He turned and stared into Alexander's eyes again. "But nowhere is it written I should spare a subject who disobeyed clear orders." The grip on Alexander's throat tightened painfully.
Lucille cleared her throat.
"What?" Julius let go of Alexander and flung around.
"As I see it, in a way this boils down to a property dispute." Lucille averted her gaze from Julius and looked directly at Alexander now.
Hearing her refer to Catherine as mere property made Alexander's blood boil. But he didn't argue, hoping that whatever Lucille was about to say would help defuse the situation further. At least he was no longer subjected to Julius' death grip.
"How so?" Julius barked.
"Well, you claimed the Blood Bride as property of the Council. Alexander claimed her as his consort, a process that is known to begin upon a couple's first meeting. His bond is stronger, and should take precedence. Yet that doesn't change the fact that a debt is being owed here."
"Explain!"
Alexander balled his fists. If Lucille suggested he share Catherine with Julius, he was going to rip her head off along with everyone else's. Sister or no sister.
"Well, as per our laws, Alexander owes you a Blood Bride—any Blood Bride—and the debt will be repaid." Lucille bowed her head as a show of respect and awaited a response.
"You're not actually considering this ridiculous suggestion, are you?" Gillian's voice was shrill with anger. "Take his bloody head off!"
Julius turned and glared at Alexander again; the latter didn't flinch or show any sign of weakness.
"I've waited two thousand years for an experience like this," Julius spoke in a low growl. "You youngsters have no idea what it's like to walk this wretched earth for so long."
Alexander didn't dare to make a move or even respond, for fear of provoking Julius into further violence.
"Still, I suppose, time teaches you patience. Lucille's solution is agreeable to me, but know I won't wait forever." Julius addressed Alexander now. "If you don't deliver within a reasonable time frame, you may find me on your doorstep again. And at that time, there will be no mercy. If you can't deliver me the blood I want, I'll take an equal measure of yours."
Alexander never broke eye contact as long as Julius spoke. He took care not to show emotion: not fear, not relief at the proposed solution.
This would buy them time.
"The solution is agreeable," Alexander said.
"I don't believe it." Gillian threw her hands in the air and turned to leave.
Julius turned around and left the room within the blink of an eye. His guards followed, leaving behind only Lucille and Michael, who had remained at a safe distance throughout the entire confrontation.
"Thank you," Alexander said.
"I was only interpreting the rules, brother."
He smiled at her. Rules or otherwise, she'd taken the risk of opposing Julius, which was significant.
"Thank you anyway."
Lucille left as well, as did Michael, who would likely need to feed to heal his wounds. This meant only Alexander and Catherine remained.
"Whoa, that was intense," Catherine said, while reaching out for Alexander's arm.
He embraced her, held her tight. "I'm sorry you had to experience this."
Catherine's heart was still racing; Alexander could hear it clearly. He closed his eyes as he continued to hold her. Slowly but surely her body seemed to relax, bringing her heartbeat back under control. It occurred to him that although he still hadn’t fed, her blood didn’t call out to him with as much intensity as before. He could still smell it keenly, of course, but the ritual seemed to have dulled his thirst for now.
"Are you going to do it?" Catherine asked.
"Deliver him a Blood Bride?" Alexander said.
"Yes."
He remained quiet for a moment, while mulling it over. His aim first and foremost had been to keep Catherine safe. Now that they were bonded for life, her happiness would depend on his safety as well. In a way, he owed it to her to fulfill Julius' demand.
"I may not have much of a choice," he finally said.
Catherine didn't respond. She was still human, despite everything. The prospect of Alexander capturing and delivering some random woman to Julius would no doubt be horrifying to her.
Short of removing Julius as Principis of the Council, there was no other choice, though. And even then, he might no longer have the authority to officially punish Alexander, but he wouldn't hesitate to take matters into his own hands. The older vampires got, the more they felt they were above the law.
Alexander pulled back and looked into Catherine's captivating green eyes. He wouldn't have hesitated to kill Julius to protect her. But would he take such drastic action to protect a stranger?
The beginnings of tears started to collect in the corner of Catherine's eyes. Alexander ran the back of his finger across her cheek. He knew the right thing to do now.
"I'll do anything to keep you safe. And I'll do anything to make you happy. For now, Julius is off our backs, but once the time comes for him to collect his debt, I'll handle it however you want me to."
Catherine smiled through her tears. "I'm sorry. It's been a long day—night—whatever."
Alexander nodded. He repositioned his arms, one around her back and one along the bottom of her thighs, and lifted her up. She instinctively held on with both her arms around his neck and rested her head against his shoulder.
Just as they crossed the reception room and entrance, and started climbing the stairs, the old longcase clock on the upstairs landing started to strike one, two, three, four, five times.
Catherine must have been exhausted, after having been up the entire day as well as night. It would be a while before their schedules would align, so that their waking and sleeping times would coincide.
Alexander made his way through the hallway, straight to the master suite, and laid her down against the pillows.
