MIDNIGHT HUNT: Book 3 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles (28 page)

“And?”

Malloren huffed. “She has a lot at stake. She wants redemption. Since I am the guardian of the prophecy, we are partners in this quest. I don’t know what else you’d like me tell you, Broderick.”

“You must come around for a visit more often, my friend,” Mina scolded as she shuffled next to Malloren. “I’m not as young as I used to be.”

The prophetess grinned like Broderick had never seen before and the two women hugged, as if they were sisters. “Well, you certainly grow better with age, my dear. How I’ve missed you!” She swept Mina into another heartfelt embrace.

“Are you coming to join us?”

Malloren placed a comforting hand upon Mina’s cheek. “I wish I could, but the less I am seen, the better it is for everyone.”

A sad smile creased Mina’s eyes. “Of course. I understand. Please come back more often. I’m not much longer for this life.”

“I will try, but if I can’t, we shall reunite in the next.”

Mina nodded, but her eyes filled with tears.
Mend my heart, Lord and Lady. I will not see her again in this life.
She kissed Malloren’s cheek. “Goodbye, my old friend.” She patted Broderick’s hand. “You are now Monika’s protector. I have fulfilled my task.” The old woman shuffled away and Malloren rose, a tear sliding down her cheek, regret in her eyes.

“I can see Monika’s love for you, even from this distance,” the prophetess whispered.

Monika stood at the opposite side of the platz, waiting to receive her grandmother, and waved at Broderick. He returned the gesture. Monika wrapped her arm around Mina’s shoulders and they strolled through their guests, laughing and chatting with friends. Peace filled him to the very core of his spirit.
I have my Blossom.

Broderick turned to face Malloren…and found no one at his side. She had vanished again. He sighed and shook his head. No matter how much he searched, he would not find her again until the next sign was to be fulfilled.

The hairs on the back of Broderick’s neck rose, the familiar presence of Angus tingling his Vamsyrian senses. He searched the surrounding woods and stopped on a silver, glowing pair of eyes in the darkness. He was certain Angus had heard his conversation with Malloren Rune and only just now allowed his presence to be known. “We are pawns, just as you said, Angus,” he whispered, knowing his brother heard his words. “When the time is right, brother, we will make amends.”

The silver orbs of his eyes lingered…then vanished.

Broderick stared into the dark forest, unmoving, numb, uncertain.

A searing hand slid around his waist and his wife pressed her warm body to his side. “How do you fare?”

Broderick embraced Monika, cradling her against his chest as he rested his chin on her head. “I have you again. Nothing else matters.”

She gazed up into his eyes and pressed her palm to his cheek. “Let us put aside the pains of our past, just for this evening, and celebrate our reunion.”

“Aye. ’Tis the best advice I’ve heard in a long while.”

Her plump lips curved into a wicked grin. “Are you hungry?” She cocked an eyebrow.

Broderick groaned and swept her into his arm. “For you? Always, Blossom.” He crushed his mouth against her sweet lips. “And I will not bide another moment without you in my bed.” The guests were enjoying themselves, eating and drinking and laughing. “They’re not going to miss us for a couple of hours.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Before she could protest, Broderick spirited her away to his ship, where he made love to his wife…and they were gone for more than a couple of hours.

Epilogue

Monika embraced her grandmother for at least the fifth time, tears streaming down her face. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?”

Mina patted Monika’s wet cheek. “Of course I’m sure, Sprite. Your father will keep me safe and we’ll be good company for each other. Besides, I have a new donkey to train, thanks to you. Your father doesn’t have the patience for such a task.” She chuckled and wiped away Monika’s tears. “You come back often to visit your Oma.”

“You can be sure of that.” They embraced once more.

Monika waited for Broderick and her father to finish speaking. They shook hands, embraced, slapping each other on the backs, and Broderick stepped aside. Monika buried her face in her father’s chest as he held her tight.

“I have told your husband I will hunt him down and use his entrails for a spell if he lets any harm come to you.”

Monika pounded a fist on his chest. “Papa!” She shook her head and laughed.

“He has assured me of your safety.” Symon grinned. “Don’t let too much time pass between visits.”

“The warehouse Broderick’s set up here will keep us coming back often.”

Symon kissed her brow and pushed her at arm’s length. “Go on with you, now.” His eyes glassed and he cleared his throat.

Broderick loaded the last of her bundles and a trunk onto the row boat, where Paddy waited with oars in hand. Monika made one more round of hugs to her friends and kissed Irma’s baby boy on the cheek before waving goodbye to everyone. Broderick swept her into his arms and they cheered. He waded into the water, depositing her into the boat and shoving off from shore. Hopping into the boat and settling at her side, he wrapped his arm around her and held her close. “On to Scotland, Paddy!”

“Aye, Cap’n.” He pulled against the oars, thrusting them through the water one heaving stroke at a time.

