My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)(24)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

His hand instinctively reached for the dagger before realizing that the old gypsy woman was not Amadeus in disguise, but Nefri, the most powerful of all vampires.

His eyes widened as he offered a bow of respect. Nefri was a legend among vampires and regarded as the most powerful, most blessed of all Immortals.

"Nefri," he murmured.

A smile touched the wrinkled countenance. "Lucien."

His gaze shifted toward the form upon the bed. At any other time he would have been overwhelmed to at last encounter the Great Nefri. It was considered a blessing to merely be in her presence. At the moment, however, he could think of nothing beyond Jocelyn.

He had sensed Amadeus close. He had not been mistaken.

"Miss Kingly?"

"She sleeps peacefully," the older vampire said in soft tones.

"She is well? She had not been harmed?"

"All is well."

The tight knot in his stomach eased, but he re-mained on rigid guard. He had already failed once this night. He would not fail again.

"Amadeus was here," he said in dark tones.

Nefri gave a nod of her head. "Yes, he assumed-the shape of poor Molly and attempted to lure Jo-celyn from the house."

"Bloody hell." Lucien closed his eyes in disgust. He had known it was a risk to leave Jocelyn.

And yet, he had allowed his eagerness to end the battle with Amadeus to cloud his wits. He had once again been overly impulsive and far too eager to act rather than remain patient. Only, on this occasion it was not himself he had harmed with his unsteady nature. "I should never have left her alone."

As if sensing his bitter self-recriminations, the older vampire stepped close enough to lay her gnarled hand upon his arm.

"Lucien, you could not have known his plans."

"I allowed Jocelyn to be in danger."

The pale eyes that glittered like jewels in the darkness hardened at his harsh tone.

"You must not be so hard upon yourself," she commanded in tones that brooked no argument. "You have done an admirable job in protecting the Medallion."

Lucien was not so easily reassured. Not while his body still trembled with the lingering fear at the re-alization that Amadeus had boldly entered this house and attempted to harm Jocelyn.

"I thought to track Amadeus to his lair, and instead I left Jocelyn to his mercy."

The fingers upon his arm tightened. "Listen to me, Lucien. If you wish someone to blame for placing Jocelyn in danger, you can look to me. It was my choice to bind her with the Medallion.

But I did so because I sensed she possessed a pure heart and the necessary strength to bear the trials she must endure. We can only do our best to protect her. In the end it will be Jocelyn who will determine who is to win this battle."

He gazed into the wise countenance, battling a renegade stab of anger that Nefri had ever discovered Jocelyn. The poor maiden had endured far more than she ever should have been forced to bear. Surely it was unfair to place her at the mercy of renegade vampires. A danger that had been so willingly thrust upon her.

"How can she fight a battle she does not even realize she has entered?" he charged.

"Is she prepared to learn the truth?" Nefri swiftly countered. "And are you prepared to tell her of yourself?"

Lucien stiffened at the mere thought. Confess to Jocelyn that he was a vampire? To watch her face fill with horror? To know that every time he came near her she would be filled with terror?

"No," he retorted in abrupt tones.

"Then we must wait. We cannot allow her to be frightened into fleeing. She would then certainly be at the mercy of Amadeus."

Lucien glanced toward the slumbering woman upon the bed. His heart twitched in pain. He might wish that Jocelyn had not been involved in the battle between vampires, but now that she was, he had to make certain she was kept safe.

"Yes," he agreed in low tones.

Nefri regarded him with a knowing gaze, easily able to sense his growing bond to the young maiden. "But, Lucien, do not allow your feelings for Jocelyn to conceal the truth too long. There must be honesty between you," she warned.

Lucien took an instinctive step backward, shaking his head in denial. "She will never understand. How could she?"

The smile returned to the old woman’s lips. "You will find a way."

So easy for her to say, Lucien acknowledged wryly. This great and powerful vampire had dedicated her life to the ancient lore of the past. She had created the Veil that brought peace and wisdom to her brothers. She had sacrificed herself to bear the burden of the Medallion until the traitors had attempted to steal it from her. She was beloved among all.

While he had devoted his life to pleasure and revelry. He had never had another depend upon him or seek his protection.

It was terrifying to suddenly be thrust into the role of hero. And even more terrifying to hold Jocelyn’s safety in his hands.

"I wish I could share your confidence," he said in husky tones.

"Have faith in yourself, Lucien," Nefri retorted. "I do."

He studied the thin countenance, not for the first time wondering how he had ever been chosen for such a dire task.

"Why?" he demanded simply.

Her expression softened as her hand reached up to lightly pat his cheek.

"Because like Jocelyn, you possess a pure heart and a spirit that brings joy to all those about you."

Hardly the stuff of heroes, he thought with a pang. Surely he should be responsible and brave? Able to slay dragons?

His lips twisted as his gaze returned to Jocelyn. "Will it be enough?"

"That is for fate to decide," Nefri said softly. "We can do only what is in our power. Be at peace, Lucien."

With a last smile Nefri stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.

For many moments Lucien pondered the appearance of Nefri.

We can do only what is in our power…

Wise words, no doubt. He was perhaps not a perfect hero. Or even the most suitable vampire to protect Jocelyn. But there was no one else who would be more concerned for her welfare, he acknowledged with a renewed sense of hope. Or more determined that she was kept out of danger.

He would devote his heart, his soul, and his very life to her.

He could offer no more.

Needing to be close to the maiden, he slowly moved to the bed, then, careful not to disturb her slumber, he lay down beside her and pulled her into his arms.

The sweet scent of her wrapped about him, and with a smile Lucien allowed his taut muscles to relax.

At least for the moment she was safe.

Jocelyn knew she was being a coward.