Blood Legacy: Heir to the Throne (6 page)

Susan glanced up at Raphael in the doorway, smiling. “That is the understatement of the year.”

“Raphael!” Jason yelped, jumping up and running to the dark-skinned man. Raphael caught him, and even though Jason was in a growth spurt, easily swung him so that he was upside down. He held the laughing boy for a moment, then turned him upright, gently setting him down.

Susan watched the two with her new, preternatural senses. Ryan had tried to explain to her what she felt and saw, but Susan now had the extraordinary experience firsthand. She could see colors that previously had not existed for her, colors she did not even have words for because humans could not see them. She could also see colors that did exist, but which previously she had not had the ability to perceive. The sky now looked far more violet to her because she could see further into the ultraviolet spectrum, perceiving wavelengths of light that had been invisible before.

All physical feeling was heightened. The slightest touch, the movement of her shirt against her skin, the feel of flannel against her cheek, all served to endlessly distract her, as if she could no longer filter out any sensation. The simplest feeling such as the sun upon her face was so wondrous it could cause her to lose hours. It was a good thing Ryan’s Kind were immortal; they probably lost years in the transition.

As ecstatic as the sensory bombardment was, Susan could not relinquish the scientist in her. She found herself continually running small experiments, such as holding her breath to assure herself she no longer needed to breathe. It was difficult for her to process that she no longer needed to sleep or eat, and she became aware of how much the ebb and flow of her life was constrained by such physical needs, especially now that it was so unconstrained. She felt unmoored, but it was not an unpleasant feeling.

Susan could not wait to return to her medical equipment so that she could begin running all sorts of experiments on herself, studying the ongoing change to her system. Although she had access to the penultimate research subject in Ryan, she was often too embarrassed to ask Ryan to continually subject herself to testing. Additionally, Susan now had the opportunity to test the Change itself, the transition from human to immortal. Ryan was one of the most advanced of her Kind, and now Susan had the opportunity to study the more “primitive” version: herself. The anticipation was killing her.

“You will be leaving within the hour,” Raphael said, interrupting her reverie, “Madame has traveled ahead.” Raphael smiled to himself. He was too young to read Marilyn’s thoughts and would not have so intruded were he able. But he knew whom the dark-haired one wanted to see.

Susan was relieved. It was difficult enough being around Marilyn; the intensity was incredible. But in her newly vulnerable condition, sensitive to every nuance, every sensation, it was impossible.

Raphael watched his protégé with a mixture of pride and protectiveness. Marilyn’s “interference” had definitely had an effect, and Susan was aware of much more than most Young Ones. But Raphael was uncertain if that would be helpful, or a great hindrance, in what she was about to face.

CHAPTER 7

RYAN PUT THE BOOK DOWN and extended her senses to see if her son was awake. He was sleeping soundly, and she found herself somewhat disappointed. From what she understood, he slept far less than a normal infant, but still far more than her.

This made Ryan smile. Finally, someone who slept more than she did. Many of the Old Ones had commented on the amount of time she spent sleeping. Although she had no normal pattern and could go weeks if not months without sleep, she could also sleep for weeks and months at a time. She had once slept for 14 years straight.

Ryan’s expression darkened. That had been after her Change, the transition from human to their Kind. Ryan’s Change had been particularly horrific because Victor had been so immensely powerful when he Changed her. It was only the fact that she was not fully human that had allowed her to survive. She wondered if her son’s Change would be as difficult.

Ryan stood, restless. The restlessness was not unusual for her, but it generally had a cause, one which she could not quite identify at the moment.

She started down the darkened hallway. She could sense all sorts of movement throughout the mansion, mostly from Abigail’s staff. Ryan wondered if that was the source of her restlessness. Somehow she did not think so. It seemed as if there was something else, something very familiar…

Ryan was slammed backward into the wall so hard that the marble caved inward in an outline of her body. Her assailant held her against the wall as bits of stone fell to the ground, making little clinking noises as the dust settled. Surprisingly Ryan did not appear angry, nor did she struggle. If anything, she appeared faintly amused at the attack.

Marilyn gazed down at the girl, their lips nearly touching. “I have missed you, little one.”

The endearment, as always, was slightly mocking and tinged with intimacy. Few would dare address Ryan so, but Marilyn had always had her way. Marilyn further had her way by bending down and planting a lingering kiss on Ryan.

“I can see that,” Ryan said as Marilyn leaned back, still maintaining her hold on the girl.

“You have been so distant from us these days,” Marilyn said, slightly scolding.

“Yes,” Ryan said, “I have already received that lecture from Abigail.”

Marilyn smiled, and her teeth were brilliant in the darkness. “And did she discipline you in her usual way?”

Only Marilyn could make Ryan blush so. It was a physiological throwback Ryan wished she did not have, one Marilyn took every opportunity to exploit. Marilyn enjoyed the girl’s obvious discomfort, a discomfort that grew at a noise from the doorway.

“Ahem,” Edward said, clearing his throat.

Ryan glanced over, conscious of their very indelicate positions. Marilyn did not release Ryan, and merely glanced in his direction before returning her attention to Ryan.

“Edward,” she said dryly over her shoulder.

Edward’s reply was as dry. “Will you be assaulting my master in the corridor, or may I show you to your chambers?”

Marilyn gave Ryan another lingering look. “You are right, assaulting her in my chambers is a much better idea.”

Marilyn stepped back, releasing Ryan. She turned to Edward, beginning to speak, then went utterly still. Ryan was aware of the stillness, and also of its cause.

