Chapter Eleven
When Marm Scarlet left for the day, Adalyn went to the kitchen in order to help. Even though Mrs. Brenda said no, she eventually wore her down until she was tasked with chopping vegetables.
“What did you learn today?” Mrs. Brenda asked.
“The history of the vampire race,” she replied, carefully peeling carrots. “It’s quite fascinating. Tomorrow it’s all the mythos and I think that’ll also be very interesting. I mean, I know the silly stuff people believed, but when all of it falls into a context, it’s very eye-opening.”
“There are still people out there believing all the fake rumors,” Mrs. Brenda said. “Like vampires bursting into flames if the sun touches them.”
“If that was the case,” Jessie added, “then the illumination of the moon at night, which is from the sun’s rays, would also make them go poof.”
“Huh,” Adalyn murmured. “Never thought of that.”
“Idiots. That’s the problem with rumors,” Mrs. Brenda said with a harrumph in her tone.
Adalyn grinned. When she was done peeling the carrots, she cut them up into bite size pieces. The next hour or so, they worked as a unit to create a favorite dinner for Gareth. She’d never had haggis before, but was willing to try anything.
“I take it Lord Huntley was born in Scotland?” she asked.
“Yes, he was,” Mrs. Brenda replied. “When his family’s import business expanded to North America, he and a few other family members moved with it. They were one of the rare vampires who actually raised their son. Of course, being nobility, his other obligation is parliament at the capital.”
“You’ll be leaving soon for that,” Jessie said.
“What about all of you?
“Only Gabi will be with you, but we’ll be here when you return.” Mrs. Brenda took hold of her hands. “The capitol is where you’ll have your thrall ceremony. You’ll be regal after that.”
“I’ll still chop the vegetables,” Adalyn said with a smile.
Mrs. Brenda hugged her. “Anytime, my dear.”
Closing her eyes, Adalyn sank into the embrace. For a moment, she pretended it was Marilisa holding her once more, and her heart gave a sad little tug. Emotion welled up in her chest, making it hard to breathe. Then, as if sensing her distress, Mrs. Brenda kissed the side of her head.
“It’s okay,” she murmured. “I’ve got you.”
“Thank you,” Adalyn whispered.
“You’re family now.” Mrs. Brenda pulled back and smiled as she cupped Adalyn’s face. “We take care of each other.”
Adalyn blinked away her happy tears and nodded. She’d do anything and everything for her new family.
****
Gareth arrived home a little after 6:00 and she waited by the door, with a glass of warmed blood. Born vampires ate food, but their bodies still needed the nutrients in blood. When he stepped through the large front door, she smiled, happy to see him.
“Adalyn,” he greeted with a smile, stepping up to her.
“Gareth,” she replied, holding the glass up. “Here you are. Dinner is in half an hour.”
He took the drink and drank the thick serum down. Red stained his teeth. When the glass was empty, he handed it back to her.
“Thank you,” he said, then looked at the expensive watch on his wrist. “Half hour? Just enough time to clean up.”
He leaned down and kissed her mouth. With a wink, he headed for the winding staircase. Adalyn watched him, admiring his muscular physique, until he disappeared down the hallway that led to his bedroom. Then she turned and headed back to the kitchen to place the glass in the dishwasher.
She waited in the dining room, and when he showed up, he sat in his place at the head of the table. Amy and Jessie served them, and she gave them both a smile of thanks.
“Haggis,” Gareth said, surprised.
“Mrs. Brenda said it was your favorite.”
“Yes. Have you ever tried it?”
She shook her head. With whisky cream sauce on the side, and leeks and carrots perfectly cooked, she dug into the food and discovered it was slightly sweet and slightly spicy. Utterly delicious.
Conversation flowed naturally and after dinner he took her by the hand to the back garden.
Under the moon, they strolled among the numerous rosebushes as their heady scent swirled through the air.
When she shivered a little, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and brought her in close to his side.
“How was Marm Scarlet?”
“Stern, but knowledgeable.”
“She was recommended as the best teacher in a tight turnaround time.”
“Mrs. Brenda said we’re leaving for the capital next week.”
“Aye,” he confirmed. “Parliament is in session and as part of the peerage, I have to attend.”
“Okay.”
“I promise you won’t get bored.”
“Okay.”
“Any questions?”
She thought for a moment. “No, not right now. I’m sure there will be some in the days to come.”
He halted and she looked up at him. The planes of his face were cast in shadow, but she didn’t need to see to know how handsome he was. He said nothing more, only wrapped his arms around her and lifted her to kiss her senseless.
Their lips met, the kiss deepening to touch her soul.
He slid his hands down to cup her butt, then lifted her up.
Muscles bulged as he held her and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her back to the chateau and up the stairs to their bedroom, not even winded with his vampiric strength.
He didn’t stop until they were at the bed where he slowly placed her on her feet.
Without saying a word, he slowly undressed her, kissing her neck, then her shoulders as first the dress pooled around her feet, then her bra joined it.
He sank to his knees and helped her out of her panties, running his hands up her calves, to the apex of her thighs.
Her breath hitched as his thumbs teased her slick center, pressing against the button of nerves that made her even more aroused.
He lifted one leg to place over his shoulder before holding onto her hips as he buried his face in her pussy.
Pleasure wiped everything from her mind.
She couldn’t think, only feel how his tongue laved her clit, sucking the sensitive nub between his lips.
Stars exploded behind her eyes as her climax struck, and her body undulated against his caresses.
He rose and tumbled her onto the mattress before undressing himself.
The low light illuminating the room revealed every muscle, every masculine sinew.
Then he came down on top of her, kissing her mouth, across her cheek and down her neck.
Over her pounding pulse. She waited for him to bite, but he refrained.
His fingertips traveled upward from her waist to her breast, rolling her nipple between his finger and thumb.
Gareth rose above her and their eyes met.
Desire sharp as he slid his fingers through her slit, into her core, testing how wet she was.
Already sensitive from her earlier climax, she was surprised when her orgasm quickly rose.
Before she was swept away, he took hold of his cock and pushed into her body.
She shifted her legs, lifting them to wrap around his waist.
He twined their fingers together and pushed his hips upward just as she ground down.
The friction against her clit spun her into the stratosphere, blowing her mind until all that mattered in the world was where they were joined together.
Her body was on fire, everything was electric.
Just as she splintered apart, he sank his fangs into her neck and began to drink deeply.
The euphoria consumed her, and she cried out with pleasure.
He pounded into her harder. Deeper. His cock thickened and his incisors retracted from her neck as his own climax hit, groaning as he spilled into her body.