The Raven (32 page)

“I
’m here to see Bruno Rostagno.” Raven spoke to one of the nurses on Bruno’s floor at the hospital.

“Friend or family?” The nurse didn’t bother to look up from her computer.

“Friend.” Raven shifted her weight, nervously glancing at Marco, who was standing a few feet away, looking intimidating.

The nurse was about to direct Raven to the correct room when a familiar-looking woman approached them.

“Raven, hello.” Graziella greeted her warmly, kissing both cheeks.

“Graziella, hi.” Raven smiled. “I’m just here to see Bruno.”

“Good. I’ve just arrived also. Come with me.” Graziella nodded at the nurse and took Raven’s hand, leading her down the hall.

“How is he?” she asked, concerned.

“He will come home tomorrow, I think. He was supposed to be released today but the doctor wanted to wait.”

They walked down the hall and made a left. Graziella stopped at the door to the third room.

“You say hello. I’ll come in later.”

“But you’re here. I’m sure he wants to see you first,” Raven protested, noticing that Marco had followed them.

Graziella just patted her arm and gestured to the door.

Raven’s grip tightened on her cane as she entered the room with caution. She was worried about what she was going to find.

Bruno was lying in bed, looking remarkably well. In fact, there was no evidence of his previous injuries—no bruising, no bandages, no cords or tubes attached to his body.

He looked healthier than he had before, and perhaps even a little younger.

Raven wondered if anyone else had noticed the changes.

“Hello, Bruno.” She greeted him with a cheerful wave.

He nodded at her. “Good afternoon.”

Raven’s smile faltered.

“It’s me. It’s Raven.”

Bruno examined her face for a moment and then his gaze dropped to her cane. “Of course. You live next to my grandmother. How are you?”

“I’m well, thank you.” She gestured at his hospital bed. “How are you?”

“Ready to go home.” He grimaced. “They say I’ve made a miraculous recovery, but I’m still in a hurry to get out of here.”

Raven swallowed thickly. “I heard about your accident. I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks, it was nice of you to come by. Have you seen my grandmother lately?”

“I saw her yesterday. I’ve been trying to check in on her more frequently.”

“Thank you.”

Bruno fell silent, as if he were waiting for something.

It took a moment for Raven to realize he was waiting for her to say something.

She flushed. He didn’t remember her. He didn’t look at her with longing or ask her about herself or any of the other dozen special things he’d done during their one special evening. Sadness crept over her.

Raven forced herself to remain cheerful.

“Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better. I saw your mother in the hall. Should I send her in?”

“Please. Thanks for visiting me.” Bruno flashed her a muted smile, which she returned.

“No problem. Good-bye, Bruno.”

Raven walked awkwardly from the room, leaning heavily on her cane.

When she saw Graziella in the hall, she said, “He wants to see you.”

“But you should stay longer. Come with me.” Graziella moved to take her hand but Raven shook her head.

“I’m sorry. I have plans for dinner. But I’m glad he’s all right and he’s coming home.”

“Thank you.” Graziella kissed her cheeks again before waving goodbye.

Raven nodded at Marco and they walked to the elevator. But she didn’t shed a tear until she was alone.

“A
s you can see by looking at the body, the hunters are using larger arrows, presumably shot from a crossbow.” Stefan, the vampyre physician, pointed to the gaping wound that exposed the corpse’s heart.

The Consilium members murmured in response, standing around the autopsy table.

“The cause of death?” The Prince addressed Stefan.

He held up the arrow and pointed to the barbed metal head.

“The arrow is armed with a capsule containing a powerful cardiac toxin. The capsule breaks on impact, releasing the toxin. The combination of trauma and toxin causes the heart to fail.

“Without the circulation of blood, the vampyre is weakened and potentially immobilized. I’ve identified the toxin but sent a sample to a lab in Switzerland for confirmation.”

The Prince looked grim. “Other weapons?”

“Judging from the scene where the body was found, they used holy water and salt.”

Aoibhe cursed loudly. “Have they no imagination?”

The Prince silenced Aoibhe with a look.

He turned his attention back to Stefan. “How do we combat the arrows?”

The physician appeared thoughtful for a moment.

“We could issue vests or breastplates. Armor would restrict movement, which would be detrimental in flight. There are newer materials used by various human militaries. We could test them to see how they might hold up.”

The Prince pointed his gaze at Lorenzo. “Can you source those materials?”

He bowed. “Of course, my lord. But it will take time.”

