MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles

by Arial Burnz

  A diligent search revealed a locked trap door in a darkened corner. Broderick kicked the boards in and tossed the broken pieces aside. As with the other lair, no physical evidence revealed who the daytime dwelling belonged to, but Broderick could smell the same spicy essence he did from the lair he found his first night in this area. The occupant had to be Angus. Making quick work of his efforts, Broderick destroyed the dwelling, busting up the boards and scattering the pieces as far as he could throw them in many directions. Though the structure could likely be repaired, Angus would still have to spend the time to do so.

  Turning on his heel, he headed to the first lair he found and destroyed. Angus appeared to have repaired this one, digging out the hole once more and replacing the boulder. Broderick repeated the destruction by pushing the boulder as far from the site as possible and filling in the hole with dirt and forest debris as best he could. Neither of these methods were sure ways of destroying a lair, as was evident with Angus’s rebuilding. Only sprinkling true holy water on the site would prevent any Vamsyrian from using the lair, but such a thing was very hard to come by—if it existed at all—and using such a rare item for this minor task would be a waste. Water blessed by a priest or clergy of the church would do nothing to a Vamsyrian. They were only servants of God, and bore their own faults and sins upon their heads. Water to harm a Vamsyrian must to be touched by God Himself. Broderick’s teacher Rasheed said the only source known for that supply of water could be found in the deserts of Arabia, where it was rumored Moses struck a rock, bringing forth water to slack the thirst of the wandering Israelites during their exodus to the Promised Land. If Rasheed knew the exact location, he didn’t share that with Broderick, nor did Broderick expect him to. Rasheed taught Broderick what he must and nothing more. Such dark secrets were shared with few.

  Destroying both lairs didn’t take long, and the Gypsy camp wasn’t far enough away to be out of his circle of sensing, so Broderick didn’t fear Angus sneaking to the camp while his tasks kept him busy. He would keep his watch on these two locations as the nights wore on. Eventually, he would catch up with Angus. With these lairs eliminated for the time being, Broderick set out to feed the Hunger.

  Broderick shook his head to clear the horrid images of the thief he fed from this night. He longed for a way to feed without having to absorb such rancid experiences. However, there was at least a sense of justice from preying upon these degenerates.

  He approached the curtain wall of Stewart Glen Castle. Glancing around to be sure no one was about, he crouched down for leverage and sprung up, jumping to the top of the wall. The strength immortality gave him not only made running long distances effortless, it also made jumping high almost as easy as taking a step. Hunkering down, he hid in the shadows of the turret and eyed the courtyard below, tilting his head to listen. No activity, no sounds. A frigid breeze tossed a strand of his hair across his face and he brushed it aside, sighing. Why was he here? The time of day was too early for her to be in bed. His impatience to visit her while she slept—to feed from her and gain information—badgered him and he could stand the biding no more, so he headed to her home. Now that he sat waiting in the shadows, he cursed his juvenile behavior.

  Rosselyn opened the double doors to Davina’s bedchamber, drawing his eyes. She emptied the water of a wash basin over the side wall from the landing, the ting of the metal bowl echoing around the courtyard as she placed it on the stone edge, and shook out a cloth. Broderick could see just past Rosselyn into Davina’s chamber, and the sight made his mouth go dry. Davina stood in a shallow bathing tub, sponging off in the glowing firelight. Rosselyn hurried back into the chamber, closing the doors behind her and cutting off the enchanting view. Once again, Davina turned the tables on his efforts to catch her off guard. Dropping down to the ground, he dashed the short distance across the courtyard and leapt the height, onto the terrace. He hesitated, staring at the barred, narrow window, feeling very wrong about the strong desire to peer into her chamber. With a throbbing erection in his breeches, his desire won over and he stepped before the opening, keeping to the shadows.

  Broderick’s loins stirred and his mouth watered as Davina’s skin glistened in the firelight, the flames reflecting on her breasts and shoulders, her taut belly and thighs…and the gnashing scars marring her perfect figure. Long slashes slanted across the backs of her thighs and buttocks when she turned around. Davina rubbed her skin and stretched. His eyes narrowed as Broderick noticed her left arm bent in an awkward way; nothing too disfiguring, but enough for him to take notice. Broken once? He tried to reason, at first, she may have been the victim of an unfortunate accident, but the scars on her body weren’t by chance. The passionate heat pulsing through his body transformed into the flames of anger. These marks were meant to humiliate and dominate. Angus…or someone else?

