[FREE PDF sample] The pureblood princess: a regency-inspired paranormal vampire romance emberly wynd
Pureblood Princess: A Regency-Inspired Paranormal Vampire Romance Emberly Wyndham
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Fate Touched: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (A Touch of Vampire Book 3) Becky Moynihan
NO MAN KNOWS TILL HE EXPERIENCES IT, WHAT IT IS LIKE TO FEEL HIS OWN LIFE-BLOOD DRAWN AWAY INTO THE WOMAN HE LOVES.
BramStoker, Dracula
Chapter One
THE SMELL OF SALT AND seaweedpermeatesthecrispbreezeasitpushesNadia’sdarkhairbackfromhercheeks Overhead,the cloudsarefullandslategray,obscuringtheearly-morningsunandpromisinganafternoonrain.Nadiatakesadeepbreathof theoceanair,letsitfillherlungsandswimthroughherveins,andwondersifperhapsshewasalwaysmeanttolivebythesea, alwaysmeanttobreathefreshairratherthanthatsoiledbytoomanypeopleandnotenoughsolitude.Thoughshefeltsomething akintothisatheradoptiveparents’countryhome,thislandanditsbeautiesaresomethingentirelyforeign.
Atherright,theoceanhisses,kissingtheshoreandthehoovesofherdapple-graymare,Octavia.Evenshehasfounda homehereamongthehorses andponies whoweather thewinter months intheshireofGraystone,oneofmanyshires within LordNiccolòRosetti’sgrandearldom
Octaviagallopsdownthebeach,herhoovesleavingperfectsandyimpressionsthatwillsoonbesweptawaybythetide. Her body is warmand strong, all lithe muscle and elegant curves a thing of genuine beauty. The wind plays through her creamysilver mane, and Nadia curls her fingers into it, holdingtightwithher thighs as theyrace downthe sandystretchof shore.
Here, inGraystone, the people are nothinglike those inhighsociety Instead of worryingabout partyinvitations and stayinginthe heightoffashion, the villagers tend to their crops and care for their animals, and their humble deportmentput NadiaateaseassoonasshesteppedoutofthecarriagewiththeRosettis.Now,gallopingbarebackdownthebeach,thewind inherhairandherfeetdeliciouslyunclad,Nadiafeelsfreedomthelikesofwhichshe’sonlyscarcelytastedbefore
Octaviaslowstoatrottotraversealitteringofbouldersmarringthebeach,thenturnsawayfromtheoceanandmoves throughtheswayingbeachgrass andintothelineofpines borderingtheseashore Thehiss oftheoceantideis quieter here, muffledbythecoastalgreenery,andNadiatipsherheadbacktomarvelatthetreesstretchingahundredfeetaboveherhead. This is oldland, wild land, and itwhispers to her heart, callingher backto somethingshe’s supposed to know buthas long forgotten.
Behind her, hoofbeats pad across the earth, and a moment later, Viscount Theodore Rosetti rides up beside her. He’s wearingadarkovercoatandbreeches,thecravatathisneckabrightwhite,andhisgreeneyesarealiveandsparklingbeneath hiswindblowncurls.
“Caughtyou,” he says,bringinghis majestic blackFriesian,Castro,nearer toOctavia sohe canleanover andpress a kisstoNadia’stemple.
She’sstillnotquitegottenusedtothespeedatwhichhecanmove,norhassheyetmanageditherself.Movingatahuman pacealltheseyears,itfeelsalmostunnaturaltotapintotheinnatespeedandstrengththatherblood vampir blood giftsher. Unable to resist the temptation in his verdant eyes, she leans forward, slipping from Octavia’s back and into the viscount’s arms. He lowers her bare feet slowly to the ground, where the rich earth and moss create a spongy sensation underfoot
For a moment, all she hears is her ownbreathing, the swishoffabric as she glides throughthe forest, the skitteringof smallanimalsintheundergrowth.
“MissMagdalena,”hecallsout,hisvoicedriftingsinuouslythroughthetrees She glances over her shoulder anddoesn’tsee him.Butthe momentshe turns backaround,there’s a softsoundbehind her,awhisperofair,andthenhislipsbrushherear.
“Youmustdobetterthanthat, iubit ”
She gasps, and thenhis fingers are ather ribs, catchingher, ticklingher until she canscarcelybreathe. She tosses her headback,andherlaughteriseasy,carefree Here,onlytheseaandthetreescanhearit There’snoonetotellhertomindher mannersorsmilejustsoortoleaveasmallbiteofdessertonherplatesinceshe’salady.Here,she’sfree.
“Do youyield?” Theodore asks, his fingers continuingtheir infuriatinglyticklishdance over her bellyas she squirms, tryingtoescapehishold.
He ceases his tickling, and she draws ina deep breathand runs a hand over her head to smoothher tousled hair Her sidesachefromlaughter,andeachbreathshetakessmellsofearthandundergrowthandpine.
Theodoreseemstocatchherstaring,andinaninstant,somethingchangesintheairbetweenthem.Hisproximity,atfirst frolicsome andcoltish,becomes magnetic,alluring.His near-blackcurls make his greeneyes impossible to turnawayfrom, andNadialosesherselfinhisgazeashestepscloserandbacksheragainstthenearesttree.
PerhapsLadyRosettihasknownallalongwhattheydidinthegardenthatnightandhasmadeanefforttopreventNadia and Theodore’s scandalous acts;she seems to have anuncannyperception, butthatcould simplybe the resultofraisingsix childrenandhavinglivedacentury-longlife
Whatever the case, withso manyRosettis about, the youngest oftenunderfoot, it’s beennear impossible for Nadia to haveamomentalonewithTheodore,nomatterhowshe’syearnedforit.
“Indulging in your submission,” he says, his warmbreath brushing along her neck and sending a delicious sensation downherspine.Hiskneeisstillbetweenherlegs,andhebringsitupatouchhigher.“Shiftyourhips.”
