Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas (The Real Vampires series Book 14)

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Probably not. Dawn is too close.” I sniffed when he raised his arms. “But you can’t have me without the bath.” I crawled out of bed. “Let me see if Maggie has read my mind. She’s getting very good at that for a mortal.” I walked to the door and opened it. Yes, there was a tub and several pails of water in the hallway. Marie sat on a stool beside the door. She jumped up when she saw me.

  “Maggie thought Master might like a bath. Is he all right?” She peeked in through the door.

  “He’ll be fine. I’ll help with the tub. We need to hurry. Dawn is close and I won’t lie next to him in all his dirt.” I took one end of the tub while Marie struggled with the other. “Jeremiah, this is Marie. She was one of the servants working for Devlin. She was kind to me while I was his prisoner and I believe we can trust her. We decided to hire her to replace Bran.” I stopped. “Did you know..?”

  “That we lost Bran?” He kept the sheet around him while he got out of bed. “No.” He looked out the window, his shoulders rigid. It took him a long minute before he finally turned around. His face could have been carved in stone. “That loss is yet another reason why I am sorry I didn’t manage to kill Devlin.”

  “Do you think he will come after us, master?” Marie carried in two buckets of hot water, staggering under the weight.

  “Don’t call me that. I am not your master.” Jeremiah growled it. “I am not anything like Devlin. You don’t have to be afraid here. I protect those who work for me.” He looked into her eyes. “As long as I am sure of their loyalty. Can I be sure of yours, Marie?”

  “Oh, yes, m- sir.” She bobbed a curtsy. “I hated working for Devlin. He wanted us to fear him. We had good reason to do so. He was not, um, kind to his help but we did not dare leave his service.” She flushed. “I will get more water for your bath.” She scurried from the room, returning quickly with more buckets of water that must have been sitting in the hall. She left quickly, shutting the door behind her.

  “He used them as blood slaves. Robert has his eye on Marie. I think she will serve him gladly. She has her eye on him as well. She favors handsome men.” I had straightened my bodice. Now I tossed the dirty water in the basin out the window. For some reason I felt ill at ease with Jeremiah. He was clearly grieving for Bran but not willing to show it.

  Jeremiah settled into the tub with a sigh. “I know you think MacDonald is handsome. If Marie wants him, she is welcome to him. But I don’t want any of our servants to feel like they must lie with whoever pays their wages to keep their jobs.”

  “It won’t be like that, I’m sure.” I washed his back and found even more deep cuts that were already healing. Oh, how I hated the kind of violence that Jeremiah seemed to take in stride. No, that he reveled in. “I’m sorry about Bran. We all mourn him. Especially his cousin, of course. Fergus was wounded in the fighting but is healing. Not as fast as a vampire, but fast. I suppose shifters have that ability. Maggie is taking care of him.” I was talking too much, nervous as I gave Jeremiah time to wash and think about his loss. He dipped his head under the water, getting rid of the last of Devlin’s stench.

  I felt very near to tears myself, mourning Bran again. He had sacrificed his life to save me. And to save Jeremiah of course. But the fight at Devlin’s castle had started with me.

  “I can see your distress.” Jeremiah rinsed and rose from the water, wrapping a cloth around his hips. He put his arms around me. “None of this is your fault, Gloriana.”

  “Isn’t it?” I rested my cheek against his damp chest. So strong, so special to me. “Why do men covet me? I am nothing special, Jeremiah. And I swear I do not encourage them!” I looked up into his eyes so he could see how much I meant that.

  “You cannot help that your blood calls to us, my love. There is something special in it that makes it unique, irresistible. I swear I have never tasted anything like it from another mortal or vampire. And I have been around for more than a hundred years you know.” He kissed me tenderly. “Do you believe me?”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t make me feel better. If it brings evil vampires sniffing around us, then it is a curse and I hate it.” Though I realized it was probably what had drawn Jeremiah to me when we’d first met. There had been prettier women in that alley. Certainly some more well-dressed and skilled in bedsport. But Jeremiah had chosen me. For my blood.

  Was that all I was to him? His personal blood slave, so unique and tasty? I didn’t dare keep thinking that way or he’d see it in my mind. I was determined to prove to him that I was much more than a handy blood source. I needed to become a lady worthy of a man whose family lived in a fine castle. I leaned against him, overwhelmed at all I had to learn.

