The Heat – Laura Tolomei @LallaGatta

The book that plunges it all—the lust, the sex vortex, but also the gossip and the multiple partners. Don’t miss the latest chapter of this ongoing dark fantasy series, the Virtus Saga.

To hold all power while evil grows from the inside

BLURB REVISITED

When Prince Duncan Caldwell discovers how exactly the heat works in a three-way pledge, he knows he’s in deep trouble. Not just because to the eyes of the Hall he’s still an unpledged man. Because when the urge inflames his body and mind, he has no choice except have sex with his two mates until the tide washes over. And knowing that only Lord Christopher Templeton and Lady Ylianor Templeton can assuage this burning need doesn’t help any, not since his attraction to them has been steadily increasing to a point of no return. A dangerous point where it’s consuming all of rationality and may very well be their downfall.

Such i’s the new setting of the Virtus Saga, where nothing is as it seems. Not the world, since its all-pervading sex drive hides a scary lack of violence. Not the people, since soul mates Prince Duncan Caldwell and Lord Christopher Templeton share a love that is unrivaled until that fateful knock on Ylianor Meyer’s dilapidated shack.

This book picks up right where The Pledge, Book 5, leaves off and plunges lust and sex into gossip and orgies. It’s a unique connection, laced with jealousy and violence that are unknown to their world. This is not just another erotic dark fantasy series. This is the making of a trio. Of three remarkable characters that must overcome their uncontrollable lust to face the truth about themselves and their planet if they want to defeat the darkness about to devour them. To be as one whilst three! To share power and love in equal measures. This is their real challenge, the lesson they must learn. Otherwise, how will their world survive?

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Erotic Romance with an Edge, Laura Tolomei, Author Laura Tolomei, LallaGatta, Lalla Gatta, literary, reading, writing, author, ebook, e-book, fiction, erotic, erotica, paranormal, dark fantasy, men-love, man-man, men-men, gay, LGBT, gay LGBT, romance, romantica, romantic, ménage, multiple partners, MM, MMF, horror, series, BDSM, Prince Duncan Caldwell, Lord Christopher Templeton, Ylianor Meyer, David Smith, Lady Cecilia Hurst, Lord Arthur Fairchild, Arthur, Chris, Duncan, Ylianor, David, Cecilia, Caldwell, Templeton, Prince, Princess, sleeping beauty, lover, Leader, Angel, masters, slave, sub, doms, dom, master, bondage, soulmate, soul-mate, soul mate, knife play, Virtus, Virts, Sendar, The Sex, The Game, The Festival, The Leader, The Pledge, The Heat, The Princess, The Lord, Not In The Game, Deleted Scenes, eXtasy Books, book trailer, Nephis Valley, three-sided pyramid, Virtus the Saga

Who is Christopher Templeton?

“At his best, he’s charming, funny, playful like a child but loving like a man.” While at his worst, he’s passionate and hot like a demon come from another dimension.

(Ylianor, from The Heat, Virtus #6)

Richard’s stomach caved in at young Templeton’s disheveled look. By the gods, how can anyone be so fucking gorgeous? No, gorgeous was not the right word. Sensual…that fit Christopher to a tee and explained Richard’s distraction every time the man moved around the classroom, looking as slick as a feline, whether ready to devour a victim or have sex with it.

(Richard Ellis, from The Heat, Virtus #6)

The problem was that, with one tongue sweep, Duncan wiped out his rage, erased his doubts and spun his senses into a vortex of pure, unashamed, unabated lust. He did not want just anyone. He wanted the almighty prince and him alone. He wanted to drop on his knees to beg for his forgiveness while sucking his cock dry. He wanted to give up his very life, to prove what a stupid fool he was. He wanted to have Duncan’s love overflowing him, instead of the dark, furious cloud engulfing him. He wanted…by the gods, everything he wanted was wrapped up in one person alone, and he almost could not stand it.

