The Claiming

Page

The Claiming

ISBN # 978-1-78651-056-3

©Copyright Julieanne Lynch 2016

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright August 2016

Edited by Shannon Combs

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2016 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Burning and a Sexometer of 3.

Dark Desires

THE CLAIMING

Julieanne Lynch

Book one in the Dark Desires series

She didn’t know what the future held… Not until he unlocked her desires.

Being born into an elite empire is one thing, but being bred to become a wife is something entirely different.

Francesca Purfoy never had a choice and is now faced with a dilemma. The man she had been promised to at birth awaits her coming of age. What should be the happiest day of her life now seems a prison sentence.

Little does she realize that what lies ahead will change her life forever. And she’s going to love it.

Dedication

For Darkly, you know this one is for you

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Jack Daniel’s: Jack Daniel’s Properties, Inc.

Domaine Leflaive Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru: Société Civile Domaine Leflaive

Mercedes: Mercedes-AMG

Prologue

Carpe Noctem

There was a time when the thought of an arranged marriage chilled me to the bone. It incensed me with an anger that left me resenting my family and the society in which we lived. Rules had been set in 1776. Since then, my family, along with other members of our hidden community, abided by the system.

I had been well informed by the time I turned ten. My future had already been planned out for me. Of course, my young age didn’t permit me the skill or knowledge to question the motives of my heritage, nor did it allow me the freedom to do the things other girls my age did.

My mother had been in the same position as me. She had been promised to my father when she was five years old. It had never really clicked until my own coming of age—she had dreaded her own arranged marriage just as much as I did.

I had been born into a world full of prestige and luxury. I never knew what it was like to be hungry or to go without. Living this lifestyle, however, came with a price.

The ache was unlike anything I was accustomed to. A mixture of nerves and uncertainty that left my heart thumping. The closer I got to the day, the more the anxiety grew.

My brothers accepted what was to come, even though they found it hard to stomach. My father saw it as another closing of a business deal and my mother busied herself with silly functions and shopping.

I was left alone to ponder, to wonder and to predict my future. Nothing but my thoughts accompanied me. The idea that seizing the night was something to be proud of riddled me with so much fear and uncertainty.

Little did I know, the claiming was only the beginning of a whirlwind affair with more than just my legacy.

Chapter One

Conscientiam

I remember the first time my father had given me a horse. I had been five years old, excited and in awe of such a majestic animal. My father had clearly stated that I had to know how to control a beast three times my size. I never truly understood the hidden symbolism in offering me such a gift. Not until it was too late to turn my back on all I knew and thought I loved.

Detached and often cold, my parents shielded me from the world. Being British only added to their detached attitude toward parenting. My brothers and I had been raised in an environment unlike anything the twenty-first century was prepared to accept. It was our way of life. A birthright and legacy that had been passed down through the lineage of our pure bloodline. Who was I to question the choices made for me? Not once in my life would I have guessed where my future lay.

Standing near the window, I watched the rain trickle down the pane. I followed the wet trail downward with my finger, where it disappeared along with the rest of the drops. A sigh escaped me as I closed my eyes. There was no way of avoiding the evening’s events. Some things in life left no room for error and this was one of them.

A knock at the door brought me out of my reverie. Yes?

The door opened and in walked my mother. A beautiful woman, she wore her age well. Behind the smile, however, lay her own hidden heartache and trepidation.

I trust you have rested well, my darling, she said, striding over to me. She stood beside me and ran her hand down my back.

I sucked in a deep breath. What more could I do? I was to be presented to the one who held my future in his hands.

Don’t look so glum, sweetheart. My mother offered me a sympathetic expression.

I’m fine, Mother, honestly, I lied.

Come, we must prepare you.

I didn’t reply. I switched on that part of my brain that went into autopilot, absentmindedly going through the motions.

My mother led me to the bathroom, where a bath had been drawn. My nanny, Olive, stood nearby, waiting for me to undress.

Do you wish for me to stay? my mother asked.

I shook my head. No, I shall be fine.

Very well.

My mother’s relief at not having to spend another moment in my company was palpable. I could only imagine the wistful thoughts running through her head.

I removed my nightgown and stood naked in front of Olive. She refused to make eye contact with me. It wasn’t until I stepped into the water that she spoke to me.

I dread tonight, I said, my voice cracking with emotion.

I know you do, Francesca, Olive replied as she sponged water over my back.

Olive had been my nanny and all-round caregiver since before I could talk. She had given me love and attention when my parents had thrown up their brick walls. I brought my knees to my chest and tucked them in under my chin as