My Lord Immortality (8 page)

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Authors: Alexandra Ivy

BOOK: My Lord Immortality
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Amelia could not stop her short, almost bitter laugh. “You know little of gentlemen if you believe they are interested in a maiden who has firmly turned her back upon society and devotes most of her attention to a brother most would consider mad.”
Sebastian frowned, as if displeased with the stark truth she had accepted long ago.
“A gentleman of sense would surely rejoice at being well rid of society and delighted by your unwavering loyalty. Do not sell yourself short, my dear.”
She realized that he was simply attempting to make her feel better. It was his nature. But at the moment she did not want sympathy or vague reassurances.
“Obviously I have yet to meet a gentleman of sense,” she retorted in low tones.
Sebastian sucked in a deep breath, his head lowering until his forehead touched her own.
“Oh, Amelia, you are surely destined to shatter my peaceful existence.”
He was so wondrously close. Near enough to make her entire body quiver with longing. Amelia could resist temptation no longer. She wanted to know how it felt to be held in this man's arms and kissed by those lips that she had thought of far too often over the past few days.
Perhaps she was too reckless and impulsive, but she was quite certain that unless she did something desperate, Sebastian's rigid self-control would remain intact until the end of time.
Not giving herself time for second thoughts, Amelia lifted her hands until she could plunge her fingers into the thick silk of his hair. At the same moment she tilted her head so she could press her lips softly to his own.
At first the pure shock of pleasure that raced through her overrode every other sensation. The garden, the night, the world itself disappeared as giddy delight seared through her body. This was what a kiss was supposed to be, she thought dreamily. The heat, the racing excitement, and the dangerous stirrings deep within her.
Then, slowly, she realized that Sebastian was no longer holding himself stiffly in shock, but instead his arms had encircled her waist and he was fiercely returning her kiss.
With a moan of heady enjoyment, she leaned against the hard muscles of his chest, her hands running through the length of his hair. She could feel his shudders as he hungrily returned her kiss, and the rising tide of desire was sharply echoed within her.
She had hoped that the kiss would ease the frustration that was plaguing her, but oddly, it only seemed to fuel the restless need. She wanted to be closer, to run her hands over the hard planes of his body and to feel his fingers against her bare skin. She yearned to drown in the flood of sensations that clouded her mind and tormented her body.
It was the knowledge that her thoughts were becoming increasingly wicked that caused Amelia at last to reluctantly pull back.
“Oh,” she breathed unsteadily.
His lips twitched at her obvious shock, but the silver eyes remained dark with barely suppressed desire.
“Is that all you have to say?”
Her hands moved to clutch his shoulders. It was that or sinking to the damp ground.
“It was very . . . enlightening.”
Sebastian's own hands lightly trailed up and down her spine, seemingly unaware of the distracting sparks he was setting off.
“I am uncertain if that is good or bad.”
“I am uncertain as well.”
He was caught off guard by her blunt honesty. “Amelia, what is it?”
Sensing his growing concern, she managed a small smile. “You spoke of danger, but I did not realize precisely how potent a mere kiss could be.”
She half expected him to laugh at her innocent amazement. Or even to reveal a faint smugness at his ability to stir her with such ease.
Instead, his expression was heartbreakingly tender as he gazed deep into her wide eyes.
“Nor did I.”
She regarded him with a faint frown. “But you have kissed before.”
His hand shifted to lightly stroke her cheek. “Ah, but I have not kissed you before.” He drew in a deep breath. “Now I must firmly insist that you return to your bed while I am still able to allow you to go alone.”
On this occasion she did not give her reckless streak an opportunity to protest. She had tasted the fire. She could only hope that she had not yet become addicted.
“Good night, Sebastian.”
He briefly lowered his head to brush a kiss over her forehead before pulling away.
“Good night, my dear.”
Sebastian watched Amelia hurry through the garden with a wrenching sense of loss.
