When the nausea passed, she scrabbled off the rocks, holding her injured arm tightly against her body. With each step she tried to put the unsettling experience behind her. Midway she took a breather and let the breeze cool her damp skin. Turning back, she looked up the mountain, half hoping to see what had been watching her. There was another howl, farther than the one before. Wolves were her first thought. Shenandoah National Park wasn’t far from here, could the park be introducing them back to this area like they did out west? That was the only explanation she could think of.
The front pocket of her shorts started to vibrate. She pulled out her phone and saw Martha’s image on the screen. Using her thumb, she connected the call and waited.
“Lily, thank goodness you answered. Charlie’s been looking for you. Come on home now. He needs your help with the horses.”
Lily acknowledged Martha by hitting the pound button twice and hung up.
The adrenaline was wearing off and her arm throbbed from the run. Walking as smoothly as possible, she emerged from the woods, slipped into the truck and drove around to the barns.
Charlie was waiting for her, his great mop of black hair hanging down over one eye. “They’ve been jumpy all day,” he said in his thick Irish accent, and looked at the bay gelding alternating between pawing and circling his stall.
Lily moved to the board hanging in the center aisle, and wrote instructions for him to take them up to the bottom. It was on the far side of Waverly, away from the mountain and the party preparations. Could the horses sense what she’d seen on the mountain?
She watched while Charlie slipped a halter on the gelding and waited until he was ready for her to open Blackie’s door. Blackie was a companion pony to the young and high-strung thoroughbred.
“I’ll be fine,” Charlie said. She watched until he’d cleared the gate and then turned to walk up to the main house. Martha must have been watching for her, because she was walking towards her on the path.
“One of these days you’re going to give me a stroke. You know that?” Martha planted her feet wide and placed her hands on ample hips. “I worry about you traipsing up that mountain by yourself. Don’t be giving me those Bambi eyes. I know that’s where you were.”
Lily had never known her mother, and while she was naturally curious about her, she had a feeling that someone so beautiful and privileged would not necessarily like having her as a daughter. Horrible as that sounded, maybe she was better off not knowing her, because now she had Martha, who never made her feel anything but beautiful, and smart, and most important of all, loved.
“You need to get washed up and dressed. I won’t have you looking like a wild child raised by wolves.”
Waverly rarely opened its gates to the public. Lily didn’t know why Walter had agreed to let their property be used for a charity function tonight. He hated these types of social events as much as she did. If Jo hadn’t made her promise to make an appearance, she would have locked herself in her room for the night. She reminded herself that it was for a good cause.
“Did you get the horses taken care of?”
Lily nodded.
“I hate having all these guards roaming around the property. I found two of them stomping around in the flower bed by the pool. Honestly.” Martha shook her head.
Inside the house, Martha would not let her linger downstairs, insisting that she get ready right away. Looking at the dress on her bed, she gave Martha a look.
“I pulled this out for you. I thought you’d look beautiful in it tonight,” Martha said.
Lily frowned and ran her hand over the silk dress.
“No, Miss Lily Ayres, it is not too low cut. And yes, it will look lovely on you, so go on and take your shower.” Martha shooed her into the bathroom.
Lily carefully stripped out of her clothes. The sling made everything difficult, and when she moved wrong, which was often, it felt like jagged glass digging into her flesh. The water took too long to get hot. The room was too foggy. Her arm hurt.
All she could think about was Krieger. Was he real? Yes, he must be real. She was many things, but she was not crazy. What had been following her in the woods? Why would someone be following her? When would she see Krieger again?
She watched Martha through the steam and shower glass as she picked up Lily’s discarded clothes. Lily told herself she was taking extra care to look good tonight, but she was just procrastinating. One part of her wanted to rush down to the party and see if he was there, the other part of her wanted to hide.
“Lily, hurry it up,” Martha called out. “Jesus, child, you’ll look like a lobster if you don’t get out soon.”