  Rosselyn closed her eyes against the scars as she washed Davina’s back. Straining to perceive the maid’s misty emotions, Broderick caught images of a handsome, but menacing face. Oh, Davina! A mixture of sadness and anger wafted from Rosselyn and swirled around Broderick. Why did you refrain from telling me about Ian? How much you have been through, my sweet friend.

  Davina turned toward her maid and frowned. “Do not pity me, Rosselyn!” she snapped. “Pity is the last thing I want from anyone.” Dropping her head and covering her breasts, she turned away from Rosselyn. “I will finish cleansing myself.”

  Rosselyn nodded and disappeared into the wardrobe, coming out with a whisper of lace and silk, laying the nightgown on Davina’s bed. After a period of stillness, she struggled to speak. “Forgive me, Davina.”

  “Nay, Rosselyn. There is nothing to forgive.” Davina grabbed her drying cloth and covered her body before she went to her friend. “‘Tis I who should ask for your forgiveness and thank you for your concern.”

  Rosselyn glanced at Davina with hopeful eyes. They embraced and Rosselyn excused herself. Standing for a moment, staring after Rosselyn’s exit, Davina finally turned and stepped back in the tub to continue rubbing the scented cloth across her skin, a despondency drawing down the delicate features of her face. Kneeling down in the tub of shallow water, Davina wept, her shoulders shaking under her sobs.

  This was why she winced at intimacy, why she locked her heart away and closed her thoughts so tightly. She was willing her memories away. How a man could treat a bonnie creature—or anyone— in such a way he would never understand. Those were the kind of men he ached to devour. Finding weakness in themselves, they punished those weaker to attain the power they lacked. For Broderick, those were the best to dine on. Broderick wanted to comfort Davina, but now would not be the right time. He remained outside until Davina dressed and sat close to the fire with her needlepoint.

  Davina continued her endless task of poking her needle in and out of the tapestry, weaving the colorful threads back and forth into the intricate scene. Though the light was not ideal, she needed to do something for distraction. Since the mounting chores during the day gave her no time to stitch, she took this opportunity to lose her thoughts in the repetitive task of sewing. Fighting to see through her tears, she eventually left behind the emotions and memories that plagued her of Ian’s cruelty, and focused on the design. At one time, keeping her mind from the past had been easier with her fantasies of Broderick, but now those caused her distress, as well. She should have dismissed the brute from her mind. Instead, she still thought about him too much, and such irrational behavior frazzled her nerves.

  Davina gasped and shook her finger which throbbed from the penetrating needle. “Damn Gypsy!” She addressed the shadows as if he waited for her. “You have me so worked up, I stuck myself.”

  “Now, now, milady,” he scolded with a gentle voice. She turned with a start. Broderick stood beside her bed, leaning against the foot post. “‘Tis not my fault your mind dwells upon me.”

  His demeanor caught her off guard. Instead of the mocking countenance she expected on his face, his eyes held compassion, his fu
ll lips turned down in what she could only describe as concern. Recovering from her initial shock, she gained her senses and rekindled her anger. “Do I have no privacy with you!” she snapped and put her needlepoint aside. “How dare you invade my chamber again!”

  “Again?” Broderick stepped away from the bed and crossed his arms over his massive chest.

  Davina opened her mouth to protest, then snapped it shut and turned away from him. Had she truly dreamt his appearance? Impossible. Now what would she do? The arrogant bastard would think she kept fantasizing or dreaming about him so much she couldn’t keep a distinction between the two. Though this wouldn’t be far from the truth, she didn’t want him to know. Yet if she denied his inquiry, he would think she couldn’t keep the incidents straight because men invaded her chamber on a regular cycle.

  “So, how many men do you entertain in your private chambers, milady?”