The words are low and commanding, and his dominance over her makes excitement and longing curl in her belly Obeying,sheshiftsherhips asmuchasshecanwhilehestillhasherpinnedtothetree pressingherselfagainsthisknee.At first,shemovesslowly,tentatively,tryingtofindwhatfeelsgoodinsucharestrainedposition.
Butthenhereleasesherwristsanddropstooneknee.Breathinghard,Nadiacollapsesbackagainstthetreeandshivers as he gazes up ather Somethingakinto devilryburns inhis eyes while he gathers her skirtinhis hands and slowlylifts it, revealingherbareivorylegs.AtremblingbreathleavesNadia’slipsasthefabricslidesalongherthighs.
Now she’sspreadinfrontofhim,andasheliftsherskirttherestoftheway,hercheeksburnwithheat.Suddenworry burststhroughher Willshetasteokay?Doesshelookthewayheexpects?
He runs a finger downher wetlips, and she grips the roughtree bark, breathcatchinginher throat. Thenhe’s leaning forward,andshe’sholdingherbreath,closinghereyes.
Evenas she climaxes, her head and upper bodypressingbackagainstthe tree, he continues touchingher, thrustinghis fingersintoherassheridesthewaveofeuphoria.Herchestrisesandfallsasshepants,thepleasurerollingthroughherbody likethetidereturningagainandagaintolapattheshore
She doesn’tknow whatto say. No one told her a man’s mouthcould be used for sucha satisfyingact. It’s yetanother thingthat’skeptfromyoungwomen,probablytokeepthemoutofthegentlemen’sbeds.
As she settles herself onto the earth, she canfeel her wetness soakinginto her skirt. Her walls still throb lightly, the wavesrecedingabitatatime.
“I’msure,”shewhispers,reachingforhistrousers
Taking hold of the top button, she struggles momentarily to free it, her fingers trembling with delicate nervousness. Theodore shifts slightlyagainstthe tree, his lengthbeggingto burstfromthe confines ofthe strictfabric Finally, the button popsopen,andthenthere’sonlyonemoretosetloose.
“Nadia,” Theodore whispers, callingher gaze up to his face His eyes are soft, thoughhis hands curl into fists athis sides,betrayinghisdesire.“Youdon’thavetodothis.”
“Youare a goddess,” Theodore says, his voice breathless, airy. His trousers still around his ankles, he pushes a hand throughhistousleddarkhairandletsoutacontentedlaugh
“Itpleasedyou?”Nadiaasks,risingtoherfeet.
Hisresponseisafang-filledsmile Hedrawsherintohischest,hiswarmlengthpressingagainsther,andsheslipsher armsaroundhim.Theyremainlikethatforamoment,wrappedineachother’sembrace,andNadiacloseshereyestolistento the rapid beatingofhis heart. He’s firmand real and alive againsther, yetshe can’thelp butto remember thatnightinthe gardenwhenTheodore’sbloodstainedthegrassandhislifecamedangerouslyclosetoslippingaway
Indreams,sheoftenrelivesthemomentshedrovethesilverdaggerthroughthehunter’schest.Sometimessheawakensin a panic, sure she canfeel a noose around her neck, butTheodore has assured her theytookcare ofthe bodyand no one is comingforher.OthertimessheholdsTheodoreashislifeslipsaway,andheperishesinherarmsasraindropswashtheblood fromhisface Thosedreamsaretheworst,andwhentheydoplagueher,sheawakenswithtearsstreamingdownhercheeks Thethoughtofitmakeshergriphimmorefiercely,asifhecoulddisappearfromherarmsinamoment.
“Yousaid somethingthatnightinthe garden,” she whispers,rememberingvaguelywhathe said before makinglove to herbeneaththemoonlight,somethingaboutherbeinghis.Itsendsalighttrembledownherspine.“Yousaidwewere...”She searchesbrieflyfortheword.“Fated.Whatdidyoumean?”
She’s beenmeaningto askhim, but it feels like suchanintimate question, and it’s certainlynot somethingshe’d feel comfortable voicing at the dinner table with all the Rosettis staring back at her. This conversation needed to wait for this moment,whentheyarealoneandface-to-face
Theodore chuckles, and Nadia wishes she could’ve been in his head the night they first saw each other across the ballroomfloor Whatdidhethinkofher,allpaleandtremblinginLordFelton’sarms?Lookingback,sherecallsbeingdrawn tohiminawaythatfeltbothnaturalandunfamiliar,likeshewasactingonaninstinctshedidn’trealizeshepossessed.
NADIA AND THEODORE RIDE BACK to the estate, Theodore’s owl, Celeste, soaring overhead When they arrive, they find two carriageswaitinginthecourtyard.Eachispulledbyfourflaxenchestnuthorses,theircoatsgleamingredandtheirmanesand tails a creamygoldenwhite Theodore stops short, and Nadia does the same, slowingOctavia as she glances athimfor an explanation.
Nadiabarelykeepsascowl fromherface.SinceherfirstmeetingwithHonoraKazamir,thewomanhasbeenaneverpresent nuisance She seems to spend half her time preening before mirrors and the rest of her time attempting to seduce Theodore preferably while Nadia watches. The very thought makes Nadia’s blood simmer. At least Honora’s family has finally come to take her home The estate will be a much more amicable place without the golden-haired beguiler lurking about,readytostabNadiaintheneckorlureTheodoreintoherbed.
Theyride around the backof the sprawlingestate, to where the stables and rollingpaddocks are. Afamilyof black Friesiansgrazesinagreenpasture,andwhenNadiadismountsandsetsOctavialoosewiththeherd,thesilver-hairedArabian appears as a dove inanunkindness ofravens. Theodore takes a momentto remove Castro’s tack, thenreleases himinto the paddock.Theherdgreetsthereturnedarrivals,andaftersomenickeringandnosebumping,theywanderofftocontinuetheir grazingbeneaththemoodygraysky
Thememorymakesher stomachclenchuncomfortably Whatifhe’dlistenedtoher?Whatifhe’dnotcomefor her that night Lord Gray locked her in her room? Would they be here together, or would she still be stuck in the life Lord Gray fabricatedforher?ThinkingofherlifewithoutTheodoreinitmakesherfeelasifavoidhasopenedinherchest,andshehas toremindherselfoncemorethathe’shere,he’sreal,andhe’s hers.
