An Unwanted Hunger by Ciana Stone Read Free Book Online Page A

stem the sudden pang of need that lanced through him at the mention of her name. Even now, separated by numerous walls, he could feel her like a fire in his veins. “Resa Vânător is under my protection.”
    “Forgive me, Sire, but is that wise?” Madron asked. “How many of us has she killed or tried to kill? She’s one of the foremost hunters of the Alliance and to take her into our midst—”
    “She risked her life to save mine,” Constantine cut him off. “Killed her own to save me. Do you suggest that I should reward such an act of courage and sacrifice with deception or death? Do you dare suggest that I dishonor one who has sacrificed all that I might live?”
    Madron looked away, seeking support from the others at the table. But no voice was raised. Constantine looked around at the assembly. “Resa Vânător is, as you have stated, one of the most skilled of the hunters of the Alliance. And having been trained by Bram himself possesses much knowledge of our enemy. Turning her, gaining her loyalty would be of enormous benefit to us in defeating this age-old enemy.”
    Azarth spoke up. “I must add a word here. According to the genetic tests I’ve conducted, Resa Vânător is also unique among the Dhampir. Her genetic code not only proves that she carries the blood of the D’Harahn, but she carries a Vox Narr within her.”
    “How is that possible?” Madron asked.
    “A question I am waiting to hear answered,” Constantine added.
    “I have no answer,” Azarth replied. “What human code she possesses is diluted and small in comparison to her V’Karian makeup. She could hold an important part of the puzzle we’ve been trying to piece together for a millennium. I’ve never encountered a mutant bearing the Vox Narr.”
    There was a moment of silence. Constantine knew the news would unnerve as well as intrigue everyone assembled. It was unprecedented. And something Azarth and the scientific minds beneath him were eager to study.
    “You think she holds the key to our infertility problems?” a woman across from him asked.
    “Possibly,” Azarth replied. “And that above all is paramount to the survival of all V’Kar. If there is a way to breed with humans and produce beings with dominant D’Harahn genetic codes that can host the Vox Narr, then there may be a possibility of altering that code to erase the human portions. And if we can do that, we can then create a new race of breeders and repopulate our world. Unless,” he paused and looked around, “you’d prefer that we relegate ourselves to breeding with humans and diluting what we are forever.”
    A chorus rose at the comment. No one of V’Kar wanted to lose what made them unique in the Universe. Their inability to reproduce had plagued them for longer than humans had walked their world, and they were still unable to find a remedy. If there was a chance, any chance that Resa held a key then her value to all of them was increased exponentially.
    Constantine stood, his hands on the glossy surface of the table. “Azarth speaks true. We need her. So hear me and hear me well. Any hand that is raised against her will incur my wrath. She will be treated as an honored guest.”
    Azarth gestured to get his attention and Constantine nodded in his direction. “It is vital that we know if a Dhampir can be successfully impregnated.”
    Constantine felt a chill wash over him and spoke before Azarth could say more. “Then,” he said with a sly smile, “I shall put that to the test.”
    There was laughter. Everyone assumed he would take Resa as they had all taken human females. Mesmerized them, coupled with them, taken life force from them and left them, moving on to another, caring not if a seed was planted.
    Constantine chuckled with them then sobered. “She bears information we need and will have. She is under my protection. When the time comes that I am confident of her loyalty, she will be welcomed into our midst as one of us.”
    He did not wait