will take you right on that rock.
Alanna giggled as Niall gave her a mock frown. “Nag, nag, nag. He’s like an old woman nippin’ over there. He’s just crabbit because we’re holding up his schedule in Nairobi.”
“Well, as valuable as you are to me, the scenery in the Ngong changes a great deal in the dry season. I’m not sure you’re worth missing that.”
Evan rose, setting aside his sketchpad. Leaping easily to the other side of the creek that bifurcated the glen, he came to stand before the two of them.
“I’ll see you through, Niall. I promise.”
The Scot rose, clasping his forearm so that they were toe to toe. “I trust you, Evan. In all things.”
A muscle flexed in the vampire’s jaw, his emotional reaction to that schooled to a quick nod, but Alanna caught it. She loved watching it, the small, subtle nuances of male communication that had become far more intimate and easy between them since the decision had been made. “What may I do, Master . . . s?” She drew out the s deliberately, inciting amusement in them both.
“He’ll need human blood immediately, Alanna. As a third mark, you can handle the first attack of blood hunger, but it can be savage. Your strength has returned, but offer your wrist, instead of your throat.”
“My thigh would be better, Master. It’s a better distraction, changing his hunger to something else.”
Niall raised a brow. “Ye said ye watched it. That sounds like ye participated.”
“Stephen turned at least two sanctioned humans during my time in his household. I helped feed both of them. Blood and sexual hunger are close during the transition. One helps to balance the other.”
“Maybe the lass should take the lead,” Niall said, deadpan. “Given she’s the most experienced of the three of us in this.”
“Nonsense,” Evan said. “Alanna has the ‘Turning a Vampire for Dummies’ manual on standby for me.”
He ducked Niall’s punch with a grin, but caught the man by the nape, held him still. “All right, then,” he said. “Let’s do this.”
At Niall’s quick nod, he turned, and the Scot followed, the two of them going to the large flat rock along the bank where Evan had taken him to the ground all those years ago. As Alanna watched, Evan sat against the rock, then gestured to Niall, directing him to lie back between his thighs, his head resting on Evan’s shoulder, long legs stretched out before him.
Yes, Niall was ready for this, but he was tense about it as well. She sank to her knees on Niall’s other side, her hand closing over his.
“Look at her, Niall,” Evan said. “Imagine what it will be like, her being yours for nearly three centuries.”
“And you,” the Scot said, putting his other large hand on Evan’s knee. “You’re both mine.”
“Spoken like a true vampire.” Evan met Alanna’s gaze. I expect he will handle himself well, yekirati, but animal instinct may take over. Remember, follow my lead.
Always, Master.
Lowering his head, he placed his lips on Niall’s throat, nuzzled. When he bit, it was gentle, not yet a full penetration. He made it an erotic tease, his hand wandering into the collar of Niall’s shirt, stroking his chest as Alanna unbuttoned the garment, both men shifting so it fell off his shoulders, crumpled between his body and Evan’s. Niall’s hand briefly covered Evan’s, caressing his fingers as Evan pressed against the chai mark. Then Niall lifted his knuckles to Alanna’s face, stroking. “I love you, muirnín.”
Her breath caught as Evan lifted his brilliant gaze to her, held it in a lock as he bit down fully. Niall stiffened, then made a conscious effort to relax, though his hand remained tight on hers as Evan began to drink.
With a non-servant human, a vampire would pierce the major artery, let it gush until the blood loss was mortal, but it was different with a servant. Lady Lyssa herself had instructed Evan on it, indicating that several quarts were sufficient. It left the third mark’s body in a receptive condition for the silver serum necessary for the turning. Once that was flowing through Niall’s veins, the transition would be completed by drinking a certain amount of the sire’s blood.
The alarm Evan had anticipated started to kick in as the vampire took more and more. Niall’s breath came faster, heart beating like a frantic bird’s. His hand constricted on hers painfully. She bore it, putting her other hand on his brow as Evan spoke in both their minds, soothing the man.
Easy,