Tourmaline Truth by Khloe Wren Page A

free, and her Vampire had managed to rescue her but she doubted it. Death was the much more likely option, and it broke her heart.
    The Noble assisting Burke was Karl, Darcy's guardian, and seeing him brought thoughts of her daughter to the forefront of her mind. He'd know the outcome of Darcy's fate. Sharon wondered if he'd answer her if she dared to ask. Inwardly she shook her head. No, she wouldn't ask. So far, she and Darcy had not been linked as mother and daughter and if Darcy had escaped, the Nobles would use Sharon to trap her daughter.
    Karl's touch was gentle, almost hesitant and she watched him closely. He was frowning and did not look happy. A quick glance lower revealed he was not aroused. Strange . Normally both Burke and his 'helper' got very touchy-feely with her for this part of the evening.
    She forced herself to lay on the bedding platform and hold still as she was tied down. Closing her eyes as Burke slid a needle into the vein in her elbow, she focused on the fact Barret would be receiving the blood they took. Oh, how she wished it was Barret's fangs sinking into her flesh. They'd only had a few hours together all those years ago, but the memories from that short time had kept her going. Kept her sane and hoping—praying—for a chance to escape. Not just for them, but for all the other captives held here too.
    Clammy, warm knuckles ran down her cheek and she jerked away from the contact. So different from Barret's cool touch it instantly pulled her from her imagined fantasy. Bile again rose in her throat as he ran his hands over her body. Firstly above the robe, before he parted it to expose her breasts, and he went in for a grope.
    Oh bloody hell, not again. Please, won't someone, anyone, stop this cruelty?
    "Is that really necessary?"
    Karl's tone spoke of his revulsion at Burke's actions. Maybe this time wouldn't be so bad. Maybe Karl would be enough to stop Burke...
    "I have been her Guardian for the past ten years. This moment, every four years, is the only chance I get to feel the body that fills my dreams. So long as I don't put my dick near her pussy, the Elders don't care what I do."
    She shuddered in the restraints. Nope, there was no stopping Burke. At least it appeared Karl wouldn't be joining him in the violations. A small mercy she was thankful for.
    "Whatever floats your boat, man. Personally, I prefer my women to be willing."
    If only all Nobles had the same belief as Karl, how different things would be. Although, considering Nobles descended from Vikings, it was little wonder how they treated women. Burke tweaked her nipples and closed her gown as she swallowed down more bile. She really shouldn't eat for a full day before this, but they had no calendars. No way of knowing when the twenty-ninth would come around.
    "Way to be a killjoy. For that, you can deliver the blood."
    "Where do I take it? I've never done the blood run before."
    With an efficiency that comes with practice, Burke slid the needle free of her arm causing only a slight sting. After placing a Band Aid over the small wound, he applied pressure for a few moments to ensure the blood flow ceased. Oh, how she wished she could feel Barret at her throat again. The sweet thrill that ran through her as she felt him draw blood from her vein… Nothing had ever felt so good.
    "There is a trolley out in the hall. Wait until all the others bring their bags out then take the trolley down to the dungeons. The Vamps are due their weekly rations today."
    Burke's voice caused the image of Barret to once again drain away from her vision. She felt a cold sweat break out across her flesh. Weekly rations. Not only did Claimed Brides get 'bred' every four years, but each month they were hooked up to donate blood to their Vampires. Sharon didn't know if the others had to endure what she did. Toki seemed to think as he was named after the original Noble, he had more rights. Which included getting her alone and to himself as often as possible and