Carnal Magic: The Wraith Accords, Book 1 Read Online Free PDF

could smell that?”
    Isabel smiled. “I know my blood.”
    “Her chains were iron. Iron is to us what sunlight is to you.”
    Isabel hissed, her lips pulled back from her fangs. “Why would she allow that to be done to her?”
    “She had no choice. She is Cairbe’s to do with as he pleases.”
    “Forever?”
    “Until he tires of her, or until the time they arranged that they would stop.”
    Isabel shook her head. “If iron is truly like sunlight she must be in agony. He will kill her.”
    “We are very, very hard to kill.”
    Isabel met his gaze. “So are we.”
    Aed pressed his lips together in a grim line. “I think it’s a blessing that you saw that. You must, no matter what, never agree to sex with one of us. It is too easy for one who doesn’t know the court to be tricked into giving away control. They would hurt you just to see what you could take. They might be able to make it pleasure, but they would hurt you.”
    “I will not. Thank you for warning me.”
    “Perhaps I should not have.”
    “It’s only fair that I know the rules of the game.”
    Aed smiled. “I think it will be a pleasure watching you fence with the court.”
    He motioned for her to return to the main hall.
    “Wait.” She put her hand on his arm. “Does that warning include you?”
    “I am a member of the Fianna. I protect our kings and queens, and when I am not needed I train and study.”
    Isabel examined his face, looking for the meaning hidden in his words.
    “I will say that I have been on both sides of the collar.” He spoke with great deliberation. “And have found it safest not to play at all.”
    “Good.”
    He frowned. “Why good?”
    “Because when we have sex, it won’t be that kind of game.”
    With that, Isabel turned and walked out into the hall, where she waited patiently for Aed to join her. She could feel his surprise—and the heat of his stare—as they continued deeper into the heart of Tara.

Chapter Three
    Aed wondered what game the vampire was playing. Perhaps it was her nature to pretend desire for any male she met. He knew plenty of women of the court who were like that. Not with him, but with the princes and males of the high houses. His lineage was as noble as any, but he was a warrior and lacked sophistication and polish. It was by choice—he had no desire to play games—but he would never say that, because if he did it would imply insult.
    Isabel threaded her arm through his as they walked. He matched his stride to hers. He needed to be cautious around her. Clearly she planned to use her beauty and sexuality to control him. The fact that he felt easy in her presence was alarming.
    “Tell me, Aed, are you the exception, or is your prince?”
    “My lady?”
    “‘My lady’? Why don’t you call me Isabel as you did a moment ago?”
    He didn’t answer. Isabel pressed closer to his side, and Aed struggled to ignore her scent.
    “Will you answer my first question? Are you the exception?”
    “Exception to what?”
    “You said you do not do the sorts of things your prince does. Which of you is the exception?”
    “I am but a solider.”
    “A warrior.”
    He liked hearing her call him that. “The battles my people face do not require warriors.”
    “And what do they require?”
    “People who can speak without saying anything, who can hide their intentions and pretend feelings they do not have.”
    “Is that what your prince does?”
    “I will not speak ill of him.”
    Isabel laughed. “If I was forbidden from speaking ill of my fellow Vampire, I would have long ago been staked.”
    “Staked? That is how you are killed?”
    “You’re thinking of killing me?”
    Aed stopped and looked down, taking in her dark hair and red, red lips. “I would not like to kill you, but if I must, I will.”
    Isabel touched his cheek, then ran one nail over his lower lip. “And I would kill you, but it would be a waste to end one so handsome and strong.”
    His blood thickened. He hadn’t had a