“Do you? Have a wife and children?” I sat beside him. Mortal first. It was difficult to imagine. His face certainly gave nothing away about how he felt about his decision. He wouldn’t look at me, just stared at the wall, as cold as he’d been when he’d stared down Marin in their rooms. Did he have regrets? I wanted to touch his hand but wondered if he would welcome it.
“No.” He got up and walked into the other room. I followed close on his heels. “I’m feeling the sunrise. I know Fergus told you we die when the sun comes up. I will be locked into my room as long as it is light outside, Gloriana. That is when we are vulnerable to attack. I cannot trust anyone near me then.” He stared at me for a long moment. He didn’t say it aloud but he might as well have added even you.
“Fergus has a key and he’s the only one who should be allowed inside these rooms during the day. I know Marin and Jean-Claude still want you. I read it in their thoughts. They will die at sunrise too, but Alain may try to come for you with hired men to help him. Don’t let anyone in. Do you hear me?”
“Of course.” I followed him to that sturdy door and his special room. He didn’t let me see inside though I wanted desperately to get a look at where he slept. Was it an ordinary bed? Or something else? He died at sunrise. Would it matter what he laid his head on?
“You could go to them if you wished, but I didn’t see that desire in your mind.” He pulled me to him. “I meant it when I said I would protect you. I cannot erase their thoughts of you. I would if I could. Marin it too strong for me to do that to her.”
“I wondered…” It would have been a simple solution.
“Now that you have been seen in the Tower helping Marin, we have something of a problem. I doubt any of those guards would ever be near the King but if I could find the right ones…” He ran his hands over my back. “I’m afraid it will be impossible to take care of all the guards who might have seen you. I know you won’t believe me in your present mood, but I don’t enjoy killing. You were brave, foolishly so. I can only wonder why you would take such a risk for a vampire. I know you hate us.”
“Because you treat me as if I am nothing but food!” I jerked away from him. “I am already regretting it. I suppose I was trying to prove to you and to myself that I have more value than just my blood.” I couldn’t look at him. I did sound foolish.
“You certainly impressed me. First in the Tower and then by my side as Grandmother.” He turned me so I faced him. “I won’t deny your blood is what first drew me to you, Gloriana. It is very fine indeed. Marin is right about that. But there is more to my fascination with you than that now.”
“Oh, yes. I am comely enough to satisfy your lust.” I was not going to shed a tear, but I felt the pressure behind my eyes and looked away from him. “Go to your death sleep, vampire. I have nowhere to go now. You are right about that. I did this to myself.” I forced a laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears. “I might as well enjoy a nice long bath before I sleep. It is one of the few pleasures living here has given me.”
“One of the few, Gloriana?” He pulled me close and held my face still so he could kiss me breathless. “Deny that my kisses mean nothing, I dare you.” He rested his hand on my rapidly beating heart. “You want me. You get pleasure from lying with me. Admit it.”
“Yes, damn you. You are quite an accomplished lover, Jeremiah Campbell. I won’t deny that.” I slid his hand inside my bodice. “But then you are only good for it about half a day, more’s the pity.” I noticed his eyes drooping and knew his time was running out. I glanced down and saw that even the bulge in his pantaloons was losing the fight. “Die then and I’ll see you when the sun goes down.” I jerked his hand from my breast and shoved him into his room then pulled the handle toward me. I heard the key turn in the lock before I staggered to the sofa in front of the fire. Bold words. Too bad that’s all they were, words. I was trapped and now in league with a vampire, for better or worse. What did the future hold for me now? I couldn’t imagine.
* * *
Fergus had filled the bathtub for me then left so I could have a good long soak. He was off to fetch the rest of my new clothes from the tradesmen. I hoped the cap and cape he wore kept him from being recognized by any guards still searching for us, even though I don’t think the Tower could hold him if he was caught. His talent for shape-shifting could surely help him escape.
I was out of the bath and in a velvet dressing gown when I heard his key in the lock again. He brought a basket that smelled of chocolate and warm bread as well as the bundle with the last of my new dresses.
