights gentle breeze. He turned to help Lucan defeat the dark warlock. He summoned fireballs and lightning from his fingers and hand, but before he could pitch even one, the bastard disappeared in a shimmer. Trey heard Lucans snarled c urse, then the garden was silent. Trey panted, already looking around for his fo remost concern, for the one thing that had occupied his thoughts throughout the fight. Angelina. He spun around, and his knees nearly buckled when he beheld his mate. He was by her side an instant later, and he groaned with the anguish and fury bubbling up in his chest. She was covered in blood, and she was making an a wful rasping sound as she tried to get oxygen in through her crushed throat. He pushed into her mind and could only feel a small trace of her soul. She was slip ping away from them. Though he wanted her to open her eyes again, his heart clen ched at the thought of the pain she would feel if she woke. He hoped she stayed unconscious until he could pull the wooden spike free from her. Trey carefully l ifted her into his arms. He sped through the house and gently laid her down on h is bed moments later. Lucan entered the room right behind him and took her hand into his. We have to change her now. Shes dying, Trey whispered in torment. Lucan m et his eyes, his face conflicted, and looked away. Trey waited for his brothers a greement. They had no other choice, as he thought Lucan must know. Only the gift of immortality could save their mate now. It seemed agonizing to remember that they had been about to complete the last blood exchange right before the attack. If only theyd had more time, Angelina would be in no danger now. Theres no time, Tr ey urged his brother. Yes. Youre right. You go first, Lucan snarled.

94 Becca Van Lucans attitude didnt upset Trey. He knew it was because his brother was afraid fo r their mate. He sat on the bed and pulled Angelina onto his lap. He slashed her shirt with an elongated nail to reveal the wound, and then he placed his mouth on her damaged shoulder. Once he had taken enough blood for an exchange, he bit his wrist and held it to her mouth. He pushed deeper into her subconscious and f orced her to swallow his life-giving blood. He gently passed her over to Lucan a nd watched as his brother repeated the ritual. Trey watched Angelinas face throug hout, wishing she were awake. He had dreamed about this moment, about how their mate would join them in immortality, about sharing every facet of their lives wi th the one they loved. He hadnt dreamed it would be like this. As long as it work s. Please let it work. When Lucan had completed the exchange, he lapped over Ang elinas shoulder. The wound began to close as the healing properties of Lucans sali va worked in concert with the transformation Angelinas body was undergoing. The b leeding stopped, and her breathing eased slightly. Though it would take her torn muscles a little longer to heal, Trey felt himself relax a little. Lucan placed their woman onto the bed, and together they cleaned the last of the blood from her and put her to bed. Once their woman was tucked between the cool, clean shee ts, Trey sat down with his back propped against the headboard of the bed. Lucan mimicked his actions on the other side of Angelina. Trey had no idea what to exp ect as their mate went through the transformation. He cursed his ignorance and w ished he had taken the time to listen to their good friend Vlad when he had trie d to explain the transformation process to them. Hindsight was such a wonderful thing. Trey was just debating on whether to call on Vlad when Angelina sat bolt upright in bed, her eyes wide open. She screamed. The sound was so bloodcurdling that the hair on the back of his neck rose on end

The Drierge Brothers 95 and chills raced up and down his spine. He was about to pull her into his arms a nd try to soothe her, but she flopped back onto the bed, her eyes once more clos ed as she drifted back into sleep. He wondered if shed had a nightmare and prayed she didnt suffer too much. All he knew was that her body was transforming and he r internal organs restructuring so she could digest blood to sustain her life. H e adjusted the bed covers, hoping to make her more comfortable, but she began to move restlessly. Her body broke out in a film of sweat which covered her silken white skin, and then she began to thrash. He leaned over her and placed his han ds on her shoulders to hold her still so she wouldnt hurt herself, and Lucan move d to the foot of the bed to hold her legs and hips. Trey pressed back into her m ind, and her pain filled him at once. It was excruciating. Like nothing he had e ver felt before. White-hot fire spread throughout her body, and he could feel he r organs reshaping. Had he known what she would have to endure, he wasnt sure he would have asked her to go through the blood exchange. His mind knew that the pr ice would be worth it for he and his brother to be beside their mate for eternit y, but his heart would do anything to spare her this pain. Her back bowed off th e bed, and perspiration began to run in rivulets from her brow down her face. Wh en she began to convulse and blood began to seep from her pores, he became frigh tened. I think we should contact Vlad. I need to know she isnt dying, Trey stated h oarsely. Yes, Lucan snapped. Trey and his brother had formed a mental connection m any years ago with the wise vampire, and he called upon it now. Vladimir, we have great need of you. Come at once. Five minutes, neophyte, Vlad replied. Vlad was tr ue to his word and burst through his bedroom door five minutes later. He took in the scene before him at a glance and stopped beside the bed to stare at their a ngel.

96 Becca Van You have gone through the blood exchange, and because you didnt want to listen to me, you are scared for your mate, Vlad stated. Trey pulled his lips in tight and nodded in confirmation as he turned back to watch Angelina. She continued to wri the and convulse. His heart was beating out a rapid tattoo, and he wanted to be able to change places with her so he could endure her pain for her. Let me touch her mind. I need to see what is happening, Vlad said. Trey nodded again and felt Vlads presence in her brain. He felt his teacher and friend compelling her body t o accept the transformation rather than try to reject it. Then, to his immense r elief, her body went lax. She took a deep breath of air and then expelled it, an d she once more lay quietly on the bed in a seemingly peaceful slumber. All will be well now. Her mind isnt fighting the change anymore. She will rest comfortably for the rest of the night and well into the day. She wont awaken until you do, Vl ad explained. Do you want to tell me whats been going on? Who did you battle? Trey wondered for a moment how Vlad knew theyd battled anyone. Then Vlad pointed to Lu cans shirt, which was torn and bloodied where he had been attacked even though th e wound beneath had long since healed. Trey and Lucan took turns explaining all that had occurred and describing how their mate had been at deaths door. His tens e muscles relaxed when their woman continued to sleep without pain. She looked s o peaceful as she lay on his bed. Her skin had a creamy-white, almost translucen t look to it now. Her cheeks werent as rosy as they had been, but her lips seemed to be tinged a deeper hue of red. She was so beautiful, and he was so entranced with her that his friends voice faded into the background. He nearly forgot Vlad was there until his friend thumped a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

The Drierge Brothers 97 Shes going to be fine now. I hope you have told her everything she needs to know a bout becoming one of us, Vlad stated. Trey looked up at his friend to answer. She knows some of what to expect. Of course she has a lot to learn. We have only ski mmed over some of our powers, but she knows she will have to ingest blood to sur vive. Its been many years since Ive seen a human turned and it wasnt pretty. The woma n so abhorred feeding from humans, she nearly died. Vlad said. That sounded so mu ch like Angelina that Trey began to feel nervous. But we cant die that way, he said . Right? A vampire who goes too long without sustenance will weaken, Vlad replied. Th ose who refuse to drink eventually slip into a coma. Little better than death, i f you ask me. Somberly, he turned his gaze to Angelina. I hope you wont have to go through the same thing. No, we wont, Lucan said. Angelina is going to let us feed her . She has told us already she wont be able to drink from humans and therefore has accepted that we will have to compel her to feed from us alone. Good. Then I will leave you to see to your woman. You need to redo your protection spells. They h ave been weakened by a counterspell. Id say that was how the warlock and evil one were able to breach your perimeter. This isnt the first time they got in, Lucan sna rled. Trey shared his brothers frustration, but Vlad said, Our enemies are determi ned, and they have access to spells that you and I would not stoop to use. All t he more reason for me to find out what the dark warlocks are up to. Vlad paused, and then went on. I think I know the one you described to me. The asshole in the tu x? Lucan asked drily. Thats the one. His name is George Kite. Ive encountered him be fore, and it seems we will have to fight him again. We have battled long and har d, my friends, and it seems the battle is not yet over. I

