Free My Lord Vampire by Alexandra Ivy Page B

settled back in the shadows.
    “A simple matter once I possess the Medallion.”
    “Nefri has ensured you will never gain command of the Medallion.”
    The antagonism that lay heavy in the air abruptly lightened with a near smug amusement.
    “You believe I cannot lure that golden-haired harlot to my will? It is only a matter of time before she gives me the amulet. And then ...” Tristan paused as if to savor his words. “Ah, then I will teach her a lesson in daring to defy me.”
    Gideon struggled to disguise the fierce fury that flared through him. He would not give Tristan the satisfaction of knowing just how vulnerable he was becoming.
    It might very well be a fatal mistake.
    “Your spells and powers cannot work upon Lady Gilbert as long as she is protected by Nefri.”
    “I have no need of spells to seduce a mere mortal,” the vampire sneered, his voice echoing through the darkened alley. “Very soon she will be anxious to offer me whatever I desire. And if you ask very, very nicely I might even allow you to watch as I feast upon her.”
    Gideon took a step forward before he could halt the revealing movement. It was all too easy to imagine the slender woman broken and bloodied by the vengeful renegade. Without the Medallion she would be helpless against a vampire.
    “You will die,” he growled in rough tones.
    A taunting laugh came from the swirl of mist. “How very delicious. The aloof, oh so superior Gideon, lusting after a disgusting human. It really is priceless.”
    “I lust to bring an end to the traitors who have turned their backs on their own people,” he rasped, his fury nearly overwhelming him.
    “I would suggest that you take your pleasure with Lady Gilbert swiftly. When I have finished with her I fear that she will not be nearly so lovely.”
    Clenching the dagger Gideon stepped forward, his features taut with simmering danger.
    “Face me, Tristan,” he growled.
    Just down the alley a piercing scream split the night air, making Gideon stiffen with warning. Surprisingly he heard a low chuckle come from the mist before it was drifting toward the street.
    “Enjoy my present, Gideon.”
    For a moment Gideon hesitated, seething with the need to follow the traitor and finish their business one way or another. Only the knowledge that Tristan might very well be leading him into yet another ambush made him check in his impatience.
    He had recklessly allowed himself to be lured once this evening. He would not be goaded again. On the next occasion their confrontation would be a time and place of his choosing.
    Replacing the dagger Gideon moved down the alley toward the screams that still echoed through the air. He already suspected what he would find. Tristan had deliberately led him here for a purpose other than taunting him.
    The elder woman stood in a pool of light that came from the open door to the lodging house.
    “What is the matter?” he demanded as he stepped beside her.
    “Molly. She’s ...”
    “Where?” he impatiently cut into her shuddering words.
    She pointed toward the open door. “There.”
    With a thick reluctance Gideon stepped forward, his gaze discovering the crumpled form of a young woman. It took only a moment to realize that she had been savagely attacked. He could still smell the death and terror that lingered in the air.
    His lips tightened as his gaze traveled over the long golden hair that shimmered in the flickering candlelight.
    Tristan.
    Abruptly he turned toward the woman silently weeping for the dead maiden.
    “Find the Watch.”
     
     
    Cutting the last thread upon the hem, Simone held up the shimmering lilac gown that she had just completed.
    “Oh, ’tis beautiful, my lady.” The maid sighed as she ran her hands over the smooth satin skirt.
    Simone could not deny a measure of pride.
    The floating concoction of satin and lace was indeed beautiful and highly unusual with its clever flounced hem that revealed the ivory underskirt and the bodice of spidery lace.