Stilltwirlingthatlockofhairaroundhisfinger,helooksdownatherwithanarchedbrow.Hemustnothaveshavedthis morning,for his jaw is shadowed,andNadia reaches uptobrushher fingertips over his stubble.Despite the satisfactionhe gaveheramidstthetrees,alongingforhimrisesupinheroncemore,andshewantstocurl herhandaroundthebackofhis
neckandpullhiminsoshecantastehistongue.
Beforeshecansuccumbtoherdesires,shepullsaway,tearshereyesfromTheodore’sverdantgaze,andmakesherway swiftlytothebackentrance Sheglancesoverhershoulderbeforeslippinginside,andTheodoreisstillstandingthere,smiling, his veryessence almostenoughtodraw her back.Witha quickshake ofher head,she closes the door andtakes a steadying breath
It’sstillmorning,andtheRosettishavethusfardemonstratedapreferenceforwakinglaterinthedaythanNadiaisused to TheGrayhouseholdusedtoriseearly,butnowNadiaoftenfindsherselfawakebeforethemaidhasevencometorouseher Thatisnotthecasetoday,however.
ThoughNadia knows she shouldn’t stare, she can’t help but to watchAmélie as she works, thinkingall the while of Rose. She thoughtthe youngwomanwas her friend, evenher confidante, buther cruel words inthe Grayfoyer still ringin Nadia’shead
“Lord Gray wouldn’t trust just anyone with a vampire child. Someone had to keep an eye on you. ”
ThedisdaininRose’svoice the disgust still cutsdeep,openingawoundthathasyettoheal.Her wholelifewasa lie,andmostofthepeoplearoundherknewit.It’sabetrayalthathasduginitsclawsandrefusestoletgo.
Nadia’s cheeks flare with heat, and she’s struck momentarily speechless She never even thought to worry about the smell,concernedasshewaswithnavigatingthehallsunseen,expectingHonoratoappearatanymomentwithhersmirkinglips andcruelblueeyes
Curse these vampire senses.
“Thankyoufor tellingme,” she says, tryingto keep the embarrassmentfromher tone. “Perhaps Ishould bathe before takingbrunchwiththeKazamirs”
Everymorning,AmélieoffersherbloodtoNadia,andeverymorning,Nadiaturnsherdown.Thefamilyhasassuredher itisnothingtobeashamedof;onthecontrary,halfbloodstakegreatprideinservingpurebloodfamilies,bothwiththeirskills and their blood. Theodore is the only one she’s yet drunk from, but she’s parched from their early ride and subsequent activities,andperhapsitwouldbewisetosateherselfbeforeshe’llbeexpectedtogreettheKazamirswithacongenialsmile.
“Are youquite sure?” Nadia says quietly,almostbashfully,her gaze goingtoAmélie’s throat The breeze caresses the downyhairs at the nape ofthe maid’s neck, beckoningNadia fromacross the room. She licks her lips, allowingherselfto imaginewhatAmélie’sbloodmighttastelike Itwouldbedelicatelysweet,surely,andperhapslighterthanTheodore’s She hasnowayofknowingforsure,butthemoresheconsidersit,theharderthetemptationbecomestoresist.
Still unsure ofherself,Nadia takes one hesitantstepforward. Amélie’s sweetscent sounlike Theodore’s swirls in theair,butnowthere’ssomethingmorepotentinit.Excitement?Desire?She’snotyetlearnedhowtodistinguishsuchscents fromoneanother
Themaidreachesupandunbuttonsthetopfewclaspsonherdress,thenslipsthecollarandsleevedown,exposingher throat,clavicle,andshoulder.Her skinis sandybrown,andaconstellationofsilveryscars stretches across her neck.Nadia can’tcountthenumber ofmarks there,andas shereaches outtotraceafinger across Amélie’s skin,anachingbegins inher gums.
Amélie shivers beneath Nadia’s light touch, and the response so vulnerable, so helpless awakens Nadia’s inner predator.Herfingers,previouslytrailingdelicatelyacrossAmélie’sneck,wraparoundonesideofherthroat,andshetipsthe maid’sheadback.Leaningforward,NadiainhalesAmélie’sdeliciousscent,andthensheplungesherfangsintoherneck.
The maid lets out a small squeak, and her muscles go rigid, but as Nadia starts to drink, Amélie relaxes beneathher touch.Herbodybecomessofter,suppler.It’sasifshemeltsintoNadia’sarms,becomingheavywithlanguor.
As expected, her blood has a light, almostfloral flavor thatcloselymatches her scent. It’s pleasing, certainly, butnot nearlyasmuchsoasTheodore’s.WhenNadiadrinksfromTheodore,it’sliketastingafineagedwine.Theflavor isrobust, rich.Incomparison,Amélie’sisalmostwatereddown stilltasteful,butit’llneverquitesatisfy.
Amélie curtsies before leavingthe room, and Nadia tries notto grimace atthe thoughtofsittingdownto a meal with Honora.Hopefullyit’llbethelastsheeverhastoendure.
NADIATRIES TO SLOW THE rapidbeatingofherheartasshetraversesthesprawlingmanor She’sheadingforthediningroombut can’thelpthefeelingshe’sgoingtotheguillotineinstead.AnytimespentinHonora’spresenceispainful,butnowshe’llhave toendurethefamilyaswell Shehopestheyaren’tquitesopestilent,thoughgivenTheodore’searliercommentaboutLordand LadyKazamir,NadiafiguresHonora’sappledidn’tfallfarfromthefamilytree andnowshe’sabouttostepintotheorchard.
Shesmellsthembeforesheseesthem.TheirscentisdistinctivelydifferentfromthatoftheRosettis,anditfillsthewide hallwayleadingto the diningroom. Her nose wants to wrinkle inrepulsion, butshe smooths her face into anexpressionof amicabilitybeforenoddingtothefootmentoopenthedoors.
