Bite Me, Your Grace (25 page)

“I'm very sorry, Your Grace,” Polidori whispered as she sank bonelessly into his arms. “If all goes well, this ordeal should be over before you know it.”

Angelica tried to laugh because he really did sound sorry. But the noxious fumes took her away to blackness.

Ian paced the stone floor of the underground anteroom of the Elders' motherhouse in Amsterdam. The ancient faces looking down on him had been intimidating the first time he'd come before the governing force. They sat in folds of darkness so thick that one couldn't tell if shadows framed their solemn faces or executioner's hoods. But they frightened Ian no longer. He was impatient to get this over with and return to London and his beloved bride. His petition to Change Angelica had been approved, and now all that was left was to discuss Rafe's succession.

It seemed an unnecessary chore to come all the way to Amsterdam for this formality, Ian believed, though he would never dare voice such a defiant thought. A sideways glance at Rafe's impatient expression confirmed that they were in accord. The Elders gazed at them knowingly from their raised podiums as if they knew what both were thinking.

“Lord Ashton and Rafael Villar, thank you for coming so quickly,” they chorused as if they truly were the single mind they represented.

“Thank you for responding to my request with alacrity,” Ian said with a bow. It was strange being addressed by his surname for the first time in a century. But the Elders cared nothing for mortal titles.

Marcus, the Lord of Rome, looked up from a pile of parchment. “Raphael Villar, please come forward.

Rafael approached the Elders, looking up at them expressionlessly, which was as close to respect as he could muster.

Marcus looked down at his papers. “As you are nearing your third century and have spent the last one acting as second to a lord, you fit the standard qualifications to replace Ian Ashton as Lord of London. However, we have a few concerns.”

“What concerns would those be, Excellency?” Rafe said through clenched teeth.

“Well, there is your temper, to begin with,” the ancient Roman replied smugly. “After all, that is what led to your… accident.”

The Spaniard's reply verged on a growl. “To allow a hunter to live is to bring danger to our kind. That is your edict. My actions had nothing to do with my temperament.”

Anastasia, Lord of Moscow, nodded in agreement and addressed the others. “It is true that Villar followed our code in eradicating our enemies.” She glared at the others as if daring them to argue. “Also, we have received no valid complaints against him in all his years of existence.”

The others nodded, but Marcus continued to frown. “Our other concern is your unfortunate disability. How do you expect to defend yourself and your people with only one functioning arm? Much less fight a duel.”

Ian cursed under his breath. Rafe flinched as if struck while the Elder smiled in triumph.

“Why don't you fight him now and see for yourself?” The words left Ian's mouth before he had time to think.

Marcus's mocking laughter was cut short as the remaining Elders chorused their agreement.

The Lord of Rome shot a glare at his colleagues before rising into the air to float down before Rafael. “Very well,” he replied with a smirk.

With smoothness belying his handicap, Rafe swiftly unbuttoned his frock coat and tossed it to Ian, along with his hat. Marcus's eyes widened and a flicker of doubt was revealed in every line of his body.

The remaining Elders took up their quills and parchment as if to document the case. Ian had no doubt that they were really recording wagers.

The two vampires bowed to each other and the fight commenced. Marcus charged like an angry bull. Rafe danced nimbly from his reach. The ancient Roman snarled, enraged that he had failed to land a blow. He took to the air, attempting to use his power of flight against the Spaniard.

In a blur of speed that was impressive even by preternatural standards, Rafe's fist took Marcus under the chin, sending him crashing into the stone wall. Slowly, Marcus stumbled to his feet, only to be knocked over once more as Rafe came at him like a spinning dervish.

“Enough!” the Elder coughed, spitting out blood. “You've made your point, Villar.” Marcus winced as he returned to the podium. “Let the interview commence.”

For the next hour, the Elders asked Rafe standard questions as to how he would handle his responsibilities as Lord of London, if appointed.

“What would you do if one of your vampires Changed a mortal without permission?” the Lord of Constantinople asked.

