Chapter 14 #2
“Adrian Kennedy, for the crime of fraternization and the seduction of a junior vampire under your guidance, you are stripped of your title. Henceforth, you are no longer master of combat at Belleridge Coven,” Julius announced.
“I accept your decree,” Adrian said in a small, pained voice.
Though he suffered, there wasn’t an ounce of resentment in his heart for her. She saw only affection when his tired eyes drifted to her. Catching her gaze on him, Adrian flashed her a warm smile, a sign that he would endure.
Emma hoped the sacrifice would always be worthwhile to him.
Julius turned on his heel and returned to his chair. The abrupt movement brought a panicked skip to Emma’s pulse. While taking in tiny breaths, she turned her attention from Adrian back to the council members. Their stoic faces revealed nothing.
They must have thrived on the suspense.
“As for you,” Julius said, addressing Emma once more.
His eyes sparkled in the light, authority infusing his voice and the air with power.
“For the crime of fraternization and seduction of a master vampire, as well as many other infractions against our code, I award you the title of Overseer, Emmaleigh Whittaker.”
“I accept your de—what?”
Adrian’s head snapped up, and his puzzled gray eyes darted from the council of nine to Emma, back and forth, unable to decide which was the most deserving subject of study.
Mordecai leaned forward in his throne to address Adrian, satisfaction on his face despite the milk-curdling glower Aasiyah fixed upon him.
“To Adrian Kennedy, we bestow the permanent role of champion. You will remain in the service of Overseer Whittaker from this day forward, for as long as she bears her title. If she should accept.”
Of all the foolish things she’d done in her life, declining the offer of a title from the elders wouldn’t be one. “I accept your decree,” Emma said in a rush. “I… I just don’t understand. Why have you rewarded me? I broke the rules.”
“You broke the right rules,” Margaret replied. “You have displayed honor, determination, and integrity. Leadership. Diplomacy. You bear every trait we desire in an Overseer, Emmaleigh, as well as the ability to gain the loyalty of races outside of our own.”
“What Overseer can claim he or she has gained the cooperation of a shapeshifter or a demigoddess?” Mordecai asked. “Perhaps our rules are ill-thought, if a true alliance can be formed with such creatures.”
“What Overseer can claim credit for the destruction of a fallen one?” Clarice added. Her smile became warm, motherly as she gazed upon Emma. “We once thought them impossible to defeat without sustaining huge losses. You have proven otherwise and survived what many could not.”
“This is a position well earned, but perhaps as much a punishment as a reward,” Berengar warned. “It is no easy title to hold. Are you prepared to accept this heavy responsibility?”
“Yes.”
“Then it is done.” Julius leaned back in his seat and smiled in satisfaction. “We will sign the decrees tomorrow, after you have rested.”
The world swam around Emma, and for a moment, she feared she’d collapse. Or that the dream was ending and she was soon to awaken in her bed and discover she’d never left Belleridge at all.
“I… thank you,” she murmured. “Thank you for this opportunity.”
A glance to her right revealed Adrian staring at her with awestruck eyes. He’d lost his title as master of combat, but he’d gained much more. As her champion, he’d enjoy the same privileges, and nothing would separate them.
“Will we remain at Belleridge?” she asked Julius.
“For the time being, I see no reason to remove you from Dartmouth. Lord Brennan will be notified of the changes. I expect he will have something prepared to welcome you both home.”
Mirroring relief echoed across their shared link. Belleridge was home. She had friends there. A real job, her little slice of heaven—her sanctuary in the Cerulean Legacy.
“Thank you.” Adrian found his voice and bowed. “We will both strive to prove your faith has not been misplaced.”
“As for now, rest. You have both earned the privilege to enjoy a lengthy vacation free of responsibility for a time,” Margaret said with a mischievous sparkle in her eye. “Cherish this time together and make it count.”
“We will,” Emma assured her. Daring to glance at Adrian, she reached for his hand and twined their fingers together.
“Do you require a meal before you take to your bed?” Mordecai asked.
“Thank you, but no. Not today. I think we’d like to simply rest,” Adrian said.
Eight of the elders inclined their heads to her in varying degrees, though Aasiyah abruptly averted her attention to stare at the far wall.
That was going to be a problem. One day. But for now, Emma preferred to ignore the enmity from the old vampire.
The butler guided them to the same adjoining bedrooms as before, but Adrian followed her inside her room. Emma sat on the edge of her bed and smoothed her fingertips over the silken comforter.
Even better than the comforter, she noticed brand new sleepwear draped across the foot of the bed. Emma eyed the garnet-hued silk nightgown with longing and decided to slip into it after a soak. Their trip had afforded few opportunities to sleep in luxury.
Adrian sat beside her and unbuttoned his shirt, groaning when he shrugged it back from his shoulders. “Want me to run you a bath?”
“Like you had to ask.”
Moments after he disappeared into the adjoining bathroom, he called out to inform her he’d discovered glasses and a chilled bottle of champagne. To Emma’s surprise, a box of gourmet chocolate truffles awaited her on the vanity. She tasted one and let it melt in her mouth.
“They planned all this. They knew.”
While her water ran, he poured two glasses of champagne. “It seems they did. Are you complaining?”
“No, not really. But they really know how to scare a person.”
“But they certainly know how to make up for it.” He stepped toward her with fire burning in his eyes and evident desire below his belt. A well-endowed man like Adrian couldn’t hide arousal if he tried.
Whoa there!
Emma touched her palm against his sculpted, beautiful chest. The muscles beneath her hand and the warm flesh tempted her. “I’ll bathe and enjoy my chocolates alone. Thank you.”
“But—”
She gently nudged him out the door to his room. “Thank you, Adrian.”
“I thought—”
“Thought what?” she asked, tilting her face to gaze at the taller vampire.
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Then I suppose there’s no better time to discuss this and ask you, where do we stand?”
“Good question.” She voiced it in a husky murmur before rising to tiptoes and kissing him.
He met her eagerly, possessive and as strong as she remembered.
While every tempting second urged her to drag him into the bed, she knew better.
Adrian Kennedy had burned her once. When she lowered to her heels again, she cupped her palm against his stubbled cheek.
“I don’t want to rush into bed with you again. Once was enough, wasn’t it?”
He nodded. “All right. I’ll give you the time you need, Emma.”
“That’s all I ask. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Once the door shut behind him, she leaned against it and tilted her head back with her eyes closed. Had she done the right thing by nudging him out of her room?
Yes. Most certainly, because only time would tell what their blood bond would bring, and she’d promised herself, if she jumped into bed again with Adrian Kennedy, it would be on her terms, not another quickie in a security control room, or an impulsive romp to celebrate a mission well done.
With generous glasses of bubbly and decadent sweets as her only snack, she lazed in the steaming water until her pruny fingers and a desire to stretch beneath the silk comforter chased her from the bath.