Page 5 of Embers in the Wind

The fury of days and days builds to an almost overflowing cauldron of angst, bubbling inside while seething fire at his words. “Leave now before this becomes something it does not have to be. Make no mistake, I’ve said my piece and If I have to run you through?” I shrug. “Then it was meant to be, asshole. My blade has taken down tougher than you.”

His eyes flare red, bright flaming red, a warning that I’ve gotten on his last nerve. Well, newsflash, he was on mine a long time ago. The minute I caught sight of him tracking me through the forest floor. But this standoff is real, and my hand clenches the steel, knowing what an accomplished adversary he will be. Because I’ve heard rumors to, about just how arrogant and deadly he can be.

A loud screech pierces the forces, a blood-curdling scream that causes him to turn and gives me the very chance that I need to open that door and sink into the sanctity of my new home, hoping against hope that what gramma said was true.

No one, evildoers, and vampires alike, can penetrate their walls. Too filled with the sacred magic of those who built it centuries ago. An almost impenetrable fortress, a safe haventhat will always be your home. Unless, of course, you invite them in.

And as I slide to the floor in exhaustion, I have to hold on to the hope that what she said is true, that I’ve not made the journey for nothing, only to be led back by the arrogant bastard on the other side of this door.

But yet his ferocious knock makes my heart race with fear. “Go away. Tell them I’m fine.”

The door shakes with his wrath, his strength pushing against the door, and my back as it moves with his rage, but yet, just as gramma warned it stays locked and keeps me safeguarded from his attack. “Go away.”

A heavy thud on the door is enough to sway it and me at the same time, but the door does not come from its hinges. The not too light footsteps fading away, and the scurrying of creatures scrambling through the night can be heard as the enemy retreats, hopefully to go back to Descallia and Lucianna and leave me alone.

But I’m not taking any chances. The lord is known for his arrogance and in his circle, coming back without accomplishing his mission will no doubt be seen as a blemish on his impeccable record. No, that asshole is coming back, and I’ll be more than ready to convince him to leave.

I stand, surprised at just how shaky my legs are now that I’ve had time to calm. The room is dark, but my keen eyes grow accustomed to the dark, taking in the small table and chairs, the hearth in the corner and the queen size bed that lays against the wall. I walk toward the lamp and strike a match, wondering if after so many years they will work, but the flame flares in only one stroke.

The lantern lets off a warm glow around the interior of the cavern carved into the hills of the Carpathian mountains, and gratefulness and memories of my gramma abound.

A light brushing sound against the floor causes me to turn. But only the rocking of a chair can be seen by the unlit hearth. “Welcome, child.”

Chapter 5

Corvinus

Once on the ground and close to Master Romano’s, I decide to see if cell service in the area will connect us with a call, happy when he answers after only a ring. “This is Corvinus. I’ve found Embry. She’s in the Mystic Forest, not far from your estate, but she’s holed up in a cavern of sorts. I tried to send word via text message, but it didn’t go through.”

Master Romano laughs. “Alas, modern devices have no functionality in the Mystic Forest. It’s like the entire area is set in another time. A magnetic field that divides the mountain side between us and the witches. Raven and I have been expecting you, so feel free to come by. We can discuss the caverns she’s no doubt taken refuge in.”

My jaw locks tight. Yet another magical trick of the pesky witches, no doubt. Sealed off and unable to get to the woman with the shark’s tooth tongue. “No, I appreciate the offer, but time is of the essence. I need to get her well in hand and be back to my estate before first light.”

The vampire master laughs. “Stop by and we’ll have a glass of Descallia Red. I’ll bring you up to speed on the virtues of the Mystic Forest and the caverns you now find yourself unable topenetrate. You will need to be armed with more than the mighty sword, Lord Corvinus. And I hate to break it to you, but I highly doubt you’ll convince Embry to leave with you tonight.”

My jaw tightens with barely constrained irritation. Why the blazes this damnable woman is so important, causing me to be away from more important things is beyond me. I seriously wonder how Overmaster Descallia has allowed himself to be pulled around by the nose by his new queen. If she were my mate, I would put her in her place, not allow her to order his lord around on a wild goose chase in the night.

The transport to Master Romano’s house on the other side of the ridge does not take long. I walk through the forested area around the perimeter of his home, just to get a sneak peek of the top of the witches’ academy that sits far enough away, but still, right next door in an area as vast as Romania. All is quiet. Devora and her cackling witches are no doubt asleep or concocting some brew or another to make life interesting for the vampires.

I’ve not yet knocked when Romano’s houseman opens the door. The older gentleman has been with Romano for as long as time. I’ve forgotten his name. “Nice to see you again.” His smile is warm and sincere. “Romano said you would be arriving shortly and to have you meet him in the great room. Follow me.”

The great room is vast, with Italian marbling on the floor. No doubt imported from the same place I imported mine because they provide the best that money can buy. Romano turns and greets me with an amiable smile. “I’ve taken the liberty,” he says, walking toward me with a quart of fresh blood and a full glass of deep red Descallia Red.

The blood goes down quickly, and the mixture of wine and blood calms the edge, settling in my veins as I fold myself into one of the two wingback chairs by the fireplace. “You’ve redonethe space,” I say, admiring the blood-red drapes that hang to the floor.

He takes a drink and assesses me for a moment, before placing his crystal goblet on the end table with claw adorned feet. “The witches have not caused us trouble and I don’t expect them to anytime soon. The battle with the rogues this year has left both sides, theirs and ours, leery of getting into a war again. They’ve left us alone, and we’ve returned the favor.”

I nod, taking a sip of my drink, getting the feeling that the invitation to come chat wasn’t all about bringing me up to speed about the caverns interspersed and tucked into the mountains. I place my drink on the coffee table in front of me, carefully balancing it on the cream color coaster. Seemingly a woman’s touch is at hand in the decoration of his space. “And you want me to tread lightly and not to make any waves that may change the peaceful tides?”

Master Romano does not make me wait long, not one to say much, but usually always speaking his mind. “Exactly.”

It’s a request I plan to honor. “My hope is not to be here another full day. Travel back tonight when the little vampiress is too tired to fight, take her by force if I must, but I need to be back on my way to Chicago before tomorrow night.”

He nods. “Yes, I heard you’re heading up the warriors selections and a group of you are meeting to review some of the most prospective applicants. I think fairly soon you will have your hands completely full.”

Master Romano does not give me a reason, nor as a master does he need to inform a lord, but it seems odd just the same, having been friends for more than three centuries now.

He puts a black booted foot across his knee and leans back in his chair. “The caverns are placed strategically throughout the mountain range, and deep in the foothills, as well. They are impenetrable without an invitation to come in, so unless Embrywants your company, I’m afraid your stay in Romania will either be one that is very long, or you and Overmaster Descallia will need to have a conversation about his expectations and what bringing the headstrong little vampiress home will entail. Embry can be...” He grins. “Embry.”

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