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

the covers. “You haven’t healed yet. I can see your bruises as clearly as when you first came from the witch’s hut. Obviously, you just slept like a mortal instead of enjoying a healing death sleep. I wonder if this might be a lingering effect of the poison.”

I took a mental inventory of my body. Aches from where I’d hit the floor in Helen’s house. Pain in my scalp from where the spirit had pulled my hair. And those bruises… I truly had not healed at all.

“I hurt everywhere. I think I need blood, Jeremiah. Do you mind?” I reached for him and pulled his head toward me. “Perhaps that will help me heal.”

“I will be happy to let you drink from me.” He kissed me deeply then grimaced. “You taste different. Strange.”

“What do you mean?” I licked my lips. Did I? I couldn’t tell. “Don’t you like kissing me now?” If he didn’t, what would I do?

“I will always love kissing you.” He did it again to prove it. But I didn’t miss the look of almost distaste that crossed his face. “Blood. You’re right. That should set you to rights. If the poison lingers in your system, we know my blood will heal you.” He offered his vein. “Take as much as you need. I can always find someone to drink from tomorrow night.”

I hesitated. Just touching him might expose him to the evil inside me. I stared into his eyes. Jeremiah wasn’t afraid of that, not at all. I meant that much to him. I fought tears and made light of things to keep the tears from spilling.

“You’ll drink from someone like Brianna, the scullery maid? I saw her giving you a look that made me want to toss her down the well.” I was relieved when he smiled before I pulled him down and licked that vein pulsing in his throat. When I struck, he sighed, as if it pleased him to give me his blood. I’m sure it did. We enjoyed nourishing each other. I held onto him and savored his taste. There was no change there.

Jeremiah Campbell was life to me and I craved it. I drank mindlessly until I realized I was being greedy. I finally pulled away and licked the wound clean.

“Thank you.” I touched his pale face. “I hope I left you enough to see you through until morning.” I kissed his cheek. I was afraid to touch his lips. “I will give it time to restore me.” I yawned again. “Good night, Jeremiah.” I rolled over and closed my eyes. How did I feel? Like a mortal? For a moment I almost wished… No, I had made my choice and there was no going back.

Jeremiah’s arm snaked around me and he pulled me in. “Good night, my love. Don’t worry, you will be fine. I am sure of it.” He kissed my bare shoulder then his arm went slack. He’d fallen into his death sleep. I waited for mine while I stared into the dark room. And waited. What was wrong with me? Finally, my eyes began to close. It was sleep but what kind?

“Lady Anne looks a treat, mistress. Come and see.” Mercy finished my hair and stepped back. “You will outshine her, I’m afraid.” She giggled. “Jolie gave you the most beautiful dress!”

“I do love it.” I smoothed the bodice that sparkled with beads. I had always loved red and looked well in it. Jolie had made it fit perfectly and left off all of the extra ornaments like sleeves and collars that were in fashion. The dress was simple, cut low in front, and flattering to someone with a full figure like mine. Mercy was right. I’d never looked better.

“Madame daVinci is already with the bride. They are waiting for you.” Mercy began to straighten the room. “Such finery!”

“What about you, Mercy? Are you getting married this day?” I picked up the painted fan Flo had given me. She’d come by as soon as we’d risen after sunset to see how I fared. The fan was a present she said to say how sorry she was that she hadn’t gone with me to see the witch. She’d felt guilty. I tried to make her feel better but hadn’t turned down such a beautiful present.

“Oh, mistress, I am!” Mercy put her hands to her pink cheeks. “After the bishop is done with Lady Anne and the captain, he’s to marry Colin and me. Can you believe it? He’s a bishop, not a village priest. Come from a castle nearby. So fancy.” She looked down at her swollen stomach. “We didn’t tell him the babe isn’t Colin’s. The bishop gave my sweetheart such a scolding! And Colin just took it, standing there with his arm around me.” She wiped away a tear. “I love him so.”

I hugged her. “I am happy for you. I have come to see that Colin is a good man, deserving of greater responsibility. He will provide well for you and your child.” I pulled out a pale blue shawl with silver stars that Jolie had made for me but I knew would suit Mercy better. “I want you to have this to wear with your wedding dress. I think it will look a treat with your dark hair.”

“Oh, it is beautiful. Much too fine for me.” She stroked the silk.

“No, it’s not. Nothing is too fine for you.” I picked up a purse I’d asked Jeremiah to fill that evening. He’d been very generous. He liked Colin and knew him well since both he and Mercy came from Dollar near the Campbell Castle. “This is from Jeremiah. He hopes you two will have a long and happy life together, wherever it may be.”

Mercy’s eyes widened when she felt the weight of the purse. “Oh, mistress, Lord Campbell is such a fine man. I know you love him, just like I love my Colin. How did we get so lucky?”

“I ask