Rafe hid a yawn. “I would place him or her under arrest and report the incident to you.”

Ian nodded in admiration at Rafe's response. Though the penalty for such an offense was usually execution, the Elders always insisted on being notified and holding a trial to ensure that a lord was not abusing his power.

The Elders murmured their approval and asked the next question, but Ian didn't hear. Suddenly, the Mark between him and Angelica pulsed and flared. His wife was in danger! Every cell of his being throbbed with the need to dash out of the chamber and fly back to London immediately. The only thing keeping him anchored to his spot was the knowledge that the Elders would punish him for such a disrespectful action. Thankfully, the Elders stood and announced the verdict.

“Raphael Villar, you are hereby approved to stand in for Ian Ashton as Lord of London. We only ask that you inform us as soon as you take the position and tell us your selection as second in command.”

Ian and Rafael bowed in unison. The Lord of Edo, Japan, fixed Ian with a piercing stare. “I also move to adjourn for I see that Lord Ashton has some pressing business to attend to.” Her almond-shaped eyes glittered as if peering into his soul.

“Thank you, lords,” Ian said and charged from the chamber with Rafe on his heels.

“Something is wrong with your bride, isn't it?” Rafe asked, running beside him.

Ian nodded, not slowing his pace.

“It doesn't surprise me that she was unable to stay out of trouble for even this short time,” the Spaniard observed calmly. “You had better fly. I will catch up to you as soon as I am able, and I will be happy to aid you in punishing whoever is responsible… unless the duchess is solely at fault.”

Ian needed no further urging. He took to the air, heart pounding in terror for his love.

It took Ian less than twelve hours to arrive back in London. Normally, he hated to use such great speed, especially when flying. This time the odd sensation of vaulting through the sky like a preternatural cannonball had little effect on his awareness. All he could do was pray that his Angel would be safe when he arrived.

He stopped quickly at his house to fetch a sword and cursed as Burke handed him the ransom note.

I have your duchess. I will trade her in exchange for a note of safe passage out of London for myself and John Polidori.

Respectfully your servant,

Rosetta

“Goddammit!” Ian roared.

Of all his vampires, he had never expected quiet, unassuming Rosetta to betray him. He bared his fangs in rage. He would kill her for this!

Angelica awoke cramped and uncomfortable from sleeping in a chair. Had she fallen asleep at her writing again? The sound of rustling papers intruded on her thoughts. Loki was playing with her manuscripts again. She tried to leap out the chair to startle and scold him and nearly had the wind knocked out of her when the thick ropes pulled her back.

Her eyes snapped open. She wasn't home at all! She was in a stone cellar that was furnished as if it were living quarters. Still, with the velvet hangings, ornate tapestries, and tasteful ornaments strewn about, an attempt at beauty had been made.

The pine tables and ladder-back chairs were sturdy and serviceable, but inexpensive. Coupled with the darkness, they reminded her of the furniture that had been in her parents' town house before her father had been promoted at the bank. Her attention was pulled away from her surroundings as she realized that she was not alone.

John Polidori reclined on a settee. Her reticule lay on the floor by his feet. In his hands he held the pages of one of her manuscripts, which he had been reading by candlelight.

“Where in the blazes am I?” she asked, despising the hysterical note in her voice as she squirmed in her bonds.

Her efforts were useless. The man obviously knew how to tie a decent knot. Rage engulfed her, hot and bitter. She had been on the brink of happiness, and this scoundrel had presumed to ruin it for her!

“Ah, you are awake, Your Grace,” John said pleasantly. He held up her work. “This is quite good, actually. I love the way you are able to bring your characters to life.”

“Thank you,” she said, feeling flattered despite the fact that he had abducted her and tied her up. “Would you please untie me now?”

“I'm afraid not, Your Grace.” His voice was thick with remorse. “But I do promise you will come to no harm.”

