She glided toward him across the dark green velvet lawn, as regal as any queen who had ever lived. Her waist-length red hair flowed over her shoulders, shimmering like wildfire in the silvery light of a full moon. She had not changed since he had last seen her. Her skin was still pale and perfect, her eyes the deep green of pure jade. She wore a long gown of ruby-red silk that clung to her slender form, emphasizing every voluptuous curve.

"Dominic." She held out a pale, slender hand.

" Kitana."He took her hand in his, noting its warmth as he brushed his lips across her skin, which was almost translucent. "What brings you here?"

She lifted one shoulder in a graceful shrug. "I was bored."

"How did you find me?" A foolish question, but one he could not resist asking.

She looked up at him with an indulgent smile. "Did you think I would not?"

"I did not think you would bother after so many years."

Her laughter was soft, musical, yet he heard the hard edge beneath it. "What is time to us? I have always known where you were, Dominic St. John. How could I not when my blood runs in your veins?"

"Why are you here?"

"I told you. I am bored."

"Surely you do not expect me to entertain you?"

"But of course. I have never been in this part of the world before. It is quite lovely. I should like to see more of it."

"I am afraid I cannot spare the time."

"Really?What is it that keeps you so busy?" She glanced at the house, her gaze resting momentarily on one of the second-story windows. "Is it possible you have found that woman yet again?"

"And if I have?"

Again, the sound of her laughter filled the air. "Really, Dominic, do you never tire of pursuing that little mortal through the ages? It should be obvious, even to you, that she does not want what you have to offer."

"This time she will be mine."

"Really?What makes you think so?"

"Have you come here to make trouble for me?"

She pouted prettily. "Is that what you think?"

He grunted softly. "I have not forgotten your last words to me."

"Oh, that." Her laughter fell on his ears like the tinkling of tiny silver bells. "You don't think I came here because of that, do you? I admit I was angry at the time, but even I cannot stay angry forever. You have nothing to fear from me."

"I would like to believe that."

"Then believe it." Rising on tiptoe, she ran her tongue over his lower lip,then kissed him. It was not the kiss of a friend, but of a lover, and, as she had no doubt intended, it reminded him of the nights they had shared, nights filled with passion and blood.

She smiled a knowing smile."Au revoir, mon amour ."

A wave of a slender hand, and she was gone.

Dominic stared up atTracy 's bedroom window. Had Kitana gone there first? Filled with a growing sense of unease, Dominic hastened toTracy 's side. She was asleep, but tossing restlessly.Bad dreams, perhaps?

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he took her hand in his. "Rest now, my best beloved one," he murmured. "I will watch over you until the dawn. Nothing will harm you while I am here."

She stilled at the sound of his voice. A sigh escaped her lips as she turned onto her side, slipping deeper into the peaceful abyss of sleep. He listened to the steady beat of her heart, the soft, even sound of her breathing.

Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek, smoothed a lock of hair from her brow. They had shared many lifetimes, each different from the last yet the same in so many ways. Each time he had found her, he had been certain that, at last, she would be his, forever his, yet each time he had lost her before he could bring her across.

"But not this time, querida ," he murmured. "Come what may, I will not lose you again."

He stayed at her side until the first golden rays of dawn brightened the sky and then, reluctantly, he left the house to seek his lair.

Tracywoke slowly. Sitting up, she glanced around the sunlit room, expecting to see Dominic there even though she knew it was impossible. She had felt his presence so strongly last night. Had it been a dream, or had he actually been there in her room, sitting on the edge of her bed, holding her hand? She had been having a frightful nightmare when his voice penetrated her dreams, chasing away the horror that had been pursuing her. Had she truly heard his voice, or had it been another dream?

Dominic.

She wished suddenly that he were there, that she could climb into his lap and feel his arms holding her close. Strange, that she should think of his arms as a place of safety when, in reality, he was far more dangerous than anyone else she had ever met. Of course, even though Dominic might be dangerous, she knew that he would never hurt her, and that no one else would ever be able to hurt her, either, so long as she was with him. She knew that he would defend her with his very life, if need be, knew that he had defended her life and her virtue countless times before.

She felt a rush of warmth in the region of her heart.

He loved her beyond her ability to comprehend and with that realizationcame a truth she had thus far refused to acknowledge.

She was in love with him.Loved him in this life as surely as she had loved him in all the others. The thought made her giddy with excitement, and filled her with a sudden sense of dread. She had died in his arms in all her previous lives. Was she destined to die in his arms this time, as well? If so, was it possible to change her fate?

Throwing back the covers, she slid out of bed and headed for the kitchen. She couldn't be expected to think clearly without her morning jolt of caffeine.

She stared out the window while she waited for the coffee to perk.