“Here, lass. Eat a bit before you sleep.” He poured hot chocolate from a crock into a cup and handed it to me as I sat in front of the fire.
“Thank you, Fergus. You must be exhausted.” I sipped the fragrant brew and sighed. Delicious. I was already filling out, my ribs no longer visible when I’d washed. I wondered if my new dresses would even fit now. “Did you have any trouble while you were out? See any guards looking for the witch?”
“Nay.” He handed me a warm bun stuffed with candied fruit. “I get the idea that the Tower guards would like to forget the witch’s escape. I am sure they are afraid what will happen if they catch her. Stories are being told of men turning into giant bears.” He chuckled. “Can you imagine?”
“But they have to make the attempt.” I was afraid to leave this place though it still seemed too much like a prison to me as I was locked in every time Fergus left.
“Aye. We will stay inside for a few days and let things settle. There is talk on the street of a new plot against the King. That will no doubt keep the guards busy as well.” He sat with his own bun and a mug of ale. “Dress you in some of your fine new clothes and no one will have any reason to think you had anything to do with the Tower and the witch.”
“You are right. I want to go to the theater soon and visit my friend Maggie. The one who gave me her velvet dress.” I bit into the bun. Delicious. I had to admit that Jeremiah and Fergus had seen to it that I was well-fed. Of course that insured my blood would be hearty. I deliberately forced that thought from my mind. “You know I won’t tell her what I have really been up to, just that I have found a wealthy protector.”
“Aye. You understand how to go on.” Fergus brought us both another bun and refilled my chocolate.
“Do you think Marin and Jean-Claude will come after me again? Jeremiah seems to think so.” I sipped the chocolate. It was easy to get used to such luxuries and hard to believe I’d been starving mere days ago. “I don’t want to become their latest plaything.”
“Of course not, lass. But Jeremiah’s right. I could tell this was very important to Marin. And what Marin wants, Jean-Claude will move Heaven and Earth to provide.” Fergus looked me over when I yawned. “I think you should seek your bed, lass. Might as well get used to sleeping all day and staying up all night. We live by Jeremiah’s clock here.”
I set down my empty cup and took his hand so he could pull me to my feet. “You’re right. I can hardly keep my eyes open.” I smiled at him. “Will you shift and sleep on the bed again? Keep me safe?”
“It’s my job, lass.” He didn’t smile back. “But it’s best if you put on a sturdy night rail and climb under the covers before I join you on the bed.” He turned his back and stared into the fire.
I realized he was giving me privacy to leave the room. But I had no sturdy night rail and he knew it. Hadn’t he paid for my clothes himself? I laid my hand on his back.
“Fergus?”
“Just keep your covers up to your chin, Gloriana.” He turned and looked at me, his amber eyes solemn. “I am a man, ye ken. While I know my place and keep to it, I am still and all a man. I can be tempted. So go now. Get into yer warm bed and go to sleep. There’ll be no close sleeping, even in my cat form. I’ll be at yer feet. Betwixt you and harm.” He nodded then turned back to face the fire.
I was speechless. And touched by the way he had made it clear he would guard me, no matter his own feelings. He w
as loyal to Jeremiah and that was his first priority. I hurried into the bedchamber. My night rail was sheer, of course, and hid nothing. I was a bought and paid for mistress after all. I climbed into bed and stared at the rough ceiling. Fergus was a huge man but a gentle giant. And he was handsome if you liked a man with dark red hair, unusual amber eyes and the kind of strength that made a woman feel small and protected. If he hadn’t been constantly in the presence of Jeremiah Campbell, he would have been drawing his own admiring women to him, I didn’t doubt it.
I turned and punched the pillow. But that dark-haired vampire with eyes that could see into my soul had something that made me lose what little sense I had. He was not as tall or as broad as Fergus, but he was strong as well. He had a way with a sword and a knife that was almost elegant. And then he could woo me with his clever hands… I sighed and closed my eyes. I didn’t love Jeremiah, I couldn’t. Not when he’d used me so. But I couldn’t deny that I was drawn to him like I’d never been drawn to another man, not even my husband.