He had known from the moment she had entered the garden that he should leave. He had only been at the house to ensure that there were no unwelcome visits from Drake. And, of course, to keep an eye open for the mysterious vampire who had attacked him in the stables.
He had not expected to have Amelia make a sudden appearance. And certainly he had not expected her to so easily slip beneath his stern self-control.
Still, he was all too aware that his passions ran far too hot during the silky darkness of the night. And combined with his growing awareness of the maiden, it had been the makings of a disaster from the beginning.
Yes, he should have left, he acknowledged as he thrust his hands through his mussed hair. But deep within his logical self-reproach there remained a shimmering pleasure that refused to regret the interlude.
The deepening bonds that were being woven between the two of them had only intensified the passions that threatened to blaze out of control. Each sensation was shared. Each need echoed within the other.
But beyond that was the more dangerous realization that she was beginning to consume more than just his passions. He admired that bright, impetuous nature. The staunch courage that she revealed in establishing her own home. And the tender care that she devoted to her brother.
She was a rare, sometimes aggravating minx who continually rattled him out of his stoic existence.
Lost in thought, Sebastian barely had time to react to the familiar prickle of warning that raced over his skin. In one sweeping motion he had reached beneath his jacket to remove the deadly dagger and turned to confront the golden-haired vampire regarding him with mocking disdain.
“So very touching, Sebastian.”
“Drake.”
Taking a step closer, the vampire allowed his icy gaze to flick over Sebastian.
“You know, you are an insult to all vampires,” he drawled. “'Tis embarrassing enough that you do not feast upon such a delectable morsel, but to actually turn aside her obvious desire to be ravished is shameful.”
Sebastian lifted the dagger before swiftly regaining his composure. No. He could not allow himself to be goaded. He needed his wits sharply clear. This vampire was a traitor. And perhaps was in league with the deadly attacker who had so readily used forbidden methods. One moment of distraction and he might be destroyed.
Leaving Amelia alone to face the desperate renegade.
An unbearable thought.
“Thankfully, the majority of vampires have gained command of their more savage impulses,” he retorted in cold tones.
Drake gave a rasping laugh. “Fah. They have become spineless eunuchs.”
“You believe scavenging in dark alleys like an animal is a superior existence?”
The overly pretty features abruptly hardened at Sebastian's well-aimed thrust.
“Scavenging? You fool. I have been gaining power. Powers that are a vampire's right. Would you care for a taste of my newfound strength?”
Sebastian shrugged a shoulder. “You do not frighten me, Drake.”
“That is because you do not know what you face.” A hard smile touched the thin lips. “Soon enough you will be eager to join me.”
Drake's decided edge of smugness made Sebastian abruptly still. He had always been arrogant and certain of his superiority over all. But Sebastian sensed that now it was more than mere arrogance.
He slowly narrowed his gaze. “Because of the mysterious renegade who assists you?”
Abruptly realizing that he had perhaps given more away than he had intended, Drake determinedly returned the sneer to his face. That in itself was enough to convince Sebastian that the vampire was well aware of the mysterious assailant.
“I need no assistance. Certainly not to overcome one of your pathetic abilities.”
So, he wished to deny the connection. Perhaps there was something here that he could use to his advantage.
With an effort, Sebastian managed a faint smile. “Clearly your cohort is not so confident in your glorious powers. He attempted to take matters into his own hands.”
Drake could not hide his shock. “You were attacked?”
“Yes. Perhaps you should keep a closer leash upon the villain if you wish to be the one to better me.”
It took a moment before Drake was turning away to hide his expression. “Perhaps your brothers have come to the same conclusion as myself and have decided you are an appalling specimen for a vampire.”
“Or perhaps your fellow traitor has decided he does not desire to share the powers of the Medallion.”
With a growl, Drake whirled back to face Sebastian with deadly anger. “I should kill you now.”
Sebastian held the dagger ready. “You are welcome to try.”
“You believe that absurd dagger will save you?”
“We shall soon discover,” Sebastian retorted with grim determination.