  I knew it! Davina composed herself and turned to face him, her shoulders back and chin out. “Who I entertain here is none of your business. The matter at hand is your invasion of my privacy. I wish you to leave.”

  He flowed across the room like sweet, morning mist over a lake, very much like a specter indeed. His presence mesmerized and surrounded her when he drew near. A peace engulfed her body, and increased when his finger touched her cheek. Shouldn’t she be screaming? Though his unearthly movements took her breath away, she refused to back off or show him any kind of fear, so stood before him with bold determination. That roguish grin returned and deepened her fortitude, infusing her with the urge to kick him. She pushed his hand aside.

  “Nay, milady.” His voice, deep and husky, seductive in every syllable he uttered. “Methinks the true matter at hand is you don’t want me to leave.”

  She gasped and stepped back. “How absurd! I want nothing better than to see you gone and out of my life forever!”

  He stepped toward her, closing the distance she just created. Davina’s body trembled so with anger, she knew not what to say. Several protests and curses seemed to crowd up in her mouth at once, all fighting for escape. Yet when his head tipped forward, his mouth just a breath from hers, they all fled in a gasp. His eyes locked with hers, hooded and inviting. When his gaze slid down to her mouth, her heart thundered in her breast with anticipation. Desire coursed her body, pushing out any thoughts of protesting his presence. The corner of his mouth turned up and he stepped away from her to lounge on her bed.

  She regained some of her senses. “Why you arrogant bast—”

  “Ah, ah, ah! Watch that tongue of yo—”

  “I care not what you think, you ox.” She planted her hands onto her hips. “Get out!”

  “Davina?” Lilias knocked at Davina’s chamber door. “Sweet, are you all right?”

  Davina shot a murderous glance at the Gypsy invader and scampered to the door. “Aye, M’ma,” she called to her mother. “All is well. Go on to bed.”

  “But I heard voices.”

  Davina’s voice trembled. “‘Tis nothing, M’ma. I’m thinking aloud. Now please go to bed.” Davina turned to Broderick and jumped when she found him directly behind her.

  “Are you not going to introduce me?” he teased in a deep whisper.

  Davina put her hand over his mouth to silence him, her eyes wide with the fear of discovery.

  “Davina?” Lilias’s voice seemed laced with suspicion.

  She knew her mother heard the Gypsy’s rumbling voice. This audacious man, with a devilish grin on his full lips, reached for the latch on her door. Davina gasped and slapped his hand away. When laughter rumbled from him, she clamped her hand onto his mouth again and lost her breath when he pressed the full length of his body to hers, trapping her against the rattling door. She pushed on him and choked at the sound of the door latch. Davina shoved him back and whirled around to find the door opening. In stepped Lilias, and Davina’s words of explanation left her mouth unspoken.

  “Davina!” Her mother rushed forward and gripped her shoulders. “What’s wrong, child? You look as if you have seen a specter!”

  Davina dared a glance behind her, and then stumbled with shock when her eyes beheld an empty room.

  “Davina?”

  “I’m well, M’ma.” Davina doubted her trembling voice convinced her mother overmuch. She tried again. “Really, M’ma. I just had a nightmare. I didn’t want you to worry about me.” Only as an afterthought did she consider her still-made bed, and relief trickled over her at the impression the Gypsy left on her bed covers, giving evidence to Davina’s lie. She hugged Lilias in haste and escorted her toward the door. “Thank you, M’ma, but methinks I should go to bed now.”

  Lilias stared at her daughter with narrow-eyed suspicion, then gave a gentle but hesitant kiss to her brow and closed the door behind her.

  Davina sighed and fell against the door, this time securing the lock with great care. She stood for a moment, leaning against the solid wood, drawing from its strength, with her eyes closed and a few deep breaths. She started when warm breath touched her neck. Broderick stood before her, nuzzling her skin with his lips. Weak-kneed, Davina pushed him aside and toddled away from the door.

  “Why did you not introduce me?” he mocked.

  “Do not speak so loudly,” she hissed, and made efforts to keep her own voice a ragged whisper. “You have already met my mother. Now leave.”

  He stood with his arms crossed, shaking his head. “I’m here to make an attempt at getting to know you better, milady. I find you fascinating.”

