Masque of the Vampire (Amaranthine Book 8)

by Joleene Naylor

  “You weren’t going to get the Executioner job, anyway,” Cornelius said. “Every time there’s an opening, you put in and they turn you down. Give up already.”

  “And do what? Learn to play the guitar and start a jazz band?”

  Jorick cleared his throat to remind them of his presence. Both guards instantly snapped to attention. “The two of you can share with the Canadian guards. Katelina and I will take the third room.”

  Sarah interrupted him. “I’m not sharing with your friend.”

  Fleur stepped up. “You can share with me if you’d rather. There are two cots per room, so it doesn’t make a difference.”

  Katelina thought of Jorick’s tirade about sleeping. Maybe he was on to something.

  Though Sarah hinted she’d rather share with someone she knew, Katelina pretended not to get it and followed Jorick to their quarters. Roughly the size of a medium closet, there was room for the two cots—blankets and pillows neatly folded at the foot—with three feet of space between them.

  “Cozy,” Jorick murmured as he pushed the cots together.

  “Better than Oren’s place.” She closed the door and stripped off her jeans and shirt, but stopped at her underwear. She still couldn’t be casually naked.

  Jorick had no such qualms. After he spread out the blankets, he peeled off his clothes and slid in next to her. He pulled her to him, his silky skin warm against her body.

  “Good night, little one. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. And I’ll never choose anyone over you, not even Sarah. You know that, right?”

  His answer was a noncommittal noise.

  The next evening, Fleur gave them each a bag of blood, then led them outside. “A plane is waiting for us at the airstrip.”

  Plane. Katelina cringed. So much for being free of them.

  The aircraft looked like an antique toy with a big propeller and wings stacked on top of one another. When Katelina asked, Fleur informed them it was from the 70s. “Since we aren’t an independent guild, we aren’t allowed much of a budget. With more money we could have better equipment.”

  Six hours later they landed in Churo and spent the day with a coven. The next evening they loaded back into the plane for another trip. Katelina was grateful to see the destination airport— if that’s what they wanted to call it. Barely more than a metal building with doors and windows, it was at least shelter from the driving wind. Inside, Fleur looked around impatiently. With pursed lips she pulled out her cell. Katelina could see the screen and the no signal icon. With a deep growl, Fleur snapped at her guards, “One of you call Bishop and tell him to get his butt here.”

  The airport staff consisted of two men who watched them uncertainly. Katelina could imagine what they were going to think when ancient vampires started to descend on the place. If they hadn’t already.

  “No,” Jorick said softly. “The party doesn’t start for a week. We’re here early to sort out security.”

  Sarah stepped closer. “I understand you and your friends are working, but what are Katelina and I supposed to do?”

  Jorick shrugged. “They think you’re part of The Guild’s team and it might be best to leave it that way.”

  “You don’t expect us to guard things?” Katelina asked uncertainly.

  “I don’t know.” He winked. “I’m sure you’d look fetching in a uniform.”

  Jamie was suddenly beside them. “Fleur said our ride will be here shortly. It’s only an hour and a half drive back, so we should have time to settle in before sunup.”

  “I wish I had my car.” Sarah clutched her purse tighter, as if the parking receipts inside could connect her to the automobile on the mainland.

  Bishop arrived with something like a mini-bus. Fleur motioned everyone inside. Katelina was barely in her seat before Sarah dropped next to her with a huff. “This is weird. And I don’t say that lightly, because I’ve run into a lot of weird since…but I feel like I’m on one of those vacations where you go to seminars about making money.”

  Katelina didn’t meet Jorick’s eyes as he took the seat in front of her. “I guess the party is a big deal, so they probably have this to pick up the guests.”

  “If they try to sell me a condo, I’m out.”

  Katelina stifled a laugh.

  Though the road was narrow, the trip went smoothly. Conifer forests gave way to land pockmarked with water until Katelina wasn’t sure if they were driving over earth or sea. Small towns peppered the way. Finally they turned off on a gravel road that wound through trees and up a hill. When they topped it, Katelina saw what could only be called a complex spread out before them. A mansion, larger than any she’d seen before, sprawled over walled grounds edged in forest. Outbuildings, whose purpose she could only guess, studded the dark lawn. Trees were grouped in strategic places, and she saw the glint of water. A pond?

