Page 82 of Wynter's Bite

His gaze scanned the room before returning to her face. “In some ways, yes. In others, no. Without you, the world was rather dull.”

She twined her arms around his shoulders and pressed her lips against his. “Oh Justus, I’m so happy. We finally have a home. We can finally be together.”

“Home.” The word was thick as honey on his tongue. “You know, in all my years as a rogue, I never even tried to find one.”

She frowned. “Why not?”

He kissed her again. “Because there is no home without you.”

Epilogue

Twelve nights later

Bethany turned twice in front of the mirror, breathless with excitement at the sight of her white satin wedding gown encrusted with pearls. Two vampires known as the “Mad Sisters of Cornwall” had sewn it for her.

Lydia grinned over her shoulder. “You look like a fairy princess.”

“Thank you.” Bethany blushed. “You truly shouldn’t have gone to this expense.” She’d only recently learned that Lord and Lady Deveril were mortgaged up to their ears because of the fine Vincent had to pay the Elders for Changing Lydia without their sanction. A regular vampire needed permission from his lord to Change a human, but a Lord Vampire had to gain the Elders’ approval. Vincent could have been sentenced to death, but instead the Elders made him pay them one hundred thousand pounds. Thankfully, they’d live long enough to pay off the mortgage on their castle.

“Nonsense,” Lydia said, adjusting Bethany’s veil. “All I had to do was trade them a painting they’d been coveting. Just wait until you see your wedding gifts.”

Bethany’s flush deepened. “Oh, you shouldn’t have. You and Lord Deveril have already done so much for us.” Vincent had given Justus a job as an assistant to Emrys, sold them a cottage— which Justus had been able to purchase with his money that the Lord of Rochester had returned to him— and made them welcome among the vampires of Cornwall.

All very much at their peril. Only two nights after she was Changed, the Lord Vampire of Edinburgh, who was one of the Elders, arrived to investigate Squire Ridley’s claims that Lord Deveril was harboring a rogue vampire and a mortal woman who was an escaped lunatic. It seemed Ridley had read the papers and made the connection.

Bethany had been certain that all was lost, but Lord Deveril had coolly presented Edinburgh a letter from the Lord of Rochester recommending that he allow Justus and Bethany to live in Cornwall because with Bethany’s father being such a prominent figure in politics, it wouldn’t do for her to be recognized. No mention was made of Justus being exiled, or Bethany being committed to an asylum all these years.

The letter had been signed by a man named Gavin Drake. A name Bethany found to be as familiar as the wax seal, though she couldn’t place it. It had been too long since her days among Rochester’s Society members.

Edinburgh had handed the letter back to Deveril with a grunt. “Damn it all, I knew that wee bugger had dragged me down here for nothing. I’ve known too many lordlings like him. Always making trouble for their own amusement. He’ll think twice about that after I pay him a visit on my way home.”

Bethany and Justus had linked hands under the table, lips compressed to hold back sighs of relief.

Vincent had covered his mouth to hide his smile. “Care for another glass of brandy, my lord?” He’d given the Elder two whole casks from his stores.

“Aye.” Edinburgh accepted the snifter with gleaming eyes. “Though this Frenchie swill is not nearly as good as Scots whiskey. At any rate, watch out for Ridley. He seems to have taken a dislike to ye. If he does anything out of line, file a report immediately.” He took a deep drink of brandy and licked his lips. “Och, I am so bloody tired of these squabbles. I cannot wait until I retire.”

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