Sebastian knew the moment Amelia left the protection of her home. Just for a moment, he froze in disbelief; then, tossing aside the large book he had been futilely attempting to study, he swept across the library and down the stairs.
Bloody hell. He would throttle her, he silently cursed as he charged through the house and out the back door. Although she had boldly claimed she would go in search of the killer who stalked the streets, he had not thought she would be so foolish. Well, at least not foolish enough to begin any such search during the middle of the night, he swiftly amended.
Now, because of her stubborn courage, she was alone and vulnerable. He had to reach her before she could be harmed.
Then he would throttle her.
Entering the garden, Sebastian never paused as he slipped toward the dark lane. Without being fully bonded with Amelia, he could only sense that she was somewhere ahead of him, but he knew that the closer he came to her the easier it would be to locate her.
Despite his attention being sharply focused upon Amelia, Sebastian did not miss the faint prickle that raced over his skin.
Halting his steps, he carefully considered his surroundings. There was a vampire near. Very near. And oddly able to mask his identity.
His expression hardened with determination. He did not know who the mysterious vampire was, but he was certain that it posed a danger to Amelia. He would have to deal with the threat before he could return the maiden to her home.
Cautiously angling across the lane, Sebastian allowed his senses to lead him toward the derelict stables. There was no noise, no indication that there was anyone near, but he did not hesitate. Entering the darker shadows of the stables, he stepped over a fallen beam and glanced about the empty stalls and overhead loft.
For a moment there was nothing to see. Nothing beyond dust and cobwebs. Then, just when he was beginning to wonder if he had been mistaken, a faint fog began to form in a distant corner.
More out of instinct than actual fear, Sebastian reached beneath his coat to remove the dagger.
He would prefer to avoid a fight if possible. Violence was abhorrent to him, and violence toward a brother was nearly unthinkable. But, he would not allow Amelia to be harmed. Whatever it might take.
Keeping a careful watch on the fog that continued to move ever closer, Sebastian once again attempted to determine who it was that stalked ever nearer. A frown marred his brow as he sensed nothing but emptiness in the fog. It was as if it were no more than an illusion.
Which was ridiculous. He had distinctly perceived the presence of a vampire. It was here.
Somewhere.
Clenching the dagger in his hand, he heard nothing but his own shallow breathing. Nothing until there was a faint scrape behind him. Attempting to turn, he was halted as a sudden, searing pain abruptly flared through his body.
With a gasp of agony, Sebastian fell to his knees. From behind, someone was relentlessly stabbing him with a sharp blade, the steel digging deep into his body and twisting before being wrenched out and thrust in again. He attempted to twist away but the blade followed. Over and over it bit into his flesh, the sheer savagery of the attack nearly overwhelming.
Through a haze, Sebastian could feel the hot, sticky flood of blood seeping over his skin, and worse, his strength was being ruthlessly drained away.
He had to do something. And soon.
Ignoring the white blaze of agony, Sebastian leaned forward until his hands touched the dirt.
He was care-ful to keep a grip on the dagger; then, with a grim effort, he kicked his leg out behind him. His foot connected solidly with a leg and he was rewarded by the sound of a muffled grunt.
He would not go quietly, he promised himself. Once again he kicked out, but with frustrating speed/his attacker managed to slip to one side.
Realizing his danger, Sebastian attempted to angle his head away from the vampire, but his movements were sluggish and a heavy object connected with his skull with rattling force. The world went momentarily dark before he forced himself back toward the pain that throbbed relentlessly. No. He had to remain conscious. If he were to be overcome, then Amelia would he helpless.
He sensed the mysterious attacker had once again lifted his arm to strike another blow and with sheer desperation he flung himself to one side. At the same moment a sound from the doorway of the stable echoed through the air.
Having sacrificed the last of his fading energy, Sebastian could do nothing to stop the villain from attacking him, nor the intruder. Instead he could only lie upon the hard ground as he rasped agonized breaths.
Inwardly, he cursed his weakness, but he knew he could do nothing. Without rest to restore his strength he was as helpless as a babe.
Barely keeping the darkness at bay, Sebastian vaguely heard the sounds of approaching footsteps and the dry hiss of an indrawn breath. A part of him awaited the blow that would send him into oblivion; at the same time, he ludicrously clutched the dagger as if he hoped the fool would conveniently lie down next to him so he could stab him.
He supposed that time passed, although it was difficult to determine with his head filled with fog. Then, soft and comforting hands touched his face.
"Sebastian, can you hear me?" a husky female voice whispered near his ear.
He lifted his head, only to discover that his right eye had swollen shut.