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  “Sorry,” she said contritely, even though she wasn’t sorry at all. The man had amazing stamina.

  “Cassie?”

  “Again?” she asked, eyes twinkling. “Are you trying to make up for lost time?”

  He nodded as he rose over her, eyes dark with desire. “Thirteen hundred years’ worth, give or take a decade or two.”

  “I’ll never survive,” she exclaimed in mock horror, even as she lifted her hips to receive him.

  Chapter 35

  The following night, Cassie was in the kitchen stuffing dishes into the dishwasher when Johnny appeared in the doorway. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled at him.

  “You about done there?” he asked.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “We’re going out.”

  “We are? Where?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Really? I love surprises!” she exclaimed, although she’d had few good ones in her life. And then she smiled, thinking Johnny was the biggest and best surprise she had ever received. She looked down at her jeans and T-shirt. “Just let me change my clothes.”

  * * *

  Cassie felt a rush of excitement when Johnny pulled up in front of a jewelry store.

  He grinned when he saw the look on her face. “That’s right,” he said when he came around to open her door. “It’s time you had a ring.”

  She was too excited to speak as he took her hand and helped her from the Mustang.

  “Pick out whatever you want,” he said as they entered the store. “Price is no object.”

  Cassie stared at the display of wedding and engagement rings, wondering how she would ever make up her mind. In spite of what Johnny had said, she perused the cheapest ones.

  He noticed, of course. “Look at all of them,” he chided. “You’re going to be wearing it for a long time and I want you to get the one you love the most.”

  “But . . . these are so expensive.”

  “Don’t think about it.”

  She worried her lower lip between her teeth as she moved slowly along the display cases. Silver, of course, was out of the question. She walked up and down twice, but kept coming back to an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring set in platinum. The matching wedding ring had smaller diamonds all around the band.

  “I really love this one,” she said. “But, Johnny, it’s almost four thousand dollars.”

  “No problem. I can sell the Mustang to pay for it.”

  “What?” She looked at him in alarm. “No way. You love that car.”

  “I love you more,” he said. “Besides, I was kidding. We can buy the ring and keep the car. We’ll take these,” he told the salesman who had been patiently waiting to help them.

  The man took Cassie’s ring size and smiled. “We have your size in stock, if you’d like to take it with you.”

  “Wrap it up,” Johnny said as he reached for his wallet and withdrew a credit card.

  Cassie frowned when she caught a glimpse of his driver’s license. “Who’s Paul Langley?”

  He tapped his chest with his forefinger. “Me, of course.”

  “So, will I be Mrs. Johnny Lanzoni or Mrs. Paul Langley?”

  “Both. On paper, you’ll be Cassie Langley. I alternate names every fifty years or so. As far as the world is concerned, Johnny Lanzoni died half a century ago. Fifty years from now, I’ll be Johnny Lanzoni again.”

  “What will it say on our marriage license?”

  “With a little vampire magic, we’ll get two, one for each name. If you don’t like that idea, you can use your maiden name. It’s up to you.”

  “Oh.” While he paid for the rings, Cassie stared out the window. In fifty years, he’d be Lanzoni again. A half a century from now she would be old and gray and wrinkled, if she lived that long. It was a sobering thought.

  “You’re very quiet,” Johnny said as they left the store hand in hand. “Did you change your mind about the ring?”

  “No. I was just thinking of what you said, about coming up with a new name every so often. Fifty years is a long time.”

  He grunted softly. He didn’t have to read her mind to know what she was thinking. He drove to a secluded area near a stand of timber and parked the car. “Come on,” he said, “let’s go for a walk.”

  They followed a narrow dirt path to a stone bench located between a bubbling fountain and the statue of a stag. When she sat down, he knelt in front of her. Taking her hand in his, he unwrapped the engagement ring and slid it on her finger. “I love you, Cassie.”

  “I know. I love you, too.”