“We haven’t got time. Get whatever you can immediately and coordinate testing with Niccolò.” The Prince nodded in his direction. “If the tests prove successful, we’ll outfit the entire principality, but each citizen must bear the cost.”

“What about the toxin?” Pierre glanced anxiously from the corpse to the physician.

Stefan stroked his chin. “I’ve identified it as doxorubicin. It’s a drug humans use to combat cancer.”

“Is there an antidote?” the Prince asked.

“Humans would take digitalis drugs to thin the blood and bolster the heart. We’ve never tested them on our kind because we haven’t had the need. We’re impervious to human toxins.”

“Or thought we were,” muttered Aoibhe.

The Prince glared at Aoibhe before directing his attention back to the doctor. “What’s your scientific opinion, then?”

Stefan shook his head. “An arrow isn’t enough to fell one of us unless it ripped the heart to pieces. That isn’t what happened to Matthias.

“The toxin isn’t enough to fell one of us, either,” Stefan observed. “It’s the combination of the two that shocks the heart, causing temporary paralysis. Once on the ground, the hunters use water and salt to prevent the victim from removing the arrow and allowing the natural regenerative processes to begin. Then they take the head.”

“The remedy?”

“Avoidance.” The physician gestured to Matthias’s body. “If digitalis or something like it were to work, it would have to be administered immediately. That isn’t an option if one is surrounded by hunters.”

“I want an antidote found,” the Prince commanded. “Impress upon the lab our urgent need.”

Stefan bowed. “Of course, but they are human scientists, ignorant of the true nature of their clients. I’d have to give them vampyre blood and a very imaginative explanation in order for them to produce an antidote.”

“Then that’s what you must do. Work through the human intelligence network, if necessary. Impress upon them the need to use mind control or physical coercion on the lab staff, as needed.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Once an antidote is produced, we’ll have to test it.” The Prince looked over at Maximilian. “Perhaps you can convince a few of the recruits to donate their bodies to science.”

The large man grinned. “With pleasure.”

“Stefan, coordinate the testing of the toxin with Maximilian. I want reports as soon as possible.

“I’m sure I don’t need to impress upon everyone the need for caution.” The Prince laid stress on the word. “Matthias was felled from a rooftop in full view of witnesses. It’s possible the hunters are here to do more than harvest blood.”

He paused and two of the Consilium members exchanged a look.

“Such as?” Aoibhe pressed.

“Such as force us into an open confrontation that would attract the attention of the Curia.”

At the mention of the name, the Consilium members looked troubled. Stefan fidgeted with his pocket watch, opening and closing it repeatedly.

“On my order as Prince of Florence, Teatro is now closed. I want the underworld evacuated and all communal gatherings canceled. Citizens are to remain in their primary residences and feed inside. This is for everyone’s safety.

“Niccolò, now that the patrols are under your supervision, I expect that there will be no further breach. See to it.

“Pierre, the human intelligence network is to be charged with locating the hunters and discovering their supply lines. Someone knows where they’re hiding. I want them found.

“Maximilian, until we have protective shields, no one is to escalate a confrontation.”

“Yes, my lord.” The Consilium members, augmented by Stefan, spoke in unison.

“You are dismissed.” With a curt nod, the Prince strode out of the chamber, the weight of his principality heavy on his shoulders.

“Y
ou say this film is based on a novel? Was it written in Italian?” The Prince held aloft the DVD cover to
The Godfather
.

“No, English.” Raven placed the DVD into the player and nodded at Ambrogio to turn on the projector. “That reminds me. You said
sard
was English. But in my dictionary, it isn’t a profanity; it refers to a stone.”

The Prince turned his attention to his servant. “Ambrogio, we’ll ring if we need anything.”

“Yes, my lord.” He bowed and exited the room.

The vast sitting room on the second floor had been transformed into a theater. The curtains had been pulled over the windows and a large screen had been hung on the far wall. A projector sat on scaffolding behind a large antique sofa.

Lucia had even provided buttered popcorn and Coca-Cola.

“
Sard?
The stone?” Raven sat on the couch, tucking her uninjured leg under her.

William sat beside her. “
Sard
is Old English. I’m afraid my profanity is a product of my human life. I never quite caught on to the modern words.”

She handed him the large bowl of popcorn, but he refused.

“You have to eat this when you watch a movie.”

He looked at the contents of the bowl and wrinkled his nose. “What is it?”

“Corn that’s been cooked. And buttered.”

He pushed the bowl away. “We don’t eat such things.”

“Just try it.” She handed him a single, buttered kernel.

