My Lord Immortality

by Debbie Raleigh

  "No, not a fool. However, I will admit that I hoped that I was mistaken, Valkier." The dark eyes held an annoying hint of sadness. "Despite our differences I have never considered you my enemy. Indeed, I continued to hold the belief that you would overcome your conceit and realize that our powers are not meant to compel others to our will."

  "My conceit?" Valkier gave a sharp, unamused laugh. "You have bullied, cajoled, and castrated vampires until they are no more than pathetic shadows of themselves. And for what? To cower behind the Veil and pretend that we do not long to return to our rightful inheritance? It is your conceit that has led us to near-destruction."

  "What is it you desire?" she demanded.

  "I?" He ran a contented hand down the soft satin of his black jacket. "What is mine by right. Dominion."

  "Over humans?"

  He grimaced. "I do not seek to rule mere fodder. What are mortals to me? No. My dominion will be over vampires. As is only proper."

  Nefri narrowed her dark gaze. "The Great Council will stop you. You cannot overcome them all."

  Valkier offered a soft laugh. "A bothersome problem that you have at last allowed me to overcome, my dear Nefri."

  "The Medallion is beyond your reach," she warned.

  "Ah yes, the precious Medallion." He folded his arms over his chest, fully enjoying this moment of superiority over the woman who had spurned him. She would learn that he was not a vampire to accept defeat. Not ever. "I had hoped that my ruse would prove an adequate distraction for you and the Great Council."

  "Distraction?"

  "But of course." His smile was edged with a smug satisfaction. "I realized that if I were to accomplish my goals I must do something that would command the complete attention of all vampires. What better means than to threaten the precious Veil?" His smile widened in a chilling fashion. "It was a simple matter to seduce the three fools into believing they would soon possess the power of the Medallion. And even simpler to persuade the Great Council to choose to send in defense those vampires who were so noble and filled with righteous self-worth that they would not merely dispose of the traitors, but actually attempt to save them from their own lusts. They provided all the diversion I required."

  Oddly, the sadness about Nefri only seemed to deepen. The knowledge sent a surge of anger through Valkier. He wanted her frightened and begging for mercy, not regarding him with pity.

  "And what did you hope to gain, Valkier?" she asked softly.

  His hands curled as he battled the need to strike the flawless countenance. He would be respected. And feared.

  "Unlike my brethren, I have not forgotten that the Medallion was only one of a pair," he retorted in smooth tones. "As with all ancient artifacts, it was made to provide a balance to the one who wielded the power. The eternal Yin and Yang. Darkness and light. Love and hatred. Creation and destruction." He slowly reached beneath his jacket to reveal the Medallion he had so recently stolen from Nefri's hidden lair. "You have quite foolishly chosen to divide the Medallion of Creation, lessening it to mere baubles. While I now possess the Medallion of Destruction."

  The smooth expression never altered. "And what do you intend to do with it, Valkier?"

  "It is quite simple. I intend to destroy the Veil and anyone who stands in my way."

  There was a long silence before she stepped toward him, a slender hand outstretched.

  "Do not do this, Valkier. You will only harm yourself."

  His nose flared in fury. Why did she remain so calm? Why did she not plead for his mercy?

  "Nothing can harm me now, Nefri. I am invincible."

  "No, not invincible. The Medallion is a danger in itself."

  "Do not speak." Valkier held up the Medallion, the wondrous glory he had expected to experience ruined by this woman who had plagued him for centuries. "You could have ruled at my side, Nefri. You could have been the Queen to my King. But instead you have chosen to oppose my will. For that you will be the first to feel my retribution. I fear I must say goodbye to you now. My destiny awaits."

  Holding the Medallion high, Valkier felt the power cascade through his body with an intoxicating flood of pleasure. Soon, he moaned in painful arousal. Soon it would all be his.

  Amelia was frozen in horror as she watched the two powerful vampires confront each other. Deep within her, a tiny voice whispered that she should do something. Surely she should at least run in search of Sebastian, or call out in warning?

  But despite the frantic urge to help, she was bound by a paralyzing fear.

