Page 41 of Eternal Obsession

I had witnessed their strength before, their danger, their haunting allure. And now, I felt it again—that eerie sensuality, that pull like silk and smoke emanating from this beguiling man—not a man but a vampire. Stunned; a barrage of thoughts.

“Some call me Orpheus.”

I recalled where I had first heard his name, called out by the terrified female held captive here. That striking creature with turquoise eyes.

He grimaced. “Her name was Sunaria.”

“Where is Alex?” My hands shook and I held them behind my back, hoping he would not notice. I had to keep calm.

“He’s taking a nap,” he said.

“Will you take me to him?”

“Why wake him?”

“I need to see him.”

“Do you now?” He smiled.

Silence. His stare was shocking.

The quiet threw me. “What is it that you want?” I asked.

“I want her back.”

“I’m afraid that⁠—”

“Impossible, I know. Your father⁠—”

“The woman we saw, she was Sunaria.”

“She was the woman I loved. She was no threat. She lived in the shadows, harmless and innocent.”

“As innocent as a vampire can be,” I replied, wishing I had not.

“You judge her? And yet you never met her.”

“She murdered⁠—”

“Your brother is in love with me.”

I shook my head. “No.”

“You know this to be true. He is infatuated with me.”

“What is it that you want?” I considered my chances of escape.

“What I want . . . and do not attempt to run, for I will stop you. What I want is merely revenge. A life for a life. Your brother, Alex, is to be that life.”

“There must be another way.”

“No.”

“Perhaps a duel?”

He shook his head. “It’s not enough.”

“My father’s men are on their way as we speak.”