98 Becca Van would be grateful if you would join us again, to protect the innocent and rejoin the fight against evil. I will organize a meet to discuss the problems we are f acing when I gather the information I need. Vlad said. Let me know if you need any thing. For now I will leave you to settle your mate into our way of life. Vlads bo dy began to disperse until his body had turned to small dust particles which str eamed from the room. Shit, Lucan spat out. I cant believe I didnt detect the breach i n our protection charms. Im going to reinforce our perimeter. You stay here with our angel. I dont think shell awaken, but Id rather one of us was with her if she d oes. Call me if she so much as twitches. Lucan was gone a split second later, and as Trey sat on the side of the bed watching over their mate, he could feel the reinforced energy of Lucans protection spells. He wanted to know that their woman was amply protected from their enemies, and he also wanted to know why the dark warlock and the evil vampire had targeted Angelina. Sighing, he resigned himsel f to patience, a trait he had cultivated with some difficulty over his long life . He still had bouts of impatience, but now that he had a wife at his side, he f elt like a much younger man, eager to learn everything about his love. The night passed slowly. Lucan left to feed, then returned and urged Trey to do the same. Reluctant to leave his angel, Trey fed quickly and returned to the house at onc e. By the time he climbed into bed beside Angelina, his brother was already lyin g next to her and the sun was scarce minutes from rising. Trey reached over and brushed the hair away from Angelinas face. He could feel the pull of the earth an d sun, and his eyelids became too heavy to keep open. He moved in close to their woman until he spooned her body, an arm over her waist. Glad at least to hold h er while they slept the deep sleep of his kind, he let his mind and body be pull ed into the darkness.

The Drierge Brothers 99 Chapter Twelve Lucan was aware of his angel draped across his chest when he took his first waki ng breath. He savored the sensation of her in his arms and pulled her in closer to him. Their mate was going to wake up with a voracious hunger. His cock harden ed quickly at the thought of his woman feeding from him. He wanted to be buried in her body balls-deep when she bit him. His dick pulsed and stiffened even more as he imagined her newly formed fangs sliding into his flesh. She sighed and sn uggled up to him, her head moving slightly as if she were trying to get closer t o him. He brushed against her mind and knew she still wasnt quite awake. Trey was awake and in her head as well, monitoring their mate as well. Lucan began to ca ress the length of her body, and with long sweeps, he moved his hand up and down , tracing the dips and curves of her form. Her legs began to move restlessly, so he placed his thigh over hers to anchor them. He watched her face as he cupped her breasts, and she mewled and arched up into him. He rubbed his thumb back and forth over her nipple, and then he took the now-turgid peak between his finger and thumb and gently squeezed. His angel moaned and her eyelids fluttered open. Her eyes were a deeper shade of violet, and her pupils were so condensed they we re barely a pinprick. They dilated when Trey began to caress her belly, and then his brothers hand moved lower. He gently pushed her until she was lying on her b ack and leaned over her, keeping his eyes on hers. Lucan slowly lowered his head and brushed his mouth over hers. He coaxed her into kissing him. She didnt disap point. She reached up with one hand and brushed her

100 Becca Van fingers into his hair. She clutched a handful of his strands and lifted her head to meet him. He groaned deeply when she opened up to him, and he swept his tong ue into her mouth. He tasted every inch of her depths and knew he would never ge t enough of her. He slowed the kiss until he was sipping at her lips, and then h e began to nibble his way over to her neck. He inhaled deeply, and the scent of her blood called to the beast always on alert inside him. His gums began to itch , and he knew he was in danger of losing control. He kissed his way down to her chest and sucked one of her dark, rosy nipples into his mouth. He laved the peak with his tongue and delighted in the sounds she made as he and his brother inci ted her passion. His teeth scraped over her hard nub, and then he continued his journey down her body. She released his hair as he kissed and licked over her so ft, warm belly, and when he was above her moist sex, he inhaled her delectable, musky, feminine arousal. Lucan made himself comfortable between her thighs, usin g his shoulders to keep her legs splayed, and lowered his head to her vagina. He flicked his tongue over her clit, and she bowed so high he had to hold her hips to keep her from bucking him off. He licked from her engorged nub, down through her slick folds until he was at her pussy hole. He thrust his tongue into her a s far as he could and curled the tip to collect her cream. The flavor of her ess ence exploded on his tongue, and he growled as he delved back in for more. He li cked, nibbled, and thrust into her until she was writhing beneath him. He opened his eyes and looked up her body to see his brother kissing her passionately whi le cupping both her breasts and pinching her nipples. He couldnt hold off anymore . He had to love her now. I want her ass, Trey, Lucan said telepathically. Good, be cause I want her hot, wet cunt. Lucan released his hold on Angelinas hips and help ed his brother to turn her onto her side. She now faced Trey, and he moved up on the bed until he was at her back.

The Drierge Brothers 101 Weve got a plan, angel, Trey said. You want to hear what we have in store for you? Sur prise me, she murmured. Thats my angel. Smiling, Lucan conjured a tube of lube and popped to lid open. Trey was kissing and caressing her, keeping their angel occ upied and her fires burning, and Lucan began to prepare her ass. He massaged the cool gel into her anus and smiled when she sobbed into Treys mouth. He slowly bu t surely began to push a finger into her back canal. He wiggled his finger aroun d, loosening her muscles, and when she was used to one digit, he went back for m ore lube and began to penetrate her with two. He pumped his digits in and out of her body, spreading them apart, preparing her for his aching cock. When she sla ckened her hold on him even more, he knew she was ready for him. He coated his e rection with the more gel, and then he lay beside her, lifted her thigh, and hel d it up in the air. Trey released her mouth and placed a hand at her hip and beg an to penetrate her pussy. She mewled softly as his brother slid into her body. Trey grimaced with pleasure, and Lucan remembered what it felt like to be buried in her tight, moist cunt. When Trey was in their woman to the hilt, he aimed hi s cock for her little pucker and slowly but firmly began to push inside her. His breath rasped in and out at a rapid pace, and his heart beat franticly. His gro an joined Angelinas as he forged through her tight ring of muscles. He held still , giving her time to adjust to his intrusion, and when she stopped clamping down on his dick so hard, he began to invade her ass farther. When he was buried bal ls-deep into her tight channel, he nodded at Trey, giving his brother the signal it was time to love their woman. He withdrew his cock to the tip, and as he pus hed back in, Trey began to pull from her cunt. He wanted to go slow and savor th e exquisite sensations of loving their woman and not to have it end too soon. He and Trey loved her at a leisurely pace, making sure she felt nothing but pleasu re. He and his brother were still in her mind and could feel