She loved Dominic.

The thought lingered in the back of her mind the rest of the day. She thought of him while she showered, while she painted, while she ate lunch, while she walked in the gardens, while she counted the hours until sunset when she would see him again. And each time she thought of him, happiness welled within her, bringing a smile to her face.

She loved Dominic.

And then, as the sun began to sink behind the wall, she was overcome with nervousness. Did she dare admit she loved him? If she confessed how she felt, would he ever let her go? Did she want to be free of him? What sort of future could a mortal have with a vampire? Was it possible for him to become mortal again? Could she... she thrust the thought away. She had refused to accept the Dark Gift in every past life. That, at least, had not changed. She could not imagine herself as a vampire, forever doomed to dwell in darkness, never to see the light of day again,forced to drink blood for eternity. How could she face the future if she knew she would never again be able to satisfy her craving for dark chocolate, or enjoy a milk shake on a hot summer day, or indulge in a piece of lemon meringue pie?

She sensed his presence before he appeared. There was a familiar tremor in the air and suddenly he was standing beside her.Tall and dark and more handsome than the law allowed. Black jeans hugged his long legs, a black sweater emphasized the width of his shoulders.

His nearness made her tremble.

Bemused, Dominic lifted one brow. "Surely, after all this time, you cannot be afraid of me?"

"No. I'm not afraid. Not anymore."

"What is it, then?"

"I'm just happy to see you. I missed you today."

"Indeed?"

She nodded, her heart pounding with happiness and anticipation. What would he say when she told him how she felt?

"Tracy?"

She moved toward him. Standing on tiptoe, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."

He stared down at her, his eyes filled with hope. "Can it be true?"

"Yes, but I'm not ready... I can't, you know? Not yet..."

"Hush." He placed his fingertips over her lips, stilling her words. "It is enough that you are mine."

Their relationship changed after that.Tracy no longer felt like a prisoner in his house and when she expressed a yearning to go back to Nightingale House, he made no objection.

She packed her things the next day and as she did so, she realized she would miss this house. Perhaps, later, they could visit here again.

She wandered through the rooms while waiting for Dominic, mentally redecorating the master bedroom, wondering what it would be like to share it with Dominic.

And then he was there, at her side.

A blush warmed her cheeks.

He looked down at her, one brow arched.

"Hi," she said airily, eager to get out of the bedroom before he divined her thoughts. "I'm all packed and ready to go."

He glanced at her suitcases, waiting near the door.

"I'll need to rent a car."

"You can, if you wish, or I can take you."

"What do you mean?"

"I will return you to your house the same way I brought you here."

"Oh."

He watched her, quietly waiting for her reply.

"How, exactly, did you bring me here?"

"Vampires are able to cross great distances rapidly." A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Did you not find that bit of information in the books you read?"

She shrugged. "I don't remember."

"So?"

"Well... it is a long way..."

"Is there anything you want to take with you now?"

"My bag and overnight case."

With a nod, he lifted her into his arms,then picked up the two items she had mentioned. "Are you ready?"

"I guess so."

"You are not afraid?"

"Well... a little, maybe. I've never done this before. At least not when I was awake," she amended. "How long will it take?"

"We will be there before you know we have left."

She blinked and the next thing she knew, she was standing in the living room at Nightingale House. "Wow! That's incredible!"

"Indeed."

She frowned."My car! I left it at the motel..."

"It is in the garage." He dropped a quick kiss on the tip of her nose. "I will go and get the rest of your things."

He was back in moments, empty-handed.

Tracystared at him. "You didn't bring..."

"It is all upstairs."

"All of it?"

"Of course."

"You're amazing."

His smile was a trifle smug. "I am glad you think so."

"So," she mused, "what shall we do tonight?"

"I think it is time for you to see my world."

"What do you mean?"

"Sea Cliff is a haven for vampires."

She blinked up at him. In the back of her mind, she heardBryan asking her if she thought there was anything strange about the village."A haven? Youmean . . "

Dominic nodded. "There are perhaps a dozen or so who live here."

"But... I thought, that is, all the books I read said vampires couldn't live together."

"We do not hunt the same territory," Dominic said, "nor do we hunt where we live. As for living together, there is safety in numbers."

"All those people in black... I thought they were just Goths..."

"Some are."

"And the rest?"

"Are vampires."

"I really don't think I want to meet any of them."

"It is necessary."

"Why?"

"Because you are mine.And since you willnot let me bind us together, it is necessary that the others see us together, that they know you belong to me."

She lifted a hand to her throat. "And that will keep me safe?"

"Save for Kitana , I am the oldest of my kind.To violate one under my protection means death. Are you ready?"