The sincerity in his eyes was unmistakable. Angelica believed him, despite the dictates of common practicality. She decided she might as well take advantage of his company, and from the tightness of the ropes, she appeared to have time to spare. “So, Mr. Polidori, how did you get the idea for the character of Lord Ruthven when writing ‘The Vampyre'?”

His dark brows drew together in consternation. “I have told everyone, even going as far as to have it publicly announced in the paper, that the basis of the idea was from a fragment of a novel that Lord Byron wrote. I merely developed it further.” His bitter laugh made her heart go out to him in sympathy.

“In truth, I wrote the tale out of spite. I wanted to, in the only manner I could, show the world what a coldhearted monster he was. Instead, because of that blackguard Colburn's greed, my story was accredited to him and declared, ‘the best that Lord Byron has ever written.'”

“Colburn is indeed quite the blackguard,” Angelica said. “He refused to see me or my work only last year because I was a ‘mere woman,' but when I arrived disguised as a man, he loved it and asked for more. After I married and revealed myself to be the ‘infamous' Duchess of Burnrath, he
paid
me more! I suppose he thought my identity would generate more sales… the hypocrite.”

She paused as she digested Polidori's words. “You did not base your story on my husband at all, did you?”

He shook his head. “I did not even believe in vampires until a few months ago. I'd intended the ‘vampire' in my story to be a metaphor for Byron's way of making people fall utterly and completely in love with him before sucking the life out them and tossing them aside.” Polidori looked down at his hands. “He broke my heart, you know.”

Angelica was stunned by the revelation that men could love each other in such a manner. She meant to ask more about their relationship, but as she shifted in her chair in an effort to get more comfortable, her attention was drawn again to the ropes that held her.

“You discovered that my husband was searching for you,” she said, looking pointedly at her restraints. “That is why you have abducted me.”

Before he could answer, a woman's voice interjected. “It was the only option we had left. I will not let him kill my Johnny!”

Angelica's jaw dropped as the woman walked farther into the room. Her breeches and jacket clung to her lithe figure as if they were tailored for her. Her cravat was immaculately tied, and her hair was short, though not in the style ladies were beginning to favor, as the locks teased about her elfin face in wild midnight wisps.

Though she was the most
interesting
person Angelica had ever seen, it was the naked love on the woman's face that caught her breath. The mutual adoration on Polidori's face as he returned her look told Angelica that though he may have loved Lord Byron, his former flame was eclipsed by this woman entirely. As her eyes traveled back to the vampire's face, she realized she had seen this woman before, when Ian had presented her to his vampires.

“It is nice to meet you again. And your name is?” she asked with polite sarcasm, unable to curtsy in restraints.

“I am called Rosetta, Your Grace,” the vampire replied.

“Very well, Rosetta, I would be more pleased to see you under other circumstances.” She inclined her head in what she hoped was duchess-like regality. “But why is capturing me and tying me up your ‘only option'?”

The vampire had the decency to look down in shame. “His Grace was hunting for John. I couldn't let him kill my love, so I've been hiding him. But if he discovers what I have done, he will certainly kill me for betraying him.” Her eyes welled with tears. “I had John take you and delivered a note to the duke's home. If he agrees to let John and me go, with a letter of safe passage into other territories, I will set you free unharmed.”

“Ah, so you are holding me for ransom?” The situation now became clear. At least they didn't intend to kill her. That gave her room to reason with them. “But why do you need to do this foolish thing? Why didn't the pair of you just leave the city?”

Rosetta sighed. “It is not that easy for vampires, Your Grace. One must request permission from their lord to leave their city and then petition the lord of another city with a request to stay there. And His Grace suspended all petitions until John was found.” Her lower lip trembled. “He could have fled to safety, but he refused to leave without me. Your Grace, I love him! I would do anything to keep him from harm!” Her face flushed with the passion of her words.

Angelica nodded, completely understanding, but then she gasped as comprehension dawned.
Anything
, Rosetta had said. Angelica's blood went cold as her suspicion rose. “
You
sent that man to kill my husband, didn't you?”

