Rose looked to Hamish, whose pale face registered more than physical pain. She should’ve known Richard would never let her go somewhere without having someone in place to look out for her. She stared at Hamish. They both had been keeping secrets. Neither was worth dying over. Blood from the wound William inflicted gushed from his chest. She pushed her skirt up and began ripping material to stave the bleeding.
“You’re too late, my pet. Soon the need to replenish the loss will overpower his will and he will feed from the nearest food source. I daresay that will be you,” he said far too chuffed with himself.
“William, I beg you, don’t do this. Hamish is innocent. He knew nothing of my past,” Rose pleaded.
William scowled. “Innocent? He drinks blood in order to survive. He’s a monster, a murderer, can’t you see that?”
Rose could see a monster, but it wasn’t the vampyre dying beside her. “I always knew you were cruel, but I had no idea you were insane.”
“Sticks and stones,” he said. “I’m going to give you both some time alone. I am sure that when I return with the ball attendees we’ll find your lovely body drained and lifeless, while Hamish will have miraculously recovered. I believe the trial will be short and the punishment fitting, given the circumstances. I, myself, will play the long lost grieving husband.”
“Husband! How dare you after everything you’ve done to me,” Rose spat.
“How dare me? You have no idea the trouble you’ve caused me,” William said. “Fortunately, the documents claiming my rights to Hyde Hall and all that lie within it were easy enough to forge.”
Rose stood and took a step toward her ex-fiancé. “Please William, I’ll do anything you wish. If it is property you want, it’s yours.”
“Anything?” he asked, pausing near the stairs.
Rose didn’t like the sudden change of expression on his face. She knew what he was going to ask. Her head dropped to her chest. “Yes, anything,” she murmured.
“If I asked you to suck my cock while Hamish watched, you’d do it?”
She took a shuddering breath and swallowed the bile rising in her throat. “I said anything. Just spare him.”
“True love, how touching. As tempting as it is to watch Hamish while you pleasure me, I’m afraid I’ll have to pass. You see, what I want is something you cannot give me.” He brushed the dust from his coat. “I want my life back, my standing in good society. All those things that the Earl of Lyon took from me because of you.”
“I told you I’d give you all my money. I have means now. You can start over. It’s not too late,” she said.
His face twisted with fury. “It is too late.” He turned to leave, but stopped short. “I almost forgot.” William whipped around withdrawing the sword hidden within his cane. The blade hissed, revealing inch by silver inch of the deadly weapon.
Rose watched in morbid fascination as he swung the blade down. Instinctively, she lunged in front of Hamish to protect him. Only too late did she realize he wasn’t William’s intended victim, she was. The blade sliced her arm, taking a deep bite out of her tender flesh. She cried out as her hand flew to the wound, which began to bleed profusely.
William glanced at Hamish and smiled. “See, I can be merciful, demon. Bona petite,” he said, then departed.
A low bestial growl emanated from Hamish’s throat as the gate to the crypt closed and a lock fell into place with a loud clank.
“Rose,” he rasped. “You need to get as far away from me as possible.”
“She laughed, but it held no humor. “There is nowhere for me to go,” she said, glancing around the tomb. The flicker of a lone candle’s light bounced off the dank walls. The chain was long enough that it could reach any part of the room. “If I don’t give you blood, you’ll die.”
His moss green eyes filled with pain. “And if you do, you’ll die.”
Tears filled her eyes as Rose reached out and brushed his cheek in a feather soft touch. “No one will miss a whore,” she said, knowing it was the truth.
Hamish’s jaw clenched and he moved with unexpected speed to grasp her chin. He tilted her face until their gazes met and locked. “I would appreciate it if you would stop talking about the woman I love in that manner.”
Fresh tears spilled over her lids, flowing freely down her cheeks. “You love me?” she asked, shocked by the declaration.
“Don’t be daft, lass. Of course I love you. I have since the moment I laid eyes on you.” Hamish reached up to capture a tear with his fingertips, then carefully brought it to his lips. “Hush, my love. It breaks my heart to see you like this. I prefer to remember your smile as I seek my eternal rest.”
Hamish’s words jolted Rose out of her grief. “What are you saying?”
