He stopped suddenly, moving closer to her and touching the side of her face. She looked up, blinked as he came into focus.
“I know it is much to take, Drusilla, but the life of a vampire is not without its perks.”
“Why can’t I remember anything about my human life?”
His eyes grew guarded, and when he would have moved away, she held on to the hand at her face. “To acclimate you to your new life. In a sense, it keeps you from yearning for the old.”
She released him and instead of removing his hand, he kept it there. His touch was gentle as he lifted her head once more.
“Come, Drusilla, let me show you the night.”
Briefly wondering if this was all a dream, she stood. His palm fell away from her face then, moving down to take her hand.
As they headed for the door, a painting caught her eyes. It was of a tall woman with flawless dark-coffee skin that seemed to glow, jet-black hair that touched just beneath her shoulders, and full, high breasts. She was beautiful, cutting the picture of an angel with dark eyes, and dressed the part in a flowing, white silk gown. Behind her was a tall, handsome man whose skin was pale and luminous. His hand was linked with the angel’s….
Drusilla gasped. The woman was her.
***
Vivienne slept for long hours. She’d finally fallen into a deep sleep around two o’clock that Friday morning, and had been in a comatose-like state since. Her heat had passed, and they were both exhausted for it. Conall had only needed a full night’s rest, but she required more as her body had gone through an ordeal, and now had to recuperate.
He awoke to the feel of the even rise and fall of her chest against his, and remained with her in his arms for a few hours. As he held her, Conall realized he had pressing matters that needed to be attended. Matters in the form of Rafael Mathias, and his entire family.
According to Sloan, Rafael’s near-fatal injuries had been looked at by their resident doctor, and he’d healed within the course of a day. After that, he’d kept to himself and his family. From Sloan’s stance, and the confusion in his beta’s eyes, Conall knew Sloan had expected some sort of rebellious behavior that would result in a fight. His beta had probably itched for it. When he asked of Samia, he was told the same thing. She, too, kept to herself.
Along with Sloan, Conall arrived at Brennus Mathias’s house close to noon. His knock was urgent, and he’d stood there for only a few seconds before the door swung in. Brennus stared back at him with narrowed eyes.
“Where is Rafael?”
There was no use in formalities. Not with Brennus. Both of them knew why he was there.
The Elder seemed to contemplate not letting him by, before he pursed his lips said, “You are not his alpha, Conall.”
“He’s lodging in my pack, and has challenged me for the right to rule,” Conall reminded Brennus viciously. “Where is he?”
Nostrils flaring, Brennus stepped away from the door, allowing Conall and Sloan to enter. Conall allowed his nose to lead him to Rafael, following the scent past both living room and kitchen and into their back yard. It was a chilly day, but the sun was shining, and apparently, Rafael and Samia were taking advantage of it. Both of them, as wolves, lay asleep outside.
As soon as he stepped into the yard, Rafael tensed and his eyes opened. He sat up and looked directly at Conall, before moving slightly to put his body before his sister’s. Samia woke next. Unlike her brother, fear came off of her in waves. She was about to move when Rafael growled. Immediately, she sat back down, her gaze moving frantically between Conall and her brother.
“You challenged me for my right to lead. Does your challenge still stand?” Conall demanded. This was not in a friendly visit. In fact, it was more hostile than anything. The only reason he wasn’t here to demand that Rafael meet him in the field was because of what the wolf had done, or claimed to have done, for Vivienne.
Rafael said nothing for long moments before he shifted to his human form, and said lazily, “New York is cold, with unfriendly people.” He eyed Conall as if to make his point. “I’m a Southern gentleman at heart.”
“You’re taking the challenge back?”
He nodded once.
“And Vivienne?” Conall continued. “You took her to the airport? How can I be sure you weren’t working for Cronin?”
“I could show you my mind, but I’m not sure I want to do that,” Rafael drawled, flashing a large smile. “What I will say is that I’ve never liked witches. Too much history there. Vivienne was going to get to that airport one way or ’nother. I just decided I was her safest bet of getting there with no issues.”