A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

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Zarabethran her fingernail downTracy 's arm. "Have you nothing to say? We might spare you if you ask us nicely."

Zarabethput her arms aroundTracy , holding her immobile. She put her face close toTracy 's neck and took a deep breath, her eyes closing in rapture.

"Enough!"

Taking on his shape, Dominic strode across the room.

The vampires immediately drew back, leavingTracy standing alone in the center of the floor.

Going to her side, Dominic slipped his arm around her waist and drew her up against him. "Are you all right?"

She nodded. "Bryan…"

Dominic glanced around the room. "Where is the boy?"
It was Marcus who answered. " Petrinatook him." Dominic's gaze settled on Zarabeth . "Is he dead?" "I don't know."

"Would she take him home?"
"I don't know."

Dominic looked atTracy , then back at the vampires. "To harm what is mine is to harm me." His voice was mild, butTracy heard the steel beneath. To defy my law is to defy me, and the penalty is death."

Zarabethshook her head. "No!"

" Petrinahas openly defied me." "Vampire does not kill vampire."
"Be still else I destroy you, as well."

A low murmur of consternation ran through the room.

Dominic silenced them with a look. "This is my chosen territory and my law prevails.When I allowed you to share this place with me, you agreed, one and all, to abide by my law. We have peace here because we do not feed on the villagers. We give them no reason to suspect our presence. The boy Petrina has taken has family. He has a job. He will be missed."

Dominic looked down atTracy , his expression softening. "Come, I will take you home." "What aboutBryan ?"