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Advance praise for
DARK SEDUCTION
“Brenda Joyce mesmerises…[The] Masters of Time® [series] is intense, compelling and wickedly erotic!”
—New York Times bestselling author Virginia Henley
“Brenda Joyce has consistently written high-quality romance. Now she’s adding a chilling touch of the paranormal. It’s a ‘keeper’ – I loved it.”
—New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham
“In the mood for timeless danger and passionate adventure? Dark Seduction is sensual paranormal romance by a master! Brenda Joyce delivers a book you won’t want to put down.”
—New York Times bestselling author Christina Skye
Dark Seduction
By
Brenda Joyce
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 – without the “hot” 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 “sell” 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 “go for it” 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.
Claire…come to me.
Claire bolted upright, alarmed. Instantly, she recalled Malcolm’s near brush with death. But he wasn’t with her in the room; she didn’t know where he was. Was Malcolm all right? How long had she been unconscious? The sky had been cloudy earlier, but there hadn’t been any sign of rain.
Claire…upstairs…above ye. I need ye…
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 he’d 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 fire—her blood was running hot in her veins from his potent summons. She had to find him. She was choking