Free Ravensclaw by Maggie MacKeever Page A

they knew about her situation, which wasn’t likely, given the young lady’s eccentricities. Thus, the field was left clear for Michael Ross.
    Rather, the field had been left clear. Val had already arranged to introduce his ungrateful houseguest to what passed for Polite Society in Edinburgh, ostensibly to help her in her quest. She would hate every moment spent among her peers, and thereby amuse him even more. Maybe he would engage in an additional altruism, since she was clearly too impulsive to be left dashing about on her own, and make her financial status known. Val didn’t imagine for a moment that Emily would thank him for it, which made the notion even more piquant.
    Emily puffed up her cheeks and blew out an exasperated breath. “This is all far off the point! It is vitally important that we retrieve the athame. Why don’t you just reach out and find the blasted thing?”
    “Because I cannot.”
    “Oh. I assumed your extramundane senses— Isn’t that unusual?”
    “Yes. It may have been due to the bagpipes, or because I wasn’t close enough, but I learned nothing from your Mr. Ross last night. Yes, Iknow he isn’t yours, but I’m afraid you must act for a little while as though he is.” It took no extramundane senses to hear the sound of grinding teeth. “If you will recall, it was our intention to flush out your fox.”
    “He’s not my fox.” She eyed him. “Why have you finally admitted what you are?”
    It hadn’t been solely for his entertainment, Val conceded to himself, although entertained he was. “I don’t know that I did.”
    “I have never heard of a vampire with memory problems. Although, all things considered, I can see why it might be inconvenient to have encyclopedic recall.” Val settled himself more comfortably. Emily cast a sideways glance at the strong thigh that pinned down her skirt. “I understand there is more than one traditional way to become a vampire. Were you set upon unawares and drained to the point of death?”
    Val hoped Miss Dinwiddie’s inquiring mind wouldn’t be the death of her. Or him. “I’m sorry to disappoint you. It was nothing like that. I became what I am by choice.”
    Emily watched him stroke the cat. “Why would anyone become a vampire by choice? I do not mean to be insulting, but it is difficult to embrace the notion of drinking blood.”
    She had many more questions. He answered them as best he could. Val was not accustomed to being regarded as a scientific curiosity. He found himself equal parts annoyed and amused.
    “Most females who find their way into my bed,” he said, when his inquisitor paused for breath, “don’t do so with interrogation in mind.”
    Emily sighed. “I’m being unforgivably pushing, aren’t I? It’s just that you are my first supersensible creature and there are so many things I’d like to ask. Are you afraid I can’t keep a secret? I promise you I can. Is it true that the nonliving have remarkable regenerative powers? Hugely heightened senses? The ability to cloud people’s minds?”
    Val was going to have to cloud her mind. Eventually. He reached out and caught her hand.
    She studied their intertwined fingers. You’re going to do that thing again. Where you read my mind.
    Eventually, but not yet. I won’t do this again unless you wish me to.
    Images flooded his mind. Images of the circumstances under which she might wish such a thing, which had to do with nibbles and kisses and nips.
    And then he saw nothing, as if she’d slammed shut a door.
    Val glanced at the window and the brightening sky outside. “I promise you will have your answers, and retrieve your stolen property. But now, you must return to your room, before the rest of the household begins to stir.” She looked rebellious. Go! commanded Val.
    She went. He lay back on his bed, imagining the so-curious Miss Dinwiddie’s reaction were he to turn into a corpse before her eyes.
     
     

 
Chapter Ten
     
    If an ass goes a-traveling,