Once they ascended the ladder on the main ship and Broderick helped Monika on deck, Andrew tipped his hat. “Welcome aboard, Mistress!”

“Thank you, Andrew!” She twirled and leaned over the rail, tipping her head back and inhaling the salty breeze. She screeched as Broderick threw her over his shoulder and swaggered to the stairs leading below deck.

He paused at the top of the stairs. “I want no interruptions unless we’re being attacked!”

“Aye, Cap’n!” his crew chorused.

Monika’s face burned and she beat against Broderick’s rump. “Put me down you pirate!” she chortled.

He brought her upright into his arms and covered her mouth with his as he walked the rest of the way into the cabin and used his foot to slam the door closed. Broderick tossed her onto the bed and unbuttoned his doublet. “I’m afraid you aren’t going to get much sleep on this journey back to Scotland.” He cocked a brow and tore off his shirt, then reached for his breeches.

She laughed as she tossed her bodice aside and untied her skirts. “I supposed it would do me well to learn to sleep during the day from now on. I shall just have to work very hard to find a spell that will let you stay awake and unharmed during the day.”

Broderick knelt naked before her on the bed, his cock proud and tempting before her. He helped her shed the rest of her clothes and she reached for his shaft, loving the way he hissed from her touch. “God’s blood, woman, what you do to me.”

She took the swollen head of his member into her mouth, groaning as he clutched her hair and guided himself in and out of her. Clutching his thigh as leverage, she bobbed and sucked his cock, stroking his rod with her other hand in unison with her lips. Broderick grunted, panted and whispered her name, encouraging her with wicked words that made her sex clench and her face flush as he pumped his hips.

Pulling himself from her, he bent forward and his mouth drew her nipple between his teeth for a nibble. Monika moaned and arched her back as he cradled her in his arms, his muscular thigh between her legs. She ground her mons against him, squeezing her thighs. Broderick slid his hands over her bottom and lifted her. She grappled in the dark and latched onto an iron bar of the canopy bed, hanging on while Broderick slid his hard length inside her, burying his cock to the hilt. Clutching her bottom, he pounded into her as she screamed his name, throwing her head back and trembling through her climax.

Broderick continued to pump, sliding his shaft deliciously in and out of her. His animal-like grunts and groans sent flutters through her stomach. “Yes! Gods, I love to hear you!”

He hugged her to his chest and brought her down to the mattress, where he pushed her knees to her shoulders. Monika clung to the headboard as he rolled his hips into her, pushing her over the edge for another blissful explosion in her core. This time, Broderick rode with her and they climaxed together, shuddering and bucking until they were both spent and he collapsed on top of her.

Limbs entwined and heaving for breath, they lay wrapped in each other’s arms. Monika smiled and cradled his head to her bosom. “How long will it take to get to Scotland?”

He kissed her breasts. “At least a fortnight to include stops for restocking.” He fluttered his tongue over her nipple. “Why, Blossom?”

She grinned and hugged him tighter. “What
ever
shall we do?”

Monika reveled in that thunderous laugh of his, which filled the cabin and her soul. His lips caressed her breasts and belly, tender kisses and teasing licks of his tongue.

“I meant what I said before.” She brushed his auburn hair from his face as he continued to love her with his mouth.

“Meant what, Blossom?” He nuzzled bellybutton, then fluttered his tongue.

She moaned. “I want to find a way for you to stay awake and unharmed during the day.”

He nibbled her hip. “Do you really think it’s possible?” Though his eyes were hooded with passion, there was a glimmer of hope.

“I don’t know, but if I can find a cure for the werewolf curse, perhaps I can protect you from the sun.” She curled her fingers under his chin. “I will certainly make it my life’s work to do so if it would make you happy.”

“
You
make me happy.” He maneuvered himself between her legs and kissed her inner thigh. “As long as I have you, Blossom, I’m happy.”

She smiled and sighed, letting her head fall back when his tongue trailed to the sensitive spot where her buttock met her thigh. “Bite me there,” she whispered.

Broderick hitched his breath and groaned. She dropped her gaze to his and those silver eyes glowed between her legs. “Just a simple request from your lips and
The Hunger
is at your bidding. You truly are a witch.” He smirked, bringing out that adorable dimple.

Broderick slid his hands under her knees, pushing her thighs to her chest and giving him better access to her arse. Monika gasped as his fangs sank into her flesh, swooning under the influence of his feeding. She moaned as he fluttered his finger over her clitoris and Broderick coaxed a climax from her again…and again…and again.

* * * * *

“Are you certain?” Rasheed tossed his book aside and rose from his chair on the balcony overlooking the lower level of their parlor. In two strides, he was gripping the wrought iron rail and assessing his companion below.

Ammon nodded up at him from the center of the large Turkish rug. “Absolutely. I saw Broderick MacDougal and his new wife actually cure her father.”

“You realize this will win us favor with the King.” Mikhail put his wine glass on the marble table before him and sat at the edge of his chair, eyes aglow.