  Instead she helplessly watched as Nefri squarely faced her assailant, her shabby disguise falling away to reveal a tall, proudly beautiful woman. She could sense no fear in the ancient vampire. Not even when Valkier revealed his evil intentions. Instead, there was an unmistakable pity that frightened Amelia even more.

  It was obvious that Nefri had some feelings for the horrid intruder. Would such emotions keep her from protecting herself? Would she allow herself to be destroyed rather than strike out against this vampire who had clearly loved her at one time?

  Struggling to find some means past the panic that clutched at her, Amelia was abruptly distracted when the distinct sound of Sebastian's voice echoed in her mind.

  Amelia.

  Raising trembling fingers, she pressed them to her temple in confusion. "Sebastian?"

  Yes, my dear.

  "Where are you?"

  Just beyond the trees.

  Unnerved by the sensation of having his voice echoing within her mind, Amelia nevertheless swiftly concentrated upon the urgency of the situation.

  "You must come. Nefri is in danger."

  I know. I need you to come to me, Amelia. Try to move slowly and do not attract the attention of Valkier.

  "But..."

  Amelia, please. This is very important.

  She attempted to swallow past the thick lump in her throat. "Very well."

  Remember, be very careful.

  "I will."

  Pausing long enough to ensure that William remained sleeping peacefully upon the leather seat, Amelia gritted her teeth and began to inch her way through the door of the carriage. Her skirts briefly threatened to tangle between her legs, but she swiftly tugged them above her knees and poked the hem through the ribbon that tied beneath her bodice. This was no time for modesty.

  Step by excruciatingly slow step, she reached the ground and began to slide along the length of the carriage. Her gaze never strayed from the cold, forbidding countenance of Valkier, but it was obvious that Nefri consumed him.

  Still, she preferred to err upon the side of caution; ignoring the quivering muscles of her legs, she continued her crab-like steps until she was well away from the vampires. Only then did she breathe in deeply and allow herself to sense where Sebastian awaited.

  He was closer than she had expected, and not alone. With a frown of concern, she ducked low and dodged her way through the edge of the trees. Had Drake followed Sebastian? Did he even now hold him hostage? Was that why he had called to her?

  Her pace hastened until she at last forced her way through a deep thicket and stumbled forward to find Sebastian impatiently awaiting her.

  "Amelia."

  With satisfying swiftness, she found herself swept into a fierce embrace as Sebastian pressed a kiss to her lips and only reluctantly pulled back to study her.

  "Sebastian." Her hands gripped the lapels of his coat, as much to keep her upright as to keep him close. "What has happened? Did you capture Drake?"

  He gave a pained grimace. "No. He was destroyed before I could reach him."

  "Destroyed?" Her eyes widened. "How?"

  "Valkier. He must have been awaiting him the moment he left the cottage. I tried to follow the trail of the slayer, but it was impossible."

  She shuddered at the thought of the dreadful vampire who even now threatened Nefri. "Oh, Sebastian, he is near the carriage. He is determined to harm Nefri."

  "Yes. We must stop him." He managed a faint smile as he ga
ve her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Thankfully, Nefri seemingly suspected the truth about Valkier and was wise enough to take steps in case he attacked."

  Amelia frowned. "What steps?"

  Moving to one side, Sebastian waved a slender hand toward the silent forms that stood in the shadows. Just for a moment, Amelia remained puzzled. There were two gentlemen, one tall with an arrogant beauty about him, and the other a golden-haired rogue with a smile that could melt the most impervious female heart. There were also two women, both outrageously lovely, although one possessed a cold, Nordic fairness and the other was blessed with a serene charm with raven curls and deep blue eyes.

  It was not until she noted the matching golden amulets that hung about the women's necks that realization struck. These were Sebastian's brothers and the maidens they had been sent to protect.

  "Amelia, may I introduce you to Gideon and his wife Simone? And Lucien, who has recently wed Jocelyn."

  There was a muted greeting before Amelia returned her attention to the vampire at her side.

  "What is occurring?"

  "Nefri summoned Gideon and Lucien to bring their brides to the cottage," he explained.