  “Not a curse, it is my blessing.” He ran a hand down my back. “Once we are at the castle, I hope to make you feel safe again.”

  “I will not be a burden to you. If I have such desirable blood, then perhaps it would be wise for me to learn to defend myself.” I looked up at him. “I want a knife. You are the perfect person to teach me how to wield one to good effect. What do you think?”

  “I think it’s a fine idea.” He grinned. “I find the prospect of teaching you knife skills quite appealing.” He pulled me closer. “As long as you use them to slice me open when I vex you.”

  I loved him when he was playful. “Treat me right and that will never happen, good sir.” I kissed his cheek and let him go when there was a tap on the door.

  “I will be on my best behavior, I swear it. Teach you, I will. But I hope you never doubt I can defend you if the need arises.” He pulled on a fresh pair of breeches. “Now let the girl in to take away the bath water. I’m afraid lovemaking will have to wait for the morrow. MacDonald will surely be right behind her. The dawn is so close I can feel it and I don’t want to rush our loveplay.” Jeremiah patted my bottom and smiled. He did look better. The miracle of a vampire healing after a feeding never failed to amaze me.

  “Yes, Robert will be in here soon, demanding his place on the bed.” I let Marie into the room.

  Jeremiah settled into the middle of our bed. He talked of needing new knives and buying a special one for me. He regretted a sword he’d lost at Devlin’s castle. Weapons. He delighted in them as much as I did in new dresses. There was another knock on the door.

  “Come in.” I was surprised to see Fergus with Robert. “Fergus, shouldn’t you be in bed? You need to heal.” I saw his left arm bandaged and held close to his side.

  “My duty starts at dawn, Gloriana, you know that.” He was solemn as he clasped hands with Jeremiah. “Robert tells me you did catch up with Devlin and managed to damage him. I’m glad of that. Too bad the beast has proved damned hard to kill.”

  “Aye. Mayhap we’ll get another chance. I’m sure he will not be satisfied with the fight the way it ended this night.” Jeremiah got up to stand beside of the bed. “We lost a good man in Bran. I am that sorry about your cousin.” He clasped Fergus’s shoulder, both of them with shining eyes before they pounded each other’s backs then broke apart and looked away.

  Jeremiah cleared his throat then glanced at Robert. “I know MacDonald will make sure Bran’s parents are well compensated for their loss.”

  “Of course I will! I already assured Fergus of this.” Robert frowned at Jeremiah. “Not that gold will make their suffering any the less.”

  “I realize you don’t think a MacDonald can be honorable, Jeremiah, but this one has done all that is right and proper regarding my cousin.” Fergus laid his hand on Robert’s shoulder. “I am sick of feuds and fights. If you wish to continue with either of them, you may have to find another shifter to serve you once we reach the castle.”

  Jeremiah frowned but didn’t argue. “Give it time, Fergus. Right now your pain is still raw.”

  “I won’t deny that. We have Bran’s body. He will lie in the graveyard next to the kirk near Castle Campbell.” Fergus cleared his throat but didn’t allow a tear to drop. “But the fact is I have a babe on the way and a woman who loves me. ´Tis pa
st time to make a home and find peace. I hope you can do that yourself someday.” He looked at me, so solemn I had to wipe away a tear.

  “I’m glad that we are taking Bran home for burial. We’d best make this journey quick then.” Jeremiah glanced at me. “It will be hard on the ladies.”

  “Aye. But necessary. At least we have extra horses now, thanks to Devlin’s stable. That will make the journey faster.” Fergus walked to the door. “I will be at my post until sunset. If you both feel up to it when you wake, we can leave then. I can sleep in the wagon while you drive at night. As we planned. Maggie is feeling better now after resting and enjoying the hearty food here at the inn. Marie has already proved to be good company for her as well. No need to worry about my woman.”

  “Then we have a plan.” Jeremiah walked him to the door. “MacDonald? Are you with us on that?”

  “Of course.” Robert sat on his side of the bed. “Hurry, Campbell. The sun is about to rise. I can barely keep my eyes open.” He dropped his boots on the floor and lay down.