Ammon chuckled. “That isn’t all.” He strolled to the gilded cart and poured himself a glass of the blood-laced vintage from a crystal decanter. “Angus has created a cloak that makes him immune to the incantation.” He swirled the ruby liquid before drinking.

“What?” Rasheed stalked to the staircase and descended with rapid steps.

“Yes, our prophecy brothers have been busy.” Ammon joined Mikhail at the twin chair by the hearth, sitting back and enjoying his refreshment and the attention. “From what information I could gather, Angus has been feeding from members of the Army of Light—he has some method to taint their blood so it won’t harm a Vamsyrian—and then harvesting their blood to stain the cloak. I can only imagine that since their blood is blessed, it is immune to the incantation and one just needs to be encased within. I don’t know for certain, but I would guess the leather is lambskin.”

Rasheed crossed his arms and frowned. “I suppose you weren’t able to obtain this cloak from him, were you?”

Ammon pursed his lips. “As you ordered me, rather emphatically, I was not to engage with him or Broderick because we did not want them to know we’ve been following them. Besides, I’m not sure it works anymore. It was burned during their dramatic battle.”

“This cure for the werewolf curse and the cloak will soften the blow of this prophecy business.” Rasheed paced the length of the rug. “I’m not sure it will be enough to save our necks, though.”

“Ammon, you are too full of yourself at the moment,” Mikhail said. He grabbed his glass and sat back, mimicking his companion’s lazy twirl of his wrist as he played with his wine. “You have saved the best news for last. I know that expression.”

Ammon’s grin spread wide. “The Elementals are not extinct after all.”

Mikhail choked on his beverage, staining the front of his laced cravat.

“You’re a liar!” Rasheed scowled and crossed his arms. “There has been no sign of them in over fifty years.”

“You can thank the blasted church for that,” Ammon snapped. “They all went into hiding because of these ridiculous witch trials and religious wars. However, with the Peace of Prague and the new accession of peace between the Protestants and Catholics of the Imperial Free Cities, the bloody trials are finally dying out, making it safe enough for them to resurface.”

“How do you know this?” Rasheed still doubted Ammon knew what he was talking about. He wanted more than just hearsay.

“MacDougal’s new wife is a Fire Witch. Her grandmother Wilhelmina, an Air Witch. I believe her father is an Earth Mage, but I couldn’t confirm it since the werewolf curse seemed to be blocking his powers and I wasn’t around long enough to watch him.”

“You saw them wield their
magick
?” Mikhail’s face near shimmered with excitement.

Rasheed rolled his eyes.

“Wilhelmina stirred the air to feed the fires of the pyre so Monika’s bonds would burn, thereby setting her free. Monika was not only unharmed by the flames, but commanded them around her.” Ammon sat back and grinned, taking another long sip from his glass.

“We would have to work very hard to reestablish those alliances.” Rasheed paced. “That will mean a lot of money to court the leaders of their Groves and—”

Mikhail swatted Ammon’s knee with the back of his hand. “Come now! There’s still more. I can see it in your eyes!”

He grinned and sipped his wine, dragging out the moment. “Broderick was not harmed from the flames either.”

Rasheed and Mikhail stared with blank expressions.

“Shall I spell it out for you?” Ammon leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and cradling his glass. “He fed from her…thereby—”

“Gaining her abilities?” Mikhail leapt from his chair, dropping his wine glass and didn’t flinch as it shattered across the stone floor.

Rasheed sat down on the shallow marble table, his mouth hanging open.

Ammon smiled. “Yes, Rasheed. I am certain. We won’t need to make alliances with the Groves. We make them our blood slaves. We breed them like cattle and not only use them for sustenance, but gain the abilities of their powers as well.”

Rasheed threw his head back and laughed. “
This
will please the King!”

Ammon rose and strutted to the cart to refill his glass. “Might I make a suggestion?”

Rasheed grinned. “For this information, you may have anything you like.”

Ammon glanced over his shoulder, a wicked grin on his lips. “I like the sound of that.” He slid the crystal bottle top into the decanter and stalked toward Rasheed, circling him like a predator.

Rasheed shivered and cocked an eyebrow.

“Why bring any of this before the King? What if
we
decided to harvest their powers?”

The blood drained from Rasheed’s face.

Mikhail clutched his friend’s shoulder. “He would have us skinned alive for centuries!”

“Not if we had all these weapons at our disposal,” Rasheed whispered.

“Both of you are mad!” Mikhail’s gawking face swerved between Ammon and Rasheed.

Ammon winked at Mikhail. “Imagine, the King couldn’t touch us if we wielded the elements and had an army of werewolves at our command.”

Rasheed lifted Ammon’s wine glass from his fingers and downed its contents. Setting the glass on the marble table, he smirked and glanced down at the erection straining against Ammon’s breeches. “You do love power, don’t you?” Rasheed rubbed his palm over the bulge and Ammon shuddered.