Taken Read Online Free Page A

more for it. Kosmas wasn't the type of man to love easily, but when he did, he loved deeply. Keely accepted him as he was. She'd be there for him when he was ready, if he ever was.
    She quickly dressed in a simple outfit, not wanting to ring Cara to assist her. It would have taken too long, and she was eager to join him. Surveying herself in the mirror, she ran a hand in a circular motion on her stomach. Soon, she was going to have to order more clothing. Already, her newest dresses were tight around her midsection. Keely grinned at herself wryly. If her child was anything like Kosmas, he was going to be a big baby.
    Leaving their room behind, Keely walked through the wing that belonged strictly to them. Two guards followed at a distance, so silent that she quickly forgot them. It had taken awhile, but she'd finally grown used to their protection, even learning to appreciate it.
    As much as she missed her mate, she didn't anticipate the location of where she'd find him. It would be the first time she witnessed the arrival of a shipment of women, except for when she'd been considered a captive herself. Keely had been careful to avoid any part of the concubines, choosing instead to distance herself away from anything that had to do with them. She was conflicted about her feelings when it came to their purpose.
    If she were completely honest with herself, she could admit that it was a win-win situation for both sides. The vampires got mates, and the human women avoided certain death. And since she'd been on Legionnaire, Keely had yet to hear a complaint from any female about being taken. Even she was grateful. Yet it still disturbed her. Could it be because she felt as if she should be outraged but wasn't? Probably so. Sometimes, it was difficult for her to discard her mortal way of thinking. Just because she was now a vampire didn't mean her perception of right or wrong had been converted, as well.
    But her life had changed, most of it good, while some was bad. Despite the time that had passed her by, the night of her conversion was still hazy. The last clear memory she had was of her fight with Laryn, and the fear she'd felt at his attack. She'd been so sure that her life would end in that cave. Vaguely, she could still feel the vicious tear of his fangs as he'd ripped into her throat. The pain had been enough to bring her back from unconsciousness. Thankfully, he hadn't raped her, but he would have, had he had more time. He'd taken great delight in explaining that to her, and what her future in Diabolos had held.
    Keely shivered, her mind locked into the horrible memories. In just that brief time, Laryn had terrified her beyond belief. What would her life had been, had he been successful? It was a sobering thought. Keely doubted she would have still been alive. No female could have survived that type of existence, not even a vampire.
    She came to a stop, putting a hand out on the wall as she sucked in air. The guards behind her rushed to her side, concerned expressions on their faces. “Would you like me to summon your mate?” one of them asked, looking helpless. The ridiculousness of his expression was enough to snap her out of it. In a battlefield, the men were brave and ferocious. Put them with a pregnant female, and they all fell apart.
    Keely waved them both away. “No, but I appreciate the offer,” she told them calmly, standing up straight and tall. “I'm fine now.” It wasn't the first time something like that had happened to her, although she hoped that one day she wouldn't be haunted by the ghosts of her past anymore. Between the memories that come from surviving on Earth, and then Laryn's abduction, she wasn't a stranger to nightmares and fear. It didn't matter that she was safe and happy. Sometimes, the past still affected her.
    Usually, it only happened at night, when she was in a deep sleep. Several time since mating Kosmas, he'd been forced to wake her, as he pulled her out of a bad dream. He was always