Bite Me, Your Grace

Nineteen


The chef completely outdid himself for the evening meal, serving the duke and duchess salmon poached in herbs and swimming in a light butter sauce, creamy potato-leek soup, and rich, stuffed game birds. All was complemented with exquisitely sweet ratafia.

Angelica moaned with delight as she savored a spoonful of blackberries drenched in sweet cream. She opened her eyes to see Ian watching her with undisguised hunger.

“I am sorry, Your Grace,” she said with a blush. “I forgot myself. I wish you could better enjoy this exquisite meal.”

His silver eyes glittered. “Your delight in it pleases me sufficiently. I see you had quite an appetite.” He raised a mischievous brow and lowered his voice. “I would endeavor to know why?”

“Ian!” she gasped, her face burning as she glanced around to be certain the servants were not near. “Are you determined to keep me covered in blushes?”

His lips curved in a seductive smile. “Mmm, blushes are all I would like you to be covered with.”

After their plates were cleared away, Angelica wiped her lips with her napkin. “Are we going to enjoy a quiet evening at home, Your Grace?” She tried to keep the anticipation from her voice at the thought of touching him again.

He frowned. “As delightful as that sounds, I am afraid we have an engagement that I have been putting off. I need to present you to my subordinates and receive their vows for your protection.”

Angelica leaped out of her seat with unladylike haste. “I get to meet more vampires? I will go fetch my cape!” Her pulse sped at the prospect of delving deeper into Ian’s world.

His frown deepened at her enthusiasm. “Keep your voice down.” He inclined his head toward the doorway. “There are other ears about.”

She nodded with a wink and said louder, “I would so love to pick some lilacs on our stroll, Your Grace.”

The butler met them in the foyer. “Will you be needing the carriage, Your Grace?”

“No, thank you, Burke,” Ian said as he donned his hat. “My wife and I would like to enjoy the spring air.” He grinned. “Aside from that, I do believe that Felton requires a little more rest from running my wife pell-mell across London.”

When they were out of earshot and on a street without gas lamps, Angelica asked, “How far are we going?”

Ian smiled secretively. “Oh, the meeting area is near the Tower of London.”

She gasped. “That is quite a long walk.” Her feet seemed to ache in protest.

He tipped her chin up and leaned down. “I never said we were going to walk,” he whispered against her lips, pulling her into his arms. “Hold on to me tightly.”

With a delighted sigh, she obeyed, savoring the feel of his hard form against her. Angelica’s belly flipped as they slowly rose into the air. She clung to him and fought to hold back a shriek. “You can fly?” she squeaked.

“It is a rare talent among my kind.” His voice rumbled against her chest. “Though I confess I do not care to do it often.”

“B-but what if someone sees us?” she asked, clinging to him tighter, unable to hide her worry.

Ian laughed. “It is not a strong instinct in human nature to look up. Besides, I highly doubt anyone could spy us in this thick fog. And I suppose if anyone did catch a glimpse, they would say nothing in fear of being thought ready for Bedlam.”

She peeked down the line of their bodies past their toes. They had risen much higher now. The city of London sprawled out below them, church spires rising from the fog and the light from the gas lamps twinkling like captive stars. The world below had turned into a fairy land right before her eyes, and her writer’s imagination longed to capture every second of this new and incredible experience.

They touched down behind a ramshackle stone building that resembled a church. She nearly sighed in disappointment that the flight was over until she remembered that she would be meeting all of London’s vampires… Ian’s vampires.

He pulled a handkerchief from his waistcoat and tied it around her head so the thick fabric covered her eyes. “It is forbidden for a mortal to see our gathering place,” he explained.

Angelica bit back a protest. Surely that should not be relevant since he would be turning her into a vampire soon. Wouldn’t he? She fell into a pensive silence and allowed him to guide her forward.

The sound of a door opening let her know that they had entered the lair. Ian helped her down an awkward procession of steep stone stairs as she struggled to hang on to him and keep hold of her skirts at the same time. She sighed in relief when her feet finally touched a flat surface.

Even before he led her to the center of the room she could feel other eyes upon her. Ian removed the blindfold and she choked on a small scream. One hundred and thirty-five vampires did not seem like all that many when Ian had told her how many lived in London; but seeing them all gathered around her at once made them appear to be a vast multitude.

Angelica noticed a few familiar faces within the crowd, most notably the scowling Spaniard who had attended her wedding reception. For a moment, their eyes met and she sucked in a breath at his blatant hostility. Bloody hell, what did I ever do to him? Refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing her fear, she turned to survey the rest of the throng.

At first, all of the vampires appeared to be male, but before she could ask Ian about it, she looked closer at the sea of faces watching her and saw that there were indeed female vampires. They were all dressed in men’s clothing. Fascinating… Angelica couldn’t wait to ask Ian about these women.

