Chapter 49
Chapter Forty-Nine
Belshazzar’s rose up out of the debris.
The stately manor’s exterior, with its classic architecture, was a modest property compared to what it had once been.
As such, it would draw less attention, though I had a suspicion that with Sunaria’s expensive tastes, the interior would be decadent.
Neither of us felt sentimental about living in a home erected upon what had once been Blackfriars.
In fact, we looked upon it as a victory.
The bohemian lifestyle of the city enabled us to blend in.
Delacroix’s disappearance sent shock waves through the underworld. The rumor spread about a new Status Regal in town. We were left alone.
With my recent transformation came a soaring confidence. Intuition came easily – though despite insight, I’d become painfully unforgiving. I felt as though I’d personally traveled through the centuries, earning every scrap of knowledge, instead of having stolen it from Delacroix that night.
My desire to spend more time alone increased.
I wandered the streets like a dark phantom, a threat to anyone who crossed my path.
Hunting took on a heightened pleasure. I refused to question these feelings, fearing that, should I examine them, I’d lose the ability to muster an exquisite sense of dominance at any given moment.
My new obsession was myself.
As predicted, Sunaria became engrossed in the new interior designs of our latest home.
When she wasn’t out helping me look for Jacob, she spent money like water.
We shipped in marble from Italy, furnishings and artwork from Madrid.
We installed the grandest of chandeliers, the candlelight reflecting exquisitely off the luxurious, homey furnishings.
The mahogany staircase swept up on both sides, leading to the east and west wings of the manor.
We finally moved into our new home. Luxury and ensured privacy aided our transition. Despite the guard dogs we acquired – ironically the breed known as bloodhounds – we were still cautious.
The animals soon got used to us and at times Sunaria could be seen wandering around the manor with several of them in tow. Very often, I’d hear their paws on the marble floor before I saw them.
We hired servants, maids to take care of the day-to-day running of the house, and gardeners for the grounds. With constant mindfulness, we were able to pass for humans.
Our bedroom on the upper floor had no windows, a genius design that Sunaria came up with.
Although the architect had at first resisted implementing such an eccentric plan, the money we paid convinced him to halt his objections.
After a month, I settled in, no longer wondering where the hell I was when I woke up. Stability was a welcome change.
The one thing that I had not accounted for was nature’s most frightening wrath – a woman’s jealousy. Had I had any inclination that inviting Marcus and Rachel to live with us would have incited the worst in Sunaria, I’d have reconsidered.
Having awoken from a restless sleep, I sat back against the headboard.
A pouting Sunaria was getting dressed. I admired her curves as she moved about the room, though considered staying quiet, hoping that her mood would improve before I spoke.
She sat at her vanity table and brushed her long dark locks, behaving as though she could see her reflection in the mirror.
“You look beautiful,” I said, breaking the silence.
She expertly applied rouge to her pale cheeks and rubbed lipstick over already pink lips.
“This place is huge, there’s more than enough room for all of us,” I told her.
“How long will your friend and his sister be staying?”
“Indefinitely.”
“And what say did I have in that decision?”
“Is it the fact that I’ve shagged her?”
Sunaria turned her head and glared at me.
I smiled. “You know you’re the only one for me.”
“You’re beginning to sound like a Londoner.”
I howled with laughter.
She twisted on her seat to face me. “You find this amusing?”
I rose and approached her. “Sunaria, how can you have any insecurities?”
“Rachel flaunts herself. I see the way she looks at you.”
“I read books to her, that’s all.”
“Well, I don’t like it.”
“There’s no harm in it.” I assisted Sunaria with the silk straps of her scarlet, fine-boned bodice, weaving them through the minute holes on the back and tightening them. My hands rested around her small waist. Aroused, I considered undressing her.
She rested her hands on her hips. “I want them gone.”
“Do you, now?”
“Why are you being so difficult?”
“Marcus is helping me find Jacob, so I’m letting him stay here.”
She turned around and looked up at me.
“Look, this is my first night not scouring the streets like a madman.” I shook my head in frustration. “I need just one night to take a breath.”
“What about what I need?”
“I know what you need. Tomorrow night, I’m going to give it to you.”
“What is it?”
“And ruin the surprise?”
“I want you to make them leave.”
“If you don’t shut up, it will be you that leaves.”
She frowned.
“You’ve had countless decades to come to terms with what you are,” I said. “They’ve had only weeks.”
“The old ways dictate that those of us who survive their first steps alone, may just prove that they have what it takes to face eternity.”
“And where’s the sense in that?”
“You were always more reasonable in the past.”
“I kind of like the new me.” I smiled. “Always being right has its privileges.”
She refused to return my smile.
I leaned in and kissed her. “Take Rachel out and teach her.”
“Where are you going?”
“Marcus and I are going out.”
“Perhaps it’s Marcus I should be jealous of.”
I spun Sunaria around and gave her a devilish grin.
And in that moment, Sunaria melted against me, like moonlight surrendering to the dawn, her guard undone by the gravity of my love.