“I want you to kill me before it’s too late.”
Rose jumped back, her shoulder slamming into the wall hard enough to increase the flow of blood from her arm. “What?”
Hamish’s nostrils flared, he licked his dry cracked lips, and closed his eyes. “You must act quickly. The thirst grows. Soon I will no longer control it. It will control me. I will not lose you like I lost Agnes.”
“Who’s Agnes?” Rose asked.
“She is from the past,” Hamish said.
Rose clamped her hand over the wound and slowly approached him. “She died during feeding.”
He nodded his head, then turned away unable to meet her gaze.
Rose touched his face. “It wasn’t your fault,” she said. “Richard told me how dangerous feeding could be, especially when emotions are involved.”
“Twas my fault and I will not allow it to happen again to the woman I love.” He looked at her. “Now do as I say, lass.”
Rose shook her head. “I can’t. There must be some other way. Perhaps together we can break the locks.” Even as she suggested it, Rose knew there was little chance Hamish could help in his weakened state. She looked around for a piece of loose stone, but found the crypt in good repair.
“Ye know I can’t help. Longfellow’s aim was perfect. Not intended to kill instantly, only to slowly bleed me to death. This tomb is thick and well cared for. There will be no rescue.”
“No!” Rose pressed back, searching frantically for a means of escape. “You cannot profess to love me, then tell me to kill you in the next breath. You cannot ask that of me. You cannot. It’s cruel.”
Hamish watched her, tracking her movements like a hungry beast. His gaze strayed again and again to the blood flowing down her arm. His fangs extended and his stomach growled. “There’s a small dagger tucked in my boot. I want you to get it and plunge it into my heart. Do this for me, my love. Now!”
Rose jumped at his command. She stepped forward, her fingers trembling as she reached for the knife. Tears flowed from her eyes in rivers of sorrow, streaking down her cheeks. Then calm enveloped her as she realized what she had to do.
“Please, lass.” Hamish encouraged softly. His body remained perfectly still.
Rose took the dagger in both hands and raised it above her head. “I love you,” she said a moment before plunging the knife down...and into her side. Her eyes widened in shock as pain sliced through her, then she crumbled forward.
Hamish stared in horror. “What have you done?” He roared.
* * * * *
CHAPTER TEN
Rose heard Hamish’s frantic voice calling to her from far, far away. She couldn’t open her eyes or seem able to answer him. She felt his lips brush her neck, then a building pressure as Hamish bit down and began to feed. She smiled weakly, knowing he would live.
“Stay with me, damn you, woman. Stay with me. My heart won’t survive losing you.” He cradled her close, rocking her gently.
Moisture dripped onto her face and somehow Rose knew Hamish was crying. It was so warm and comfortable floating here in the place between worlds. She didn’t want to return to the pain, but Hamish refused to let her go.
Rose was vaguely aware of Hamish stroking his tongue across
her neck. A quick press of lips followed before she felt herself lifted onto his lap.
“You must drink, my love,” he murmured.
Rose tried to move her head, but wasn’t sure if she succeeded. Hamish grabbed the back of her neck and brought her closer. Rose inhaled a coppery odor.
“Drink for me. Drink for us. Drink for our love.” His finger brushed the length of her throat, forcing her to swallow hot liquid.
Something wet and sticky covered her lips and filled her mouth. Rose tried to jerk away, but Hamish held her firm.
“You will drink,” he said, his tone stern and unbending.
Rose swiped her tongue over his skin and felt him tremble, before she took another swallow. The liquid flowing into her body was strange, unfamiliar. Something inside of Rose told her she shouldn’t continue, but the growing hunger quickly stamped it out. Her fingertips curled around Hamish’s forearm, as she pressed closer. Growling sounds grew in volume as she sought the sticky substance with a vengeance.
“That’s it, my love,” he coaxed. “Come to me. Allow me to embrace you for eternity.”
Rose wasn’t sure how long she’d clung to Hamish. When she finally opened her eyes, he stood above her, shackle torn away, wrist burned, and a smile planted on his handsome face.
“I thought I’d lost you,” he said, tears shimmering in his eyes.