  “But you’ll grow old and I won’t,” he said. “Is that what’s bothering you?”

  She blew out a sigh. She had known that would happen, had thought she was prepared for it. Until today. Seeing his driver’s license had made it all very real. “Is that the reason the women in Mara’s family chose to be vampires?”

  “Pretty much. Some sooner than others. But, as I said before, some were turned against their will.” His fingers tightened around hers. “But they’re all happy now, cara. I’ve never heard any of them say they were sorry, even the ones that had no say in the matter. I know being a vampire might seem like a terrible life, but it isn’t. Sure, it’s a trade-off—you lose the sun and food, but you gain unlimited health and strength and the ability to heal yourself. If you should decide to become one of us, you’ll stay the age you are whenever you’re turned. But whether you’re old or young, vampire or not, I’ll always love you and be with you.”

  “Will you?”

  “I swear it.” Turning her hand over, he kissed her palm. “You have years to decide.”

  Cassie nodded. She was only twenty-six, after all. She had plenty of time to make up her mind. Still, she’d have to decide in the next ten or twelve years or so, because she certainly didn’t want to look older than her future husband!

  Rising, he sat beside her. “Are we good?”

  “Yes.” There were no guarantees in life. She could be hit by a car tomorrow. Though he wasn’t likely to succumb to accidents or illness, even Johnny wasn’t indestructible. Vampire or mortal, no one was guaranteed tomorrow. “Yes,” she said again. “Let’s go home.”

  * * *

  The next few days flew by. She picked up her wedding dress and veil, went shopping for a pair of white heels, then bought a couple of suitcases to take on their honeymoon. She also bought a new handbag and a pair of slippers.

  Wandering through the men’s department, she searched for something to buy for Johnny. She couldn’t think of anything he needed and then, on impulse, she bought a pair of black silk bikini briefs.

  And immediately had second thoughts. Would he think them too sexy? Even though they’d been intimate, she hadn’t noticed what kind of shorts he wore. She started to return the briefs, then changed her mind as she pictured him wearing them on their wedding night. And nothing else.

  * * *

  Two days before the wedding, Mara stopped by the house.

  “So, are you ready for the big day?” she asked with an airy wave of her hand. “Or night, as the case may be?”

  “I think so.”

  “You never mentioned a reception.”

  “I didn’t think there was any need for one. I mean, well, there’s no need for food or . . .”

  “You still need a reception. I’ve arranged for one at the Park Hyatt Hotel. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Good. I’ve arranged a wedding supper for you and lots of wine for the rest of us. And a band, of course. I’ve also rented the bridal suite,” Mara added. She frowned, and then grinned. “Something tells me you’ve already had the honeymoon.”

  Cassie felt her cheeks grow hot as she stared at the vampire. How could she possibly know that?

  Mara shook her head. And then she laughed. “So, the walls of Jericho finally came down.”

  * * *

  Giovanni frowned when he went home that night and found Cassie sitting
on the sofa, arms crossed over her breasts and not looking very happy. “Does that expression have anything to do with the fact that Mara’s been here?”

  “In a way. She came by to let me know she’s arranged for a reception at the Park Hyatt Hotel, complete with a wedding supper for me, wine for the guests, and a band.”

  “Are you all right with that?”

  “I guess so, if you are.”

  “What else did she say?”

  “She knew we’d made love. Did you tell her?”

  “Of course not!”

  “Then how did she know?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  Cassie tilted her head to the side, her fingers drumming impatiently on the arm of the sofa.

  “I don’t know how to explain it. Vampires can sense that kind of thing.” Taking the seat beside her, Giovanni reached for her hand. “Are you okay?”

  “Better than okay. Just think, day after tomorrow we’ll be married.”

  “I’ll try to make you happy.”

  “You already make me happy. I found an ad for a beauty school today. When I called, they said a new course starts in six weeks, so I signed up for it.”

  “Good for you. I know you’ll do great.”

