Jocelyn touched his arm. “Will you help me get her in, out of the humidity?”
He had to tear his gaze away from his love. “Right. Yes. She can’t walk?”
“She can barely sit up.” Jocelyn moved away from her daughter, and he slipped his arms beneath her, lifting her frail body with ease. Her skin burned with fever, and a fire stirred within his heart. Despite her sickly pallor, she was still the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. Something deep in his soul flared to life the instant he touched her.
He carried her inside and thought better of laying her on the couch. “She’ll be more comfortable in a bed.”
Jocelyn followed closely behind as he strode through the receiving room, turned down the hall, and settled Cassie on the mattress in a guest bedroom. He’d never played nursemaid to anyone, but an intense desire to help her overwhelmed him.
“Can I get you anything?” He fisted his hands at his sides, silently berating himself for asking her to speak again.
“Water, please.”
“Right away.” He turned to go, but she caught him by the hand. Her touch sent electricity shooting up his arm, straight to his heart.
“Lord Sinclair?”
He cleared his throat, cradling her clammy hand in his. “Please call me Branan.” He couldn’t bear her formality.
“With lots of ice.” She choked out the last words and collapsed into the pillow.
He turned on his heel and catapulted toward the kitchen to fetch the ice water for his beautiful Cassie.
When he returned, she was curled on her side, and her mother sat on the edge of the bed whispering something into her ear. She bolted upright when she noticed him, as if their secretive conversation might offend him.
He offered Cassie the water, and she sucked it down greedily. “Thank you so much, Branan.”
“You’re welcome.” He stroked her fragile cheek and took the glass from her hands. He would not make her speak again, so he turned to Jocelyn for his next question. “What happened to her?”
“She was poisoned by a human.” Jocelyn’s face pinched like it was painful for her to say it.
“One less witch for New Orleans to deal with,” Cassie croaked.
“Shh…” Her mother patted her hand.
Burning anger pumped through his veins. “How long ago?”
“Three days.”
The humans she went out with after he stood her up. The man who helped her onto the bus. “Did you contact the authorities?”
“Like they would help,” Jocelyn scoffed. “You know they turn a blind eye to crimes against our kind.”
How anyone could do such a thing to this sweet, glorious creature was beyond his grasp. And now she lay here, dying in his home, and he was helpless to save her. He took a deep breath to cool the rage that boiled in his core and nodded curtly. “Good. What is his name? I will deal with him myself.”
Jocelyn stiffened, her eyes widening in surprise. “That’s not why we’re here.”
He blinked back the tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks. Why else would she have brought her dying daughter to him, if not to ensure retribution? Cassie’s onyx gaze locked with his, and his heart broke in two. How could he have let this happen to her? Whoever did this would pay dearly. “Then, what do you need of me?”
“Will you save her?”
If only he could. “I’m no healer, ma’am. I don’t have the power to—”
“I didn’t ask you to heal her.” Jocelyn’s voice lost all trace of hesitation as her posture straightened. “I asked you to save her. To turn her.”
Branan stepped back and lowered himself into a chair, trying to find his voice. The thought of turning Cassie had rolled through his mind so many times he’d lost count. Was this his punishment for denying destiny? For refusing to allow the woman he was meant to be with into his life, he was now forced to watch her die?
If he could turn her, he could spend eternity with her…if she would agree to be his mate. The Fates had a purpose for dropping her on his doorstep. Maybe this wasn’t punishment. Maybe, after five hundred years of penance, he would finally be able to love again?
On the other hand, he’d be condemning her to a life in the shadows. She’d never again see the sun. Spending the rest of eternity as a vampire could be worse than death. But to watch her die would be an atrocity he couldn’t bear. He looked at Jocelyn. “Do you realize what you’re asking?”
She held up a hand. “Before you say anything else, there’s something you need to know. I had a vision of her…and my visions are never wrong.”
