The Children Of The Night (Book 1, The Bloodline Chronicles)

2. Delirium

Kassan

Kassan fled the space that held his new fledgling in deep thought. He should not have given her false hope, because she could never see her grandfather and friends again. For a fledgling, it was almost impossible to stand in front of a human and not thirst for their vitality after being transformed. Not without years of practice.

But he could not stand the downcast that was her expression when she asked. Perhaps, he was growing soft. He almost laughed at the thought. It was not in his nature to feel kindness toward anyone unless they served well, and at the moment, she most certainly was not doing so.

Camilla would miss her companion Emma, wouldn't she? And her grandfather—the Slayer, her only family. He was not an ancient fellow. He looked to be around sixty, possibly younger. He wondered how young he had been when he sired Camilla's Mother. Or her when she gave birth to Camilla.

He should have done more research on her family instead of making his decision hastily.

The detour to his chambers had become a routine he had grown fond of over the last five centuries since they had migrated to Canada. He ran into Lady Valerie on his way.

Her height had always been the source of impression, with fiery locks curling around her neck and past her shoulders. Sharp green eyes glowered at him. Her porcelain skin was covered in freckles. She was clothed in a dark blue gown. She also reeked of Alexander's essence. His lip curled down distastefully.

"My Lord."

"Valerie."

"I heard you brought your chosen in just before the stroke of midnight."

"It is true."

The distaste in his tone made his words sound vicious, but she ignored it.

"I expect she will be exceptional."

"She is."

"Cryptic. No worry, I will hear enough from your fledglings in due time."

"I do not doubt that. Ever the gossip."

"Not I. I just have keen ears and Vampir's talk." She walked toward him until their faces were but an inch apart. "Enjoy the witching hour, my Lord."

Her tongue slithered over her elongated incisor, a habit Marina took to all too well when first observing the other Vampir's, believing it to be seductive. When he remained impassive, she grew frustrated, sneering and stepping past him to continue down the corridor.

At his next glance forward, he saw Alexandre walking the way Valerie had come. His dark eyes found Kassan's and the delight that reflected made him swell with pride. His dark skin shone ebony in the candle lit corridor. His grin was wide and bright.

"Maître! Back from scavenging?"

Kassan's lip twitched but he nodded. "You know better than to twist the conversation away from yourself. I told you not to associate with Valerie."

Alexandre cleared his throat. Before he countered a lie, he thought better of it. "Forgive me, mon Maître. It's foolish of me to chase after her."