102 Becca Van what she was feeling. It was a heady experience, being able to sense what she fe lt as they made love to her. Lucan withdrew his cock and surged back in again. W ith no other woman had he ever felt the connection he had with Angelina. She had such a loving, nurturing nature. Even if she was too willfully independent at t imes, that was one of the things he liked most about her. She was the love of hi s life, and he would do anything to keep her safe, even give up his own life. He and Trey advanced and retreated in counterthrusts, making sure she was filled w ith one of them at all times. She was sobbing constantly now, and he knew she wa s getting close to climax. He picked up the pace of his pumping hips, slowly spe eding up, and Trey stayed with him every step of the way. He could feel the hung er in her as he made love with her, but she had no idea that she was craving the taste of their blood. In her mind, he felt her pleasure heightening with every thrust of his hips. She was getting close to climax. He began to surge into her harder and faster, making sure the friction of their flesh sliding together only gave her pleasure. Her muscles squeezed and rippled around his hard cock. He ch anged his thrusts from long and deep to short, sharp digs, and she began to keen in the back of her throat. He pushed further into her mind, intent on compellin g her to drink from Trey and then himself, but he didnt get the chance. His littl e woman let her instincts take over, and she reached out, bringing Treys head clo ser to her. She licked along the length of his neck, and then she bit down. She screamed with pleasure and climaxed at the same time she began to feed. When she tasted Treys blood on her tongue, her mind didnt know what to make of the sensati on, but it quickly melted into joy as the blood filled her mouth. Lucan was prou d of her. Her body was conflicting with her mind, but it didnt affect her pleasur e.

The Drierge Brothers 103 Her muscles clamped down onto his cock, and she screamed against his brothers thr oat as she flew into nirvana. Trey groaned as he climaxed and let her take her f ill from him. He finally pulled her from his throat and, using his mind, told he r to close the wound. She did so with the flick of her tongue and then took Luca ns hand in hers. She brought his wrist up to her mouth, and he growled deep from his chest as her incisors sank into his vein. He thrust his hips one last time a nd held still as he reached his peak and filled Angelinas ass with his cum. His m ate continued to climax around him and his brother as she took her fill from him , too, and then closed the wound without being told to. Lucan stayed in her mind as the last tremors of her orgasm faded away. The only sound left in the room w as their harsh, rapid breathing. He could feel her conflicting emotions as she p rocessed what she had just done. He slowly withdrew his semierect cock from her ass, and Trey pulled out of her pussy. He got off the bed and scooped her up int o his arms. Striding toward the adjoining bathroom, he could see the turmoil in the deep pools of her eyes, but she didnt say anything. She wrapped an arm around his neck, clinging to him as if he were her only lifeline in a raging storm. Lu can stepped into the shower, and Trey followed. Trey washed her hair, and Lucan became concerned when she didnt react. She stood docilely until she was clean. He turned off the shower and stepped out, waiting for her until she stood before h im on the bathmat. He dried her off, and Trey led her back to the bedroom. He si ghed, because he knew once she got her head around what had happened, the questi ons would begin. He only hoped Angelina didnt become hysterical. Her clothes lay waiting for her on the bed, conjured by the power of Lucans mind. She pulled her clothes on, her movements jerky, her hands shaking. He wanted to pull her back i nto his arms to hold and comfort her, but knew she needed to keep her distance f or now. She

104 Becca Van was the one to lead the way from Treys room and down the stairs to the kitchen. S he went straight to the kettle, filled it with water, and put it on to boil. He let her do the mundane task, knowing he was going to have to stop her from actua lly drinking anything. If she did, his angel would end up very ill. Lucan claspe d her wrist gently when she reached for a mug in the cupboard and gently guided her to the kitchen table. He sat down on a chair and pulled her onto his lap, wr apping his arms around her waist. Angel, you dont need coffee. If you try to drink or eat anything you will get violently ill, he explained quietly. He waited for the eruption, but it didnt come. He looked down at her, and pain pierced his hear t when he saw the tears streaming down her face. Nothing? I cant eat or drink anyt hing at all? Honey, you are like us now. So no, you cant exist on anything but bloo d, Trey replied as he sat next to them. Shit. She rubbed her hand over her face. I k now. I mean, I remember parts of it. And I feel different, now. She lowered her h and and looked at it closely, as though expecting to see some outward sign of th e change. Lifting her gaze to Trey, she went on, Why did you do it? You were dying, baby. You wouldnt have lasted long enough to get you to a hospital if we hadnt do ne it. Once the transformation began, your body was able to heal. And, Lucan added gently, you already agreed to the change. You said you wanted I know what I said, she interrupted, through clenched teeth. But I was wrong. Im not ready. I dont want to have to drink blood to survive. Lucan tried to take her anger calmly. Baby, I cant even imagine what youre going through right now. Were here for you while you go th rough this transformation, but your natural instincts are going to make you do s ome things you may

The Drierge Brothers 105 question. He hesitated and looked to Trey before continuing quietly, We didnt have to compel you to drink our blood this time. No! I couldnt have. I would never have done such a thing, she replied, vehemently shaking her head. We didnt force you int o feeding from us. Think back and remember, Angelina. You know in your heart wha t were saying is true, Trey stated gently. Oh God, Ive turned into a leech, she whisp ered. Lucan felt pain stab his heart at that statement. Her words hurt him more than he would have ever thought. He knew deep down she didnt mean to wound him wi th her thoughtless words, but to hear her say such a thing tore him up. He saw t he flash of pain in his brothers eyes and knew he was just as upset. But then he realized she had just gone through one of the most traumatic experiences in her life and was understandably upset because of the transformation. How the hell am I supposed to live a normal life? Angelina snapped and rose from his lap. She beg an to pace back and forth over the floor in agitation. You cant, angel. From now o n, your life as you know it doesnt exist, Lucan replied. He knew he was being hars h with her, but she had hurt him and he wanted to lash back. At least he spoke t he truth. She spun back to face him, and he could see the pain he had caused her . He couldnt stand that he had offended her with his words, so he stood and moved toward her. He took her upper arms in his hands and pulled her into his body. Im sorry, baby. I know that was harsh and probably too much for you to hear right n ow, but you have to face the truth. You cant go back to your life. You will be aw ake during the hours of the night and sleep through the day. You cant eat or drin k because it will make you sick. You will have to feed from us every day to sust ain your life and you will have more powers than you ever dreamed of, Lucan expla ined.