“Good evening, blood drinkers of London,” Ian’s voice boomed with authority. “As many of you already know, I have taken a mortal bride. With great pleasure, I present to you Angelica Ashton, my new Duchess of Burnrath. Sense my Mark upon her and know that to harm her is to bring forth my wrath.”

His statement invoked a variety of reactions from the audience. Some vampires grinned and clapped. A few smiled faintly and murmured, “Your Grace.” The Spaniard continued to glare. Many shifted uncomfortably on their feet, as though confused about what to make of the situation. A few of the women sported petulant countenances. Apparently the ladies of the ton were not the only ones who had vied for her handsome duke’s affections.

One female in the group caught Angelica’s eye. She also looked unhappy, but in a different manner. Her downcast eyes, hunched shoulders, and stiffly crossed arms seemed to convey fear, or possibly shame. But what could she possibly be afraid of? Ian seemed to be a just and honorable lord. Angelica studied the vampire, whose fine-boned features and short-cropped onyx hair made her resemble a pixie more than a monster of legend. She was certain this woman hadn’t attended her wedding. But before she could speculate further, a large male pushed his way through the crowd.

“Permission to speak, Your Grace?” Rage glittered in his hazel eyes.

Ian frowned in obvious irritation. “Yes, Thomas?”

“Why have you done this thing, Your Grace? It is dangerous and unseemly to expose humans to our secrets, especially in light of recent events.” He looked back at the other vampires as many murmured in agreement, especially the Spaniard. “I see that she is a succulent piece, but—”

Ian silenced the young vampire with a low growl and placed a proprietary arm around Angelica’s shoulders. “I would have more caution in regards to my tongue if I were you.”

Thomas cringed and held up his hands, taking a step backward. “Perhaps we would be more at ease if you would favor us with an explanation of why you have put us all at risk.”

The Spaniard nodded and locked eyes with Ian. The duke sighed tiredly and ran a hand through his hair. “Very well, Thomas, I suppose you are right about that.”

To Angelica’s embarrassment, he launched into the story of her foray into the Burnrath mansion and the subsequent scandal that ensued. The chamber echoed with laughter at the tale. Everywhere candlelight gleamed off exposed fangs. Angelica leaned in to her husband’s powerful body, suddenly aware that she was surrounded by predatory creatures and she was the only prey in sight.

“So you see,” Ian concluded, “there was not a better option. After all, I could not kill her. Not only is it forbidden, but due to her position in society and the gossip about me incited by Dr. Polidori’s story, it would have been a fatal mistake for her to turn up missing. I have already informed the Elders of my actions, so my decision is final.”

Most of the vampires nodded in agreement as Ian continued with a grin, “Not only that, but my marriage to this little imp has silenced all gossip regarding my nocturnal proclivities.” He sobered and added, “Which is better than you have done in your search for Dr. Polidori.”

Most of the audience seemed to accept his explanation, but Angelica frowned. He didn’t once mention that he loved her, or even that he liked her. She looked back at the sea of vampires. Perhaps he did not wish to sound weak in front of these powerful beings.

Thomas came forward again. “But why do you not—”

Ian held up a hand. “I have explained enough. I must get my bride home so that I may feed. But first, I ask that you all swear to protect this woman from harm when I am absent.”

Angelica’s heart warmed that Ian cared about her fate if something were to happen to him. She expected many of them to refuse, but to her surprise, all nodded and went down on their knees before her and placed their hands over their hearts.

Their voices rang out in a dark melody. “Angelica Ashton, Duchess of Burnrath and bride of our master, we swear to you and our lord that in his absence, we will endeavor to watch over you and keep you from harm all the nights of your life.”

The words were touching, though surely they would never need to fulfill their vows. Her husband was so strong and powerful that she was confident no one could defeat him. She curtsied and thanked them as Ian once more addressed his vampires.

“I have received responses to my letters from nearly all of the neighboring lords.” Ian’s expression was full of sad resignation. “None have seen or heard any sign of Blanche’s whereabouts. Though I ask you all to keep up your vigilance, I am afraid that such may be a fruitless endeavor. It is becoming more likely every night that she is dead.”

As the vampires bowed their heads in solemn sorrow, Angelica’s eyes closed in sadness for their loss of a comrade. How did Blanche die? Surely a vampire could not be easy to kill. She looked up at her husband, awash with sympathy for his burden, even as she was filled with admiration for his brilliant and compassionate leadership.

Ian covered her eyes with the blindfold once more and led her back up the stairs and out into the night.

When the cloth was removed from her eyes, the first thing she saw was the scowling Spaniard. A startled squeak escaped her and the vampire actually flinched. A glimmer of pain flashed in his amber eyes before his ruthless sneer returned.

“I apologize if my ugliness offends your tender sensibilities, Your Grace,” he growled bitterly.

