I hurried into the bedchamber. It wasn’t easy to change without my Mercy’s help but Jeremiah certainly knew how to get me out of clothes, even britches. I refused to dally with him and finally wiggled out of the britches on my own. Then I found a skirt and bodice that would be pretty next to Mercy’s blue dress. Jeremiah washed quickly while I threw on a lacy shawl. When we finally made it down the stairs, Fergus and Maggie were at the bottom, both dressed in their best.
“We’re going to the wedding as well.” Maggie tugged up her shawl. “Holly is watching the baby.”
It was a merry group this time that crowded into the chapel. Candles were lit again and the same greenery that Lady Anne had used for her wedding had been freshened. She was there and Captain Burnett had managed to tear himself away from duty in time to clutch her hand and whisper in her ear. She was radiant with happiness.
Another couple who seemed flushed with happiness was Florence with the laird. She was in a beautiful sea green dress with rows of lace. She clung to her man like she’d never let him go.
“We are leaving tomorrow night to go to London now that the pirates seem vanquished. Angus has some business for the king. He got a letter while he was gone and is eager to tend to it.” She waved one of her beautiful fans. “He promised he’d take me to Paris after that. If he does not?” She watched him talking to Jeremiah. “Well, it has been fun but it might be time for us to part again.”
I was surprised that she could let go so easily of someone she loved. I said as much.
“There are many interesting men in the world, Glory. You will see. When you live as long as we do, it is a good idea to keep that in mind.” She tapped Angus on the shoulder with her fan. “Here comes the couple. I do like your Mercy. I swear I would steal her from you, Glory, if she weren’t so content to stay here with her man.”
It was obvious that Colin and Mercy were very much in love as they walked with the bishop to sign the register. Then it was time to say their vows. As witnesses, I stood next to Mercy, who looked pretty in her blue dress with the shawl I’d given her over it. Jeremiah stood next to Colin, who had found clean clothes and polished boots.
The age-old vows rang through the quiet chapel. The two very young people were swearing to take each other until death parted them.
Jeremiah looked across the altar and caught my eye. What was he thinking? Would we ever say such vows? As Flo had reminded me, it was almost impossible to imagine that promise when a vampire was supposed to live forever.
After Colin kissed Mercy and the guests clapped and congratulated the happy couple, Jeremiah and I instinctively sought each other out.
“They are a good match.” Jeremiah nodded toward where Colin patted Mercy’s bulging stomach. He repeatedly claimed a child he had not made. It was making Mercy glow with pleasure.
“I think they will be happy.”
“Like we are?” Jeremiah put his arm around me. “Are you happy, Gloriana?”
“I cannot imagine being happier. I love you, Jeremiah.” I kissed him lightly on the lips. “Almost enough to last until death does part us.”
The look in his eyes suddenly turned bleak. “Never say that again. You will live forever. Never doubt that. Death will not part us. It is my hope that nothing will.”
I held onto his hand, taking that declaration as the closest I would get to a vow. My heart swelled while he seemed unaffected, as if it was merely a fact he had shared. Like saying that he was fond of dogs.
He glanced around the chapel. “MacDonald seems in good spirits. I am trying to believe him when he says he means us no harm.”
“I believe him. But he will never let you read his mind. Just as you would never let him read yours.” I was startled when I saw a woman enter the chapel. I didn’t think her kind would be welcome here in God’s house or willing to cross the threshold.
“Is that the witch?” Jeremiah touched his sword. Of course, he’d taken his role as Colin’s best man seriously. He’d worn his sword as if prepared to ward off raiders. MacDonald had joked about it.
“Helen Haig. I wonder what she wants.” I approached her since no one else seemed inclined to greet her.
“Helen, the wedding just ended.” I was uneasy. The last time I’d seen her had been horrifying. I had decided it was not her fault that a lost soul from Hell had come to visit. At least I didn’t think so. She’d seemed as surprised by the spirit as I was. I knew now that Janus had been responsible for the poison on that arrow, not Helen.
“I brought a gift for the married couple. It is tradition in this village. The two aren’t from here, but I brought it just the same.” She held out a small bag. “It is a bit of sage and other things, to burn in their home, to clear the evil spirits. Then there is a crystal to hang there for a blessing.” She smiled. “They can ask Holly or one of the other older people living here if what I’m giving them is useful or not.”
“I will.” I felt uneasy so near her but stepped closer to reach for the bag. I sensed Jeremiah close behind me. I had to admit I was comforted by his presence. The closer I got to the witch, the stranger I felt. Had she brought some of that evil spirit with her?
“Gloriana.” Her voice was low again. But not as low as it had been when the spirit had visited me. “Be careful.”
“What is this? Why are you warning her?” Jeremiah stepped between us. He took the bag from me and tossed it to one of his men. “You have done what you came for. Now go.”
“Are you afraid of my powers, Lord Campbell?” Helen threw back her hair, a light yellow this time, and looked up at him flirtatiously.
“Not at all. But I don’t like what they do to my lady. She has suffered enough from your potions, spells and warnings.” Jeremiah grabbed her elbow and roughly escorted her to the door. “Stay away from her.”
