“You’ll be leaving soon for that,” Jessie said.
“What about all of you?
“Only Gabi will be with you, but we’ll be here when you return.”Mrs.Brenda took hold of her hands.“The capitol is where you’ll have your thrall ceremony.You’ll be regal after that.”
“I’ll still chop the vegetables,” Adalyn said with a smile.
Mrs.Brenda hugged her.“Anytime, my dear.”
Closing her eyes, Adalyn sank into the embrace.For a moment, she pretended it was Marilisa holding her once more, and her heart gave a sad little tug.Emotion welled up in her chest, making it hard to breathe.Then, as if sensing her distress, Mrs.Brenda kissed the side of her head.
“It’s okay,” she murmured.“I’ve got you.”
“Thank you,” Adalyn whispered.
“You’re family now.”Mrs.Brenda pulled back and smiled as she cupped Adalyn’s face.“We take care of each other.”
Adalyn blinked away her happy tears and nodded.She’d do anything and everything for her new family.
****
Gareth arrived homea little after 6:00 and she waited by the door, with a glass of warmed blood.Born vampires ate food, but their bodies still needed the nutrients in blood.When he stepped through the large front door, she smiled, happy to see him.
“Adalyn,” he greeted with a smile, stepping up to her.
“Gareth,” she replied, holding the glass up.“Here you are.Dinner is in half an hour.”
He took the drink and drank the thick serum down.Red stained his teeth.When the glass was empty, he handed it back to her.
“Thank you,” he said, then looked at the expensive watch on his wrist.“Half hour?Just enough time to clean up.”
He leaned down and kissed her mouth.With a wink, he headed for the winding staircase.Adalyn watched him, admiring his muscular physique, until he disappeared down the hallway that led to his bedroom.Then she turned and headed back to the kitchen to place the glass in the dishwasher.
She waited in the dining room, and when he showed up, he sat in his place at the head of the table.Amy and Jessie served them, and she gave them both a smile of thanks.
“Haggis,” Gareth said, surprised.
“Mrs.Brenda said it was your favorite.”
“Yes.Have you ever tried it?”
She shook her head.With whisky cream sauce on the side, and leeks and carrots perfectly cooked, she dug into the food and discovered it was slightly sweet and slightly spicy.Utterly delicious.
Conversation flowed naturally and after dinner he took her by the hand to the back garden.Under the moon, they strolled among the numerous rosebushes as their heady scent swirled through the air.When she shivered a little, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her in close to his side.
“How was Marm Scarlet?”
“Stern, but knowledgeable.”
“She was recommended as the best teacher in a tight turnaround time.”
“Mrs.Brenda said we’re leaving for the capital next week.”
“Aye,” he confirmed.“Parliament is in session and as part of the peerage, I have to attend.”
“Okay.”
“I promise you won’t get bored.”
