Page 79 of Wynter's Bite

Chapter Thirty

Justus licked the smuggler’s blood from his lips and released the man from his trance. Vincent shook another smuggler’s hand after accepting a purse of gold and a cask of brandy. They left the cave that Lord Deveril allowed the men to use in exchange for a percent of the goods and profits.

“Thank you,” Justus said when they were out of earshot.

Vincent grunted. “If you say that again, I may have to box your ears.”

“I am sorry,” Justus said. “But you cannot imagine what these past eight years have been like. Constantly on the run with no food or shelter, others always trying to capture or kill me.”

“I served in the loyalist army and spent years evading and fighting Cromwell’s forces,” Vincent said. “I think I have an inkling. On top of that, I recently faced a death sentence over Changing Lydia without authorization from the Elders.”

Justus’s jaw dropped. “Is that why Rochester suggested I go to you?”

“It damn well better not be,” Vincent said darkly. “I was not speaking idly when I say I cannot afford to risk trouble in my domain. However, Lord Darkwood likely recommended me because I have legitimized more rogues than most others. He mocked me for it the last time he paid me a visit.”

Justus chuckled. That sounded like Gavin. “While he has possibly executed the most.”

“Yet he allowed you to live.” A sardonic smirk curved Vincent’s lips. “I think he is going soft.”

“Even softer, now that he married.” For that was the second time that Gavin had shown Justus mercy he hadn’t deserved. And he’d even told him where to find Bethany. But Justus didn’t dare tell the Lord of Cornwall about his misguided and hazardous quest for vengeance.

“He wasn’t married the first time he allowed you to live.” Vincent’s words were like a douse of ice water. “But I’m certain losing his heart to that youngling from London had a great deal to do with why he allowed you to live a second time, after you led an ill-advised insurrection against him.”

Justus’s jaw dropped. “He told you about that?”

“No.” Vincent replied airily. “He is not the only one with spies. And this is another reason why I am hesitant to take you.”

So he wasn’t out of hot water yet. Justus scrambled to keep up with Deveril’s long strides while still maintaining the pace of a mortal man. “I swear, my lord, I will never disobey you.”

Deveril arched a brow. “You would if I asked you to give up your bride.”

Justus’s blood froze in his veins. “But you told me to Change her!”

Vincent clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Calm yourself. I was only making a point. You cannot make me a promise you’re unable to keep. You are not the first vampire to become reckless because of love, nor will you be the last. I only want your solemn vow that you will be honest with me on all matters, and if there is ever a time where you feel you cannot obey one of my laws or commands, you will tell me.”

Justus bowed. “I will, I swear.”

“You may start by telling me why you have a vial of laudanum in your pocket.”

Justus’s shoulders slumped. “They kept Bethany drugged at the asylum. She now suffers from opium sickness, but she is improving. Since she was only drugged once or twice a week, it takes her a few days before the cravings begin to plague her. Another rogue gave me the laudanum to give her a small dose when her suffering is unbearable and to slowly wean her off the substance.”

Justus closed his eyes, expecting Deveril to rage at him for throwing yet another complication on the situation. Instead, Vincent replied, “Ah. Now that is the sort of honesty and wise thinking that I expect from my people. Was this rogue honorable, do you think?”

Justus nodded. “In some ways. He is a highwayman, but only because he is trying to save his mortal descendants from having their farm taken away for not being able to pay an unfair mortgage. He’ll probably end up losing his head for it, but he is set on his course.”

“A highwayman in these days?” Vincent shook his head. “That is indeed the likely outcome. Does he range around my lands?”

“No. We encountered him in Devon, but he was on his way North.”

Vincent shrugged. “Then I wish him luck, as he is none of my concern. Shall we visit my solicitor now?”

“I ah, have one more confession.” Justus rubbed the back of his neck. “Bethany and I were wed in a Roma ceremony when we stayed in their encampment.”

“My, you have had some adventures.” Deveril chuckled. “All the same, a gypsy marriage is not valid under English law, so another wedding is necessary.”

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