(Chris, from The Heat Virtus #6)

“Be careful about what you feel for Christopher Templeton.” Embracing his shoulders, she leaned closer. “I’m not going to tell you not to fall in love with him…” ‘Cause I’m too late. “Just watch it. Chris is a wonderful person who can become the worst bastard in the matter of seconds.” And she knew what she was talking about. “He tends to be…” Cruel? Vicious? Impatient? Jealous? Indifferent? “Careless with other people’s hearts…” Except that of his adored prince. “If given half the chance.” She gazed deep in his eyes. “Did I make myself clear?

(Ylianor, from The Heat, Virtus #6)

———-PG————-

BDSM PG (490 Ylianor @Craigan’s)

“Then by all means, Brady, bring her in.” Suppressing a grin, Craigan glanced at Chris. “Her mate is getting anxious.”

Nodding, the man tugged a rope and entered the room, followed by sleeping beauty.

By the gods, what have they done to you? The words stuck in his throat at the sight of her, while his cock had a reaction all its own. She was wrapped in ropes, literally. Around her neck a collar held several cords running down her body and covering it completely except for the strategic parts, like snakes enveloping her in their spires. Four thick twines wrapped around her arms, crisscrossing them from shoulder to wrist, leaving the elbows free to bend. Thinner strands curved downward—two circling her breasts and hips before winding around her thighs, two at her back overlapping the front ones, coiling around her waist then pairing up with the legs’ bondages, which did not hamper the knees’ movements. Needless to say, her ass and cunt were absolutely available to any and all solicitations, while her mouth was gagged shut.

“Like her?” Craigan’s contemptuous smugness was almost intolerable. “It’s the way I like to treat my most disobedient servants.” With a visible effort, he rose from the couch. “Now let me get a look at her.” Then went over toward Brady dragging Ylianor to the middle of the chamber. “Like I said, I heard so much about her, but during the Fitting I only had eyes for the leader, much like everybody else.” As he confronted her, Chris noticed there was no trace of fear in her determined posture, standing tall and proud, head up, green eyes flashing in defiance.

“Lower your head when a master looks at you.” Brady hit Ylianor’s head with a wooden tool Chris had not seen before.

Rising, he reached sleeping beauty more to stare icily at the man who dared hit her. There was something about him Chris did not like, a haughty air that did little to win him over.

“Well, well, I may have underestimated the gossip after all.” Walking around her, Craigan inspected Ylianor, as if she were a horse he was thinking of buying. “Let me see her face,” he ordered Brady, who immediately yanked back her hair. “Chris, you sly dog.” Chuckling softly, Craigan glanced first at her, then at him. “I almost believed that nauseating pledge crap of yours.” Moving to a side, he neared his phase mate, also up and gawking at sleeping beauty from the moment she had entered the room. “Right, Theo?”

“Hem…” Shaking his head free from whatever fantasy crowded it, Theo looked disoriented at first. “Now I understand why you were the life of the party, Lord Templeton. If you offered this morsel to just anyone—”

“It’s all part of her training,” Chris mused.

“Training, my ass!” Craigan’s beady eyes blazed. “You pledged to her ‘cause you don’t have to close your eyes to imagine you’re with the leader.”

“Her looks definitely help.”

FF (419 Rowena & Cecilia)

“Just for the record, who are the lucky ones?” Lady Sentry returned to the couch.

“Well, there’s Max Lenz—”

“That gloomy ass?” She plopped down on a seat. “Never could stand him or his sister, always too serious-minded for my tastes.”

“But he does have a great Virt.” Lady Hurst reached her. “Imagine. He can control the weather.”

“So that’s why it always rains in Darkley, while in the rest of his district there’s a permanent drought.” Rowena patted the place next to hers.

“Yeah, now it makes sense.” With a grateful sigh, Cecilia sank in the soft cushions. “Then there’s Darek Doyle of the Sarendon District.”

“He’s one of the permanent members, isn’t he?” Rowena creased her lovely forehead in an obvious effort to remember.