He examined it closely.

He sniffed it.

He popped it into his mouth and began chewing. “Not bad.”

“Good. I knew you’d like it.” Raven grinned.

William picked up a paper napkin from the ottoman and discreetly removed the remains of the kernel from his mouth.

“What did you do that for?” She stared at him as if he’d grown another head.

“We can’t digest human food.” He balled the napkin up in his fist and put it aside.

“I guess I’ll save the M&M’s for myself. I think you’ll like this film. It’s about the Mafia.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “Why do you think it would appeal to me?”

Raven pushed her hair behind her ear. “It’s a great film with a great cast. The opening scene sets the tone for the entire movie—it’s a meditation on justice.”

She glanced up at him before focusing on her drink. “I think you’ll find it interesting.”

William observed her for a moment. Then he closed his eyes and inhaled.

He opened his eyes directly.

“You’re anxious.”

“No, I’m not.” She reached into the popcorn, pulling out a healthy handful.

He took the bowl from her hand and placed it on the ottoman.

He moved closer. Too close.

“Tell me what’s troubling you.” He placed his hand on her knee and she tensed.

“Nothing.” She moved away slightly and nibbled on her popcorn.

“You’re lying. I can smell it.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “How can you smell a lie?”

“Your body chemistry changes in accordance with your moods. You’re anxious about something and every time you lie, your anxiety peaks.” He moved closer and caught her chin, lifting it. “Whenever I touch you, I elicit the same reaction.”

“William,” she protested, looking away.

He pressed his lips to her temple.

“Are you anxious about going to bed with me?” His lips moved against her skin.

She closed her eyes at the sensation.

“I said I wasn’t sleeping with you tonight.”

“You’re planning to engage in sex with me soon.” He kissed her again, this time brushing his lips against her forehead. “Why not tonight? Why not now?”

She leaned into him but only for a second.

“You’re going to spill my drink.”

He took the glass from her hand, placing it on a tray next to the popcorn.

“Problem solved.” He kissed the edge of her jaw, pulling her closer. “I am a vigorous lover. All vampyres are. Because you’re human and because I—” He cleared his throat. “I’ll be careful. You tell me what you want, how gentle, how hard . . .”

He brought her hand to his thigh. “I’ll lead the dance, with you in mind. All you have to do is feel.”

Raven felt her skin flushing and she mumbled a curse word.

He touched the apple of her cheek with his index finger. “It pleases me that I excite you. I’m looking forward to watching your face when you climax. Tell me, what do you enjoy? What do you crave? My tongue between your legs, in your mouth, on your breasts?

“Do you want my hands to roam your body or would you rather I lifted your arms above your head?

“Do you prefer to be above or below? Sideways? From behind?” He kissed her ear.

Raven shot off the couch so quickly, she almost fell.

“Stop.” She pressed a hand to her face, trying to cool the heated skin.

“Why?”

“I don’t like bullshit and that sounds like bullshit. Stop talking to me like that.”

William’s expression changed in an instant. He stood, glaring. “What’s the issue, Raven? I thought we’d come to an understanding.”

She held up her hands. “I just want a quiet evening and a movie. Can’t we forget about all that other stuff ? And relax?”

William moved toward her but stopped, noting that she was extremely agitated.

She didn’t appear afraid, but neither did she seem comfortable.

His seductive strategy was failing and that pricked his pride.

His features hardened. “We are going to bed together. You will welcome me inside your body. It’s only a matter of time.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

He gestured in frustration. “Why the hell not?”

“Do vampyres transmit sexual diseases?”

“Of course not!” His nostrils flared. “Do you think I would do that to you? That I’d knowingly give you a disease?”

“Humans have to discuss disease before they have sex.”

“Vampyres are impervious to human diseases. We cannot contract them or transmit them. Next issue.” He crossed his hands over his chest.

When she didn’t respond, his eyes narrowed.

“This is all subterfuge. What’s the true reason you won’t go to bed with me?”

“I went to see Bruno,” she blurted out.

“I know. And?”

“He didn’t remember me.”

“I warned you about that. Vampyre blood can cause memory loss.”

Raven looked over at her cane, which was resting against the sofa.

“We went out. We had dinner and laughed. He kissed me. Today, he was completely indifferent. He barely looked at me.” She gave William a tremulous look. “I’m tired of being invisible.”

His expression softened. “Come here.”

“No.”

He extended his hand in her direction. “You aren’t invisible to me. I think I’ve made that clear.”

