Page 88 of Bite at First Sight

Lydia nodded and placed her hand on Cassandra’s. “You may rely upon my support.”

“And I as well.” Blackpool leaned forward. “After all, who knows when I may need you to heal one of my people?”

“Thank you, all of you.” Rafe watched Cassandra’s eyes fill with grateful tears at this fervent display of support. A lump formed in his throat at the sincere and much-needed aid from these vampires. “Elizabeth, please fetch a quill and parchment.”

“What are we signing?” A deep, cheerful voice intruded.

Gavin Drake, Baron of Darkwood and Lord Vampire of Rochester, sauntered into the room, trailed by a shamefaced Anthony.

Vincent growled and moved closer to Lydia, while Blackpool smirked and Cassandra gave the newcomer a wary smile.

Rafe’s new second spread his arms helplessly, still pale from giving blood for the surgeries. “I told him to wait, but he wouldn’t listen. Forgive me, my lord.”

“That is quite all right, Anthony.” Rafe’s gaze remained fixed on the grinning Rochester. Despite the vampire’s belligerence, Rafe was relieved he had come. “Lord Darkwood, I am grateful for your presence.”

Rochester bowed. “Thank me when you’ve won.” Turning to the other lord vampires, he inclined his head to each in turn. “Thornton, Deveril, it is a pleasure. Now, if you would care to enlighten me about the current situation, perhaps I may be of assistance.”

Crushing out his cigar, Rafe outlined Clayton’s betrayal and gave Rochester a brief account of Cassandra’s imprisonment and the letter from the Elders.

Rochester smiled at Cassandra, pretending he hadn’t yet noticed her. “Ah, so this is the little grave robber who started so much of the trouble.” Cassandra bristled at the appellation as he turned back to the others. “Tell me, is she worth the hassle?”

Rafe raised his healed arm, flexing his fingers. “You tell me.”

The Lord Vampire’s jaw dropped in comical astonishment. “She did that?”

“I did,” Cassandra answered with a stern frown, making it clear that she resented being spoken of as if she were not present. Primly, she rose from her seat and moved to the settee.

Rochester inclined his head respectfully before taking the seat she’d vacated. “I withdraw my doubts. I shall sign this petition as well. Now, as for the fact that you cannot Change her, yet you have not provided an explanation, I assume the reason must be something that will not aid your cause…”

Rafe frowned and nodded, refusing to elaborate.

“Do not look as if you want to chew my liver. I don’t see any reason for me to be privy to the details. Unfortunately, the Elders will feel otherwise. Now I am not suggesting you lie…” He paused, shook his head, and smiled. “On second thought, yes, I am.”

Blackpool scoffed. “Such counsel from you does not surprise me in the slightest.”

Vincent gave Rafe a level stare. “He has a point. Perhaps you could tell them you gave a great amount of your blood to heal an injured vampire.”

“Actually, that was me,” Anthony remarked.

Rafe nodded. “And you have my eternal gratitude for that.” He took the quill from Elizabeth. “I will do it, though if I am caught in the lie…” He didn’t finish the thought.

After finishing his letter, Vincent took the quill and wrote out the petition for Cassandra’s life. Every vampire in the room signed. Once the envelopes were sealed, Rafe handed them to Anthony. “Tell Carlisle that he is to go to Amsterdam and place these directly in the Elders’ hands. With all of Clayton’s meddling, I can’t trust this with a runner.”

“Yes, my lord.” Anthony took the envelopes and hurried out.

Rochester leaned back in his seat. “Tell me, Villar, how many London vampires remain on your side?”

“Fifty-three,” Rafe answered, appreciating the fact that this vampire didn’t waste time.

“And how many did you bring?” Rochester asked the Lord of Blackpool.

“Thirteen.”

“Deveril?”

“Fifteen.” Vincent smiled, looking pleased at having outnumbered the other vampire.

Rochester nodded. “I have twelve at the ready, so we shall have quite the force.” He folded his arms. “How many does Clayton command?”

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