Ruth D. Kerce, Erotic Romance Author

Infernal Night 1: Lord Viper

Chapter One
France 1770

     Viper pulled against the metal shackles around his wrists. The jangling echoed off the stone walls of the dungeon and rang in his ears. With his superior hearing, the noise sounded exceedingly sharp to him and he cringed.

      With their limited sensory range, he doubted any of the guards heard his attempt to free himself. Not that he much cared actually. He would relish a fight, even while bound, to burn off some excess energy.

      The guards were Of the Undead, easy to control and defeat, one on one. With their limited intelligence, only their physical strength and numbers gave them power. If five of them had not jumped him at once, he would not be here now. He rarely employed the Undead himself, much preferring those of his own kind.

      His gaze followed the attached chains up to the high ceiling. Double bolted. He was obviously not the first Of the Blood or Of the Bane to be held prisoner here. His fingers curled around the heavy links and he yanked harder, unmindful of the noise.

      The chains held. “Damn.”

      A sound on the ground drew his attention. He followed something scurrying across the sparse, dirty hay strewn on the stone floor. Ugh. A rat. And another one. Fat ones. Disgusting creatures. They would be uninterested in him up on the nearly meter-high platform where he stood. Probably. Not that he feared rats. Much.

      A thin ray of light shone in from one high, barred window and streaked across the dungeon. The light, out of reach even at midday, was not a threat. He was safe from a fiery death. Well, maybe not quite death. Not like some torch set aflame. But very severe burns which could lead to infection and eventual death. An unpleasant way to go. He had seen those Of the Blood who had suffered such a fate.

      This dungeon might even have been constructed on higher ground instead of in the bowels of the earth on purpose. If positioned correctly during the day, one Of the Blood could suffer agonizing torture here. And at night, one Of the Bane would be taunted by the light of the moon filtering into the cell.

      With a sigh of frustration, he relaxed his arm muscles as much as possible. He should try to sleep to keep his strength from waning too much but the uncomfortable position, plus the surplus of energy and expectation running through his system, made it fairly impossible.

      They had stripped him of his long black coat and his hand blade before shackling him, leaving his back bare. He wore no shirt, having had it ripped to shreds earlier from one last encounter with an enthusiastic paramour before infiltrating the territory where he now found himself prisoner.

      So he stood bare from the waist up, perfectly prepared for the whip. A common punishment. One he had endured before, with the marks to prove it. Their kind healed quickly but not without scars, much to his chagrin.

      Oddly, his coat hung inside the dungeon on a peg beside the heavy door and seemed neatly out of place for a cell covered in dirty hay and what smelled like dung. He doubted his weapon remained anywhere nearby. If he escaped, he would be unarmed. If he could not escape—

      The sound of boots on stone reached his ears. Normal movement or something more? He waited anxiously.

      A key grated in the door lock, drawing his undivided attention. The thick slab eased open with an eerie creak.

      And then…she stepped inside.

      Unexpected in the light of day. And certainly an honor for her to have made the effort. Every nerve ending in his body stood at alert. He had hoped she would be the one to come but considered the odds slim.

      Sturdy, yet seductive, black boots graced her feet and covered her legs to the knees. Black, skintight breeches, tucked into the boots, hugged her hips and thighs. A small blade hung from a belt around her waist. A black sleeveless vest, snug over ample breasts, caught and held his attention before his gaze met her almost black stare. A daring outfit, for sure. Decadent and enticing. Completely inappropriate for polite society. And so perfect for the woman he knew her to be.

      Her straight black hair hung down to her elbows and reflected the torchlight magnificently, causing the long strands to shine. Silky was the first thought that came to mind. He had touched that hair before. He wondered if the hair protecting her luscious cunt felt just as silky. He had once almost gotten close enough to find out. But that was long ago.

      As she approached him, her hips swayed seductively. In one hand she held a small whip and she lightly tapped the end against her opposite palm. A slight smile lingered on her blood-red lips, very pronounced against her pale complexion, but he doubted she meant the look kindly.

      “Lord Viper de L’Night,” she greeted in a husky voice.

