WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 1 WICKED DELIGHTS With stories by Kate Hill Adrienne Kama Lisa G. Riley Kimberly Kaye Terry WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 2 Tamed by the Tiger © copyright May 2006, Kate Hill Forsaken © copyright May 2006, Adrienne Kama Unparalleled © copyright May 2006, Lisa G. Riley Pleasure Principle © copyright May 2006, Kimberly Kaye Terry Cover art by Eliza Black, © copyright May 2006 New Concepts Publishing Lake Park, GA 31636 www.newconceptspublishing.com This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence. WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 3 TAMED BY THE TIGER By Kate Hill Prologue “This is an emergency. We need to see you right away.” The panic in Kesi’s voice alerted Raine because her friend rarely overreacted to an assignment. She’d always sweat the small stuff, but when it came to business, she had everything under control. Whatever happened to Kesi’s unit must have been horrible for her to call at midday, when she knew Raine would be sound asleep, and demand a meeting. “Just keep calm and tell me what happened,” Raine said, cradling the phone’s receiver between her shoulder and ear while rubbing sleep from her eyes. “I told you. We were attacked. The operation was planned to perfection. We cornered the weasel and Saloni was beating the hell out of him when this thing attacked us and escaped with the target. You know I’ve seen a lot of shit, Raine, but this guy was like nothing I’ve ever dealt with before.” “What do you mean?” “In the past, Saloni and I have both mixed with weretigers, but never one this powerful. And it was black. To my knowledge there are no black weretigers.” Raine’s brow furrowed in thought. What Kesi just told her didn’t sound good. “Well the target is a weretiger, too. Makes sense that another of his kind would try to save his ass. Just because we’ve never seen a black weretiger doesn’t mean one can’t exist. I do agree we need a meeting to figure this out.” “No shit.” “I’ll ignore that.” “As long as you don’t ignore the problem, that’s all I care about.” “None of you are too injured to travel, right?” “Right.” “Then come to my place. We’ll be safe here while we figure out what’s going on. I’ll get someone back on the target and his mysterious rescuer so we can get the job done. All good?” “It’s a start. We’ll get there ASAP.” A click on the other end of the line told Rain that Kesi had hung up. She switched off her cell phone and placed it back on the night table, then glanced toward the window. Sun bled through the space on the sides of the drawn shade. Usually she slept through the WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 4 day, but the discussion with Kesi had her too wound up. It had been literally ages since anyone had interfered with one of their jobs. Knowing a male had stopped them irritated her even more. She could only imagine how Saloni felt, since it was her chance for vengeance. Not to mention that Kesi, known as the best fighter in the sisterhood, was absolutely beside herself. Over two thousand years ago Raine’s grandmother, along with two other magical women, had formed the Wakened Veils. Many of the original members still existed, depending on what type of supernatural powers they possessed. Vampires, Succubae, and some were-creatures for example, lived very long lives. Tired of being subject to the whims of men, they banded together and used their powers for vengeance against any man who brought harm to a woman. Their secret society grew and their legacy continued through generations until units of the Wakened Veils patrolled each continent. Raine was in charge of the units that secured the United States east of the Mississippi. Her duty was to listen to cases presented by her warriors, bring the most important ones to the three founders known as the First Wraths, and see that the cases assigned to her units were carried out with stealth and efficiency. A problem such as the one Kesi reported must take top priority. Neither she nor any of the warriors involved could rest until their target--and the bastard who had the audacity to rescue him--were punished. WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 5 Chapter One The tiger’s muscular body pushed through the lake’s churning waves, the weight of the man-beast on his back scarcely hindering him. He tried to ignore the taste of blood in his mouth and the lust for battle pulsing through him. At the moment his most important concern was reaching safety before those demonic women regrouped and tried to complete the job they’d started. Nearing the riverbank, the tiger took the man-beast gently by the scruff of the neck and dragged him out of the water. He glanced toward the dirt road, noting the car still parked to the side of it. Closing his eyes, he drew a deep breath, feeling his powerful chest expand. With the utmost control, he released the breath, his body changing. Bones reshaped, muscles compacted, his spine shifted, and his face molded into its man form. Wet black hair retracted, leaving rivulets of water trailing over smooth flesh and drenched tendrils of thick human hair hanging past his shoulders. Sanjay glanced at his son sprawled on the muddy ground, still halfway between human and tiger. Blood ran from several wounds on his back and legs, but they had already started to heal. He hoisted the youth onto his shoulder and carried him to the car where he propped