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

soon calling his name. Oh, I almost hated that he could drive me mad so easily. Why was I in his thrall? I’d never had the answer to that. Instead, I let go. I took my pleasure then pushed him onto his back so I could drink my own fill at his vein. It was the way we enjoyed each other. Jeremiah was not a selfish lover. I thanked the gods for that. When we both were sated and sunrise pulled us toward our death sleep, I dragged the covers to my chin.

“Did you lock the door?” I had to ask. We were in a strange place surrounded by mortals who had no idea what we were. I was new enough to my vampire state that falling into that death sleep still made me wonder if I’d ever wake up again. We were so open to attack when we died at sunrise and there were pirates . . .

“Aye. I put Valdez at the door to guard us.” Jeremiah tucked the fur robe we’d brought with us around me. “You are safe, my love. I will always do my best to keep you that way. Do not worry about the pirates. There is not enough moonlight yet to tempt them, so they say.”

“Good. We must be on our guard. The people here are full of tales of their daring. And they are led by a woman, Jeremiah!” I sat up and stared at him. “She is ruthless.”

“So I heard. The villagers were eager to talk of how the last Guardian was killed by her.” He pulled me close again, soothing me with a hand through my hair. “I know you are not afraid, my own fearless woman.”

“I don’t like to see you in danger, Jeremiah.” I sighed against his chest. “We have had to face too many dangers since we met. Too many enemies are eager to test your immortality.” I thanked the gods my love had been up to the challenge.

“The last enemy was no match for you, my love.” Jeremiah chuckled.

I could tell he was not taking this seriously and I pinched his hard shoulder. “Do not laugh about this. Lady Anne is crying herself to sleep every night. I’ve been widowed once. We may not be married, but I would still be left alone in the world if something happened to you, my lord. You think I would not grieve?”

Jeremiah rolled me under him. “I love you for your concern, Gloriana. Remember, Lord Ralph was not a vampire, now was he, with our skills? This red-haired witch who dares raid Scottish lands will not last long once I meet her.”

“You are arrogant. We don’t know what the woman is. She may be a witch for all we know. Some witches have powers that scare me.” I kissed his chin, rough with evening beard. “Fine. I will try to put the pirates out of my mind, but they are why we are here. Yes, they have come at night before, but what if they decide to change their ways and attack during the day? If they broke in while we were sleeping…”

“We are well guarded. To make sure, I have talked to the villagers. I am convinced the pirates have a spy among them. Word will reach the Irish woman that we brought many men and three ships to fight them. The pirates would be foolish to raid during the day when our cannons will have clear shots at them. Their only chance for success is at night when we passed the word that the guards will be few and most of the men will be asleep. The captain of the king’s troops is still not happy with our strange sleeping schedule but he finally saw reason.” Jeremiah chuckled. “Of course, we will be more than ready for a nighttime attack.”

“You are clever, Jeremiah. I am sure the captain will realize there is no greater warrior than you.” I smiled against his chest.

“He has not seen me fight. We will get along well enough once we are in a battle together.” He stretched and pulled me closer. “I noticed the courtyard is already looking better but the captain decided he doesn’t want his men trapped inside where the drawbridge is old and the moat a stinking mess. He will keep the horses here, but had his men cleaning out stalls first. Then he plans to build shelters for the troop’s sleeping quarters outside.” Jeremiah yawned. “I like that Captain Burnett is so careful.”

“He must show you respect, Jeremiah. Oh, excuse me, Lord Campbell.” I snuggled up next to him. “I do like the sound of that.”

“Titles are cheap. The king hands them out like ha’pennies to urchins.” Jeremiah’s arms went around me. “If I can rid Scotland of the pirates, now that will be something to be proud of.”

“Yes, indeed.” I couldn’t fight the pull of the dawn another moment. Jeremiah’s arm went slack and I knew he had fallen into his death sleep. Pirates. The word was enough to make me shudder, except I couldn’t move at all.

Jeremiah was out the door as soon as the sun set. I did not dare delay him. I knew he took his new role seriously and wanted to learn more about the pirate attacks. It had been months since the beginning of the new year and his appointment. The people had suffered without protection while we’d been delayed in Edinburgh. Plans had to be made, men sent for and supplies gathered before we could even set out for the island. Now snow was melting and we could see signs of spring.

Even though I would have liked to have lingered in our cozy bedchamber, I sent Valdez off to sleep then made my way downstairs. I wanted to see what I could do to make this castle into our home. The rest of the men who had been assigned to guard me sat at one of the