Brenda Joyce - Dark Seduction

Advance praise for

DARK SEDUCTION

“Brenda Joyce mesmerises…[The] Masters of Time® [series] is intense, compelling and wickedly erotic!”

—New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley

“Brenda Joyce has consistently written high-quality romance. Now she’s adding a chilling touch of the paranormal. It’s a ‘keeper’ – I loved it.”

—New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham

“In the mood for timeless danger and passionate adventure? Dark Seduction is sensual paranormal romance by a master! Brenda Joyce delivers a book you won’t want to put down.”

—New York Times bestselling author Christina Skye

By

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Also by Brenda Joyce

The de Warenne Dynasty

A LADY AT LAST

THE STOLEN BRIDE

THE MASQUERADE

A DANGEROUS LOVE

The Deadly Series

DEADLY KISSES

DEADLY ILLUSIONS

For my son, the genius who brainstormed the original concept with me – without the “hot” parts, of course!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book would not have been possible without many different layers of support and faith. I would like to thank my agents, Aaron Priest and Lucy Childs, who suspended their own uncertain feelings toward the paranormal genre and got solidly behind the original concept for The Masters of Time®, allowing me to “sell” the concept. I must also thank my editor, Miranda Stecyk, for her lavish support. Although uncertain of some paranormal elements, she was open-minded enough to let me “go for it” and became a great cheerleader for the work in progress, encouraging me as a writer, while sharing her enthusiasm in-house, and for both I am indebted. And of course, my assistant and proofreader, Laurel, once again offered priceless support, enthusiasm and encouragement. Thank you all!

Cover Page

Praise Advance praise for DARK SEDUCTION “Brenda Joyce mesmerises…[The] Masters of Time® [series] is intense, compelling and wickedly erotic!” —New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley “Brenda Joyce has consistently written high-quality romance. Now she’s adding a chilling touch of the paranormal. It’s a ‘keeper’ – I loved it.” —New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham “In the mood for timeless danger and passionate adventure? Dark Seduction is sensual paranormal romance by a master! Brenda Joyce delivers a book you won’t want to put down.” —New York Times bestselling author Christina Skye

Title Page Dark Seduction By

Other Books By Also by Brenda Joyce The de Warenne Dynasty A LADY AT LAST THE STOLEN BRIDE THE MASQUERADE A DANGEROUS LOVE The Deadly Series DEADLY KISSES DEADLY ILLUSIONS

Dedication For my son, the genius who brainstormed the original concept with me – without the “hot” parts, of course! ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book would not have been possible without many different layers of support and faith. I would like to thank my agents, Aaron Priest and Lucy Childs, who suspended their own uncertain feelings toward the paranormal genre and got solidly behind the original concept for The Masters of Time®, allowing me to “sell” the concept. I must also thank my editor, Miranda Stecyk, for her lavish support. Although uncertain of some paranormal elements, she was open-minded enough to let me “go for it” and became a great cheerleader for the work in progress, encouraging me as a writer, while sharing her enthusiasm in-house, and for both I am indebted. And of course, my assistant and proofreader, Laurel, once again offered priceless support, enthusiasm and encouragement. Thank you all!

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Dear Reader

Copyright

The Past

WHEN Claire awoke, it was the dead of night.

For one moment, she was disoriented and confused. It was raining heavily outside. She lay in a canopied bed in a room she did not recognize. As she blinked in the darkness, she saw a fire in a stone hearth and two small, narrow windows. Instead of glass, iron bars bisected them. Through the bars, she saw a torrential night sky. And then she heard him.

Claire…come to me.

Claire bolted upright, alarmed. Instantly, she recalled Malcolm’s near brush with death. But he wasn’t with her in the room; she didn’t know where he was. Was Malcolm all right? How long had she been unconscious? The sky had been cloudy earlier, but there hadn’t been any sign of rain.

Claire…upstairs…above ye. I need ye…

Claire froze, breathing hard. She was very much alone, but he was using telepathy to communicate with her and his thoughts were as clear as if he’d spoken them. He was somewhere above her. She could feel him. Claire faltered, her insides hollowing with terrible urgency. He was hurt, close to death. They had locked him up somewhere. She could save him.

Claire jumped from the bed. She was warm, but not from the small fire—her blood was running hot in her veins from his potent summons. She had to find him. She was choking on desperation. Claire tore the brat from her body and flung it aside, but she found no relief from the feverish heat. She had to be with Malcolm. Swallowing, she became very still, listening for him.

It took but a moment to get past the sound of her pounding heart. And then she felt his torment. He was weak from the battle, his body savagely cut, and he was in pain. He could not even sit up. She had to find him. He needed her. He needed to be deep inside her, taking power from her.

Claire tensed as heat flared between them. He had heard her. He knew she was coming and he was waiting for her.

She looked up at the ceiling. Aidan had told Royce to take Malcolm to a tower. There were four towers, one on each corner of the curtain walls of the castle. Both gatehouses had towers, too, but she was certain he was directly above her. Claire jerked on the neckline of her leine, the linen sticking to her wet skin. It did not become easier to breathe.

She ripped the offending gown from her body, panting hard, clad only in her denim skirt and T-shirt. Where are you?

Claire. Upstairs. Above ye. ’Tis the East Gatehouse.

She smiled, her heart pounding with renewed urgency. I am coming. Claire tried the doorknob and realized it was locked. She was instantly enraged. They had locked her in the chamber!

Hurry, lass.