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Chapter 18

Author: Juliette Springs
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

The walk home was quick and uneventful. Concentrating on Ivan’s briskconversation and thinking what she had to tell him later causedher stomach toknot up Following her lead, he stopped talking, and they walked in silence back to his condo. Once inside, Victoria quickly volunteered to fix dinner. Glad for the reprieve she started rummaging through the refrigerator for cook. Seeing movement behind her she glanced out of the corner of her eye, and saw Ivan watching her.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

Arms loaded with food, she closed the refrigerator and turned to face him

“No. Why?”

“You were awfully quiet on the walk home.”

“Oh.” What could she say? He’d noticed her lack of attention and participation in the mainly one-sided conversation? He couldn’t possibly know she was tense, nervous, and frustrated, could he? Nope, that would be impossible. She had her own weirdness but even she knew there wasn’t such a thing as mind reading.

“You’re worried about something. Wha
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    Placing her palm in his, she felt a spark when his palm closed around hers. She allowed him to lead her to the living room where he sat beside her on the love seat. Their knees touched, adding to the sexual excitement already coursing through her body. “I want to get to know you better. I want to pursue a relationship with you.” He turned so he was facing her, looking at her intently. “I know I’m being direct, but this is how I feel. I’ve had a crush on you since we were kids. I’ve thought about you a lot over the years.” He paused. “I even went back home, but you weren’t there.” “When did you go back home?” she asked in a soft voice, unable to believe he wanted the same things she did. “About a year ago, around September. I went to your mother’s house, but someone I didn’t recognize answered the door. They knew you, but didn’t know where you had gone.” “My mother had gotten worse and had to be placed in a nursing home to receive around the clock medical attention. I had to rent o

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 20

    Ivan lay beside Victoria. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the guilt and inner turmoil raging inside of him. He could not make love with Victoria anymore until he told her the truth. If she had opened her eyes while they were having sex, she would have seen the mate’s glow, and he could offer her no explanation without revealing everything to her. At this point he still couldn’t tell her the truth because he had given his father his word.He didn’t realize the full extent of his lies until he heard her screaming “Ivan” during her release. His mate did not even know his real name. She only knew him as Ivan, a character he was playing. Guilt ricocheted through him. He knew from experience the sex shouldn’t have been that intense and sensual. However, as mates the sex would be mind-blowing each time they came together. Every instance of lovemaking would strengthen their bond and mental connection. Of course, Victoria couldn’t know that. There was a special place in hell for him.

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    arim watched the woman enter the clothing store. He believed she was the heir, but since there were so many humans and other overwhelming smells, he could not be one hundred percent sure until she was away from the crowds. He had left host quarters as soon as he’d finished migrata. Once he stepped aboveground and was in fresh air, he recognized the scent. After making sure he wasn’t being watched or followed, he had pursued the smell and arrived at the mall. Once there, the scent mixed in with odors from the other dozens of people milling about. He recognized the various illnesses, lust, human food, blood. Not to mention other irritating smells, like the sewer for instance. He was almost about to give in to the temptation of tasting the sweet, powerful blood flowing so freely around him when the delicate scent reached his nose. Thoughts of draining the pretty young girl who walked too close to him left his mind. He let the scent lead him inside the mall, through stores, up and down es

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 22

    “Is something wrong?” Victoria asked. Ivan had stopped with her bags and was staring across the driveway at something. She couldn’t see who or what it is. She stepped closer to Ivan and peered in the direction he was looking. “That’s the man who was watching me at the mall,” she said, her voice beginning to rise with fear. “What is he doing here? Did he follow me?” She heard Ivan issue a sharp curse. “Go inside and let me handle this.” Before Victoria could ask him what was wrong with him, she was being pushed in the direction of Ivan's home. She watched in horror as the man started walking toward them. Victoria began to move and nearly stumbled as she was pushed harder towards the apartment. Nearly losing her balance, she regained her step and heard the strange man shout in their direction. “Khafil, face me instead of running like a coward!” She paused with wide eyes at the barely contained violence in the man’s eyes. “Who is Khafil?” she asked, looking from Ivan to the man

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    The man she knew as Ivan, who she thought she loved as Ivan, turned facing her, looking for the first time like someone she didn’t recognize. “He is right. My name is Khafil.” She swayed as she heard a rushing sound in her ears. She saw “Khafil” reach out to steady her. “Don’t touch me,” she whispered, feeling sick. She stepped away from him and Sarim. She took a deep breath and tried not to throw up in front of them, further embarrassing herself. She would not fall apart in front of him. Despite the pain of her heart breaking, she forced herself to look into the bastard’s lying face. “Did you know Sarim, my father,”—she almost choked on the words—“was searching for me?” “Yes.” Unable to stop it, Victoria turned around and vomited on the pavement. Her body recoiling against the fact she had been cruelly used and deceived. She heard Khafil let out a string of curses. “Is this what you wanted? Are you satisfied now?” he asked the man claiming to be her father. Sarim chuckled