She glanced down at her jeans and T-shirt. "Should I change?"

"You will do as you are."

She should have been afraid. She was on her way to meet a - what did one call a bunch of vampires, anyway? Inspecting her feelings as Dominic drove toward thevillage, she found that it wasn't fear that made her heart pound, but curiosity. Dominic would protect her. She had no doubt of that.

He parked the car in front of a bar on a quiet side street.Tracy grimaced when she saw the name of the place.The Catacombs.

With a shake of her head, she put her hand in Dominic's when he opened the door.

The inside of the bar was dim, filled with shadowy corners. Someone was playing a soft, bluesy tune on the piano in the corner. There were no mirrors; the windows were painted black. Candlelight flickered off the walls and cast shadows on the faces of the customers. She wondered whatkind of drinks were served at a vampire bar, then giggled softly.Bloody Marys , no doubt.

Dominic frowned down at her. "Are you all right?"

"Fine."

The piano fell silent as they moved into the room.

Dominic led her to a small table and she sat down, aware that many pairs of eyes were focused on her. She hadn't been afraid before, but a sudden case of nerves sent a shiver down her spine.

She folded her hands in her lap to still their trembling.

Murmurs and whispers filled her ears.

A pair of women dressed in sparkly black midriff tops, short black skirts, black fishnet stockings, and short black leather boots moved up on either side of Dominic.

The blonde put her hand on his shoulder and smiled up into his eyes."Dom." She trailed her long red fingernails down the length of his arm."Long time, no see."

The brunette took hold of his other arm. "Who's this little mortal you've brought with you?" she asked in a sultry voice. "Have you brought us something sweet?"

With slow deliberation, Dominic lifted their hands from his arms. "This isTracy ." His voice was low, yet it carried to every corner of the room. "She is my woman, under my protection." His gaze rested meaningfully on the face of each person present. "She is not to be harmed, or toyed with in any way."

The blonde and the brunette backed away from him, then turned and disappeared into the shadows at the far end of the bar.

Tension seemed to drain out of the room.

The piano player took up where he had left off.

Dominic sat down across fromTracy . He looked relaxed, but she noted the fine lines around his mouth, the wariness in his eyes.

She leaned forward. "Brought them something sweet?" she whispered. "Did they think you'd brought me here to... for... ?"

He nodded. "It is done, from time to time."

Tracyglanced surreptitiously around the room. "Is everyone in here a vampire?"

"Just about."

"Just about?"

"There are mortals who bind themselves to vampires.The girl in the red dress at the next table. Her name is Gina. She belongs to Marcus."

"Like I belong to you?"

"In away."

"He drinks from her, doesn't he?"

"Yes, but it is her choice."

"What happens to mortals who wander in here?"

"That rarely happens."

"Why's that?"

"There are wards set about this place..."

"Wards?"

"Think of them as supernatural shields. Most mortals pass by the place without ever realizing it's here.

"And those who innocently wander in?What happens to them?"

His gaze met hers. "Do you really want to know?"

Unable to speak past a throat gone suddenly dry, she nodded. She needed to know it all.

"The vampires feed on them, and then let them go."

"How can you let that happen?"

"How can I stop it?"

"I don't know. You said you were the oldest vampire around. Doesn't that make you the king, or the boss, or something?"

He smiled faintly,then shrugged. "Vampires are not ruled by kings, nor do we adhere to a democracy. There is only one thing a vampire respects, and that is power. This is my domain and they will adhere to my rules so long as I can enforce them. I have forbidden them to hunt in the village, but I cannot keep them from following their instincts. Any mortal who comes in here is considered fair game. I ask only that there be no killing."

"And those two..." She started to saywomen ,then hesitated."Female vampires?"

"What of them?"

"They seemed mighty chummy."

Dominic smiled. "Are you jealous, my best beloved one?"

"Of course not," she said quickly, but they both knew she was lying.

" Zarabethand Petrina . Petrinabrought Zarabeth across last year. Petrina has been vampire for five hundred years. Both have asked to be my concubines, you might say."

"Oh? And what does that mean, exactly?"

"It means they would live in my house and be under my protection."

"Both of them?At the same time?"

" Zarabethis young in the life. It is not uncommon for new vampires to seek to align themselves with one who is strong until they gain power of their own."

"And Petrina ?I'd think that after five hundred years, she would be old enough to take care of herself,"Tracy remarked dryly.

Dominic laughed.

"I take it she finds you attractive."

"So she says."

"And do you find her attractive?"

"Yes, my best beloved one, but it is you, and only you, that I desire."

"Did you make her a vampire?"

"No."

