Dark Victory Read online

  Praise for New York Times bestselling author

  BRENDA JOYCE

  and the

  MASTERS OF TIME® SERIES

  Dark Embrace

  “A Perfect 10. Brenda Joyce has created a tale that is full to overflowing with emotion. Passionate, heartbreaking, hopeful, and entertaining, Dark Embrace is a novel you do not want to miss. I recommend it highly.”

  —Romance Reviews Today

  “Known for her intensity of emotion and superlative storytelling, Joyce draws you into a new Masters of Time® novel that will blow you away with its unforgettable alpha hero and a willful heroine who feels his pain across the centuries.”

  —Romantic Times BOOKreviews (Top Pick)

  Dark Rival

  “The supporting characters are excellent, the sex scenes are plentiful…and the plot thick, making this sophomore series entry a fine entertainment, sure to gratify fans of the bestselling kickoff.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Dark Seduction

  “Bestselling author Joyce kicks off her Masters of Time® series with a master’s skill, instantly elevating her to the top ranks of the ever-growing list of paranormal romance authors…. Steeped in action and sensuality, populated by sexy warriors and strong women, graced with lush details and a captivating story…superlative.”

  —Publishers Weekly, starred review

  “Sexual tension crackles between Claire and Malcolm as he struggles with his desire for Claire and his protective duty in this sizzling, action-packed adventure.”

  —Library Journal

  Also by

  BRENDA JOYCE

  The Masters of Time ®

  Dark Embrace (Rose Trilogy)

  Dark Rival

  Dark Seduction

  The de Warenne Dynasty

  A Dangerous Love

  The Perfect Bride

  A Lady at Last

  The Stolen Bride

  The Masquerade

  The Prize

  Watch for Book Three of the Rose trilogy

  Dark Lover

  Coming August 2009

  BRENDA JOYCE

  DARK VICTORY

  To Sydney Chrismon and Michelle Dykes—

  for twenty-five years of support, love and friendship;

  love you guys!

  DARK VICTORY

  CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  EPILOGUE

  ALL FILES CLASSIFIED

  LEVEL 5 CLEARANCE ONLY

  H.C.U.

  AIDAN THE WOLF OF AWE

  Born 1398, Dunroch, Scotland. Six foot three, fair complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, approximately two hundred and ten pounds.

  Age: unknown, presumed dead.

  Father—the Earl of Moray***. He is believed to be alive despite reports of a vanquishing. Mother—sequestered or deceased. Half-brother—Malcolm of Dunroch**. Wife—deceased 1427. Son, Ian—born 1427, presumed deceased 1436.

  Current status—NA. He is believed to have taken the vows of the unnamed and clandestine Brotherhood. ***His loyalty to the Brotherhood has been compromised.***

  His Mission—NA

  Last seen—September 8, 2008, 26 Moore Street, NYC, 8:12 pm.

  Brianna (Brie) Rose

  Born: 1982 in upstate NY. Five foot five inches tall, 138 pounds, dark hair, green eyes.

  Age—26.

  Family History: Father—Frank Billings, realtor. Mother—Anna Rose, deceased.

  Personal History: Status—single. Active Relationships—the sisters Tabitha and Sam Rose*, her cousins, and a best friend Alison Monroe, MIT.

  Occupation: Brianna Rose* is employed at HCU in Research and Support.

  Current status—Missing. Priority Level—1.

  Last seen—September 8, 2008, 26 Moore Street, NYC, at 8:15 pm.

  Last Updated-September 6, 2007

  Aidan

  All historical evidence states that the Wolf of Awe was hanged by his political enemies in December, 1502. However, prior to his death his activities were extensive and there have been numerous Sightings of him, as recently as September 8, 2008 in New York City.

  Note—Proceed with the assumption that the Wolf may reappear at any time, in any place, and that he has forsaken his vows.

  Warning—The Wolf of Awe is unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

  *CDA agent or employee ** a Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form

  Last UPDATED-SEPTEMBER 10th, 2008

  Brie

  Ms. Rose is believed to have been abducted by the Wolf of Awe and she could be anywhere, in anytime. She has had no PES training. Ms. Rose was recently hospitalised and may be suffering from extreme empathy to her abductor, making her extremely vulnerable. It is believed she does not have the resources to survive in a past era. Her recovery is Priority Level 1.

  Tabitha Rose is a practicing witch with some powers; no criminal record. Sam Rose is a classified level 5 CDA agent. Alison Monroe is MIT (missing in time).

  *CDA agent or employee **A Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form

  Last Updated-September 10th, 2008

  GUY MACLEOD/THE BLACK MACLEOD

  Born approximately in 1190 at Blayde, Scotland. Six foot two inches tall, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair.

  Age: unknown.

  Father, “William the Lion”, the Baron of Blayde, deceased. Mother—Elasaid**, presumed dead, missing since 1201. Mother was a High Priestess of the Brotherhood with great healing powers.

  Current status—Unknown. He is believed to have been summoned to Iona to be inducted into the unnamed and clandestine Brotherhood. His status is uncertain.

  His mission—NA.

