The Vampire’s Kiss(27)
Author: Cynthia Eden

«My mistake,” he managed, staring up at the ceiling. “You might not have been dead, after all.»

«I’m a black belt,” she told him, her eyes fierce. “I can take care of myself.” She’d learned, over the protests of her doctors, to defend herself. She had wanted to prove to them, to her family, and to herself, that she could be strong. That she was strong.

William’s fingers came up, wrapping lightly around her throat. His breath blew gently against her skin. “I’m impressed,” he murmured “But I’m afraid that your skills won’t be enough to stop Geoffrey.»

She knew that. She could send Jack crashing to the floor, but she wasn’t physically strong enough to defeat a vampire. Not yet.

But when she had the third bite, she would be.

Jack pushed himself to his feet. He winced, rubbing his back. “I don’t know who I’m more afraid of,” he said, staring at Savannah. “You and your boyfriend or the killer.»

«It’s not us you should fear,” William said. “Geoffrey is going to come after you, too. He’s not going to let you live. You know too much.»

Jack paled. “Kelly,” he whispered.

Savannah frowned. “Who?»

He swore, running a shaking hand through his hair. “Kelly Taylor. My fianc?. He knows about her. The bastard mentioned her name the last time we talked.»

Savanna’s stomach clenched. Geoffrey wouldn’t have mentioned the woman’s name unless—

«He’s going to kill her.” Jack looked sick. “He’s going to kill my Kelly, isn’t he?»

«Go to her.” William ordered, his eyes unfocused, staring within. “Take her out of the country. Take her as far away as you can.»

«But you said he’ll follow.»

«No,” Savannah whispered, knowing she spoke the truth. “He’s going to come after me first.” And he would. Jack and his Kelly would be a bonus. Geoffrey would first attack her and William.

But they would be ready for him. They would stop him.

«Go. Protect your woman.” With a wave of his hand, William sent the balcony doors crashing open. He looked down at Savannah. “And I’ll protect mine.»

CHAPTER 9

There is no place to hide. The devil sees all.

-Entry from the diary of Henry de Montfort,

December 5, 1068

He hadn’t liked seeing the other man near her. The beast within had raged, demanding he punish the man who’d dared touch what belonged to him. He’d only been able to maintain his control because of her. Savannah.

She stared at him now, her eyes deep emerald pools of mystery. What was she thinking? Was she afraid of Geoffrey? She had to know that he would protect her.

He took her hand within his own, marveling at the delicacy of her bones. “There is nothing to fear. Geoffrey will not hurt you.” He would make certain that Geoffrey never hurt her again.

«What about Jack? Will he be safe?” Worry clouded her gaze.

«We’ll stop Geoffrey,” William promised. “We won’t let him hurt Jack. We won’t let him hurt anyone else.»

«Are you going to give me the kiss tonight?” Savannah asked suddenly.

William hesitated. He wanted, more than anything else, to give her his kiss. He wanted to transform her, to make her his mate for all eternity. But he couldn’t, not yet. He could feel the weakness emanating from her.

If he tried to convert her now, he couldn’t guarantee that she would survive. It was a chance he wasn’t willing to take.

«Not yet,” he said softly. “Not yet.»

«When?” It was a demand.

He walked toward the door. “When you’re strong enough. Now, come with me, I have something for you.»

She didn’t move. “You could try saying please, you know. It’s considered proper manners.»

He stopped at the door and glanced back over his shoulder. His eyes met hers. “Please come with me.»

Her full lips curved. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” She walked toward him, and he could have sworn that he saw a sparkle of mischief dance in her eyes. “You have to remember that you aren’t on a battlefield anymore. You can’t just boss people around.»

«I’ll remember that,” he murmured, inhaling her sweet scent as her body brushed past his. Need slammed through him, sudden and sharp. He wanted to taste her, to slip his tongue into the warmth of her mouth. It had been hours since he’d last held her. Since he’d felt her shuddering in his arms.

«What do you want to show me?” She walked down the hall, oblivious to the struggle going on inside him.

He took a deep breath, grabbed his self-control with both hands, and followed her. “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.” After he’d left Savannah in her bed, he’d gone out to pick up the items for her. He’d raced against the sun, determined to return home with her supplies.

He followed her down the stairs, and when she turned to enter the great room, he captured her wrist and pulled her down the narrow hallway.

«I don’t think I’ve ever come this way,” she said.

He knew that she hadn’t explored his home. He wished she would. She could go anywhere she wanted. After all, it was to be her home, too. He didn’t want her to feel like a guest. He wanted her to feel like she belonged.

Like she was home.

He tried to make her understand. “My home is yours. Feel free to explore to your heart’s content.»

They approached a white swinging door. William pushed the door open and ushered Savannah inside.

«What—” Her eyes widened in delight at the sight of the gleaming kitchen.

The kitchen was huge. There were two double ovens, a gleaming chrome refrigerator and freezer, and an assortment of gadgets on the marble countertops. A large island sat in the middle of the room. And, toward the back of the room, a cozy table for two had already been set.

She opened the refrigerator, gazing in surprise at the assortment of food inside.

She frowned, still leaning inside the open door. “I don’t understand. I didn’t think you needed food.” She closed the door slowly, staring up at him.

«I don’t.” He could survive on blood alone. Many of his kind chose to do that. “The food is for you. I picked it up before dawn.»

She blinked and a red flush stained her cheeks. “You got all of this for me?»

He shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. “You need to eat,” he muttered. “You have to regain your strength.»

She waved her hand to indicate the appliances. “What about all of those? Where did they—»

«I said that I didn’t have to eat. Not that I couldn’t.” After five hundred years, he’d begun to long for the taste of something other than blood. He’d discovered that he could still eat human food, as long as he ate in moderation. “I don’t eat often, but I do eat.” He shrugged. “Besides, if someone were to come to the house and see that I didn’t have a kitchen … let’s just say that might raise a few questions.»