him against the hood and lightly slapped his catlike face. “Rahul, come on. Wake up. You need to change back so we can get out of here.” The man-beast stirred, and then growled. Sanjay pulled his hand away before savage fangs sank into it. The man-beast’s eyes focused on him, recognition flashing through them, before they slipped shut. With several measured breaths, Rahul changed to his human form. His battered body sagged and if Sanjay hadn’t caught him he most likely would have hit the ground. “Get in.” Sanjay shoved him into the car and reached for a first aid kit. He started cleaning the rapidly healing injuries but Rahul shoved his hands away. “Father, why did you follow me?” “Good thing I did or else you’d be dead.” “I could have handled a bunch of women.” “Highly unlikely.” Sanjay continued tending Rahul’s injuries. “And before you lose your temper again, it’s those particular women who would give you difficulty. Did you happen to notice their ear cuffs?” “I was more interested in avoiding their weapons than admiring their jewelry.” “The engraved silver ear cuffs they wear are a symbol of their sisterhood, a way of identifying themselves to each other. They kill men, Rahul. In particular, men of a magical nature.” “They wouldn’t have killed me.” Still excitable from repressing the urge to destroy enemies in battle, the tiger in Sanjay was in no mood for Rahul’s obstinacy. Grasping the youth roughly by the jaw, he snarled, “Killing is all they do, Rahul, but they never kill without reason.” “What is that supposed to mean?” WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 6 “It means keep your silence, boy, until I’m finished aiding you.” Rahul’s chest rose and fell with each furious breath and he glared at Sanjay yet kept his silence. He must have sensed his father had been pushed to his limit and any further provocation would end quite badly. Sanjay worked quickly, knowing it was only a matter of time before those she- devils recovered enough to follow them. Crossing the river would have thrown them off their scent temporarily, but the women were vampires and when it came to tracking, few creatures surpassed blood drinkers. They needed to get out of the area and to the hotel room Sanjay booked two states over. It would mean driving all day, but he had little choice. Moments later the men, now dressed in jeans and T-shirts, drove down the dark country road. “May I ask a question, Father?” Rahul asked, his voice haughty. At Sanjay’s nod, he continued, “If you were certain those women wanted to kill me, why did you leave them alive?” “You know it is not our way to harm women. No self-respecting weretiger would do such a thing. Not only that, those particular women never kill without reason. I want to know which one of them you angered enough to warrant a death sentence.” “How is it you are so familiar with them?” “I’ve had all I will take of your insolence. I want an answer to my question. Now!” “And if I don’t want to give it?” A growl trapped in Sanjay’s throat. He would have been within his rights to punish Rahul for his insolence, but no matter what the situation, his son was usually respectful and collected. This uncharacteristic rebelliousness combined with tonight’s attack told Sanjay something was drastically wrong. He needed to uncover the problem before he lost Rahul, and not simply to death. “Why don’t you want to talk to me?” Sanjay asked, trying to keep the demand from his voice. As leader of their clan, he was accustomed to his men responding immediately when asked a question. “Because this is not something you can understand and I don’t want you to interfere. What happened tonight is between Saloni and me.” “Saloni? She’s a vampire.” Sanjay recalled one of the women from tonight’s attack. “Yes.” “Who is she exactly?” “No one you would know about.” “I realize that. I only know about, Nidhi, the girl you’re to marry.” Rahul’s jaw tightened visibly and he held up a defensive hand. “Father, don’t do this.” “One of us must do something, Rahul. If this Saloni woman has called upon the Wakened Veils, they will not stop hunting until you are dead.” “The Wakened Veils?” “They are a group of women--all of magical origins--that formed two thousand years ago to seek revenge against any man who dared harm one of their own.” “And no one has stopped them? Surely it wouldn’t take much--” WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 7 “No one has stopped them because not only is their secret kept safe from everyone outside their group, but they are intelligent and well trained. Assassins comparable to Thugs and Ninja, except these females have various powers far beyond the realm of mortals.” Rahul snorted. “It sounds as if you’re afraid of them.” “Your attempt to goad me is weak--as weak as whatever actions led you to be marked for death by this powerful group of women.” Rahul growled and shifted position to glare at Sanjay. “You know nothing about what happened between me and Saloni.” “Not if you don’t tell me.” The younger man sighed deeply, his anger fading to an expression of sadness that affected Sanjay more than he wanted to admit. From the moment Rahul was born, Sanjay had loved him in a way he never imagined possible. He had felt little for the boy’s mother, and she even less for him, but both parents had adored Rahul, even if Sanjay had stupidly wasted many years playing the part of clan leader instead of father. He had been harsh with Rahul for the boy’s own