Dim lighting did little for the cavernous room with its arched ceiling, which soared high overhead. The sparse illumination couldn't dispel the shadows, but it did hide the dust nestled in the folds of the floor-to-ceiling, red velvet drapes. Someone was stuck in the Dark ages and in need of an interior decorator, not to mention a better housekeeper. A good thing Thaddeus had been cured of allergies when he gave up sunlight, else he might have found it hard to sit without sneezing. As it was, an allergic reaction would have proven more exciting than the dull drone of his so-called peers. Bored with the conversation, Thaddeus drummed his fingers on the carved armrest of the overstuffed chair he sat in, listening to the sleep-inducing buzz of those around him as they endlessly argued the same thing over and over. They never tired of it. Such was the curse of eternity and having all the time in the world to ponder and make decisions. This century was known for quick decisions

One moment, the oppressive pressure constantly pushing at the barrier of Antonia's mind was there, doing its best to creep in, and the next it was gone. Vanished. Extinguished like the candle given to her days ago. But while the candle left a sign of its existence in the form of a glob of wax on the dirty stone floor, the overbearing presence that she'd grown used to in her head evaporated without a trace. Only once it disappeared did she realize just how much it had weighed on her. Stifled her. Tainted her with its vile and dark oily feel. How light she suddenly felt. She even managed a smile, the first in what seemed like forever. I'm free. Free of that bastard. Not entirely, or so she reminded herself considering her current location. Her momentary elation couldn't last when faced with reality. Mentally free didn't equal physically free, but then again, judging by the noise coming from outside her cell, that was perhaps a good thing. What's happening? S

During his escape from the castle, where his council of peers tried to murder him, Thaddeus had to kill two thralls and one vampire, whose head he lobbed from a window, and maimed two vampires-the arm he tore off would eventually grow back, but not the earlobe he bit and swallowed. Did he fight dirty? Damned straight. One didn't live to a ripe old age by showing courtesy to the enemy. If you're going to attack me, you'd better come prepared. A lesson they'd never learned, and so they failed. Losers. As coups went, Morpheus didn't plan very well, and he'd underestimated Thaddeus's strength. Did this mean it was over? That Thaddeus was scot-free? Of course not. Morpheus would try again, of that Thaddeus was certain, which meant returning to his home was a bad idea. A shame, Thaddeus had grown quite fond of the penthouse condo he'd bought in the city. Perhaps once he'd prevailed over his enemies, he'd return. Or buy a new one. When one was immortal, it was always best to

Marc's wolf shape didn't allow him to sigh, but he let one loose in his mind. When he'd first tracked down the female he'd freed, she'd reacted with distrust. He couldn't blame her. Having seen the state of the house, knowing what Roderick was capable of, he could only imagine her incarceration at the vampire's hands had proved less than pleasant. When he came across her, huddled under a rock outcropping, her lip peeled back in a snarl, it occurred to him for a moment to shift into his human shape and try reasoning with her. Not a great idea, especially if it set her off and she decided to attack him in his more vulnerable form. With manbits to protect, he stuck to his wolf and settled down to wait. And wait. The female seemed determined to outlast him. He fought not to twitch or grumble or drool because she emitted the most pleasing scent. He wondered if he'd have to give in and perhaps come back later after he sated some pressing needs, but his waiting finally paid off. H

Thaddeus returned to the place where Roderick had met his demise. He didn't have any problem finding it, especially given he'd volunteered to gather the remains when the death was confirmed, remains he'd managed to steal and bring with him when Morpheus betrayed him. Morpheus probably had a hissy fit when he discovered the box in his possession was a decoy, filled with the useless ash of a campfire. As if Thaddeus would give the real, precious ash to that idiot. He wasn't stupid. Thaddeus knew his enemies would use it against him. Paranoia ever was his best friend. After his unproductive phone call with the alpha leader, Thaddeus wasn't sure why he'd decided to revisit the parking lot. Despite his claim to Nathan he'd find the missing rogues, it wasn't as if Thaddeus expected to spot any of them milling around waiting for a collar, nor did he intend to put his nose to the ground in hot pursuit. However, where Roderick went to his final destination-probably an express elevat