A Vampire for Christmas(34)

Trace wrenched open the double doors and took the steps two at a time. Although it was faint, he could almost smell the vanilla scent of her skin. She’d been down here at some point recently.

If something happened to her, he didn’t know what he would do. Whether it was the seat on the Council or his status among his peers…none of that mattered if he didn’t have Charlotte in his life.

It had taken losing her, then finding her again for him to come to that realization. He wasn’t about to lose her again.

The wine cellar was empty. He was about to head back upstairs when his gaze landed on the storage room door. When he wrenched it open, all he saw was were a few empty boxes of Christmas decorations.

No Charlotte.

And yet…

His cousin’s face flashed in his mind. The hungry, wolfish grin. His disregard for the rule of law.

Trace got the distinct feeling that Sebastian was behind this somehow. He’d left the library soon after dropping the bombshell about his family and Trace hadn’t seen him since.

By the time Trace got to the foyer again, Jackson was coming down one of the twin staircases.

She’s not up there,” Jackson said. “And I checked all the rooms. Including the occupied ones. Do we search the exterior premises or could she have left by vehicle? Can you tell?”

Trace focused inward, but heard nothing from her. He shook his head.

Come on,” Jackson said. “Let’s go out and see if you pick up anything there.”

I’ll be right there.” A moment later Trace was in his bedchamber, where he pocketed his scorpion blade and a few other weapons. He was not going to lose Charlotte without a fight.

Back downstairs, just as he was about to head outside, the wrought-iron door to the elevator opened. His grandmother was sitting on the small bench inside.

Have you found her yet? When your friend burst in on me and said—”

No, Grandmother.” He didn’t have time for—

I last saw her dancing with Sebastian. About twenty minutes ago. I remember thinking it seemed a little odd, but didn’t think more about it until that young man, the Guardian with the red-streaked hair, came into my room, looking for her.”

Sebastian. He’d been right to suspect his cousin’s involvement.

He bolted outside and quickly located Jackson. “My cousin—he’s driving a black Escalade. He took her.”

The valet he’d hired stepped out from his station. “Sir, a black Escalade left the party about fifteen minutes ago.”

Jackson palmed his keys. “Then let’s go.”

They climbed into the Guardian’s jacked-up truck and careened down the long driveway. But just as they were about to turn onto the main road, a strange feeling came over Trace. The mental pull seemed to be lessening. He was almost certain Charlotte hadn’t come this way. She…she…was behind him somewhere.

Let me out,” he demanded.

But—”

Trace opened the door and Jackson slammed on the brakes, spinning the truck in a one-eighty.

Follow up on the Escalade, but it could be Sebastian’s girlfriend leading us on a wild-goose chase. I’ll be in touch.” Before the car came to a complete halt, Trace was on the ground, running.



DRIFTS OF SNOW had blown in under the trees, blanketing the forest in silence. All Trace could hear was the muffled sound of his footsteps and his own even breathing.

He’d forgotten about the guesthouse on the back of the property. It had been a favorite hangout of Sebastian’s when he’d visited as a kid. If he had Charlotte, he may have taken her there.

The lights from the main house didn’t extend to where the cottage stood at the edge of the forest, dark and forgotten. Years ago, his mother had used it as a potting shed, but now, it was rarely occupied. The mansion was more than big enough to accommodate any guests.

The closer he got, the more certain he was that Charlotte was somewhere inside. He could feel the pull of her blood. Whipping out his phone, he sent a quick text to Jackson then stuffed the thing back into his pocket just as he reached the white picket fence.

He knew he should circle the cottage to assess the situation and wait for backup, but fury clouded his judgment. He couldn’t stand to have Charlotte spend another moment inside.

In three strides he was on the porch. Then with one mighty kick, he brought the front door down.

Charlotte was slumped in a wooden chair in the center of the room with Sebastian leaning over her. He snapped his head up when Trace crashed into the room, surprise registering on his face. Fangs hung from his mouth and blood—Charlotte’s blood—trickled down his chin.