  They drove through large gates to a circular drive. The bus stopped and Fleur stood with a puff of either impatience or nerves. At her motion, the driver opened the door. She stalked out, long coat flapping around her legs.

  Katelina followed the others. Her eyes roamed over the mansion and she unconsciously whistled. Four stories of gleaming windows were topped in a gabled roof and decorative cresting that looked like a fence. Double doors stood atop a large, pillared porch, with heavy knockers and ornate hinges. A scarlet coat of arms, bearing an open winged bird, hung above them. Through the windows she could see thick drapes and dark rooms. She imagined dusty halls echoing with the footsteps of nocturnal monsters and shivered. It was a mansion straight from a horror movie.

  Sarah clutched Katelina’s arm as the doors creaked open. A thin pale vampire dressed in livery stepped out and surveyed them. “The security has arrived,” he announced to an unseen person. “Alert the master.” His gray eyes met Katelina’s. She scowled at the quick stab of a mind reader. “Please, come inside.”

  Sarah’s hand tightened on Katelina’s arm as they stepped into the cavernous entryway. Pillars rose three stories. A staircase curved to a second floor and on to a third, both with banistered balconies. Red carpet folded its way down to trail off on the shiny marble floor. A story high fireplace had a mantle of carved figures. Above it hung a gilt framed mirror that reflected most of the room. Life sized statues of scantily clad women made Katelina think of Greek classics, while a chandelier, probably taller than she was, hung from the ceiling on a rope thicker than her arm.

  “You may leave your luggage here. Please follow me.” The butler motioned them through a doorway and down a hall. Their feet clicked on polished wood and Katelina looked away from the painted eyes of portraits.

  The butler led them into what would have been a smoking room in bygone days. Leather furniture, a stuffed bear, and a giant free standing globe whispered of men in cravats drinking whisky and discussing business.

  A figure stood in front of a tall white fireplace. Long golden brown hair fell down his back. A suit fit his slim frame as though made for it. Katelina could feel the heaviness of his years hanging around him like a mantle; less than the High Council, but far greater than Jorick’s.

  He turned to face them, revealing a thin youthful face, with a hawkish nose and quick dark eyes. “This was the best they could find? You’re children.”

  Fleur fiddled with something at her belt, and the guards tried to melt into the walls. Jamie stepped forward, a sealed letter in his hand. “You requested security?”

  Their host snatched the paper from his fingers. He snapped the wax seal and read the contents. “The missive mentions only four. Who are the rest?”

  Sarah drew closer to Katelina, her body as tense as Katelina felt. Though she expected Jorick to lie, he leveled his gaze with their host. “They’re with me.”

  “I see.” He drummed long fingers on the back of the letter. Finally, he said, “It is acceptable. What are two more guests? Where are my manners I’ve failed to introduce myself. I am Andrei, welcome to my den. I believe you know why I requested
you?”

  To cause trouble, Katelina thought.

  Jamie gave a polite nod. “With the current climate of world affairs you’re concerned about the safety of your guests.”

  Andrei dropped the letter onto a stand. “That’s one way to put it. Suffice to say, after the Children of Shadows’ recent terrorist attacks, and rumors of a maniacal ancient’s resurrection, I think it prudent to be prepared. You will of course do everything to protect my guests but, should it come to it, my coven comes first.”

  In other words, they were there to protect him? Talk about a gracious host.

  “As to my coven, it numbers twenty in residence, with four immortal servants, and ten human. Introductions can be made tomorrow. For now please allow Cutter to escort you to your rooms.” He motioned to the butler. “An extra room will be needed. Though one of the young women will share with her mate, I can see our second unexpected guest wishes space of her own.” His eyes pierced Sarah. Though she shivered, she held her back straight.

