The Leader #MFRWhooks

When Prince Duncan Caldwell becomes Leader of the High Council, he expects his two lovers to be at his side as the newly appointed council members. But if one returns to him after a winter spent with his family at Fair Haven, the other lies helpless and trapped inside Virtus’s bloody nightmares. And there’s no way to wake her, no way even the most powerful healer, Lord Christopher Templeton, can reach her. Still, the leader needs her. Not only because she’s the key to unraveling the mystery of Virtus and of a world where all violence becomes sex. Because Ylianor Meyer is his and Chris’s slave, so she belongs to them like no other person ever will. That’s why Prince Duncan Caldwell will do everything in his power to keep her and will never allow anything or anyone to take her away from him!

Such is 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 Festival, Book 3, leaves off and escalates love and responsibilities that result in threats and commitments. 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?

“If you don’t mind, I’ll take care of it,” Duncan offered, going behind the drinks counter. “Thanks, Roy. I’ll take it from here.” With a dazzling smile, he dismissed the bartender, then waited until he left the room before lining up glasses. “Because I’d like to propose a toast.” After scanning the impressive array of bottles, he chose one and opened it.

“Yes, I suppose there’s much to celebrate.” I just wish Charles was here, too.

“Oh, more than you think, Lord Templeton.” The velvety black gaze twinkled in anticipation as he began pouring an amber liquid into every glass. “But the first one is for us.” With Chris’s help, he distributed each a glass, then raised his. “To our families that share a long tradition of friendship and…”

Love. Yes, he heard the word clearly in his head.

“Close relations.”

Confused, James looked up at Prince Caldwell for what he actually said was less…radical, in spite of the unmistakable glance he sent Chris.

“May it always continue in time.” Tilting the glass in everyone’s general direction, the leader concluded his speech, and after a general mumble of consensus, they all drank.

“Now another toast because I know our close ties are destined to become even closer.”

“What do you mean, Prince?” Glass still halfway up, James neared him.

“I think it’s the angel’s turn to speak.” And the leader nodded to Chris.

“Yes…well…” A wistful look at his lover, then his son cleared his throat. “I’ve asked Ylianor to pledge to me…” Fixing his gaze on her, he stretched out a hand. When she took it, he pulled her over his side. “And she has accepted.”

This time the room resounded of loud cheers and congratulations, Claire also embracing Ylianor tightly.

“This is really wonderful news!” Holding Chris at arm’s length, James found it hard to contain his joy. “I’m so glad for you, for your future mate…” He hugged Ylianor, then moved closer to the leader. “And for both our families.” Then he lowered his voice so that only Duncan could hear. “Thank you, Prince.”

“I didn’t do anything.” But he did not fool James one second. “They did it all by themselves.”

“Hey, Chris, you’ve fooled us all this time.” Steve slapped his shoulders.

“Yeah, for years you claimed you didn’t care about women,” Bran teased. “Then you go and pick the prettiest one of all.”

Chris turned red.

“No offense, Lady Caldwell.” Bran winked at her.

“None taken and please call me Ylianor.”

“I’m so glad, dear. You’ll be a part of our family.” Claire embraced her again.