As theydo, sounds and smells rushoutofthe diningroom, nearlyoverwhelmingNadia withtheir intensity She’s still gettingusedtothesenew senses,anditremainseasyforhertobecomeoverpoweredbythem.Ittakesheramomenttosettle herself,andthenshestepsintothediningroom
Theodore stands immediately elicitinga sharp lookfromHonora, who’s seated beside him, of course followed by LordRosettiandthreeothermenNadiahasnotyetmet
“It’s an honor, Miss Magdalena,” Lord Kazamir says. He has an unusually deep voice, and unlike most men in high society,hehas afull well-groomedbeard His blueeyes aresharp,andNadiasees now whereHonoragets her goodlooks “WeallbelievedtheMagdalenaclantohaveendedwiththeuntimelydeathsofKirillandVera.It’sdelightfultofindwewere mistaken.”
“Indeed,”LadyKazamirsays Unlikeherhusbandandchildren,shehasdarkbrowneyes,andtheysweepupanddown Nadia’s body. Nadia pushes her shoulders backand stands taller under LadyKazamir’s scrutiny. “How joyous to have been misinformedthesemanyyears Andcometofindyouwereraisedbyhunters ”
Theodore guides Nadia to the open seat on his left, and when she passes behind Honora, the woman sniffs the air dramatically.HereyescuttoNadia,andshesmilesasifsheknowsherandTheodore’ssecret.ButAmélieensuredNadiashe no longer bore the scent of the morning’s amorous dalliance. Perhaps Honora is just tryingto ruffle her feathers, as she is alwayssokeentodo.
Of course they are. Thoughhedoesn’tspeakaloud,shecanfeel thesmileinhisvoice. You look stunning. Hiscomplimentsendsbutterfliesflutteringinherbelly,andshetriesnottoletablushrisetohercheeks
Thesurprisemakesherjolt,andshenearlyspillstheteainherhand.Besideher,Theodoreremainsperfectlycalm,his tranquil expressionbetrayingnothing. Onhis other side, however, Honora leans forward and glares, her blue eyes sharp as brokenglass.
Theodore’s hand slides slightly higher, caressing Nadia’s thigh through the thin fabric of her skirt, and she fights to remainserene.
Something the matter? heasks,hisfingertipsteasingherskinlightly
Not at all. Shetakes asipfromher teacupas iftoproveher point. You’ll have to try harder than that if you wish to discompose me, my lord
That sounds like a challenge, Miss Magdalena Don’t you recall how that ended this morning?
“Doesnooneelseseethis?”Honorasnaps,bringingthejovial ifsomewhatstrained conversationstoaclose.Every head turns toward her, and she gestures toward Theodore and Nadia. “Are we goingto pretend nothingis happeninghere?” Herblue-eyedgazecutstohermother,thenherfather “Papa?”
“Icould never have anticipated meetingyou, could never have prepared myselffor the joyand light youbringto my life.”Hisvoiceissoftandsincere,hisplayfuldemeanorhavinggivenwaytoearnestsincerity.“Itbringsmyphysicalpainto imaginemylifewithoutyou,andIcan’tbearthethoughtofnotbeingbyyourside”
Theodore’s grinis quickand easy, and he slips the band carefullyonto Nadia’s ringfinger as a chorus ofcheers and applause erupt fromthe Rosettis. Standing, Theodore takes her bythe hand and pulls her into anembrace. Whenshe steps away,sheholdsherhandouttoadmirethebandanditsglitteringstone
His voice calms her, if only slightly, and she stills her shaking hands, though the image of wrapping them around Honora’sthroatstilllingers.
Konrádsmirks,andMarekjustshakeshishead
LadyKazamirsendsNadiaabarelyconcealedglarebeforeplacingherservietteonthetableandpushingherplateaway. “Ibelieve Ihave lostmyappetite,” she says “Come, Honora We’re leaving” LadyKazamir stands and sweeps gracefully fromthediningroom.Honorafollowsonherheelsamomentlater,herblueeyesshimmeringwithcontempt.
What is going on? NadiaasksTheodore,buthisattentionispulledawayfromher.
“Mydaughter is right,” Lord Kazamir says. His face has turned slightlyruddy, and he wipes his mouthroughlybefore throwinghisservietteontothetableandstandingup.“Ibelieveweneedtohaveadiscussion,LordRosetti. Now.”
“You forget yourself, Lord Kazamir You and your family will conduct yourselves appropriately while guests in my home, and youmostcertainlydo notmake demands ofme or mytime. Mysonand Iwill speakwithyouthis eveningafter dinner.Whateveryouhavetosaycanwaituntilthen.”
Lady Rosetti is quick to join them, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “My daughter,” she says, placing a hand delicatelyonNadia’scheek “Ineverthoughtwe’dseeyouagain,andnowhereyouare,engagedtomyson”Thetearsfinally slipdownhercheeks.“Icouldn’twishforanythingmore.”ShegivesNadiaamotherlyhug,thendashesthetearsquicklyfrom hercheeksandclearsherthroat.“Now,letmeseethering.”
“Thisbelongedtomygrandmother,”thecountesssays,takingNadia’shandandinspectingthefitofthesilverbandabout her finger “WhenTheodore asked for it, I could barelycontainmyexcitement” Her greeneyes meet Nadia’s, and they’re mistingoverwithtearsagain.
“MissMagdalena,”LordRosettisays,stoppingandclaspinghishandsbehindhisback.“I’dhopedtohaveawordwith you If mysoncanspare his future bride, that is” His tone is playful, his expressionjovial It seems the Kazamirs barely ruffledhisfeathers.
Later, you ’ re all mine,hesaysasshewalksaway. Thoughhecan’tseeher,shesmiles
Nadia falls into step beside Lord Rosetti, and she finds herselfcompletelyatease inhis presence. Thoughshe’s only knownhimashortwhile,he’salreadytakenonanalmostfatherlyroleinherlife,perhapsbecauseofhisclosefriendshipwith herlateparents.Inanycase,it’sservedtomakeherfeelmorewelcomeinthefamily,whichhasbeenmostappreciatedinthis tryingtime.