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    “If you would please just let me explain,” he began.Victoria had had enough of his lies, and manipulation. She wanted answers about who and what he really was. “No”, she interrupted. “I’ve been listening to you long enough.”She took a deep breath and pushed the pain and hurt away to a different part of her mind. She needed answers and she needed to be in control to focus and ask the right questions. She turned to look at Khafil, closing her eyes against the hurt looking at his perfect lying face brought. She opened her eyes again to find him staring at her. At first glance he looked cold and aloof, but she saw the tightening around his eyes. As she studied him, she also saw he was tired. Could he really be sorry about his lies and deceit? Looking at him and remembering their history, it was hard to believe he felt nothing for her. The way they’d made love had to be based on some type of real feelings, didn’t it?Then she remembered the look on Khafil’s face when he laughed at Sarim

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    Victoria laughed bitterly. “You are absolutely right. All his handpicked groom had to do was lie to me about his identity, seduce me, and have unprotected sex with me.” She turned, facing him, letting him see her disgust. “Just like you did, right?”“I admit I didn’t handle the situation well.”“You’re damn right you didn’t handle the situation well."You could have told me the truth at any time but you didn’t.” She fumed, ignoring the wave of fresh pain and anger. “You chose to lie and continue your charade. I don’t know who makes me sicker. My father for what he planned, or you for what you actually did.”Anger was streaming unchecked though her. She had the violent urge to hit something.“I’m the prize brood mare in a sick, twisted vampire nation.” She turned her hurt-filled gaze on him.“How could you?” she repeated the earlier question.She watched as the cold mask fell back on his face.“I had no choice.”Victoria reached over and slapped him. Hard. Satisfaction filled her when

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 26

    She didn’t hear the door quietly open later. Or see the male, who had waited in his car across the street at the gas station for her to go to sleep, enter the room. He stood over her and watched her even breathing as she slept. He tasted her pain and misery in the hotel room. It cut him deeply because he knew it was his fault his mate had cried herself to sleep, believing she had absolutely no one she could trust or turn to. Bending over her, he gently wiped the tears off her cheeks and swiftly removed her shoes, pants, and jacket. He ignored the spark of desire that flared instantly at seeing her smooth, supple legs. He placed her under the bed’s cover and kissed her forehand gently.“I’m sorry,” he whispered to her sleeping form. Sitting in the recliner by her bed, he watched his mate sleep. *****Victoria woke up feeling extremely nauseated. She sat up and felt the room spin. She grabbed her head and waite

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  • Ivan's Betrayal   GLOSSARY

    Sarim’s Scent Glossary Abuu - vampire leader of all tribe Anglovaxens- Another term for vampires of Caucasian descent. Code of Ethics – Certain rules all Taalib Dumas must follow, set by the Darvan Gods. Darvan Gods – Ruling Gods of Taalib Dumas Desolihates -Name given to isolated tribes of Africa who didn’t associate with the modern Taalib Duma tribes. Humvansi - human vampires Issanvi- the vampire equivalent of sex Imvura- a tribe of Taalib Dumas of mixed descent (African and Caucasian). They are second in numbers and power to the Soga’s. Migrata - the first state of rest Taalib Duma- seeker of blood Tralu - leader of the Imvura Vahothes- Mothers or first protectors of Taalib Dumas Vahantes – Fathers or elder council members of Taalib Dumas Vancanes – underground freezer where humans are kept in a semi-frozen state until feeding time. Vandilum - Drink made from a dying vampire’s blood that renders any male Taalib Duma impotent, except during the full moon. Vrandar Zo

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 38

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    Victoria’s eyes became large dark orbs and her mouth formed an O as he slowly filled her. She took a deep breath and balanced herself as he began to move. She started in surprise as he grabbed her hips and thrust deep. Her body vibrated as he deepened his strong strokes. Lifting her butt up, she became greedy, wanting to catch each sensation as he continued to move deeply into her, her vagina grasping for more. Her begging became more demanded as she pleaded with him to go deeper and harder. “It feels so good,” she whispered. Lifting her head, she opened her eyes and stared at the Council members, smiling. She didn’t care that his brothers were witnessing her total depravity. “What are you doing?’ she protested as Khafil slowed before stopping completely. He attempted to pull out, but she began to move, backing up on him, desperate to keep him inside her still needy vagina. She slowly worked his thickness inside of her until her buttocks touched his stomach. The sensations and hi

