VIOLET DAWN

Chapter 20

Patrick stood from the chair he had been sitting in for the better part of the morning and came around his desk. The scent of blood drew him to the far end of the bookshelves.

Pushing aside five books with identical red bindings, Patrick pressed on the bottom corner of the wood background and moved his hand as it swung free. The decanter of blood and crystal glasses stood inside the secret cupboard.

Pouring himself a glass, he put the books back in their places and crossed over to the high windows. Outside several fashionable ladies walked passed the gate of his town house, their hands flittering in the air as they discussed some matter of hilarity.

Violet's hands never flittered. They were always calm and graceful. He had only seen two incidents where those hands moved with speed; when she was playing her violin and when she was caressing him.

Why was he unsatisfied? He should be feeling relieved, after all Violet was coming to him tonight and his solicitor was already searching for rooms in a nearby area that would be appropriate for her. So, why had the urgency not left him?

Patrick acknowledged the reason with some frustration: he didn't know why she had agreed. He had told himself to be glad Violet had finally accepted the arrangement he proposed and damn the reasons. But he couldn't ignore the fact that he just didn't know what had changed her mind. The sudden capitulation...it just didn't fit with anything he knew about her.  

Violet was independent and stubborn and courageous and well, she never did what she was told. But last night, just like that, she had agreed...

"My Lord?"

Patrick turned from the window and towards the door which was the slightest bit ajar. Mrs. Devon knew never to enter his study without permission.

"Yes Mrs. Devon?"

"There are three ladies to see you my lord. Shall I tell them you are not in and send them away?"

The corner of his mouth lifted at Mrs. Devon's stress on the word ladies. Obviously his house keeper did not approve of these women. His housekeeper didn't seem to approve of any female.

Patrick knew of only one group of three women who would come calling without an invitation. "That's alright Mrs. Devon. Show them in."

"As you wish my lord." The elder woman sounded less than happy as her footsteps receded towards the front door.

Patrick downed the rest of the contents of his glass and set it on top of the table before going around and sitting behind his desk.

It took only a moment for the study door to open once more. The three Vampires that stepped inside were dressed in gowns so low cut, their breasts were at risk of spilling over. Mrs. Devon must have been shocked at the sight since even he was less than impressed by the display. Rowena and her two hangers on were hungry for attention as always.

"Leader," Rowena stepped forward, her head bowed in deference.

Patrick leaned back, his hands folded in front of him as he regarded her. Her pale blond hair hung loose over one slender shoulder, her eyelashes lowered demurely. Patrick knew from experience that there was nothing demure about the woman in front of him. She was determined, aggressive and sometimes even violent in her sexual appetites.

The silence in the room continued as his eyes took in Rowena's red dress and then surveyed her friends. Both as blond as Rowena, their pale cheeks were tinged with rouge.

"How can I help you ladies?" Patrick said at long last, his acknowledgment of their presence giving them permission to speak.

Rowena stepped forward, her blue eyes shining as she gave him a feigned look of regret. He remembered that look well. It was what had put him off the brief affair they had enjoyed upon his arrival in London.