Page 33 of Bite at First Sight

Without missing a beat, Rafe continued. “In the old days, we either killed such persons on sight or made them one of us. Under the new laws, I had to take Lady Rosslyn as my prisoner and report the incident to the Elders. They have given me a month to weigh the same options. In the meantime, you are all to treat her with the same respect you do each other, because she may be joining our ranks.”

A tendril of warmth curled through her belly at Rafe’s defense, quite at odds with the offhand manner in which he spoke of killing her. His words appeared to have varying effects on the vampires. Many countenances softened. Others remained suspicious, yet nodded in solemn compliance. A few increased their hostility.

“And how is he supposed to keep hold of such a delicious piece with only one arm?” one whispered loudly.

Cassandra’s blood boiled as Rafe flinched almost imperceptibly.

“Would you care to find out just what I can do with this arm?” he snarled at the offender. Turning back to the rest, he continued. “In the unlikely event that she does escape me, I will inform you all. If you catch her, you are to detain her and return her to me.” His eyes glowed like the fires of hell. “She is not to be harmed in any way, or so help you God, you will regret it until your last breath.”

* * *

Rafe stared at Cassandra as he led her back home. Dios, she was brave. Despite facing more than a hundred vampires who would have gleefully drained her dry, she refused to cringe. She’d even had the nerve to pull out her blasted notebook as if they were all her specimens.

Now she walked beside him, spine straight and chin held high, despite the fine tremors that shook her body. As if sensing his scrutiny, she looked up. “Well, that was certainly an interesting experience.”

“You shouldn’t have brought out your journal. Do you not understand how dangerous that was?” Meeting her wide gaze, he sighed. “Never mind. We’ll discuss it later. Right now I want to forget about tonight’s events for at least a while.” He hid a smile at her bravado. “You look pale, Countess.”

Her eyes narrowed in irritation at the name as she stomped up the walk. “That is likely because I did not have a decent meal.”

“That is your own fault. If you hadn’t insisted on following me on my hunt, you would have had one.” Rafe nodded at William as he opened the door. “Please inform Cook that her ladyship is ready for luncheon.”

William bowed, but not before Rafe glimpsed another petulant frown. “Yes, my lord.”

As he removed his coat, he heard William and Anthony sniping at each other, only to be reprimanded by Cassandra’s housekeeper. Rafe gnashed his teeth. The whelp’s insolence was becoming insufferable. He would have to do something about William soon. Unfortunately, there were more pressing matters to deal with.

They entered the dining room and Cassandra settled into her seat with an appreciative sigh, grinning at Anthony as he entered with two steaming trays of food.

Rafe frowned. Her presentation to the London vampires had not gone well. He hadn’t expected anyone to be pleased with the situation, but the level of hostility had been quite unexpected…especially from Clayton.

His scowl deepened. He had a bad feeling about Clayton. Was his second-in-command up to something? If so, he needed to be prepared.

“When can you perform another operation on my arm?” Rafe demanded. The sniping about his malady had been too much to bear. If he were whole again, he could show them.

Cassandra glanced up from buttering her roll. “Well, as long as I have a supply of the…ah”—she looked at Anthony and lowered her voice—“proper medicine, any time shall suffice.”

“Then we will proceed.” Rafe turned to his third-in-command. “Anthony, I will require your services once more.”

Anthony nodded. “Of course, my lord. I am pleased that I am able to help.” He turned to Cassandra with a grin. “Especially since I have the privilege of aiding so lovely a genius in performing her miracles. Tell me, what part of my master will you be hacking up next?”

Cassandra returned his smile and took a sip of wine. “I would like to proceed further this time and make incisions in the medial and lateral portions of the elbow, and then I’d like to try an incision in the carpal area before attempting an inversion in the ulnar side of the wrist.” She picked up her knife and began to slice her steak. “And if I can devise a way to dull your lord’s pain, then I will examine the common flexor tendon.”

Rafe couldn’t help but gape as she popped a chunk of pink meat in her mouth. How could she discuss such gruesome topics at the dining table with such enthusiasm?

To his amusement, Anthony paled visibly, saying, “I’ll leave you to your meal.”

Lady Rosslyn smiled and continued to devour her meal with unladylike haste. Had the evening’s adventure, coupled with his drinking from her, caused her to be overtaxed and starved?

Then she tossed her napkin on the table and stood. “I had best go up to the laboratory and ready my supplies.”

Before anyone could respond, she rang for Mrs. Smythe and ordered a pot of boiling water to be sent up to her laboratory and a bath to the bedchamber afterward.

Rafe shook his head and followed her. No, she wasn’t taxed at all. If anything, she was energized by her work. As he entered the laboratory and watched Cassandra gather up a hazardous bouquet of sharp and cruel instruments, he was reminded that her work was on him.

“If you will oblige me and remove your shirt, I can proceed in examining you,” she said briskly as she donned a snowy white apron.

Rafe eyed her as he unbuttoned the shirt. He could think of far more enjoyable reasons to disrobe. Reasons that would also have her out of her garments and in his arms. He bit back a groan of arousal as her soft hands slid up his forearm and across his bicep, gently probing.

“Amazing.” Her breath teased his cheek. “The atrophy and scarring here are greatly reduced. At this rate, we may have functionality returned to the limb in a matter of weeks!”

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