Page 70 of Enchant the Dawn

“And then what?”

“I’ll bring you some fresh blood. Make up your mind quick. It’s almost dawn. What do you say?”

“I could use some fresh blood.”

“We have a deal, then?”

“What will Claret say when she finds out about this?”

“She doesn’t need to know.”

“You’re not shittin’ me about the blood, are you?” Dominic asked, taking note that they hadn’t locked the door behind them.

“Blood for blood,” the guy with the sword said.

Dominic held out his arm.

The two vampires grinned at each other. The one with the stake handed it to his partner. The guy with the sword laid it across the back of Dominic’s neck.

Dominic held still as the first vampire bit down on his wrist. He let the man drink until he was high, thinking that a few more sips and the guy wouldn’t be good for anything for a day or two.

The second vampire watched avidly, licking his lips. Finally, he pulled the first away, grabbed hold of Dominic, and buried his fangs in his arm.

With an oath, Dominic grabbed the stake from the first vampire’s hand, kicked him out of the way, then drove it into the feeding vampire’s back and into his heart.

“Blood for blood,” Dominic muttered as he dispatched the second vampire.

Scrambling to his feet, he darted out the door and willed himself home.

* * *

Ava threw her arms around him when he materialized in the living room. “Thank the good Lord,” she murmured. “I was just about to come after you.” Taking a step back, she looked him up and down. “Is that your blood?”

“No. I destroyed two of Claret’s vampires.”

“Good for you.”

“How’s Maddy?”

“She hasn’t fully regained consciousness yet. I’m beginning to worry.”

“Yeah, me too.”

On his way to the guest room he took a detour into the bathroom. He hadn’t showered in days. And he didn’t want Maddy to see him in a bloodstained shirt. He was in and out of the shower and dressed in less than five minutes.

Barefooted, his hair still damp, he headed for the guest room. Maddy lay on her back, her hair spread across the pillow, her face almost as pale as the white sheet that covered her.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he took one of her hands in his. “Maddy, come back to me.” His mind brushed hers. Maddy? He swore softly when there was no response. Parting her lips, he bit into his wrist and let several drops of his blood fall into her mouth.

She grimaced and let out a low groan.

“Maddy?”

Her eyelids fluttered open. For a moment, she stared at him, her expression blank, and then she sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Dominic! Oh, Dominic, I thought you’d never come.”

“I got here as soon as I could,” he replied, one arm holding her close while he stroked her back. “Are you all right? How do you feel?”

“I don’t know. What happened?”

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