Page 80 of Wynter's Bite

He had no quarrel with that. “I understand.”

They walked through the quiet village and Justus admired the cobblestone roads, the charming brick houses and shops with slate roofs, and the clean sea scent in the air. Vincent walked up to a stately townhouse and knocked.

The solicitor opened the door, looking both vexed and accustomed to visits at three in the morning. However, his demeanor was much improved when he learned that he would be attending to the business of yet another member of the peerage.

“I will secure this license with the utmost haste,” he assured Justus with an ingratiating smile that was somewhat off putting with his oversized false teeth.

By the time that business was concluded, it was only an hour before sunrise.

“We’ll have to secure Miss Mead her first meal.” Vincent sighed. “I usually do not feed from my servants, but given our narrow timetable, I suppose I have no choice.”

His words were like a jolt of ice. It was time to Change Bethany. “Yes, my lord,” Justus said through numb lips.

Vincent’s eyes narrowed. “You look nervous. Have you never Changed a mortal before?”

“No. But it isn’t that. It’s Bethany... she seems afraid.” Justus fought off a wave of dismay. “What if she hates being a vampire? What if she hates me?”

“Unfortunately, neither of you have a choice in the matter,” Vincent said sharply. “But I do understand your sentiment. I had to Change Lydia immediately, without her even knowing what I was, much less giving her a choice. I thought she’d despise me. Instead, it was she who taught me the joys of our existence.”

Justus frowned in confusion. “Why did you have to Change her so fast?”

“A thief slit her throat.” Fury blazed in the vampire’s blue-gray eyes. “It seemed a random attack at the time, but now I am not so certain. I think Lydia knows something about it, but she seems reluctant to tell me.”

“You had to Change her or let her die.” Justus couldn’t fathom having to face such a situation and being forced to act so quickly. However, he knew he would have done the same as Vincent. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so uneasy about Changing Bethany. At least he’d had a chance to tell her what her new life would entail.

When they returned to Castle Deveril, Bethany walked toward him, her hair clean and shining loose over an ivory gown that was a little snug and so short that her bare calves were revealed. When she embraced him, the scent of wildflowers teased his senses.

“I am ready,” she whispered and rose up on her toes to kiss him.

“Are you certain?” he whispered against her lips.

“Yes.” She linked her arms around his shoulders. “Even if we did have a choice, I realized I want to share my life with you in every way. As a wife and as a vampire. I need you more than I need the sunshine.” The love in her eyes stole his breath.

Heart in his throat, Justus scooped her up like a groom preparing to carry the bride over the threshold. Perhaps that was exactly what he was doing. “Where do we do this?” he asked Vincent.

“I’ll take you to your room.” The Lord of Cornwall gestured for them to follow, his countess at his side.

They were led to an ornate tower room with no windows, so they’d be safe from the daylight. A large four poster bed with a cornflower blue coverlet beckoned them.

“I hope this is suitable,” Lydia said as she walked the circle of the room. There’s a wardrobe, wash basin, writing desk, and several lamps and candles.

“After sleeping in hovels, caves, and crypts, this is heaven, my lady,” Justus assured her.

Vincent cleared his throat. “Would you like us to stay, or leave you in private?”

“If you could give us a few minutes...” Justus said.

Lord Deveril nodded. “We shall return with sustenance for her.”

One they were alone, he sat Bethany on the bed. She looked up at him with wide, fearful eyes. “Lady Deveril told me that it will hurt.”

Justus took his place beside her and ran his hands through her hair before tucking it over her shoulder. “I would take your pain were it possible. You are so brave.”

She tilted her head to the side. “Do it now, before I lose my courage.”

Hunger flared in his gut at the sight of her creamy neck. Saliva filled his mouth in remembrance of her taste. Justus pulled her into his arms and sank his teeth in her soft flesh. She cried out and tightened her arms around him as he drank in deep pulls.

He continued to drink until her pulse slowed to a thready rhythm. Praying that now was the right time and he hadn’t killed her, Justus withdrew from her neck and bit his wrist.

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