My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(22)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

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 before the familiar prickle of warning 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 Seven

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.