Tracyglanced around the bar. Now that her eyes had adjusted to the dimness, she saw faces more clearly. There were perhaps a dozen men and women in the room, some sitting at tables,some standing at the bar. Most were clad in black. She noticed that they all seemed extraordinarily beautiful, with clear skin and lustrous hair, and they all moved with a kind of unconscious grace, almost as if they were floating above the floor.

A few weeks ago, she hadn't believed in vampires; now she was in a room surrounded by them. She looked up at Dominic. "Who made them all?You?"

He gazed briefly at the pulse in her throat. "I have never brought another across."

"But, there are so many."

"There are hundreds of us," he replied."Perhaps thousands throughout the world. I doubt anyone knows for sure."

Several couples moved onto the small dance area.Tracy stared at them. It seemed incongruous, somehow, to see vampires dancing together as if they were ordinary people.

She glanced at Dominic. He was watching her, a faint smile playing over his lips.

"Would you care to dance?" he asked.

She shook her head.

He regarded her for several moments,then asked, "What are you thinking?"

"It just seems weird, seeing them dance."

"Why is that?"

"I don't know, it just does."

"Because they are vampires?"

"I guess so."

"We are not, after all, that much different from you."

'Yeah, right."

"Ah,Tracy , we were human before we were vampires. Our lifestyle may have changed but in most of us, our humanity remains."

"So, vampires are just people with a peculiar lifestyle - is that what you're saying?"

"More or less."

"Except for the blood part.And the fact that you can't go out in the sun.And that you sleep all day."

He shrugged. "You knew all this before we came here."

She looked at the dancers again. They didn't really look all that different from normal people. If she hadn't known they were vampires, she would have thought them to be just ordinary people with a penchant for wearing black.

She turned her attention back to Dominic. At first glance, there was nothing about him to suggest that he was a vampire, at least not from a distance. But, close up, she was ever aware of the aura of power that clung to him, the deep inner stillness that sometimes came over him.

Rising, he held out his hand. "Come," he said. "Dance with me."

She hesitated only a moment before she put her hand in his. He pulled her gently into his arms, his dark gaze intent upon her face as he guided her around the floor.

They danced together as though they had done it hundreds of times. His hand was cool, firm against her back. She stared up at him, once again smitten by his bold good looks. For a time, she lost herself in the joy of being in his arms. He gazed down at her, his eyes warm with affection. His breath was whisper-soft against her face.

"This is a pretty song,"Tracy remarked. "I don't think I've ever heard it before."

"It is called 'Vampire's Lament'. Marcus wrote it for his mortal woman."

"Do you know the words?"

Dominic listened a moment, then began to say the words, his voice moving over her, soft and seductive as a sigh.

"Open for me, this creature of the night, let me ease my pain in the warmth of your light. Come, walk with me, share this moment in time, open your heart, your soul, now mine.

"My laugh is hollow as I walk these darkenedhalls, time is nothing but a tick upon the wall. I am life, eternity and forever, alone in my despair, reaching toward never.

"Shall I find the one? Is there one to find? Will I know the soft light that will flow from her soul into mine? Is it possible to feel? Is it possible to know? If her touch is the water, is my answer the flow?"

She found the words oddly touching. The lyrics could have been written for the two of them. She was sorry when the music ended.

Dominic was leading her off the floor when Petrina intercepted them. "My turn," she purred. "Dance with me, Dom."

Dominic glanced atTracy ,then shook his head.

Petrinaalso looked atTracy , her cat-green eyes narrowing with disdain. Then, she smiled up at Dominic. "Surely your little mortal won't mind if you dance one dance with an old friend."

"I do mind,"Tracy said, surprising all of them. "Take your hands off of him."

"Well, well, what do you know," Petrina said with a malevolent grin, "the little mortal has... teeth."

Dominiclaughed, a deep, rich masculine sound. "Run along, Pet, beforeshe takes a bite out ofyou ."

Tracyhad no idea that vampires could blush, but a surge of red flooded Petrina's cheeks. She glared atTracy ,then vanished from sight.

Taking her by the hand, Dominic ledTracy back to their table.

"I probably shouldn't have said that, should I?"Tracy remarked, sitting down.

"Probably not.You have made an enemy of her now."

"Well, she made me mad!"

"And a little jealous, perhaps?"

"Not a little.A lot."

He smiled, pleased. "Do not worry about Petrina . She is harmless."

"Oh, sure, a harmless vampire."

"She will not harm you, my best beloved one."

"As long as you're around,"Tracy muttered. "But what if she finds me alone?"

"She knows I would destroy her if she dared lay a hand..." He grinned."Or a fang, on you."

Tracysmiled at him. "I'm not afraid, not really."

But later, lying alone in her bed, she couldn't help wondering what the outcome would be if Petrina caught her alone.