She returned his smile. “I thought you’d lost me, too. What happened? The last thing I remember is you hurt and me holding the dagger.” Rose gasped and grasped her side. It ached, but otherwise seemed fine.
“We’d better get you up. I can hear Longfellow coming and he has company.”
Rose’s eyes widened and her stomach clenched. “What do we do?”
“Leave everything to me.” Hamish’s smile didn’t reach his eyes this time.
They heard the locks slip as the tomb door creaked open. Hamish moved Rose behind him, his big body blocking her from view.
Lord Longfellow rushed down the stairs, an unholy light filling his eyes. “I knew it,” he said. “Wait until she sees what the great Laird Hamish MacDougall has done. Your fate has been sealed.” He cackled, madness infusing his voice. He didn’t seem to notice that Hamish was now free of his shackle.
Abigail came down the stairs behind him and looked around. “Where’s Rose? You said she was injured.”
“Oh, she is. Isn’t she, MacDougall?” Longfellow asked. His eyes sparked with excitement.
Abigail frowned. “Hamish?”
Hamish wasn’t sure how he was going to protect Abigail and Rose from the madman. Thus far Longfellow hadn’t noticed that Rose’s body was nowhere to be found. But he would, and soon. “Abigail, you shouldn’t be here,” he said, hoping she caught the warning in his sharp tone and realized that she was in danger.
“Tell her!” William shouted.
“Tell her what?” a deep baritone voice called out from behind him.
William swung around to face the new threat.
Lazarus stepped from the shadows. “Hamish?” He arched a brow.
“What are you doing here?” Longfellow latched onto Abigail’s arm and pulled her close.
Lazarus’s eyes narrowed as his gaze slid from Abigail to the man in front of him. “You didn’t honestly think I would allow you to slip away from the ball alone with Lady McKeon, did you?”
Longfellow gave a snort of derision. “Fine! Since you’re here, you can be a witness, too.”
“A witness to what?” Lazarus asked, casually moving closer to Abigail.
Longfellow scowled. “To a murder of course.”
Lazarus’s eyes widened. “Whose murder?”
“Lady Rose Carlson.”
Abigail gasped. Lazarus swore under his breath. Something fierce flashed across his face as he pulled Abigail away from the stranger and ushered her behind him. He then met Hamish’s gaze. “Lady Rose Carlson is dead.” It wasn’t a question.
Abigail whimpered.
“You should leave,” Lazarus said without looking at her. “This is no place for you, Abigail.”
“I wish her to stay,” Longfellow said, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. “Two witnesses are better than one.”
Hamish didn’t move. He didn’t even breathe. He was grateful beyond belief that Lazarus had arrived—not that he’d ever tell the grotesque. At least he no longer had to worry about Lady McKeon. There was no way Lazarus would allow her to be harmed given the possession he saw in the creature’s eyes.
“Is this true, Hamish, is Rose dead?” Lazarus inhaled. His eyes flashed from sherry to red and back again, then his gaze hardened. “You stink of blood. What say ye?”
Hamish’s gaze strayed to Longfellow and he glared until the man retreated back a step. “I’d say that there is no way in heaven or on earth I’d kill the woman I love.” Again was left unsaid.
“Well if she’s not dead, then where is she?” Lazarus asked, looking around the small crypt.
“I’m right here,” a weak voice called out. Rose stepped out from behind Hamish, her small frame trembling under the effort to walk.
“Oh thank God,” Abigail cried and tried to rush to her friend. Lazarus’s hand snaked out, stopping her.
“No!” Longfellow shouted as he lunged for Rose. “You should be dead! I saw to everything. You should be dead!”
Hamish met Lazarus’ gaze. “That sounds like a confession to me.”
“Aye, it does. Move back love,” Lazarus said, then he grabbed Lord William Longfellow by the arm and began pulling him away.
William broke free of his grasp and spun, reaching for his pistol at the same time. Lazarus moved with blinding speed, stepping in front of Abigail. Longfellow pulled the weapon and fired.
“No!” Rose and Abigail screamed in unison, the sound echoing off the thick stone walls of the crypt. Abigail stood motionless, her eyes wide with fright and disbelief.