      “Lady Dominique,” he returned, with a slight nod of his head.

      “I did not believe it true when my sentry told me you had been captured on Toussaint land. Are our territories not well-enough delineated?”

      “I seek my sister only.”

      “Ah.” The smile on Dominique’s face widened. “The most beautiful Lady Starr. What trouble has befallen her now?”

      Viper cocked an eyebrow. Certainly, she already knew and had prepared for his arrival. Her soldiers had located his presence swiftly and jumped him before he had been prepared. He found it difficult to believe those Of the Undead would be so well trained. Dominique must have specifically instructed them to watch for him within Toussaint’s territory. So what game was she playing?

      “Well?” she prompted.

      “Need I say it?” When she simply stared at him, he added, “Your cousin has stolen her away.”

      Her brow arched. “Aleron?”

      Dominique’s genuine laugh filled the dungeon with a cheer unfamiliar to Viper and he found himself longing to hear the sound once more. “Yes.”

      “Aleron is in the mountains brooding, as is his way. Tucked inside his personal chāteau until the loneliness drives him out and back home.”

      “He now has company and no need to feel lonely.”

      “Indeed? Hmm…” Dominique cocked her head and slowly circled behind him, still tapping that black whip against her palm. “I had not heard of Starr’s disappearance or a supposed capture. I think you lie, Lord de L’Night. I think, with the widespread hunger and poverty plaguing France, that you seek to expand your territory to better feed your own bloodlust and that of your nest.”

      She rounded back in front of him. “I think you seek to bring Toussaint under your control and single-handed command. You have come to spy on me. To learn the design, routine and strength of Castle Toussaint.”

      He studied her closely. Her words contained the ring of truth. She believed what she said. Still… “I would not take your territory as my own. Though I have the resources to do so should it become my wish.”

      After a pause, she cocked her head. “You think so, do you?”

      The pout that had momentarily crossed her face before she finally responded, almost made him laugh. “We both know it to be true, my lady.”

      Now she eyed him closely. Struck silent, because she actually feared his words might be correct? He wondered. When her focus switched to his rippled abdomen, he smiled inwardly at her obvious interest.

      She reached out and one long, blood-red, painted nail traced the black viper tattoo on his skin. His muscles contracted as her finger started at the fanged head, pointing upward, then scraped along the body of the snake curled around his navel and descended along the tail, which disappeared beneath his low-slung trousers.

      “This is new. Inked by a talented artisan, no?” she asked in obvious interest.

      “The work of a cousin.”

      “How far down does the tantalizing tail descend?”

      A grin tugged at his lips. “Why tell you, when you can find out for yourself? As you have long desired.”

      Her gaze snapped up to his. “You think too much of yourself, lord. But then you always have.”

      Viper chuckled. “As good an excuse as any, my lady.”

      “An excuse?” After a moment, her eyes narrowed. “You think I would not dare?”

      He left the question unanswered but continued to grin at her. She was not here to hurt him, he would bet, even though he had invaded her territory and was now her prisoner. Dominique was a cunning leader, not prone to rash acts without good cause. And seductive as hell. He enjoyed teasing her. Always had, even long before either of them had ruled a Blood Territory.

      He would more than enjoy sinking his fangs into her breast and feeding on her body. For years, he had craved a taste of her. But she had always eluded his desires. Or rather, he had allowed her to elude him.

      She slipped the loop at the end of the whip around her wrist and tugged at the fastenings of his trousers.

      Ah yes, my lady.

      Viper’s low, deep chuckle echoed off the stone walls and vibrated down her spine. Dominique trembled, not from fear but from a long pent-up desire for this unique man.

      Lord Viper de L’Night was a fine specimen of Blood Vampire, part of the nobility, as was she. But of a different faction. Semi-friendly enemies at best. Loyal to their own Blood Territory, first and foremost. But not necessarily opposed to tasting the assets of a worthy opponent.

      His intense green eyes and long black hair proved hard to resist. Stripped bare on top, his firm muscles, plus the strength and power he naturally emanated, added to his eroticism. The evil-looking tattoo that decorated his sculpted torso completed the package and perfectly represented the man. She pulled open his black, thigh-hugging trousers.