“Yes.” Cecilia could hardly blame her. With twelve permanent and twelve rotating members, sometimes it was difficult to keep track of who was who. “He has the interesting Virt of seeing into the future, or so he claims.” At times, she did not know what to make of these Virts or how to use them effectively. “Then there’s Kharen Riyan from the Sephora District.”

“She must be a temp.”

“Definitely one of this year’s new entries.” Temporary was too long not to warrant a shortening. “Two years ago we rotated the temps—”

“They’re in office only for three years, right?”

“Exactly. Before her, the Macy’s filled this district’s seat.”

“What’s her special gift?”

“A healer, if I’m not mistaken.” And if I were, it’d make no difference to Rowena. “Finally, there’s Ribes Dranten, another temp. She’s sitting in for the Streptons.”

“Yeah, I know her.” Rowena giggled. “Carl was furious when his term ended, and he had to leave Ribes his place.”

“Carl is always angry with something.” Cecilia joined in her friend’s amusement. “Like right now, he’s pissed ‘cause Ruby gave birth to a baby girl instead of a boy.”

“He’s a jerk.” Lady Sentry nodded. “Getting mad over something you can’t control is pointless and—”

“Stupid.” Cecilia shifted her position to sit more comfortably. “But at least now he has a reason.” Leaning closer, she lowered her voice. “And speaking of anger, you should’ve seen how furious Randy Kratzen got when the leader excluded him from the Virt course.”

“He’s from the Khalimos District, isn’t he?” At Cecilia’s nod, Rowena continued. “He’s a real piece of work. He likes to have sex with anything that moves and does it quite well, too.”

MMM (390 hallway conversation)

“Hey, Chris, where are you going in such a rush?” Randy’s taunting voice stopped him, as they came face to face. “If it’s to see how your mate is doing, I can tell you she’s fine.” A smirk crossing his face, Randy wrapped his arm around Chris’s neck. “The leader took such good care of her, I’m sure she needs nothing from you.” He sniggered.

“Gave her the extra service.” Coming up behind Randy, Taurus had to throw in his two bits.

Damn! Too wrapped up in his thoughts, he had completely missed Randy’s approach, with a bunch of people trailing behind, all probably going to the attic for some night sex.

“Yeah, all afternoon long,” Barton added. “And the night, too, right, Randy?” The young man’s gaze shifted on Lord Kratzen.

“Must be, judging from what Cecilia told us,” Randy did not waste any time to confirm. “And the fact no one has seen him since.”

“Leave him alone!” Last on the scene, Max ran next to him. “You oafs! What if his mate is pregnant and in real need of assistance?” His soft brown eyes focused on Chris alone. “Please, forgive them, Lord Templeton, and I truly hope your lady has just suffered am inconsequential setback due to the happy event to come.”

However foolish and old-fashioned he thought Max could be at times, Chris could not help being touched by his sincere wish.

“Come on, Max.” Evidently not affected in the same way, Randy’s cruel tone shattered the moving moment. “You can’t seriously believe what Cecilia says!” He sneered. “I mean how could Lord Templeton father a child?” The hold on his neck tightened. “He’s too busy fucking around, and she’s too busy being fucked by the leader, day in and day out.”

“Jealous ‘cause you can’t get the same treatment?” What the fuck do you know about him, me and her anyway?

“We don’t see you getting anything similar either,” Taurus provoked.

“Oh, I’ll get plenty where I’m going now.” Throwing back his shoulders, Chris unhooked Lord Kratzen’s arm. “So if you’ll excuse me…”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come with us?” As though to prove there was no malicious intent to his words, Randy detained him.

“Nah…” While talking, Chris had spotted Ilorianne, Patricia, Chloyse and also Liabeth joining the group. “Too many women.”

MMF (559 part 1 on the dance floor/platform)

One thing she knew for sure—Chris had intercepted the black eyes and was holding them captive, his fire reaching out to Prince Caldwell and pulling her in their embrace. It was another heart-stopping moment, when Ylianor did not dare breathe or move, simply clung to the demon’s tense body, hoping they both took her right there and then.