106 Becca Van I dont want any powers. I want to go back to the way things were, she said in a tor tured whisper. Why? Why did you do this to me? Honey, Trey said as he rose and pulle d her from his arms into his. You cant hide from the truth. You were dying, Angeli na. We had to change you. Cant you understand that? Saying I accept something is di fferent than actually having to do it. This is just too much. I didnt know I woul d crave your blood. Oh, I know you told me, but words are nothing compared to re ality. I cant even see my kids anymore. I dont know if I can handle that. They wer e my whole world, she said in a tormented voice. Angel, we know its going to take y ou time to adjust. Please, just give us a chance to help you. Dont push us away, baby. You are going to need us now more than ever, Lucan said quietly. His mate t ook a deep breath and pushed her shoulders back. He could feel her resolve to tr y to accept what she had become. He was so proud of her in that moment he wanted to shout from the rooftops. Even though their woman was a delicate little thing compared to him and his brother, Lucan knew she had a reserve of steel she call ed on to get her through difficult times. Shed had to be so independent, and sinc e shed had no one to rely on, only herself, she had pulled on that inner strength to get her through. Im sorry I hurt you, she said and took one each of his and his brothers hands. I know my words werent nice, and I can only say that Im sorry. It w as never my intention to cause you pain. Ah, angel, there is nothing to forgive. I know you didnt mean to hurt us. Forget it ever happened, Lucan replied. As he spo ke, he felt the vibration of someone entering through the protection spell place d around the property. But he felt no alarm. Only one person besides the three o f them in the kitchen could get through now. When he met Treys eye, his brother s miled. Come into the living room, honey. We have a guest and I would like you to meet him, Trey said and began to lead her from the room.

The Drierge Brothers 107 Chapter Thirteen Angelina followed Trey into the living room and wondered how he knew they had a visitor when she hadnt heard a knock at the door. She came to a standstill in the center of the room as Trey greeted the man. He was taller than her two men and much bulkier with muscle. He had long, dark hair which hung around his shoulders , and he was dressed in what appeared to black leather. He was handsome in a har sh, rugged way, and she could tell just by watching him that he was very powerfu l and confident. He returned Treys greeting with a longtime familiarity and then turned to Lucan, who was standing at her side. Lucan, its good to see you and your brothercomplete. You seem more settled and content, the man said, then turned his browneyed gaze to her. You have much to learn, neophyte, but I know with the gui dance of these two you will acquire the necessary knowledge. Baby, I would like yo u to meet a very good friend of ours, Vladimir Trance. Vlad, this is our mate, A ngelina Canley. Lucan introduced them to each other. Can we sit down? We have a fe w things we need to talk over, Vlad said and sat in an armchair. Angelina turned, intent on leaving the room to give the men some privacy, but Vlad stopped her. Y ou need to stay, neophyte. What I have to divulge involves you. She moved to the sofa and sat down, and Trey and Lucan sat on either side of her. She felt nervou s in the other mans presence and

108 Becca Van hoped her discomfit didnt show. She clutched her hands in her lap and waited for the men to talk. The dark warlocks are working in conjunction with the evil ones trying to get to our mates. It seems they have found in ancient texts that the b lood of a vampires mate can give warlocks eternal life. It doesnt matter whether a mate has gone through the full blood exchange or if only one exchange has been made. Once you have joined blood, the transformation has already started, so a m ates blood will give everlasting life to them, Vlad explained. Why have we never he ard of this? Does that mean we dont need to make three blood exchanges to complet e the transformation? Trey asked. He sounded confused to Angelina. No. The ritual of three exchanges is still necessary, but the first exchange is enough for eter nal life to be given, if the mates blood is ingested. Angelina watched shock pass over Treys face. Lucan was more stoic, but when he saw her looking at him, he low ered his eyes. She took each of their hands. Its okay, she said. You did what you th ought you had to do. She looked between her two men. Trey squeezed her hand reass uringly. Lucan sighed. I still wish we knew this before, he said to Vlad. Vlad shr ugged. We have lost many scribes and scrolls throughout time. Who knows how the d ark warlocks got their hands on the information. It could have been passed down by one of the evil ones. Why would the evil ones be working with the warlocks? Luca n asked. They only ever do something if they are to benefit. We havent been able to ascertain the why yet, but we will eventually. I have others out on the streets trying to gather information, but nothing has come to light yet. Make sure one o f you is with your mate at all times and be on full alert. What will happen if the y get ahold of me? Angelina asked.

The Drierge Brothers 109 Honey, dont worry. We wont let anyone near you. Just do as we say and everything wi ll be fine, Trey asserted. You cant be with me all the time. Its just not possible. I know you will do everything within your power to keep me safe, but be realisti c, Angelina stated. There will be times when we cant be together. Angelinas right, you know. There will be certain times when you have things to do and you cant take h er with you. Its better if you teach her how to use her powers. At least give her some skills to be able to defend herself, and for Gods sake, teach her how to co mmunicate with you. That ability may be the difference between life and death. M aybe teach her to throw a few fireballs and sparks, Vlad suggested. Angelina was astounded. Of course Trey and Lucan had told her she would have powers, but she had been skeptical. To hear another telling them to teach her such skills both a wed and humbled her. She remembered seeing sparks shooting from the tips of Luca ns fingers as well as seeing him hurling what looked like fireballs, but she had been in so much pain and losing blood so quickly that she thought she had been h allucinating. She turned to Lucan to ask if she had truly seen that and felt him brush against her mind. She jumped at the unexpectedness of the light touch and then realized he hadnt left her mind since she had first come back into their ho me. Yes, baby, we really did those things, he said. I thought I was dreaming, she re plied and looked from Lucan to Trey. No, honey, it was real, Trey stated. You didnt speak, she whispered and frowned. You can communicate telepathically? Yes, angel, an d so can you. Just think about what you want to say and use your mind to push th ose thoughts toward us, Lucan explained.

110 Becca Van A few small words entered Angelinas mind, and she closed her eyes, conjured an im age of Lucan and Trey in her mind, and propelled the thought in their direction. Can you hear me? Yes, baby. Yeah, honey. Ooh, this is just too cool. What else can I o? Well get to your training soon, honey. Just let us finish up with Vlad first, Tre y said. Oh, sorry, Vlad, Angelina apologized sheepishly. No problem, youngin, just r emember you have to learn to block your mind as well. You dont want all and sundr y to hear your conversation. You could hear me? Yes, but you will learn to control y our thoughts and block them from others. I could also hear your mens replies sinc e you havent yet learned that particular skill. How do I block you out then? she ask ed. Envisage a wall in your mind and build it up so it becomes impenetrable. Angel ina tried to see the wall in her own mind. Instead of bricks or a mirror, she sa w her wall as a giant column of water. She nodded for Vlad to continue. Make it a s wide as it is high. Now make sure you keep it in place at all times, but if yo u want to speak to your mates, just picture them and then talk to them without u sing your mouth. Give it a try. The wall of water stretched around her mind, and she reached out through the liquid barrier and tried to speak to her men. Can you hear me? Yes, angel. You learn fast, and I like what you have used to make your w all. I would never have thought to use water. It does the trick nicely, Lucan sta ted admiringly.

