Dark Seduction
He has sworn to protect the innocent through the ages… Malcolm is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary – and dangerous – powers. When his lack of control results in a woman’s death he’s determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure…until fate sends him bookseller Claire.Yet nothing can prepare safety-conscious Claire for powerful medieval warrior Malcolm sweeping her back into his time. In this treacherous world Claire needs Malcolm to survive, but she must somehow keep him at arm’s length.For Malcolm’s soul is at stake – and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal…
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Advance praise for
DARK SEDUCTION
âBrenda Joyce mesmerisesâ¦[The] Masters of Time® [series] is intense, compelling and wickedly erotic!â
âNew York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley
âBrenda Joyce has consistently written high-quality romance. Now sheâs adding a chilling touch of the paranormal. Itâs a âkeeperâ â I loved it.â
âNew York Times bestselling author Heather Graham
âIn the mood for timeless danger and passionate adventure? Dark Seduction is sensual paranormal romance by a master! Brenda Joyce delivers a book you wonât want to put down.â
âNew York Times bestselling author Christina Skye
Dark Seduction
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
For my son, the genius who brainstormed the original concept with me â without the âhotâ 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 âsellâ 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 âgo for itâ 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!
Table of Contents
PROLOGUE
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.
Claireâ¦come to me.
Claire bolted upright, alarmed. Instantly, she recalled Malcolmâs near brush with death. But he wasnât with her in the room; she didnât know where he was. Was Malcolm all right? How long had she been unconscious? The sky had been cloudy earlier, but there hadnât been any sign of rain.
Claireâ¦upstairsâ¦above ye. I need yeâ¦
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 heâd 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 fireâher 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. âTis 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.
Claire inhaled and caught his scent. She could smell sex. His lust filled the room from the ceiling above. Frenzied, she pulled on the old-fashioned door handle. Her fear had given her superhuman strength, because the door blew in, the lock snapping.