"Not like this," she argued, suppressing a yawn.
Catherine gestured at him to sit with her, then rested her head in his lap and closed her eyes. He ran his hand through her silken hair until moments later, her breathing slowed and she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
That was how they stayed, all morning, and well into the day. Their first day together as a wedded couple couldn't have started better. With Catherine resting and Alexander looking over her.
One major battle had passed; they'd won the right to live as man and wife. But Alexander had lived too long and seen too much to dare to predict the future beyond that. They'd figure out how to handle Julius and his unpaid debt in time.
First though, he'd guide Catherine on her way into this new life of hers. He caressed her hair again. Funny, how natural this felt, when actually, they barely knew one another. He couldn't wait to learn everything about her as she eased into it all.
"Did I fall asleep?" she mumbled groggily.
Alexander smiled. It wouldn't all be easy, especially for her at first, but he was convinced they'd find a way through.
Their bond was strong. And now they'd have forever to get to know each other.
Epilogue
So much had happened in these last two weeks, and for Cat, everything had changed.
She'd gone from a single, mostly carefree twenty-something right into a relationship so deep and committed, she couldn't imagine her life without it anymore. Alexander made her happy, like nobody ever had before.
But she hadn't just gained; she'd lost as well.
Her life in that little apartment in Shepherd's Bush with Shelly was over. She would never return there. Now, this huge mansion in the most desirable part of London was her home.
Similarly, that job she'd started—the internship at Sotheby's—had ended the moment she'd stepped into Alexander's house after her first auction.
She wouldn't work there anymore.
The next time she'd step into Sotheby's would be by Alexander's side, as a buyer. What would Ms. Pryce say to that?
/> In two short weeks, Cat felt like she'd changed so much. No longer the naive girl who fumbled over her words when an attractive man approached her—she had grown and matured.
Catherine sat down at the polished mahogany writing table in what was now her office and picked up a pen and a sheet of paper. This was her last job, before she could give herself fully to her new life.
As soon as she put the tip down on the first line, the words started to flow onto the page as if they had a mind of their own.
Dear Shelly,
Ever since our goodbye on the day I moved out, you'll have questions.
You'll probably wonder where I am, and whether I am safe. Rest assured, I am.
Everything is fine, and I am happy.
I couldn't tell you this at the time, for reasons that will become clear by the end of this letter. Remember I told you about that man, Alexander Broderick, who I met at the Halloween party? We are a couple now.
It all happened so fast, and yet I don't feel rushed at all. There isn't a doubt in my mind that everything has turned out exactly the way it should have.
Although I wish I could have spent more time with you, I am glad to be where I am now.
There are so many things I ought to explain to you, even if I have only just begun to understand them myself.
The supernatural is real, bizarre as it sounds. There are things out there that go beyond what modern science or even religion could explain.
Alexander is one of them, and in a way, now so am I.
This city, with its rich history and culture, has always been home to any number of creatures society at large doesn't know about. Sure, people used to tell stories, which over time have turned into myths, but most of us don't believe them. Now, I must say that I do. I can no longer assume that just because I haven't seen something in person, it doesn't exist.
One thing is absolutely certain though; vampires are real. There really are immortals out there who drink blood to survive. No, they don't kill; not anymore. They've even got a whole shadow government to make sure that they don't. They take great care to protect their secret, which is why I couldn't tell you all this so far.
Funny, isn't it? Two girls like us happened to walk into a Halloween party hosted by vampires? What's even funnier to me is that I am the one who has ended up here, surrounded by wealth and power. I never saw myself as strong, confident. The first time I walked into this house, I felt so out of place. Now it is starting to feel like home.
I have a man who adores me more than I could have dreamed of for myself. As much as I've given up to be with him, he risked more, including his own safety, to keep me safe. A small part of me still wonders if I'm worthy.
But every time he looks at me, his eyes tell me that I am.
One day, I hope you get something like this; perhaps not with a vampire, but with a regular guy. It's the connection that counts. This is what love feels like. You deserve to find it too.
For now, this really is goodbye. Spending time together really isn't an option; you wouldn't be safe.
Alexander and I had to fight for the right to be together. Just knowing about this underworld of sorts is dangerous and there are people—other vampires—out there who are just waiting for us to slip up. As long as we follow the rules, we'll be safe, though.
When things calm down, maybe we will meet again, but I can't make any promises about the time frame. The truth is, now that I am part of this different world, the passing of time will take on a new meaning for me. It'll no longer be fleeting, but rather more steady and constant.
All I can do is hope, and wait for the right moment.
Live your life, be happy, find love.
All the best.
Love,
Your best friend, always, Cat
Cat put the pen down and stared at the now filled sheet of paper. One solitary tear threatened to escape her lid and roll down her cheek, but she caught it just in time with the back of her hand.
Then she took a deep breath, picked up the paper, folded it, and sealed it inside an envelope which already had Shelly's name written on the front.