Cassie coughed as if she wanted to speak, but her mother’s sigh silenced her.
“I saw her death and the red aura of a vampire. I thought the vampire would be the one to kill her, but I was wrong. He’s the one to save her. You are the one to save her.”
He stepped to the bed and tenderly traced a finger down Cassie’s ashen cheek. Jocelyn took his place in the chair, and he settled next to his soul mate. “And what is your opinion in this matter, Cassie? It is, after all, your life that hangs in the balance.”
She reached for his hand and held it to her face. A tiny smile curved the edges of her lips. “I’m not ready to die. I’d like for you to turn me. If you care to.”
He sucked in a shaky breath and stroked her pale skin with his thumb. If he cared to. He cared to spend forever with her, though she’d never have known that based on his actions. “It may not work, you know. You’re a witch, and magical beings can’t always be turned.”
“I’ll take my chances with you, Branan.” The sound of his name rolling off her tongue sent shivers down his spine. Of course, he would help her. It didn’t matter if she was meant to be his mate or to be his ruin. He was connected to her, deep in his soul, and he’d do everything in his power to keep her by his side.
There was no doubt in his mind; he’d loved Cassie the moment he saw her. Would this witch be his undoing like the last one? He gazed into her deep eyes and ran his hand through her dark hair.
He’d take his chances with her, too.
“As with everything in life, there is a price to pay.”
Jocelyn bowed her head. “I am prepared to meet your terms. Name your price.”
“Cassie must stay with me.”
Both women inhaled deeply. Jocelyn opened her mouth to protest, but Cassie slipped her hand into his. Tingling electricity cascaded up his arm once again, and he glanced down to find her smiling at him.
“You must understand,” he said to Jocelyn. “Any vampire who turns another must keep her in his care for a minimum of two years. It is the law.”
Jocelyn chewed her bottom lip and wringed her hands. “Is that really necessary? You make the laws. Surely you can bend them in this case.”
“I make the laws for a reason. She’ll need training and supervision, and…”
Cassie squeezed his hand. “It’s okay, Mom. I trust him.”
A terrified look contorted Jocelyn’s face. She swallowed hard and sucked in a shaky breath. “Will this be the last time I see her?”
“No, of course not. As soon as she’s able to move about in public, she can visit you as often as she likes.”
Jocelyn let out a long exhale. “Okay. I agree to your terms.”
“So do I.” Cassie’s grip loosened, and her eyes fluttered shut.
“There’s no time to lose, then. You must leave. Turning someone is a…private matter.” He ushered Jocelyn out of the room and toward the front door.
She paused in the foyer, looking at him with pleading eyes. “When can I see her again?”
“It could be days…a week, perhaps. Transformation takes time. She’ll likely be unconscious for quite a while.” He opened the door and stepped aside for her to exit.
“I’ll drop off her things in a few days.”
“That will be fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a life to save.” He gestured toward the open door. With a tight smile, he tried to hide his impatience.
Jocelyn nodded and shuffled out.
Mind reeling, Branan strode toward the bedroom. With a deep inhale to calm his nerves, he stepped across the threshold and peered at his dying love. His mouth watered at the thought of not only tasting Cassie, but of sharing himself with her. If he was lucky, eventually he’d convince her to share his bed.
He shook his head. How could he think of that at a time like this? His first concern was to save her life. It would take every ounce of his magic, plus some of hers to pull this off. Turning a witch was nearly impossible.
Nearly.
He could do it, though. He had to.
CHAPTER FIVE
Though her eyes wouldn’t open, Cassie sensed him when he returned to the room. The floorboards creaked under his steps, and his heavy breathing told her he was either excited or scared.
She wasn’t sure which she should be. On the car ride over, her heart had raced with fear, anxiety, hope, desperation. A myriad of emotions had flooded her system. But once he touched her, all the negative feelings melted away. It was as if he never stood her up. Like the days between the night they’d shared and now had never happened.