  "But why? Are we to battle Valkier?"

  "Only in a manner of speaking." Sebastian held her gaze steadily, his expression somber. "I must have your amulet, Amelia."

  She blinked in surprise at his request. "Why?"

  The tall, rather arrogant vampire stepped forward. "The Medallion must be made whole again. It is the only means of stopping Valkier."

  "Oh." Amelia searched Sebastian's face for the answers to her lingering questions.

  He offered a reassuring glance. "The Medallions are a pair, each with their own powers and each able to hold the other in balance. We must return your Medallion to Nefri if we are to save her."

  Amelia was still uncertain what powers he spoke of, but she did not hesitate to tug the necklace over her head. She would do anything she could to halt the horrid Valkier.

  With absolute trust, she placed the amulet in Sebastian's hand, rather surprised when Simone and Jocelyn appeared at her side to add their own amulets.

  For a moment there was nothing but the odd glow that was always a part of the amulets. But even as she wondered what was supposed to occur, the glow brightened, limning Sebastian's body in a blazing light. Amelia narrowed her gaze against the abrupt flash of light, stepping back instinctively.

  "Sebastian," she cried softly, terrified that he was being injured.

  Thankfully, the light vanished as swiftly as it had burst to life. She met Sebastian's reassuring glance.

  "All is well, Amelia." He held out his hand to reveal the Medallion, once again made whole. "Now, remain here. Gideon, Lucien, and I must take this to Nefri."

  Opening her mouth to protest, Amelia stopped when she was firmly flanked by the two women, both wearing expressions as stubborn as her own.

  "We will be going as well," Simone said in a soft but determined tone.

  Soft laughter echoed through the trees as Gideon and Lucien shared rueful glances. Then, with a shake of his head, the golden-haired rogue moved toward the frowning Sebastian.

  "Do not seek to argue, my old friend," Lucien advised in a twinkling glance toward his wife. "A wise vampire avoids those battles that he is destined to lose. Especially when that battle is with the woman who shares his bed."

  Sebastian appeared less than pleased by the thought of Amelia placing herself in danger, but with a sharp nod of his head he began weaving his way through the trees. Gideon and Lucien were swiftly following in his path. Amelia, along with her staunch allies, brought up the rear.

  In silence they moved back toward Nefri and the forbidding Valkier. Amelia shivered as the thick feeling of bleak hatred threatened to overwhelm her. In truth she had no desire to continue onward. What possible help could she be? She had no means to overcome the obviously crazed vampire or even to offer Nefri any assistance.

  But there was no chance that she was going to allow Sebastian to be in the presence of the deadly Valkier without her near. No matter how her heart might quail or her knees threaten to buckle.

  Grimly she fought to keep her feet moving forward, only halting when Lucien turned to hold up a warning hand. On cue, all three women crouched in the overgrowth and turned their attention toward the two vampires locked in their private war of wills.

  Amelia tightly clutched the hands of her companions as the three gentlemen continued forward, Sebastian taking the lead as he hid the Medallion in his clenched hand. Her heart nearly came to a full stop as Valkier abruptly spun to confront the intruders. Dear heavens, she had never seen eyes that glittered with such a lethal intent or features so lacking in emotion. She knew beyond a doubt that he would cut down his brothers without a hint of regret.

  He would destroy anything or anyone who stood in his path.

  "Ah, Sebastian, you have invited companions. What a charming surprise," the gaunt-faced vampire drawled, his flat gaze flickering over the large figures stalking ever closer. "I did not dare to hope that I would have witnesses in my moment of glory. You shall be the first to bow to my authority."

  "Never," Sebastian snapped, not even flinching beneath the deadly glare.

  A cold laugh swept through the air. "Do not be any more of a fool than necessary, Sebastian. You were nearly bested by the pitiable Drake. I have command of the Medallion. You cannot hope to stand against me."

  Sebastian never wavered. "I do not fear you, Valkier."

  "You should." The vampire lifted the heavy Medallion, smiling as the malevolent radiance filled the shadows. "There are few things that I shall enjoy more than ridding our world of such spineless wretches." His eyes narrowed. "To know you have willingly bonded with mortals is nauseating. You have defiled all vampires with your animal lusts."

