Happy New Year from the D'Antonvilles.

It's almost New Year's Eve and 2015 is coming to a close. Apart from celebrating with a nice glass of red wine and watching the amazing fireworks over Sydney Harbour, I thought I'd share the New Year's Eve masquerade ball in my latest release, BloodVault. It was such a fun chapter to write. And I love the key logo my cover designer, Patti Roberts, designed. Unfortunately, the coloured version only appears in the digital copy of the book. To avoid spoilers, I had to omit several paragraphs, but those who've read BloodVault will know what they are. For those who haven't, there's only one way to find out what you've missed *wink*  In the meanwhile, enjoy this segment.

 

Chapter 32 - Masquerade

LAURA

‘Whatcha think?’ Kari’s entry into my room was like a whirlwind. She twirled causing the skirts of her midnight-blue gown to billow. She’d tamed her short, spiky Nordic-blonde locks into some semblance of order with a matching ribbon, the ends trailing down her low-cut back.

‘You look gorgeous!’ If Jake didn’t notice her tonight, he was blind.

Her tinkling laugh rang out as she put her glittery blue-feathered mask in place, twirled and curtsied. ‘Now let’s see you.’ She grasped my hands and pulled me from my dresser chair.

Judy had stocked my French wardrobe the same as she had in Sydney. I had a plethora of the latest designer dresses. One caught my eye, a beautiful red gown with velvet black trim and off-the-shoulder bodice that perfectly hugged my curves. It contrasted perfectly with the voluminous scarlet taffeta skirt.

I chose it in honour of Alec, whose clan tartan was black and red.

I’d curled the ends of my long hair, gathered a section and pinned it at the back.

‘Ooh….’ She cooed and clapped. ‘And your mask?’

I opened my palm to reveal a red-lace mask, trimmed with rhinestones and held it to my face. I, too, did a little pirouette.

‘Alec won’t be able to keep his eyes off you,’ she said.

‘I already have trouble doing that,’ Alec drawled, his deep voice sending little tingles scooting down to my nether regions. He leaned against the door, arms folded, gaze raking the length of my body, his eyes twinkling behind his tartan mask.

I wanted to purr.

He looked utterly delicious in his clan kilt – the red-and-black Munro dress tartan and black velvet jacket with silver buttons. The cropped jacket emphasised his broad shoulders, and the smile he gave me hinted at later pleasures.

‘Why can’t I go?’ Dominik stood at his elbow, his jaw dropping as he gazed at Kari.

Since coming to live with us, Dominik had practically become Alec’s shadow, following him around and even mimicking his mannerisms. If Alec twirled the ring on his finger, so did Dominik, even though he didn’t own one. And if I didn’t lock the door to our suite, he’d be there all the time.

‘Two reasons: first, you’re too young, and second, it’s an Elders and prefects ball only.’ Alec ruffled his hair as he stepped past him into the room.

‘Not fair.’

‘Life’s not fair, Dom.’ Alec took me in his arms, spun me around and dipped me low to the ground. I’ll enjoy untying that bodice later, his voice whispered seductively through my mind.

Make sure the door is locked first.

He chuckled as he lifted me up, and formally offered me his arm. ‘May I escort you, my lady?’

‘You may.’

Jake stuck his face in the doorway. ‘Ready to go, kid—?’

His jaw dropped seeing Kari. I enjoyed his stunned look. Surely he’d seen her in evening dress before? Recent balls she’d forgone. What had stopped her? He swallowed and offered her his arm, his eyes never leaving her face. I gave her a wink over my shoulder as Alec and I went to the door.

We started up the stairs to the ballroom; soon the guests would arrive. Several rooms on this top level had been opened for their comfort and convenience. One was a banquet room for the donsangs, where they could eat and meet other humans. Cook and her helpers had excelled. Earlier in the day, I’d peeked at the bustle of activity in the kitchen. The food was a feast for the senses: tiny triangular white sandwiches, a range of colourful salads, roast meats of every kind and delicate mouth-watering pastries and desserts only the most hardened dieter – or vampire – could resist.

