Page 65 of Enchant the Dawn

“He’s dead?”

“Not yet.”

“Who’s holding Maddy?”

“Some humans under my control,” Claret replied with a negligent shrug. “She’ll come to no harm, as long as you cooperate.”

It could be worse, Dominic thought. Maddy was better off with some human watchdogs than with Claret’s coven. At least the mortals wouldn’t be tempted to feed on her.

“I know you’re thinking of contacting Ava in hopes she will rescue your ladylove,” Claret remarked. “At the moment, your friend is under a powerful sleeping spell. But at the first sign that someone is trying to rescue her, my men will kill her. The consequences for the woman will be the same if Ava tries to come to your rescue. Do you understand?”

“I understand. I’ll block my connection to Ava. I won’t contact her, and she won’t be able to contact me. I won’t try to escape. Just promise me you won’t harm Maddy.”

“I promise, if you’ll give me your word in return.”

Jaw clenched, Dominic nodded. Ava had warned him that Jasper was a powerful wizard. He had no cause to doubt it. Nor did he doubt that Claret’s powers were even stronger. Or that she would kill Maddy without a qualm.

“Your arm,” she said, a layer of steel underlying her tone.

“I thought you said my blood was vile?”

“I’m willing to try again.” She smiled wolfishly. “Even though it tasted awful, the power was still there.”

Jaw clenched, Dominic stood as close to the bars as he dared and thrust out his arm. He grimaced as she grasped his wrist and bit down, hard.

He was sorely tempted to make a grab for her, even though he knew it would be foolish. She would simply elude him by dissolving into mist. And she might make Maddy pay for it. With that thought in mind, he stood compliant while she fed.

After several minutes, the vampire lifted her head, her lips crimson with his blood, her smile one of pleasure and triumph. “Until tomorrow night,” she murmured, and with a flick of her hand, she vanished from the room.

Dominic swore long and loud as he sank down on the cement floor. He could endure whatever he had to, he thought as he blocked his thoughts from his great-grandmother, as long as it meant Maddy’s survival.

Chapter 26

She was lost in a hazy, dreamlike world. She could hear voices around her but couldn’t open her eyes, couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. The air was cold, the bed beneath her—if it was a bed—hard and unyielding. Fear took hold of her, permeating every fiber of her being. Was she dying? Dead? Buried alive? Where was she? Where was Dominic?

Her mind screamed his name, over and over again.

But there was only emptiness.

And darkness.

* * *

Dominic roused to the sound of Maddy’s silent screams. Bolting upright, he reached out to her. Maddy, love, I’m here.

Dominic? Dominic, help me!

Hush, darlin’. Don’t be afraid. You’re under a sleeping spell of some kind. Not a very powerful one, he thought, if they could still connect.

Where am I?

I don’t know. But I’ll come to you as soon as I can.

When?

It might be a while. But don’t be afraid, he said again. I’ll find you, no matter how long it takes. I love you, Maddy. We’ll see the better side of this yet, I promise.

I love you, Dominic. I love you. . . .

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