The Vampire’s Kiss(56)
Author: Cynthia Eden

William pulled her into his arms. He could feel the tremors that rocked through her body. “It’s all right, Savannah. I’m okay.»

«You could have died,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “You could have bled out. There, on that damn cliff!»

He tilted her chin back. Her lashes lifted. “I didn’t die. You saved me.” He lifted her wrist, kissing the faint bite marks. “You gave me your blood. You gave me life.»

«And I’d do it again,” she said, and he could read the truth of that statement in her shining eyes.

«I don’t deserve you,” he whispered. “You’re too good—»

She pulled back and placed a gentle fingertip against his lips. “Stop. I’m not perfect.” She laughed softly. “I’m far from perfect, and you of all people should know that.»

But she was perfect. Kind. Strong. Beautiful. “I want to keep you safe,” he told her. “I’ve put you at risk already. Stay here, and as soon as I find the vampire…»

«You’ll what? Attack him on your own?” She shook her head. “I already told you, no. There’s no way you’re getting out of here without me.»

«Fine, but you stay close to me,” he ordered. “I felt his strength. He’s an ancient, at least as old as I. I don’t want him to get a chance to hurt you.»

«He’s not going to hurt me.” She frowned. “I just don’t understand why he’s following us. He was obviously Geoffrey’s enemy. He tried to kill Geoffrey! I could feel his hate, his rage.»

Yes, the vampire had been full of hate and blinding rage. Both had seemed to be directed at Geoffrey. In fact, the creature had almost seemed impervious to their presence.

«I don’t understand,” Savannah said again. “Why would he now choose to attack us?»

«I don’t know.” His eyes flashed red. “But I’m going to find out.»

CHAPTER 17

I am not afraid.

-Entry from the diary of Henry de Montfort,

December 30, 1068.

Savannah could feel his gaze upon her. Silent. Watchful.

She could feel the vampire, but she couldn’t see him. He was hidden in the shadows, hidden in the night.

I feel him, too. He’s close. Very close.

Savannah glanced quickly at William’s impassive face. They’d searched the village, gone down every street and alley, but still they hadn’t found the mysterious vampire. Why doesn’t he attack? What is he waiting for?

She heard the rustle of leaves, blowing gently against the cobble stone lane.

He’s biding his time, William answered. Waiting for the perfect moment.

Two drunken teens staggered out of a house, laughing and talking loudly. They saw William and froze, fear widening their eyes.

«Go,” he ordered with a wave of his hand. “Get out of here. Now.»

They ran.

«Fools,” he muttered.

Savannah ignored the boys as they brushed past her. She paced down the street, her gaze searching the shadows. The moon hung heavily in the sky. In a few more hours, the sun would rise.

Her body felt numb with exhaustion. The blood she’d taken from William had healed most of her injuries, but now, she felt a deep weariness.

She just wanted to close her eyes and sleep, to dream. She didn’t want to see visions of death, pain and horror.

She didn’t want any more nightmares. She just wanted to dream.

«And of what do you dream, my dear?” His voice whispered from the darkness.

Savannah stiffened. She’d lowered her guard, given into the exhaustion, and now he was standing in front of her, his eyes gleaming red, his fangs sharp and white.

William. He’s here!

He smiled, stepping forward into the dim street light. He was tall, with muscled arms and strong shoulders. His hair, a light blond mane, curled loosely around his head.

He looked like an angel. A fallen angel.

«Who are you?” Savannah asked, boldly meeting his stare.

He blinked. The red vanished, replaced by a bright blue. “I asked my question first.»

«Savannah!” William was at her side in an instant. His fingers locked around her arm.

The stranger tensed.

«Dear God…” William looked as if he’d just seen a ghost. She could feel his fingers trembling against her.

Understanding hit Savannah in a blinding flash. William recognized the vampire, but did he know the vampire as a friend … or as an enemy?

Savannah wasn’t going to take any chances. She glanced quickly around the dark street. What could she—There!

An old wooden sign, just a few feet away. She grabbed it, snapping the wood over her knee in one quick move. Her fingers wrapped around one of the pieces, the longest, sharpest piece that she saw. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but it would have to do.

She stepped in front of William and lifted the makeshift stake. “I don’t know who you are, but—»

«He’s my brother,” William said, his voice hollow.

Savannah blinked. Just how many brothers did William have running around the countryside?

The vampire smiled. “It’s been a long time.” He stepped forward, and Savannah leapt at him, thrusting the stake at his heart.

He froze. The stake hovered an inch away from his flesh.

«Don’t move,” she ordered, her voice soft.

«Savannah.” William still sounded shaken. “It’s all right. He’s not a threat to us.»

Are you sure? She made no move to drop the weapon.

«I would never hurt William. He’s my brother!” The vampire seemed offended.

«Yeah, well, Geoffrey was his brother, too, and he spent his life trying to hurt William and anyone else that he could.»

«I know,” he said quietly. “He left me for dead centuries ago.»

Left him for dead? Could this be—?

No, impossible. Henry was dead, wasn’t he?

«No, I’m quite alive.»

Savannah’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t like it when William read her thoughts. She sure as hell didn’t want some stranger jumping into her mind. “And how is it, exactly, that you survived?” She wasn’t ready to trust this guy, not yet. She wasn’t going to put William’s life at risk.

He stared at William. “I was hoping you could answer that.»

«What?»

Henry shrugged. “I don’t remember much about those hellish days before my transformation. I remember the pain, the blood. But not a damn lot more. The last thing I remember … I was attacked.” His jaw clenched. “Geoffrey, that bastard, came to the tower. I thought he was there to help me, to free me. Then I saw Guy’s sword. I saw the blood still dripping on the blade, and I knew he was there to kill me.»