“So he has.” I sighed. “If I could have one again, I won’t test or tease you with it, Jeremiah, I swear it. Do you think it’s possible to buy one for me, Fergus?” I was waiting for him to leave before I tried to fit into my court dress.
“Of course, Gloriana. I’ll see to it tomorrow. If I think it’s safe to leave for a while to shop for one. Now we must all get moving. The king does not like to be kept waiting.” He stepped around the fireplace and out of sight.
I pulled off my dress and simple chemise. I could feel Jeremiah’s eyes on me but just turned my back. We didn’t have time for dalliance and that was what he usually had on his mind. By the time I was ready to pull the laces on my dress, he was in his finest plaid. I appreciated his help as we both worked to make the bodice meet over my newly round figure. The result was what I thought was a scandalous amount of breast pushing out above my tight bodice. He merely kissed the mounds and claimed there was no danger of any soldier recognizing me from the Tower. No man would be able to raise his eyes above such bounty.
“I can barely breathe.” I wasn’t joking as he settled my cape over my shoulders. “I meant what I said. No more hearty dinners for me.”
Jeremiah’s arms went around me. He pushed aside the cape so his lips could trace the swells of my breasts above the straining bodice. “I love the way your body has filled out since you’ve been with me. Eat whatever you crave. You must tell Fergus what you want and he’ll fetch it. It gives me joy to see your lusty appetite.” His fangs were down and he ran them up to the pulse at my throat. “Later, I will enjoy this bounty. As you promised. Are you sure you’re not afraid?”
“Mayhap I am, but I will allow you to take your pleasure and be glad to serve you. If that witch Marin proved one thing, it’s that you can drink my blood without pain and without killing me.” I held the back of his head, my hand shaking despite my best intentions. Of course I was terrified. But I was determined as well. I wanted to do this for him. If we weren’t already late, I’d let him take my blood now, let those fangs sink into my neck and feel the pull as he took my life force. I shivered and realized that the very thought had me throbbing low in my belly, an almost sexual excitement making me damp.
“I am glad you trust me to restrain myself this time, Gloriana. I promise I won’t hurt you or take too much. It is a fine thing, to give and receive blood. If you were vampire..?” He slid his fangs over my lips. “There’s nothing more passionate than two vampires making love. Giving and receiving blood creates a deeper bond. Not that I would want you to be anything but what you are. Never think that.”
“So you’ve had vampire lovers.” I pulled his hair so he looked into my eyes. “Does vampire blood taste as fine as mine, Jeremiah?” I dared him to ruin this moment.
He smiled. “There is no comparison. You, my dear, are unique. Marin was not wrong about that. Vampire blood may have power--the older the vampire, the more power you can taste. But you,” he nipped at my lip, drawing blood then enjoying it in his way. He groaned. “It is easy to understand why Marin is so determined to have you. There’s something there, something ancient, but not like a vampire can be ancient.” He kissed me deeply, his arms tight around me. When he finally pulled back, I felt dizzy, almost as if he’d sipped at my very soul while he’d claimed my mouth.
“Jeremiah?” I brushed my thumb across his lips and those impossibly long fangs. I should hate them, fear them. Instead they now fascinated me.
“I cannot explain. But I know I want it, you. The two are intertwined for me. Not for Marin. She will merely use you as a vessel, draining you nightly. She will not be cautious and you could well end up dead from her callous disregard of you.” He frowned and set me away from him. “I will not allow it. Even if I have to raise an army of my own.”
I arranged my bodice for what modesty it afforded me and straightened my skirt. How I loved that he was so protective of me. So fierce. What did it mean? Was it only because of my blood? Or could it go deeper? I had no more time to worry about it as Fergus called us to come along. It was past time to go to the court and he had arranged a carriage and horses to take us there again even though it was just a few blocks away. He wanted to confuse anyone looking for us.
We hurried along, Fergus watchful for ruffians looking for someone to rob in this rough area near the docks. I jumped at every noise and every furtive movement in the shadows. Thankfully no one accosted us and we were soon at the carriage. Jeremiah and I settled inside, his hand on mine as it lurched into motion. Fergus rode on top, his own hand on a gun as he remained alert for an attack. We took a long and winding route before we finally arrived at Whitehall.