“Why?” she cried out, her gaze spearing Longfellow.
Lazarus fell toward the stairs, clutching his chest. The air rushed from his lungs. “Sorry, my love, I fear I’ve run out of time to convince you that we were meant to be together.” His body slumped.
Abigail rushed to Lazarus and dropped to her knees. She cradled his head in her lap and stroked his hair. “You can’t leave me. I won’t let you,” she murmured against his temple, as tears filled her eyes. “You belong to me. Do you hear me, Lazarus? I want you. I’ve always wanted you. Come back to me. Please God don’t let him die.”
“How touching,” William scoffed. “He shouldn’t have interfered. You’re next, MacDougall,” he hissed, turning on Hamish. He aimed the gun and prepared to fire the second shot.
Rose put her hands up in defense. “Please William, no. Not again. This is between us. It’s always been between us.”
He laughed and started to squeeze the trigger.
“That would be a mistake.” Lazarus’s eyes flew open and met Abigail’s gaze. He smiled, before rising from the dead like a phoenix from the ashes. “You said you wanted me. I heard you. Heard all of it.”
Abigail hesitated for only a moment, then replied. “I do.”
Lazarus’s grin widened, then he turned to face William.
Longfellow jumped, his mouth gaping as he watched the newly resurrected man. “Y-you are dead,” he sputtered.
“I’d say that’s a slight exaggeration.” Lazarus reached for his shirt and pulled it apart. They all watched in awe as his flesh-torn chest turned to stone, slowly pushing the shot from the gaping wound.
“I-Impossible! What are you?” Longfellow asked, his eyes growing wide in fear as the shot ball dropped to the floor with slight ping. He glanced around, but there was no escape.
“Your worst nightmare in the flesh, so to speak,” Lazarus said.
“You don’t understand,” William shouted, struggling to break free as Lazarus grabbed him again. “He’s a monster. They’re both monsters. Kill them,” he shouted, his mind refusing to accept what he’d witnessed.<
br />
“I’m afraid you’ll receive no sympathy from me. I don’t appreciate being shot.” Lazarus glanced at his chest and then at the man’s face. “I also don’t appreciate you putting the woman I love in danger. For that I’m afraid you must be punished.”
William fought like a wild cat, before realizing it was useless against Lazarus’s unrelenting strength. He suddenly went limp in his arms, but continued to shout. “You’re just like them.”
“Not exactly. I am much more complicated.” Lazarus snatched a bit of tartan from inside Abigail’s sleeve and shoved it into Longfellow’s gaping mouth. “No need for the ladies to hear the ramblings of a madman. Abigail and I will take care of things on this end. I’m glad you’re both all right,” he said to Hamish, smiling knowingly.
“’Tis no lady on my arm,” Hamish said.
Rose tensed beside him.
“She’s my wife,” he added smiling, before taking her hand and leading her up the stairs. A crowd was beginning to gather on the terrace. Hamish blurred their images, then turned to face Rose. “Shall we go home?”
Rose looked at him expectantly. “You didn’t even ask if I wanted to marry you.”
“Dinnae matter. You would’ve said yes,” he said broaching no argument.
She arched a brow. “How can you be so sure?”
Hamish stepped closer. “Because what I see in your eyes is reflected in my heart. You gave your life for me. I love you, lass.”
“Even knowing my past?” she asked, hesitantly.
Hamish leaned forward and kissed her tenderly on the lips. When he pulled back her eyes were slightly glazed. “What past?” he asked softly.
Rose’s face glowed. “I love you, Laird Hamish MacDougall.”
“I know you do, lass. I know you do.” He grinned.
* * * * *
EPILOGUE
Rose hadn’t seen Abigail since her wedding to Lord Lazarus Hyde. The ceremony had taken place in the early evening so that she and Hamish could attend. The bride had looked radiant just like she’d appeared the day she took her vows a fortnight prior. That’s why the knock on the door had surprised her. She’d thought they were still off exploring the countryside. She hadn’t asked what had become of Lord William Longfellow and truly didn’t care. As long as he’d never harm them again.
Rose's Rapture: Lords of the Night, Book Two Page 10