Free The Blood Bride (Blood Secrets) by Imogene Nix Page A

their movements.
    Cressida stepped to the front. “In light of what has just transpired, I believe it is time to retire for the evening. Please gather your guards. While the threat is past for tonight, I believe this is just the beginning.” Her steely gaze ran around the room, lighting on figures here and there. A quick nod and her personal entourage joined her, silently moving together to the centre of the ballroom.
    Then Cressida moved again, grabbing Hope’s hand and Hope felt the chill of her skin. A memory called, but she couldn’t recall what from and brushed it aside. There was a glint in her eyes and a warmth Hope barely recalled filled her again. “We must leave now. But I will be in contact.” She smiled, softening the words before turning to James. “We will talk. You have not followed the instructions I gave you that night. It is now too late, and it is my prerogative to explain.” Anger dripped from the words.
    Hope watched her father and saw the colour leach from his face.
    A quick small step would take her to him, but the cutting gaze he threw in her direction halted her movements, leaving her with a cold feeling once more.
    With a quelling look back to her parents, then a regal nod at the others who surrounded her, Cressida turned and was gone.
    Hope stood watching as the guests collected items, forming their small groups as they took their leave. Some left silently, creeping out of the door with their party, while others left with low words of regret and a brief touch here and there. The sea of colour and sound ebbed away.
    Once the last guests were gone, Hope looked around. The detritus of the night was littered here and there. Abandoned glasses of champagne and plates of nibbles sat on chairs and small serving tables, scattered around the room.
    The musicians had already left, and the army of nestlings who worked in the house descended quietly to complete the task of clearing away the evidence of the night. Trays and trolleys moved in silence, as others moved with brooms and brushes.
    She sighed, and turned to talk to her parents, but realised with a start that they had left the room without a word to her. She was alone once more. Hot tears stung her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
    Cressida’s words played over and over in her mind, making her wonder at the anger she had seen. Her father had obviously upset Cressida—something about not following instructions sat oddly, as he was nothing if not loyal to his nest and the Council. But the hour was late and she was tired. The possibilities of trying to work out what should or shouldn’t be done confused her, and she knew it was time to retire. With a last look around, she turned to make for the hallway, when a hand shot out and she jumped with surprise, and a small dollop of fear. It went as quickly as it came, though, replaced by the feeling of warmth once more.
    “Wha…? Xavier! You scared me.” She took a deep breath as the urge to put her hand to her chest rose. She controlled it with an effort, hoping to slow the mad beating of her heart.
    “Cressida requested that we move you from your suite to the guest suites below. I have already had your friend…Lisi? Yes, anyway, she has moved some of your things.” The words were spoken with a stiffness of tone and his eyes glittered.
    “What? Why?” This wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Why would Cressida give such a direction, and to Xavier? He was the Master, and members of the Council rarely intervened in the day-to-day running of the nests. Thoughts battled in Hope’s mind. Why she was being singled out?
    All thoughts and questions left her head as he tugged her along the hall to the door at the end. The one she had always been told she was never to attempt to open. The one that led to the vampires’ private quarters below.
    When the nest had purchased the manor, they had been cellars and kitchens. She had vague memories of watching the tradesmen come and go, day after day,