Taken by a Vampire (Vampire Queen) - By Joey W. Hill Page 0,81

them was bear.

The first thing a servant learned was that one didn’t run from a predator. It would transform her immediately into prey.

“You’re looking for food,” she said quietly. “And I smell like eggs and bacon. I’d get you some, to be neighborly, but I expect it’s not a good idea to encourage you to visit humans. The next one might have a gun and think you’re a threat. And I’m hoping . . . you’re not one?”

That rumbling noise came again. She tried not to move as he nosed her leg, snuffling, moving to her hands. If he opened his mouth, tried to eat her hand . . . The paws shifted on the table, those talons closer to her knee. This time she couldn’t help it. She flinched.

“Oy there, off with ye! Ye know better, black beastie.”

Niall had returned, thank the gods. She suppressed the embarrassing cry of relief as the bear turned his attention from her. He gave Niall a narrow consideration, but the man advanced steadily, calling out and gesturing his warning with calm purpose. While he wasn’t presenting an imminent threat, his advance indicated he could be one if needed. As he passed the well, the Scot reached down into it, pulled out a shotgun that apparently had been sheltered under the interior lip and cocked it. The noise made the bear flinch. When Niall brandished it, now close enough for the bear to make it out, the creature let out an irritable huff and lumbered across the yard, disappearing into the bushes.

“There now. I’m away for ten minutes, and already she’s entertaining strange men.”

Despite his teasing, she saw Niall was out of breath, sweat staining the front of his shirt. He’d come at a full run. As he approached her, his gaze shifted toward the cabin. Turning, she saw Evan nearly in the open doorway. He was holding to the shadows, but she heard the click of another gun being uncocked, saw him give a spare nod and turn. But there was something wrong . . .

She was off the picnic table immediately, brushing past Niall and reaching the cabin before another breath had passed.

“Master, let me help.” She didn’t wait for permission this time, sliding under his arm when he staggered. Through sheer determination, she kept him from falling toward the sunlight. Fortunately, Niall was right behind her and able to steady them both.

“Came right out o’ a sleep, no?”

“I realized the big furry thing nuzzling me wasn’t you,” Evan coughed. “And that I normally don’t feel terrified of it.”

“I’m sorry, Master,” Alanna said. “I should have controlled my reaction. I didn’t mean to disturb your sleep.”

Actually, no vampire she knew would have stirred themselves. Such a matter was a servant issue, and Niall had responded capably. But of course he’d been running through the woods when the bear had his paws on the table. If he’d decided to swipe at her . . .

“Yes. Next time please allow yourself to be mauled more quietly.”

The amusement was unmistakable, but his pallor startled her, the sweat on his face. “Are you all right, sir?”

He was four hundred years old. Yes, he’d come above ground, but he hadn’t stood in sunlight. It was only vampires under a hundred years who reacted this badly to being above ground during daylight, even inside the shelter of a building.

“I’m fine,” he said shortly. Squeezing her shoulder, he nodded to Niall as he opened the trapdoor. “I can get down the ladder.”

“Sure you can.” But she noticed his servant watched until he managed it, a certain tension to him until it was done, and then Niall replaced the trapdoor.

“Is he all right? Does he need anything?”

Niall shook his head, after that brief internal look that said he had checked on the same thing. “No. He says to leave him be.” Reaching out, he tugged her braid, distracting her. “Black bears are mostly herbivores, until people start feeding them, then they become scavengers. That one’s probably spent too much time picking up scraps on the trail. You’re fine, then?”

When he closed his hand on hers, she realized she was shaking. “My first encounter with a bear.” She tried a shrug. “It was silly of me to get alarmed. I’m sorry . . .”

“If you’d done the wrong thing, lass, he might ha’ attacked. Any wild animal can get testy or aggressive if he thinks he’s threatened or thwarted. Ye haven’t any experience with that situation.”

“No?”

“Well, nae with that kind o’