My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(2)

Drake frowned. "What are you implying?"

"Tristan has been destroyed, along with Amadeus. You alone are left."

Drake felt the chill seep to his bones. While he considered the two vampires who had joined him in the battle to destroy the Veil beneath contempt, he could not deny a vague sense of shock.

"How?"

"In their arrogance they thought they could not be defeated. The same arrogance that you carry about you, Drake."

The handsome features surrounded by a short crop of golden curls hardened at the insult.

Tristan and Amadeus were pathetic idiots when compared to him.

"Sebastian is no match for me."

"He possesses the dagger."

Drake shrugged. Although the dagger given to Sebastian had been blessed with ancient power to destroy a vampire, he remained unimpressed. The reclusive scholar was no threat. Not to a vampire destined to rule all.

"Sebastian will soon be at an end. And once I have the amulet from Miss Hadwell, I will seek out the others. Soon enough, the Medallion will be mine."

"I believe you mean ours," that rasping voice reminded him.

"Ah, yes. Of course."

Without warning, the mist struck out, cutting a thin wound along Drake's cheek. Just as swiftly, it wrapped about the vampire's feet and with a thrust had him tumbling to the dust -

covered floor.

"You seek to rise above yourself, Drake. A deadly mistake," the elder warned. "I will have the Medallion. You can rule beneath me or join Tristan and Amadeus in oblivion. The choice is yours."

Wisely remaining upon the hard floor despite the fury that raged through him, Drake patiently waited for the mist to slowly swirl toward the door. It was only then that he raised a hand to touch the blood freely flowing down his face.

Soon, he reassured his savaged pride. Soon he would have the Medallion. Then he would crush all those who had dared to stand in his way.

Beginning with Sebastian St. Ives.

Chapter One

The old Gypsy was huddled upon the filthy street like a bundle of forgotten rags. Amelia had nearly passed her by when the woman had abruptly held out her hand in a desperate motion.

"Please, kind lady, will you help me?" Amelia hesitated. The streets near St. Giles were littered with such pathetic outcasts. Thieves, whores, and the dredges of society waged a daily battle with survival. It was an impossible task to help them all.

The sensible choice was to be about her business so she could return to the comfort of her home. To linger would only invite danger. Especially to a young woman on her own.

Amelia's heart, however, was never sensible. Reaching into her basket, she pulled out the apples and cheese that she had so recently purchased and gently placed them beside the old woman.

"Here you are. Fresh from the market." "Bless you," the Gypsy murmured. "Bless you." "And here is a guinea. Sleep well tonight, my dear." "Ah, so kind." The woman reached for the coin, and then, without warning, she pressed a heavy object into Amelia's hand. "Such generosity must be rewarded."

"Oh ..." Startled, Amelia regarded the golden amulet that sparkled in the palm of her hand.

It was oddly designed with faint words scratched upon the metal. "No, you cannot part with such a lovely piece of jewelry. It must be worth a great deal."

The Gypsy slowly smiled. "It is beyond price. As is the blessing that has been placed upon it."

"Then certainly you must keep it You have more need than I."

"No." A sadness touched the wrinkled countenance. "Darkness will soon stalk you, my dear.

A terrible darkness. This amulet will protect you and bring a Guardian to your side. Wear it always and, above all, never give it to another."

Amelia gave a shake of her head. The poor woman was obviously daft. "I cannot keep such a gift."

A gnarled hand reached out to firmly fold Amelia's fingers over the amulet. At the same moment, a strange warmth flared between them.

"It is now bound to you. Protect it well. Only you can halt the danger that threatens all of London. A danger that is drawing ever closer."

Amelia frowned as a chill spread through her body. Daft or not, the old woman was beginning to frighten her.

"Danger? What danger? "

"Keep the amulet close. And trust in your heart. Love is always the light that will hold back the darkness."

"I do not understand." Amelia stepped closer, but even as she did, the old woman was fading into a shimmering mist. A sense of panic clutched at Amelia's heart. "Wait. You must tell me. What danger? Tell me . . ."

A sharp noise echoed through the silent house. With a sudden wrench, Amelia sat upright in her bed and glanced about the dark chamber. What was it?

Something had awakened her, she realized, as her hand instinctively went to the Medallion on a chain about her neck. Something other than the dream. A dream that had plagued her since the peculiar encounter with the old Gypsy nearly a month ago.

For a moment she hesitated. It was late. Very late. Then, with a resigned sigh she slipped from the bed and pulled a wrap over her nightrail. There was little use in giving in to the desire to lie back and curl up beneath her covers. She would not be able to sleep until she had assured herself that all was well. It was her duty now I hut she was mistress of her own household.