The Drierge Brothers 111 Im very proud of you, honey. I dont think you will have any trouble learning other skills required to protect yourself, Trey encouraged. Thanks, guys, she replied wit h a sigh. Very good, Angelina, I didnt even hear a murmur, Vlad said, I need to be g oing. I have a few appointments before I can rest with the sunrise. It was nice meeting you, Angelina. You, too. She hesitated, then asked, Will that warlock come b ack for me? Its hard to know what they intend. But yes, he may return, Vlad admitted . All the more reason to listen to your mates and practice as much as you can. Vla d rose to his feet. Trey, Lucan, Ill be in touch. Angelina blinked, and that quickl y, Vlad was gone. She wished she had kept her eyes on him so she could see how h ed left. She turned to Lucan when he squeezed her hand. Are you ready to open your mind and your heart to us, baby? You have to let go of everything as you know i t and believe what you would deem impossible. Havent I already done that? she asked in return. To an extent, yes, you have. But you have so much more to explore and learn. Come, we will go into the basement and begin lessons, Trey stated and help ed her to her feet. Angelina stood at the top of the stairs in a doorway which h ad been concealed in the kitchen. She had watched as Lucan keyed in a code and t he back of the pantry wall slid open to reveal the doorway. She shivered as she looked down the dark staircase, remembering her dream of moving cadavers. She pu shed her fear and trepidation to the back of her mind and followed Lucan down th e now-lit stairwell. She nearly laughed at what she had imagined their basement to look like. She had been totally wrong. The walls were made of bluestone, but there wasnt an altar or coffin in sight. The room was

112 Becca Van well lit with fluorescent lights, and the concrete floor was painted a light-blu e color. All in all, the basement was just like any other. Lucan halted in the c enter of the room and turned toward her. He brushed her mind with his, and she f elt Trey come up behind her and place his hands onto her shoulders. She took a d eep breath and tried to clear her mind of clutter. She knew she was going to nee d a clear head to learn what they had to teach her. I am going to show you how to shoot sparks of electricity from my fingertips, angel, and then I want you to t ry. Okay? Lucan asked. Yes, she replied. Angelina had expected him to literally sho w her, which he did, but he also showed her in her mind. It felt as if Lucan wer e gathering all the charged atoms in the air and pulling them into him, and then he pushed them out the tips of his fingers. It was an awesome sight and experie nce. The fine hairs on the back of her neck and arms felt like they were standin g on end. She felt as if she were about to get a large jolt of static electricit y, but that sensation waned as the blue jolts shot out of Lucans fingers to bounc e harmlessly off the stone wall. Did you feel that, baby? Lucan asked. Yes, but I s till dont know if I can do it, she replied circumspectly. Theres only one way to fin d out, honey. Take a deep breath and relax, then see if you can do it, Trey sugge sted. Angelina did what Trey recommended then began to gather the charged partic les from the air into her body. She felt her hair moving and wondered if it was standing on end. When she felt electricity pulsing throughout her frame and she didnt think she could continue to contain it, she aimed for the stone and pushed it from her body and out her fingers. She laughed as blue sparks shot from the t ips and seemed to be absorbed within the brick wall. Youre a natural at that, ange l. Do you know how fucking sexy you are when you laugh? I want you to do that mo re often, Lucan declared.

The Drierge Brothers 113 Ill try. I havent had much to laugh over lately, but I feel so connected to you bot h. Its like Im a part of you and youre a part of me. I think Ill be able to come to terms with everything soon, she stated. I love you, baby, Lucan professed and then placed the tips of his fingers on her lips to prevent her from replying. No, dont say anything, angel. We still have too much to do, and if you speak of anything other than your lessons, we are going to end up in bed. And as much as I would l ove to spend time making love with you, the need to protect you is supreme. Now, let Trey teach you how to form fireballs. Angelina turned toward Trey and gasped when she saw the heat in his eyes as their gazes connected. His blue irises wer e nearly indistinguishable from his pupils. The color seeped away, leaving huge black pools instead. Your eyes Its okay, honey, they turn black when we change forms. Just concentrate, angel, Trey replied. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again with a snap as he shook his head. She felt him brush against her brain , and then he was literally vibrating the air in front of them, causing atoms to heat. He gathered those particles together until he had a ball of fire in his h and. He let her feel what he did, and she wondered why his palm and fingers were nt getting burnt. The ball isnt touching my skin, honey. Its hovering above it. Trey answered her unspoken question. He flicked his wrist, and the flaming orb shot t o the stone wall to be absorbed and disappear. Weve spelled the wall to absorb any of our powers so we can practice without getting hurt. Take a breath and see if you can do it, Angelina. She rolled her shoulders and shook her arms and hands o ut, relaxing her muscles. She inhaled and used her mind to vibrate the unseen pa rticles. She could feel warmth in front of her as the

114 Becca Van

molecules near her now-upraised hand began to heat. She moved them faster and fa ster and gathered them near her palm. The ball which formed above her skin wasnt as large as the one Trey had made, but she was proud of the fact she had succeed ed in the task. She flicked her wrist and watched as the orb disappeared into th e wall. That was fantastic, honey, but I want you to try it again. Lets see if you can make a bigger sphere this time. You just need to wait a bit longer before y ou aim and fire, Trey said with a smile. Angelina tried again and again until she could use her two new powers without having to think about the process. By the time she thought they were finished, she was utterly exhausted. There is one more skill you need to learn, baby. Once youve mastered that you can rest, Lucan state d. What? she asked. You need to know how to block. These three skills will keep you alive if the need arises, Lucan declared. Okay, she replied. Show me. Its pretty simp e, baby. Just imagine the wall in your mind but surrounding your body instead. N o one else will be able to see it, and nothing should be able to penetrate it, he explained. Will a shield of water keep out electricity sparks? she queried. Im not sure, but lets find out, Lucan suggested. Trey, shoot me. Angelina hoped like hell t he shield worked. The last thing she wanted was for Lucan to be injured. No soon er had she completed that thought than blue sparks shot toward Lucan. The sparks seemed to wrap around him without touching his body, then dissipated into nothi ng. Using shield of liquid works better than mine, baby. I was rather surprised b y the results myself. I expected the sparks to continue in a never-ending circle since they were being absorbed by water, Lucan said and took her hand to lead he r from the basement.

The Drierge Brothers 115 Angelina was warmed by his praise, but privately, she hoped like hell she never found herself in a situation where she would have to use her new skills.

116 Becca Van Chapter Fourteen Trey and Lucan made Angelina practice daily and introduced more skills for her t o get a handle on. She learned how to break her body down into dust like particl es and move between small cracks and though the air with ease. She also learned how to make her body float and travel through the air. She didnt cringe when she fed from her mates now. In fact she looked forward to it. They had made it a par t of their love making, and to her it was just a part of their sensuality and pa ssion. It had been over a month since Vlad had told them what the dark warlocks g oals were, and she was beginning to think she was safe because they hadnt tried t o get to her again. Well, not that she knew of, anyway. She was sure if the oppo site were true, Lucan or Trey would have told her. In the past few weeks, she ha d organized to complete the lease of her apartment with her landlord and had als o moved her things into her mates house. She was glad she hadnt seen Mark when she was at her old home with her men. The memory of her weird neighbor trying point ing a gun at her still made her cringe. She hadnt mastered how to wipe thoughts f rom a human mind, but she knew she would eventually. She had also typed up a let ter of resignation to the school for the blind and sent gifts for each and every one of the children she had taught. Her previous life was wrapped up efficientl y, and she now embraced her new world. Down in the basement, Angelina went throu gh the moves Trey and Lucan had wanted her to learn in what had become her night ly routine. They were a mix between karate, tai chi, and another martial