Rosetta's eyes widened in fear and she averted them from Angelica's glare, confirming her guilt.

“He meant to kill John!” the vampire sobbed. “Don't you understand? Wouldn't you kill for the man you love?” She stepped back from the glow of the candles, retreating into the shadows as if they would protect her.

“Thanks to you, I
have
killed for him,” Angelica hissed, once more struggling in her bonds. “You are very fortunate that you had the foresight to restrain me, for I would thrash you if I could.”

“
You
killed the hunter?” Rosetta's stunned expression would have been comical if Angelica wasn't so infuriated. “A dainty creature such as yourself? How very remarkable…” Her voice softened. “You must love him very much.”

“Yes, I do.” Her gaze remained fixed on the vampire, still vexed at this ludicrous situation.

Rosetta took a tentative step forward. “I don't suppose an apology would do me any good?”

Angelica took in the vampire's tear-stained face. She saw the devotion in Rosetta's eyes when she spoke John's name and in the way she leaned toward him as if the longing to touch him was an unstoppable compulsion. She felt that way about Ian. If she believed another vampire was going to kill him, would she hire an assassin? The answer came back as a resounding yes.

She sighed. “No, I don't think I could accept your apology under such unseemly circumstances, but I suppose I do understand. Just answer me one thing. Did you truly, with every fiber of your being, believe that Ian meant to kill Dr. Polidori if he found him?”

“Yes!” Rosetta cried, pacing in front of Angelica and casting continuous anxious looks her way. Angelica squirmed in the chair, wishing she could pace as well. “His Grace ordered all of us to deliver Johnny to him if we found him. What else could he intend?”

“As far as I know, he only wished to question the author on his inspiration for the story that put the duke's reputation in danger. He never said anything about killing him.” Angelica paused as the situation became clear. “Though if he knew that you lied to him, then sent a vampire hunter to kill him, then abducted his wife…” She trailed off, dread seeping in as she pictured Ian killing this poor love-struck vampire.

Rosetta gasped as she, too, saw the truth. “Oh, my God! What have I done?” Tears ran unchecked down the vampire's cheeks.

John took Rosetta into his arms. “Hush, love. Don't cry.”

“John, we are doomed now. Please, you must leave the city.” Rosetta continued to sob. “My death will be much easier if I know you are alive and safe.”

“I will not leave you, Rosetta,” John said. His somber black eyes beseeched Angelica. “Is there any way that you can possibly fix this?”

A lump formed in her throat as she watched the exchange. It was difficult to remain angry in the face of this tragic romance.

“Not all of it, I'm afraid,” Angelica said. “However, we may be able to put things in a better light. You should start by letting me go.”

Rosetta nodded. “Yes, untie her, John. I deserve every blow if she attacks me.”

Polidori quickly removed her bonds and leaped out of the way. Apparently, guilt, coupled with the knowledge that she'd killed a full-grown male, made her quite intimidating to them.

“Thank you.” She rubbed her wrists. “Ian is not expected back for another day yet. I will go home and burn that ransom letter.” She pointed at Rosetta. “You will call upon him when he returns and confess that you have been hiding the doctor. Tell him why and beg for his mercy. You both will likely be forgiven if he never discovers that you hired the vampire hunter.”

“Do you mean that you will not tell him we took you?” Her voice was tremulous with gratitude. “What can we do to repay your kindness, Your Grace?”

Angelica saw the hope in the two pairs of eyes trained on her. In truth, she did not know if her word was enough to make this right. Rosetta had committed the equivalent of high treason just by hiding Polidori. If Ian discovered that kidnapping and attempted murder were added to the equation… and if he discovered her deception… Ian would leave her for sure, and permanently. But even knowing the risks she was taking, she couldn't bear not to do what she could to help these star-crossed lovers.

“You can show me how you managed that exquisite knot in your cravat,” she said with a grin. “And you.” She turned to Polidori. “You can tell me all about that infamous time you spent with the Shelleys at Lake Geneva.”