My excitement had turned to fear. There were so many soldiers about. What would we do if one of them recognized me or Fergus? I didn’t have time to do more than straighten my shoulders as a footman took my cloak and announced Jeremiah before we joined a milling crowd.
# # #
Crowd or mob? The court was even more packed with people than the last time we’d visited. The walls were lined with stern faced soldiers armed with pikes and swords. Talk was all about the religious radicals who had been causing trouble. The king seemed determined to speak to his Scottish nobles and Jeremiah left me next to Fergus while he danced attendance on his majesty. I kept my back to those soldiers who all looked alike to me, their hard faces partially hidden by their helms. Some could very well be the same who had fought us at the Tower. Fergus’s cousin was with MacDonald and seemed to be avoiding the soldiers as well. Both shifters were surely safe with their plaid in plain view. I had a feeling the soldiers had been told to just show their strength, not to bother the glittering crowd unless an obviously threatening move was made toward the king.
“Looking quite lovely this evening, Gloriana.”
I turned to face Robert MacDonald and curtsied, knowing better than to make a scene. “Thank you.” I ignored Fergus who actually growled and tried to step between us. “Fergus, would you fetch me a glass of something to drink. My throat is dry.” I smiled at the shape-shifter. “I’m sure I am quite safe here in the middle of a crowded room.” I tapped MacDonald with the painted fan Jeremiah had gifted me with before we’d left our new home. “What say you, sir?”
“Of course she’s safe with me. I’m not so foolish as to anger our king by doing anything remarkable here.” He waved Bran away. “Quit hovering. You are making me question your loyalty with your glower. Find me a likely woman for tonight. You know what I like. Clean and pretty. Not one wearing that cloying perfume that covers the sin of slovenliness, if you please.”
I almost laughed at Bran’s expression. So he was to play the procurer. I didn’t have to be a mind reader to know what he thought of that.
MacDonald smiled. “Yes, I know he’s cursing me. But he has an eye for quality.” He reached for my hand but I tucked it behind my back. “Of course so do I. You really are a treat to the eye.” He inhaled. “Nay, to all the senses tonight, Gloriana. Aren’t you tired of that Campbell buffoon yet?” He frowned toward the throne where Jeremiah still stood in a circle of men wearing kilts, listening to the king. Then he snatched my fan and ran it across my bare shoulder up to my neck.
“I see he still hasn’t bothered to buy you jewels. Bad of him, I must say. I would give you sapphires first, to match your eyes. How would you like that?”
I tried to back away from him. Insolent man, to touch me so familiarly. Who wouldn’t want jewels? Especially when I’d already found out it was the only way to secure my future. But he was forward, and intent on snatching much more than my fan, I could see it in his eyes. He moved in closer and I was trapped, a wall of people keeping me from moving an inch.
“You are so easy to read.” He flipped the fan open with a practiced hand. “Let me steal a kiss and I’ll buy you a trinket anyway. See how generous I can be?” He played as if to shield us from prying eyes. “There’s a girl. What harm? One little kiss?” He leaned in as if to press his lips to mine.
“Yo
ur drink, Gloriana. Wine.” Fergus thrust it between MacDonald and me, his frown so fierce I could tell he wanted to toss the contents of the goblet into the man’s face.
“Here, give it to me. I can hardly swallow I am so dry.” I grabbed it before harm could be done. I didn’t doubt MacDonald wouldn’t hesitate to pull a sword or a knife, even here. I gulped the strong red wine, determined not to gag when I could barely tolerate it. The king must not care what he served. I’d had better at the local tavern.
“Give the lady her fan, MacDonald. I see Bran coming over with a woman in tow. Looks to be young and fresh.” Fergus scowled. “Try not to drain her dry this coming night.”
“What I do is my business, shifter.” MacDonald bowed and handed me my fan. “Lady Gloriana, we are not done. Remember my offer. Campbell cannot give you what I can.”
“The pox?” Fergus made as if to push MacDonald away.