Nadia perks up. “Indeed. Before leavinghome, Igrabbed a shard ofporcelainfroma teacup containingthe tonic. I’d hopeditmaybeofsomehelptoyou,thoughIdowishI’dbeenabletogetmyhandsonthetonicitself.”
Her shoulders droop slightly as she recalls the most unpleasant altercation with her adoptive father before she left Everboroughfortheseason.Itstillmakesherstomachtwistandpressesheavilyuponherchest.
Lord Rosetti’s greeneyes come alive, and his smile is almostinfectious “Itwould be mosthelpful, Miss Magdalena Couldyoubringitbymystudythisevening?I’veobligationstoseetowiththeKazamirs,butoncethey’vedeparted,we’llbe abletospeakmorefreely.”
NADIAFOLLOWS LORD ROSETTI BACKdownthehallwaytothefoyer,andstandingthereamidstservantsandinnumerablebagsisa dark-haired beauty. She wears a forest-green gown with a low neckline, and gleaming curls spill around her shoulders in voluptuouswaves ThewomaniseasilyoneofthemostbeautifulladiesNadiahaseverseen
“Mybeautiful girl,” Lord Rosetti says, settingthe ladygentlyonher feetand steppingbackto lookher up and down. “Areyouquitewell?Theridewasn’ttootedious,Ihope.”
“I’mquitefine,Papa”
“AndCharlie?”LordRosetti casts his gazeouttheopendoors,whereservants bustleaboutunloadingevenmorebags andtrunksfromthecarriage
“Healthyasahorse.”ThewomanshiftstolookaroundLordRosetti,andwhenhereyesfindNadia,herpinklipsstretch into a brilliant smile. “You must be Miss Magdalena,” she says, steppingforward. “I’ve beenso excited to meet you. I’m Contessa.”
The name is strikinglyfamiliar. While atthe Rosettis’cityhome, Nadia stayed inContessa’s old roomand evenwore someofherclothing WhenNadiaheardthattheeldestRosettisiblingwouldbejoiningtheminthecountry,shewassomewhat apprehensive.Butfeelingthewarmthradiatingoffhernow,shefindsherworrieswereallfornaught.
“It’s a pleasure,” Nadia says inreturn, offeringContessa a polite nod “Lord Rosetti has told me muchaboutyou, and yourfamilywaskindenoughtoallowmeatemporarystayinyouroldroom.”
“Oh,Icanonlyimaginewhatmybrotherhassaidaboutme.We’llgetthatallclearedupintime,Iassureyou.”Hersmile is sharp and playful, and thoughNadia has knownher onlya moment, Contessa feels like fire incomparisonto Theodore’s steadyearth.Theymaylookalike,buttheirenergiesarecompletelydifferent.
“Youmissedamosteventfulbrunch,”LordRosettisays,hislipsturningupinasmile “Oh?” Contessa looks from her father to Nadia, and then her gaze slides down to Nadia’s hand. “Heavens! He proposed?”
“Grandmama’s ring! Oh, it’s beautiful on you The silver complements your skin tone” Looking back to Nadia, she smiles.“Wehave much totalkabout.Imustgettoknowmyfuturesister.”ShelinksherarmthroughNadia’sandbeginstotug heraway
“Where are yougoing?” a blond manasks as he enters the foyer witha particularlyheavy-lookingbagslungover his shoulder Theservantsseemuncomfortablewithhisassistance,hoveringaroundhimlikebeesaroundroses,buthepaysthem nomindashesetsthebagdownwitharesoundingthunk.
“Thisismyhusband,CharlieLevingston,”ContessasaystoNadia.ThenshestartspullingNadiaalongoncemoreand callsbackover her shoulder,“Miss Magdalena andIwill be outinthe garden Make sure all those bags getuptothe room safely,darling.”
ThenNadia is sweptawayonContessa’s arm, and she’s completelycontentto allow herselfto be guided throughthe spaciousmanorandoutintothesprawlingbackgarden.Thesunisbrightoverhead,anddespitethegraycloudsthatfilledthe skyearlier,it’swarmedupconsiderablysinceNadia’searly-morningridewithTheodore.
Nadiaisalltoohappytopulloffherbootsandfeelthedewyearthunderfoot Theyleavetheirshoeslyinginthegrass andsetoffintothegarden,headingtowardthepondinthedistance.Contessatakesupherarmagainandpullsherclose,and Nadiawondersifthisiswhatit’sliketohaveasister,someonetowhisperandlaughwithwhilewalkingthegardensinearly fall. It sends a bittersweet pang of grief through her heart; she wishes her mother had been able to conceive. Lady Gray would’vebeensohappydotingonabroodofchildren.Butsomethingsjustaren’tmeanttobe.
“I’vebeensoeagertomeetyou,”Contessasays.“TheoandMamahavebeenirritatinglyvagueintheirlettersregarding you.Ican’tbelievehenever toldmeheplannedtopropose.I’ll needtohavewords withhim.”Her full lips pucker intoan aggravatedpout
Contessaregardsherwithastunnedexpression,afurrowforminginhersmoothbrow “Ofcourse!Notonlyareyouthe long-lostMagdalena,you’retheonlywomanTheohasevermentionedtomeinhisletters.”Oneofherdarkeyebrowsquirks up “It’sseemsyou’reintriguingonmanyfronts,MissMagdalena”
Nadia’s cheeks bloom with warmth. She had no idea Theodore had written to his sister about her. And Contessa’s nicknameforhimisendlesslycharming.“Well,nowIfearyourhopesmayhavebeenbuiltupprematurely.I’mquiteordinary,I assureyou AndcallmeNadia,please”
“Youbondedwithmybrother.Anywomantoevencatchhiseyeisafarcryfromordinary,letaloneonehe’sbeenfated forsincebirth,”Contessacontinues.Shegrinsastheycometostandbesidethepond,thenturnstoNadiaandtakesherhands, givingthemagentlesqueeze “Icanonlyimaginewhataspectacularwomanyouare,andIcan’twaittogettoknowyou But first...”