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 36

    They both nodded and watched her closely as she washed her breasts. Embarrassed, Victoria turned her back on the intense stares and bent down in the warm water to wash her suddenly sensitized private area, all the while feeling their eyes on her. She cursed when she realized her hands were shaking. Why were they just standing there watching her wash her body and looking at her like they were fat kids and she was a piece of cake? After stalling as long she could, she turned around.“I’m ready.” They nodded and handed her a large fluffy towel. She was then led out into a bedroom and rubbed briskly with another soft towel. While she was still slightly damp, the attendants rubbed a cool creamy peachy lotion onto her skin.Victoria blushed as they began caressing the lotion onto her butt. Yelping, she knocked one of the attendant’s hands away when one of their soft hands slipped between her legs and rubbed the creamy lotion onto the sensitive area near her vagina. Heat blazing hot, she l

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 35

    “How?” she asked, not understanding. He laughed. “The infamous mate’s glow.” “Oh.” She felt heat rush to her face. “Once that was revealed, the council had no choice but to honor my mother’s request and her family’s that she be mated with my father.” “Something tells me Sarim didn’t like that.” “Not one bit. They had to go before the council because Sarim challenged my father for taking his intended. My father had to prove he and my mother were mates or face death.” “Don’t tell me they had to do the ceremony in front of everyone...” “At the council, yes, they did. Afterward, the promised union with my mom and Sarim was dissolved.” “Wow, no wonder there is bad blood between the two.” “Yeah, we even think Sarim is responsible for my mother’s death.” “What?” Do you think my father would really go that far?” “Yes, he would. You forget I have worked as your father’s protector for decades. After what I’ve seen, he is quite capable of anything.” Victoria shuddered. She didn’t wa

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    Could he already know? Victoria wondered. Could he smell his blood in her baby? “You’re breeding, or what you call pregnant.” “Damn,” she murmured. “That’s a wicked pregnancy test.” Khafil laughed. “Yeah, it is, but it’s effective.” “Yeah,” she agreed. Lying back down, she was unable to continue facing him. She felt exposed and was too vulnerable to face him with her next question. “So what happens next for us?” She didn’t know if she was ready for his answer. “The Code of Ethics forbids any Taalib Duma child to knowingly be born to unmated parents or to parents not joined in a union.” “But we are mated,” she interjected. “Yes, but we are not blood-bonded mates,” he continued. “The law says we have to become blood bonded since we are bringing a Taalib Duma child into existence.” “You mean we have to go through that ceremony you were telling me about? The ceremony that makes us sex in front of your brothers and drink each other’s blood.” He nodded his head. “What ha

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 33

    Sitting at the council table, deep in thought, Khafil was blown away by what his father had just told him. Victoria being impregnated was not completely unexpected but was indeed still shocking. He knew it was a strong possibility, given they were mates and they had been having unprotected sex. He shouldn’t have been so rough with her last night. He should have known his mate was breeding. He cursed himself for his lack of focus on what was important. His mind had been occupied with the plans for presenting the Imvura case for leadership to the Council. The Imvuras already had a good case based on Sarim’s transgressions over the years and the fact he, the Imvura heir, and Sarim’s descendant were mates. Now that she was impregnated, it almost guaranteed the Imvuras would be the ruling brotherhood and he would become Abu. Pushing those thoughts aside, his mind landed back on Victoria. They would have to become true blood-bonded mates and go through the ceremony she referred to as an o

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 32

    “Afternoon?” Victoria asked, the grogginess disappearing as she realized how late it was. Zanhoden, if she remembered correctly, was Khafil’s father. “I just woke up and need to get dressed.” “We’ll wait,” was the solemn reply. Victoria squeaked out an okay and closed the door. She leaned against it and tried to pull herself together. What could Khafil’s father possibly want to meet with her about? Nothing good that's for sure. She didn’t have a good feeling about it. Khafil had not mentioned his father wanted to meet her. Khafil didn’t mention anything to her, since they rarely talked to each other. She went in the spacious bathroom to brush her teeth and take a shower. The warm water felt relaxing and soothed the tension that was strumming through her body. She would go meet with his imperialness, and she would not be intimidated.

  • Ivan's Betrayal   Chapter 31

    Khafil sat in the meeting, aware of his father watching him. Instead of returning his gaze and assuring him everything was okay, he ignored him. If he had disregarded his father’s advice, he wouldn’t be in this situation. He was irritable because he hadn’t been sleeping well. Since his mate wasn’t in a state of rest, he couldn’t fully submerge in his resting state. He was also extremely horny. He hadn’t had sex in over a week-ever since the incident with Sarim.And he didn’t know how to bridge the gap with Victoria . He could solve one of his problems and offer what more than one willing female had been willing to give him, but the mate in him rejected the thought of being intimate with another female. He wanted Victoria, and she hated him plain and simple, so his chances of getting satisfaction were slim to none.“Khafil, what do you think of Malik’s plan?”Khafil rose his head to see all of the council members watching him keenly. Khafil glanced at his father, who frowned at him. Da

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