“So manly.” She ripped her arm out of his grasp. “You should be afraid of my powers.” She stared at me. “Both of you should be afraid.” Helen waved her hand and smoke filled the chapel. I heard screams behind me and then people pressed against my back, eager to leave. We were blocking the door.
I couldn’t move. Or breathe. Jeremiah drew his sword.
“You will not defile this holy place, witch. Or threaten someone I love.” Before I could stop him, he stabbed Helen through the heart.
“No! Why did you—” I watched in horror as the woman in front of me began to dissolve into a swirling mass of oozing black that bubbled and seethed. She screamed, her mouth opened wide and vile curses rang through the chapel before she disappeared into the mire. With one more blast of noxious steam, her essence settled into a stain at our feet.
“What just happened?” Jeremiah held me as I trembled and tried not to stare at that spot where she’d just vanished. “What was she?”
“I don’t know, but I am very afraid she was evil. I, I can’t believe it. I hoped she was better than that.” I hid my face against him while people coughed and surged around us, leaving the chapel and the thick black smoke that lingered. No one had seen what happened except Jeremiah, me and Valdez, who stood on my other side.
Valdez crossed himself. “I’ve seen this once before. You just sent a demon back to hell, Jeremiah. It probably had a name but it had taken over the body of this woman to do its work. Helen Haig was just the vessel where it had taken residence. Poor woman.”
He stared down at that dark stain. “I’m surprised you were able to get rid of the demon so easily, Jeremiah. It usually takes more than a sword thrust.”
“I’ve heard of demons. I am thinking that it may be because I had the bishop bless my sword before the battle with holy water.” Jeremiah lifted his sword and we could all see that it was clean. There was not a trace of the black goo that had taken Helen to Hell. “Do you think the holy water made it possible to end such a creature?” He shuddered. “My sword seemed to have a life of its own. I had no notion of ending her until I’d done the deed.”
“It must have made the difference.” Valdez looked back
at the altar. “I feel stained myself and feel the need to say a few prayers. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. We could all use some prayer.” Jeremiah took a long, slow breath and stared at that black blemish on the floor. “Gloriana, I could tell it was trying to do something horrible to you. I wonder why.” He put his sword away and took me in his arms again.
“I don’t know. I just had a feeling…” I held him tight. “Thank you, my love. I can always count on you.”
Safe. Jeremiah always made me feel safe. Yes, I could defend myself. That was a good feeling. But knowing I had a man who loved me and wanted to protect me was everything. He kissed me then smiled.
“You taste as you should.” He dropped another kiss on my lips. “As the woman I love.”
“That’s a relief. I’ve been too close to evil lately. I was very afraid it had tainted me forever.” Not afraid, terrified of the lasting effects.
“Let me see. One more try.” He bent his head and kissed me deeply, as if he searched my soul. When he finally eased back, we were both flushed and I wished for our bed.
“You’re my Gloriana, my love.” His smile warmed my heart.
I held his hand as we walked outside where a celebration was going on. Toasts were being made to a bright future for the happy couple.
A bright future. I could see that for us too. The pirates had been defeated and Jeremiah loved me. What more could I want? Forever.
Acknowledgments
I would have abandoned Glory St.Clair long ago if not for the loyal fans who keep asking for “one more book.” My Real Vampires Fan Group on Facebook and all the friends on my other sites there keep me encouraged. Thanks to them, I keep getting story ideas. I’m working on another prequel now, not set in the 1600s, but in the early 2000s. Yes, I read every email you send me.
I don’t have an assistant, it’s just me. And that critique group of two who I dedicated this book to. Nina and Donna have been with me for over twenty years as we worked on numerous projects. The most successful for me has been this Real Vampires series. I love to write suspense though so I hope some of my vamp fans have discovered my Texas Heat and Lone Star Suspense series. I’m a native Texan and can’t resist writing about my home state.
About the Author
Gerry Bartlett is a native Texan who recently moved to Pearland, Texas from her place that had flooded one too many times. Now she hopes she’s high and dry as she works on her books and enjoys tinkering with her antiques business in nearby Alvin, Texas. An avid shopper, Gerry is trying to clear her clutter, but it’s a lifetime obsession so not even the recent pandemic can slow her down. You can find her in a mask looking in thrift shops for treasures. She loves collecting purses, little boxes and anything colorful. Look for her latest releases and how to sign up for her newsletter on her website at gerrybartlett.com.
Also By
The Real Vampires Series:
Real Vampires Have Curves
Real Vampires Live Large
Real Vampires Get Lucky
Real Vampires Don’t Diet
Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs
Real Vampires Have More to Love
Real Vampires Don’t Wear Size Six
Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans
Real Vampires Know Hips Happen
Real Vampires Know Size Matters
Real Vampires Take a Bite Out of Christmas
Real Vampires Say Read My Hips
Real Vampires and the Viking
Rafe and the Redhead
Prequels:
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry
Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas
Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates
Texas Heat Series:
Texas Heat
Texas Fire
Texas Prid e
Lone Star Suspense Series:
Texas Lightning
Texas Trouble
Texas Reckless
Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates Page 30