I’d been grateful to Michael. Had even loved him in a way. But he’d been all about his own pleasure, not mine. There had been times when I’d been left lying with him on top of me, wanting more. And he’d been snoring, done for the night. I couldn’t imagine Jeremiah behaving in that fashion. Every time he’d taken me, he had spent long minutes making sure I was mindless with wanting before he’d pushed inside me. It had been a revelation. And yet…
Michael had called me a temptress. It was one of Will Shakespeare’s words. Michael loved to bandy them about. But one night, in his cups, he had sworn that he’d taken me home when he’d found me because he hadn’t been able to help himself.
I rubbed my forehead, remembering that. Yes, it had been during an argument between us. He’d been angry. The money had been gone, wasted, he’d said, on a frippery for me. He’d claimed that he had been “spelled” that night. Drawn in to save me against his will.
What nonsense! I’d tossed his wine in his face, telling him he’d drunk too much and that the money he’d spent at the tavern was why he didn’t have the rent for our room. We’d argued and then ended up in bed. But after he’d discovered his rod was useless, he’d said it again. That I’d pulled him into that alley, casting a spell on him that forced him to attack those thieves with his cane when he’d never before or since done such a heroic or foolish thing. And he’d certainly never thought to chain himself to a wife, now had he?
Once done with that ridiculous claim he’d fallen over and started snoring. We’d both never mentioned it the next morning. But now Marin said I had blood like a goddess. Ridiculous. As if such a thing even existed. She just had a craving for my blood. So did Jeremiah. She was just greedy. Anyone could see that. I doubted she’d even known an Egyptian Pharaoh or his wife.
Made up stories. I was certainly used to them in the theater. Every actor could trot out one that featured himself as the hero along with a famous person he’d saved or bedded. Maggie’s Horace claimed he’d even shared a bed with the King. How we’d laughed at that tale.
I felt the bed move. It was Fergus in his cat form jumping on the foot of the bed. He didn’t touch me but I knew he was there. I wanted to reach out and stroke his soft fur, hear him purr. But I knew better than to encourage him. Nothing could happen between us. He knew it and I wouldn’t cause strife between the shifter and his master. The best thing I could do now was sleep. I had to clear my mind of Fergus and anything more than friendship between us. Because, damn him, Jeremiah might say he’d stay out of my mind, but I knew better. He’d see every stray thought and pounce on it.
I let my mind go blank. The exhaustion of a full night should take me right to sleep. At least here I felt safe. It was only when there was pounding on the door that I woke. Not again!
Chapter Ten
Fergus answered the door and I heard male voices. At least they didn’t sound angry. I found my dressing gown and got up, wrapping it around me. I wasn’t about to stay in bed when clearly Fergus had allowed someone inside the rooms.
“I tell you I was almost tossed into gaol, cousin. We look too much alike. Luckily there was a roomful of people in the tavern who could swear I had been there most of that night, not helping a witch escape from the Tower. MacDonald had a woman in his bed and had ordered me out.” His cousin Bran paced in front of the fire then stopped and grabbed Fergus by the arm. “Are ye mad, having truck with a witch? This is Campbell’s doing, I’m sure of it.”
“The less you know, the better, cousin. MacDonald will read your mind and he’d have something to hold over Jeremiah’s head if he knew the truth of it.” Fergus glanced at the doorway where I stood. “Now look what you’ve done, waked up the lady.”
“Sorry, mistress.” Bran doffed his cap. “I wasn’t thinking, raisin’ my voice like that. Had a bit of a scare and came over as soon as I could. It wasn’t wise to do it right away, ye ken.”
“Yes, I heard what you said. You were lucky you had witnesses.” I knew I should probably leave them alone, but I felt well-rested and wanted to get out of this place for a while. We’d been staying in since the raid on the Tower. It seemed like forever since I’d seen the sun but probably little more than a week. “What time is it?”
“A bit after noon.” Fergus handed his cousin a tankard of ale. “I can fetch you a meal if you’re hungry, Gloriana.”
