Page 44 of Bite at First Sight

He walked over to the large map of London on the far wall. “You will be assigned in groups of four. Each group will be responsible for patrolling a section of the city for signs of Lenore or rogue vampires. The smallest clues or anything that is slightly suspicious must be reported to me immediately.”

Pointing at the map with his jeweled walking stick, Rafe parceled out territories. “I want you all to travel in pairs at all times, and not only when you are patrolling. Until London is safe, no vampire should be out alone.”

There were some pained grumbles at that last edict, but Rafe remained firm. “I know many of you are perfectly capable of handling a rogue on your own, but some of you are not. I insist that we err on the side of caution.”

They bowed in assent. He surveyed the gathering for a long moment, assessing who appeared to be taking his command seriously and who was not. He was not surprised to see William leaning indolently against the back wall, whispering to another vampire. Rafe would deal with him next.

“You are all dismissed.” He lit a cigar and watched them file out of the chamber, waiting until the last was out before he cursed under his breath. He’d done all he could for now, but he couldn’t help but feel like everything was slipping from his control.

Rafe slowly blew out a cloud of smoke as he made his way up the stone stairs. Unfortunately, Clayton was right. In the eyes of his people, he was taking an unreasonable amount of time to decide Cassandra’s fate.

Yet it would be far worse for them to learn the truth: that he couldn’t Change her because he’d illegally done so with another. How they would scorn him if they knew about that hypocritical deed, especially since the one he Changed was a prominent figure in the mortal world—one of the main reasons why the Elders forbade Changing anyone without their approval. No matter that he’d been paying a debt of honor.

Rafe sighed. He’d been willing to Change the duchess’s friend, John Polidori, because he hadn’t anticipated ever having the desire to Change anyone else. Now he regretted the action even more than when he’d crippled himself by running out into the sun.

He’d give anything to take it back, to be able to make Cassandra truly his and see her safe from harm.

He slammed the door of the abandoned church. His shoulders slumped in defeat. No matter how badly he wished it, he couldn’t Change her…and there was no way in hell that he could bring himself to kill her.

Not after she’d worked her magic and made him whole again, not after learning her hopes and dreams, not after feeling her soft heat in his arms or tasting the sweetness of her kiss. Not after he’d spent the day beside her in bed, waiting until she fell asleep so he could touch her silken, burnished curls.

He crushed out his cigar. When had he become such a sentimental fool? One of his people had gone missing and he was quickly losing his authority over the rest, and all he could think about was that soon he would be in the company of the most intelligent, beautiful, and engaging woman he’d ever met. Soon her miracle-working hands would be upon his flesh, healing him and giving him pleasure of which he’d never dreamed.

Rafe hunted quickly and headed home the moment his hunger was sated. The sight of the Elizabethan mansion against the backdrop of moonlit fog often filled him with admiration…yet now he realized that Burnrath House would never feel like home. His hacienda in Spain and even his modest flat in the East End had provided more comfort.

Maybe he was not fit to be Lord of London. He’d certainly botched things badly enough. Unfortunately, this was his duty until Ian returned in fifty years. He’d sworn an oath to do everything in his power to protect the vampires of this city as well as to keep them in line.

William opened the door, not bothering to hide his utter lack of respect. “My lord,” he said sullenly.

Rafe bared his fangs. Speaking of keeping people in line… “William, you are relieved of your duties here. Pack your belongings and vacate the premises immediately.”

“B-but why, my lord?” William pleaded, immediately contrite.

“Your insolence proves you unsuitable for a position in my retinue.” And I suspect you and Clayton are up to something, he added silently.

William’s face reddened and his fists clenched. He opened his mouth to protest, then thought better of it. Instead, he spun on his heel and stomped up the stairs. Rafe removed his coat and rang for Cassandra’s housekeeper. When Mrs. Smythe arrived, he ordered brandy.

“I want you to retire for the evening. I have dismissed William and I fear he is in quite the temper. I do not want him taking it out on an innocent bystander.”

Mrs. Smythe bobbed a curtsy. “Yes, Don Villar.” The naked gratitude in her eyes made him regret not sending William away sooner.

He took his brandy and settled into a plush chair by the fire. Moments later, the front door slammed and Rafe sighed in relief. William was gone.

“What was that all about?” Anthony poked his head in from the doorway to the drawing room.

Rafe raised his glass and poured another for his third-in-command. “I’ve dismissed William.”

Anthony grinned. “It’s about time you got rid of him, my lord, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

“Yes, I had wanted to maintain a sense of stability by keeping on the duke’s hierarchy. Alas, that appears to have yielded the opposite result…present company excluded, of course.”

The vampire inclined his head. “Naturally.”

“At any rate, it seems I would do best to establish my own reign.” A great weight seemed to lift from his shoulders as he spoke the words.

“I’ve wanted to tell you that for some time,” Anthony replied quietly.

Rafe raised a brow. “Why didn’t you?”

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