A Whisper of Eternity - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,99

He put his hands on her shoulders to steady her.

"He is stillBryan ," Dominic said quietly.

She forced a smile asBryan drew closer."Hi, Bry ."

"Hi,Tracy ."

An awkward silence fell between them.

Tracy's gaze moved overBryan . He looked the same, and yet he didn't. She tried to put her finger on what was different. The changes were subtle. His hair seemed fuller, darker. His skin was flawless. And even though he was a new vampire, his power danced over her skin.

She looked up into his eyes. "Did you want this,Bryan ? Was it your choice?" She glanced at Kitana . "Or hers?"

"It was hers, but now that it's done..." He shrugged. "It's not so bad."

"Did you... have you... ?"

He nodded.

" Bry, I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault. And it's not bad, really."

"Not bad? How can you say that? You hated vampires! You called them..." She paused, acutely aware that she was surrounded by vampires.

"I know,"Bryan said, smiling sheepishly. "ButTracy , you can't believe the power! It's amazing, the things I can do. I'll bet I could swim from here to Catalina and back again. And colors... you've never seen such colors. Kitana said she'll take me toEurope once..." He paused and glanced over his shoulder.

"Once what?"Tracyasked.

"Nothing."

"I think he means once things are settled between me and Petrina ," Dominic remarked. "Isn't that right?"

Bryanshifted from one foot to the other, but said nothing.

Tracylooked over at Kitana again, only to find the vampire regarding her through cold, calculating eyes. She was glad to feel Dominic's arm slide possessively around her waist as the other vampire glided across the room toward them.

"Dominic," Kitana said, inclining her head in his direction.

" Kitana.I see you have brought your new playmate with you."

She slid her arm throughBryan 's and smiled up at him. "Yes. He pleases me very well."

"For how long, I wonder."

"For as long as I desire," she retorted, then turned her attention toTracy . "I wonder how soon you will tire of this one, now that she no longer resists you. It was always the chase that thrilled you."

"She is my wife now," Dominic said.

"Your wife!" Kitanaexclaimed, her eyes narrowing. "You married a mortal? Why?"

"My business is no longer your business," Dominic replied, his voice cool."Except where Petrina is concerned. Where is she hiding?"

"Surely you don't think I will tell you."

"She cannot hide from me forever."

"Is this bit of ground worth fighting over?"

"It is to me, but she has more to answer for than that."

Kitananodded. "She was wrong to attack you in such a cowardly fashion."

"She paid for it. Zarabeth and Turk are no more."

" Petrinawill never forgive you for that."

Dominic snorted. "If not for Petrina , they would still be among us. She has no one to blame but herself."

"She does not see it that way."

He shrugged. "She does not worry me. But you do."

"You have nothing to fear from me."

"And when I destroy Petrina ?"

"I would rather you didn't."

"And when I do, will I have to fight you as well?"

Kitanashrugged. "Who can predict the future?"

"If you still have any power over her, tell her to leave this place. The next time we meet, I will destroy her."
Chapter 31
Tracylooked up at Dominic, alarmed by the quiet menace in his tone.

Kitanaheard it, too.

Bryanshifted restlessly, obviously upset by all the talk of killing.Tracy didn't blame him. She was feeling more than a little unsettledherself .

Kitanasmiled reassuringly atBryan . "Do not let such talk bother you." She turned to Dominic once more. "Remember what I told you," she said, and glanced pointedly inTracy 's direction.

"I remember."

Kitanalaid her hand on Dominic's arm. "Take care of yourself."

Tracylooked up at Dominic as Kitana ledBryan away. "What did she mean? What did she tell you?"

"Not now," Dominic said.

"All right, but we're going to talk about it later."

Dominic guidedTracy to a table and ordered her a drink, then moved through the room, speaking to each of the vampires. It reminded her of the way candidates running for public office shmoozed with the common folk, garnering votes and good will. Was Dominic asking for the support of the vampires in the coming battle with Petrina ? Would they give it to him? Was Petrina so strong he needed help to defeat her?

She tapped her fingernails on the table, took a sip of her drink. There was something in the air, something that made the hairraise along the back of her neck, something that made it impossible to sit still.

Frowning, she gazed around the room again. Was it her imagination, or were there fewer vampires