Drake hesitated, seemingly debating within himself before giving a harsh laugh.
“You tempt me, Sebastian, but luckily for you I have more pressing concerns this night. Consider this a gift. On the next occasion I will not be so kindly disposed.”
Sebastian regarded him steadily, forcing himself to put aside his fear for Amelia and even his lingering fury at being so ruthlessly attacked. This was a vampire. A brother.
“And then what? Drake, you are not unintelligent. Nefri and the other vampires will never allow you to gain command of the Medallion.”
A snarl twisted the handsome features. “They will have no choice.”
“No.” Sebastian gave a slow shake of his head. “You fight a losing battle. Still, it is not too late to give up this madness and return to the Veil.”
“I am no eunuch.” He stepped back, his arrogance shimmering in the air about him. “You may be satisfied with your cold bed and dusty books, but I am destined for far greater rewards.”
There was a sudden chill in the breeze before Drake was abruptly shape-shifting into a dark shadow that disappeared down the lane in the blink of an eye.
Sebastian made no effort to follow the renegade. He knew where to find his lair, if the time became necessary. Instead he remained standing at the edge of the garden with a frown upon his brow.
There was something he was missing, he realized with a pang of aggravation at his unusual lack of perception. Drake was always overly confident and certain of his powers. Even behind the Veil. But whatever his arrogance, he was not without some sense.
Why was he willing to risk utter destruction when he must know that there would be others who hastened to stop him? He could not battle every vampire. Not even with the Medallion.
So what did he know that Sebastian didn't?
And what did it have to do with his mysterious companion?
And how dangerous was it not knowing the answer to those questions?
Chapter 7
Drake paced the cramped cottage with quick, restless steps. He was furious. More than furious.
He was no dupe, he told himself savagely. Nor was he a fool.
When he had left the Veil it was clearly understood that it would be his task to retrieve the Medallion. As well as to put a stop to Sebastian, or any of the other vampires, if they should stand in his path.
To have this sudden interference was unbearable. And more than a bit suspicious.
If the plans had changed he should have been consulted. He would not be left dangling as bait while the prize was snatched from beneath his very nose.
Oh no, he would not tolerate such blatant interference.
He turned about and abruptly froze. The approaching sense of the vampire was filling the dark, dank air and Drake swiftly smoothed his hands over his fine emerald jacket. It was about bloody time, he seethed. He had been waiting at this hideous cottage for near three hours.
Holding himself steady, he watched the fog thicken and swirl beneath the door, shimmering in the darkness with an evil glow of its own.
“At last . . .” he began to complain, only to have his words roughly choked off as the fog reached out to wrap about his neck. For long, agonizing moments he was held in its ruthless grip, his feet actually leaving the dusty floor before at last he was tossed disdainfully against a wall.
“Never,” the fog rasped, “never summon me in such a manner again.”
With painful movements, Drake forced himself back to his feet, his fury now mixed with fear. How he longed to put an end to this vampire, he seethed with black hatred. A slow, torturous end.
“I had to speak with you,” he said in a tone roughened by his aching throat.
The fog stirred the dust restlessly upon the floor. “You risked exposing my presence to Nefri, you dolt. Not to mention alerting the Great Council that I have discovered a means of traveling through the Veil undetected.”
Drake clenched his hands at his side. Dolt? No one called him a dolt.
“It would not have been necessary had you not lied to me.”
The words seemed to ring in the air for a nerve-wracking moment before the fog shifted in a foreboding manner.
“Lied? You have become overly bold, Drake. Take care I am not forced to teach you a rather unpleasant lesson in humility.”
In spite of himself, Drake felt himself pressing closer to the moldy wall.
“Did you attempt to destroy Sebastian?”
“You must be confused. I do not answer to you.”
“I believe I have earned the right to some explanation. You requested that I leave the Veil to retrieve the Medallion. You also specifically warned me that it would be my duty to ensure that Sebastian did not pose a problem. Have you altered your plans?”
