Page 57 of Wynter's Bite

Justus shook his head. “Very little, I’m afraid.”

“I disagree.” Luca smiled. “Aside from the two packs you carry, you must have a marvelous story, to be so far from Rochester and taking an escaped lunatic to Cornwall so you can wed her.”

“How did you—”

Luca laughed. “There is only one rogue vampire with hair of that shade, and only one place someone of your sort could hope to find haven. As for the beauty? The sketch in the newspapers favors her greatly. They do love a sensational story.”

Unease swirled in Justus’s gut at the fact that so much of his situation had been deduced, even if Luca seemed jovial. He blinked at him in disbelief. “Are you offering me the right to feed in exchange for my story?”

The Roma vampire nodded. “I’ll offer you shelter as well, but only for one day. This camp is not large enough to support more than one vampire for long.”

Not knowing where the next village was, Justus could only bow his head with cautious gratitude. “I thank you for the kindness.”

Luca chuckled. “And I thank you for the diversion you provide. There is one thing, though. My people will not look kindly upon an unwed couple out and about unchaperoned. We are a decent people, contrary to what the Gadjos say.”

Justus sighed. “With me being a rogue, and her a fugitive, we can hardly secure a special license and find a vicar.”

The vampire regarded them with sympathy. “I understand. However, you can be married tonight in the Roma way. It won’t be recognized under English law, but it would make you more welcome among my people, and at least be something until you are settled.”

Justus frowned. “Why are you helping us anyway?”

“Rogues should help each other out once in awhile.” Luca clapped him on the shoulder. “Besides, I do love circumventing the law. Both human and vampire.”

Heart in his throat, Justus looked down at Bethany. He’d understand if she refused, yet it would sting.

Her lips curved in a smile reminiscent of the dawn. “A gypsy wedding? My mother would faint.”

Luca frowned. “We prefer to be called Roma.”

She looked down, abashed. “My apologies. A Roma wedding.”

“Is that a yes?” Justus asked tentatively as he set her on her feet.

She nodded. “Who knows when we shall have another opportunity? It is a pity that I do not have a gown.”

Luca shrugged. “The women of the camp may be able to help. Follow me.”

While still on guard, Justus and Bethany allowed the vampire to escort them to the Roma encampment, where they were greeted with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Luca explained to them that Justus had kidnapped Bethany to wed her, and before Justus could argue, the people broke out into smiles and cheers. He’d forgotten that bride kidnapping was a custom among these folk. Luca continued, but this time he spoke in Romani, so Justus couldn’t discern what he’d said. Whatever it was seemed to put the people further at ease.

The women hauled Bethany away into one of the caravans to prepare her for the ceremony while Justus joined Luca in his.

“Do they know what you are?” he asked when they were alone, looking at the covered windows.

Luca shook his head. “They know that I am different, but that it is forbidden for me to speak about it. I never stay with one tribe long enough for them to notice that I do not age. Truly, it is a good life for a rogue vampire. The rest of our kind pay no attention to nomadic societies. But other rogues are too blinded by their prejudice to think of it. Perhaps that’s a good thing, since as I’d said, these tribes really could not safely sustain more than one of us. But perhaps you could find a tribe.”

Throughout Justus’s centuries in England, he’d only noticed the Roma in a periphery manner. Embarrassment filled him at his longtime ignorance. When he’d been exiled from Rochester, the thought of joining the Romani never occurred to him. “If I was on my own, I’d consider it, but Bethany will have enough of a challenge learning how to be a vampire when I Change her. I’m reluctant to add learning a new culture to her trials as well. Besides, we both love books and hope to one day have a home full of them.”

Luca grinned. “I understand. That is one of the things I dislike about living among the Roma. We only get new books when we encounter other tribes to trade with. Speaking of trading...” His eyes gleamed with interest. “Tell me your story.”

Justus sighed and did so, trying to speak as quickly as possible. Still, he was shifting with impatience to leave the caravan and make certain Bethany was all right.

Luca shook his head in wonder. “My God, you’re in quite the... what do you Gadjos call it? Sticky wicket.”

“Indeed.”

The rogue vampire patted his shoulder. “I hope you make it to Cornwall safely. I’ll ask the tribal elders to bless you.”

“Thank you.” Doubtless, they needed it.

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