Blood Father
Page 37
Brooke clung to Napolean’s hand and shuddered. By all that was holy, Ramsey’s eyes were like hot, focused lasers as he locked them unerringly with the king’s. He didn’t interrupt him and he didn’t cut him off, yet his silence spoke volumes: He was itching to get on with the search.
“Very well,” Napolean said. “Then you also know I can only give you so much time before I interfere. Until we see you both home safely.”
Brooke’s stomach did a tiny flip. See them both home safely? Oh gods, the reality was truly sinking in, and she didn’t like the implications: Both Ramsey and Tiffany could be in very real danger—perhaps she should have tried harder to stop her friend…
Ramsey cleared his throat with a raspy inflection. “If that is all, milord.”
Once again, Napolean declined his head in a regal gesture of formal dismissal. “That is all, warrior.”
“That’s it?” Brooke squawked out loud, forgetting to hold her tongue. No please be gentle? Try not to frighten her out of her wits or yank her arm out of its socket? Maybe you should take another vampire along—like Braden or Nachari?
“Milady?” Ramsey inquired solicitously, although his voice was as hard as stone.
“Nothing,” Brooke said quickly. “I was just thinking out loud.” When Ramsey didn’t reply, Brooke ducked beneath the safety of Napolean’s arm, nestling closer to his chest.
Perhaps she was just imagining things.
Perhaps Ramsey was just on edge…
Or perhaps the warrior was truly miffed by the fact that Tiffany Matthews was supposed to be one of them: While human, she understood the Curse and the consequences of failing to fulfill it. She worked in Dark Moon Vale for the royal family, and she also knew Ramsey personally, if only through passing interactions; yet and still, she had chosen to run away, to risk the sentinel’s life.
She made no such conscious choice, Napolean said telepathically. She simply reacted in fear. He knows this. Having revealed the fact that he was reading her thoughts, he tightened his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “This male will not hurt his destiny, my love.” He spoke aloud for Ramsey’s benefit, and then he turned back to regard the keyed-up vampire. “Fifteen minutes to find her; thirty to retrieve her; and then…your brethren will step in.”
Ramsey nodded in obeisance. “As you will, milord.”
Brooke watched in angst-filled suspense as the ruthless sentinel stalked to the back door of the parlor; threw open the panel, using only his mind to do so; and drew some sort of crude weapon from a sheath at his belt. “And just what the hell is that for?” she whispered beneath her breath.
“We have many enemies, my love,” Napolean answered calmly, shifting his hand to the small of her back, where he could rub it softly. “And Ramsey is a sentinel. He hunts Dark Ones. He protects the people. He dispatches enemies, of all types, at my command. He is not an ordinary member of the house of Jadon. He must take extraordinary precautions.”
Despite her mate’s explanation, Brooke Adams-Mondragon cringed.
It had only been fourteen months since she and Tiffany had first come to Dark Moon Vale to attend a routine conference. It had only been fourteen months since the two of them had been hurtled into a world beyond comprehension, into the realm of the Vampyr, against their will. And as she thought about it, she had to admit: Napolean had been rather intense when she had met him as well. For heaven’s sake, he had stopped a cab with the palm of his hand, ripped the door off the hinges, and ordered Brooke to get out of the backseat, while Ramsey had driven the “getaway” car. Well, no wonder she still feared the male like the grim reaper…with fangs.
She drew in a deep breath of air and tried to calm her racing heart.
In the end, it had all worked out, and Brooke had found happiness beyond her wildest dreams. She had been gifted with peace, security, and love—surely, Tiffany would find the same.
But with Ramsey Olaru?
As she stared at the open door, shivering from the cool, ominous breeze that wafted in, in Ramsey’s wake, she marshaled her courage and summoned her hope. And then she said a prayer to the celestial god Gemini: Please let Tiffany be okay, and please don’t let Ramsey…harm her sensitive soul.
She knew her best friend well, just as she also knew the vampire…
And this was not going to be an easy Blood Moon.
About The Author
Tessa Dawn grew up in Colorado where she developed a deep affinity for the Rocky Mountains. After graduating with a degree in psychology, she worked for several years in criminal justice and mental health before returning to get her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management.
Tessa began writing as a child and composed her first full-length novel at the age of eleven. By the time she graduated high-school, she had a banker’s box full of short-stories and books. Since then, she has published works as diverse as poetry, greeting cards, workbooks for kids with autism, and academic curricula. The Blood Curse Series marks her long-desired return to her creative-writing roots and her first foray into the Dark Fantasy world of vampire fiction.
Tessa currently splits her time between the Colorado suburbs and mountains with her husband, two children, and “one very crazy cat.” She hopes to one day move to the country where she can own horses and what she considers “the most beautiful creature ever created” -- a German Shepherd.
Writing is her bliss.
Books in the Blood Curse Series
Blood Destiny
Blood Awakening
Blood Possession
Blood Shadows
Blood Redemption
Blood Father
Blood Vengeance ~ Coming Soon
If you would like to receive notice of future releases,
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www.TessaDawn.com