Page 2 of His Eternal Temptation

He was at the Valero headquarters, so it didn’t matter who he talked to. He could pass on what he knew to any of Rowan’s men, but he’d have liked to see Rowan one last time. The realization hit with a bitter pang. If this were the end, he’d like to… He wasn’t sure.

Maybe the past wasn’t so inconsequential after all.

Two men flanked Lane on either side, grabbing him as he slumped. Voices swelled around him. Lane couldn’t be sure if the shorter man was the same guy who’d disappeared earlier. Maybe. The third guy was saying, “I won’t be much help if he’s cursed.”

“Let’s get him upstairs anyway. Jack, stay here.”

Lane was lurched forward.

“Don’t know if we’ll make it far without carrying him,” someone muttered.

A moment later, Lane was lifted off his feet. Vampires and their stupid strength. At least they were good for more than ruining Lane’s life. Twice.

The vampire carried Lane up the stairs at a sickening speed.

“He’s out of it. I don’t know what you expect me to do,” someone said.

Lane was set on a strange chair, half reclined and covered in plastic. He blearily took in the room, a frown tugging at his lips. The air carried a sterile tinge, and medical supplies were visible in a glass cabinet. Sharps containers sat on the counter, and exam chairs were spaced throughout. Had he been swept off to a doctor’s office?

“Hey,” a sharp voice said, and Lane startled. Bright light passed in front of his face, and he shrank away. “Look at me. Eyes open.” The light passed by again, then, with a click, went out, revealing a young man with dark hair. “It’d be easier to help if you were high like Jack said.”

“Not high,” Lane insisted, the words coming out jumbled.

“You’re a witch, yeah?” the dark-haired man asked. He must be another vampire; they could sense magic the same way Lane normally could. “Why’d you come to Rowan for help? Where’s your coven?”

It was a fair question. Vampires couldn’t cast spells or counter curses like witches. Lane couldn’t find the strength to answer.

“I’ll take it from here, Hunter,” said a deep voice.

The dark-haired guy stepped out of the way, and Rowan strode forward.

Lane would have sat straighter if any of his muscles were cooperating. His heart strangled. Was it the curse, or something even more devastating? He’d had a hopeless crush on Rowan before everything had crashed and burned.

Their eyes locked, and every one of those old feelings came rushing back in a tidal wave of hope.

Lane could breathe again. Rowan was a crystal clear beacon in his blurry world. The most beautiful person he’d ever met. Fine featured, his brown skin flawless, and hair like long, dark silk falling down his back. He was, as always, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, every inch the powerful vampire leader. But Rowan’s allure wasn’t solely his appearance. It was in the way he held himself, the energy he exuded, and the feelings his deep brown-and-gold gaze inspired.

When Rowan looked at him, Lane felt like everything he ever wanted was sitting right there, nearly within reach.

Rowan approached, unhurried, his expression impossible to read. “Lane Blackburn, I told you to never return to this city.”

TWO

ROWAN

Rowan’s night was shaping up to be delightfully uneventful. Business had concluded early, and he was contemplating reorganizing the books in his office when the door burst open, revealing Cecile and Felix, who was covered in blood.

He beckoned them in and shut the door.

Cecile wrinkled her nose at Felix’s gruesome appearance, her delicate, pale face scrunching. She was as tiny as he was large, though to this day, Rowan couldn’t say whom he’d be more reluctant to face in a fight.

“I’d ask what was so urgent, but from the looks of it, things have been dealt with,” she said.

“I’m not so sure.” Rowan handed the bloody vampire a dish towel from the room’s private bar. This had to be serious if Felix had called Cecile, rather than wait for Rowan to update her later. “What’s happening?”

Felix wiped blood splatters from his tanned cheeks and dark beard. His permanently hard expression didn’t falter. “First of all, the problem hasn’t been dealt with.”

“Then why are you bloody?” Cecile’s sharp gaze softened. “Were you hurt?”