Don’t think it’s an option right at the moment, Princess. His throaty whisper in her head made her jump.

Not before she’s proved herself worthy. Chris snorted.

“What did you have in mind, Angel?” Stepping on the platform, Duncan reached them and took Ylianor from Chris’s hold, embracing her tightly. Then tilting up her head, his lips replaced the demon’s in another passionate kiss that crushed her against his broader frame and took her residual breath away.

It was another of their games lately, whenever in the company of others, to use her as a way to compete against each other on who had more rights over her. And she felt strangely proud to be their battlefield, shared by them deep at nights, yet rivaled over during the daytime. Too bad it was putting a strain on all of them, however arousing it was to flaunt in front of everyone. For the two men, it was a question of distance, something new she had never seen happening to them. For her, it was agitated dreams that had started after her return to the Hall. Nothing as disturbing as what evil Virtus used to send her, still enough to make her wake in the middle of the night, sweaty and trembling at the impalpable feelings, strange forebodings, dark mysteries that needed solutions, for which Ylianor did not possess the key. Or did she? Without clear scenes, it was hard to tell, were it not for the recurring image of the little girl who resembled her. The more Ylianor saw her, the more she became convinced it was Duncan’s daughter. Why it had spilled into her wake time, and why it had happened with the demon, she could not guess. But there was nothing Chris could say to make her change her mind, or the perception the dark-haired girl gave off, which could also explain the prince’s closeness as a way to protect her, though she dared ask nothing.

“A game.” Taking a step forward, the demon went near the leader. “What else?” Now practically touching, he could have easily kissed Duncan, in front of everybody.

The prince did not move. His black eyes bore into Chris’s, which was when she saw them slipping away to their innermost dimension. It was so easy for them to escape everything, including a crowded Hall that, for a moment, she wondered why the others did not catch it. But it was just a second, lasting an eternity, and she was the only one lucky enough to witness it. And when they returned, they pressed against each other, giving off sparks of desire that went to her cunt and ass.

“What about the heat?” Duncan grinned. “I’m not too keen about repeating last night’s performance.”

“None of us are, lover.” Confidently, Chris glanced at Ylianor. “But that’s something you know we can’t control, so let’s hope it works out better tonight.”

“All right, what are your terms?”

MMF (276 part 2 on the dance floor/platform)

“All right, what are your terms?” Uncaring of the fluster he was causing in the audience, the leader shifted forward, with the result of crushing Ylianor between him and the demon.

“First, we choose who our slave will service tonight.” Grinning widely, evidently relishing the attention and the tension like never before, the blue-gray eyes flashed repeatedly. “Then I’ll suggest who you should fuck tonight, lover.”

“Which I’m free to disregard.” Without a doubt, Duncan was getting the hang of the intrigue game and of how skilled his angel was at it.

“Of course.” Chris bowed, to prove he knew how to keep his place. “You are the leader, so it’s entirely up to you.” Which was all crap as far as Ylianor could see, since Chris stopped at nothing, not even for his lover. “After we’re done, we’ll meet back in your room and compare notes.”

“I suppose you already have something set up for yourself,” Ylianor was quick to interrupt.

“Shut up.” Chris did not even glance at her, his attention absorbed by the dark-haired prince who was at his most stunning, in striking red attire. “We didn’t give our slave permission to talk.”

“All right, Angel. Let’s play.” The leader’s lips curved in a snarl. “Who shall we choose for her?”

“Let me see.” The demon glanced around, in the characteristic way of his to look without giving the impression of doing so. It was impossible he would go unnoticed this time, though. Everybody’s eyes were fixed on the wooden platform, where the two incredible men trapped her inside their hold.

“It’s going to be harder than you think, Lord Templeton,” she teased.