“Thank you, but you’ve stuffed me like a Christmas goose since I’ve been here. What I’d really like is to go for a walk. Mayhap I can get dressed and see a bit of the outside. Breathe fresh air. If you think it’s safe.” I saw Bran frown. “You said you were almost arrested. When was this?”
“A few days ago. The search for those who helped with the Tower escape has finally been called off. At least for now. All the troops are surrounding the palace and looking for traitors who have plotted against the king. Word is the Catholics are causing trouble again.” Bran drained his tankard. “The king has asked for his Scottish noblemen to stand with him. That makes the English worried about their future. As soon as our masters wake, they’ll need to go to court and show support.”
“I’ll let Jeremiah know.” Fergus nodded toward me. “Aye, we can go out now. Dress in your finery, Gloriana. We can go to the theater and you can invite your friend to come with us to dine. You’ll eat, of course. Hungry or no. Those are Jeremiah’s wishes.” He ignored my pout. “To be safe, I’ll darken my red hair with ash then cover it with a cap. I doubt anyone will give us a second look.”
“Even if a meal is part of it, I thank you, Fergus.” I rushed into the bedchamber and closed the door. Maggie had been so kind to me and I couldn’t wait to see her. We could take her to a fine inn and order a meal she was sure to enjoy. Horace would no doubt be busy learning lines for the new play to be presented at court soon.
It took me a few minutes to decide what to wear and then to fix my hair. The mirror had been returned to the neighbor so I had to do the best I could by touch. When I was satisfied that I was presentable, I opened the bedchamber door. There was no sign of Bran.
“You look fine as a new mint coin, Gloriana.” Fergus had donned a plain jacket and waistcoat without a bit of plaid in sight. If the English were unhappy with the Scots, I guessed that was wise. His hair looked darker, dull from the ash, before he pulled on a cap. He laid my cape over my shoulders.
“Thank you, Fergus. I hope Bran was right and we won’t be running a risk going out.” I waited while he unlocked the door. “I miss your pretty red hair but it did help change your look.” I smiled at him.
“Aye. And no one would think that the elegant lady you are now could be the same as the woman who spoke so saucily to the Tower guards the other night.” Fergus escorted me into the corridor then locked the heavy door behind us.
“Is it safe to leave Jeremiah alone?” I suddenly thought about what Jeremiah had said. This was when a vampire was most at risk. He’d been protective of me since Marin’s rescue, staying close to home and making love to me
each night. He’d not taken blood from me, claiming I needed to recover from Marin’s greed. I’d been relieved, yet foolishly a little disappointed. Madness. Perhaps I was under this vampire’s spell.
“I wouldn’t leave him if it wasn’t safe. Don’t worry. Bran certainly would never tell anyone about this place. He and I are like brothers, even though we can have our differences from time to time. Our family honor relies on our loyalty to our employers. Though it’s a worry. MacDonald ordered him to find out where we live. Bran has held our secret so far, but it’s only a matter of time before he lets a careless thought slip.” Fergus offered his arm and escorted me down the long passage and into the sunlight.
It was a rare bright day in London and I stopped to look around and just breathed. How I had missed being out during the day! I turned to Fergus.
“I’m sorry you and your cousin have been set against each other. That must be hard.”
“Aye.” He had nothing more to say about it.
“But it seems you were both hired for a job. How long have you served Jeremiah?” I took his arm as we walked toward the theater.
“Fifteen years.” Fergus let me go ahead of him when we came close to the Globe. There were street vendors and more fashionable ladies about.
“Really.” I couldn’t imagine such a lengthy service.
“That’s not unusual. Alain has been with Lily and Jean-Claude for well over a hundred years. He is an ancient shifter.” Fergus frowned when I stopped and took his arm again. “Stay ahead of me, mistress. I am your servant now.”
“Are shape-shifters immortal as well as vampires?” I kept my voice low while dropping his arm and nodding to a passing lady with a smile. Her own servant carried a laden basket and stayed a few steps behind her. We were playing a role and I would do well to remember that.
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry Page 13