Taken by a Vampire (Vampire Queen) - By Joey W. Hill Page 0,219

water.”

The compassion in Lady Lyssa’s voice was shocking enough to send her into a full blackout, but Alanna recovered enough to accept the water Jacob brought to her. He gave it to Niall, who knelt at her side, keeping his hand over hers to steady her grip as she took a few sips. Of course it went down the wrong way, producing those tearing coughs that jerked her forward in the chair. Evan’s strong hands held her shoulders as Niall pressed his large hand to her chest again. When she saw blood fleck his shirt, his hand, he looked up at Evan.

No, I have to finish. I have to.

A muscle flexed in the Scot’s jaw. “Aye, we know lass. Just calm down.”

As she struggled to obey, she noticed the reaction of the Council. Vampires all had that impassive stillness that could turn them into furniture, but she detected an inexplicable tension as they watched her struggle. As Niall used Evan’s handkerchief to blot the blood from her lips, Lord Uthe and Lady Lyssa exchanged a glance. She wasn’t sure how to interpret the mood.

Keldwyn stepped away from the wall and put his hand on Uthe’s shoulder. When he bent between the queen and her right-hand man, it was obvious the three were conferring on something that the other vampires could hear. At the opposite end of the table, Lord Stewart lifted a brow, pursing his lips as if he found the subject intriguing, unexpected.

When the private conversation concluded, Keldwyn briefly met Uthe’s gaze. His fingers whispered off the vampire’s shoulder rather than lifting away. A Fae and a vampire? Perhaps the impossible was possible.

The distraction, Lady Lyssa’s firm assurance and Niall’s touch all helped calm her. Evan had not touched her, but she understood he wouldn’t, that showing any sentiment toward her right now would not be appropriate. However, when Niall glanced up at him, telling him without words she was ready, he was the one who spoke. “She is ready to continue, my lady.”

At Lyssa’s nod, Alanna swallowed. This time she kept her gaze fixed on Lyssa’s folded hands, though in reality she turned her focus inward, speaking to that soft gray wall, the anteroom after her trip to Hell, the place that did not judge or expect, simply allowing her to be whatever she was.

“I believe most vampires want to engage the emotions of their servant fully. They wish to be adored, desired, needed, in a singular way not possible among vampires themselves. To be served out of love, not politics, obligation or duty, though our responsibilities can certainly entail that. In fact, I think many vampires demand that level of devotion from their servants.”

She saw a tug on Jacob’s mouth, a wry acknowledgment. But now she would take her courage in both hands, prove she’d learned the lesson her Master had taught her. She’d voice her own desires.

“I want to serve my Masters. My Master, I mean.” She flushed, hoping the faux pas would be taken as a result of her physical state. “Evan.” And Niall.

The Council remained silent for some minutes, but she had done what she could. She put her attention on her hands, folded in her lap. Keeping her back straight was a monumental effort, but she told her pounding head, dry mouth and wasted lungs that they needed to hold on a little longer. Just a little longer . . .

“I think it would be useful to have Alanna meet with the InhServ trainers when she is well enough to do so. I expect her ideas might intrigue them. As well as result in more valuable service from their ranks.”

As Alanna blinked, unsure she’d heard Lord Uthe correctly, Lady Lyssa made a noise of agreement. “She’s the most exceptional student in the program’s history, which was why she was given to the made vampire believed most likely to be the first deserving appointment to the Council. His appointment to the Council was correctly predicted”—an unmistakable edge entered her tone—“even though his deserving it was not.”

Lord Uthe gave her an even look. “While our Lady Lyssa has taken a not-unjustified jab at our poor judgment prior to her assumption of leadership, the assignment of Alanna as his servant was not a poor decision. Without her, we might have lost our assassin and possibly our power base in Europe. It is an exceptional situation. Which suggests our decision on her fate might require a similar exception.”

Alanna’s fingers were knotted together, her gaze locked on her