  Jeremiah closed the door, made sure the window was closed and locked, then climbed into the middle of the bed. He kept as much space between himself and Robert as he could. “Gloriana?” He patted the place next to him.

  “I’m coming.” I kicked off my own slippers and climbed up next to him. His arm went around me—firm, possessive. Robert got up on one elbow. He smiled and winked. Jeremiah’s claim on me amused him. I quite liked that claim. I closed my eyes, then tried to resist that pull to drop into death.

  Foolish, I know, but I couldn’t forget the last time I’d fallen into my death sleep. I’d awakened at sunset to find myself in Devlin’s clutches. He was still out there. Maimed, with only one eye, he’d never forget who had ruined his beautiful face. He’d be mad for vengeance. I didn’t doubt he’d send shifters again. First, he’d have his men plant a stake in Jeremiah’s heart. Then he’d have them take me again. My only comfort was that the moment the sun rose, Devlin too would die. While he still healed, he would have to hunt and feed. He would have had no time to find the right men to do his bidding.

  A sound brought me up with a start. How I was still awake when Jeremiah and Robert were clearly dead, I had no idea. The door opened and my heart stopped. But it was only Fergus, armed with guns and a sword. He locked the door behind him.

  “Lass. You are still up?” He frowned at the unmoving men. “Rest easy. I will be here close to the window. No one will get past me again, I swear it.”

  I tried to thank him but the sunrise caught me and I fell back, into oblivion.

  7

  Castle Campbell took my breath away. It was huge and obviously built to handle a siege if need be. As our band of travelers arrived at a village within sight of it, we were greeted by horsemen armed to the teeth. Once Jeremiah made himself known, there were shouts of joy and we were surrounded. One man on horseback was sent galloping to the castle with the news that the heir was home. Oh, joy indeed.

  I sat straight in the saddle, falling behind Jeremiah as he talked to one of the men in that gibberish that Robert explained was their native tongue. Next to me, he was trying to seem invisible. Impossible. He received narrow looks. A MacDonald riding with a Campbell? We’d known this night would come. Had prepared for it as best we could.

  Robert had wanted to leave the wagon and ride alone to his own castle the night before. But his honor wouldn’t allow it. There was the problem of Bran—his burial and payment for his loss. Bran’s parents lived in the shadow of Castle Campbell in the village of Dollar. Jeremiah insisted that Robert stay with us until all was settled to his satisfaction. As if he didn’t trust a MacDonald to see the thing done right.

  “They are eyeing me as if I’m about to attack the lot of them.” Robert grumbled.

  “You would insist on wearing your clan plaid. You might as well wave a flag of war in their faces. That’s what Jeremiah told me.” I kept my shoulders back, riding proudly, as if I had every right to accompany my lover to his home. Oh, but I wanted to hide in the wagon with Maggie and Marie. Fergus was driving and I saw him deep in conversation with one of the men on horseback. I knew news of Bran’s passing would soon be everywhere. Would I be blamed for it? My kidnapping had been the cause of a beloved shifter’s death.

  “I’ll not be ashamed of my plaid or my name. They will just have to deal with it.” Robert smiled brilliantly at the nearest man and tipped his hat. Whatever he said in that language of theirs made the rider grip his sword.

  “Behave! You’ll not cause trouble for Jeremiah. If I could speak that language, I’d tell everyone here you helped rescue my love from a devil’s dungeon.” I nodded at the nearest rider.

  “Pray, don’t. You will ruin my reputation as an evil man.” Robert chuckled then glanced back at the wagon. “I should be more solemn. I am here to pay my respects to Bran’s family.”

  “Indeed. Evil man? I will keep my distance then.” I eased my horse away from Robert’s. It wouldn’t do to act too friendly to a man the Campbells saw as an enemy on their land. I drew enough glances as it was, the mysterious woman riding behind Jeremiah. I wanted to offer a friendly smile but Robert was right. The horse carrying Bran’s body was tied to the back of the wagon. One of Jeremiah’s plaids had been draped over it. We were a solemn procession, no getting around that.

  A pair of riders untied the horse and escorted it toward a cluster of stone houses. I swallowed a lump in my throat as a couple came out of one of them. Bran’s parents? The men stopped in front of the pair and began talking. When the woman threw her apron over her head and collapsed weeping into her husband’s arms, I had my answer.

