Page 76 of Eternal Craving

“And you’ll turn me?”

“I can’t promise that.”

“How is it done?”

I’m not staying like this. I will find a cure.

“I’m childless,” she said softly. “I’m ageing.”

“Never discuss this with my sister, do you understand?”

“I’ve thought it through.”

“I’m sorry. You’ve always been so kind to me and to my family.”

“Then repay me.” She flicked strands of hair away from her neck and with her hand on the back of my head, guided my lips to rest against her soft skin. My fangs grazed her. My thumb brushed along the lace of her bodice, lingering over the material covering her hardening nipple, caressing the bud until I’d elicited the very moan from her that I needed to hear.

Miranda’s fingernails dug into my back.

With willpower I didn’t know I had, I pulled away from her.

“I’ll think about it,” I whispered.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

A full moon hung low on this balmy August night, hauntingly illuminating the sky.

Alone, I lingered on the Palos boardwalk, staring up at the largest ship docked in the harbor, the Santa Maria. A few sailors scurried about, making their way back to their ships.

Last night had been fraught with emotion; it had been difficult to pull myself away from Jacob. Later, I’d described my evening to Sunaria.

She’d listened quietly and then gave me a stern glare. “You’ll turn no one.”

I had to wonder how it was even done. When I felt Sunaria staring at me, I turned my thoughts to the task at hand.

Safe in the shadows, blending in with the other tourists, I considered the famous ship. The Crown had paid for the Santa Maria’s refurbishment, ensuring an extraordinary, custom-made one hundred foot long, seaworthy vessel. The sails were undergoing last-minute adjustments.

Under the command of its captain, Christopher Columbus, the Santa Maria would undertake the expedition to locate new territory. Columbus had been sanctioned by the Crown,sponsored by Isabella I, Queen of Castile. He would become viceroy of all the territories he located. The land would be taken in the name of Spain, by the queen’s trusted courtier, her finest diplomat.

The Santa Maria, scheduled to set sail later that night, would be escorted by the Pinta and the Niña, the two smaller caravels commanded by the Pinzon brothers, Alonzo and Vincent Yanez, both reputed to be successful fishermen, and master navigators. The two boats floated close to the Santa Maria.

As though appearing from nowhere, Sunaria showed up at my side, having just fed. My hunger would not be sated. I wanted to stay sharp.

Her gaze fell on the small rowboat that bobbed close to the ships. The two sailors aboard gestured to the crew of the Pinta. Within minutes, they’d loaded a good supply of ale and rum aboard. The sailors then steered their boat toward the Santa Maria. Eager sailors leaned over the balustrades, calling out for their free booty. The boat made its last delivery to the Niña.

I glanced at Sunaria. “A gift from you?”

She gave me a sly smile.

Twenty young girls, the prettiest harlots, gathered near the pier and then dispersed, a few to each vessel.

“That’s what you meant by a distraction?” I asked her.

She nodded.

On all three, the girls were met by gleeful soldiers with open arms.

I smiled. “Nice.”