Page 102 of Midnight Enchantment

She fell to her knees beside him, wanting to help but not knowing what to do. He was being ripped apart. She could feel the blood-demon clawing at Raedan’s vitals, the demon weakening Raedan as it grew stronger. “Claret! Do something!”

The vampire looked at Quill. “Do we have a deal?”

“No.”

“No?” Lily stared at her father in disbelief. “I know you hate him but if you love me, you won’t let him die.”

“Lily, get away from him now!”

Startled by the harsh tone of her father’s voice, she scrambled to her feet and backed away.

Kneeling beside Raedan, Quill rolled up his shirt sleeve. “He’s not going to die. Dominic, Mason, hold him down.”

When they had Raedan subdued, Quill bit into his wrist, forced Raedan’s mouth open and let his blood drip onto his tongue.

Raedan growled low in his throat as he wrenched one arm free and took hold of Quill’s arm. Eyes as red as flame, he drank. And drank.

Silence fell over the chapel as the scent of hot, fresh blood filled the air.

Lily held her breath, a silent prayer rising in her heart, as Raedan continued to drink. She glanced at her father. How much blood could he spare? What if the demon transferred to her father?

A violent shudder wracked Raedan’s body. Throwing back his head, he let out a howl that sent an icy shiver slithering down Lily’s spine.

Mason and Dominic stood and backed away from him.

Raedan convulsed again and then lay still, his eyes closed, his body slack.

Lily looked at her father, tears welling in her eyes. “Is … is he dead?”

“No,” he said, rising.

Lily glanced at Raedan again. He lay as before, not moving, not seeming to breathe. “Are you sure?”

Quill nodded. “He knew instinctively that he needed vampire blood to complete the ritual and destroy the demon. That’s why he went to Claret for help.” He glanced around for the vampire, but she was nowhere to be found. “The only thing is, he went to the wrong breed of vampire.”

Suddenly hopeful, Lily knelt beside Raedan and kissed his cheek.

“You can do better than that, can you not, wife?” he asked.

“Raedan!” When he sat up, she threw her arms around his neck. “I was so afraid.” Her worried gaze searched his. “Is the demon really gone this time?”

“Yes. Your father’s blood did the trick. I felt him die this time.” Taking Liliana’s hand in his, Raedan stood and lifted her to het feet.

“I think a thank you is in order, don’t you?” Quill remarked.

“I guess you and I are blood brothers now,” Raedan said with a grin. “And you know what? Hungarian blood really is as good as they say.”

Quill snorted.

“Seriously, my thanks,” Raedan said. “I know what that cost you.”

“See that I don’t regret it,” Quill said gruffly. “Let’s go home.”

Chapter Forty-One

Since they hadn’t yet decided where to go on their honeymoon, Raedan and Lily bid good night to the family and checked into the bridal suite at the best hotel in town.

When they reached their room, Raedan swung her into his arms and carried her across the threshold. “Here we are, bride of my heart.”

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