“Mon Dieu,” Marilyn said, disbelief evident in her voice, “Ce n’est pas possible.”

Ryan looked over at her son who stood in the doorway, Edward’s pant leg clutched in his tiny fist.

“Many things are impossible,” Ryan began.

“And now you have done them all,” Marilyn finished for her. She stared at the tiny creature in the doorway.

If there was a candidate for less maternal instinct than Ryan, it was Marilyn. Which was why Ryan was surprised when Marilyn stooped to the boy’s eye level and motioned for him to approach. Ryan was more surprised that the boy immediately complied, toddling to Marilyn as if he knew her well. He gazed up at the raven-haired beauty intently. Marilyn clasped his hand to steady him, then reached and ran her hand through his silky dark hair. He gazed at her with warm blue eyes, then reached up to touch her own dark hair.

“Edward,” Ryan said with mild exasperation, “my son is a flirt.”

“Hmm, yes, my lord” Edward said in his driest tone yet, “I have no idea where he gets that from.”

Ryan threw him a sharp glance. He was of no help to her when it came to Marilyn.

Marilyn released the boy and stood. Drake looked up at Ryan, then ran back to Edward who picked him up. Marilyn watched the boy, then turned to Ryan. There was wicked amusement in her eyes.

“I now understand why your father kept us from you when you were a child.” Marilyn said, her eyes lingering on Ryan’s lips. She abruptly turned. “If you would be so kind as to escort me to my chambers.”

Ryan watched the dark-haired beauty disappear. “Edward,” she said, her misgivings evident, “do not let anyone eat my son.”

“Yes, my lord,” he paused, but could not resist a parting comment. “I am sure you will find a way to keep Madame otherwise occupied.”

Ryan threw him one last, dark look, then started off down the hallway after Marilyn.

“I trust these accommodations are acceptable.”

Marilyn glanced around the room. It was furnished to her taste, warmly luxurious with sensual colors and soft light. She frowned slightly, tilting her head.

Ryan glanced around the room, trying to diagnose what had displeased her. “If there is something that is unsatisfactory…”

Marilyn looked around the room as if trying to place what had displeased her. She turned to the couch, then to the bed. A look of enlightenment crossed her face. “Ah, that is it.”

Ryan turned to identify what had offended Marilyn, and was shoved halfway across the room and headlong into the bed. She went face-down into the soft comforter, barely able to roll over before Marilyn was upon her. In an instant, Ryan was pinned to the mattress, gazing up at the dark-haired woman. Marilyn examined the girl’s position, her amusement evident.

“Ah yes, that is much better.”

“Why is it,” Ryan asked, trying to think clearly, “that I can defeat any enemy in battle, yet have no defense against you?”

Marilyn smiled and leaned down towards the girl’s neck.

“Because I am not your enemy,” she whispered in her ear.

Although Marilyn was immensely hungry, she so enjoyed toying with the girl. She brushed her lips across Ryan’s cheek, then gently bit Ryan’s lip. She stared at the drop of blood for a moment, then stole it with a kiss. It was her undoing, however, because the instant the girl’s blood touched her mouth, her urgency increased a thousandfold.

“You will make an excellent King, ma cherie,” Marilyn whispered, returning to her ear, “because you have an incredible ability to satisfy your subjects.”

Her perfect teeth sliced into Ryan’s neck, and Ryan tensed from the pleasantly agonizing sensation. Marilyn held her tightly, and it was not long before the lethargy forced her to relax in the grip of her irresistible assailant.

Marilyn’s hunger had fore-shortened her usual seduction, but she would get her full gratification by prolonging the act through the night.

In the east wing, Abigail sat sipping a cup of tea while she embroidered. She cocked her head to one side, then smiled to herself. Her lead consort approached, then bowed low.

“As always, you have won your wager, my lady.”

Abigail treated the announcement as if it were no matter. “I have known Marilyn for a very long time.”

The consort bowed again. “Indeed.” He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

Abigail took a sip of tea, then returned to her embroidery. It had not been a wager of “if,” only “when.” And the immediacy of Marilyn’s act had clearly been Abigail’s prediction.

Abigail smiled to herself again. The girl was going to have a difficult week.

CHAPTER 8

RYAN CHECKED THE SADDLE BAG one last time, ensuring she had sufficient food and water for Drake. Satisfied, she reached down for her son. Edward handed him upward and Ryan settled the small boy on the horse in front of her.

“Are you sure you do not wish accompaniment?”

Ryan shook her head. “Thank you, Edward. But I really wish to be alone for a few hours.”

Edward understood. Just being in the presence of the Old Ones was exhausting. He could not imagine having to satisfy them as well. He glanced at the small boy. He did not know what effect the presence of the Others was having on the child, but it could not hurt to spirit him away. Ryan’s estate was so large that she could disappear on her steed for days.

Ryan had promised him she would not do so, and reiterated the promise.

“I will return before nightfall.”

She wheeled the mount around with masterful horsemanship, then set out a breakneck speed. The velocity likely would have terrified a normal child, but Edward could hear the boy’s laughter even above the fading sound of the hooves.

Jason jumped out of the limousine and ran up the stairs. He nearly ran headfirst into Edward, who stepped onto the landing as he approached.

“I’m, I’m sorry, Edward,” Jason said, trying to catch his breath. “Is Ryan here?”

“I am dreadfully sorry, young sir,” Edward said formally, “but Ryan is out riding for the day, and I am afraid she will not return before evening.”