My Lord Immortality (Page 48)

My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(48)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

There was a long silence before she stepped toward him, a slender hand outstretched.

"Do not do this, Valkier. You will only harm yourself."

His nose flared in fury. Why did she remain so calm? Why did she not plead for his mercy?

"Nothing can harm me now, Nefri. I am invincible."

"No, not invincible. The Medallion is a danger in itself."

"Do not speak." Valkier held up the Medallion, the wondrous glory he had expected to experience ruined by this woman who had plagued him for centuries. "You could have ruled at my side, Nefri. You could have been the Queen to my King. But instead you have chosen to oppose my will. For that you will be the first to feel my retribution. I fear I must say goodbye to you now. My destiny awaits."

Holding the Medallion high, Valkier felt the power cascade through his body with an intoxicating flood of pleasure. Soon, he moaned in painful arousal. Soon it would all be his.

Amelia was frozen in horror as she watched the two powerful vampires confront each other.

Deep within her, a tiny voice whispered that she should do something. Surely she should at least run in search of Sebastian, or call out in warning?

But despite the frantic urge to help, she was bound by a paralyzing fear.

Instead she helplessly watched as Nefri squarely faced her assailant, her shabby disguise falling away to reveal a tall, proudly beautiful woman. She could sense no fear in the ancient vampire. Not even when Valkier revealed his evil intentions. Instead, there was an unmistakable pity that frightened Amelia even more.

It was obvious that Nefri had some feelings for the horrid intruder. Would such emotions keep her from protecting herself? Would she allow herself to be destroyed rather than strike out against this vampire who had clearly loved her at one time?

Struggling to find some means past the panic that clutched at her, Amelia was abruptly distracted when the distinct sound of Sebastian’s voice echoed in her mind.

Amelia.

Raising trembling fingers, she pressed them to her temple in confusion. "Sebastian?"

Yes, my dear.

"Where are you?"

Just beyond the trees.

Unnerved by the sensation of having his voice echoing within her mind, Amelia nevertheless swiftly concentrated upon the urgency of the situation.

"You must come. Nefri is in danger."

I know. I need you to come to me, Amelia. Try to move slowly and do not attract the attention of Valkier.

"But…"

Amelia, please. This is very important.

She attempted to swallow past the thick lump in her throat. "Very well."

Remember, be very careful.

"I will."

Pausing long enough to ensure that William remained sleeping peacefully upon the leather seat, Amelia gritted her teeth and began to inch her way through the door of the carriage. Her skirts briefly threatened to tangle between her legs, but she swiftly tugged them above her knees and poked the hem through the ribbon that tied beneath her bodice. This was no time for modesty.

Step by excruciatingly slow step, she reached the ground and began to slide along the length of the carriage. Her gaze never strayed from the cold, forbidding countenance of Valkier, but it was obvious that Nefri consumed him.

Still, she preferred to err upon the side of caution; ignoring the quivering muscles of her legs, she continued her crab-like steps until she was well away from the vampires. Only then did she breathe in deeply and allow herself to sense where Sebastian awaited.

He was closer than she had expected, and not alone. With a frown of concern, she ducked low and dodged her way through the edge of the trees. Had Drake followed Sebastian? Did he even now hold him hostage? Was that why he had called to her?

Her pace hastened until she at last forced her way through a deep thicket and stumbled forward to find Sebastian impatiently awaiting her.

"Amelia."

With satisfying swiftness, she found herself swept into a fierce embrace as Sebastian pressed a kiss to her lips and only reluctantly pulled back to study her.

"Sebastian." Her hands gripped the lapels of his coat, as much to keep her upright as to keep him close. "What has happened? Did you capture Drake?"

He gave a pained grimace. "No. He was destroyed before I could reach him."

"Destroyed?" Her eyes widened. "How?"

"Valkier. He must have been awaiting him the moment he left the cottage. I tried to follow the trail of the slayer, but it was impossible."

She shuddered at the thought of the dreadful vampire who even now threatened Nefri. "Oh, Sebastian, he is near the carriage. He is determined to harm Nefri."

"Yes. We must stop him." He managed a faint smile as he gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Thankfully, Nefri seemingly suspected the truth about Valkier and was wise enough to take steps in case he attacked."

Amelia frowned. "What steps?"

Moving to one side, Sebastian waved a slender hand toward the silent forms that stood in the shadows. Just for a moment, Amelia remained puzzled. There were two gentlemen, one tall with an arrogant beauty about him, and the other a golden-haired rogue with a smile that could melt the most impervious female heart. There were also two women, both outrageously lovely, although one possessed a cold, Nordic fairness and the other was blessed with a serene charm with raven curls and deep blue eyes.

It was not until she noted the matching golden amulets that hung about the women’s necks that realization struck. These were Sebastian’s brothers and the maidens they had been sent to protect.

"Amelia, may I introduce you to Gideon and his wife Simone? And Lucien, who has recently wed Jocelyn."

There was a muted greeting before Amelia returned her attention to the vampire at her side.

"What is occurring?"

"Nefri summoned Gideon and Lucien to bring their brides to the cottage," he explained.

"But why? Are we to battle Valkier?"

"Only in a manner of speaking." Sebastian held her gaze steadily, his expression somber. "I must have your amulet, Amelia."

She blinked in surprise at his request. "Why?"

The tall, rather arrogant vampire stepped forward. "The Medallion must be made whole again.

It is the only means of stopping Valkier."

"Oh." Amelia searched Sebastian’s face for the answers to her lingering questions.

He offered a reassuring glance. "The Medallions are a pair, each with their own powers and each able to hold the other in balance. We must return your Medallion to Nefri if we are to save her."

Amelia was still uncertain what powers he spoke of, but she did not hesitate to tug the necklace over her head. She would do anything she could to halt the horrid Valkier.