In the driveway, fairy lights blinked on the trunks and leafless branches of the trees, while a million tiny bulbs twinkled in the windows and the front doors of the chateau. The candelabras in the entrance hall had been polished to a mirror sheen, the candles’ flames dancing and swaying on the ebony surface. Illuminated garlands twisted their way up the staircase that led to the ballroom.

We took our seats on the dais next to Luc and Judy. Swathes of entwined green and lavender silk – the D’Antonville colours – hung from the canopy and pooled on the floor. Five gold sashes lay draped across the arm of my chair. I knew their purpose, as Alec had briefed me earlier.

My mother, resplendent in a rich jade-green dress, acknowledged each guest as they were announced. Her silver-streaked auburn hair was caught back in a chignon and crowned with a white-gold tiara of intertwining leaves and flowers adorned with a single emerald. Her eyes shone behind her butterfly shaped mask.

She leant across and whispered in my ear. ‘You look stunning, dear.’

‘As do you. Nice bling.’ I grinned at her tiara.

‘Your father’s gift at your birth.’ She beamed and placed her hand over his. Luc drew them to his lips and kissed her fingertips.

Earlier, my father had approached Alec and formally apologised, ending several days of tension between them. The entire household breathed again, now they were reconciled.

This night, the Elders discarded their gold cloaks for formal attire. Kwome, Grey Bear and Zhao wore their traditional dress, while Maira came in an exquisitely embroidered gown with a fringed hem. They bowed to us and then mingled. They, and a few more of the most prominent prefects, were the only Brethren who stayed in the chateau grounds. Even with multiple guest rooms and cottages, the chateau wasn’t made to accommodate over four-hundred extra people, especially as many Brethren were accompanied by their donsangs.

The ballroom was a sea of colour. Elegant women in dazzling gowns of electric blue, silver-grey, apricot, sunny yellow and turquoise swept the room, greeting friends and chinking glasses. Lavender eyes glinted behind feathered, lace and rhinestone masks shaped like butterflies, cats and flowers, some covering only the eyes, others half the face. The men, likewise, many in tuxedos with long-nose masks or in traditional costume, added to the magnificence of the occasion.

‘Have I told you you’re the most beautiful woman here?’ Alec whispered in my ear.

I turned to face him, my mouth barely a breath away from his, and inhaled his intoxicating scent, drawing it deep into my lungs. ‘Not yet, but you can if you like.’

His heart-stopping smile had my insides twisted tighter than the flavours of my favourite candy cane – and just as sweet.

The announcer struck the tiled floor three times with his brass rod. ‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Sieur Marcus Antonius Pulcher. Arch Elder and High Lord of the Brethren.’

The crowd knelt as Marcus, in black bow tie and gold mask topped with a crown, entered. We stood as he took his seat next to Luc.

Alec spoke. ‘Brethren, welcome to our New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. This year, we have double reason to celebrate. First we welcome our new Ingenii, Lady Laura, whom many of you have already met.’ They bowed, and I inclined my head. Karl, standing near the front with Milena, cheekily gave me a wink.

I couldn’t help smiling back.

....‘Let the festivities begin.’

Alec led me from the dais, and we swayed to the romantic strains of a Strauss waltz, weaving in and out with other couples. I floated on an idyllic cloud beneath the blue and gold rococo ceiling that gleamed in the light of crystal chandeliers. The troubles of the last few days were forgotten as I lost myself in his arms and was drawn into the lavender depths of his eyes.

.... Luc strode to the dais. ‘Madames and monsieurs, the fireworks start in one minute. Please make your way to the balcony.’

Several-hundred people surged onto the wide verandah that ran the length of the upper floor, its white tiled floor and stone balustrade gleaming in the light of a full moon. The cool air hit my face and bit my cheeks. Unlike many of the donsangs, I had no wrap. Alec removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders as we made our way through to the front the crowd. He stood behind, wrapping me in his warmth, as the countdown began.

‘Ten, nine, eight … two, one. Happy New Year!’ Everyone cheered and clinked glasses, others were locked in passionate embraces.

‘Happy New Year, darling.’ Alec lifted my chin to meet his lips just as the first explosions sparked in the sky. Those fireworks couldn’t compare to the touch of his mouth on mine. Behind my closed eyelids, I was vaguely aware of splashes of light and colour, and the “oohs” and “aahs” of the crowd.

