Page 56 of Wynter's Bite

Chapter Twenty-two

Justus grinned as he and Bethany left Halfax Hall far more enrichened than when they’d arrived. They now carried two packs. One filled with clothes, and another with books, a cooking pot, spoon, fork and other useful items as well as enough food for Bethany to last a week. He’d even found a bedroll so Bethany would no longer have to lay on a hard surface. But more importantly, they left with the culmination of their love.

He frowned. Well, not quite. They still needed to be wed. Hell, they still needed to find sanctuary and a home to call their own. Even more pressing was the need to find shelter for the day. Justus wished they could have spent one more night at Halfax Hall, but it would be too dangerous as well as more difficult to ensure the servants only retained the vaguest of memories of their visit.

Running was slightly more difficult with the extra baggage, but Justus managed, stronger from feeding from the Halfax servants. He slowed as he glimpsed firelight in the distance and heard exotic music.

It was a Roma encampment. That took care of food for him at least.

But just as he began to head in that direction, a voice echoed from a nearby tree. “Not so fast, Rogue.”

Justus froze as a vampire with the dark hair and eyes of the Roma people dropped from the tree to stand before him.

He backed away, holding Bethany tight. “Please, let us pass. I do not wish to make trouble.”

The vampire cocked his head to the side, “And where are you going with this sweet morsel?”

Though something in the vampire’s eyes compelled honesty, Justus only answered partially. “Somewhere where we can be wed and become citizens.” He did not mention his destination.

The vampire chuckled. “An ambitious journey, to reclaim legitimacy, though I can see why that is a necessity.” His gaze flicked to Bethany. “And do you know the sort of man you’re eloping with?”

Bethany remained silent and Justus praised her for her courage and wisdom in refusing to answer a trick question.

The vampire chuckled. “I can see that you do.” He met Justus’s eyes. “Quite illegal, but I understand that you have no choice unless you wish for her to become a rogue too.”

Justus nodded curtly. “Who are you and what do you want?”

“I’m Luca of the Roma.” He bowed with mock flourish. “And a rogue as well.”

Justus relaxed slightly. That meant he would not be arrested at least, though there was still danger. Many rogues were prone to attack others. “I’m Justus, of nowhere. And this is Bethany. You did not answer my second question.”

“At first I wanted to ensure my tribe’s safety and satisfy my curiosity, which is still not sated.” Luca said. “I presume you wished to feed on one of my camp?”

“Yes, but as those people are clearly protected, I shall seek my meal elsewhere.” Justus turned to take them in the opposite direction.

“Wait,” Luca said. “What do you have to trade?”

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