  “I hope so.” She looked at him, a smile playing over her lips. “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

  “Have I?”

  “You haven’t kissed me tonight.”

  “I’m a cad.”

  “I know how you can remedy that.”

  “So do I.”

  Cassie closed her eyes as he pressed his lips to hers in a long, slow kiss that made her toes curl.

  “Don’t go to work tonight,” he said, his hand stroking her thigh. “Stay here and keep me company.”

  “I’d love to, Johnny. You know I would. But it’s my last night and it’s too late to find someone to take my place.”

  “Right.” He kissed her again. “I guess you’d better go get ready.”

  “You don’t have to drive me tonight. If I can, I’ll come home early. If I have to stay late, I’ll let you know.”

  “I don’t know. . . .” Alric’s whereabouts were still unknown. As far as anyone knew, he had gone to ground. Surely, if he’d surfaced again, Mara would have said something.

  “I’m a big girl,” Cassie said. “I’ll be fine. You can’t keep me wrapped up in cotton wool my whole life.”

  He grunted softly, thinking it was a hell of a good idea.

  * * *

  Cassie hummed softly as she showered, then dressed for work. This time tomorrow, she would be Johnny’s wife. Feeling giddy, she twirled around the room. She was getting married to the most wonderful man in the world. And she didn’t care if she was Mrs. Langley or Mrs. Lanzoni, as long as she was his.

  She could hardly wait.

  Tomorrow night, all her dreams would come true.

  Chapter 36

  Rising through layers of dirt, grass, and leaves, Alric emerged from the depths of the earth, uncertain of how long he’d been lost in the Dark Sleep. He stretched his arms and back. The worst of his injuries had healed, but his ribs were still sore. He had been injured numerous times in the course of his long existence, but never like this. He possessed incredible strength, but his body wasn’t immune to pain or physical trauma. It would be another day or two before he was fully recovered. In the meantime, he needed blood.

  Lots of blood.

  He grinned inwardly. Every cloud had a silver lining. Filled with renewed purpose, he prowled up and down the streets of New York City, feeding from multiple victims so as not to call attention to himself.

  In a few days, he would be strong enough to go after Mara, he thought. And then he paused. Being so badly wounded had reminded him that he was vulnerable. And that Mara could do a hell of a lot more damage than a five-ton truck.

  She could destroy him with little more than a thought. Perhaps he could hurt her in other, less dangerous ways. The priest was a particular favorite with the Queen of the Vampires. Taking him out could serve as revenge, not only for Calidora’s death, but for the vampire’s complete lack of respect for his sire. Alric dragged a hand over his jaw. Destroying the priest seemed like a far wiser—and safer—course of action.

  With a thought, he transported himself to the last place he’d seen the priest. He found himself in front of a third-rate bar. The Winchester Lounge. The place was packed, he noted, as he swaggered through the door. The music of a hundred beating hearts assaulted his ears. He pushed his way through the crowd to the bar, where he ordered a glass of red wine.

  Turning toward the room, he opened his senses. So many interesting scents, such a variety of men and women and blood types. A veritable feast to satisfy a hungry vampire’s thirst. He had chosen his prey when a waitress sauntered by. He inhaled sharply, his eyes narrowing as he watched her. She had recently been with Lanzoni. The other vampire’s scent was all over her. Who was she? And what was she to the priest? A customer? An acquaintance? Or something far more intimate?

  Keeping her always in sight, he faded into the background.

  * * *

  Just before closing time, Cassie reminded the manager that it was her last night. He wasn’t happy about it, cheap help was hard to find, after all, but he thanked her gruffly and promised to give her a good recommendation should she ever need one.

  Feeling lighthearted, Cassie left the lounge and headed for the parking lot. She had just unlocked the Mustang when a man stepped out of the shadows.

  Alarm bells went off in her mind but before she could get in the car or scream for help, he was on her, his hands like iron where they gripped her arms.