  Amelia cried out in alarm, but before anyone could react, Nefri was standing in front of Sebastian, her expression stern.

  "No, Valkier. This must not happen. The Medallion was never meant to be used in such a manner."

  The vampire gave a low snarl. "The power is mine. No one can deny me what is rightfully my destiny. You should have stood at my side, Nefri. Now you must be destroyed."

  "Valkier..."

  Nefri's plea went unheeded as the vampire abruptly unleashed his power. Amelia's eyes widened in horror as the sickening glow flared out with a bluish glare. Sebastian and his companions were suddenly engulfed, disappearing in the foul light.

  "Sebastian, no," Amelia breathed.

  Frantic to reach his side, she struggled to her feet only to be ruthlessly pulled back behind the bush by the women she had thought were her champions.

  "Wait," Jocelyn whispered close to her ear. "Have faith in Sebastian."

  Amelia trembled with fear. Faith? She did not desire to have faith. She wanted to rush forward and vanquish the horrid vampire with her bare hands. The women, however, refused to loosen their fierce grip, and she was forced to watch in helpless terror.

  The glow deepened, pulsing in an ominous fashion. Amelia moaned in despair, certain that the end was near; then, abruptly, Valkier's eyes widened and a keening cry was wrenched from his throat.

  "No ... it is impossible. No."

  The cry became a bloodcurdling scream and in shocked disbelief, Amelia watched as his thin frame began to tremble with unnatural force. For what seemed an eternity, Valkier screamed in horrific agony, and just when Amelia became convinced that she could bear no more, the vampire began to blacken as if being burned from within.

  Nauseated by the ghastly scene before her, Amelia turned her head aside. Whatever her disgust for the arrogant, avaricious Valkier, she could not bear to witness his end.

  Battling the rising bile, it took long moments for her to realize that a deep, wounded silence had filled the copse. Indeed, she did not even sense Sebastian's approach until she was being gently pulled into his arms.

  "It is over, Amelia," he said in weary tones.

&nbs
p; With an effort she lifted her head to regard him with tear-filled eyes. "How?"

  It was Nefri who answered as she gently bent over the burned ashes that lay upon the damp ground.

  "It was the Medallion," she said softly, her voice hoarse with regret. "The powers were intended to balance one another. To attempt to gain dominance caused the Medallion to turn itself against Valkier. He should have known. Above all, harmony must be maintained."

  Shamelessly clutching Sebastian close to her, Amelia burrowed her head in his shoulder.

  "It is truly over?"

  "Yes, my love." She felt his lips lightly brush the top of her hair. "And now I think it is time to go home."

  Home. A slow, wondrous smile curved her lips as she breathed deeply of his warm, familiar scent. Yes. That is what she now possessed. A home. Complete with the man who would be at her side for all eternity.

  Epilogue

  The wedding of Sebastian and Amelia a fortnight later was intended to be a quiet affair.

  With her parents stiffly declining her invitation to join her in London, and her handful of acquaintances having turned their back on her the moment she had left society, Amelia had no one but William and Mrs. Benson to be her witnesses.

  She pretended that it did not matter. After all, she and Sebastian were already as one. His every thought, his every heartbeat, was a part of her. The ceremony was a mere formality; they were already indeed man and wife.

  That, and, of course, a prelude to the wedding night...

  With a philosophical determination, Amelia kept her thoughts centered upon that pleasant eventuality. She was desperately hungry for the moment Sebastian would at last carry her to the chambers he had refurbished so thoughtfully. His every touch had only intensified her searing desire for him.

  A desperation she easily sensed echoed within Sebastian.

  The knowledge that she had found her true mate was far more important than a gaggle of curious onlookers, she sternly reminded herself.

  Tossing herself into the effort to change the town house from a shrouded mausoleum to something resembling a home, Amelia managed to appear as happy and carefree as any bride-to-be. Even during the brief wedding ceremony and the drive back to their home, Amelia was certain that she had managed to conceal any hint of regret.