The low laugh sent a chill down Drake's spine. “Do you mean, have I chosen to retrieve the Medallion without your incompetent assistance?”
Drake silently added the insult to the list of others, reassuring himself that his sweet revenge would come the moment he held the Medallion.
As long as he gained command of the artifact. At the moment that was all that was important.
“Yes.”
“It is a temptation, I must admit,” the vampire drawled. “I chose what I thought to be three ruthless hunters and was rewarded with cowardly fools.”
“I am no coward,” Drake snapped.
“Ah, then you have retrieved the amulet?”
“Not as yet, but I will have it in my hands within a few days.”
The vampire gave a disgusted grunt. “The same promise made by both Amadeus and Tristan before they were destroyed.”
Drake shrugged off the words. He did not desire to be compared with such fools.
“I will not fail.”
“That remains to be seen.”
He hardened his features in grim determination. “You have not answered my question. Do you seek to retrieve the Medallion for yourself?”
The fog shifted, but even as Drake stiffened in fear, it deliberately settled in the center of the room.
“If that was my desire, then the Medallion would be mine.”
Drake cautiously released the breath he had unconsciously sucked in. “Then why did you attack Sebastian?”
“You try your luck, Drake. My actions are not your concern.”
“I have put myself at considerable risk for you.”
“With the promise of great power as a reward,” the fog hissed in return.
Drake tilted his chin, although he was careful to keep himself firmly against the wall.
“Only if you do not decide to withhold the rewards.”
That horrid, rasping laugh once again echoed through the cottage, sending the few remaining rats scurrying into the night.
“Do not fear, Drake. You shall be suitably rewarded for your efforts. My only interest in Sebastian was to lure Nefri from her lair. A scheme that worked to perfection, I might add.”
Drake frowned. He did not like to recall that Nefri might be near. He could not possibly hope to match the ancient vampire's powers. Perhaps not even with the Medallion in hand.
“Nefri?” he muttered.
“Yes. Surely you have not forgotten that she continues to lurk near the maidens who hold the Medallion?”
He shifted uneasily. “Of course I have not forgotten. You promised she would not interfere.”
“And she will not, as long as you do not ruin all with your childish fits of hysteria.”
Hysteria? The vampire went too far. Drake narrowed his gaze. “Perhaps if you would warn me of your intentions . . .”
In the blink of an eye the fog was once again striking out, clenching about Drake's throat until it threatened to crush it.
“Enough.” The voice was frozen steel. “I will decide what you will or will not be told. Do not make the mistake of questioning me again.”
Drake struggled to remain conscious, well aware that he had pressed the vampire too far. Damn. He did not doubt the elder would dispose of him without a flicker of remorse.
“No, I understand. I will not question you again,” he choked out in desperation.
The crushing grip remained. “And Drake, my patience wears thin. Retrieve the Medallion or you will wish that you
could
be simply destroyed.”
“I . . . I will have it.”
 
 
“Cats, cats, cats.”
William was nearly bouncing up and down as the thin, rather dour-faced housekeeper shifted the large box from the counter and placed it upon the floor.
“Yes. Now sit down before you stomp 'em to bits,” the woman muttered, although there was no missing the pleased glint in the pale blue eyes.
Standing on the far side of the kitchen, Amelia smiled. After a morning devoted to listening to William's disgruntled sighs and watching him wander through the house with restless frustration, she had realized she must do something to distract him.
The poor boy simply could not understand her insistence that he not visit the children in the stews, nor why he could not even stroll through the market. It was little wonder that he chafed at her restrictions.
At last, in desperation, she had made the bold decision to bring him to Sebastian's home to visit the kittens. She knew that was one certain way to distract him for at least an hour. And perhaps it would make him somewhat more content for the rest of the day.
And, of course, a tiny voice whispered in the back of her mind, she was not being entirely selfless. If she were being perfectly honest with herself this was precisely where she desired to be.
A renegade heat flared beneath her cheeks as she recalled her encounter with Sebastian in the garden.