  Fear turned to terror when his eyes—eyes tinged an unholy red—locked on hers. Vampire. She tried to look away, tried to connect with Johnny, but she couldn’t tear her gaze away from that hypnotic stare, couldn’t focus enough to send out a silent, desperate plea for help.

  And then it was too late.

  She felt the vampire’s power crawl over her, stealing her mind, her will.

  And then everything went black.

  Chapter 37

  It was later than usual when Giovanni headed for home. Bored with prowling the same familiar streets in the next town, he had gone farther afield in search of a new hunting ground. The city he had chosen was twice the size of his usual haunt and he had spent some time just wandering through the business district before heading for the residential area. He had found a two-story house for sale. It sat on a large lot with an abundance of shrubs and flowers. The backyard looked like a park. A number of trees grew along the fence line. There was a covered patio and a kidney-shaped pool with a diving board, a slide, and a spa.

  The house was vacant so he willed himself inside and went exploring. A living room with a red rock fireplace and built-in TV, dining room, bathroom, kitchen with all the modern appliances, and a good-sized laundry room were situated on the first floor. He found a master bedroom and two smaller ones upstairs, each with a walk-in closet and its own bath. There was also a linen closet and game room. Everything looked new.

  It would, he thought, make a wonderful wedding present for his bride, who would be waiting for him and perhaps wondering where he was.

  Whistling softly, he transported himself home. He caught the smell of smoke seconds before he materialized inside the house.

  Veering to the right, he took on his own form across the street, eyes narrowed as he watched the fire department attempt to put out the blaze.

  Cassie!

  Racing across the street, he grabbed a fireman by the arm. “Was there anyone inside?”

  “We don’t know. Please, sir, stay back.”

  Giovanni retreated, his gaze fixed on the flames. He tried to sense her presence in the house, but the smoke and the fire made it impossible.

  Feeling sick, he turned away. He refused to believe she had been inside. He had taken her blood. He would have sensed it if she was gone. Yet, when he tried to find the bond between the
m, there was only emptiness.

  Unwilling to believe she was dead, he transported himself to the Winchester Lounge, but it was closed, the doors locked and bolted. Only a faint night-light burned inside.

  Filled with despair, Giovanni hurried around the building to the parking lot. If her car was still here, then there was hope she had been detained. He felt a wave of relief when he saw the Mustang across the lot. She hadn’t gone home.

  But where was she?

  And why couldn’t he sense her whereabouts?

  Pulling his keys from his pocket, he walked swiftly toward the car. As he drew closer, he found the answer to his question in Alric’s foul scent.

  Giovanni groaned low in his throat. He had failed her. She would have been better off in the flames.

  Dropping to his knees, he buried his face in his hands.

  Moments later, he felt Mara’s presence at his side. “He’s got her,” he said, his voice thick with despair.

  “I should have killed him centuries ago when I had the chance,” Mara said.

  “You once told me you can find anyone. Where is he?”

  Lifting her head, she closed her eyes. Power rose all around her, then evaporated.

  “Well?”

  “I can’t sense him.”

  “What? Why the hell not?”

  “I’m not sure. Either he’s left town, or he’s found a way to block others of our kind, which usually involves a witch.”

  “Angelica?”

  “Perhaps. But I don’t think so. If he’d left on foot, we could follow his scent, but transporting doesn’t leave any trace to follow. Have you tried tracking Cassie’s presence?”

  He nodded. “There’s nothing there. You don’t think she’s . . . ?” He couldn’t say the word.

  “No. You’d feel it if she were dead. Most likely she’s unconscious. I think he’s sealed his lair in such a way that it blocks all outside supernatural powers. Sort of like a vampire threshold to keep our kind out. Or . . .”

  “Or he’s turned her and the link between us is gone,” he said flatly.

  Mara’s silence told him the thought had also occurred to her.

  “So, there are some things even the Queen of the Vampires can’t do,” he muttered. “Where the hell does that leave us?”