The Drierge Brothers 117 art called tae kwon do. She was moving a lot faster now than when she had starte d out, and thanks to her men, she knew she would have a better chance defending herself if the need arose. She concentrated on perfecting her moves, and when sh e had them down pat, she picked up the pace. Ive got it. She laughed exuberantly an d spun in a circle with happiness. After weeks of practice everything has finally clicked into place. I cant wait to show Lucan and Trey. Her men would soon return from feeding. It was very rare they left her alone, but it had been several day s since they had answered their bodies needs, so she had urged them to go. Just a s Lucan had left, Vlad had called Trey to meet them at his house. She had no ide a where that was, but she didnt mind having some alone time. She stopped her whir ling and took a deep breath. She had had enough for the present and wanted to sh ower and change before her men came back. Angelina reached the top of the stairs and placed her hand upon the door handle. The metal felt different, and she pul led her hand back. All of a sudden, she didnt like the feel of the house. It was no longer empty, but she knew Trey and Lucan hadnt yet returned. They would have let her know. She sought them out with her mind and immediately wished she hadnt been able to connect with Lucan. He was busy feeding from a young woman, and she felt jealousy pierce her heart. She knew they needed to get their nourishment f rom humans so their blood didnt deplete too much when she fed from them, but she didnt like that he was feeding from a female. She withdrew and gulped in air to c ircumvent her pain, and then she reached out for the door handle once more. She cried out when the heavy wooden door flew open and connected with her wrist. She hadnt been fast enough when she pulled back. Excruciating, white-hot pain stabbe d deep into her bones, and she knew her wrist was broken. She also realized, giv en enough time, it would heal on its own and she would be able to use it again.

118 Becca Van She jumped backward, landing at the bottom of the stairs with an agility she had nt known she possessed. The figure at the top of the stairs smoothed his hand ove r hair streaked with silver, then straightened the lapels of his tuxedo. Angelin a stared at the dark warlock, George Kite. He had finally come for her. He desce nded the steps and stalked toward her. She backed away and covered herself in he r invisible shield, hoping and praying it was enough to prevent him from harming her. She watched him warily and kept stepping back until she could go no farthe r. She bumped into the cold, hard stone wall and stayed still, waiting to see wh at he would do. The bastard grinned at her, and then he began to mutter under hi s breath and waved his hand at her. She gasped as she felt her invisible shield begin to wrap around her, constricting her body in a tight vise. Angelina concen trated on gathering the electrodes in the air and pulled them into her body. Whe n she felt like she was fully charged, she flicked her wrist before her shield p inned her body and sent the spark out toward him. She screamed for Trey and Luca n in her mind and watched as the warlock went hurtling through the air. He came to a bone-jarring halt as his body connected with the stone wall, and then he la ughed and rose to his feet again. I see you have been practicing. Im glad. I love a challenge. I hate it when its too easy to take what I want, George stated. Even though shed thrown him, she was still wrapped tightly in his hold. Youd better get out of here. They will kill you, Angelina said in a quavering voice. They can try. W hy are you doing this? she asked, trying to distract him so she could figure out a way to get out of his stranglehold. Because I want everlasting life, of course. What warlock wants to face death when they have learned so much? I have ruled o ver my minions for quite a few years now, and I want to keep them under me for t he rest of their natural lives. When they are too old and decrepit

The Drierge Brothers 119 to serve me I will cast them aside for new servants. My superior species will ru le the earth. I want your blood, woman, and you are going to give it to me. I dont think so, Angelina muttered and dissolved down to the smallest of dust molecules. She streamed through the air and up the stairs. She was almost at the door when it slammed shut. She didnt let that stop her. She slid through the cracks and ma terialized in the kitchen. She punched in the code and watched as the open panel swept across the entrance and closed with an airtight seal. She was about to ru n to the front door and leave the house, but she heard evil, raucous laughter ec hoing behind her. She turned around slowly and faced her nemesis. She didnt know how he had escaped, but there he stood, his face contorted with rage. You didnt th ink you could get away from me that easily, did you? Come now, you are only a no vice. You are no match for one such as me, he taunted. She gathered herself and m oved the air in front of her rapidly. She didnt bother to lift her hand, because that action would have warned him what was to come. She saw the shimmer of heat just before she collected the hot molecules into a flaming orb and hurled it tow ard him with her mind. He tried to dodge, but he wasnt fast enough. She caught hi m in the shoulder, and he howled in pain and fury. She didnt see it coming, but s omething slammed into her and pinned her to the front door. The air in her lungs left in a whoosh, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldnt get oxygen back into her depleted lungs. Pinpricks of light formed before her eyes, and she thou ght she was about to pass out. Just as she closed her eyes to the inevitable, sh e felt them coming to her. She opened her mouth, and air rushed into her lungs, filling her with blessed relief and energy. She called on her last reserves and hurled electricity at him. He screamed with pain, but she didnt stop. She kept ga thering the molecules in front of her and pulling them into

120 Becca Van her in a never-ending cycle. She could feel the energy draining from her and kne w she only had moments before it dissipated. She gave one last burst and shot th e bastard with bolts of electricity from one hand and a fireball from the other. He yelled in agony, and then he disappeared into thin air. Angelina slid down t he door and landed on her ass with a thud. She tried to get to her hands and kne es to move away from the entrance, but she couldnt move. She closed her eyes and succumbed to the blackness pulling her down. **** Lucan felt his angel enter his mind as he slid his fangs into the young womans vein. He felt her revulsion and jealousy as she withdrew and he growled with frustration against the females neck . He hadnt thought to block his mind from his mate while he was feeding, and now he had some ground to make up with her. He finished up, closed the wound, and fl oated into the air. Tension increased within him the closer he got to his home. He felt an urgency to get to Angelina. He was less than a mile away when she scr eamed inside his head. Using his preternatural speed, he was at the front door s econds later. He brushed against Angelinas mind, but it felt like she was sleepin g. He wondered if he had imagined her cry for help, but he dematerialized his bo dy into minute dust molecules and slipped through a crack in the front door. He saw her slumped against the front door, and he reformed his body. She was alive, thank God. He could hear her heart beating steadily in her chest. He bent down and lifted her in his arms. Just as he placed her on the sofa, her eyelids flutt ered open. He delved into her brain and saw what had happened. He was full of ra ge by the time he had extracted her recent memories. He checked

The Drierge Brothers 121 her wrist and was pleased to see it was already healing, and then he sat down be side her and pulled her onto his lap. Are you all right, angel? he whispered again st her ear. Yes. Oh God, Lucan, I was so scared, she replied with a sob. Ah, baby, Im sorry we left you alone. We should have known better, he said, anguished. It was nt your fault. You didnt know Vlad would call Trey away. Im so proud of you, Angelina . You fought so hard. Even though you were scared, you kept your wits about you. You just saved your own life, baby, Lucan said. But you shouldnt have had to. He was crazy, Lucan. He wants his kind to rule over the humans, she whispered. He defini tely sounds like he has plans of grandeur, Lucan said and pulled her in tighter t o his body when she began to cry. I thought I was going to be safe when I closed the secret panel and locked him in. It didnt work, Lucan. Somehow he was able to appear in front of me. Shit, it looks like the dark warlocks have learned to appar ate. We thought only the white warlocks and witches had that skill. It seems we were wrong. What does that mean? It means he can disappear and reappear elsewhere wi th a thought, Lucan explained. So he could come back at any time? Yes, but we will n ever leave you alone again, baby. I promise. Im so sorry you had to defend yourse lf. Are you sure youre okay? he asked and looked down at her. Yes, Im just really ti red. Its like I feelalmost drained of energy, she explained. I dont doubt it, baby. Y ou used a lot of energy keeping that bastard at bay. You need to feed, Angelina. I can feel your hunger, and it will help get your energy back.