“It wasn’t that, Mister…” She shrugged helplessly as the vampire stood stoically, refusing to give his name. Ian placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, but she shook off his gesture, determined to make peace with this hostile man. “I was merely startled to see someone else when my blindfold was removed. To be honest, I think you are very handsome, in a rare, unique sort of manner.”

Her cheeks burned as he continued to stare at her. Had she offended him yet again?

Finally, he responded, his voice rough and gravelly. “I am Rafael Villar, ever at your service, Your Grace.”

He bowed low and she presented her hand as if he were any other titled gentleman of her acquaintance. Again, he blinked at her in surprise and looked at Ian as if for permission. At Ian’s nod, he tentatively raised her hand and brushed the lightest of kisses across her knuckles as if afraid his touch would soil her.

Quickly, he stepped back, his piercing amber gaze intent on Ian. “I still do not like this, Your Grace.” With that, he disappeared into the shadows.

“Well, he certainly is a charming sort,” Angelica said with a light laugh. “One could almost suppose he does not like me.”

Ian smiled. “Rafe doesn’t like anybody. And yet, I think you’ve charmed him.” He took her in his arms and her stomach pitched once more as the world fell below them.

The fog was so thick over the city that Angelica had no idea how Ian could see where he was flying. She decided to combat her anxiety with questions. “Why were all the female vampires dressed as men?”

“They dress in trousers so they can move in relative safety through the city while they hunt.” Ian’s voice was muffled by the wind. “Not only that, but prostitutes approach men more often, so it is an easy meal.”

“Prostitutes?” she shrieked in outrage and nearly let go. “You feed on prostitutes?”

Ian adjusted his hold on her. “Most of the time. I get a meal, and after I pay them, they do as well.”

Her eyes narrowed against the chilly air as an uncomfortable pang struck her heart. “You don’t do anything else with them, do you?”

“Never the poor street drabs, and as for the cleaner, more expensive ones, not since I met you.” He paused before adding, “This is hardly a decent subject to discuss with a wife.”

Angelica wanted to argue but decided she could do better with sweetness. She held him closer, inhaling his scent, and whispered against his neck, “You do not have to go elsewhere to feed, Your Grace. I do not think I can countenance the very idea of your lips on another woman’s neck.”

Ian chuckled. “There is no reason for you to be jealous, my love. I must feed at least twice a night—more, in fact, due to our passionate nights together. I am afraid that you alone cannot sustain me, though I will accept your offer for tonight.”

Angelica sighed and attempted another compromise. “Could you at least try to only feed on men?”

His arms tightened around her and his hair fluttered in the wind, brushing across her cheek. “Already acting like a wife, I see. Very well, my treasured bride, I shall indulge you in this whenever possible.”

“Whenever possible?” she scoffed, vexed that he would not make an outright promise. “How would you feel about me placing my mouth on other men?”

“Do not press me, imp,” he growled with mock ferocity. “My hunger already makes me fierce.”

She grinned and licked his earlobe. “Ooh, promise?”

***

“Rosetta?” Thomas called as he ran down the narrow alley. “Please, slow down. This fog is devilish enough to navigate through without me having to chase you! Why do you have to run like a spooked horse anyway?”

Rosetta wheeled around and glared at the vampire. “If you didn’t spend every night in brothels drinking opium-laced blood, your senses wouldn’t be so dulled that you can’t keep up with a youngling like me.”

In truth, she was spooked. The duke’s new bride had spent an inordinate amount of time staring at her. As the duchess’s dark eyes stared into hers, all she could think was: She knows! And when the duke left with his bride without further instructions regarding the search for John Polidori’s whereabouts, her suspicions rose tenfold.

Surely the woman was telling him all she knew, whatever it was. But what could the new duchess know? Rosetta was certain they had never met. Still, all the duchess would have to do was mention Rosetta to her husband, and Ian’s suspicions would fall upon her. After that, it was only a matter of time before she was caught.

“Now, there’s no call to be insulting,” Thomas interrupted her inner tirade. “I have some news that might interest you.”

“Oh? And what is that?” she asked, not slowing her pace. She was anxious to get home to John. She needed to make sure he was safe.

“I heard that Ben Flannigan, the vampire hunter, is in town. I heard the news from my Beth, who lives in Surrey.” His voice rose in frustration. “She was on the verge of moving here before His Grace banned petitions for relocation. We still write—”

“Ben Flannigan?” she interrupted, heart lodging in her throat. The most dangerous mortal in Britain was nearby, and all the fool could talk about was his lover?

Even a vampire as young as Rosetta had heard of the famous Irish vampire hunter. He was reputed to have more than a dozen vampire kills to his name. The Elders had not only given permission for any vampire to kill him, they encouraged doing so. Rumor had it that the man had become such a menace that they were thinking of offering a bounty upon his head. Another thought struck her cold. If Flannigan was in the area, then he was most likely responsible for Blanche’s disappearance.