MM (432 Duncan & Chris before enslavement)

“I can’t talk to you like this.” The throb in his crotch so painful, Chris would have torn his pants off and come all over the exciting body in front of him.

“Why not?” With one stride, he was on Chris. “Richard didn’t satisfy you?” He sent a sardonic look at the swollen crotch. “Come on! Don’t tell me you couldn’t find an ass or mouth to finish the job for old man Richard.”

“Not everyone is lucky enough to have the leader pamper them all daylong.”

“Jealous, are we?”

“Of her?” Of you, damn it! Now he was getting really angry as he pushed back the prince. “The day I’ll be jealous of her has yet to dawn.”

“I wasn’t speaking of her.” Duncan could not help glancing at the sleeping form. “But of me.” His shoulders thrown forward, he pressed Chris.

Fuck, yes! “Now why should you think so?” Still, Chris held his ground. “Just because everyone thinks she’s your pledge, why should I feel jealous?” Suppressing the rage rising from his stomach upward, Chris kept his tone under control, except for the sarcasm dripping from every word. “Just because everyone thinks you favor her in and out of bed, why should I feel jealous?” But he was too close to Prince Caldwell, so unbearably near his breath played on Chris’s face. “Just because everyone thinks she’s bewitched you to the point you can’t think straight when she’s around, why should I feel jealous?”

“So it’s public recognition you want?” Grabbing his shirt, the leader dragged him to the door. “Then I’ll give it to you.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the attic, where else?” After a brief search on the floor, Duncan picked up a pair of pants. “Since all this sex is evidently messing with your mind, to the point you seem to forget what we mean to each other, you leave me no choice but to prove myself in front of everyone else.” He wore them quickly. “But be warned.” Chest bare, hands now free, he pinned Chris to the door. “I won’t make it easy for you, and I’ll require your complete obedience.”

“To do what?”

“You’ll see.” Holding on to his arm, he waved a hand, and Chris found himself in front of the red curtain concealing the entrance to the attic. “From now on, you’ll be my slave.” Next to him, in his impossibly gorgeous half-naked look, the prince crushed Chris to him. “And nothing more.” Then unexpectedly, his lips claimed Chris’s, which was a physical shock worse than a blow to the stomach.

MM (382 Chris and Duncan enslave)

“So it’s public recognition you want?” Grabbing his shirt, the leader dragged him to the door. “Then I’ll give it to you.”

“Where are we going?”

“To do what?”

The problem was not that he had not anticipated the move. The problem was that, with one tongue sweep, Duncan wiped out his rage, erased his doubts and spun his senses into a vortex of pure, unashamed, unabated lust. He did not want just anyone. He wanted the almighty prince and him alone. He wanted to drop on his knees to beg for his forgiveness while sucking his cock dry. He wanted to give up his very life, to prove what a stupid fool he was. He wanted to have Duncan’s love overflowing him, instead of the dark, furious cloud engulfing him. He wanted…by the gods, everything he wanted was wrapped up in one person alone, and he almost could not stand it. But when he tried to fall down to do at least one of the services that would cool down both their tempers, Prince Caldwell detained him.

“No, Angel, my cock is off limits to you until I decide otherwise.” The fondling on Chris’s hard erection seemed an unnecessarily cruel twist. “You wanted your spotlight…” Retracting his hand, he pushed Chris through the curtain, hurling him inside the crowded chamber. Now you’ll get it.

MM (239 Duncan & Chris)

“From now on, you’ll be my slave.” Next to him, in his impossibly gorgeous half-naked look, the prince crushed Chris to him. “And nothing more.” Then unexpectedly, his lips claimed Chris’s, which was a physical shock worse than a blow to the stomach.

Multiple partners (232 Duncan & Chris)

“From now on, you’ll be my slave.” Next to him, in his impossibly gorgeous half-naked look, the prince crushed Chris to him. “And nothing more.”

“Leader, what an honor.” Randy was the first to acknowledge him by leaving Barton’s snug hole and approaching them. “Come to play with us?”

