Taken by a Vampire (Vampire Queen) - By Joey W. Hill Page 0,175

this.”

“Well, just so you’re a happy vampire.” Gideon tossed the apple core into the grass outside the picnic shelter and flashed him a dangerous smile.

As elusive as the shadows themselves, the two warriors melted into the night.

Niall waded into the marsh. Evan was holding Alanna piggyback as he showed her a sleeping heron. The ghostly white bird had his head tucked into his chest feathers, his body hidden among the weeds. Niall had woken in a curious mood, so he followed his inclination. He slid an arm around Alanna’s waist, and leaned against Evan’s body in simple affection. The vampire brushed his temple with a dip of his head.

“What will be will be,” Evan said quietly. “But we have this.”

“We’re a long time deid,” Niall agreed. At Alanna’s look, he gave her a squeeze. “It means enjoy life now, lass.”

She nodded. Putting her hand over Niall’s on her hip, she settled her other one into Evan’s grasp when he reached up, drew it down to hold it over his heart. “Thank you both for your care,” she added after a pause. “Whatever happens . . . I expected to be alone for all this, and I don’t feel alone.”

Evan was right. She could break a man’s heart. Niall hooked a finger in Evan’s belt loop, tightening there as he held Alanna closer to his side.

Any luck with Daegan?

He understands the situation and will do his best. I believe he understands my feelings on the matter. Our feelings on it. Evan shot him a humorous glance. I am not the only vampire fond of a surly human male, Niall.

Leaning closer, he put his mouth over Niall’s, a quick press of fang. Then he turned his head and drew Alanna over his shoulder, giving her a taste of them both. “We’re taking you to one of my favorite places in the world,” he told her. “Niall likes it, too. A wealth of voluptuous women cook him food there.”

When her gaze narrowed, her lips thinning, Evan tossed Niall an amused look. “Be careful, neshama. Nothing more dangerous in this world than a jealous woman.”

As they traveled to their next destination, Alanna dozed on the sleeper. She’d stayed up front with the men for a while, but she’d been tired and Evan had sent her to bed. However, even in her somnolent state, she held on to her connection with them like a child holding a stuffed animal. They talked about Evan’s next project, the mundane events of the past few days. Overhearing their mention of the wedding reception, her mind returned to it as well.

She’d spent some time with Chloe and her family, but at a certain point, she’d gone looking for her Master and Niall. Evan was sitting under a live oak, almost lost in its shadows. Earlier, when she’d seen him by the dim light provided by the Chinese lanterns, she’d realized he was hungry, but he’d told her he’d be fine until dawn.

Niall stood casual guard, keeping those who approached engaged in conversation so that Evan would be unnoticed. The Scot was about ten yards away, yet she could see it, the connection between them. It wasn’t just the vampire–servant, mind-to-mind physical connection. They had a chemistry she suspected had existed from the beginning. Was it that way for vampire–servant pairings that were fated, instead of arranged? Perhaps not, because many vampires didn’t have the kind of bond with their servants that Evan obviously had with Niall . . . that Lady Lyssa had with Jacob.

Dangerous thoughts she couldn’t help but have. The slight tilt of Niall’s head, his body language, told her how aware he was of his Master at all levels. Whether Niall admitted it or not, he’d be as lost without that connection as he would when his heart stopped beating. She wondered if that was the real reason a servant died when his vampire did.

Going to the waitstaff, she asked for half a glass of red wine. Moving into a convenient screen of oleander at the corner of the pool house, she drew the small blade a servant routinely carried for such things. A syringe would be more efficient, but a small pocketknife was easier to explain. She was well-practiced at it, such that the cup was filled in no time.

When she approached the tree, Niall’s nostrils flared as he caught the scent. Giving her an imperceptible nod, he caught her arm and said something that made her smile before he resumed his conversation with the