Page 85 of Bite at First Sight

“I hope you do not think me too forward, but I noticed that you’ve danced with Don Villar twice in a row.” His normally ruddy face turned crimson. “People are already talking…and unless an engagement is to be announced—”

“One will be.” She cut off his words and whispered, “Tonight.” She winked. “Please do not spoil the surprise.”

His eyes widened and he tripped slightly on the next step. “Brilliant! That gives me great relief for your sake. And, I confess, a measure of dismay on my account.” His smile dimmed as his lips formed a rueful frown. “I had hoped to court you one day. I suppose I waited too long to work up the courage.”

“Oh, Patrick.” She placed a hand on his sleeve. “I had no idea…”

He shook his head. “Nor did I give you reason to. I have always been a bumbling fool at this sort of thing. Either way, I suppose it is for the best. I will always value our friendship, no matter what. And to the devil with what others say. I believe you would have made a damned fine physician. Mr. Wakley told me that you treated Villar’s arm, and I do not know a sawbones who could have performed such a miracle.”

His praise lifted her spirits. Irrational though it might be, she dared to hope that everything would turn out all right—that Rafe would win his war, and that she would be allowed to live and be Changed and maybe even practice medicine.

Rejuvenated with optimism, she spun to her next partner, and then her stomach plummeted to her feet.

“Hello again, Lady Rosslyn.” Clayton leered down at her.

Twenty-eight

Cassandra bit back a scream and instead regarded Rafe’s rival with icy contempt. “I’m surprised you merited an invitation. Or did you skulk in unbeknownst to our gracious hosts?”

Clayton’s brows drew together in a combination of surprise and irritation. Clearly he’d expected her to be frightened and was flustered that she failed to behave in accordance. “All here know I was the Duke of Burnrath’s solicitor and dearest friend. It was a simple matter to reacquaint myself with Her Grace and be welcomed here tonight.”

“How nice,” Cassandra replied through clenched teeth, searching for Rafe. Her heart sank when she spotted him. He was struggling to keep up with fidgety Lady Pemberly and had yet to notice Clayton.

Leading her through the dance like a well-versed courtier, Clayton smiled sweetly. “Tell me, my lady, why are you all here tonight? Don’t you realize that Villar and Deveril cannot save you? Neither can Change you, and when the Elders read my report on Villar’s negligence in dealing with you properly, you will be killed and he will be executed.”

A pit of ice formed in her belly at his words, but she refused to allow him to see her fear. As she turned in his arms, she slammed her heel on his foot. “Oh, how clumsy of me.”

His eyes flared with feral heat. “You cannot hurt me, frail human. However, I could return the favor and shatter every bone in your petite foot.”

Thankfully, it was time to switch once more. Her new partner was a sullen stranger, but a blessed relief from Clayton’s odious company. Imaginary worms crawled on her flesh where he had touched her.

“You are overheated, my lady,” her new partner said severely. “It will be a pleasure to escort you outside for fresh air.”

She opened her mouth to protest such forwardness, but then the man opened his mouth slightly so that she could glimpse his fangs. “Clayton cannot touch you here, no matter how much he may pretend otherwise.”

Blinking in astonishment, she nodded and allowed him to lead her off the dance floor. Clayton glared at the vampire with such malice that she was reassured this was an ally. Her fear reduced, she followed him out the French doors.

Once outside, the vampire frowned at her and shook his head. “Honestly, for a countess, you are shockingly inept at duplicity.”

“And who are you?” she asked faintly.

The vampire bowed. “I am Aldric Cadell, Viscount Thornton and Lord of Blackpool. I have come to assist with the war.”

Cassandra curtsied. “Rafael and I are grateful for your assistance.”

Rafe burst out the French doors, eyeing Blackpool suspiciously. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would inform me before absconding with my fiancée.”

“I was not absconding with her,” Blackpool replied calmly. “I was rescuing her from Edmondson. Did you not notice his odious presence?”

Rafe snarled. “I did. But I should have gotten her away from him. It is my duty to protect her.”

“You couldn’t have left the dance without shaming yourself and her as well,” Blackpool retorted. “As your ally, it is my duty to provide aid when it is required.”

Rafe rubbed his temples. “You are right. I apologize, and thank you for taking her away from our enemy.” He held out a hand and Blackpool shook it.

Turning to Cassandra, Rafe’s amber gaze narrowed. “You look shaken, Querida. What did the hijo de puta say to you?”

“He said the Elders will kill us both, and then he threatened to break my foot after I trod upon his.”

---