Marked for Pleasure [Blood Bond] Read Free Page B

birth of vampires. The serum didn’t cure the disease in the blood. It gave eternal life, extraordinary abilities such as speed, strength, and unique powers of the mind. One scientist had hoarded the discovery in hopes of gaining all the glory, only administering it to a small test group. The few who’d had the drug were able to pass their gifts down to their children naturally—and thus their race was born. In time the new bloodlines mutated, evolved. Older vamps were even able to control the thoughts and moods of others, and in some cases, the energy surrounding objects and people.
    Of course there were drawbacks, as there was always a price to pay. The new properties of the blood made it necessary for the user to ingest large amounts of blood to fuel the new chemistry in their cells. Their bodies adapted by developing fangs to aid them as predators. Their eyes and skin became sensitive to daylight, requiring them to live mostly nocturnal lives. It was a small price to pay for a life that could potentially last forever.
    But the recent increase in human-vampire matings had diluted some of the bloodlines, making their race susceptible to disease and death once again. It had taken one diseased human to weaken the bloodlines.
    Christian rolled his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with her health. The only problem is Francis insisting we don’t act on our natural impulses.”
    If only Joseph could follow his heart’s desire, he’d show Heidi just how well he could treat a woman. He would devote himself to her, teach her about his culture, and ultimately share his life-giving blood.
    “My natural impulse is to bring her downstairs and steal away her innocence. I suppose that makes me a monster.”
    Christian said nothing in response.
    Joseph slid open the iron bolt from the basement door and entered the darkness.

Chapter Two

    Francis didn’t want to deal with Heidi Walsh. He’d advised Joseph it was a bad idea to hire the neighborhood girl, and it appeared he was right. All the lessons and progress they’d made over the past few years were in vain. As the eldest brother, it was up to Francis to teach his brothers the art of control. Nature made them predators, beings that relied on instinct. With the development of their mind control and practice of suppressing their urges, it was possible to live a satisfying existence amongst humans. But it took just one little female to throw them off course. If only his brothers knew just how much.
    “Is he okay?” she asked, still looking toward the open doorway.
    “He’ll be fine.” He bent down and collected the files from the floor. “Here it is. The property survey you requested.” He held out the folder.
    She swallowed audibly, her heart ready to break free from her chest. Timid little mouse. He forced away his beast, took a cleansing breath, and attempted to get out of the office. Heidi blocked his path.
    “I know I’m young and new in this field, but I promise I’ll do my very best to get your house sold for the highest price.”
    He could hear the trepidation in her voice. He liked it—too much. She was indeed young and inexperienced. Her face was flawless and pale, her eyes a brilliant blue, full of wonder. The girl was too eager to please, nothing about her persona guarded from being hurt in the past. She was untouched, untainted by the woes of human life—shame that wouldn’t last long, especially since she was so visually tempting. Human males tended to ruin their women rather than build them up as they should. When a vampire found his mate, he devoted his life to her, never looking at another female. The blood bond connected the souls on an intimate level. It was not a relationship to be entered into lightly. Their woman was their prize, their glory, their partner in life. The divorce rate in human society was a clear indication that they didn’t value marriage or love in the way the vampire race did.
    But what happened when a vampire fell in love with