122 Becca Van No, she replied emphatically and tried to get off his lap Angel, I know you were up set because you saw me feeding from a female. Please, just listen to me before y ou pass judgment, Lucan said, and he held her to prevent her rising. She looked a t him with wary eyes, but she held her tongue. We dont give or get any pleasure wh en we drink from the humans. You have nothing to be jealous of, baby, I promise. Its just another bodily function to us. The only time we get any pleasure is whe n we feed from you. Truly? Yes, angel, truly, he replied and felt her relax against h im once more. Youre going to have to learn to delve more deeply into our minds, ba by. If you had done so, you wouldnt have gotten jealous and you would have realiz ed what I just told you was fact. Look, Im sorry, but this is all still so new to m e. I forget that we are linked and can read each others thoughts. Ill try not to j ump to conclusions again, but you are going to have to be patient with me. Now, I dont think water was such a good idea as a shield. That bastard was able to man ipulate it and constricted my whole body. Luckily I worked out how to shoot elec tricity and a fireball at him with my mind, instead of my hands. What do you sug gest I use instead? Well work that out tomorrow, baby. For now youre too tired, he re plied and gave her a hug and kissed her head. Treys back, he stated a brief moment before his brother materialized before their eyes. Fuck, honey. Are you okay? God , as soon as I heard you screaming I left Vlad. I dont think hes very happy with m e. He didnt get to talk to me. Id only just arrived, Trey explained. Lucan handed A ngelina over to Trey and watched his brother wrap their mate in his arms. He kne w just how his sibling felt. He had wanted to hold her and never let her go agai n.

The Drierge Brothers 123 Youre hungry, Trey stated. Come on upstairs and let us take care of you, Angelina. You can see to your mates needs in a little while, Vlad said as he strode into the ro om. Lucan sighed. He was getting too complacent. He hadnt even felt his friend ap proaching. Im glad to see you safe and well, Angelina, Vlad said to his mate. Me, to o, she replied. It seems all the warlocks and witches practicing the dark arts are trying to get to our mates. Not just a select few. They become obsessed with li ving an eternal life, Vlad explained. We are going to have to more than vigilant. We are also going to need to organize regular meetings with others of our kind. It is imperative we keep our women safe. We will also begin sharing any new skil ls we have acquired and practice them regularly. Do you agree? Yeah, we cant go on this way, Lucan replied. The warlock who tried to get to Angelina knew how to appa rate. Shit, thats the last thing we need, Vlad spat out. Yeah, we know. Maybe we coul d learn to do the same from the white witches and warlocks. At least then they w ont be the only ones with that skill and it could help us get out of trouble when the need arises, Lucan suggested. Good idea. Ill see what I can do to arrange it. Go and feed your mate. Ill let you know when the first meeting is called, Vlad sai d and then dissolved into tiny particles and left the room.

124 Becca Van Chapter Fifteen What are you doing? Angelina asked Trey when he scooped her up into his arms. We ar e going upstairs to feed you, honey, he replied. She didnt protest as he sped up t he stairs and carried her into his room. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a weary sigh. He lowered her feet to the floor and held her waist, maki ng sure she was steady, and then began to remove her clothes. Lucan entered the room and started on her jeans while Trey worked on the buttons on her shirt. Onc e she was naked, he lifted her and placed her in the middle of the mattress. Tre y practically tore his clothes from his body in his haste to touch his mate and reaffirm his love for her. He needed the physical contact with her now that he k new she was safe. Her hunger was beating at him, which seemed to build his own t o a higher level. He leaned over and her and kissed her. The kiss was so hot and wild it was a wonder they didnt set the bed on fire. He delved into her mouth de eply with his tongue and groaned as she responded just as hungrily. She reached up, grabbed a handful of his hair, and held him to her. He glided his tongue alo ng hers and growled in response to her whimper. He explored every inch of her mo uth, caressing the inside of her cheeks, the roof of her mouth, over her teeth, and back to dance his tongue with hers. He was in the edge of her mind and felt her undisciplined need. He slowed the kiss and then licked and nibbled across he r jaw and cheek until he came to her ear. He traced the rim of her ears shell

The Drierge Brothers 125 with his tongue and licked behind her ear. She mewled at the carnality of the ac t and shivered beneath the hand he had placed on her abdomen. He caressed his wa y up over her warm, silky skin and cupped her breast in his hand. He weighed it with his palm and began to knead her soft mound. He licked his way down the side of her neck and inhaled the scent of her blood, which was stronger now that she was aroused. His gums itched, and his fangs exploded into his mouth in preparat ion of tasting her. He ignored the yearning to bite his mate and taste her essen ce. Their loving needed to last. He lifted his head as Lucan got onto the bed an d then took their mates mouth with a rapacious need that matched his own. Trey ni bbled and nipped his way down her chest until he reached her breast. He held the heavy globe of flesh up and suckled on her nipple. His woman arched up and crie d out into his brothers mouth as he laved her turgid peak with the tip of his ton gue. He moved to the other breast and gave it the same treatment. He was about t o lick his way down to her pussy, but hesitated on a groan when Angelina clasped his hard, aching cock in her hand. The light touches she gave him as she explor ed his throbbing erection were driving him insane. He covered her hand with his and showed her how to stroke him. He tightened his hand around hers and pumped t heir hands up and down his length a few times. That was all he could stand. He g ently took her wrist and pulled her hand away from his body. He was in danger of coming too soon. His brother groaned, and Trey saw she was giving him the same treatment. Angel, you have to stop, Lucan panted. Itll be over too soon if you conti nue. Trey began to kiss his way down over her torso and belly, until he came to t he apex of her thighs. He smoothed his hands up her legs to part them. His cock throbbed and his balls ached, because he could smell her musky feminine scent. H e began to salivate, the need to taste her sweet cream a yearning he couldnt igno re. He shifted his body farther down the bed until he was lying between her spla yed

126 Becca Van thighs, his shoulder wedged between them, giving him the access he wanted. He st ared as the soft, pink, wet folds of her sex and then began to lower his head. H e licked over her cunt, gathering all her juices and swallowing them down. Never had he loved or craved a woman the way he did Angelina. I love you, honey, Trey w hispered into her mind. I love you, too, Trey, she replied with a sob. Trey glided his tongue up and down the delicate labia of her pussy, making sure the tip of his tongue grazed lightly over her clit. He slid it back down, sucked more of he r cream into his mouth, and continued on to lick her ass. He was connected with her mind the whole time, and even though she was hesitant about what he was doin g, she still wanted him to continue. Once her initial hesitation was gone and as her pleasure increased, she began to buck her hips up, giving him better access . He moved his mouth and tongue back up to her cunt and flicked his tongue over her clit as he began to penetrate her ass with a finger. She cried out with exci tement, and he didnt know if he could last much longer without being buried in he r cunt. He looked up at Lucan, and judging by the pained expression on his broth ers face, he was in the same boat. He flipped Angelina over onto her stomach and helped her into a kneeling position. He pulled her farther down the bed, giving Lucan room to maneuver near her head while he grasped the base of his cock and a imed for her pussy. He groaned with relief as her bodys tight, wet heat closed ar ound him. Once he was buried up to his balls, he held still and waited for Lucan to get in position. His brother projected a mental image of Angelina sucking hi s cock, and she reached up to pull Lucans cock to her mouth. Treys cock jerked ins ide her as she wrapped her lips around Lucan. She was so fucking sexy that just looking at her turned him on. He watched as she began to bob her head up and dow n Lucans length and pump him with her hand. He couldnt stay still any longer.

