[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Victor stepped out of a hallway and into the living room. He wore a black silk shirt,
matching slacks, and black leather boots polished to a high luster. His hair was tied back
in a tight queue, his beard neatly trimmed, as always. If he was still recovering from the
shot to the chest, it didn't show.  Good evening, my dear. His gaze shifted to Will, and
his eyes narrowed just a bit.  And good evening to you, Mr. Connor. I had a feeling you
would be with her tonight. Do sit down.
 I'd prefer to stand, if it's all the same to you, she said.
Victor hesitated. Something cold flashed in the depths of his eyes, like steel, but he
smiled.  Very well. He turned to face Will.  I must warn you, for your own sake, not to
touch Ashley in my presence. I find it very difficult to maintain my self-control when I
see another male touching her. We vampires are territorial creatures.
Will's hands clenched. He glared at Victor, or rather, at Victor s chest. It was hard to
look tough when you couldn t meet someone s eyes. She had faced that same dilemma
many times.  She isn't yours, Will said, his voice cold.  You don't have the right to
dictate who she can or can't touch.
Victor s eyes narrowed a little more.  You are human. You do not understand the
ways of our people.
 She doesn t want you. I know that much.
Victor smiled, showing just a glint of teeth.  You're a naive child meddling in
matters beyond your comprehension. If you think you understand what's going on here,
you're mistaken.
 What's not to understand?
 Will, Ashley whispered in a warning tone. Will fell silent, though his jaw
remained tight and the cords in his neck stood out. She turned to Victor.  When we spoke
over the phone, you said there was a way to break the claim, that you d tell me what it
was. Will you honor your promise?
Victor sat on the couch, his posture relaxed, loose. It reminded her of a panther
lounging on a bough. He lifted one hand and wagged a finger at her.  Talk first. If I give
you the information straightaway, you won't hear me. I want to be sure I have your full
attention.
 Fine, she snapped.  Talk.
 I don't want the human male present during this conversation, he replied sharply.
 This is a private matter which concerns only the two of us. You have my word that
neither you nor your companion will come to harm while you are separated from him,
and he may return as soon as we are finished.
 Is there any reason why I should trust your word?
He raised a dark brow.  Have I ever broken it? Come now. You know I am
honorable. You trusted my word enough to come here, after all.
She sighed.  Fine. I won t send him outside, but we can go into the other room and
talk.
Will looked at her, eyes widening.  Ashley& 
 It ll be okay. Just wait here. Please. She looked at Victor.  But I want him present,
as a witness, when you explain this matter about escaping the claim.
 Of course. Victor rose to his feet.  Come with me.
Ashley met Will s gaze and whispered,  I ll be back soon. She squeezed his
shoulder, turned, and followed Victor down the hall. She glanced back to see Will
standing, watching her intently. She held his gaze for a moment, then looked away.
Victor led her into a large room with wood-paneled walls and glossy wood floors.
The wood was dark, with a deep, reddish tint. Mahogany, maybe. A table stood in the
center of the room, draped in a white cloth. Two candles in silver holders stood in the
center, glimmering. Another picture window nearly filled one wall.  I like looking down
on the city, he said.
 I kind of figured, she replied.
He stared at the glimmering lights below and stretched an arm toward the window,
fingers spread.  It is my city, he said.  My territory. Do you understand what that
means? All those who hunt here hunt only with my permission. He met her eyes.  It
could be yours, as well. The vampires of this city understand and respect my authority. I
am a master, like my father before me& but I did not inherit the title. I won it through
countless struggles, countless victories.
 In other words, those vampires do what you say because they know you can kill
them.
 In a nutshell. He closed the door.  Now, then. The candle-flames reflected in his
eyes, giving them an eerie glow, like rubies lit from within.  Are you sure you don't want
to sit? You'll be more comfortable.
 I don't feel like relaxing right now. We can talk just as easily with me standing up.
He sat and tilted his head back, studying her face. Even when he was looking up, she
thought, he always seemed to be looking down on her.  You are afraid to relax around
me.
 Does that surprise you? she asked.
 We have a truce. Remember? He smiled.  You are my guest here tonight, and I am
your host. And, as such, the least I can do is see to your comfort. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]