Page 101 of Bite at First Sight

“And what did you think would happen to him after being exposed to our secrets?” the German Elder demanded.

“I had intended to ask Rafe to vanquish his memory.”

The Elder nodded and stroked his chin. “Clever woman. Unfortunately, after spending so much time in the presence of our kind, it may be impossible for one vampire to banish so many memories.”

Her stomach roiled with guilt as Thomas’s face paled further. She opened her mouth to apologize, but one of the Elders grumbled a curse.

“Oh bloody hell, quit frightening the poor mortals!” the Scottish Elder burst out. “Between the five of us, we can easily manage the task.” He turned to Thomas Wakley. “However, Edinburgh’s vampires could use a skilled sawbones as well. How would you feel about possessing eternal life and strength and power beyond imagining?”

Thomas took a deep breath and shook his head. “I am honored by your offer and it tempts me greatly. However, I have a wife and children whom I cannot bear to leave. I also have a great number of responsibilities that prohibit a nocturnal lifestyle. I want to continue my work on The Lancet, run for a seat in the House of Commons, continue my pursuit of reforming the policies of the College of Surgeons, improve conditions for the working poor, and…”

The American Elder held up a hand. “We have gathered your point.” She turned to Cassandra. “Did you purposefully choose such a prominent human to be here tonight?”

Cassandra smiled. “He was my only option, I’m afraid. No other practitioner in Town takes me seriously due to my sex.”

The vampire gave her a sympathetic chuckle. “I do hope that will change.” She grinned at Thomas. “Well, it is a pity. We could use more of your sort.”

“You honor me, madam.” Thomas bowed. “Are you certain I won’t remember a thing?”

The Elders nodded in unison before the Scottish one answered. “If you’d like to return home now, we shall take you there and you will wake up believing this was a dream. If you’d like to remain with your colleague, then we will make you believe one of them found you drunk at a tavern and invited you to join yon festivities.” He gestured toward the fireworks.

Thomas sighed. “I don’t drink, sir. Besides, after such a madcap evening, all I want is to go home.” He turned to Cassandra and bowed. “Despite the harrowing experience, it was an honor to work beside you this night, my lady. You are a fine doctor.”

“Thank you, Thomas, for all you’ve done for me.” Cassandra rubbed a bit of stray moisture from her eye and took his hand. “It is probably best that we do not see each other anymore. However, I shall always remain a faithful reader of The Lancet.”

The surgeon smiled. “I hope the publication continues long enough to have faithful readers.” He turned to leave with the Elders.

“Wait.” Rafe stepped forward. “Which vampire brought you here, Wakley?”

Thomas gave Cassandra a panicked glance. “He said his name was Eric.”

“Eric, come here.”

Eric reluctantly shuffled over and knelt. “Yes, my lord?”

“You made a very dangerous decision, bringing a mortal in our midst, especially during a battle.”

“I know, my lord, but Lady Rosslyn—”

Rafe waved off his words. “Yes, I know. It was, however, a very wise decision that saved many lives. I am promoting you to serve as my third-in-command. Elizabeth is now my second due to losing Anthony.”

Eric blinked in pleased surprise. “My lord, I am honored to accept.”

“Good. Now round up all the vampires who remain standing so we can sort out the prisoners and see to the dead. A pyre needs to be built.”

Seeing that Rafe had everything under control, the Scottish and German Elder vampires escorted Thomas home. The American, Swedish, and Roman Elders followed, taking a squalling Hamish with them.

The Lord of Rochester bade Rafe and Cassandra farewell afterward.

“I am in your debt,” Rafe told him.

Rochester grinned. “I know.”

The prisoners were hauled onto carts or carried off by Rafe’s people to be judged and sentenced later. Cassandra forced herself not to dwell on the matter.

Next came the building of the pyre and the gathering and identification of the dead. The gruesome task took hours. Unfortunately she could not hide from the sight and smell of the multitude of dead vampires burning on the pyre.

Sensing her distress, Rafe stroked her back in soothing motions. “Twice as many would have perished if it weren’t for you, Querida.”

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