good. Theirs was a savage world and to keep the respect of his men, Sanjay needed to maintain firm control over everything and everyone, including himself. Sometimes he worried that he had learned too late that power tempered with understanding made a better leader--and a far better father--than he had often been. “Do you remember two centuries ago when you went to South America?” Rahul asked. “Of course.” “During the months you were away, I met a woman in a village not far from our clan’s meeting place. Saloni. We were very much in love.” Sanjay glanced at Rahul, noting a gleam in his eyes that wasn’t there when he spoke of his fiancée, Nidhi. Not a good sign. “Why did you never mention this woman to me? Tell me she was not engaged to someone else.” Or worse, married. “I wanted to marry her, but her family would not accept me.” “Why not?” Sanjay snapped, irritated. Not only was Rahul a successful businessman more than able to comfortably support a family, but he was a fierce protector. Women would like the idea that he was handsome and kind. “You didn’t tell them about your shape shifting, did you? Because you know that cannot be discussed until after the engagement--” “Only Saloni knew.” “I will refrain from mentioning how stupid it was to tell anyone outside of the clan, except your wife.” “You just did mention it. Now do you want to hear this story only so you can lecture me on my mistakes?” Sanjay drew a deep breath and released it slowly. “Go on.” “Her parents had already arranged her marriage and she refused to go against their wishes, so I left. I had to get as far from her and India as possible or else I thought I might lose my mind.” “That’s why you were gone when I returned from South America.” “Yes.” WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 8 “I see. But I still don’t understand what you did to provoke the Wakened Veils. It seems to me that the woman was the one in error, not you.” “When do women ever make sense?” Sanjay shrugged, unable to argue with that bit of reasoning. “She probably wants revenge because she and I slept together.” “Ah.” Sanjay smirked. “Now the proverbial plot thickens.” “It was only one time … maybe two.” “Maybe?” “Father, I would rather not go into detail.” “How about going into detail about how she became a vampire?” “When I returned from abroad, I went to her village, just to make sure she was happy with her new family--” “Or to see if she wasn’t so you could pick up where you left off?” “Since you already know the story, you obviously don’t need me to continue,” Rahul said sarcastically. “Just go on.” “Saloni had died in childbirth, or so I thought.” “So now she’s a vampire and seeking revenge on you. Why?” “I have no idea.” Rahul gestured helplessly with his hands, and then added softly, “Except that tonight she mentioned something about Nidhi.” “She’s jealous.” “But she refused me.” “It doesn’t matter. She refused to disrespect her parents’ wishes but at the same time wanted you to remain faithful to her. Love can be a double-edged sword, one that females wield with untouchable skill.” “You speak like an expert.” “I’m much older and more experienced than you.” Sanjay fell silent for a moment, concentrating on merging with the speeding highway traffic. The road was a long stretch, with cars rushing by on both sides. It had been quite some time since he’d traveled outside of rural areas. He spent most of his time in jungles or open country. His very nature demanded the freedom only available outside the city. Rahul had inherited much of his mother’s human nature and was, for the most part, well able to deal with the confinement of city life. “I don’t think they intended to kill me, Father,” Rahul said quietly. “At least I won’t believe Saloni meant to.” “Do not underestimate any member of the Wakened Veils. When we get to the hotel, I want you to stay there. If you don’t hear from me within twenty-four hours, I want you to return home. I’ve alerted the clan to this problem and they are ready to defend you. I pray it will not come to that. If it does, many will die on both sides of this battle.” Rahul paled a bit, though Sanjay didn’t think for a moment it was out of fear for his own life. In spite of his recent rebelliousness, the clan meant everything to Rahul and he would not wish to put them in danger. “Where are you going, Father?” “To see if I can put a stop to this situation before it gets out of control. If these women will simply see reason, there need not be any more bloodshed on either side.” WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 9 * * * * Raine awoke at dusk after a restless day plagued by worries about Kesi’s report. Standing in the shower, her face tilted toward the faucet, she allowed the water to soothe her. One of the greatest pleasures of the modern world had to be the shower. Raine loved the sensation of fresh hot water running over every inch of her while she rubbed scented soap or gel over her skin. Nothing got a woman in the mood for seduction like this marvelous invention. The only thing missing was a man to share it with her, but tonight she’d rectify that problem. She’d been so busy with work that she’d neglected her hunger for the past few nights. Tonight, she would seek out a strong young male and gorge herself on his every essence. Her nature demanded she feed off the energy of others-- human males being her prime target. Like her mother and grandmother, Raine was a Succubus. Not all offspring