  Last seen—December 9, 2008, 4:10 pm, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, NYC.

  Tabitha (Tabby) Rose

  Born 1979 in upstate NY. Five foot six inches tall, 115 pounds, blond hair, hazel eyes.

  Age—29.

  Family History: Father—James Comines, deceased. Mother—Laura Rose, deceased. Sister, Sam Rose*, b. 1981. Cousin, Brianna Rose*, MIT, presumed alive.

  Personal History: Status—divorced. Active Relationships—sister Sam Rose*, her cousin, Brianna Rose* and a best friend Alison Monroe**.

  Occupation: Ms. Rose teaches first grade at PS 106.

  Current status—Missing In Time. Priority Level—3.

  Last seen—December 9, 2008, 4:10 pm, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, NYC.

  Guy

  William of Blayde was murdered at Blayde in 1201 along with dozens of his kin; contemporary sources claim political motivations (a clan war). HCU investigators believe Elasaid escaped the massacre, but her whereabouts remain unknown. One daughter survived, Alison (Allie) Monroe**, currently the earl of Morvern’s wife, and a valuable Healer.

  Note—It is uncertain if Guy Macleod has taken the holy vows required of the brethren and his appearance in the city remains unexplained. HCU currently believes that Macleod is bent on revenge for the massacre of his family in 1202. +He absconded from the Met with an artefact from the exhibition The Wisdom of the Celts. HCU
believes there is vast power in the artefact. Also, on December 8, witnesses claim he was present at the PS 106 hostage crisis.

  *CDA agent or employee **A Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form +Open investigation.

  Last Updated—October 1, 2008.

  Tabby

  Tabitha Rose is a practicing witch with some powers, the extent of which is uncertain. Her sister, Sam Rose, is employed by CDA, and Brianna Rose was employed at HCU before her disappearance last year. Tabitha Rose is believed to have hidden Guy Macleod from the authorities on December 8; Macleod is believed to have been at the scene of the PS 106 hostage crisis. She has not been seen or heard from since December 9. She is believed to be alive. Witnesses at the Met claim she was abducted against her will. A second Highlander might have been present.

  Dangerous demonic entities, possibly deceased or from past times, seem to have followed Macleod to New York City, or, to be hunting Ms. Rose.

  ALERT: Agents are instructed to apprehend Macleod and detain him for further questioning. Proceed with caution.

  *CDA agent or employee **A Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form

  Last Updated-October 10th, 2008

  IAN MACLEAN, THE BARON OF AWE

  Born 1427 in the Highlands of Scotland. Six foot three, fair complexion, gray eyes, dark hair, approximately two hundred and ten pounds. Abducted in 1436 and initially presumed dead.

  Age: Unknown.

  Father—Aidan of Awe**. A nephew of Malcolm of Dunroch**. Mother—unknown. Status—Single. Occupation—private investments. Primary residence—Loch Awe, Scotland.

  Current status—On the Most Wanted Lists of Scotland Yard and Interpol for the theft of various works of art around the world.

  Last seen—he is currently residing at 1101 Park Avenue, New York, NY, and was last seen on July 19, 2008, leaving One Hemmer House.***

  Alert—He is not one of the Brethren and can be sacrificed for recovery of the page.

  Samantha (Sam) Rose*

  Born: 1981 in upstate NY. Five foot five inches tall, 138 pounds, dark hair, blue eyes.

  Age—28.

  Family History: Father—James Comines, deceased. Mother—Laura Rose, deceased. Sister, Tabitha Rose**, b. 1979, MIT. Cousin, Brianna Rose*, MIT. Both women are known to be alive.

  Personal History: Status—single. Active Relationships—none.

  Occupation: Sam Rose* is employed by HCU as a field agent.

  Mission—maintain surveillance on Ian Maclean 24/7 and if possible, recover the page.

  Alert-Under all circumstances the page cannot fall into demonic hands.

  Last Updated-July 19, 2009

  Ian

  Ian Maclean was abducted by the demon Moray in 1436, and he was held in demonic captivity for 66 years. All records indicate that he has been highly compromised by six decades of torture and abuse. He is not one of the Brethren. His loyalties remain suspicious. He currently has stolen the page of illusion (from the Duisean) and will sell it to the highest bidder if not stopped by Friday at midnight.

  Warning 1—Maclean is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. He has no loyalties and no friends. He has not ties to his family. He has proven many times that he has nothing to lose, not even his own life.

  Warning 2—Proceed with the assumption that Maclean has every possible power and will use them against all forces of good and evil to attain his own ends.

  *CDA agent or employee ** a Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form

  Sam

  Sam Rose was a vigilante Slayer before becoming an agent at HCU. Her only personal life involved vigilante activities with her sister Tabitha and cousin Brie, both currently classified as MIT, as well as a friend, Allie Monroe, who currently resides in Carrick, Scotland. There is some question as to Agent Rose’s objectivity in her current assignment; records indicate several previous and hostile interactions with Maclean in Scotland last year. However, Agent Rose has yet to fail to accomplish her mission. Agent Rose’s loyalty to CDA is unquestionable.

