Eyes he’d never forgotten.
He’d met her before, after all. Grace Black was the younger sister of his fellow Dark Lord, Everett.
He watched as River struggled to lead her down the hall, but the female stumbled and teetered to one side. Without thinking, he rushed to her side and steadied the female with a hand under her arm.
She stilled and turned her head toward him.
Even though he couldn’t see her eyes, he guessed they were probably widening. The blind often relied on scent to identify people, and he wondered if she remembered his.
From the one time he’d met her, when he’d been rude and brusque to her.
But William had no choice—he was that way with everyone. It was to protect them and save them from his powers. Because he’d lapsed once years ago, and it’d hurt someone he cared about.
And he would never allow that to happen again. Especially when so many people relied on him now.
Quickly releasing her, William backed several steps away as River Vale helped steady the shifter female. He cleared his throat and forced his voice to be his usual detached-yet-firm tone. “I beg your pardon, Miss Black. I hope you are steady now.” He glanced at Vale. “I’ll wait upstairs.”
Without another word, he turned and strode purposefully away from the female.
From the soft, warm female he wanted to help and protect, and to do so much more to. Ever since the first time he’d met her, he’d wanted to seek her out again.
But Grace Black wasn’t for him.
No female was.
Before memories could rush forth, he focused on everything he needed to do today. Between the kidnapped fae witches and the possible enemies lurking in his territory—at least according to his latest report on the French vampires—he couldn’t afford to be distracted.
By the time he reached the parlor, he was firmly in control and waited on the far side of the room, like he always did.
Like he always would.
Chapter Seven
Shopping in Victorian London had been quite the experience. Meadow was used to ordering things online, hoping they might fit, and sadly returning almost everything because it was too small or giant or simply unflattering.
But here? Nora had taken her to something called a modiste, who measured and made garments to order. Sure, they’d altered a few pre-made pieces so Meadow had something to wear after the modiste had tsked at her ruffled shirt and said that Meadow should never wear ruffles again. But after Nora put in a large order for her, Meadow exited the shop wearing a skirt and shirt that fit her. And while she would always yearn for soft pajamas, the modiste had provided some kind of loose corset that was more comfortable than any bra she’d ever worn before.
There was definitely something to having custom-made clothing.
Once they entered the main hall of her brother’s place, the butler—a butler!—approached them and said to Nora, “Mrs. Vale, the Dark Lord is waiting for Miss Vale upstairs.”
Meadow touched the bracelet around her wrist as her heart raced. From the bits and pieces she’d heard while shopping,she’d learned about William Khan’s powers—he was the Wielder of Nightmares.
Meaning he could make anyone see their worst fears, and possibly even scare them to death.
Resisting a shiver, Meadow took a few deep breaths. He wouldn’t do that to her; he just wouldn’t. After all, Khan was interested in Yesenia’s growing powers, and that should protect Meadow.
Maybe.
Nora touched her hand. “It’s okay, Meadow. Khan is more than fair. He didn’t have to allow a vampire to live in his territory, and yet he was the one to suggest I move here. He will be fair with you, too.”
“How much does he know about me?”
“Oh, Leo already told him about Laurie and Joseph, and he knows you’re from the future. But you should head upstairs and go talk with him. Especially since Khan hates to be kept waiting.”
Nodding, Meadow went up the stairs, careful to lift her skirt so she wouldn’t trip. The last thing she needed was to arrive with a bloody nose after falling on her face.
Although given her past luck, it wouldn’t surprise her.