      After so many years, his semihard cock filled her hands. Spectacular—just as rumored. But then, many stories whispered in taverns and lodges were based in fact, if one dug deep enough.

      In her hands, his cock grew fully hard. So long, deliciously veined and incredibly thick. Her cunt throbbed in need. The tail of the viper tattoo stopped right at the base of his shaft, making his cock look like a deep red extension of the tail itself, rising toward its prey. Her.

      Aching for a taste of his magnificent body, she licked her suddenly dry lips.

      Viper’s throaty growl, at her movement, or so she assumed, surrounded her and penetrated her every pore. She dared not look up at him. Not yet, while unable to trust herself with the need she knew must be visible on her face.

      Knowing the danger—the danger not only to her life but to her everlasting soul—she released him and stepped back, needing the space. She could not allow herself to be affected by her own personal desires. She had to think of her nest first. His grunt of disappointment, or perhaps the sound came from derision, made her wonder at his thoughts.

      He had invaded her territory, using his sister as an excuse. If he truly sought Lady Starr, he could just as easily have sent an emissary instead of putting himself at risk for capture. Something more was going on inside his head.

      Not yet daring to meet his gaze, she circled behind him again, getting her thoughts straight in her own head. His trousers had fallen to his knees. Such a smooth, tight ass. Now exposed to her view, she could not resist stroking it with her fingertips, especially while he stood at her mercy. She marveled at his firm cheeks and thighs.

      In response to her touch, he moved almost imperceptibly but she felt it. Yes. Such a proud man. So magnificent.

      “Do you like what you see…and feel, lady?” he asked, his voice husky.

      She jerked her hand back then silently berated herself for the action.

      “You take many liberties.”

      “Quiet!” She lashed the whip across his backside, not enough to harm or leave a lasting mark but enough to tantalize and gauge his reaction to the act.

      Viper grunted and the muscle in the lashed butt cheek jerked but other than that he remained still. She could not help but be impressed by his control, especially given his history with such treatment.

      The marks on his back caught her eye and unexpected guilt washed over her. No. She shook her head, dismissing the feeling. The scars represented his failure. She would take no blame for his past weakness, regardless of the cause.

      Still, he distinguished the difference between torture and titillation better than she had anticipated he would.

      “What do you plan to do with me, Dominique?” he grumbled.

      She circled back around in front of him and her gaze finally met his. “It is Lady Dominique to you. Do not assume familiarity because we were war trained by the same Blood Master.”

      His eyes glowed in the dimness of the torchlight, as if holding some eternal secret. “My assumption comes not from that but from the night by the river when you tempted me by baring your body. And then you refused me when I tried to take what you offered. I feel I earned the right to call you many things that night.”

      She arched an eyebrow.

      “I hope the blood reward you earned in return was worth it.”

      Her heart slammed against her ribs. The night he had received the scars on his back…he had known?

      She hesitated a long, tense moment before voicing the question. “You knew about the test?” Ordered by the Blood Master, with severe consequences for failure. She had not failed. Or so she had always believed.

      Viper had taken the punishment that night for being weak, for falling for her sexual charms. Had he known all along that her attempt at seduction had not been real? And still, he had taken the punishment—the whip—without a single protest or sound.

      If she had failed, she would have been the one punished. “If you knew, why did you allow it? Why did you never retaliate? Seek some sort of vengeance or prize from me later for your sacrifice?” Failure or not on his part, Viper was not known for his subservience.

      “I did not suffer the Blood Master’s whip for any prize.”

      His motivation, then and now, puzzled her. “What about vengeance over what happened to you?”

      “That remains to be seen.”

      His quick response—one he did not even think on for a blink of an eye—surprised and worried her. “Even after so many years?” she asked warily.

      “Even so.” He lowered his voice. “However, to assuage your curiosity… I suffered that night for you, Dominique. So you would not have to endure a training failure. The Blood Master would not have whipped you and taken the chance of marring your beautiful flesh. Your punishment would have remained hidden from the eyes of others but would have been far crueler.”