“Have you told the master?” she asked, stopping and turning to face him.

Though obscured by the fog, the scorn on Thomas’s face was visible. “It was apparent to all that our lord was far too occupied with his new duchess to heed anything we underlings had to say. I cannot believe his blindness! To take a mortal bride…”

Rosetta shook her head, baffled by his outrage. “Such has been done before many times in this city, as well as the rest of the world. Love is one of the main reasons we increase our numbers.”

“Yes, but Rosetta,” Thomas cried. “He has no intention of Changing her! It was obvious from his words and how he cut me off when I tried to bring up the subject.”

“I derived no such thing. Besides, I cannot see a reason why he wouldn’t Change her if he loves her,” she protested. If only I was old enough to Change my Johnny, then we wouldn’t be in any danger.

Thomas snorted. “Who can say? Lately Burnrath behaves as if his mind is addled. Regarding this vampire hunter, I propose that we hunt him down ourselves. Perhaps His Grace would waken from his stupor if one of us presented him with Flannigan’s head. Though, with the way he’s behaving, he almost deserves to have that hunter camped at his back door, sharpening a stake.”

At the other vampire’s words, an idea struck Rosetta with a force that nearly sent her reeling. The question was: did she dare?

“Who else have you told about this?” She hoped her voice didn’t waver.

If others knew, especially the Spaniard, she would think no more about it. Her plan would be too dangerous then. She shuddered, remembering Rafael’s burning amber gaze that seemed to see all of her secrets. She added a silent prayer of thanks that the Spaniard was too busy supervising the lord vampires who were visiting for the Duke’s wedding, as well as investigating Blanche’s disappearance.

“Everyone else left so quickly that you were the first one I could tell.” Thomas stood close enough that she could smell the opium on his breath.

Rosetta fought to conceal her relief. Surely providence was with her this night. She straightened her spine and spoke with what she hoped was a scornful, yet reasonable tone. “Good, for no doubt if word returned to our master that we were plotting to kill the hunter without notifying him, he would take our plan as mutiny and the one responsible for inspiring the idea would likely suffer a punishment most severe.”

“I say, I didn’t think about it that way.” Thomas slumped against a tavern wall, unmindful of the soot and grime coating it. “You are wise for your meager years, Rosetta. Do you think we should just tell him?”

“No!” she cried and then composed herself. Thomas was a drug-addled idiot. She couldn’t imagine what would possess a vampire worth its salt to Change him. “That is, Burnrath seemed quite vexed with you tonight. Let me inform him of the vampire hunter’s presence in London, and then when the moment is right, I’ll tell him that the information came from you. After all,” she added. “I am too young to qualify for advancement to a loftier position. You, on the other hand…” She trailed off, allowing him to speculate.

“You may be right. But what if he does not believe you? Or worse, what if he does not listen or heed the danger?” Thomas scratched his beard. “Perhaps we should tell Ian’s second.”

Rosetta hid her shiver with a mocking laugh. “The Spaniard? If he hears a hunter is in town, he’ll tear the city apart in his fury. You do realize that’s what caused his injuries.” She shook her head. “Involving him is too dangerous. I say we follow through with your original plan and take care of this Ben Flannigan ourselves.”

Thomas chuckled. “That’s my clever girl. At the rate you are headed, you will be lord of a city by the end of this century. We’ll do it your way for now.”

When Thomas left, Rosetta shivered and rubbed her arms. Could she do it? Could she pass herself off as a human to this vampire hunter? There was no other way to contact him, for she couldn’t risk putting anything in writing. She ran through the fog, cutting through the thick air like a predatory sword as she weighed the risks and hunted her next meal. Surely if this Flannigan spotted her for what she was, she could overpower him with ease.

And if she did nothing? If she continued to hide Polidori from the duke until he eventually discovered her ruse, which—from the way his wife and now the Spaniard looked at her—would be soon… then a multitude of likely punishments loomed overhead. She could handle the punishment, or so she preferred to believe, but the thought of what would happen to her beloved John struck chords of terror within her being.

And what if she went through with it and was caught? If the duke discovered that she’d hired a vampire hunter to assassinate him, her death would be painful, to say nothing of John’s. That was the law when it came to traitors.

But if she succeeded…

Rosetta allowed a rose of hope to bloom in her breast. She and John could be safe. She would kill the vampire hunter and none would be wiser. Then, while the Spaniard was occupied with taking the reins, she and John could leave the city peacefully. After a few years she could apply to her new lord to Change her love, or perhaps she would be powerful enough by then to do the deed herself.

She was so lost in thought that she nearly tripped over a vagrant lying in a gutter. As her fangs sank into his throat, another thought reared its ugly head. Could she bear having the murder of her master on her conscience? She’d never killed anyone before. And was the life of another worth the safety of her love?