Remy’s initial gut reaction was a resounding ‘no’ but after considering all the unknowns regarding the vampire, it would be better to sequester them from Lucius but still keep them inside the dome he’d created to protect the winery. “That’s a good idea…I’ll be down in a second to say goodbye.”
Sensing the turmoil in his mate, Carson wrapped him in a hug while dropping sweet kisses along Remy’s forehead. “Babe, they’ll be safe with Hunter and Fionn.”
Turning his face slightly, Remy inhaled his mate’s scent and the chaos in his mind quieted down. Pressing his lips against Carson’s stubbled jaw, he murmured, “Thanks, my love.”
“Always. See you downstairs.”
After Carson left, Kieran said quietly, “You make him so happy, Remy.”
“Not as happy as he makes me. I never expected to have a mate because of who I am, nor did I want one, but now I can’t imagine how I’d ever live without Carsy. He understands my needs before I do, but more than that, he’s right there making sure to fulfill them before I can ask. I feel safe, loved and wanted by him and he makes sure my brothers feel the same way. Carsy is the other half of my heart…and my soul mate.”
“As you are to him,” Kieran said, smiling. “Cody and Colton are going to be surprised at how he’s changed when they see him. Hey…and stop worrying, they’re gonna love you.”
“I hope so…” Remy muttered more to himself than to Kieran.
“Trust me, they will.”
Hoping the Shaman was right, Remy nodded before saying, “I better go pack my brothers a bag in case they have to stay overnight.”
Kieran waited until Remy was gone before softly murmuring, “Lucius, how are you feeling?”
Panic filled the young vampire.How does he know I’m awake?Mentally checking himself for movement, Lucius found none. There wasn’t any part of him that would indicate he was awake, but somehow the man knew. Maybe it was a lucky guess on his part, or a ruse to trick Lucius into opening his eyes, just as Valerian had done after he’d changed him.
Lucius had kept them closed in the beginning and sometimes it worked—his master would leave him alone. Soon, though, those times grew fewer and fewer while his master’s cruelty grew by leaps and bounds. One day, after being violently beaten for a minor mistake, he realized Valerian’s obsession was to wield absolute power over him. From that day on, he never hid from his master, carrying out his orders immediately, hoping to avoid punishment.
But Valerian was dead now and no longer able to inflict his sadistic will on him anymore. And while he was thankful that part of his life as a vampire was over, it gave him little comfort as he realized his master’s death also meant his. His only hope of having a different outcome was to connect with the source of power that was pulling him in its direction.
“I’m Kieran and my spirit told me you’re awake.”
Spirit? Does he mean a ghost?Thinking quickly, Lucius tried to remember what Valerian told him about ghosts, but his mind drew a blank. Frustrated, he lifted one eyelid a millimeter, his curiosity getting the better of him. During his time as a vampire, he’d seen witches, many different shifters, demons, and fae, but never a ghost. Peering out through the narrow slit, he searched the room finding only one person in it who definitely was not a ghost. Quickly shutting his eye, Lucius had his answer: the man was a liar.
“I’m not a liar,” Kieran said softly. “Only my mate and I can see my spirit, but he will show himself to you if you open your eyes for me.”
Surprise hit first before wariness followed when he realized the man could read his mind. Valerian always claimed he could though Lucius never saw proof of it. But either this man…no, what was his name? Oh, yes, that’s right…Kieran…either Kieran could read his mind or he was very good at guessing. And considering even Valerian couldn’t do it, he concluded Kieran might be able to.
Grinning, Kieran said, “Lucius, I can’t read your mind, but my spirit can.”
The laughter he heard in Kieran’s voice finally prompted him to open his eyes. “Where’s your ghost?” Lucius asked, his voice raspy and cracking from not being used.
“Here.”
Suddenly a small form filled with brilliant multicolor light hovered above him, enveloping him with warmth and finally chasing away the cold that had encased him after he was turned. Gasping in delight, Lucius tried to lift his arm to touch it, but his body wouldn’t respond.
Feeling his despair, Kieran reached for the vampire’s hand, interlocking their fingers. “Lucius, the reason you can’t lift your arm is that there isn’t enough blood in you. That’s why you have an IV in your arm.”
Glancing down at his arm, Lucius stared at the place where the blood was dripping into his body before closing his eyes, mumbling, “It won’t do any good.”
“Why not?” asked Kieran, sending extra love through his palm, hoping to ease the anguish in Lucius’ voice.
“It’s not the blood I need,” Lucius whispered.
“Colton suggested we use Type O since it’s compatible with everyone, but if you require a different type, that won’t be a problem because Remy can get it for you.”
Kieran’s response confused him. Why was he talking about blood types when it was Valerian’s blood Lucius needed. Once again he wondered if he was being toyed with just as his master had done to him so many times. Without Valerian’s blood, he’d die a painful death. Maybe if he’d asked his master more questions about being a vampire, a solution to his current predicament would be easy to figure out. But he hadn’t and Valerian had always kept Lucius in the dark—except for what he wanted him to know.
Deciding not to make the same mistake again, Lucius opened his eyes and, as his gaze found Kieran, asked, “Where am I?”
“Chateau des Flammes in France.”