  Note—Agent Rose has an active sexual life. There are no relationships, however. Involvement with Maclean is suspected and must be monitored.

  *CDA agent or employee **A Master or otherwise affiliated with the Brotherhood ***evil in any form

  Last Updated-July 19th, 2009

  Read the complete stories in Brenda Joyce’s The Masters of Time Series:

  Dark Embrace—Aidan and Brie

  Dark Victory—Guy and Tabitha

  Dark Lover—Ian and Sam

  (available August 2009)

  PROLOGUE

  The Future

  June 19, 1550

  Near Melvaig, Scotland

  HE DID NOT KNOW what caused him to awaken.

  Guy Macleod sat bolt upright in his bed, his wife’s fury engulfing him. Horror began. Tabitha was rarely angry, but now her rage knew no bounds. He went completely still so that his extraordinary senses could locate her. She was supposed to be in Edinburgh, her sister’s guest. Immediately he knew she was not there—and that she was in great danger.

  He would die for her without blinking. He never panicked, but now he fought to stay calm, searching for her.

  And that was when he felt the familiar evil.

  Black and vast, filled with hatred and malevolence, they’d lived with this evil for two-hundred-and-fifty years. Criosaidh had powerful black magic. Tabitha had equally powerful white power. But Criosaidh had been stalking his wife with growing determination, as if impatient, and with a new boldness recently. Tabitha had scoffed at Guy’s concerns. Now, maybe too late, he knew he’d been right.

  He leaped from the bed, his gaze veering to the southern chamber window as he shrugged a leine over his muscular and battle-scarred body. The night sky was still and blue-black, glittering with a billion stars. His stare intensified. His senses sharpened. For one moment, even though Criosaidh’s stronghold at Melvaig was almost a day’s journey away by horse, he thought the night sky there was on fire. It was so oddly bright in the south. But that was impossible.

  Or was it?

  Tabitha’s power over fire continually amazed him. He had no more doubt now; Tabitha was at Melvaig—and so was Criosaidh.

  His alarm vanished, his fear died. He stepped into his boots, leaping as he did so.

  He had mastered the art of the leap through time and space centuries ago and he landed upright, dazed but battle ready, in Melvaig’s large central courtyard. The sky above was on fire.

  Incredulous, he saw huge balls of fire falling into the bailey. Men, women and children were running for the castle’s front gates, screaming in terror and trying to escape the inferno. For one moment, he wondered if the sun was breaking apart and falling in blazing pieces to the ground, even though he knew better. His gaze shifted. Above the entire stronghold was Melvaig’s tall central tower—and it was an inferno.

  Even though stone could not burn, chunks of the gray slabs were falling from the tower, the rocks ablaze, sizzling as they slammed down, only to burn holes into the bailey ground.

  Tabitha screamed.

  Criosaidh roared in answering rage.

  The tower swayed in the fiery night and more blazing stone blocks sheered from it, crashing to the earth below.

  They were at war.

  He did not have the Sight, but suddenly he experienced the strange feeling his wife so often referred to—déjà vu. He felt as if he were reliving this terrible moment, although he knew he was not.

  Only one witch would survive this night.

  “Tabitha!” he roared, and bounded to the tower door, leaping to the uppermost floor. As he reached the landing, the heat from the fire inside the tower chamber blasted him, burning his face, chest and hands. He saw the fire scorching a solid wall across half of the tower room. His wife was trapped against the far wall by the flames, which were dangerously close to her velvet skirts.

  Horror briefly paralyzed
him.

  Criosaidh stood on the fire wall’s other side, where the rest of the chamber was untouched by the flames. “You are too late, Macleod. Tonight she dies…at last.”

  He had never come undone in battle, not once in almost four centuries. The heat had caused him to crouch; he straightened and flung all of his power at her, enraged as never before. “Ye die,” he roared, but she had wrapped herself in a protective spell, and his power fell harmlessly away from her. As it hit the floor and was diverted to the walls behind her, rock and stone cracked apart.

  Macleod looked at his beautiful wife, who was never afraid in a crisis. As their gazes met, he heard her as clearly as ever.

  I have known this day would come…You’ve known it, too.

  She thought she would be defeated? “No!” he roared at her, blasting Criosaidh again. His life had been an endless cycle of blood and death, his heart had been stone, until she had come to him two-and-a-half centuries ago, bringing joy and happiness with her. Tabitha had saved his life.

  Criosaidh smiled as his power was diverted by her spell, again.

  “Command the fire,” Macleod shouted at Tabitha.

  “I am trying,” she cried. “She has new powers!” Tabitha closed her eyes, visibly straining. And suddenly the fire wall shifted and moved back toward Criosaidh.

  Criosaidh hissed in displeasure. Macleod stood very still. His power could not move fire, but long ago he had learned how to use his mind to help Tabitha cast her magic. Now he slipped inside her with his mind. The union always made them stronger—evil had never defeated them when they became one in their thoughts. It could not, must not, defeat them now.

  “Fire be hungry, fire be quick. Get the Macleod bitch,” Criosaidh said harshly.