Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates by Bartlett, Gerry (red white royal blue TXT) 📕

you live as long as we do, it is a good idea to keep that in mind.” She tapped Angus on the shoulder with her fan. “Here comes the couple. I do like your Mercy. I swear I would steal her from you, Glory, if she weren’t so content to stay here with her man.”

It was obvious that Colin and Mercy were very much in love as they walked with the bishop to sign the register. Then it was time to say their vows. As witnesses, I stood next to Mercy, who looked pretty in her blue dress with the shawl I’d given her over it. Jeremiah stood next to Colin, who had found clean clothes and polished boots.

The age-old vows rang through the quiet chapel. The two very young people were swearing to take each other until death parted them.

Jeremiah looked across the altar and caught my eye. What was he thinking? Would we ever say such vows? As Flo had reminded me, it was almost impossible to imagine that promise when a vampire was supposed to live forever.

After Colin kissed Mercy and the guests clapped and congratulated the happy couple, Jeremiah and I instinctively sought each other out.

“They are a good match.” Jeremiah nodded toward where Colin patted Mercy’s bulging stomach. He repeatedly claimed a child he had not made. It was making Mercy glow with pleasure.

“I think they will be happy.”

“Like we are?” Jeremiah put his arm around me. “Are you happy, Gloriana?”

“I cannot imagine being happier. I love you, Jeremiah.” I kissed him lightly on the lips. “Almost enough to last until death does part us.”

The look in his eyes suddenly turned bleak. “Never say that again. You will live forever. Never doubt that. Death will not part us. It is my hope that nothing will.”

I held onto his hand, taking that declaration as the closest I would get to a vow. My heart swelled while he seemed unaffected, as if it was merely a fact he had shared. Like saying that he was fond of dogs.

He glanced around the chapel. “MacDonald seems in good spirits. I am trying to believe him when he says he means us no harm.”

“I believe him. But he will never let you read his mind. Just as you would never let him read yours.” I was startled when I saw a woman enter the chapel. I didn’t think her kind would be welcome here in God’s house or willing to cross the threshold.

“Is that the witch?” Jeremiah touched his sword. Of course, he’d taken his role as Colin’s best man seriously. He’d worn his sword as if prepared to ward off raiders. MacDonald had joked about it.

“Helen Haig. I wonder what she wants.” I approached her since no one else seemed inclined to greet her.

“Helen, the wedding just ended.” I was uneasy. The last time I’d seen her had been horrifying. I had decided it was not her fault that a lost soul from Hell had come to visit. At least I didn’t think so. She’d seemed as surprised by the spirit as I was. I knew now that Janus had been responsible for the poison on that arrow, not Helen.

“I brought a gift for the married couple. It is tradition in this village. The two aren’t from here, but I brought it just the same.” She held out a small bag. “It is a bit of sage and other things, to burn in their home, to clear the evil spirits. Then there is a crystal to hang there for a blessing.” She smiled. “They can ask Holly or one of the other older people living here if what I’m giving them is useful or not.”

“I will.” I felt uneasy so near her but stepped closer to reach for the bag. I sensed Jeremiah close behind me. I had to admit I was comforted by his presence. The closer I got to the witch, the stranger I felt. Had she brought some of that evil spirit with her?

“Gloriana.” Her voice was low again. But not as low as it had been when the spirit had visited me. “Be careful.”

“What is this? Why are you warning her?” Jeremiah stepped between us. He took the bag from me and tossed it to one of his men. “You have done what you came for. Now go.”

“Are you afraid of my powers, Lord Campbell?” Helen threw back her hair, a light yellow this time, and looked up at him flirtatiously.

“Not at all. But I don’t like what they do to my lady. She has suffered enough from your potions, spells and warnings.” Jeremiah grabbed her elbow and roughly escorted her to the door. “Stay away from her.”

“So manly.” She ripped her arm out of his grasp. “You should be afraid of my powers.” She stared at me. “Both of you should be afraid.” Helen waved her hand and smoke filled the chapel. I heard screams behind me and then people pressed against my back, eager to leave. We were blocking the door.

I couldn’t move. Or breathe. Jeremiah drew his sword.

“You will not defile this holy place, witch. Or threaten someone I love.” Before I could stop him, he stabbed Helen through the heart.

“No! Why did you—” I watched in horror as the woman in front of me began to dissolve into a swirling mass of oozing black that bubbled and seethed. She screamed, her mouth opened wide and vile curses rang through the chapel before she disappeared into the mire. With one more blast of noxious steam, her essence settled into a stain at our feet.

“What just happened?” Jeremiah held me as I trembled and tried not to stare at that spot where she’d just vanished. “What was she?”

“I don’t know, but I am very afraid she was evil. I, I can’t believe it. I hoped she was better than that.” I hid my face against him while people coughed and surged around us, leaving the chapel and the thick black smoke that lingered.