of a Succubus and her chosen mate were lucky enough to inherit the power. Since her father wasn’t mortal, but a vampire, Raine had a stronger inclination toward magical tendencies than most. Thankfully his disgusting blood drinking habit hadn’t passed on to her. Reluctantly, she stepped out of the shower and dried off with a thick, oversized towel. After smoothing on perfumed lotion, she slipped into her lacy black bra, matching panties, and robe, which she left unbelted. She strolled to the kitchen and set a tea kettle on the stove before walking to the fridge to find something to cook for breakfast. In spite of how her stomach rumbled, her thoughts focused more on her other hunger, the one that made her heart beat faster and her nipples tighten with anticipation. Tonight some unsuspecting man would get more pleasure then he ever bargained for. First she needed to wait for Kesi and Saloni who she expected to arrive at any moment. “Miss Santangelo, forgive my intrusion but--” Raine let loose a scream loud enough to waken any zombie within ten miles. Grasping the butcher’s knife that hung from a nail on the wall, she spun and found herself facing a tall, dark-skinned man with raven black hair that hung to his elbows. “Please, don’t be alarmed. I mean no harm and only want to talk.” “How the hell did you get in here?” A smile played around his full, rather sensual lips. If she’d met him under other circumstances, Raine would have been thrown by his stunning good looks. His face was angular but without the half-starved look common to many models and actors considered handsome in this modern age. Five o’clock shadow dusted his sturdy jaw, further accentuating his raw masculinity. Most fascinating of all were his eyes. They were large, wide set, slightly tilted at the corners and such gleaming black Raine was certain if she stepped closer she could see her reflection in them. “A funny question from a Succubus who spends her nights slipping unnoticed into men’s beds.” His voice was deep yet smooth as warm caramel. It poured over her, soothing, yet at the same time arousing. For a man such a voice was more than an asset, it was a weapon that drained a woman’s strength, much like Raine used her Succubus physique to drain energy. “How do you know me?” Raine demanded, not liking this man’s calm collectedness that bordered on arrogance. She stepped closer, the knife poised to attack. He stood his ground, his sleek body relaxed yet at the same time she felt the power radiating from him. If she struck, no doubt he would be ready. The question was, WICKED DELIGHTS Hill/Kama/Riley/Terry 10 why hadn’t he attacked yet? “I have come to discuss last night’s attempt by your Wakened Veils to execute Rahul.” A cold feeling swept through Raine. How did he know about the Veils? “You have many questions,” he continued. “Please allow me time to explain.” “I’m listening.” “Perhaps you would like to clothe yourself first.” His gaze swept her body in a manner that reminded her of how hungry she was. Actually, if he wasn’t a damn intruder she wouldn’t mind seeing exactly what was under that black tank top and those jeans that hugged every inch of his long, well-muscled legs … She shook her head slightly. This was crazy. He was an intruder in her house and she was thinking about screwing him until his eyes crossed. That’s what she got for allowing the hunger to last for days. Her mother always warned her to feed at least every other night or there was no telling when or with whom her control would snap. “If you know I’m a Succubus then you also know a state of undress doesn’t bother me,” she sneered, not taking the knife from its defensive position. There was no way she was going to relax her guard until she heard more. “Move to the table slowly and sit. Now!” He did as she requested, his obsidian eyes never leaving her. Good lord, his every movement was like a smooth, masculine dance, so graceful yet powerful. He settled into the chair and placed his hands on the table, palms down. She sat across from him. “Who are you and what do you know about Rahul?” “I am Sanjay. I am Rahul’s father and have come to ask your sisterhood to spare his life.” “How do you know about the Wakened Veils?” “I knew your grandmother, Miss Santangelo.” “Apparently you were on her good side, or you wouldn’t be alive. Still, I can’t believe she would disclose our secret to you.” “I discovered the Wakened Veils by accident.” “And she allowed you to live with this knowledge?” “She trusted my discretion.” Raine curled her lip, her hand tightening on the knife. “If you really knew my grandmother then you would know she trusts no man.” “Why don’t you ask her? That is what I want. A meeting with her.” “Why not go to her directly?” His eyes widened in an innocent gesture that roused her suspicion even more. One thing was for certain, no man who looked and talked like him was innocent. This was a master of seduction if she’d ever met one, surpassing any incubus or vampire she’d ever met. “Is this not the proper channel within your society? I must go through you before reaching her. And are you not the one in charge of my son’s execution? You may stop it.” “No, I may not,” Raine said. “I don’t have the power to overstep a decision made by the First Wraths.” “But you can postpone it and arrange a meeting with them for me.” He leaned closer, his expression even more intense. She thought she heard something resembling a growl rumbling deep in his chest.