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The dim light was intermittently obscured by an eerie shadow that played against the wall of the large library. Responsible for the constantly shifting shadow was one pacing form, eager and anxious in his every movement.
“I hadn’t anticipated the distraction these two immortal sisters would be.”
“They are, indeed, lovely, are they not?” Sitting behind the large mahogany desk, the younger man sipped his scotch.
“I’m impressed, I must admit. Not only are they lovely, but they come from the revered bloodline of Dracule himself. It’s not every day I have the opportunity to get so close to vampire royalty. How is it that you managed to find them?”
“I once knew Delilah, tutor and partial guardian of the girls when they were young. She has always been a strong influence on them and her protective arm has never failed to be very far from her charges. When I learned she’d moved to the quaint, little beach town, I knew Sadie and Alexis wouldn’t be too far.”
“I’m impressed. You work well. Does she know you're here?”
A throaty chuckle filled the dark room. “Of course not. I’ve been keeping a distant eye on her, ensuring I’m aware of her every move without arousing any suspicion on her part.”
“Delilah has always been far too sympathetic to the plight of humans. I’ve never understood her obsession with minimizing the effect vampires had on society. While her attempts were slight and barely noticeable in Europe, she’s become a nuisance and a liability.”
“Inconvenient.”
“Exactly.”
“Of course her desire to protect the Stokers runs deeper than that. As the last human relations of Dracule, the sisters have a rather unattractive fate awaiting them. Just as Dracule was destroyed, many are out to tear them apart. I feel certain Delilah is prepared to do everything within her power to keep that from happening. You know, he was not the legendary figure so many have made him out to be. Bram Stoker exaggerated and took great liberties with Dracule’s life and his effects on Europe. Not enough was said about his gentle soul and the grand romantic he truly was. The truth is that he was more human than any vampire has ever been, and he transmitted his beliefs and ways to Delilah, rendering her a very humane vampire.”
“I assume that’s why she found herself at Stoker Manor; to protect the young girls.”
“Yes, and she did a fine job of it.”
“But not fine enough.”
Chilling laughter filled the room and echoed against the books that lined the walls. The pacing man clapped his hands in triumph.
“As worldly and experienced as Delilah is, she neglected to take into consideration just how easily the young Stoker girls would fall for my charm.”
“Surprising, considering your reputation.”
“I beg your pardon.” Mock anger furrowed his brow as he sipped from his glass. “I’ll have you know that my reputation is that of a gentleman.”
“Young innocents might mistake you for a gentleman, but I’ve no doubt many realize the rake you truly are.”
“Ah, and the role does please me, I must confess.”
“Lord Ashwin...” The name and title hung in the air as the men grinned.
“What can I say? I’ve always had a penchant for the high life,” Ashwin admitted.
“Well, you’ve certainly used your talent to perfection with the Stokers. I’m pleased. Very pleased. Vlad Dracule died a martyr, a symbol to all vampires that they can be a vampire and still retain their humanity. I’ve decimated all the blood descendants of Dracule. The remaining ones are under my control except for the sisters. With descendants of Dracule on my side, I will truly be a force to be reckoned with. And one of them is already showing promising signs of becoming a strong and ruthless Strigoi. What more could I ask for?”
“Her only hindrance now is that pure-hearted little sister of hers. Sadie is relentless in her attempts to keep Alexis as human as possible.”
“She’s a thorn in my side.”
“But she can be dealt with easily enough. Leave her to me. I have a seductive way with Alexis and a puritan and genteel manner with Sadie. I worked them against one another well in Dorset and I will do the same now. They will be completely oblivious to what is truly happening to them.”
“Don’t get too cocky.”
“I’m not cocky. I’m confident. Alexis will lose all sympathy for the human race, of that I can assure you.”
He stopped pacing and set his knuckles on the desk to look at Ashwin. “I know you love her... Sadie. It is evident in the way you move around her, in your manner of speaking. Allowing your emotions to get in the way could be your end.”
“I’ll not deny the affection I have for both girls.” His eyes turned to the window and gazed far into the distance. “The conglomeration of both girls would be the woman of my dreams, the woman to spend my life with. Sadie needs to learn to be more seductive, more alluring, while Alexis is lacking restraint and discretion. But neither of them will keep me from doing what I must do.”
“I need their cooperation.”
“I’m quite aware of that, Skars.” His voice was suddenly hard. “I’m not a juvenile like Keegan, letting emotions get in the way of what needs to be done. My love for them will not keep me from my task. You should know me well enough to know that.”
“I’m relying on you.”
“But you have a trump card to play. If all else fails...”
A deep and contented growl shook the walls. “Yes. And I admit I look forward to playing it. There is something satisfying about dangling a prisoner in front of his beloved.”
“Sadie will not take Keegan’s imprisonment lightly.”
Skars turned to him with venom in his eyes. “And that’s exactly what I’m counting on; the pure vampire goddess out to save the life and soul of her adolescent lover who happens to be a hunter. How fitting. She will willingly join me...and then Delilah will soon follow.”
“I must admit your plan to turn him into a Strigoi is a stroke of genius. It will no doubt have Sadie rushing out to save him in no time.”
“You have to admire her guts and determination. For such a naïve girl she has willpower beyond many.” Skars turned to grin at Ashwin. “But I will break her of that, just as I did with you, dear boy. I’m patient. I can wait another hundred years to rid her of this love of humans and all that is good.”
***
