Enchant the Night - Amanda Ashley Page 0,93
much alike. The same dark brown hair, the same deep gray eyes.
“Callie, this is my father, Andras.”
When Callie offered him her hand, Andras took it and bowed over it. “I am so pleased to meet you, daughter.”
“And my mother, Mirella.” His mother was lovely, with curly, russet-colored hair and mild blue eyes. Rising, she gave Callie a smile and a hug. “I’m so glad Quill has found you. I was beginning to think he would never marry. So, tell us,” she said, resuming her seat on the sofa, “how did the two of you meet?”
* * *
Callie couldn’t help feeling relieved when Quill’s parents said good-night an hour later. As she’d feared, the combined preternatural strength of two powerful vampires had weighed heavily on her. She had the feeling Andras had suggested they leave early because he was aware of the strain on her.
Quill had invited his parents to stay at his lair. Ever polite, they waited on the porch, giving him a chance to say good-night to Callie in private.
“Do you think I’ll ever get used to being surrounded by so much power?” Callie asked.
“In time.”
“I hope you’re right. I’ve never felt anything like that. It was like being smothered in blankets.”
He laughed softly as he drew her into his arms. “I’d like to smother you with kisses.”
Sighing dramatically, she said, “Have your way with me if you must. I’ll try to endure it.”
Growling low in his throat, he claimed her lips with his. “Get a good night’s sleep, love,” he said, nipping at her earlobe. “Because tomorrow night I’m going to make love to you until the sun comes up.”
* * *
Back in his lair, Quill opened a bottle of vintage wine. After pouring drinks for his parents, he poured one for himself, then settled into the love seat across from the sofa. “So, what do you think of her?”
“You neglected to tell us she’s a witch,” his mother said.
Quill glanced at his father. It was well known that Andras had no love for witches. “You object?”
Andras shook his head. “It’s only dark witches I despise. I detected nothing but goodness in your future mate. She seems strong mentally and physically. No doubt she will bear you a healthy son. You have my blessing.”
“I found Callie thoroughly delightful,” Mirella said. “I doubt any other mortal would have accepted you so readily. I believe the two of you are well-matched. You have my blessing, as well. And my love, as always.”
* * *
Callie woke early after a restless night. Today was her wedding day! Excitement churned in her stomach, along with an unexpected rush of doubt. She was marrying into a vampire family. If she conceived, she would bear a vampire child.
Quill’s child.
That thought chased all her doubts away. She loved him with her whole heart and soul. And tonight, she would be forever his.
She started to peek into the guest room, only then remembering that Quill had taken his parents to his lair to spend the night. She wondered if he would ever trust her enough to tell her where it was.
Too nervous to eat, she decided to go jogging in hopes of burning off her restless energy. She pulled on a pair of well-worn jeans and a sweatshirt, laced up her running shoes, and left the house.
She had gone less than a block when a large, black dog appeared beside her.
Callie slowed a moment, then grinned as she caught the signature of her grandmother’s magic. She laughed as she picked up the pace again and jogged to the park. Twice around and she headed back home.
The dog followed her inside, then morphed into her grandmother.
“Why were you following me?” Callie asked. “You should be getting ready for tonight.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Ava said with an airy wave. “I’ll be there with bells on.”
A shiver of unease slid down Callie’s spine. “Is something wrong? No more secrets, Grandma. What’s going on? Why were you working for the Dark Knights? And why didn’t you tell us?”
“It’s complicated, dear. When I married John, I promised him I would never betray him or the Knights or tell anyone of the location of the Dark Wood. I had worked magic for the Elder Knight before I met John, although John didn’t know that. I changed my appearance whenever I went to the Dark Wood so that he wouldn’t recognize me. I knew you would meet Quill and that there was a chance you would learn about the Knights, but I never dreamed