dead, so many of his crew sacrificed. He felt the first heat of dawn's fingers against his neck. All he had to do was remain on deck and it would be
over with once and for all. He looked at Skye.
"You could have killed me tonight. My focus was on the undead on the ship. My men might have thought it an accident in the surge of bloodlust
and they would have let you go."
"Yes. That's true."
"So, why didn't you?" He was curious to know the young man's answer. There was something that intrigued him about Skye Templeton. This was
a strong, intelligent man, rather unlike the rest of his crew. Most of them had spent their lives following the orders of others. But not this one. He
definitely felt a strong attraction for the man--and it was more than his blood. Yet, his attention was drawn to the purple vein pulsing in Skye's
neck.
"I won't become part of your food stores, Captain."
Donté's attention refocused on Skye's face. "Do you think I need another?" He swept an arm in a semi-circle. "I have a crew of men more than
eager to quench my thirst. Willingly. Do you think I need you?"
There was something indefinable in Skye's expression. Donté's attention turned to his mouth. Templeton meant to hold himself apart from the rest
of his crew. But there was an element of desire and yet defiance in the way he held himself. A flagrant challenge to the vampire captain to force the
young man's submission.
"You will yield to me. Eventually."
Those beautiful lips curved into a smile. A tongue slipped out to wet the elegant fullness. Suddenly, Donté swooped forward and possessed them,
curling a hand tightly into the long blond locks. Taking what he wanted, tasting the sweetness of strong defiance in the young merchant's kiss.
Skye pressed forward, off-balancing the vampire, pressing advantage, forcing Donté against the rail, as he took control of the passionate kiss. He
thrust his tongue between Donté's lips; his determined hands cupped the vampire's cheeks, facing down the danger of such a predatory master.
If Donté had a heart that beat, it would have drum rolled a fast and furious pace as desire roared for Skye Templeton. He pulled free from Skye's
lips and stumbled away. He put the weakness that consumed him down to weariness from the night's battle.
Donté slid his tongue over his lower, engorged lip and felt a trickle of blood and wiped it away.
"You challenge what you have no understanding of," he said. He fought the desire to have this human in his bed right this minute. Bound to it,
supping from him at his leisure. Or hanging on his wall, the bite of metal binding him in Donté's presence. There was something in Skye Templeton,
something so different and so desirable. So forbidden.
"I'll give you what you need, my captain, all in good time."
"Your blood?"
Skye smiled. But it was a strange look of mastery to the expression. "Your marks will never mar my flesh, Donté Lucienne. But perhaps my marks
will decorate yours."
Donté's mind exploded with visions of surrender. He saw the marks Skye spoke of. Saw into the strong mind of the merchant. No, this man was not
what he appeared--not at all.
The heat of the dawn rays burned against his back and Donté knew there was no time left. He thought maybe he wasn't ready to end his torment
just yet. This duel of seduction must continue at another time.
"We shall see, Templeton, whose marks are best displayed." He bowed his head in salute. "Another time."
"As you wish, Captain."
Donté saw the darkness in Skye Templeton, he saw what could be. And maybe it was what Donté needed. He'd never considered it possible with a
human--not now, after all these years. For the first time in a long time, Captain Donté Lucienne trembled with anticipation.
Chapter 5
Several nights after the zombie battle it was considered a night for rest and relaxation. All was quiet, the sea calm and serene. After two days of
searching the area for any sign of Zoliel, Captain Lucienne called a halt. The voodoo shape-shifter had disappeared, leaving no clue.
The bounty of the French ship had provided wines, sugars and spices, rice and coffee. There were also extra barrels of water and kegs of rum. And
candy, to the delight of many of the crew. But the biggest surprise discovered among the booty Jupiter recovered was a small cache of diamonds
hidden amongst the captain's possessions. Most likely they were bound to fill the coffers of the French emperor, Louis Napoleon, to help fund his
war against Prussia. According to a copy of le Figaro, a French newspaper Jupiter had also discovered on board, France had declared war on
Prussia slightly less than a month ago. It must have occurred just after Skye had left on his mission. Instead, the diamonds would be divided