was also that small matter that she made his blood boil to distraction.
He had to stop it before he lost control.
* * * *
As she strode beside him down the long corridor, her thoughts kept going to their embrace. She didn't know if she should be disappointed or offended that he'd thought it was insane to kiss her. Yet, he was right. Vampires and Lycans did not mate. Could she fault him for thinking the obvious?
She had had lovers the past four hundred years, but none of those men occupied her thoughts as much as Drago did. She didn't understand her attraction to him and she wasn't about to analyse their connection. Vampires didn't have happily ever-afters, only eternal hell. The Lycans were the lucky ones because they stood at chance at love. Legend was there was one mate for every Lycan. She thought about her daughter and wished Katya would find her
He stopped in front of a door and opened it, moving aside to let her enter. She walked past him, her shoulder briefly skimming his massive chest, and she tensed, hurrying to get inside.
The room's lovely decor stilled her thoughts and she looked up in surprise at Drago's face. She couldn't tell what he was feeling or thinking because his face was etched in granite. 'This chamber is too extravagant. I can sleep with my daughter in her room.'
'Not until I know she's cured. You'll be safe here.'
'My daughter would never harm me.'
'She is a Lycan, Eve. Her strength is greater than yours and until she remembers who you are, you will stay here.' He pointed to a small door in the corner. 'That is your bath chambers. Lena will be your personal maid. If there is anything you require, let her know.' He pointed to the white drapes covering the windows. 'Those drapes will remain closed and this candelabra will be sufficient to light your room. Dinner will be served after sundown.'
'I don't eat.'
His mouth thinned. 'Perhaps you can join me just the same?'
The less time she spent with him, the better, she thought. 'I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to remain here in my chambers.'
He narrowed his gaze on her. 'Do you have any belongings that need to be brought in?' His gaze fell on her daggers and stakes strapped to her body. 'Or anymore weapons?' he asked dryly.
'No.'
'A horse that needs tending to?'
'No.' She didn't think this was the time to tell him exactly
'As you wish,' he said brusquely.
He was going for the door, when she realized something. 'Wait!'
Slowly he turned and stared at her with his dark, brooding gaze.
'I just wanted to say thank you for looking after my daughter. She's all I have left and I'm deeply grateful to you, Your Highness.'
He remained silent for the longest time as he stared at her. 'Call me Drago,' he finally said. 'And you're welcome.'
She remained lost in thought, seated on the edge of the bed for a long time after he left. She brought her hand up to her lips, remembering their kiss. Something inside her had stirred and awakened and a wave of emotions washed over her. Confusion, passion, fear. She could still feel his warm, sensual mouth on hers, his hard muscles pressing against her body.
Angrily, she rose from the edge of the bed and began removing her weapons. She had survived four hundred years because she had never let her heart rule her head. Warriors didn't let their guard down, ever.
Lycans did not mate with Vampires, Drago had thought.
Frowning, she pushed her thoughts of him away and ignored the little voice in her head that said she was far more interested in the king than she dared to admit.
Chapter Four
She woke up late afternoon and tried to go back to sleep. After tossing and turning a few minutes, she got out of bed, releasing a frustrated sigh. She hated getting up when it was still daylight outside. She could tell by the sun's glow filtering in from the thick, white drapes it was sunny outside.
What was the use? She couldn't leave the castle and enjoy the beautiful afternoon. The only thought that gave her any sense of happiness was she would see her daughter soon.
Eve's worry about Katya returned. Her sleep had been restless thinking about her daughter and more than she cared to admit, thoughts of Drago, too.
Well there was nothing she could do now but wait until the sun set.
After washing in the bath chambers, she got dressed and left her weapons on her chair. She'd strap them on later when the sun went down. She had no use for them now, sitting in her chambers, waiting for the night to come.
She was a good ten stories up and her vampire hearing picked up the busy sounds from the courtyard below through the open window. Reaching for her cloak, she put it on and tucked her head in the hood, making sure no skin was exposed. She reached for her gloves and slipped them on. Once she felt secure, she went to her window and drew the drapes aside.
She breathed in the fresh, crisp air and looked down. Below she saw guards tending to their horses, villagers stopping by market stands and people milling about, enjoying the warm afternoon. A flash of envy rose in her