      The soft sound that almost escaped her lips surprised her. Normally, she maintained better control. But she had not expected to hear such a confession from him. One part of her melted at his protective words, the other raged at his apparent belief that she could not have possibly defeated him unless he allowed it. Still, his tenderly spoken words had thrown her off balance and she did not know how to respond.

      His cock, hard and enticing, with clear drops leaking from the tip, did not make things easier. She found it difficult to concentrate while he stood on the platform, his tempting shaft jutting toward her.

      “What did you think those many years ago, my lady?”

      Because of her actions, he now bore the scars of failure instead of her. “I thought you weak or even broken at the time, Viper.”

      “Never.” He waited a moment then added in a low rumble, “Except maybe when it comes to you.”

      She froze. But then she shook her head, not wanting to hear any more of his odd words. His lies. They had to be lies. A way to distract her. Find her weakness. She would not allow him to attain that kind of power over her.

      Needing to regain control over the situation, she concentrated her attention on his body and reached out to stroke the underside of his cock, watching him carefully. It pleased her when she saw his pupils dilate. “Perhaps I will bind you here in Castle Toussaint as my resident sex slave. Indulge in what I denied myself all those years ago.”

      “An interesting proposal.” As her finger spread his pre-come around the tip of his cock, he sucked in a breath. With a tight voice, he added, “Be careful of your choices though, my lady, for our roles are easily reversed.”

      She lifted one eyebrow. “Are they?” She moved closer and then closer still. Slowly, she sucked the tip of his cock into her mouth—something she had yearned to do for years. “Mmm.” So smooth. Musky. Deliciously wicked tasting. As she sucked, the viper tattoo moved with his muscle contractions, like the serpent was alive. Fascinating. Her tongue brushed against the warm underside of his flesh and her nostrils drew in his unique sexual scent.

      “Ahh…yes,” he groaned.

      Dominique glanced up at him. Viper’s jaw looked clenched, his green eyes hypnotic, while his entire face displayed the pain of intense pleasure.

      “Suck harder, my lady,” he ground out. “Milk me with those luscious lips. I shall allow you to taste my essence and feed on my cock until I have nothing left to give you.”

      Allow? She almost laughed. The man was too arrogant and self-assured for his own good. She slid her lips off his cock and smiled when he groaned in disappointment. “Not this day, lord. I think a little sexual frustration will do you good.”

      Feeling less confident than the strength of her voice indicated, she whipped around. With the taste of him still on her tongue and her cunt throbbing in need, she strode from the dungeon, doing her best to control her shaky legs.

      Dominique knew she had won this particular battle. But she also knew the war with Lord Viper de L’Night was far from over.

      The stone door closed with a thud.

      “Vicious bitch,” Viper whispered, his cock still hard and aching. He would make certain the irresistible Lady Dominique paid for her actions.

      Thinking over his intentions brought a smile to his face. He had waited for too many years. Held back. She would pay dearly. With her delectably seductive body. As soon as he got out of here.

      A low, squeaky chattering caught his attention. The rats, still in the hay around him, even there with the presence of Dominique, now scattered. One scurried under the stone door, while the others disappeared through crevices in the walls. He glanced toward the barred window.

      Finally.

      “Come. I am alone.”

      Through the bars, two brown and black furry creatures scampered. His beloved ferrets. The two made their way over to him and climbed up his legs. “Ouch. Easy,” he uttered as their claws scraped his bare thighs. One sat on each shoulder. They glanced down at his exposed cock and chattered to him.

      “Ignore that. It is nothing but an unfortunate inconvenience. Now, release me from these chains.”

      One of the ferrets ran up his arm toward the cuff around his wrist. Its squeaks filled Viper’s ears. He had become attuned to their voices. And he understood their language…with good but unfortunate cause.

      A sudden sadness passed over him. He quickly dismissed the feeling. No time for such nonsense.

      “The key is probably outside the door with the guard. He is Of the Undead but you still must be cautious. And take care to obtain the correct key. You might only get one chance.”