  “A remnant of Claudius’ coven. How interesting.” A smile flickered over his lips, then died. “Tomorrow we will meet again. Rest well.”

  Cutter gestured to the door, and they followed. As they reached the entryway, Sarah whispered, “What’s a coven, and why would he say I was part of Claudius’?”

  “It’s a group of vampires under a leader,” Katelina answered. “I guess since Troy was in Claudius’ coven, then legally you were part of it. Though Claudius didn’t own you, Troy did, until your blood debt was paid.”

  The sentence left her uncomfortable, but it was what it was.

  They collected their luggage, then Cutter led them up the sweeping stairs. “In future you can use the back stairs,” he explained. “The grand staircase is for guests only.”

  Guests only. As if they were servants.

  “We are.” The voice in her head sounded like her own thoughts. She looked to Jorick and he winked to take credit for abusing his whisperer abilities.

  Their rooms were on the fourth floor, in another wing, separated from the rest of the house. Katelina caught the faint smell of humans; no doubt the servants Andrei mentioned. She and Jorick were given a room with a pair of twin beds. A wardrobe and shared nightstand that were once beautiful had since seen too much use. The floor was bare, except for a red rag rug. The slanted ceiling rolled down to a gabled window, complete with a small alcove seat.

  “It’s like a room from Masterpiece Theater.”

  “From what?” Jorick dropped his suitcase and turned to move the beds together.

  “It’s a show on PBS that acts out Bronte books, and that kind of thing.” She touched the heavy blackout curtains. “Though none of them had these, not even the Hercule Poirot shows.”

  “Agatha Christie.” Jorick pulled the bedding free and spread it out so they were sharing. “I enjoyed her stories more than the Bronte sisters’. Though of those three, I like Anne’s more.”

  Katelina was out of her depth with the classics, so she murmured agreement and examined the wardrobe. Seven wire hangers and a sachet of moth repellent were the only contents. She wondered whether they should unpack or live out of suitcases.

  “There’s no rush,” Jorick said as he slid into bed. “You have three weeks to decide.”

  “You’re going to sleep? It’s not sunrise yet.”

  “True, but extra sleep is never a bad thing, especially if it’s next to a beautiful woman.”

  Heat rose in her cheeks, and she tried to talk it down. There was no reason to blush like a virgin every time he complimented her. Men liked sophisticated women who could participate in sexy banter, not idiots.

  “Says who?” he asked to her thoughts. “Sexy banter can be…stimulating, but there’s something to be said for the innocence of a blush. If you asked men—real men, not the children that pass for them now—I think you’d find society has lied to you about our preferences.”

  “What are your preferences then?” She took off her clothes and pulled her nightgown over her head as quickly as she could. The garment dropped into place to reveal his grinning face pressed close to hers.

  “I prefer you.”

  He spun her around and laid her on the bed, his lean body half on top of her. Her surprised squeal was quickly drowned in a fiery kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and twined her fingers in his silky black hair.

  It ended too soon. He pressed his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged. “I suppose this is uncomfortable with your friend on the other side of the wall?”

  Katelina thought of Sarah in the next room, huddled alone in a twin bed. “I don’t know.”

  Jorick’s grin turned wolfish, and he dove back for more. After a few kisses Katelina pulled away. “Thanks. Sarah’s all I can think about now.”

  He drew back. “It’s not my fault.”

  “You’re the one who mentioned her.”

  Jorick cocked an eyebrow. “You hadn’t thought about it?”

  “No. I was distracted.” She blushed as his grin widened. “Stop that.”

  “A man likes to know his woman finds him distracting.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Just not distracting enough?”

  She gave an aggravated growl and pushed him away. “Don’t start being jealous of Sarah.”

  He laughed. “She’s the least of my worries, unless there was a dimension to your relationship I missed. I’d say feel free to tell me about it, but—”

  She smacked him on the arm and shifted to a more comfortable position. “Men! You’re all alike.”

  “Hardly. I’m far more interesting than most. And better looking.”

  “Someone has an ego.” When he drummed his fingers jokingly, she conceded. “Fine. You’re better looking.”

