My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(49)

"When a vampire discovers his true mate they share what is known as the Immortal Kiss," he continued at last. "It is the sharing of blood that creates an unbreakable connection. They become one heart, one soul, one mind."

"Oh, that is beautiful," she murmured softly, oddly not at all disturbed by the thought of such an intimate joining. Perhaps it was because she had already experienced the tentative edges of binding. Or perhaps it was simply the realization that being eternally connected with this gentleman was something to be cherished, not feared. "Is there a vampire that you have shared this Immortal Kiss with?"

His lips twitched. "No. It happens but once and lasts for all eternity."

"Oh." Her brows drew together. "But..."

"What?"

Her wistful imaginings were suddenly shadowed by a prosaically human fear. "I am not a vampire. How could I feel such things?"

He paused a long moment, his gaze lowering to the golden amulet that glowed with unnatural light in the dark room.

"I believe that the Medallion has made you far more sensitive than most mortals." His smile was tender. "In truth, I often forget that you are human."

She briefly touched the warm Medallion, her frown remaining intact. Yes, the Medallion had altered her. Perhaps in more ways than she knew. Yet, her concern remained firmly focused upon Sebastian rather than herself.

Whatever happened in the future, she had no regrets for having allowed Sebastian into her heart. It did not matter that he was a vampire, or even that he might very well leave her alone and unable ever to love again. He had opened her heart to the beauty and the wonder of truly joining her soul with another. He had taught her the perilous excitement of passion. What he had given her was a gift beyond price and one she would cherish forever. Or for as long as she had, she wryly amended.

Unfortunately, she feared that Sebastian was not nearly so accepting of the sudden, fierce whirlwind that had drawn them together.

"What will happen?" she asked softly.

The silver gaze moved over her pale features. "What do you mean?"

She stepped closer to him. "What will happen when you return to the Veil? Will you be able to resume the life you had before you came to London?"

"No." His expression was somber as he slowly reached to take her hand. Keeping her gaze firmly locked with his own, he pressed her hand to the center of his chest. "The Veil protects us from bloodlust, but not from our own foolishness. You shall be a part of me no matter where I am."

She felt the beat of his heart beneath her fingers, but more than that, she felt it deep within her.

That steady, relentless beat that was now a part of her own pulse.

"I am sorry."

He appeared startled by her words. "Why do you apologize?"

"This binding—it does not please you."

His breath rasped sharply through his teeth. "No, Amelia. You are mistaken. It pleases me very much."

It pleased him? He certainly had a strange way of showing it.

"Then why do you avoid me?"

Beneath her fingers she could feel the sudden jerk of his heart.

"Because I do not trust myself when I am alone with you, Amelia. Without the Veil, my passions are ... difficult to manage."

She was once again forced to remind herself to breathe. Odd. She had never forgotten to breathe before she met Sebastian. But then, before Sebastian she had never felt as if she were drowning in a gentleman's gaze, or battled the urge to rub against bare male skin.

"Oh. I thought that you must not share my feelings. Or if you did, that you must regret them."

A hint of amusement flashed through his eyes. "I have attempted to make myself feel regret. I was, after all, quite content with my peaceful, scholarly existence."

"And did you succeed?"

"Not even for a moment." Gently he lifted her fingers to press them to his warm lips. "I thought I could rationally choose what would bring me contentment. Fate, however, has decided otherwise."

Amelia gave up on her attempts to catch her breath. Instead, she gazed deep into his eyes with a sense of wonderment. She wished she could capture and hold this moment forever.

"Sebastian ..." Her words froze upon her lips. The giddy delight that filled her was abruptly stabbed with a malevolent sense of impending danger. Her eyes widened as she felt Sebastian stiffen in similar awareness. "What is that?"

"Drake." With blinding speed, Sebastian had reached down to slip the dagger from his high boots.

Amelia lifted her hands to her throat. Just for a moment she had been able to forget about the ruthless killer who stalked her. Now she was brought firmly back to earth and a shudder raced through her.

"He is close."

"Remain here," he commanded as he turned to move toward the door.

She bit her lip as a powerful fear clutched at her stomach. "Sebastian, be careful."

He took only two steps before coming to a reluctant halt. "Bloody hell. It is too late." Spinning toward her, Sebastian pointed toward the heavy desk that dominated the room. "Get over there."

Amelia did not hesitate to obey. The mere thought of facing the bloodthirsty vampire was enough to make her tremble in terror.

As fast as she moved, however, she had barely reached the desk when a bone-deep chill entered the room. With wide eyes she watched Drake Ramone step into the library with slow, deliberate motions.