If the Brethren had questions about our relationship before this evening began, they certainly wouldn’t have now.

‘Hey, you’re missing it.’ Kari thumped my arm.

About to tell her to go away, I saw red tears glistening in her eyes. She swiped at them. Next to her, Jake appeared shell shocked – rubbing the back of his neck, eyes wide as he stared at the fireworks. Milena hung onto his other arm, a smirk on her face. Karl’s expression could’ve curdled milk. He turned and pushed his way out through the crowd.

What’d happened? Although I could guess.

‘Back in a minute.’ Alec went after him.

I missed the sudden loss of his warmth and pulled his jacket tightly around me. Kari rested her head on my shoulder. ‘What’s wrong? Want to tell me?’

She sniffled and shook her head. Above us, the sky exploded in brilliant hues, and the smoke and the partly burned paper casings from the fireworks floated down to us. Kari whispered, ‘She kissed him.’

I didn’t have to look to know which she Kari referred to. What was Milena up to? Poor Kari. She’d dressed to impress, hoping tonight she might win a kiss from Jake. Milena stole that moment. How cruel of her, and then Karl had stormed off.

From behind, a familiar pair of arms encircled me. ‘I asked Karl and O’Toole to meet us in Luc’s office, right after the fireworks.’

‘Us?’

‘I’d like you there. After all, this doesn’t concern just me.’ He kissed the top of my ear. ‘Time we ended this boys’ club.’

I angled my head up at him. ‘If you’re not careful, you’ll become one of those sensitive new-age guys.’

‘Have to keep up with the times.’

We both chuckled.

‘How was Karl?’ I couldn’t care less if Milena overheard.

‘Angry.’

I glanced at her. It was hard biting my tongue, especially seeing how she clutched Jake’s arm. Didn’t she care he was Kari’s escort?

The last of the fireworks burst above us in a dazzling shower. The smell of the pyrotechnics lingered in the air as the music began and groups drifted back into the ballroom. Kari lifted her head from my shoulder and strode away. Jake didn’t follow.

I was sorely tempted to slap him in the back of the head but resisted.

Alec waltzed me into the centre of the room. ‘Let them work it out, Laura.’

I sighed. I hated seeing Kari so unhappy, but she was an adult, and older then me by a few-hundred years.

On the dais, we joined Luc and Judy.

My mother’s face was flushed from dancing. She plucked a drink from a passing waiter. ‘Another successful ball.’ She fanned herself with an exquisite Venetian fan. ‘To think how that wretched woman tried to sabotage it.’

‘She lost.’ I raised my glass, and we toasted.

Alec leaned close to Luc. ‘We need to talk. Heard the scuttlebutt?’

Luc lifted an eyebrow. ‘Like what?’ Alec repeated some of the comments we’d heard earlier. Luc shut his eyes and growled low in his throat. ‘Ah! Let them talk.’

‘Will it cause problems? I need to know.’ Alec glanced at me before returning his attention to Luc. ‘I asked Karl and Derek to join us in your office.’

Derek? Was that O’Toole’s first name?

‘Why?’ Luc’s brows snapped together.

‘In your office.’

Luc opened his mouth then closed it again. Alec twisted the serpent ring on his finger and waited. My father inhaled deeply and gritted his teeth while Judy placed her hand over his. He gave a curt nod, fished a key from his pocket and tossed it to Alec. ‘You’re princeps. You want a meeting; we’ll have one.’

Yes. I wanted to do a fist pump. Instead, I smiled and sipped my drink.

‘I’d like Marcus there, too.’ Alec took my hand. ‘Let’s hope this won’t take long … an hour, maybe, and we’ll be back.’

Jake joined us. Was he required? Or was facing a possible angry Luc preferable to being caught between two women?

As we left the ballroom, Alec approached Marcus, who stood with three others, laughing and drinking near one of the refreshment tables. From the dark red stain on his lips, it wasn’t wine he swirled in his goblet. As Alec whispered in his ear, I looked around for the other men.