Reluctantly, she shut off the water, wrapped a towel around her wet hair, and put on a robe. Martha was sitting in the chair looking at the picture of Krieger. Lily had put it back in her pocket when she’d left the mountain. She hadn’t thought to hide it from Martha.
“Where on earth did you get this?” Martha looked up at Lily and then back down at the picture. “You know, there is something about this. I just can’t remember, but it’s important. Have you seen this before?” Martha asked, pointing to a box sitting amid a grouping of small items on a wooden round table located in the lower left corner of the picture.
Lily hadn’t looked at anything but Krieger. She studied the box and gave a one-sided shrug with her good shoulder. Now that Martha had pointed it out, there was something about that box, something just out of the reach of her memory. It felt like an icicle was dripping on her spine. She mentally shook herself and pushed it away from her thoughts.
“He is a handsome devil, isn’t he? If you took this from one of Mr. Ayres’ books,” she warned, giving Lily a look, “there will be hell to pay.”
Lily adjusted the towel around her hair and smiled. Martha loved a good looking man.
The two women jumped when the phone rang.
“Hello,” Martha answered, holding the phone out so Lily could hear, too.
“Where is she?” Jo asked. “Everyone is asking about her, and the auction is about to start.”
Lily looked at Martha and rolled her eyes.
Martha placed the picture on the side table and spoke while pointing towards the dress. “She’s coming. How does everything look?”
“You’ve outdone yourself.”
Lily struggled with the dress. “Hang on, Jo.” Martha placed the phone down and helped Lily with the zipper. She picked the phone back up and they walked out onto the balcony to look out over the party. It was a sight to behold. The tents were tiny islands of light drifting out in a dark sea. It was easy to make believe they’d been transported back in time to an earlier age.
“She isn’t going to skip out on me, is she?” Jo asked.
“No, no.” Martha turned to look at Lily. “She’ll be there.”
“’Kay,” Jo said, and hung up.
“I put a couple of the pain pills out for you. I think you’ll need them tonight,” Martha said. “It’s really hurting, isn’t it?”
Lily didn’t argue. She swallowed them immediately and without water. The hike had caused her shoulder and arm to throb. Tonight, being around so many strangers would be a challenge.
Chapter Two
Krieger didn’t take time to appreciate Stoke’s tailored gardens on his way back from Cherie’s cottage. Even her exquisite skills were unable to bring him the release he’d sought. His muscles were tight and his mind kept replaying his conversation with Lily.
Last night, before leaving Waverly, he’d ordered the Vantors, a pack of vampire-werewolf hybrids, to track and protect her. They reported something following her, but were unable to distinguish its origin. Tonight he would bring her to his home, Stoke Castle.
The royal guards dipped their heads in deference, slightly exposing their necks to him as he walked through the expanse of his home and into his bedchamber. The room was dominated by a stone fireplace and a massive bed, built to his specifications. He hadn’t sought Lily out, and yet, he wanted he
r. He’d enjoyed humans, but after so many centuries, they held little allure except for the physical need they might ease. Absently he showered and slipped into the clothes laid out for him. There was something about Lily, something that kept her in the forefront of his mind. Merlin would say it was because of the blood, but he wasn’t convinced of that.
The guard announced his advisor.
“Sire.” Merlin walked into his room and placed a stack of papers onto the round table. He was dressed in the same attire as the king, dark suit, conservative tie, nothing flashy, nothing memorable. “Some of my research. The doctor has everything he needs to evaluate her.”
Krieger sifted through the papers, stopping to read a newspaper article about her accident at Rolex. The picture showed a gray horse lying on its side. The caption explained that Lily was trapped underneath the horse’s body. There was one photo of Lily he particularly liked. She was sitting at an outdoor café. Her hair was pulled back from her face and she seemed to stare directly into the camera lens. He ran his finger down the delicate line of her cheek.