This was it. The final goodbye.
Cat opened the drawer of her writing desk, and placed the envelope inside, on top of the one labeled "Mom."
Of course she'd never send these letters; that would put the people she loved, as well as herself, in grave danger. But it felt nice to be able to express everything she wanted to in writing. Just to get it off her chest.
She shut the drawer and with it, rid herself of any remaining melancholy. Then she got up and left the room. Down the stairs, through the entrance hall and reception, she had already learned the way through this house.
Inside the library, Alexander was already waiting for her in one of the old leather arm chairs.
"Done?" he asked.
She stood in front of him and smiled. "Yes, that was the last one."
"I wish you didn't have to do this, say goodbye to everything you've known. But the letters really helped me when I was just turned."
Cat reached out for him and he immediately took her hand, tugging at it gently. She stepped up even closer to his chair and straddled him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Will that ever happen?" she asked.
Alexander circled her shoulder with his index finger. "What, whether you'll be turned?"
Cat nodded.
"There's no real need, as long as we're together. As long as I'm alive, you will be too. Our bond ensures it."
"I know, but still," Cat said.
Immortality no doubt came with its own host of downsides. She recalled the way he'd looked at the painting that hung above the bed in the master suite on their first meeting. This house on a sunny midsummer's day—that was something nocturnal beings would never get to see. Was it all worth it in the end?
Alexander shrugged. "If you want. Your wish is my command."
Cat didn't respond, not with words anyway. She leaned down and let her lips do the rest.
She knew he didn't want to change her; that her humanity was what had attracted him in the first place. She just loved to hear that he would, if she asked him to.
He responded eagerly to her kisses; his passion drew her in closer. His hand tightened around a fistful of her hair. She loved this harmony of gentle affection and intense passion that threatened to make him lose control.
"I love you," she whispered in his ear.
Alexander's body went tense and he got up, still carrying her in his arms. "I love you too," he growled, as he carried her up to the master suite within the blink of an eye, like only a vampire could. There, he showed her exactly how much.
These were still the early days of their relationship and who knew what the future might bring. But as long as she had his love, and he had hers, they would be fine.
- THE END -
The Vampires of London series continues with Book 2, Michael's Soul Mate, releasing in December 2016.
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Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair
An Excerpt by Lorelei Moone. Buy the Scottish Werebears Boxset on Amazon
McMillan Farm had been in Derek's family for generations. He was born there, grew up there, and was likely going to die there if he had his way. Ever since his parents' passing many years ago, the farm had been mostly Derek's responsibility. Sure, he had an older brother, but Aidan preferred to travel the world rather than stay home and tend the land, and as such only came by a few times a year.
Derek's farm was the perfect place for a bear, actually, that's why his ancestors moved here two centuries ago, and why he was never tempted to leave like his brother. The vast countryside gave him plenty of space to roam. The rivulet carving its way through his property provided ample opportunity to fish when the season was right, and the best part was, there weren't many people around.
The only people that did turn up were paying gu
ests: mostly middle-aged or older couples, or the occasional young family that was trying to teach their children about nature. Avoiding them when the urge to shift took over was quite easy. He'd never been caught, which was fortunate, because all bears lived by the code of secrecy.
The holiday cottages were set away from the main farmhouse by a safe distance, and visitors were mostly self-sufficient. All Derek did was make sure everything was in working condition and provide some basic supplies. Although it wasn't ideal, inviting strangers into his territory, it was his way of earning a little extra money from his land without much effort.
This month's visitor was probably going to be the same. Clarice Adler from London.
The name had conjured up images of white permed hair and floral dresses in Derek's mind. A posh old lady, no doubt, who he imagined used to spend her younger days riding horses in the English countryside before moving to London. Her insistence in the comment box of the booking form that her stay should be as quiet and undisturbed as possible only supported his assumptions. This was going to be someone who had grown up in the country, who was now yearning to get back to a simpler life for two weeks.
When her grey rented hatchback slowly crawled through his main gate, he didn't need to sneak a peek to know what she'd look like. After fifteen years in the tourism business, his instincts were always right, so he kept on mowing the lawn as if he hadn't noticed the new arrival.
The car came to a halt a little way up the drive, and then it turned left, following the signs he had put up last winter, leading to the cottages. Derek had already prepared Moss Cottage for its latest guest. The bed was made, the pantry was stocked, and the key was in the front door.
Although he did often check in with visitors on the first day, just to see to it that they were comfortable, he preferred to play as small a role as possible in their visit. It wasn't that Derek disliked the tourists, he was just a very private person.
When he was done with the lawn in front of the house, he prepared himself for his regular evening routine: check on the bees as well as the other animals, take a round of the kitchen garden to harvest the last of the summer crops to add to his winter stash, perhaps say hello to the visitor before retreating to the farm house to prepare a nice cut of meat for dinner.
Alexander's Blood Bride: A Steamy BBW Vampire Romance (Vampires of London Book 1) Page 10
