A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 108



Tracywoke slowly, uncertain what had awakened her.The rain, perhaps? And then, as her mind cleared, she realized she wasn't alone in the room. Panic swept through her and then, sensing his presence, her fear receded.

"Dominic?"
"I am here."

She sat up. "Is something wrong? You left so abruptly earlier."

"There is nothing wrong, my best beloved one. I wanted only to see your face before I take my rest."

Small frissons of pleasure moved through her at his words. "Oh. Aren't you going to kiss me good night?"

"Most assuredly."Sitting down on the edge of her bed, he drew her into his arms.

She snuggled against him, lifting her face for his kiss. He smelled of rain and cologne and… she looked up at him. "Where have you been?"

"Out."

"Were you… feeding?"
"Why do you ask?"

"You smell like… like blood."

"I found a woman earlier. She had been attacked by a vampire and was near death." "Oh, no!"

"I revived her and sent her home." "Will she be all right?"

He nodded.

"You said no one hunts in Sea Cliff and yet three people have been killed. How could that happen?"

"There is an interloper in the village. I saw him briefly." Dominic frowned. "He must be very old, to mask his presence from me so effectively."

"Maybe he's gone now."

"Perhaps."He stroked her hair lightly. "Let us not speak of him now."
"You said you were outside. How come you're not wet?"