Merlin handed him a folder. “These are academic and miscellaneous medical records. She’s quite bright, always at the top of her class. The doctor’s notes are worrisome. Each one contradicts the other as to why she is so…” Merlin paused, clearly searching for the most appropriate word, finishing with “special.”
“You’re concerned?” Krieger didn’t bother to open the file before he placed it with the others on the table.
“May I speak openly?”
Krieger gave him a look. “When don’t you?”
“Perhaps Walter was not honest with you.”
Krieger’s smile was without warmth. “I would say Walter was most definitely not honest with me.”
“She may be unbalanced. She could be a danger to us.”
Krieger laughed. “I think I can manage one girl, deranged or not. Now, is everything ready?”
“Of course everything is ready.” Merlin didn’t hide his aggravation at the king’s dismissal of his concerns. “I have sensed a force.”
Krieger raised an eyebrow. “It seems everyone senses something around her. Any idea what this may be?”
Merlin shook his head. “Only that it is something old, very old.”
Twenty minutes later, they rode up the winding drive to Waverly. Parking attendants holding illuminated batons directed the driver to a grassy area designated for tonight’s guests.
The King’s Guard had replaced the hired security for the party. His guards were mostly Others, but there were a few vampires. Krieger stepped out of the vehicle and addressed the guard who waited by the side of their vehicle. “Any trouble?”
“Sire.” The guard bowed low. “No, only a few reporters attempting to sneak past without an invitation.”
The Vantors fanned out and around Krieger with Merlin by his side. They were careful to stay outside the pools of harsh artificial light. Krieger doubted anyone would notice them, but it was always best to be cautious. He wanted this to go as smoothly as possible. Slicing through the night with their preternatural grace, they followed the path to the party tents.
“Liam, send two men to Walter’s study,” Krieger ordered. “You stay with us. Send the rest of your men amongst the guests. Have them report back anything unusual.”
Liam was the pack leader of the Vantors. Against Merlin’s advice Krieger had requested their presence at court. They would now be Lily’s personal guard. At least Merlin and he could agree that she needed guards.
Krieger noticed a distinctive looking woman. Her hair was dark and cut in a severe fashion around her face. She held a drink in each hand and constantly looked back toward the path, obviously waiting on someone. Her eyes scanned over them and he knew she was appraising them.
Liam emitted a long, low growl. Tonight was a full moon, a demanding time for Vantors to mingle with humans. “Now that,” he said, meaning the woman, “is something I’d like to chase.”
“Focus.” Krieger’s tone was clipped and harsh.
Lily walked down to the party tent and stood next to the woman. He watched Lily carefully, noting her shyness, the way she always looked away or down at the ground. She was comfortable with the other woman but still very reserved.
“Merlin, who is Lily talking with?” he asked.
“Jo Anna Beekman. She goes by Jo,” Merlin answered. “They have been friends since childhood.” He pulled a blackberry from his jacket pocket. “Mathers has responded to your message to the Elder.” He read the email out loud. “The Elder did not order Walter to England. He has no knowledge of Walter’s whereabouts.”
“Any mention of Winston?”
“Nothing,” Merlin replied.
Walter had walked into a trap, willingly or unwillingly, and there was nothing Krieger could do for him now.
Lily shifted her weight, probably uncomfortable in either her shoes or her clothes. His eyes caught every nuance, every gesture, looking for any clue into her personality.
Krieger and Merlin stepped closer to the women. Krieger’s vampire hearing allowed him to listen in to their conversation.
“You,” Jo said, “look amazing.” She handed one of the drinks to Lily.
Lily took the offered glass but shook her head.
“You are such a prude. Drink it. It won’t hurt anything to have a little fun, and it might even help you make it through the evening. Look, I get it, okay. I know how hard this is for you, but this is for a good cause and I know it will raise a shitload of money for the horse charity.”
Lily smiled and took the drink, taking a long sip through the straw.
Jo gave her a wink. “You look perfect.” She spun her finger, and Lily obediently turned around to show how the dress dipped down in the back.
