My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(59)

Step by excruciatingly slow step, she reached the ground and began to slide along the length of the carriage. Her gaze never strayed from the cold, forbidding countenance of Valkier, but it was obvious that Nefri consumed him.

Still, she preferred to err upon the side of caution; ignoring the quivering muscles of her legs, she continued her crab-like steps until she was well away from the vampires. Only then did she breathe in deeply and allow herself to sense where Sebastian awaited.

He was closer than she had expected, and not alone. With a frown of concern, she ducked low and dodged her way through the edge of the trees. Had Drake followed Sebastian? Did he even now hold him hostage? Was that why he had called to her?

Her pace hastened until she at last forced her way through a deep thicket and stumbled forward to find Sebastian impatiently awaiting her.

"Amelia."

With satisfying swiftness, she found herself swept into a fierce embrace as Sebastian pressed a kiss to her lips and only reluctantly pulled back to study her.

"Sebastian." Her hands gripped the lapels of his coat, as much to keep her upright as to keep him close. "What has happened? Did you capture Drake?"

He gave a pained grimace. "No. He was destroyed before I could reach him."

"Destroyed?" Her eyes widened. "How?"

"Valkier. He must have been awaiting him the moment he left the cottage. I tried to follow the trail of the slayer, but it was impossible."

She shuddered at the thought of the dreadful vampire who even now threatened Nefri. "Oh, Sebastian, he is near the carriage. He is determined to harm Nefri."

"Yes. We must stop him." He managed a faint smile as he gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Thankfully, Nefri seemingly suspected the truth about Valkier and was wise enough to take steps in case he attacked."

Amelia frowned. "What steps?"

Moving to one side, Sebastian waved a slender hand toward the silent forms that stood in the shadows. Just for a moment, Amelia remained puzzled. There were two gentlemen, one tall with an arrogant beauty about him, and the other a golden-haired rogue with a smile that could melt the most impervious female heart. There were also two women, both outrageously lovely, although one possessed a cold, Nordic fairness and the other was blessed with a serene charm with raven curls and deep blue eyes.

It was not until she noted the matching golden amulets that hung about the women's necks that realization struck. These were Sebastian's brothers and the maidens they had been sent to protect.

"Amelia, may I introduce you to Gideon and his wife Simone? And Lucien, who has recently wed Jocelyn."

There was a muted greeting before Amelia returned her attention to the vampire at her side.

"What is occurring?"

"Nefri summoned Gideon and Lucien to bring their brides to the cottage," he explained.

"But why? Are we to battle Valkier?"

"Only in a manner of speaking." Sebastian held her gaze steadily, his expression somber. "I must have your amulet, Amelia."

She blinked in surprise at his request. "Why?"

The tall, rather arrogant vampire stepped forward. "The Medallion must be made whole again.

It is the only means of stopping Valkier."

"Oh." Amelia searched Sebastian's face for the answers to her lingering questions.

He offered a reassuring glance. "The Medallions are a pair, each with their own powers and each able to hold the other in balance. We must return your Medallion to Nefri if we are to save her."

Amelia was still uncertain what powers he spoke of, but she did not hesitate to tug the necklace over her head. She would do anything she could to halt the horrid Valkier.

With absolute trust, she placed the amulet in Sebastian's hand, rather surprised when Simone and Jocelyn appeared at her side to add their own amulets.

For a moment there was nothing but the odd glow that was always a part of the amulets. But even as she wondered what was supposed to occur, the glow brightened, limning Sebastian's body in a blazing light. Amelia narrowed her gaze against the abrupt flash of light, stepping back instinctively.

"Sebastian," she cried softly, terrified that he was being injured.

Thankfully, the light vanished as swiftly as it had burst to life. She met Sebastian's reassuring glance.

"All is well, Amelia." He held out his hand to reveal the Medallion, once again made whole.

"Now, remain here. Gideon, Lucien, and I must take this to Nefri."

Opening her mouth to protest, Amelia stopped when she was firmly flanked by the two women, both wearing expressions as stubborn as her own.

"We will be going as well," Simone said in a soft but determined tone.

Soft laughter echoed through the trees as Gideon and Lucien shared rueful glances. Then, with a shake of his head, the golden-haired rogue moved toward the frowning Sebastian.

"Do not seek to argue, my old friend," Lucien advised in a twinkling glance toward his wife.

"A wise vampire avoids those battles that he is destined to lose. Especially when that battle is with the woman who shares his bed."

Sebastian appeared less than pleased by the thought of Amelia placing herself in danger, but with a sharp nod of his head he began weaving his way through the trees. Gideon and Lucien were swiftly following in his path. Amelia, along with her staunch allies, brought up the rear.