suddenly understood why so many of their Kind were killed in the act of Sharing. He would willingly give his life for even a moment with this woman.
Marilyn smiled, revealing perfect teeth that made Raphael want to moan. He wanted those teeth at his throat. Marilyn released his chin, smoothing the front of his shirt as she lowered her hand.
Marilyn turned from him. “I thought it best if I supervise this little venture.” She glanced around the room, then turned back. “I understand this is your first time. As a member of my line, I can’t have you fumbling about like a school boy.”
Raphael could not hide his embarrassment. “I will not harm Sus—, Dr. Ryerson.”
“Hmmm,” Marilyn said, examining him. “We shall see. But I cannot leave such an important act to chance.”
Raphael understood her concern. Changing a human to one of their Kind was intensely dangerous, and even those that survived the initial transition often did not survive the complete Change. And this particular human was very special to the most powerful of their Kind.
Marilyn was thoughtful. “A pity I cannot Change Dr. Ryerson myself.” She glanced at Raphael. “But I believe you will serve as an adequate conduit.”
Raphael was uncertain. “Your blood is far too powerful my lady. You would kill Dr. Ryerson instantly.”
“Hmm, yes.” Marilyn’s tone was entirely casual. “And as enjoyable as that might be, I hardly think Ryan would forgive me.”
Raphael found his courage, even in the face of such overwhelming force. He was instantly protective of the young woman in the next room. “I cannot let you harm Susan,” he said firmly.
Marilyn was amused, flicking him a glance. “You could hardly stop me, boy.” She settled onto the couch. “But that is not why I am here.” She glanced at him beneath long dark eyelashes. “Come here.”
Raphael swallowed hard but could not have resisted if he wanted to. And he did not want to. He settled near her on the couch and that sultry gaze imprisoned him.
“My blood is too powerful for Dr. Ryerson, but I do not believe it is too powerful for you.”
Comprehension at last dawned on Raphael, but he could not believe what she was suggesting.
“You are going to Share with me?”
“Yes,” Marilyn said simply, “I am.”
Raphael now understood completely. Marilyn could not change Susan Ryerson herself, but potentially could affect the outcome of her transition. The older the One who initiated the Change, the more powerful the offspring would become. With Marilyn’s blood flowing through his veins, her mark on Susan would be powerful.
Raphael stared at the Old One before him. There were very few of their Kind more powerful than the seductress before him. He knew he might die in the act of Sharing with her. And he knew that she chose to Share with him for political reasons that had nothing to do with him.
At that moment he cared very little, and in subsequent moments, did not care at all.
CHAPTER 3
THE BOY WATCHED THE BUCK FORAGE in the undergrowth of the forest. He carefully removed the bow slung over his shoulder. The weapon, made from a combination of wood, horn, and sinew, was bound together with hide glue. He had learned to make it as a child when he had graduated from the bow made solely from wood.
He pushed thoughts of his childhood away and carefully removed an arrow from the quiver slung across his back. He fitted the arrow and pulled the string rearward, anchoring it skillfully close to his eye. He aimed at the deer’s chest, lowering the arrow slightly so that if he missed, he would miss cleanly.
He did not miss. The arrow flitted through the air with such great force and accuracy that the buck took two sideway steps, then fell to the ground, impaled through the heart. Although the boy rushed forward to slit the deer’s throat, it was not necessary. He knelt by the great beast’s side, placing his hand on the still-warm body. He offered thanks to the Goddess of the
Kami García, Margaret Stohl