Aroguishlook similar to Theodore’s, now that Nadia thinks about it glimmers inContessa’s eyes, and Nadia can scarcelybelieveitwhenContessareachesbacktostartundoingthebuttonsonherdress.
In the distance, the four younger Rosetti siblings skip and run through the grass, peeling off their clothes as they go. Theodoreisn’twiththem,thankfully;Nadiaisn’tsureshe’dbeabletokeepfromoglinghimifheweretopeeloffhistunicand jointhem
ADIA SPENDS THE REST OF the daywithLadyRosetti, Contessa, and the younger Rosettis, and she delights inlearningmore abouteachofthem Renzo,thethirdeldest,hasastrongaffinityfor horses,andthefourtholdest,Giulia,speaksanumber of languages as fluentlyas iftheywere her first. The youngest siblings, Luca and Francesca, seemabsolutelytakenwiththeir eldestsister,andtheyrefusetoleaveContessa’sside,evenforamoment
Shewantsblood,andshewantsit now It’slikelyacarafewillbeservedwithdinner,butifAmélie’sbloodiswatereddownwine,thebloodservedatmealsisakintowateritself;itmaykeepheralive,butitoffersverylittleinwayofpleasure.
Butthere’s no time for thatnow;she’s expected inthe diningroomfor dinner The Kazamirs will be there, withtheir sharp eyes and prettysmirks, butthey’re to leave inthe morning, and thatis the onlyconsolationNadia feels as she takes a steadyingbreathandturnsforthedoor.Onemoredinner,andthenshe’llbefreeofHonoraforgood.
DINNER IS NOT NEAR SO insufferableasNadiaanticipateditwouldbe.Foronce,HonorasitsawayfromTheodore,andthough hersteely-blueeyesaresharpasever,shekeepsthemmostlytoherself Despitetheoutburstsatbrunch,theKazamirsremain cordial.There’stensionintheair,though,atenuouspeacethatfeelsreadyatanymomenttosnap.Thankfully,thethreadholds firm,andnoonesomuchasraisestheirvoiceduringthecourseofthemeal
After dinner, the womendepartto the drawingroomto awaittheir after-meal tea, while the menstaybehind to enjoy cigars in the dining room. Nadia would dread it being expected to converse with Honora and her mother but having Contessaathersidemakeseventhestiflingsmalltalkfeelmorebearable
Astheeveningcomestoacloseandtheguestsofthehouseexcusethemselvesfor their final evening,Nadiareturnsto herroomandfetchesthesinglepieceofporcelainshebroughtalongwhenleavingtheGrayresidenceinthecity.Lookingdown atit,theporcelainwhitewithachippedroyal-blueflower,remindsNadiaofthemorningLordGraydashedittothefloor,his eyessmolderingandhisfaceruddywithrage.
Nadiatuckstheporcelainintoatinycottonbagandtouchesupherhairinthemirrorbeforedepartingherbedroomand headingfor Lord Rosetti’s study. The corridors are quiet, apart fromthe laughter of the childreninthe drawingroom, and NadiaisfortunatetonotrunintoanyoftheKazamirsontheway
WhenshearrivesatLordRosetti’sstudy,however,itisdarkandempty.Hemuststill bewiththemen,perhapshaving another glass ofport, so she enters his office and places the baguponhis desk Leavingthe wayshe came, she passes the closedlibrarydoors,andvoicescarryfromwithin.
Atfirst,Theodoresaysnothing Allatonce,shefeelsaloneinthespaciousroom,adriftinaseainthedarkofnight He’s engaged . . . to Honora.
Thethoughtmakesherstomachturn,makeshernauseated
Now Honora’s behavior makes sense: her venom at Nadia’s very existence, her never-ending attempts to seduce TheodoreintoherarmsratherthanNadia’s Shewassupposedtobehiswife,notNadia “Itakeityouoverhead?”Theodoreasksfrombehindher.
She nods without turning around, afraid of what her expression will betray. Instead, she focuses on a shelf on the oppositesideoftheroom,attemptingtokeeptearsfromhereyes
Inhissilence,shefeelshisunspokenwords,rememberswhatLordRosettitaughtheraboutclansandbloodandvampire lineage: “There are not so many pureblood families as there used to be, and many would go to any lengths to protect their pedigree ”
There’s a whisper ofair, a rustle ofclothing, and thenTheodore is standingbefore her, the candles inthe candelabra flickeringwildlywiththespeedofhispassing.“Youdo?”
His gaze is greenfire rimmedinmoltengold,anditmakes her longingfor himrise like a viper waitingtostrike.The sadnessandpainswirlingthroughhercoalesceandtransformintoadesiresostrongshecanscarcelyholditback “Youmustmakeituptome,”shewhispers.
Her tonguewetsher lips,andthensherunsher mouthuphischest,alonghiscollarbone,andtohisneck.Heletsouta groanofpleasure,andtheveinsalonghisthroatthrumwithanelevatedrhythm.
There’s a momentofpainas Nadia’s fangs elongate, pushingthroughher gums, and thenshe’s finallypressingthemto Theodore’sneck,pullinghisbodyagainsthersasshesinksherteethinandbeginstodrink.
Hisarmscomearoundher,onehandgraspingthefabricofhergown,theotherreachingtocradlethebackofherhead She closes her eyes as his bloodflows intoher mouthanddownher throat.The taste ofhimis fine wine under silver starlight,riperedstrawberriesdrizzledwithrumandchocolate Amélie’sbloodisnothinglikethis,couldneversatisfyinthe wayTheodore’sdoes.
Theodorelifts her inhis arms andturns her aboutsothatsheis theonetrappedagainstthebookshelves,her low back pressingintoawoodenshelf Hecradlesherfaceinhishands,andthenhismouthisonhers,andshemeltsbeneathhistouch A moanslipsfromherlipsashistonguetasteshers,andhisfingerscurlintothehairatthenapeofherneck.
WhenNadiaglancesbackoverhershoulder,shefindsherbacksideexposed,herpaleskinalmostglowinginthewarm light fromthe flickering candles. Theodore holds her skirts up with one hand and uses the other to unbutton his trousers.
