Longing for You, стр. 60
Byron was overwhelmed with emotion. “This is the most joyfulmoment of my life, mia cara. Thank you, thank you.”
She put her head on Amelia’s lap and Amelia stroked her hair.
“I couldn’t believe it myself, but Dr. McKenzie thinks the baby ismaking its presence known earlier than usual because it’s a born vampire.”
Byron lifted her head and took her hand. “It’s our child. A partof us.”
“I’m scared, Byron,” Amelia said.
“What could you be scared of?”
“I’m supposed to be learning about my magical powers, in order todefeat evil. How can I do that pregnant?” Amelia said with panic in her voice.
“You listen to me. I won’t let anyone or anything near you. Savingthe world will have to come another day, or I’ll defeat this Madam Anka. Youand our baby’s safety are more important than anything. Whatever lies ahead,we’ll face it together.”
Amelia had calmed and she smiled. “I did always want a baby oneday. It’s just come sooner than expected.”
“Quite right. Wait till Sera finds out she’s going to be anaunty.” Byron laughed. “That’ll make her feel older than she already is.”
Amelia laughed. “Then there’s Uncle Jaunty and Uncle Simon.”
“Uh-oh. Your Uncle Simon is going to be angry that I got you intotrouble,” Byron joked.
“Shut up.” Amelia laughed. “He secretly likes you.”
Byron raised her eyebrows. “It must be very secretly then.”
Amelia gave Byron a serious look again. “I hope Katie is allright.”
“She will be. Alexis will take the best care of her,” Byron said.
Chapter Twenty-one
Anka kneeled before an altar set deep in a dark cave system knownonly to her and her most trusted witches. As she whispered her prayers to thedarkness she worshipped and drew her power from, you could hear the drip, dripof water falling from the rocks, and the smell of incense permeated the air.
She heard footsteps approach behind her. “Asha? How can I helpyou?”
“Forgive me disturbing your devotion, Madam, but we have found thelocation of the second descendent, but she is now guarded.”
Anka bowed her head to the alter and stood. “The Debreks know Ms.MacDougall is bonded to Victorija then?”
“Shall we send a team to bring her to feed Victorija?” Asha asked.
Anka held up her hand. “Slow down, Asha. We take this slowly. Ihave been building my power and my resources for a very long time, and I willtake my time on the next phase of my plans.”
“I’ll keep someone watching her then.”
“Yes. When the time comes to bring her here, it won’t be easy.Daisy MacDougall comes from a long line of agitators and general pains in theneck—trust me, I’ve met a few. I need to seal my position with the Dred clan,and then we will hand her over to Victorija. Only then can I absorb her power.”
“And then what?” Asha asked.
Anka laughed and started to walk through the cave, Asha by herside. “Then we will put our puppet Principe in charge of the Dreds, and Drasaswould make a lovely puppet, don’t you agree?”
She laughed again and the echo reverberated through the cavesystem.
* * *
Alexis couldn’t believe she was standing here, under a floralarchway in the Debrek mansion gardens, pledging her immortal life to someone.Not just someone, but Katie. Beautiful Katie who had started to mend her brokenheart, fiery Katie whom she had squabbled with incessantly, sweet Katie withwhom she woke each morning to a loving smile that brightened her day.
They stood under the archway, each with a cut on her palm, andclasping each other’s hand for the bonding ceremony.
Katie hadn’t wanted a big bonding ceremony, so she, her mum,Amelia, Sera, and Daisy planned this smaller—but still special—ceremony in thegarden. The guests were seated in rows behind the happy couple, and luckily itwas a warm, dry day.
Katie looked beautiful in the white dress that Amelia and Daisydesigned for her, and she held a deep blood-red bouquet of roses. Afterswearing she’d never fall in love again, here Alexis was getting married in herdress uniform.
Byron’s father Michel, the Grand Principe, was conducting theceremony as the elder statesmen of the clan. Byron was standing beside Alexisas her best friend, with Daisy as Katie’s bridesmaid.
“Alexis, do you consent to pledge your life and your blood toKatie Brekman?” Michel asked.
She smiled at Katie and said, “I consent to pledge my life and myblood to Katie Brekman.”
“And Katie, do you consent to pledge your life and your blood toAlexis Villiers?”
Katie winked at Alexis. “I consent to pledge my life and my bloodto Alexis Villiers.”
They then exchanged matching gold rings set with blood-red rubies.
Michel smiled and said, “That only leaves me one thing to say.Alexis, if you don’t look after young Katie, we will have your head.”
The congregation chuckled, and Michel held up his hands, “No,seriously. I now give you Alexis and Katie, blood bonds for eternity.”
Everyone clapped, and Alexis finally got to kiss her bride. “Ilove you.”
“I love you.”
It was a perfect day, and all their friends would be joining themfor a party later at The Sanctuary. Slaine had promised them a special night,and as much as Alexis was looking forward to it, she was more looking forwardto getting Katie alone later. Now that Katie was a vampire, she had so muchenergy, and she was so enjoying it.
They walked into the crowd and hugged and kissed their guests.
* * *
Victorija was consumed with maddening hunger. It was gettingoverwhelming. She gasped and braced herself against the desk. Her hands shook,and the pain in her stomach was making her double over in pain. She reached fora small drawer on the desk and took out a picture of a young woman. She triedto steady her shaking hands so she could gaze properly at the picture.
“Angel, I can’t do this.”
Victorija closed her eyes and heard Angele’s voice in her head. Promiseme, you will never hurt or drink the blood of my descendants without consent.
She remembered the words she said in return. I swear on mylife. It’ll be the only vow I ever keep. I swear, Angel.
Victorija felt the stabbing pain in her stomach and neck flare up,and her knees buckled beneath her. She collapsed to the stone floor andshouted, “Daisy!”