      Without hesitation, the other ferret ran down his body, jumped to the hay and rushed under the stone door, sliding through on its belly. When he did not hear a scuffle from the other side, Viper relaxed. After a long silence and what seemed like forever, the ferret returned with a key ring around its neck.

      “Ah, you are so clever,” he praised as the ferret raced up his body. “As always.”

      Some fancy maneuvering by the two creatures finally forced the metal key into the lock on the cuff. Yes. Viper smiled. The right key. But the ferrets could not turn it. At their failure, they chattered angrily and lunged at each other.

      He growled in frustration. “Stop arguing.”

      One of the ferrets turned and bared its teeth at him. He returned the gesture, baring his own fangs. His were more intimidating. He knew how to get those two back in line.

      The eyes of both ferrets widened and they swiftly returned to their work. The second ferret flipped its body in a circle and managed to turn the key ring just enough for the cuff to pop open, but fell to the floor after the acrobatic move.

      The fallen ferret shook its body and began complaining in a squeaky voice. Hay stuck to the tuft of white fur on its head and refused to dislodge.

      Viper’s wrist slid free of the cuff. “Ah, perfect. I will reward you later. You are unhurt?” After more chatter and another ferret body shake assured him all was well, he nodded in relief. “Good.” He reached for the key and unlocked the second cuff. “Come.”

      He tugged up and fastened his trousers then jumped from the wooden platform and grabbed his coat off the peg, careful to avoid the ray of light coming in through the window. He slipped into the garment. The ferrets ran up his body and disappeared into special pockets within the coat’s lining.

      Viper reached for the handle on the door but the stone slab stood firmly locked. He tried the key. No luck. “Hell,” he whispered.

      Through a small, barred window in the door, he saw the guard sitting in a chair, snoring. Ah, so the cuff key had not been so difficult to steal. Lady Dominique would not be pleased should she happen upon the man. Even those Of the Undead required sleep to rejuvenate but now was not smart timing on the guard’s part.

      He could send one of the ferrets out again to find the door key but he did not want to endanger them any more than necessary.

      Deciding to take the guard by surprise instead, Viper pounded on the door then stepped to the side, out of view. From his angle, he could still partially see the man. He required that guard, for more than one reason. Enticing him inside would prove the perfect ploy for his needs.

      The man awoke and looked abruptly toward the door.

      Viper saw the confusion on his face. The narrowing of his eyes. The tightness of his jaw. Their captive should not be able to knock on the door while cuffed.

      The guard pushed to his feet and looked into the dungeon. When the man spotted the empty cuffs, he immediately unlocked and opened the heavy stone slab.

      As soon as he stepped inside, Viper attacked, holding him in his grip.

      The guard froze, no doubt realizing one Of the Blood had him in his clutches and it was futile to resist without help from others of his kind. From behind, Viper sank his teeth into the man’s neck and took his fill, replenishing his strength. Then he let the man drop to the floor. He had not killed him, though the thought had briefly crossed his mind.

      With the back of his hand, Viper wiped his mouth. Not the best meal he had ever indulged in. Blood taken from those Of the Undead was excessively thin and bitter. But it would do. For now.

      Quickly, he hurried out of the dungeon, relieved to be exactly where he had originally planned. Free, behind the walls of Castle Toussaint. His search for Starr could continue.

      His own people should be in place by now. Hopefully, they could take the castle quietly and without losing any of their force. Additional soldiers planned to arrive after sunset to strengthen their hold, with orders not to kill any of Dominique’s followers unless absolutely necessary.

      He was not interested in a war with Toussaint. All he wanted was Starr. Well, maybe not all. He chuckled.

      Whether he found his sister here or not, before he left, he did intend to give Lady Dominique a taste of his true nature, for all she had put him through over their years of training and territorial battles. Perhaps even more than just a taste.

      Yes…the plan fully formed in his head. That incredible fem-vamp would become his sex slave and satisfy his every carnal desire for as long as he decided to keep her. Which he was beginning to believe would be a very long time, if fucking her turned out to be as explosive as he imagined.