He pushes his trousers down,freeinghimself.He’s alreadyhard,andher insides flutter withdesire.She wants tofeel himinsideher,wantshimtoclaimherineveryway Butheseemsdeterminedtomakeherwait.
He starts withhis fingers, pressingone into her wetness up to the knuckle, thenaddinga second His movements are slow,andheseemstodelightinherneedforhim.
Shecriesout,andhebringsahandaroundhermouth Groaningagainstit,shegrowswetterashedriveshislengthinto her. His desire is so strong, she cannear taste it inthe air. He thrusts into her harder, faster, and his fervor makes the tall bookshelfshudder Onebookfallstothehardwoodfloor,landingwitharesoundingthud,andthenanother,andanother Buthe doesn’tceasehispace.
Before he canfindhis words,Nadia presses her mouthagainsthis,stealinghis breathawaywitha deepkiss There’s lesshungerthistime,theneedhavingbeenreplacedwithsleepysatisfaction.
Theodore wraps his arms around her, and she surrenders, allowingherselfto find solace inhis embrace. Theyremain likethatforashorttime,theirflutteringheartsmatchingeachotherinrhythm Asthecandlesburn,NadiasighsintoTheodore’s warmchest.
STORM CLOUDS HANG HEAVY OVERHEAD,andthepleasantautumnweatherseemstohaveabandonedGraystoneforthetimebeing RainpatteredlightlyatthewindowwhileAméliepreparedNadiafortheday,anditstillfallsnow,grayandunending,asthe familygatherstoseetheKazamirsoff
After makinglovewithTheodoreinthelibrary,shereturnedtoher roomandfoundher heartandmindunsettled.Even now,asshestandswithherarmnearlybrushingtheviscount’s,shefindsherselfplaguedwithuncertainty.
Despite Theodore’s assurances that he feels nothing for Honora, the fact that he was supposed to be engaged to her, promised to her long before Nadia even knew his name, makes something vile twist in her gut. And that twisting only intensifieswhenthefootmenopenthedoorsandtheKazamirsappearinforce
Lord and LadyKazamir offer nothinginwayofgoodbyes, breezingdownthe manor steps and into one ofthe waiting carriages without sharing a word with the Rosettis. Nadia glances at Lady Rosetti and finds her expression neutral and unreadable,butLordRosetti’seyesarenarrowed,hisforeheadpinchedjustslightly.
NowthatNadiaknowsthetruth thatHonorawastobeTheodore’sbride shewatchesherwithrenewedindignation. Everymove of her hand and tilt of her head is polished, precise, perfect Theywould’ve beenbeautiful together, and that realizationhasNadiasilentlyseething.
Nadia’sfingerscurltighteraboutherparasol,andshehastoremindherselftounclenchherteeth.Contessa,whostands besideNadia,reachesoversubtlyandgivesNadia’shandasqueeze.Glancingather,NadiafindsagentlesmileonContessa’s face Shetakesabreathandreleasesherfist,thenturnsbacktoHonora
Oncethedoorfinallyclicksclosedandthehorsesstarttomove,Nadialetsoutasigh. “Whatdidthatwordmean?”shewhisperstoContessa.“Curvă?” Contessaavertshergazeasshesays,“Whore” AjoltgoesdownNadia’sspine,andshewondersifit’stoolatetoripHonorafromthecarriageanddriveherfaceinto themud Alas,thecarriagesarealreadydepartingthecourtyard,rollingthroughtheirongates Honora’svilewordsechoinNadia’shead.SheglancesatTheodoreandfindshimstaringafterthecarriages,afurrowin hisbrow He wouldn’t ever tire of her, would he? Other men may seek companionship with women of the night, but she and Theodorearebonded,andashesaidtoLordKazamir,thatchangeseverything. Right?
“MAMA!”NADIA RUSHES OUT THE dooranddownthestepstowherehermotherwaitsbesidethecarriage LadyGrayletsouta gentlegaspofsurpriseasNadiawrapsherinastrongembrace,squeezinghertighterthanshecaneverremember.
“Oh, my sweet child,” Lady Gray says, returning Nadia’s hug and stroking a loving hand down her hair “How I’ve missedyou.Come,letmegetagoodlookatyou.”Shestepsback,andhereyessweepupanddownNadia’sbody.
Nadia leads the women toward the manor as a chill autumn wind whips through the courtyard, sending their skirts twistingabouttheirstocking-cladankles Theyascendthestepstotheentrance,andLadyRosettiiswaitingforthemthere
“LadyGray,howwonderfulitistoseeyouagain.AndLadyWilliamson,it’slovelyofyoutohavemadethejourneyas well Comein,comein”Shewavesthemfartherintothefoyer,andtwofootmenappearpromptlytotaketheladies’overcoats “Shallwestartwithatour?Andafterwardwecanhaveteaandsnacksinthedrawingroom.”
LadyRosetti and Eliza lead the way, and Nadia falls into step alongside her mother. Reachingdown, she takes Lady Gray’shandinhersandgivesitagentlesqueeze
Contessacurtsiessmoothly,theverypictureofgrace,andthenflashesthevisitorsawhitesmile,nofangsinsight “I’m so delighted to meetyou. Miss Magdalena has told me muchofyouboth, and I’ve beenso lookingforward to makingyour acquaintance”
The womenexchange polite greetings, and thenContessa joins Eliza atthe snacktable, pointingouther favorite cakes
AllthewomenlooktoNadia,andshecan’thelpbutgrin Thegown the wedding gown It’ssosurreal,italmosthasn’t settledin.AftermanynightswonderingwhereTheodore’sheadwas,wonderingifheplannedtoproposeatall,everythinghas suddenlyshifted,andit’smovingsofastthatshe’sstrugglingtokeepup.
“We’ll geta special license, ofcourse,” LadyRosetti says, surprisinglymodestinher announcement “We’ll have the weddinghere,inthedrawingroom.Aslongasthat’snotdisagreeable,MissMagdalena?”
