Blood Match

Chapter 36: Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

As Marlowe and Harrison reentered the manor, it seemed as if the night was about to wrap up. Don Antonio, Señorita Vasquez, and Don Bernardo were saying a stiff goodbye to Leo and the elders gathered to one side.

Gideon was still brooding, drink in hand near the fireplace. Marlowe nodded to Harrison and detached herself from his arm as she made her way to her brother.

“I was about to send out a search party for you. If I have to remain in this joy-filled torture house one more minute, I swear I’m going to grab the nearest attendant and drain her in the coat closet!” Gideon hissed. The tension coming from him radiated in waves.

She grabbed his arm and began to stroke it as she had done when they were children and he threw a temper tantrum. Gideon’s rages were legendary. They usually ended with something dead and broken—most often a neighbor’s cat or dog. In those times only Marlowe could soothe him and bring him back from the storm of rage that broke over him.

“Now, now, calm yourself, dear brother. The night is young. Harrison has a proposition for us, and I have asked him to join us later at our hotel for a little party. He has generously offered to bring some party favors. Doesn’t that sound lovely?” Marlowe crooned soothingly in his ear. She felt the tension leave him as he listened to her seductive promise of delights to come.

“Interesting. When can we leave? I don’t think I can stomach this a moment more.”

“Well then, dear brother, let’s go say our goodbyes to our hosts and grab that walking bloodbag we brought with us. It’s time to get back to the hotel,” Marlowe said, pulling him toward Leo and Liam, who were speaking with the elders.

“Leonidas,” Marlowe murmured in a honeyed tone, “Gideon and I will be taking our leave. It was kind of you to invite us.”

“I’m glad you and Gideon could come,” Leo said, smiling. “I hope you’ll join us for the Longest Night. We will have the traditional offering ceremony. You may bring your personal donors, or if you haven’t brought one we will have ethically sourced offerings available.”

“Thank you. That reminds me—we came with Gabriel Martin, my designated donor, but I haven’t seen him all night,” Marlowe said, looking over at Liam.

“Ah yes, Gabriel. I’ll send someone for him now. Poor fellow was extremely weak, so we gave him a good meal and had our medical staff take a look. We also gave him a transfusion to fortify him.” Liam gestured to one of the guards standing nearby, who immediately left the hall.

Marlowe’s eyes narrowed slightly, though her smile remained fixed. “Thank you for taking such good care of him. It is definitely appreciated.” She could see the judgment in the elders’ eyes as they listened.

“No worries, Marlowe. This is a celebration, and we want everyone to feel welcome and cared for.” Liam looked over at Leo, who bent and kissed his forehead.

The guard returned with Gabriel, who looked more alert and was even smiling until he saw Marlowe. At once he seemed to collapse in on himself.

“Gabriel, I hope you are feeling better now,” Liam said warmly. “I also hope you’ll join us tomorrow for the Longest Night.”

Gabriel looked confused, glancing toward Marlowe.

“Of course he will attend.” Marlowe smiled and took his arm. “Say your goodnights, Gabby. We will be leaving now.”

“Good night, Mr. De La Cruz. Mr. Von Anderson.” Gabriel smiled weakly.

“Good night, Gabriel. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.” Liam smiled reassuringly, then turned to Marlowe. “Ms. Pierce, with Yule approaching and given that we’re in Spain, I want to remind you we will be adhering to VHA regulations. No vampire is permitted to feed from a donor who has been fed on within the past three days. If you intend Gabriel to serve tomorrow, it would be prudent to refrain from feeding on him tonight.” He held Marlowe’s eyes until he was certain the message had landed.

“Absolutely. When in Rome, as they say,” Marlowe replied airily. She slipped her arm through Gideon’s. “Come, brother. There are things to attend to before tomorrow’s festivities.”

“Yes, Marly, we should be off. Leonidas, tonight was eye-opening. Thank you for inviting us,” Gideon said with a smirk.

Liam watched as they departed, Gabriel trailing behind them, casting one final look over his shoulder.

Leo, is there nothing we can do? Liam sent.

Leo’s answer bloomed in his mind, filled with compassion. I’m afraid not. We cannot interfere with a legal donor contract.

The car pulled up to the manor steps as Marlowe, Gideon, and Gabriel descended. Gabriel rushed to open the door for Marlowe while the driver held Gideon’s door. Once both were inside, Gabriel climbed into the front passenger seat.

“Gabriel, you must have had an interesting night. I hope you were circumspect in conversation—you know how much I hate airing our dirty laundry in public.” Marlowe’s voice was sweet, but Gabriel heard the threat beneath it.

“Mistress, there was no conversation. I was fed, examined, and given a transfusion. I spent most of the night resting in a guest room on the second floor,” Gabriel said quietly, careful not to provoke her wrath.

“Interesting. And what were your impressions?” Marlowe continued, gently interrogating him for insight.

“The manor is impressive. Staff and security work together seamlessly. Men in blue uniforms were positioned throughout the house, almost like a military unit.” Gabriel began to unwind, sharing his observations candidly.

“Excellent, Gabby. Perhaps you’re not just a walking bloodbag after all.” Marlowe crooned. “When we arrive at the hotel, you’ll go straight to your room—no detours. I intend for you to be my donor tomorrow night, and I won’t risk some visiting immortal snatching you up and ruining my Yule offering.”

She glanced at her nails, then pinned him with her gaze. “Be good, and maybe—just maybe—we can discuss a few additional privileges once we’re back home.”

“Thank you, Mistress. Your generosity is legendary.” Gabriel knew he had narrowly avoided trouble. A quiet night, even if it meant confinement in a Spanish hotel swarming with vampires, was a small price to pay.

Liam was lying in bed, engrossed in a book, when Leo emerged from the bathroom. Clad only in silk pajama pants, his bare chest shimmered with droplets of water. Liam looked up, the sight making the book slip from his hands, forgotten.

“If you keep staring at me like that, I can’t promise I’ll be able to control myself,” Leo teased, sweeping his hair back.

“I’m just appreciating the scenery, Mr. De La Cruz. But if you have plans, now would be a good time to discuss them,” Liam replied, setting the book on the nightstand.

In a blink Leo was on the bed, pulling Liam into his embrace. Their bodies pressed together as he kissed him with an intensity both fierce and tender.

His tongue teased Liam’s lips, silently asking entry, while his hands cupped Liam’s backside, drawing him closer still. The air between them crackled with desire and anticipation.

Leo broke the kiss, nuzzling Liam’s throat. A growl rumbled in his chest as his tongue traced just below Liam’s ear. Liam hummed with pleasure.

“I can sense your blood moving beneath my tongue. I can hear your heart respond to me,” Leo whispered, caught in a trance.

Everything crystallized in that moment. Liam felt the focus of a predator—one who saw nothing else but him. With any other vampire, he might have feared for his life. But not with Leo. The bond assured him Leo was in control.

He felt like a bird caught in the gaze of a stalking cat, his body flushing with danger and desire.

“Leo, bite me or make love to me, dammit—I’m ready to explode!” Liam gasped.

Leo laughed, low and throaty. “Patience, little lamb. It will be worth the wait.”

And then there was only the quiet closing of the door, sighs and giggles, and the occasional whispered gasp.