Longing for You, стр. 61

* * *

The happy couple finally made it to The Sanctuary. Katie was dancingwith Alexis on the dance floor, the music was pumping, and the open bar thatByron was paying for was making the guests—and Slaine—very happy.

Sera and Daisy were up dancing with a couple of vampires, andKatie had never been happier, nor felt so incredible. Alexis had told her thatbeing a vampire felt like your best day as a human, only a million timesbetter, and she was right.

It was strange getting used to not having aches and pains orinjuring herself. Sometimes she did think about living the long stretch ofimmortality in front of her and felt overwhelmed, but she just tried toconcentrate on her love, Alexis.

“I knew you could do it,” Katie said.

“Do what?” Alexis asked.

She moved her arms around Alexis’s neck. “Smile, Duca.”

“You’re the only one who can make me,” Alexis said.

Katie sighed in contentment. “I remember the last time we were allhere, and I was dancing with someone else wishing they were you.”

Alexis pulled her in tighter. “And I was watching you, wanting tokill your dance partner.”

Katie pecked her on the lips. “You’ll always be my dance partnernow.”

The music faded out, and servers walked around with glasses ofchampagne. Katie looked over to Daisy and saw her sway a little. She made eyecontact with her and mouthed, “Are you all right?”

Daisy smiled and nodded. She had been dealing with difficult sideeffects from Victorija’s blood bond, Katie knew, and Byron was doing everythingshe could to support her and protect her.

Slaine stood on the small stage with the microphone and said,“Let’s have quiet for Principe Debrek, everyone.”

Bhal stood at one side of the stage and Wilder at the other besideAmelia. A hush came over the crowd when Byron took the microphone and said, “Ijust wanted to say a few words. I’ve known Alex for a long, long time, and shehas been the most dedicated Duca anyone could hope to have, but I’m so happythat love is taking some of her attention away from her job. You deserve it,Alexis.”

Alexis moved behind Katie and put her arms around her waist.

Byron continued, “Katie, you know what I think of you. I’vewatched you grow up from a little girl to a beautiful young woman. You’vealways been like a little sister to me, so if Alexis does anything you don’tlike, send her to me.”

“As if I’d dare,” Alexis whispered in Katie’s ear. “You’d killme.”

Katie chuckled.

Byron put her arm around Amelia’s waist. “There’s another reasonfor celebration today. Only our closest friends and family know about this, butwe thought it about time we shared it with the world.”

Amelia’s uncles looked on proudly from below the stage.

Byron leaned into Amelia and gave her a kiss. “The Principessa andI are going to have a baby.”

Katie whooped and clapped along with the crowd. She shouted overthe noise to Alexis, “About time they told everyone. It’s the best news ever.”

“It was a shock to them both. I think they just needed time to getused to the idea. I’ve never seen Byron so nervous,” Alexis said.

“A little baby for you to protect.”

Alexis squeezed Katie. “I have a lot to protect, and I will, Ipromise you.”

Katie grasped Alexis’s hair lightly to pull her in for a kiss. “Iknow you will. You are the Debrek Duca and the woman I love and trust with allmy heart.”

Byron’s voice took on a more serious tone when she said, “This maybe the last time we are able to celebrate like this together for a while. Asyou know, our world is in flux, and there are dangers to us growing in number,so let us enjoy this happy time while we have it. A toast to Alexis and Katie,our new baby, and the clan we are a part of. Et sanguinem familiae—bloodand family.”

Those in the Debrek clan repeated her words. Then a cry of paininterrupted them. Katie turned quickly and saw Daisy grasping her neck anddoubling over in pain. She rushed over to her and was met by Amelia.

“What’s wrong, Daisy?” Katie asked.

“I’m dizzy, it hurts. It hurts!”

Alexis shouted, “Get back, give her room to breathe.”

In an instant Byron, Amelia, and Sera were around Daisy.

“Is she all right?” Amelia kneeled down and took Daisy’s hand.

Byron shouted, “Where is Dr. McKenzie?”

Dr. Tyler McKenzie came pushing through the crowd. “I’m here. Letme take a look.” Tyler took Daisy’s wrist in her hand. “Her pulse is too fast.”

Then Daisy grasped her neck and said in a pleading voice,“Victorija.”