“It makes you look taller.”
Lily scrunched her eyebrows.
“No, really, you looked taller in that dress. You worry too much about height, it’s not important for a woman. Five two is plenty tall, remember, everything evens out once you’re horizontal.” Jo laughed naughtily and continued, “Okay, here’s the lowdown. The usual suspects, no drama yet.” Jo paused as the emcee named the next bachelor on the block. “We probably should show up over at the auction.”
The two young women went into the tent, but stayed at the back of the crowd. Krieger, followed by Merlin and Liam, walked to where they had just been standing. “Do you see the glow?” he asked.
“Yes, faintly,” Merlin answered. Liam grunted his agreement.
Krieger had listened to Walter’s request with no intention of bringing Lily into his court. He would make sure she was protected and, if the need arose, provided for, but to bring a human into his court? No, that was unthinkable. When he’d caught the first glimpse of Lily, he’d seen her slight shimmer. When her hand had slipped into his, the shimmer had become a glow, brightened perhaps by his touch. Only Others glowed as Lily did, and even a full-blooded Other did not shine so brightly.
Chapter Three
Lily had that strange feeling of being watched, like tiny spiders were marching up her arms. She turned around. There were three men standing not far from her. They were hidden by the shadows, but she could make out their size. Two of them were tall and wide, like professional football players, while the third was what Lily considered normal sized.
Krieger had promised to come back and visit with her. Was that him? Nudging Jo, she pointed in their direction.
“I saw them too. Maybe we should go up and introduce ourselves.” She gave Lily a wicked smile.
Violet, an unrepentant cougar of indeterminate age acting as the emcee, pounded the gavel down. “Attention, everyone.” Violet waited until she had everyone’s attention. “Look at this prime example of Argentine manhood. Your generous donation will buy a dinner date. What you decide to do after that is up to you.” The guests laughed. “Now do I hear five thousand?” she purred into the microphone.
Frederico walked on stage like a male model, r
olling his shoulders out of the jacket and slinging it over his shoulder.
“Ten thousand,” one of the guests bid. He dramatically took a drink from the waiter’s offered tray.
Frederico looked out into the gathering with a worried expression.
“Lily,” Jo urged. “You should bid. Come on, it would get the auction off to a great start. You wouldn’t even have to go out to dinner with him. I’d take care of that for you.” She bounced her eyebrows up and down. “I do love a polo player. They’re such good riders.”
Lily rolled her eyes.
“No, seriously, as hostess, it is your duty.”
Lily lifted up her drink to bid.
“Ohhhh, Miss Ayres, what an honor.” Violet clapped her hands and everyone gave a round of applause. “Thank you for allowing us to use Waverly. It is such a treat for our foundation.” She returned her attention to the bidders. “It looks like Frederico,” she said, rolling her r’s, “will have the rare pleasure of Ms. Ayres’ company. Going once,” Violet teased, drawing out the moment.
“You bunch of Nancies,” Gretchen Hildebrand’s voice boomed out. “Neither of you have a clue what to do with him.” The crowd went quiet. Even Violet was dumbstruck. No one messed with Gretchen, not her dressage horses, nor her men – both of whom she seemed to have an insatiable appetite for. “I’ll give you twenty thousand for him.” Gretchen turned her body to look at the male bidder. “Close your mouth if you know what’s good for you.” She then looked over at Lily, but didn’t say anything. Maybe she figured she didn’t need to.
Lily’s shoulders relaxed, and she vowed to make a significant contribution to one of Gretchen’s charities of choice.
“Going, going…” Violet paused. “Gone,” she yelled out, looking relieved.
The next bachelor jumped on the stage, but Lilly felt she’d done her duty, and the event held no further interest for her. There had been a moment when she was excited by her boldness. Maybe she would have gone to dinner with him? No, no, she wouldn’t have.
The Last Keeper's Daughter Page 3