The Drierge Brothers 127 Trey clasped her hips with his hands and pulled back until the tip of his cock w as all that remained inside her. He thrust back in and moaned at the exquisite f riction his movement created. Angelina mewled around his brothers dick as he repe ated the action. He wanted to pound in and out of her fast and hard, but he also wanted to go slow to savor the experience of making love to their mate. He kept up a slow, steady pace as she sucked off Lucan. The pleasure inside her escalat ed, and he picked up the pace of his pumping hips. He licked his finger, making sure it was coated with his saliva, and then massaged over the pucker of her ass . She opened up to him, and he didnt hesitate to penetrate her anus. When he had her stretched, he added another finger and began to fuck her rosette in counterm otion to his cock. He knew she was getting close to climaxing because her breath panted in and out of her mouth faster and she was keening, though Lucans hard ro d muffled the sound. He wrapped an arm around her hips and tilted them up even m ore. He growled as he sank deeper into her wet depths, until he could feel his c ock butting against her womb. His hips and fingers thrust into her harder and fa ster, and he was rewarded when her internal walls rippled around him. He watched as she pleasured his brother with her mouth, and the slurping sounds she made o nly seemed to enhance his own passion. He changed his motion from long and deep glides into short, sharp digs, making sure the head of his cock massaged over th e sweet spot inside her. She drew a growl from Treys throat when she tightened ar ound him, and he knew she was on the precipice. He didnt try to stop the urge whi ch came over him. He covered her body with his and sank his fangs into the side of her neck. She screamed as her cunt clamped down on his dick and contracted ar ound him over and over again. His balls drew up tight, and he surged into her de eply and froze. He roared into her neck as he shot spurt after spurt of cum deep into her body. Shed milked his balls until they were empty.

128 Becca Van Trey slowly withdrew his cock from her pussy and collapsed onto the bed. His lim bs were shaking with weakness and satiation. No woman had ever done that to him before. He looked up just in time to see Lucan withdraw his cock from her mouth and pick her up. **** Lucan was an aching mass of need. He picked his angel up f rom the bed. When she wrapped her arms and legs around him, he lifted her slight ly and then brought her down onto his hard, aching cock. He groaned when his bal ls connected with her buttocks and held still, giving her time to adjust to his penetration. She leaned forward and began to kiss him with wild hunger. He held her hips and began to lift her up and down on his hard rod. He groaned along wit h his mate at the slide and glide of flesh on flesh. It didnt take much for him t o hover on the edge of his release, but he was determined to see to her pleasure first. As her fangs slipped into the flesh at his neck, his balls drew up, and he knew he was a goner. He licked over the side of her throat and penetrated her skin. He had never felt anything like it. They were connected to each other, mi nd, body, and soul, as they fed together. They were joined more fully and deeply than ever before. She screamed just before he yelled. She clamped down on his c ock and released, only to repeat the action over and over again. His balls drew up, and then he shot load after load of semen into her cunt. When the last rippl e faded, he collapsed onto the floor, taking his angel with him. He stopped her from feeding, and she automatically closed the wound. He did the same to her. Wh en she was done, he handed her back to Trey. His brother sat on the edge of the bed, tilted his neck, and commanded her to drink. It was such an erotic sight th at Lucan felt his just-satiated cock twitch with interest. His angel made the se xiest noises as she fed from Trey. Once she had finished, Trey carried her

The Drierge Brothers 129 into the en suite bathroom. Lucan knew the rest of the night would be spent lovi ng their woman. He followed them into the shower and helped Trey wash Angelina. I love you, baby, he whispered into her ear. I love you, too, she replied.

130 Becca Van Epilogue Angelina followed her mates into the opulent mansion. She couldnt believe the lux ury surrounding her. It had been a month since George Kite had attacked her, and this was the first meeting Vlad had called. The room was full of tall, handsome men and only a few women. She was really nervous about being in a room full of vampires and bit her tongue when a nervous giggle tried to surface. She kept for getting she was a vampire, too. Lucan and Trey led her to a sofa, and she sat in between them. She felt more secure when she was between the loves of her life. She had spent the last month perfecting her battling skills and powers and was g rowing more confident with her abilities every day. She gripped their hands and fidgeted nervously, because she could see the curiosity in the eyes of some of t he men when they looked at her. She jumped when Vlad appeared in the middle of t he room from out of nowhere. He had such a confident presence about him that all eyes turned to him. I have learned the complexities of how to apparate from the white witches. I will show you all how it is done before the night is over. We h ave much to plan and discuss. Please make yourselves comfortable. Angelina sank d eeper into the sofa and listened as Vlad explained about the evil vampires and d ark warlocks joining forces so they could try to take over the planet. He told t hem how their enemies were upping the ante and trying to get to the vampires mate s. He also told them he thought they were headed for a long, drawn-out battle.

The Drierge Brothers 131 Angelina wasnt worried though. She had two men who loved her more than their own lives, and she knew they would do everything within their power to keep her safe . She had never felt so complete and content. No matter what else the future bro ught, her happiness was forever. She was in her mates hearts, minds, and souls, a nd they were in hers. Not only had her mates brought sight back into her life, t hey gave her more than she could ever ask for. THE END WWW.BECCAVAN-EROTICROMANCE.COM

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR My name is Becca Van. I live in Australia with my wonderful hubby of many years, as well as my two children. I read my first romance at the age of thirteen, whi ch I found in the school library, and havent stopped reading them since. It is so wonderful to know that love is still alive and strong when there seems to be so much conflict in the world. I dreamed of writing my own book one day but unfort unately, didnt follow my dream for many years. But once I started I knew writing was what I wanted to continue doing. I love to escape from the world and curl up with a good romance, to see how the characters unfold and conflict is dealt wit h. I have read many books and love all facets of the romance genre, from histori cal to erotic romance. I am a sucker for a happy ending. Also by Becca Van Mnage Everlasting: Terra-form 1: Alpha Panthers Mnage Everlasting: Terra-form 2: T aming Olivia Mnage Everlasting: Terra-form 3: Keeleys Opposition Mnage Everlasting: Elite Dragons 1: One for Three For all other titles, please visit http://www.bo okstrand.com/becca-van

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com