Building From Ashes
Page 118

Her heart hurt at his rare show of vulnerability, and she leaned on his shoulder. “I’m sorry we separated without you knowing how I felt.”
Carwyn hugged her tightly. “I know now.”
She twisted their fingers together as she glanced out the window. The sky was starting to lighten. They’d spent the whole night either making love or talking about a deadly elixir. Brigid had a sneaking suspicion that she’d just had a glimpse of her foreseeable future. “There’s no telling where all this is leading. And it’s going to be impossible to stop it.”
“I know.”
She sighed. “And if my time with Murphy has taught me anything, it’s that immortals aren’t the most cooperative bunch. Your friends excepted, of course.”
“No, you’re right. We’re stubborn, secretive, territorial—”
“Violent. Cunning.”
“We move in a world that runs a lot like the human world did in the Middle Ages. Everyone is their own small kingdom, and there’s no central government or authority. This problem is going to be impossible to contain.”
“True.”
“Still…” He paused. “I suppose with my contacts and connections…”
She nodded. “Which are extensive.”
“And your innate ass-kicking abilities and penchant for pyrotechnics…”
“You say the sweetest things…”
They both trailed off, lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Carwyn laughed ruefully. “I told you we wouldn’t be bored.”
Brigid groaned. “This is a nightmare.”
“It’s very serious, but we do know a few things now.” He held up fingers as he counted off. “We know that humans who take it smell like pomegranates, which is a distinctive smell. We know that vampires who take it have increased strength and amnis—”
“At least at first.”
“And we also believe—not sure on this one—that the blood of your sire or your direct line can heal an immortal from the effects of amnis.”
“So earth vampires…”
“Are actually some of the most protected, considering we tend to have large clans and close ties. You’re protected as long as Deirdre is, and even my blood could help you.”
“Since you’re Deirdre’s sire.”
He frowned. “Is it too strange?”
She shrugged. “You’re a former priest who likes beer, professional wrestling, and ugly Hawaiian shirts. You gave up the priesthood after a thousand years and paid two dozen sheep and a draft horse so you could marry a slightly crazy fire vampire who’ll probably burn you every night.”
“Only if I’m very well-behaved,” he said with grin.
She rolled her eyes and elbowed him as he roared in laughter. “Carwyn, the fact that you sired Deirdre is hardly the strangest thing about our relationship.”
He tugged on her ear. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“You have.” She snuggled into his side and stared at the growing light. She was already starting to feel sluggish. “You know what?” she murmured as her body began to tire.
“What?” He stroked her hair absently.
“I didn’t even call into work tonight.” She snorted. “I’m surprised Murphy isn’t banging on the door wondering where I am.”
Carwyn grunted. “If he has any questions, he can ask me. Besides, as soon as we’re able, we’re going to take a proper honeymoon.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. We may have had an unconventional wedding—”
“You could definitely say that.”
“But the honeymoon is non-negotiable. Beaches in moonlight.” He nibbled on her neck. “And making love in the waves.”
She smiled. “That will keep me cool. And hot. At the same time.”
“Ideas. I have many, many ideas…” He paused and she could feel his tension ratchet up. “Someone is coming toward the house.”
She froze, her senses reaching out cautiously for a moment before she relaxed. “It’s fine,” she said as she rose and walked toward the door. “Just one of the boys from work.”
“Not Murphy?”
“No, not Murphy.”
She was still smiling as she opened the door. She laughed for a moment, not even the sight of Jack dampening her happy mood. “Jack,” she said. “You’re never going to believe what I did earlier tonight.”
“Oh?” Jack smirked, and Brigid’s eyes widened when she saw a vampire step out from the bushes at the street. His amnis must have been weak, but then, Axel had been drinking from Emily for over a year. “Do tell, Brigid. I’m ever so eager to catch up on news.
She blinked and a scene flashed before her eyes.
A dark alley. Two vampires, one blond, one sandy-haired. Red frosted glass passing from hand to hand. A wicked laugh and a bright flash.
“It was you… Of course,” she murmured as Axel stepped closer. “There were always too many dead ends.”
Her head was swimming with exhaustion and shock when she heard a shout and a crash as windows shattered in her house. A loud buzzing sound came from behind her, and the ground beneath her feet rocked as she fell to her knees. Arms caught her as she fell and someone threw her over a shoulder.
No, no! Her stomach roiled. She fought to stay awake, but the last sight she caught was the roof of her house falling in as her eyelids fell shut.