Her affirmation makes Lady Rosetti smile. “Wonderful. It’s so charming here at this time of year. The light will be perfect.”Shegesturestothelargewindowsthroughwhichawarmafternoonlightstreams.“Withthatsettled,wejusthaveto discuss everythingelse”
Two maids enter the roomand beginlightingthe candles, and Benjamin, the butler, follows themin, hands behind his backashebowstoLadyRosetti.
“Mylady,dinnerisreadyinthediningroom.”
“Oh,finally,”Contessasays,standingpromptly Evenafter havingsataroundfor themajorityoftheafternoon,shestill looks striking, her longgownhuggingher hips and her darkhair framingher face justso. “Awomancannotsurvive ontea cakesalone,Benjamin IthoughtIalreadytaughtyouthat?”Oneofherbrowsquirks,anditappearsBenjaminisstrugglingto holdbackasmile.
Contessa reaches for Eliza and pulls her fromthe settee, and theymake their waytoward the diningroompromptly. SeeingthemtogetherfillsNadiawithpeace,andthatwarmthisonlyfurtherstoked,likeafireinthedeadofwinter,whenLady GrayandLadyRosettistandandsetoffforthediningroomtogether.
Nadiablinksinsurprise.Shehadn’teventhoughttoincludethevampirecommunity.Weddingstendtobesmall,intimate, often for family and close friends only. The idea of getting married in front of a sea of strangers . . . It causes a mix of excitementandtrepidationtotwistinNadia’sstomach
“Amarriagebetweentwopurebloodfamiliesisarareandspectacularevent;yourweddingwillbethehighlightofthe season Thatsaid,therewillbetwoweddings:onehere,aprivateaffairforthefamilies,andoneatRiverhill,thehomeofthe brotherhood.We’llneedtwogowns,ofcourse,andtherewillbemuchmoretoplan,butI’llguideyouthroughitall.”
Nadiaswallowsdownher apprehension “Itsoundswonderful,LadyRosetti Andthankyoufor your kindness You’ve madethisdifficulttransitionmucheasierforme.”
Theywalkdownthe longhallwaytogether, and Nadia feels, perhaps for the first time, what it maybe like to be the countess’sdaughter LadyLucianaRosettiisaspoliteassheisstern,asbeautifulassheiskind,andfollowinginherfootsteps, Nadiacanonlyhopetoonedaybeworthyofthetitleofcountess.Theverythoughthasbutterfliesflutteringaboutherbelly.
Roundingthe corner to the diningroom, Nadia pauses. Theodore stands inthe doorway, makingpolite small talkwith LadyGray.Hesmileseasily,andsomethinghesaysmakesLadyGrayblushdelicately.Gigglinglikeayoungwomanagain,she waveshimoffandheadsintothediningroom,LadyRosettionherheels.
She snakes her hands uphis chestandaroundthe backofhis head,pushingher fingertips throughthe thickcurls athis nape Asshedoes,hismouthmovesfromherlips,placingkissesalongherjawlineanddownherthroat Asoftwhimperslips fromherlipsashistonguebrushesalongherneck,seductiveandenticing,almostteasingher.
Avisionofdragginghimfarther downthe hall and havingher waywithhimflits throughher mind, butthensomeone clearstheirthroat,andNadiapushesawayfromTheodorewithastart.
Witha jolt, Nadia throws the bouquetto the floor and swipes the blackwidow fromher arm, scarcelyholdingbacka scream Whentheflowershitthefloor,morespidersswarmfromit,allcarryingenoughvenomtoputagrownhumanintothe ground.
“It’s all right” Theodore’s arms come around her, holdingher steadyas the spiders skitter downthe hall and into the shadows,vanishingalmostasquicklyastheyappeared.
“They’re not a danger to us in the way they are to humans,” Theodore says, his voice comforting as he turns Nadia around.“Itwouldtakenumerousbitestoelicitevenaslightreaction.”
“Whoelse would sendsucha horridgift?” Rubbinga hand absentlyupand downher arm, she shakes her head. “And besides,we’vetoldnooneelseofourengagement.There’sbeennoweddingannouncement.”
Theodore seems to softenthen, the tensionmeltingfromhis shoulders. He reaches outa hand, and whenNadia places hersinit,hepressesakisstothebacksofherfingers.“You,MissMagdalena,willmakeastunningviscountess.”
“If we must,” he says, straightening his crisp waistcoat. “But you should know” he lowers his voice to a whisper “you’reallI’minterestedineatingtonight”
Heat blossoms across Nadia’s cheeks, and Theodore gives her that captivating roguish smile as he offers his armto escortherintothediningroom.
AFTER DINNER, THE WOMEN AND childrendepart the diningroom, leavingthe mento drinkport and smoke cigars, and Nadia catcheshermothergentlybytheelbowbeforeshecanenterthedrawingroomforafter-dinnertea “Mama,mayIspeakwithyou?”
“Inever meantto make youfeel thatway, Mama, and for thatIamso, so verysorry.” Witha gentle tug, she pulls her motherintoanembrace,andLadyGraysmellsthewayshealwayshas:likelove,likeNadia’schildhood,like home Buthome isn’tthesameasitoncewas,norcaniteverbethesameagain.
“Itwas anaccident, dear. He never meantto runthatcarriage offthe road, and bythe time he dove into the river and pulled youout, well, your parents ” She plays withthe hemofher shawl, twistingitaround and around her fingers Her handsaregentlywrinkledwithage,thedecadesshe’slivedevidentuponherskin.
“Accidentornot,itdidhappen,andheliedtomeformanyyears Icannotseehimasmyfatheranylonger But you ” shetakeshermother’shand “willalwaysbemymother.Youdoknowthat,yes?”
“Ofcourse.Butit’ssodifficultnothavingyouaround.Thecountryhouseisstiflingwithoutyou.Idon’tknowwhattodo withmyself,andit’ssodreadfullyquiet”HerbrowneyesflicktoNadia’s,somethinglikeexcitementbrewinginthem “Have youand the viscount discussed . . . ” She glances backover her shoulder into the house as ifshe’s about to share a secret. “Children?”