She had no doubt Branan would save her. He loved her. She could see it in his eyes. And the “price” she had to pay? Staying by his side for two years sounded more like a reward.
The edge of the bed compressed when he sat next to her. His fingers traced her jaw line, moving up her cheek to brush the matted hair from her forehead. If only she could will her eyes open to see him. She tried to swallow, but her throat was so dry, she stopped halfway. As if he read her mind, he pressed the straw to her lips, and she sucked down the icy liquid. It was a small relief, but one she treasured.
“I’m going to drink from you. Then you will need to drink from me, my love.” His warm breath tickled her ear, and she tried to nod. “Your magic is strong. Even now, I can feel it pulsing beneath your skin. You must release your control. The magic will fight the transformation, but if you relinquish your power to me, I can use it to help you. Can you do that for me?”
She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, his fangs pierced her neck. He sealed his lips around the wound and sucked. Her head spun as a chilly, tingling sensation shot through her body. A feeling of elation subdued the feverish ache of her limbs, sending a wave of relaxation throughout her muscles. His body was warm against hers, and she snuggled into his embrace. He pulled away from her neck and licked the punctures, as she moaned in protest.
With his body still pressed to hers, his deep chuckle resonated in her chest. “You don’t want me to drain you, do you?” He ran his thumb across her parched lips. “Now it’s your turn, my love. I’ll do the biting. You just need to drink.”
He sucked in a sharp breath and pressed his wrist to her mouth. Warm liquid pooled on her lips, and she parted them hesitantly. She was loath to taste his blood at first, but after the first coppery drop melted on her tongue, she couldn’t get enough. She suckled greedily at his bleeding wrist, his life force extinguishing the hellish fire in her throat. As the velvety liquid flowed from her core to her limbs, her veins seemed to hum with excitement. She couldn’t stop the ecstatic moan that escaped her throat. His essence filtered life into her dying body.
Branan pulled his wrist away, and she snuggled into the pillow, the soft down cradling her head. She sighed in satisfaction as he stroked her cheek and wiped a drop of blood from the corner of her mouth.
Her blurred vision focused for the first time in days, and she gasped at his beauty. He was just as she remembered him, with chestnut hair and piercing blue eyes. A thin layer of stubble covered his jaw, and the corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled. She tried to sit up, but the room spun like an out of control merry-go-round.
He stroked her hair. “Sleep, my angel. Let the transformation take you.”
* * *
She drifted into a peaceful slumber, and all Branan could do now was wait and hope his blood contained enough magic to transform the witch into a vampire. Settling into the chair, he watched her chest rise and fall for hours. Her pallor improved, a soft pink flush replacing the ashen tint. The corners of her lips curved into a tiny smile.
As morning approached, he closed the shutters to darken the house. His eyelids grew heavy, but he refused to leave Cassie’s side. The urge to crawl into bed and wrap her in his arms had him clenching his fists. He couldn’t do that when she wasn’t able to give permission. Though he loved her dearly, and he was saving her life, he’d still hurt her. She might not forgive him.
His chest tightened at the thought.
He wouldn’t climb into bed with her, but he wouldn’t leave her alone. Instead, he grabbed a spare blanket and pillow and settled onto the floor. He hardly slept. Every half hour he checked her breathing. By the time night fell again, he had a stiff neck and a headache. He desperately needed to feed, but still he would not leave her.
She slept for three days while he did nothing but worry. Jocelyn brought her belongings over as promised, and he set her things up in the room as he thought she might like them.
Her mother stood by the bed, staring at her daughter. “She looks better.”
“The transformation is working. She’ll be waking soon.” He gazed at his sleeping angel. Her lips had turned such a dark, kissable shade of red, it was all he could do to keep from taking them with his own.
Jocelyn turned to him. “But you look like hell.”
He stiffened at her casual tone, preparing to demand her respect. But this was his love’s mother. One day, if Cassie would have him, they’d be family. He let out a breath and ran a hand through his tangled hair. “I have not left her side.”
