For Disclaimer, see the Prologue

Chapter Three

Jarod's room was huge. There were lit candles all around the room. Jarod was asleep in a king-size bed. He stirred suddenly and sat up. Jarod growled deep in his throat and his eyes glowed red.

He hissed, showing sharp incisors, and got out of bed. Parker found herself suddenly sober. Jarod was more animal than man. He made his way over to the group. Tempest held out her arm to him.

He grabbed her wrist ruffly and brought it to his mouth, biting hard. Parker felt jealousy flare inside her.

"If he tried to drink from any of you, he'd most likely kill you."

"Were you reading my mind?" asked Parker softly.

Tempest nodded and looked down at Jarod. Can I answer back? Parker wondered.

Yes. Answered the female vampire in her mind.

Do you know everything about…Jarod?

Yes. I know that you two are lovers. But when he feeds off me, it's just for food. When he feeds of you, it'll be very sexual.

Ah. Is he done?

No, but I'm getting woozy.

Tempest pushed Jarod away and brought her wrist to her mouth, healing the wound. Jarod blinked into focus. He noticed the trio and frowned slightly.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Angelo empathed your attack." Answered Sydney.

"We were worried." Parker said so quietly that it was almost inaudible to human ears.

Jarod caught the statement and went over to her. Just the sight of her brought the intense hunger back. He touched her face gently, his hand cupping her cheek.

"I'm alright."

They stared at each other, a rush of emotions overcoming them. Sydney and Broots watched the pair's silent exchange in mild confusion. The older man cleared his throat.

"Should we leave?" he asked.

"That'd be nice." Answered Jarod, not taking his gaze off Parker.

Tempest ushered the two men out of the room. She winked to Parker as she closed the door behind them. Instantly, Jarod bent his head to Parker's and captured her lips. She kissed him back, her emotions pouring into the action. The Pretender growled deep in his throat, as he had before, his hunger, his need of her intensifying. They broke apart breathing hard.

Then with is inhuman speed, Jarod picked her up and pressed her against a wall and ripped open her button down blouse. Parker gasped in momentary surprised and locked her legs around his waist. His lips rest on the pulse of her neck, his tongue darted out and tasted her skin. The woman moaned softly as his lips traveled down to the vein above her heart.

He traced it with his incisors. Jarod's eyes flicked up to hers, silently asking for permission.

"Do it, Jarod." She said, "I want to be the one that feeds you."

"God, I love you, Michaelina." He whispered.

Parker cried out in pleasure as he bit deep into the vein. Jarod drank, enjoying the taste of her blood. He stopped before he drained her completely.

"Do you want me to change you?" he asked.

"Yes." Her voice had a husky tone to it; "I want to be with you for all eternity."

The Pretender kissed her. What did I do to deserve her? He wondered.

Everything. She answered mentally.

I love you. He whispered back.

I love you, too.

Jarod bit into the skin right above her breast and began drinking again. When he had drunk enough, he closed the wound. He lengthened one fingernail and cut open a line across his chest. He pressed her head down, her lips resting on the cut.

Drink, Michaelina. He commanded.

The woman's mouth moved and she began to drink. Jarod moaned quietly and closed his eyes. Parker drank until he commanded her to stop and he opened his eyes. She looked at him and smiled, her eyes closing. He then carried her over to the bed and put her down. He laid down beside her, happy and sated.