“I’ll ignore that.” MacDonald snaked an arm around my waist and bent his mouth close to my ear. “Vampires cannot get the pox, so rest easy on that score, my dear.” He touched me with a flick of his tongue then walked away before Fergus could do more than growl again.
I shuddered. His tongue in my ear! I thrust the goblet of disgusting wine at Fergus and picked up my skirts. I needed air. Between the stench of too many unwashed bodies, strong perfumes and that wine sitting uneasily in my stomach, I was afraid I was going to be sick right there on the floor of the hall. I could not disgrace Jeremiah so.
I hurried toward a doorway I saw that led to the outside. When I got closer to it, I realized it led to the river. Many had arrived here by boat. Yes, the river had its own stink, but I would at least have room to breathe out there.
“Gloriana, wait!” Fergus tried to follow me but people kept getting in his way.
I couldn’t stop, my stomach revolting even more with every step I took. A man pushed into me, his breath fetid and his hand groping my breasts. My elbow into his ribs got me free and I finally managed to get to where there were trees and bushes. I bent over and lost the contents of my stomach with great heaving retches then dragged a handkerchief out of my bodice to wipe my mouth. I was feeling little better and was very afraid I might be sick again. I sought a place to sit, glad to see a stone bench a few feet away.
I had just collapsed onto it when something stirred nearby. A rat in the bushes? I didn’t care and was too miserable to even look. Then a man sat next to me.
“I am ill. Please go away before I soil everything near me.” I pressed the handkerchief to my lips and swallowed.
“You will feel better once you are away from here.” A hand clamped on my arm and dragged me to my feet.
I opened my mouth to scream when a cloth was jammed into it. Then a cloak dropped over my head and wrapped around me to bind my arms before I was lifted and tossed over someone’s shoulder to land on my stomach. Desperate for air, I kicked and struggled, sure I would die in this dark and stifling cocoon. I was obviously being carried, jostled with each step taking me farther from hope and safety, from Jeremiah.
I tried to make some noise but my sounds through the gag were pathetic moans. Hopeless. I could only pray that someone had seen me being taken and would ask one of those dozens of soldiers for help. I couldn’t leave here. Couldn’t.
Because I’d seen the face of the man who’d grabbed me. Jean-Claude. I knew where he was taking me. Straight to Marin to be drained dry.
Chapter Twelve
We had to be in a boat. Between the smell of the river and the rocking motion as I was laid on a hard surface, I knew I was being taken away from Whitehall by water. Had Fergus seen what happened? Was he even now following us? I prayed it was so. He could become a bird, fly overhead and look for a chance to save me. But he was probably outnumbered. I couldn’t imagine that Jean-Claude had come alone. I felt his hands on me even now and someone would have to row the boat. No matter what, I couldn’t wait for rescue. I had to do something or I would well end up a blood slave with no future. I struggled against the cloth wrapped around me, trying to get my arms free.
“Stay still, Gloriana. If you go into the water, you’ll drown. Your death won’t bother me, but I’m sick of Marin’s bad mood.” A boot landed on my backside, pinning me down when I tried to squirm into a sitting position.
The splash of oars hitting the water meant we were on the move. I tried again to make a noise through the gag in my mouth. Useless. Shoving it with my tongue did little good. I breathed through my nose, knowing if I got sick again I would surely choke.
“Look up, Alain. That damned shifter is tracking us. Mon Dieu, can’t you do something about him?” Jean-Claude took his boot off my back. “I don’t dare shoot at him. Not this close to the palace. It would bring soldiers down on us.”
“You want to take over the rowing while I shift? Then who will watch the woman?” Alain’s voice sounded strained. “If I fly away now to give chase, I will be useless to you for anything else for hours.”
“Never mind. Keep rowing. When we get to the landing, you can carry this woman and I will take care of that shifter myself. I hope this makes Marin happy. I am sick of hearing about Gloriana’s blood and how special it is.” Jean-Claude grabbed my ankle.
He pushed aside my skirt and I felt cold night air on my legs as his fingers explored higher, up to my knee. Oh, God, what was he doing?
“I am thinking it’s about time I have a taste of this wench for myself. Before we take her to Marin. My mate is so greedy for this mortal, this may be my only chance for a sample.” Jean-Claude’s fingers clamped on my thigh, despite the fact that I was kicking as hard as I could.
