Page 70 of The Highwayman's Bite

Chapter Twenty-three

Vivian and Rhys spentthe day in each other’s arms, kissing and touching and laughing together, treasuring each bittersweet moment. At dusk, he took her with him when he went out to hunt, showing her that a vampire’s bite did not harm a person. That relieved Vivian more than any verbal assurances he’d given her. If she were to become a vampire, she never wanted to hurt anyone.

Rhys also took her to a restaurant, where she dined on roast beef and buttered potatoes. She felt a slight twinge of guilt when he used his preternatural powers to convince the proprietor that they’d paid. Did all vampires do this, or was it only rogues who were forced to steal?

When they returned to the cave, she asked him.

“Legitimate vampires are usually set up for some manner of employment by their Lord. I imagine the less wealthy ones don’t hesitate to filch money and things from time to time, but that is generally frowned upon.” Rhys built up the fire and then came to sit beside her. “Are you afraid of what life will be like if your uncle Changes you into a vampire?”

“Yes.” Vivian had to pry the word out. She’d tried to conceal her trepidation at the prospect of becoming a blood-drinking immortal, but the realization that she and Rhys would soon be parted compelled her to confess. “Could you tell me how the process works? I mean, will it hurt?”

“Some,” he admitted. The sympathy in his eyes made her wish she could take back the question. She did not want him to pity her. “When your fangs grow and the magic spreads through your body, it hurts a great deal. The first hunger for blood is painful as well, but not as bad as the teeth growing. That was the worst, from what I remember. Thankfully, it doesn’t last long, and your uncle will have a fresh source of blood on hand for your first feeding.” He grasped her hand and squeezed it. “I wish I could be there for you during the transformation. Teach you to wield your powers, the joy of the hunt, and show you the beauty of the night.”

“I wish you could be with me as well.” Vivian threaded her fingers through his. “But you still have not fully answered my question. How is the magic done?”

“Your uncle will drink as much of your blood as he can, then he will cut his wrist and feed it back to you,” Rhys looked down at his boots, as if avoiding her censure.

Vivian cringed at such a macabre process. However, at least it was straightforward, and did not sound like a long, ceremonial affair. “If it is so simple, why isn’t the world full of vampires?”

“Because it takes a century or thereabouts for a vampire to build the power to make another. And they can only make one at a time, for the most part. Although I did hear of an ancient vampire Changing mortal twin boys on the same night, hundreds of years ago.” Rhys filled the kettle for tea. “Also, one must petition their Lord Vampire before they are permitted to Change a mortal.”

Vivian blinked. If her uncle was already a Lord Vampire, then... “Who is my uncle’s lord?”

Something flickered in Rhys’s eyes that looked like fear. “I’ll let your uncle tell you.”

“Why?” Curiosity bubbled within her at his sudden reluctance to divulge information.

“Because there are some aspects of our world that even I won’t risk discussing. Certain parties whose attention I do not wish to attract.” His voice quaked with definite terror.

Vivian dropped the subject with Rhys, but she would most definitely discuss it with her uncle. Vampires must have a higher authority than lords. A king, perhaps? Or maybe some sort of parliament? Whoever they were, they frightened Rhys like a boggart from children’s tales. “You said that the first craving for blood is painful. Does it always hurt?”

Rhys shook his head. “It is only painful for the first few weeks, as you learn to control it. Because of that, a new vampire must always be accompanied by an older mentor, to ensure that they do not accidentally harm a mortal during feeding. Since you are such a quick learner, you should master the hunt in no time.”

“Your confidence in me is reassuring.” She poured the tea when the kettle whistled. “I pray it is not misplaced. What can kill a vampire?”

Again, his expression shuttered. “You’ve already observed that the sun is one method, but I will leave the rest to your uncle to explain.”

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