Hunter's Surrender (2010) by Anna Hackett Read Free Book Online Page B

you over, son. The best way for a hunter to stay sane is the right woman. Love balances everything.
    He remembered the day his father had said those words. Only days before his death. A forgotten memory Rand had buried.
    Why had he let himself forget? His father had trained him to kill rogue vampires, but he'd also stressed the importance of balance.
    Rand had been so busy avenging his father, he'd let some of the most important lessons fade to the back of his mind.
    What would Brody Wilder have thought of Dominique Valois?
    Rand smiled. He'd bet his dad would've thought she was gorgeous and too damned good for Rand.
    He reached out with his senses. Even being in a different room was too far away from her. He sensed her unique energy.
    When a shaft of pure fear speared through him it took him a moment to realize it wasn't his fear he was feeling, but hers.
    He exploded into action, running down the hall, into the bathroom. Steam billowed.
    Dominique wasn't there.
    He followed her energy signature to the back door. It was open. Damn . He grabbed a titanium stake off the wall in his den and raced outside.
    A trail of footsteps led into the desert. Dominique's small, bare feet had made one set of marks. Beside them were a larger set with the slick tread of expensive men's shoes.
    Rage fired through Rand, but he fought to stay controlled. Dominique needed him.
    He stalked over a rise and saw them.
    Vilein had a handful of Dominique's dark hair and was savagely yanking her along with him. The little idiot was fighting back, twisting and trying to kick at her captor.
    The vampire must've sensed Rand. He spun and thrust Dominique to the ground. She fell on her knees, her face stark white.
    "She stinks of you, hunter." Vilein's voice was ice cold.
    "Let her go."
    "She's mine." The ajna ran a hand down her cheek. She thrust her head away from him, but he caught her chin. "I was to be the first to have her."
    "You don't deserve her."
    "And you do, Darkness?" Vilein shook his head. "She is royalty and yet you sullied her with your hunter hands. Hands that have killed so many of her kind."
    Rand swallowed. His gaze caught her pleading violet eyes.
    "Get out of here, Rand."
    God, she was worried for him? He didn't deserve her, but she certainly deserved more than this torturing bastard.
    He focused on Vilein. "I said let her go."
    The vampire shrugged. "She's tainted goods now. But she'll be entertainment for my friends. And her back will still welcome my whip."
    Molten heat exploded through Rand. He wouldn't let this perverted creature lay a hand on her again. He lunged forward, leading with his stake.
    Vilein's blow sent Rand flying through the air ten feet. He hit the sand with enough force to drive the air from his lungs.
    Spitting the blood from his mouth, he rose. He couldn't beat this vampire with strength alone.
    He looked again at the woman--the vampire--on her knees. In that one clear moment, he knew he'd give his life to protect her. Using all his speed, he attacked Vilein. The powerful kick knocked the vampire back a step. As long as Rand didn't let Vilein land a direct blow, he had a chance.
    He ducked a fist, jammed his own into Vilein's side. The vampire grunted. Twirling, Rand attacked with kicks and strikes, avoiding the ajna's own swings.
    The vampire was powerful, but he hadn't spent years honing his combat skills like Rand had. The trick with vampires was to use their own energy against them. Brute force wasn't what would win the fight.
    Suddenly Dominique moved forward, preparing to attack.
    "No, Dominique," Rand called out.
    Vilein moved so fast he blurred. He backhanded her across the face and she went down hard in the sand.
    Rand gritted his teeth, his muscles bunching. Without thought, he launched himself, desperate to make the ajna pay for every wound he'd inflicted on her.
    Vilein took advantage of Rand's wild charge and thrust a fist against his chest. He felt ribs crack. The force of the blow sent him to his