My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(27)

Leaving Amelia alone to face the desperate renegade.

An unbearable thought.

"Thankfully, the majority of vampires have gained command of their more savage impulses,"

he retorted in cold tones.

Drake gave a rasping laugh. "Fah. They have become spineless eunuchs."

"You believe scavenging in dark alleys like an animal is a superior existence?"

The overly pretty features abruptly hardened at Sebastian's well-aimed thrust.

"Scavenging? You fool. I have been gaining power. Powers that are a vampire's right. Would you care for a taste of my newfound strength?"

Sebastian shrugged a shoulder. "You do not frighten me, Drake."

"That is because you do not know what you face." A hard smile touched the thin lips. "Soon enough you will be eager to join me."

Drake's decided edge of smugness made Sebastian Abruptly still. He had always been arrogant and certain of his superiority over all. But Sebastian sensed that now it was more than mere arrogance.

He slowly narrowed his gaze. "Because of the mysterious renegade who assists you?"

Abruptly realizing that he had perhaps given more away than he had intended, Drake determinedly returned the sneer to his face. That in itself was enough to convince Sebastian that the vampire was well aware of the mysterious assailant.

"I need no assistance. Certainly not to overcome one of your pathetic abilities."

So, he wished to deny the connection. Perhaps there was something here that he could use to his advantage.

With an effort, Sebastian managed a faint smile. "Clearly your cohort is not so confident in your glorious powers. He attempted to take matters into his own hands."

Drake could not hide his shock. "You were attacked?"

"Yes. Perhaps you should keep a closer leash upon the villain if you wish to be the one to better me."

It took a moment before Drake was turning away to hide his expression. "Perhaps your brothers have come to the same conclusion as myself and have decided you are an appalling specimen for a vampire."

"Or perhaps your fellow traitor has decided he does not desire to share the powers of the Medallion."

With a growl, Drake whirled back to face Sebastian with deadly anger. "I should kill you now."

Sebastian held the dagger ready. "You are welcome to try."

"You believe that absurd dagger will save you?"

"We shall soon discover," Sebastian retorted with grim determination.

Drake hesitated, seemingly debating within himself before giving a harsh laugh.

"You tempt me, Sebastian, but luckily for you I have more pressing concerns this night.

Consider this a gift. On the next occasion I will not be so kindly disposed."

Sebastian regarded him steadily, forcing himself to put aside his fear for Amelia and even his lingering fury at being so ruthlessly attacked. This was a vampire. A brother.

"And then what? Drake, you are not unintelligent, Nefri and the other vampires will never allow you to gain command of the Medallion."

A snarl twisted the handsome features. "They will have no choice."

"No." Sebastian gave a slow shake of his head. "You fight a losing battle. Still, it is not too late to give up this madness and return to the Veil."

"I am no eunuch." He stepped back, his arrogance shimmering in the air about him. "You may be satisfied with your cold bed and dusty books, but I am destined for far greater rewards."

There was a sudden chill in the breeze before Drake was abruptly shape-shifting into a dark shadow that disappeared down the lane in the blink of an eye.

Sebastian made no effort to follow the renegade. He knew where to find his lair, if the time became necessary. Instead he remained standing at the edge of the garden with a frown upon his brow.

There was something he was missing, he realized with a pang of aggravation at his unusual lack of perception. Drake was always overly confident and certain of his powers. Even behind the Veil. But whatever his arrogance, he was not without some sense.

Why was he willing to risk utter destruction when he must know that there would be others who hastened to stop him? He could not battle every vampire. Not even with the Medallion.

So what did he know that Sebastian didn't?

And what did it have to do with his mysterious companion?

And how dangerous was it not knowing the answer to those questions?

Chapter Seven

Drake paced the cramped cottage with quick, restless steps. He was furious. More than furious.

He was no dupe, he told himself savagely. Nor was he a fool.

When he had left the Veil it was clearly understood that it would be his task to retrieve the Medallion. As well as to put a stop to Sebastian, or any of the other vampires, if they should stand in his path.

To have this sudden interference was unbearable. And more than a bit suspicious.

If the plans had changed he should have been consulted. He would not be left dangling as bait while the prize was snatched from beneath his very nose.

Oh no, he would not tolerate such blatant interference.

He turned about and abruptly froze. The approaching sense of the vampire was filling the dark, dank air and Drake swiftly smoothed his hands over his fine emerald jacket. It was about bloody time, he seethed. He had been waiting at this hideous cottage for near three hours.