  “Excuse me, Gloriana. You see I must stop here.” Robert nodded then left our caravan for the path to the house. “God help me,” he murmured as he rode away.

  I didn’t envy him. Yes, he was going to be generous. But Maggie had told me that Bran had been his parents’ only son. This was a hard loss. I could hear his mother’s wails as we rode toward the massive castle high above the gloomy valley. It was a fortress. No wonder Jeremiah was a warrior first, my lover and a courtier in the King’s retinue after that. I noticed a new rider had joined us.

  Jeremiah reined in his horse so that it walked beside me once more. He gestured toward the man who rode with him.

  “Gloriana, I didn’t mean to leave you behind. Come meet my brother.” Of course Jeremiah had donned his plaid when we rose at sunset. He was grinning now that we were done with Bran’s body, able to show how happy he was to be home.

  I finally put on a smile and made sure my skirt was arranged prettily. I had on green velvet with a matching hat and fur-trimmed velvet cloak. I looked my best, according to Maggie. Marie had proven to be good with hair and had done something wonderful with mine, fashioning curls over my shoulder. The cold air had undoubtedly given my cheeks a little color, though in a family of vampires, this wouldn’t be something they would care about. Pale was the fashion with them.

  “Brian, this is Gloriana, my lady love. Gloriana, Brian is one of my younger brothers. The ugly one.” Jeremiah dodged a blow that nearly unseated him.

  I laughed because surely there wasn’t a more handsome man in all of Scotland. Brian had a twinkle in his brown eyes as he rode so close our horses bumped flanks, then he took my hand and dropped a kiss on the back of it. He had the same dark looks as Jeremiah, but seemed more elegant. His beard was neatly trimmed over a sensual mouth though his hair was long and clubbed back with a ribbon. With high cheekbones and brows that lifted in inquiry at Jeremiah’s description of me as his lady love, he was surely a heartbreaker.

  I eased my gloved hand from his and said something appropriate. I was busy assessing my welcome. Was he shocked, amused? Or, like Devlin, inhaling to test the scent of my blood?

  “Leave it to the heir to find the prettiest woman in London and steal her away. Welcome, Mistress Gloriana.” Brian doffed his hat and managed a courtly bow from the back of his horse. “Calling the banns, are ye?�
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  “No!” I said it before Jeremiah could be embarrassed. “I am a widow. I don’t expect to be a bride again.” I pretended to fumble with the reins. “I hope that will not be a problem in the castle.”

  “It is Madame Gloriana then. Da willna care. Ma will be another matter and less likely to treat you with respect.” Brian leaned closer. “Never mind them. If Jeremiah says you are his lady, then you are welcome here. I will be happy to stand your champion.” He touched my sleeve until I looked at him.

  Oh, he had kind eyes. But I was wary. This charmer was obviously used to women falling at his feet.

  “Back away, little brother. She’s mine. And I will handle Ma and her complaints if it comes to that.” Jeremiah smiled at me then turned back to Brian. “Where is the rest of the family? Liam, Mark, Colin? And the girls?”

  “The girls are off to Milan. Shopping.” Brian made a face. “Dragged Colin with them. He’ll come back pretty as a peacock. See if he don’t. Liam and Mark are checking on some trouble with the herds. MacDonald mischief perhaps.”

  “Surely not!” I was talking too much again. “We brought a MacDonald along in our party. He has been a good friend to us.”

  “Gloriana is right.” Jeremiah stopped his horse, which made everyone come to a halt. “Bad news, Brian. We had trouble on the road.”

  “A trick by the MacDonald?” Brian’s hand went to his sword. Were all Campbells warriors?

  “No, Robert helped when the trouble started.” I was going to do whatever I could to stop this feud. Of course Fergus had told me their quarrel went back centuries. What could I do about such an ancient grudge?

  “Gloriana’s right. A rogue vampire, name of Devlin, thought to take Gloriana for his own. He hired shifters to steal her away during the day. In the fight afterwards, Bran was killed.”

  “No! Bran and his family has served our family and others well.” Brian looked behind us at Fergus, driving our wagon. “I am sorry for such a loss.”