  “A gentleman’s attempt at courting?” Davina laughed. “Then you should try an afternoon visit, chaperoned in the parlor if you wish to know me, sir.”

  “Do I need to remind you—I’m a Gypsy, not a gentleman.”

  “Oh, how thoughtless of me to forget.” Davina pursed her lips at the ridiculous conversation being whispered back and forth.

  He chuckled and began circling her. “I’m quite serious, though.” His eyes fondled her form. Though he didn’t continue to whisper, the low seductive tone of his voice served well to keep quiet, and sent tingles across her skin. “You are of great interest to me, milady.”

  “Oh, I’m quite sure,” she said, raising an eyebrow, demonstrating her distrust.

  He stepped closer. “‘Tis the woman I wish to get to know and…” His eyes raked over her body. “…understand.”

  “You are doing wonders to win my heart, gallant Gypsy.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm and she crossed her arms. “Now, if you don’t leave my chamber, I’m not opposed to calling my mother back onto the scene to protest an intruder in my room.”

  “Is there nothing I can do to make you trust me?”

  “Aye. Leave.”

  “And that’s all I need do for you to trust me?”

  “Never return?” she offered, with travesty in her voice.

  “I regret I cannot promise you that, Davina.”

  The sound of her name upon his lips made her hesitate for some unknown reason. “Then I shall never trust you, shall I? What a pity.” Davina marched to the door and put her hand upon the latch. “If you don’t leave, I will scream for—”

  “Not necessary, milady.” Broderick sauntered toward her, slow, deliberate, as if trying to show her he would make no sudden moves. He stood so close to her, she could feel his breath against her cheek. Staring up into his emerald eyes, Davina pushed back against the hardwood door. The scent of incense drifted off his clothes and through her senses. His hand cupped her cheek and his warm skin held an underlying scent of lavender. She dared not disappear into the wonder of him, but kept her eyes fixed on his. Yet, she could still almost see his muscled form standing in the tent, the firelight shimmering on his bare chest, incense swirling around him. He smiled, bringing out his tempting dimple, and Davina’s cheeks bloomed with heat as she knew he read her thoughts. Before she could protest his presence, he closed the small distance by encasing her in his arms. Her breath held in her chest when his lips stopped just short of hers.
She gazed into the emerald depths of his eyes, expectation thundering through her heart.

  “Tell me you want me to go,” he whispered against her mouth.

  “I…I want you to go.”

  The Gypsy smiled and dropped his gaze to her lips. “Nay, you do not. You cannot bide another moment for me to kiss you.”

  “You are arrogant and conceited.” Her voice held no conviction.

  “But I am right.” Without delivering the kiss he promised, Broderick stepped away from her, bowed, and brought her hand to his lips. His full mouth burned a sensuous kiss upon her palm and Davina fought to keep her breath steady. “Good night, Davina.” He strode through the curtains and double doors and disappeared behind the swaying fabric.

  Davina stood for a stunned moment, watching the drapes stop their gentle waving until all went still. In a few hasty steps, she threw the curtains open to reveal an empty landing. “How—?” The drop was far too long for him to have jumped. She eyed the dried and shriveled vines climbing up the wall and shook her head. They couldn’t have supported any weight, but she couldn’t fathom any other way could he have made it down. Well, at least this time she knew she hadn’t dreamt their encounter. The black, cold night encircled her and chilled her cheeks, making her all too aware of her surroundings. Drawing her robe closer around her throat, she went back into her chamber and paced herself into exhaustion.

  Crouching against the tree she scaled for a better view, Veronique cursed under her breath as she watched that Davina disappear back into her chamber. She knew it! She just knew Broderick came to see her. Veronique’s heart twisted, and she squeezed her eyes and fists to fight back the tears. When Broderick leapt over the curtain wall and hiked several strides from where she perched in the tree, she made special care to hold her breath and lock her thoughts away lest Broderick hear her. He disappeared into the dark forest without so much as a word. Damn him for still seeing her as his little sister! She had much more to offer than this prissy, weak-willed woman with her servants and castle. That Davina didn’t know anything about what Broderick needed, or how to deal with his thirst for blood.