It had been wicked. And dangerous. Far more dangerous than she ever could have suspected.
But it had also been the most glorious few moments in her life. And whether it made her a horrible person or not, she could not deny that she could not wait for another opportunity to taste passion once again.
She was perhaps shameless, and bold beyond reproach, but that did not keep her from imagining the feel of his hard arms and seeking lips. Oh yes, she was very anxious to flirt with the wicked peril once again.
Almost as if her siren's call had lured Sebastian through the large town house, Amelia felt the tingles that warned her of his approach. With little shame, she deliberately shifted until she was near the door. She had known he would come. That he would sense her presence as easily as she sensed his.
Quite prepared when he at last approached through the shadows, Amelia nevertheless found her breath being caught in her throat as her gaze skimmed over the silver gray coat and burgundy waistcoat. He wore high, glossy boots, and his thick hair was tied at the nape of his neck, as if he had been out riding. Then, compulsively, she was seeking the pale beauty of his countenance, searching for some reaction to her decidedly brash behavior.
What she discovered made her breath even more elusive. Halting directly at her side, he offered a slow, tantalizing smile.
“Amelia.”
“Sebastian.” A ridiculous bout of nerves had her unnecessarily smoothing the soft folds of her blue gown. “I hope you do not mind our intrusion. William was bored and demanding to be out of the house. I thought the kittens might prove to be an adequate distraction.”
“I do not mind,” he murmured, his silver gaze never straying from her face. “Would you care to join me in the library?”
“Well . . .” She reluctantly turned to regard her brother as he played with the kittens.
“My housekeeper will keep a careful watch on William,” he softly assured her.
She hesitated another moment, knowing how her brother could fret if she were absent, but then noting his obvious distraction and the way the housekeeper hovered protectively at his side. She slowly turned to offer Sebastian a smile.
“Very well.”
Reaching out, Sebastian firmly placed her hand upon his arm and led her from the room. In silence they wound their way through the narrow halls in the servants' quarters and up the stairs that would take them to the front of the house.
Although vibrantly aware of the man at her side, Amelia could not help but note the decided lack of ornaments upon the paneled walls and occasional tables. And she would have to be blind not to see the heavy covers that continued to hide the chairs set in the alcoves.
A smile twitched at her lips. She wondered if Sebastian even took a moment to notice his surroundings.
“Why do you smile?” he demanded.
Tilting her face upward, Amelia met the amused gaze. “I was thinking that only a bachelor could bear to live among dust sheets and barren rooms.”
“I will admit it does not trouble me as long as my library is in order.”
She gave a teasing click of her tongue. “Surely a man needs more in his life than books?”
The silver eyes abruptly darkened. “I have not believed so for many years.”
Something in that deep, accented voice made her heart make a sudden leap. “And now?”
His smile widened. “And now a pair of dimples has made me question my simple existence.”
Amelia breathed deeply of his warm, spicy scent, not at all surprised when her head swirled. This gentleman could make any poor, susceptible maiden a bit dizzy.
“Being distracted by dimples does not seem at all scholarly.”
“No?” His gaze swept over her. “Well, there are all sorts of studies. Not all of them including dusty books.”
She chuckled softly, her fingers tightening upon his arm. “There may be hope for you yet, Mr. St. Ives.”
“Perhaps there is, Miss Hadwell.” Slowing his steps, he turned her into the large library. “Here we are.”
Her gaze swept over the beautiful room, lingering on the highly polished tables and the obvious care given to the hundreds of leather-bound books.
“Not a dust sheet in sight,” she murmured.
The silver eyes twinkled. “I could have one fetched if you would like.”
“No, thank you,” she retorted with a grimace.
The slender hand waved toward the pair of leather wing chairs that framed a heavy marble chimney piece. “Will you have a seat?”
Amelia found herself rather reluctant to loosen her hold upon him, but she at least retained enough sense to realize she could not remain gazing up at him like a moonling. Instead, she forced herself to calmly drop her hand and move toward the nearest chair.

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