Page 30 of Across the Sapphire Sea
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Four Years Ago
Eight nights had passed since Elias’s life had changed forever, and he’d begun to accept the idea that this tentative reality could become permanent. His demon lover, a vampire no less, had the means to provide for his every whim and fantasy. Elias had never known wealth, not the comforts money could provide, nor the problems it could solve. He’d never had the freedom to spend each moment basking in a new love, or the free time to pursue whatever they fancied.
Elias sat astride Pavel, racing behind Valeri, who rode the mare they’d named Barley. Next to lovemaking, horse riding had become his favorite pastime. All of the lean muscle he’d earned slaving in the fields was well suited for riding, and Valeri was an indulgent teacher.
Chilly air pinked his cheeks. The first frost had dug her talons into the land and not let go, but Elias had his own warm clothes now. Layers of soft wool with a heavy cloak on top kept the cold at bay. The night smelled of pine and the promise of snow.
Elias had always dreaded the snow. A layer of white meant constant discomfort, the agony of cold bones, and periods of hunger when food became scarce. But everything was different with Valeri at his side, providing for him. For the first time in his life, he need not fear the snow and found himself anticipating the first flakes with joy.
Valeri slowed Barley to a walk as the trail widened. Elias and Pavel followed suit, coming up beside them. They’d explored every wandering path near Valeri’s hidden cave-like home in the last week, but tonight Elias had made a special request. They were headed to the nearest village. He wanted to see Valeri hunt.
“You won’t hurt anyone? Not really?” asked Elias, feeling the need for reassurance. When he’d made the request from the comfort of their bed, the idea of watching Valeri feed had seemed mysterious and intriguing, but now that the act was imminent, Elias had doubts.
Valeri glanced over to him, his expression amused. “Not if you don’t want me to.”
“I don’t,” Elias confirmed. He’d seen what Valeri had done to Maks and had no desire for a repeat performance. But if he was going to spend the rest of his days…or nights rather, with a vampire, he should know how one ate.
They tied the horses not far off trail and continued on foot. The first few houses were scattered far apart, each with a clearing for farming or animals. Folks would still be awake in their homes at this hour.
Self-conscious to be a stranger wandering through their properties, Elias stayed silent. Valeri, who Elias doubted had ever felt a moment of self-consciousness in his life, strut along beside him, whistling. Elias suppressed the urge to shush him.
“Which would you prefer, a man or a woman?” Valeri asked.
Elias hadn’t thought of that. Did he have a preference? Not really. “You choose.”
“That house,” Valeri pointed to a small cabin, “has eight people inside. Better to keep moving.”
“Eight people? But how do you know?”
“I can hear their heartbeats. Two of them are young children, already asleep.”
“No children,” said Elias firmly.
“I wasn’t suggesting a child. I’m not that much of a monster.”
“Of course, I’m sorry.”
Valeri’s hand came to rest against the back of his neck, fingers cool on his skin. “You’re tense. Calm down. There’s nothing to fear.”
“Right.” Doubt plagued Elias. Why had he wanted to see Valeri drink an innocent person’s blood? Now that it was time to choose, he wanted the choice to be no one at all. “Drink from me.”
Stopping in his tracks, Valeri turned to face him. “You’re scared?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t be. I’ve promised not to hurt anyone. And I can’t drink from you every night.” Valeri tipped his head to the side, hearing something Elias couldn’t. “Come. There’s a man already outside.”
Valeri took his wrist and tugged him along. They scurried past the first house and around the back of a second, larger home. Smoke rose from the chimney and peppered the air with its scent. Valeri thrust his arm in front of Elias’s chest, bringing them both to a halt.
“Him,” Valeri purred.
At an outbuilding, a large man collected wood into a burlap sack that hung from his broad shoulders. He’d tower over Valeri, tall and wide, a powerful man accustomed to farm work. He would not be easy to subdue.
Elias balked. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Valeri stalked forward before Elias could stop him.