“Actually, I’ve come to play with my phase mate.” His arm wrapped around Chris’s shoulders. “Whom I’m sure you all know.” By now, everyone had stopped what they were doing, either standing up or remaining in their original position, their gazes fixed on Chris and Duncan.

“Of course, we all know Lord Templeton.” Randy, who seemed to have elected himself as leader of this group, bowed to Chris, making a farce out of it.

“For my game, I donate Lord Templeton…”

Cold sweat broke over Chris’s brow, as he understood what Duncan’s game was. Please, lover, don’t, not to—

Sorry, Angel, too late. “To all the lovely ladies here.” Prince Caldwell made eye contact with every woman in the room. “And no man is allowed to touch him.” This time his gaze fixed on the men.

“We can really have him?” A surprised flash crossing her face, Ilorianne came closer.

“He’s all yours.” A shove and Chris was flung not just to Ilorianne, also to Patricia, Liabeth, Chloyse, Kharen and Ribes who had approached in the meantime.

He had no time to react.

PG (546 long gossips about Chris & Duncan)

“It was nothing, and the leader had no trouble setting me back on my feet—”

“Yeah, he had a busy day yesterday, not to mention his night’s adventures.” Darek grinned.

“Why?” She had overheard the servants’ whispers in the morning, only had thought they referred to her mishap. “What happened?”

“Your mate didn’t tell you?” Although he had pulled back, Darek did not let her go.

“I didn’t see him this morning.” After waking up in a sweat over Arthur’s true or presumed revelations—she still had to make up her mind about which was which—the last thing she had wanted was confront either of her lovers. “I left him sleeping.”

“But you know, right, David?” Evidently determined to make her suffer, Lord Doyle looked at the man with a knowing wink.

“I heard about it, yes.” From the scowl on David’s forehead, it was obvious he did not approve of it.

“Come on.” Annoyed, Ylianor glanced first at one, then at the other. “Do tell.”

“Well, it was about—”

“Lady Templeton, after last night, I might just be envious of your mate,” Ribes cut Lord Doyle off.

“Now I’m really confused.” Swinging her gaze from Ribes to Darek, then to David, Ylianor was at a loss.

“You don’t know?” Trailing after Lady Dranten, Kharen reached Ylianor’s side.

“I didn’t feel too well yesterday and—”

“That’s right.” Slapping a hand on her forehead, Kharen moved closer. “But now you’re better.” Her healing Virt kicked in, and Ylianor felt like she was being thoroughly checked. “I’m glad.” The last words were so soft and full of emotions that they went straight to Ylianor’s heart, especially since they were followed by a gentle caress on her cheek.

“Thanks, Kharen.” So Ylianor squeezed Lady Riyan’s hand. “But you can’t leave me wondering about what happened last night.”

“Well, it was something no one ever thought they’d hear—”

“Not from the leader anyway.” Darek pressed her on the opposite side. “But he said it, no question about it.”

“I can’t get a straight answer from you guys today.” Exasperated, Ylianor took a step back. “Can you just tell me what happened?”

“Lady Templeton, have you heard about last night?” With an innocent look on his face, Max strolled in the classroom, as though everything was normal.

“All right, I’ll tell you.” Reaching the desk, Ribes confronted her. “Last night, a group of us was in the attic.” She glanced behind her shoulders. “You know the usual crowd, doing the usual things, when the leader came in with your mate at his side.”

“And boy, did they look tense.” Of course, Kharen could not help noticing.

“They did?” Darek raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t notice, but what was odd was that the leader told Lord Templeton he could play with the women alone, no men.”

The demon must’ve been thrilled. She worked hard to suppress a grin.

“Yeah, the way he never wants to play with us, we all thought…” Ribes paused hesitant. “Anyway, he did and—”

“He was exceptional,” Kharen confirmed with a bright smile. “There were a lot of us, so we took turns with him and it was great for all of us. But when we wanted to make him come—”

PG (373 short gossips about Chris & Duncan)