She smiled warmly and patted his shoulder. “Why don’t you take a break? Go get…something to drink. Take a shower. I’ll watch her.”
“I don’t want to leave her.”
She tilted her head to the side, narrowing her eyes. “You care for her, don’t you?”
“Very much. She…” He swallowed the thickness from his throat. Cassie hadn’t wanted her mother to know about them, but there was no point in keeping the secret now. “We’ve met before, Cassie and I.”
“Oh?”
His gaze fell to his love, and he stroked her soft hair. “I loved her the moment I saw her. We were to meet for our first date the night she was poisoned.” He glanced at Jocelyn and returned his gaze to Cassie. He couldn’t bear to hold eye contact while he confessed.
“I stood her up. I thought I was doing her a favor, sacrificing my own emotions so she wouldn’t be damned to a life of darkness. It seems I cursed her anyway.” He finally turned and faced her. “Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Jocelyn inhaled deeply and folded her hands in her lap. “I knew she’d met someone. Her entire demeanor changed that night. I’d never seen her happier.”
“If she’ll have me, I will take care of her.”
“I’m sure she’ll have you. Cassie has never been one to hold a grudge. She’s a kind soul. Innocent.” Her piercing gaze held him, silently offering to hex him should he ever cause Cassie more pain.
“My reputation…”
“Is only a reputation. I know.” Her eyes softened, and she waved a hand dismissively.
“Cassie said she saw kindness in my eyes.”
“And I see it running all the way through you. You’re a good man, and I’m glad she found you. Now, please go take care of yourself, so you can take care of her when she wakes up. I want to clean her up and change her clothes.”
He almost offered to help, but as great as the temptation was, if he saw Cassie naked, he wanted it to be with her approval.
And, god, did he hope she approved.
CHAPTER SIX
Cassie opened her eyes and lay utterly still. No light illuminated the bedroom, but none was necessary. Her vision focused on the ceiling above as if daylight poured in through the windows. She swallowed, expecting the excruciating tearing pain in her throat, but it didn’t c
ome. She felt…normal. Better than that, she felt fantastic. She moved her arms to stretch, and Branan raced to her side.
He took her hand in his and kissed it. “Sit up slowly. Give your body time to adjust.”
She did as he said, rising slowly and turning to place her feet on the floor. She wiggled her toes and looked at her hands. “I’m alive.”
“That depends on your definition of the word, but, yes. The transformation is complete.” He sat next to her, so close their knees touched, and stared intently into her eyes. “How do you feel?”
“Incredible.” Her teeth brushed her lips as she smiled, and she raised her hand to her mouth with a gasp. Her canines had extended into two razor-sharp points. She lightly brushed her fingers over the tips and moved her hands across her face. Her skin felt as smooth as silk. “How long was I out?”
“Three days.” His gaze was so heavy and full of concern, she had to look away.
“Oh, my.” She must’ve been a mess. Maybe the look in his eyes wasn’t concern. Maybe it was disgust. She could only imagine what the poison must have done to her appearance. Not to mention her breath. She covered her mouth. “Did my mom bring over my toothbrush?”
“It’s in the bathroom.”
She rose to her feet and smoothed the blue cotton nightgown down her stomach. The shapeless material hung down to her knees; obviously her mom’s attempt to make her appear less desirable to the incredibly sexy vampire caring for her.
Branan squeezed his hands into fists on his lap. “I didn’t change your clothes.”
She smiled. “My mom did this. Do you mind if I get cleaned up?”
“Be my guest.”
She padded into the bathroom and found her toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter next to a fluffy, cream-colored towel. Daring a glance in the mirror, she cringed at the way her hair had matted itself to her head. But her skin appeared flawless, radiating a soft glow she’d never possessed before. She leaned closer to the mirror and drew back her lips. The two sharp points of her fangs barely extended past her other teeth.
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