Free Lost to the Night (The Brotherhood Series, Book 1) by Adele Clee Page A

Alexander climbed the stairs to the bedrooms. A tremor of sexual tension hung in the air, and he burst into the master chamber, his fists clenched, as though expecting to see Mr. Sutherby forcing his attentions on Miss Bromwell.
    The room was empty.
    The bed sheets were crumpled and strewn across the end of the oak four-poster. Cold, scummy water had been left in the wash bowl. He could smell masculine sweat, not the faint acidic scent that indicated poor hygiene but the fresher scent from overexertion. As he rounded the bed, he felt a weird concoction of emotions: desire and love mingled with indifference.
    He felt no evidence of panic or fear.
    It didn’t make any sense.
    As he passed the window, he glanced out, noting the perfect view of the lawn and the stile. Had Sutherby seen him with Miss Bromwell? Was jealousy his motivation?
    Forcing himself to move to another room, he knew the moment he opened the door that it was Miss Bromwell’s chamber. Her presence lingered in the room, warm, inviting. He could almost hear her chastising him for his vulgar manners, could almost feel the same intense ripples of pleasure he’d felt when his hand touched hers.
    Again, he felt no traces of distress only confusion, which was hardly surprising given Mr. Sutherby’s impending proposal.
    Perhaps he should have been relieved at her sudden departure. Now, there was no need to spend hours contemplating all the ‘what if’ scenarios. He could return to his simple life, free from obligation.
    But dreams possess a magical quality to rise above the mere wishes of men.
    Dreams, once embedded into hearts and minds cannot simply be erased or forgotten. Thoughts of Evelyn Bromwell consumed him, as though the essence of the woman had found a way to seep into his blood, into the air he breathed. Despite his best effort, he knew he would not be able to function as he had before. He would not rest until he knew what had prompted the hasty departure, until he knew she was safe and well.
    It would mean moving about in Society. If only for a brief time.
    The thought forced him to consider what was at risk.
    His life would be over if anyone discovered his secret. Although this was no life he was living. He was as good as dead. But how would he fair in a room full of people? Could he control the urges? Could he suppress the pangs wringing the muscles tight in his belly? Where would he find the blood he so desperately craved?
    Mrs. Shaw would need to accompany him. It would only be for a day or two. Just until he had seen Miss Bromwell. No doubt, he’d stumble upon her and her beau strolling arm in arm through the ballroom. She would regale tales of their upcoming nuptials, her pretty blue eyes sparkling with delight. Anger would bubble away inside, forcing him to be rude.
    After all, who would desire a monster when they could have a most affable, kind and handsome gentleman like Mr. Sutherby?

 
     
     
    Chapter 9
     
     
     
    “It feels so good to be out and about amongst company,” Aunt Beatrice said as she adjusted her turban until the feather dangled down over the scar at her temple. “If I had spent another day stuck in bed, I think I would have started talking to the walls.”
    Evelyn surveyed the hordes of people crowded into Lord Melbury’s ballroom. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be somewhere quieter? I can make our excuses to Mr. Sutherby. Under the circumstances, I know he would understand. We could —”
    “Heavens no,” her aunt exclaimed. “You’ve wasted far too much time tending to me. You need to be out in Society, and then everyone will know of your attachment to Mr. Sutherby.”
    Evelyn tried to protest but struggled to get a word out. After feeling helpless and being cooped up like a chick in a nest, her aunt was chirping more than usual.
    “Besides,” Aunt Beatrice continued, “I much prefer the noise and bustle of Town. At least, there’s no danger of being attacked by falling branches. I don’t think