I concentrated, sure he could read my mind. I sent him threats that I would tell his lover that he wanted me for himself. If she was already in a temper because she’d had to wait for me, how would she act if she thought he’d taken my blood and mayhap intended to use me for . . ? I shuddered, screaming inside my head as his hand slid closer to where Jeremiah had claimed me so lovingly. God, if Jean-Claude actually put his mouth there . . .
“She’s a fighter, Alain. But only a mortal, easily managed.” Jean-Claude chuckled. “Save your energy, Gloriana.”
The weak sounds of frustration and anger I made drove me mad. My struggles seemed to merely amuse him when he clamped his hands on my legs, forcing them apart.
“I see you don’t approve, shifter. Let me have my fun. There’s been little enough of it lately. Marin has been in a hell of a mood.” Jean-Claude’s breath gusted against my thigh. He rubbed his short beard up and down my leg. “Lovely. You are clean and fresh. If I only had more time . . .”
I gasped when I suddenly felt a sharp pain a few inches from my mound. Oh, Gods save me!
“Let her read your mind, Gloriana. All she will see is that I used my knife to test your blood to see if it is still fresh and untainted. I doubt Jeremiah has been foolish enough to tell you that there are things, food or drink, that can make your blood disgusting to a vampire.”
Tears ran down my face and I struggled to breathe against that noisome gag when he pressed his mouth to my inner thigh. He sucked the cut then hummed. Desperate to get him off of me, I kicked and bucked but he managed a deep drink before he smacked his lips then ran his tongue across the wound he’d made.
I held very still. If he decided to rape me… Oh, Gods, he was so very strong. Nothing I tried could free me from his iron grip. The breeze from the river blew my skirts and petticoats over my face but I could almost feel his eyes on my most private place. I heard a bird scream and dive close. The oar splashed and Alain cursed.
“Hurry, Jean-Claude, you are risking us both with your actions. Her shifter may well come at you with his claws.” The oar splashed again.
I couldn’t see anything but I silently hoped Fergus would have a care for his own safety. Two men against one? He would do better to go for help once he knew where Jean-Claude was taking me.
“I will shoot him out of the sky if he comes at us again.” Jean-C
laude sounded very confident. “I am glad we took this chance. Gloriana, you are comely, clean and delicious. A true prize, even if I think my darling is mad to liken you to an Egyptian goddess.” He sighed, his hands painful as he held my legs apart. “I swear, Alain, if I didn’t love Marin to distraction I would have you take this boat further down the river, to a place where I could take my time with this wench. By God, but this blood is something special. I cannot believe the power just that sample gave me, and the taste! Like the fine French wines I used to enjoy before I was turned.” He let go of my legs then wrapped the cloak around both of them again, trapping me. “But that damned bird is being a nuisance. I will need both hands if I am going to have to shoot it.”
“Marin would kill you, Jean-Claude, if you took this woman for yourself for more than a moment and you know it. She will smell her on you as it is.” Alain chuckled. “Try it. I would like to see the battle between you two.”
“Mind your business, shifter. You think I don’t know my mate? Marin has both this mortal’s scent and mine. She would hunt us down if I didn’t bring this creature to her as promised.” He turned me over and patted my bottom. “Ah, Gloriana, I will do what I can to restrain my lover from being too greedy with you. It would be a fine idea to keep you for a while and feed you enough to make you our pet. What fun we will have, the three of us. Such bedsport!”
I swallowed bile. There was no sport in being forced to lie with such creatures and give them my blood. A pet? I’d rather throw myself overboard and sink like a stone. Of course he read that in my mind and grabbed me. The boat bumped into something and I feared we had reached our destination.
“Oh, no, you don’t. We have arrived.” He picked me up. “Alain, tie up the boat then take her from me.”
“You missed your chance to shoot the bird. It has flown back toward Whitehall.” Alain’s footsteps were on the dock. “Hand her to me.”
“Then I’d best shift so I can catch that benighted bird before it can fly back to Jeremiah with news of our whereabouts.”
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry Page 16
