Page 152 of Eternal Craving

“We take the criminals off the streets,” I said, facing him, “one man at a time, but it all adds up.”

“Look.” Sunaria pointed. “There are still vampires in there.”

“When the flames lick at their heels, the rest will leave,” I said.

The structure imploded, sending puffs of smoke around us. These dying vampires were Delacroix’s servants who’d assisted him, and others had merely done nothing.

A rush of fiendish pleasure made me shudder. “Or maybe not.”

Orange fire reflected in Sunaria’s eyes, dancing flames mirrored in her irises. She caught me staring at her and gave a subtle smile.

Thunder roared above us, and more clouds gathered. An imminent storm threatened.

Not yet, rain…let it burn to the ground first.Nature had created me, so perhaps there existed a supernatural power that would allow me to control the weather.

“What do you think the Creda will do to the count?” Marcus asked.

“They’ll bury him in a casket,” Sunaria said. “Deep underground.”

“Still alive?” Marcus sounded anxious.

“Yes.” She gave him a look. “That’s what they do.”

“And Roman’s head?” he asked.

“It will probably be placed in the same coffin,” she said.

“Bloody hell.” He nudged up against me.

I smiled. “You’re safe with me.”

The manor was gutted by flames, reduced to a charred skeleton. A sudden rain struck the ground and splashed around us, and yet we remained stock-still, watching, waiting. Gradually, the rain suppressed the fire.

“Delacroix,” I shouted, “you were weighed in the balances and found wanting.” I pushed open the gates.

“Now it’s you quoting the Bible.” Marcus followed close behind me. “That’s from the book of Daniel, isn’t it?”

All three of us were drenched, but we didn’t care. With my arms outstretched and my mouth wide open, I stared up at the grey sky, enjoying the sensation of the rain drops striking my tongue.

I spun around and faced them both. “Welcome to Belshazzar’s.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

Sunaria and I remained as guests in The Cavendish Hotel.

Marcus needed to learn to hunt and establish his independence. I’d arranged to meet him in the old Woodgrange Cemetery, known more for its exclusive clientele, the once wealthy and now deceased, who rested soundly beneath finely crafted, ornate tombstones. This graveyard provided an elite place of rest for those who could afford it. Though, whenever I’d previously visited, the night watchman had fallen asleep.

Scent from the eucalyptus trees permeated the air. The graves were all well-tended. Some of the time-honored monuments were watched over by carved angels, and their stone gazes followed me as I ambled along. Oak trees lined the winding pathway, providing much needed shelter during the summer months and, for us, privacy. City life had for a moment been suspended in here.

Marcus rested on one of the older tombstones, seemingly deep in thought and very nervous. I lingered behind him for a moment, enjoying reading his thoughts. His ruminations were of me.

I chuckled. “I’m flattered.”

Marcus jolted and spun around to face me. “You scared me half to death!”

I laughed. “You need to be more cautious.”

“Let’s get it over with.”