Raven turned to stare at the empty movie screen. “What happens when you really see me?”

“I don’t understand.”

“You wouldn’t,” she mumbled. “You’re beautiful.”

“You seem to be forgetting that I want you.” He gestured to what stirred behind his trousers. “Badly.”

She met his eyes and gave him a long look. “Tonight I don’t need a lover. I need a friend. Can you give me that?”

“Vampyres don’t have friends.” William retreated a step.

He was about to deny her; she saw the resolve in his gaze.

Abruptly, his face changed.

“If that’s what you desire,” he said primly, gesturing to the couch.

She sat down, and this time he positioned himself a few feet away. He placed the popcorn bowl between them and handed her the drink.

“Thank you.”

He didn’t answer, his posture stiff, his face glowering.

She pressed play on the remote control.

William was so engrossed in the film he didn’t notice Raven set the popcorn bowl aside. Nor did he notice when she moved toward him.

During the scene when Michael comes to his first wife on their wedding night, she rested her head on William’s upper arm. Without thinking, he shifted so that his arm went around her shoulders.

She burrowed against him.

“Is it dangerous?” she asked.

“Is what dangerous?” He looked down at her profile.

“Having sex with a vampyre.”

His gaze returned to the screen. “It can be.”

“For my body or my heart?”

He leaned over and pressed his lips to her forehead.

“I thought your heart was part of your body.”

She met his eyes and the smile faded from his lips.

“I can’t answer that, Cassita,” he whispered.

Raven tried to focus on the film, pretending his words didn’t trouble her.

In the middle of the night, Raven awoke in William’s arms. They were in his bed.

William was on his back, shirtless, stroking the skin of her shoulders, while she curled into his side.

The room was dark. The curtains had been drawn across the balcony doors. A small shaft of light shone from under the door that led to the hall.

She blinked up at him, trying to make out his features.

He smiled. “Hello, pretty girl.”

The shadows made her bolder, as she forgot that he could see in the dark. She lifted her hand to his face and pressed against him. Her green eyes darkened with an unexpressed emotion.

Somehow, her feelings transferred themselves to her lips. She kissed him purposefully, nibbling his lower lip before taking it into her mouth.

William touched her neck, angling so he could deepen the kiss. As soon as their tongues touched, sparks flew.

Raven moved her leg over and between his, shifting so she was half on his chest. She rested her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the muscles under her fingers.

His tongue entered her mouth and retreated, enticing her to follow, while his palms brushed the length of her back to rest on the curves of her bottom. By all accounts, he liked what he felt, squeezing and kneading the flesh with his hands.

She licked at the seam of his lips before dipping inside. Back and forth and in and out.

William’s pace was focused but unhurried, as if he were determined to enjoy every point of contact, every sensation.

He traced the hills and valleys of her spine before grabbing her oldfashioned nightgown and lifting it to her thighs.

“William,” she murmured, pressing their lower bodies together.

He rolled her to her back and whispered fine kisses along her jaw and down to her neck.

She drew in a sharp breath.

“Please don’t feed from me. Not our first time.”

He lifted his head, conflict visible in his eyes.

He blinked slowly, like a cat.

“If that’s what you desire.”

He nuzzled her cleavage before slipping her nightgown from her shoulders, baring her expansive breasts.

“These are exquisite.” He brought her breasts to his lips, eagerly licking and sucking.

His mouth, like his tongue, was cool. Raven enjoyed when he laved her nipples, before pressing them against the roof his mouth.

She wound her fingers in his hair, massaging his scalp.

“I could spend days right here. You truly are a work of art.” He rested his chin below her breasts and gave her a wide, enchanting smile.

Once again, Raven forgot he could see clearly and believed only that he was referring to how she felt under his hands.

She tugged his head toward her and kissed him, allowing herself to explore the muscles of his back and lower down, where his hips met his backside.

William was lean and strong and, it seemed to her, controlled. But she could feel the power coiled beneath her fingers.

“You aren’t attached to this nightgown, are you?” he whispered, fingering the fabric that pooled around her waist.

She shook her head. “It’s yours.”

“Mine?”

“It’s what I woke up in the night after you took me home. You must have dressed me.”

In a flash, the nightgown was torn down the middle and carelessly tossed to the floor.

“It must have belonged to one of Lucia’s predecessors. I never should have put you in it.” He rested his hand on her lower abdomen, gazing down at her appreciatively. “You’re far more desirable naked.”

He pressed a kiss to the top of her black lace underwear, coaxing her to spread her legs.