  He turned serious. “Am I still? Now that you’re…now that the dazzle is gone.”

  “The dazzle? You mean that super attractive, magnetic sensation you vampires have on humans?” He nodded and she pulled him to her. “Even without it, you’re still dazzling.”

  He nuzzled her neck, then brushed the hair back from her face. “So are you, little one.”

  Chapter Nine

  A sharp knock woke Katelina the next evening. Jorick stirred next to her and gave his customary morning gasp, like someone who’d forgotten to breathe all night. The rap repeated, then she heard footsteps patter down the corridor.

  She threw the bedclothes back with the realization that the sun wasn’t yet gone. Jorick told her vampires who didn’t get enough sleep needed extra blood…

  “It’s a matter of minutes,” Jorick replied. “Though I hope it’s not a regular occurrence.”

  Dressed, they met Jamie in the hallway. The Executioner nodded a greeting, his expression grim.

  “They woke you, too?” Jorick asked.

  “Yes. I think we need to discuss our status. I have no problem with servant’s quarters—I’ve slept in worse—but only Ark, Eileifr, or the High Council can command me to wake early.”

  Jorick scoffed. “I wouldn’t wake even for them.”

  “We know about your disobedience.” Jamie’s eyes twinkled, then hardened. “We may be working for Andrei, but it’s a cursory favor. We aren’t his employees, or members of his coven. We could arrest him at a whim, and he’d do well to remember it.”

  Jorick chuckled. “I’d forgotten how unpleasant you are before you’ve fed. Not that I disagree, but we’d need a charge.”

  “Exacerbating an Executioner should be enough,” Jamie muttered.

  Sarah’s door opened and she stepped out, dressed in khakis and a button up shirt. “Hello.”

  “Good morning,” Jamie said with a stiff but polite nod.

  “It’s evening,” Sarah corrected halfheartedly. “Are we supposed to go downstairs?”

  Jorick shrugged, and the two Executioners started down the hall. Sarah held Katelina back. “Last night…There was someone outside my room.”

  Katelina took in her friend’s worried expression and thought ab
out her overreaction at the falls. “The human servants were probably awake while we were sleeping.”

  “I’m not sure that’s it.” Sarah bit her lip. “Never mind. It was probably my imagination and this creepy house. It’s like something from a Bronte novel.”

  “I said that last night!” Katelina led her after the men, detailing their conversation.

  Jorick and Jamie waited on the landing, and Fleur and her guards were on the ground floor.

  “Breakfast is in the kitchen,” Fleur said. “Then we have a meeting with the master. We’ll be introduced to everyone and the general plans for the event. After that we’ll divide up, go over the grounds, and determine our security strategies.”

  When Katelina sighed, Jorick asked, “What did you think it would entail?”

  “I thought we’d show up and hang around.” She felt Fleur’s burning annoyance. “Never mind. Let’s eat.”

  The word eat was metaphorical. Katelina downed her glass of blood quickly and looked hopefully for seconds. As Roger and Cornelius entered, a vampiress in a maid’s uniform brought a second pitcher. Roger took a sip and scowled. “Cow.”

  “You didn’t expect human?” Cornelius asked. “If they have that they’ll save it for the guests.”

  “All the blood is bovine,” the maid said as she gathered the empty glasses. “The master owns several cattle ranches and has the blood sent.”

  Of course he would. All that money had to go for something practical.

  Cutter appeared, looking as thin and butlery as the night before.

  “He isn’t the butler,” Jorick murmured. “He’s Andrei’s second in command.”

  “Why does he look like a butler?”

  Jorick smirked. “You can’t fault a man for his face.”

  Andrei waited in the smoking room. He bowed, then apologized. “There was a miscommunication with the servants. Humans, you understand.” Katelina bristled at the remark, but he continued. “In future you will not be woken early.”

  Jorick and Jamie gave satisfied nods. Andrei asked them to accompany him to the entryway where a group of vampires were assembled. Katelina could feel the mixture of curiosity and boredom, so strong she wasn’t sure what her real emotions were.