My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)

My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)
Alexandra Ivy


Prologue

"You will keep in mind the importance of your mission? And the fact that all vampires are depending upon you?" the tall, gaunt-faced vampire intoned, his expression one of cold censure.

It was an expression that Lucien Valin was accustomed to enduring. In truth, he tolerated open displeasure with monotonous regularity.

Unlike his brethren, he did not rejoice in devoting his days to hunching over musty books and brooding upon the philosophy of the elders. He did not desire to debate the nature of life. What did it matter to know of life if one was not allowed to truly enjoy it to its fullest?

It was that delight that had led him into trouble more than once. And even had him hauled before the Great Council on one memorable occasion.

Vampires could be humorless creatures when their tedious peace was disturbed, he had been forced to acknowledge. Especially when he had briefly transformed the library into a sultan's harem. The Great Council had taken a very dim view of his prank.

Now Lucien attempted to appear suitably subdued as he gave a low bow. "I understand the importance, Valkier," he murmured.

"The Veil must not be allowed to fall," the elder vampire continued in his dire tones. "'Tis failure enough that Tristan, Amadeus, and Drake managed to enter the world of humans in their determination to steal the Medallion. If they gain command of the ancient artifact, the power they will be able to summon could do untold damage."

Lucien gave a nod, his expression becoming uncharacteristically somber.

He had been deeply shocked when he had been called to the Great Council and told of the treacherous vampires who plotted to put an end to the Veil.

It had been two centuries since vampires had walked among mortals. In her infinite wisdom, the Great Nefri, leader of all vampires, had used the Medallion to create a Veil that had protected vampires from the world of men, and from the curse of blood lust that had plagued them with the savage desire for human blood. A desire that made them vulnerable to the light of day.

For two centuries they had lived in peace.

A peace threatened by the devious traitors.

"I will not fail."

"You cannot." A surprising hint of frustration tightened the stern features. "Unfortunately our task has been made more difficult by Nefri's choice to divide the Medallion and give it into the hands of mortal females. You must protect the female as well as search for the vampires who hunt her."

Lucien was rather curious at Valkier's note of censure. The Great Nefri had taken care to bind the pieces of the Medallion to the very souls of the mortal maidens. The traitors could not steal or force the women to give over their gift, and not even death could undo the binding. The only means of acquiring the Medallion was if it were freely given. And as an added precaution Nefri had requested three vampires be sent to keep guard of the Medallion, even if it meant death to the traitors.

Far more wise than hoping to hide the powerful artifact or facing the renegades on her own, to his mind.

"It will be my pleasure to protect the maiden," he retorted smoothly.

The cold disdain returned to the gaunt countenance. "That I do not doubt. You possess a lamentable fondness for mortals, especially female mortals."

Lucien shrugged. "They are fascinating creatures."

"They are weak, impulsive, and violent, at best. It is only because they breed like maggots that they have managed to survive at all."

Lucien was not surprised by the scathing contempt. As Immortals, it was only to be expected that vampires would look down in disdain at the lesser mortals. Few shared his own delight in their burning passions and lust for life. Most of his brethren chose to ignore their existence.

Of course there were a handful, such as the renegades, who believed mortals were no more than chattel to satisfy the hunger of vampires.

Unwilling to enter into a futile argument with the powerful elder, Lucien offered a bow.

"I should be on my way. Gideon and Sebastian will be awaiting me."

"You have the dagger?"

Lucien reluctantly nodded.

The powerful blade had been blessed with a magic that would destroy a vampire. He dearly hoped he would have no use for the weapon. The mere thought of destroying one of his brothers was enough to make him shudder in horror.

"I am prepared," he murmured.

"I sincerely hope that you are, Lucien," Valkier retorted. "If it had been the choice of the Great Council, you would not be leaving the Veil at all. You are boastful, irresponsible, and utterly lacking the ability to comprehend the dire threat that we face. It was I alone who overruled the other Council members. I, perhaps foolishly, believe your unseemly fascination with the humans will be an asset in your task. I can only hope that you do not fail my trust too miserably."

Lucien could not prevent the urge to offer a mocking bow. "Your confidence is overwhelming as always. I can only attempt to live up to your high expectations."

"Go."

One

Although Miss Jocelyn Kingly had never before encountered the devil, she was fairly certain he was currently sitting in her front parlor.

It was not so much his appearance that made her think of the Lord of the Netherworld, she grudgingly conceded.

Indeed, he might have been a beloved angel with his long, tawny curls that framed a lean countenance and brushed his wide shoulders. His eyes were a pure, shimmering gold with long black lashes that would make any woman gnash her teeth in envy. His features were carved with a delicate male beauty.