The Vampire’s Kiss(50)
Author: Cynthia Eden

December 24, 1068

They returned to the park where they’d sensed Geoffrey. His resting place had to be close by.

Savannah watched William carefully. She wanted to weep for him, for all that he’d been forced to endure. He’d watched Henry die. She knew he blamed himself for his brother’s death. She could see the guilt, feel it emanating from him. She wished she could take that burden from him. She knew that he’d tried to save his brother. He’d taken the dark kiss, just to spare Henry’s life.

But in the end, he’d lost Henry.

And now, he would be forced to kill Geoffrey. To slay his own brother before his brother killed him.

«This way.” William began walking down a faint trail, his sharp gaze scanning the area.

Savannah took a deep breath and followed him. She knew that William could sense his brother, and she was desperately afraid that Geoffrey could sense him, too.

«Do you think he knows we’re here?” She asked, shivering as she remembered the sound of Geoffrey’s voice calling to her. Savannah. He’d known they were here the night before. Would he know now?

«He knows,” William said simply. “Try to guard your thoughts as best you can.»

She nodded.

The path ended at the edge of the park. William’s dark gaze swept the area, drifting lightly over the empty street and the old houses. He began walking, his stare intense, as he focused on Geoffrey.

The street was eerily silent. It was fairly early in the evening, just a little after eight, but no one was around. All of the houses were locked up tight, almost as if those who lived there sensed something evil was on the streets.

William turned at the street corner. “Where are you?” He whispered softly. His brows were drawn together, and she knew that he was concentrating fiercely, using all of his psychic power.

«Dammit!” He exploded. “Where the hell are you?” A muscle flexed along the hard plane of his jaw.

Savannah’s heart pounded. She could feel his frustration beating against her. “William?»

He swung around, his expression stark. “It’s just like every damned time before. I feel the echo of his presence, but I can’t tell where he is.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “Or where he’s gone.»

In the distance, Savannah heard the wail of a siren.

«Focus, William,” she ordered, her voice calm and clear. “Use your power and picture him. See him.” Find him.

He shook his head. “I can’t. I’m not strong enough.” He waved his hand toward the houses. “There are too many people in the way. Too many thoughts. Too many voices. They’re drowning him out.” Understanding flared in his eyes. “He’s using them to hide behind. That’s why he picked the city. He could disappear here, and the voices, the thoughts, would shield him.” I’m not strong enough, he finished mentally.

«Maybe you’re right,” she said softly. “Maybe one vampire’s mind isn’t powerful enough to track someone like Geoffrey.” She hesitated. “But maybe two vampires can do it.” She closed her eyes and focused her mind on William, pouring all of her power and strength into him. Into his mind.

«What are you—” His body trembled as he felt her warmth pour through him. “Savannah?»

«Use me,” she whispered. “Find him.»

William swallowed. Lust flared in his eyes. His need, his hunger, wrapped around her. She could feel him, his emotions, his needs, swirling within her mind.

And she knew that he could feel her. Her thoughts, her dreams, her fears.

His eyes flared red. “Are you sure?” he gritted.

«Yes.»

And he took her power, pulling it, pulling her, inside of him. Deep inside.

Their minds linked. Their thoughts, their feelings. They merged and became one. She could feel him, feel his body, his strength. She couldn’t tell where she ended and he began.

His power doubled, and his mind flashed as he sent a psychic pulse into the night. Together, they focused on Geoffrey, channeling all of their strength into finding him.

A faint black cloud appeared before them.

Savannah gasped. “What is that?” She could feel evil, dark twisted hate.

The cloud stretched out, heading down the street and into the night. “That’s Geoffrey.” William’s gaze was locked on the dark cloud. Come on, I don’t know how long I can hold his trail.»

They ran, following the dark cloud, snaking down streets and alleys.

And for every step they took, their minds stayed joined. Completely linked. Their hearts pounded in unison.

They ran forward, knowing they didn’t have a minute to lose. The road curved, and then it snaked sharply to the left.

Savannah’s eyes widened at the sight before her.

«A cemetery?” She knew William had to hear the horror in her voice. “He’s resting inside a cemetery?»

A huge wrought-iron gate surrounded the cemetery. Savannah could see crumbling tombstones and high stone vaults nestled behind the gate. The grass was overgrown, weeds covering many of the headstones.

«I should have known,” William muttered, easily leaping over the fence. “A place like this would appeal to him.»

Savannah bit her lip, surveying the high gate. It was at least twelve feet high. The top of the gate was lined with sharp pointed tips, like spearheads. She crouched low, keeping her eyes locked on those sharp points, and then she sprang into the air.

She landed on the other side, her knees barely buckling beneath her.

William’s gaze swept over the cemetery. The black cloud had led to the gate. There was no trail inside.

«Stay close,” he whispered. “And don’t let your guard down for a minute.»

Adrenaline and fear pumped through her. She knew Geoffrey could attack them at any moment. He could be anywhere. In the ground beneath them. Crouched above them in the branches of the old oak tree. Or waiting, lurking in the old mausoleum.

The wind howled softly. Dead leaves crunched beneath Savannah’s feet. And she smelled death. Her body was tense. Her heart pounded.

William walked before her, his body crouched and ready for battle.

She stepped carefully over a broken headstone. “Can you sense him?»

No. I can’t feel him at all.

She scanned the cemetery, her gaze drifting over the graves. She saw a faint flash of light, a brief glimmer in the darkness.

Her eyes narrowed and she took a step forward. What was that? She moved closer. She could see what looked like a handle of some sort, a gleaming handle encrusted with jewels. It was—

«My father’s sword.” William crouched down and picked up the weapon, removing it from the old headstone. He held the weapon easily.