Cal and Sam both had dance partners, yet their gaze never strayed far from Judy and me. Even at an occasion such as this, and within the relative safety of the chateau, they were still on guard. Where was Terens? There he was, towering above everyone else, a chequered harlequin mask on his face, weaving through the crowd to sit next to Judy. Guard or companion? Maybe both.

This was going to be an interesting meeting, I thought, as we traipsed down the stairs and through the library to Luc’s office. How was he going to react to Alec and me sharing the family secret with Karl and O’Toole? We might see another sort of fireworks.

And then there was Karl. He was already angry because of Milena. How would he take this latest news?

Want to read more?  Click here and start reading straight away. 

Until then, happy reading.

A Very Vampire Christmas To All!

Along rolls another Christmas, and all the fun and joy that comes with it. Gingerbread cookies are baked, the tree's been decorated and the greeting cards posted. Living in Australia doesn't mean snow but rather sunshine, and lots of it. The last couple of weeks we've experienced heat waves. Thank goodness for air-conditioning, is all I can say. Now imagine being a vampire living in Australia at this time of year - challenging!
So for all you vamp, paranormal romance and gothic urban fantasy fans (yep, that's a mouthful!) here's my Christmas present to you. I'm sharing a chapter from Book 2 in my Dantonville Legacy Series - Bloodpledge. See how my vampire family celebrate Christmas. And for those who haven't yet read my series, here's a juicy taste.
Enjoy!

CHAPTER 27 - A VERY VAMPIRE CHRISTMAS

LAURA

It was midnight when we sat down, to what Judy described as a vampire Christmas. Earlier in the day, she, Jenny and I had celebrated with my foster-parents, John and Eilene, and we were still recovering from that meal. My mum had created an amazing spread—a four-course gastronomic delight that could have come from the pages of Delicious magazine.
      Jenny had gone to bed, no longer able to stay awake. In spite of my own drowsiness, I was determined not to miss my first official Christmas with my immortal family.
      The dining room on the main deck was dark, except for the light created by two exquisite golden candelabras, shaped like twisting vines, in the centre of the glass dining table. Twelve silver candles—six in each—rose from their scrolled-leaf beds and threw flickering shadows across the room. On either side of each candelabrum, four crystal decanters filled with wine caught the glow of the candlelight, their burgundy contents appeared as if lit from within. A fifth crystal decanter filled with clear liquid, sat on the table in front of me. White wine or water?
      Marcus sat at one end of the table, Luc on his right, Judy on his left. Alec and I sat together at the other end, Jake and Cal on my right, Kari, Sam and Terens opposite me. Each of the men had an empty wine glass in front of him, as well as a small vial the size of a man's thumb, filled with red liquid.
      It must be blood. But why such a minuscule amount?
      There was a quiet solemnity about this gathering that I didn't understand. Most of my Christmas dinners with friends and family had been noisy, jovial affairs, with each person attempting to talk over the other. I glanced at Terens. His gaze was riveted on the glass vial in front of him. The other men seemed just as mesmerised by theirs, staring at the delicate-looking containers hungrily.
      What was in them? Something similar to the ruby pendant-vial that Luc had given me? I leaned over to ask Alec, when Marcus stood.
      'My family,' he began, looking around at each of us, 'this night is special, for we celebrate the homecoming of my granddaughter, Laura.' He looked at me. 'Our first Christmas together since you were a baby. My life is now complete.' He reached for the decanter and filled his, Luc's and Judy's goblet. His men did the same.
      Alec reached for the clear decanter and poured its contents into my glass. 'A precaution,' he whispered.
      I sniffed the glass. Water. In case I was already pregnant? 'You know something I don't?' I whispered back.
      'Not for want of trying.' He smiled and tipped the rest of the water from the decanter into his own wine glass.
      Marcus raised his, 'To the Child of Light and Darkness, daughter of Lucius Antonius Pulcher, my son, and Judith Dantonville. To Laura, last of the Ingenii.'
      Beneath the table, Alec took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
      Everyone rose, turned to me and chanted in unison. 'To Laura, last of the Ingenii.' They downed their glasses.
      Touched by Marcus's welcome, I could appreciate what it meant to him. He was there at the beginning of the curse, and now he was here, at what I hoped was its end. What would his choice be? Life as a vampire—a nightwalker—or a higher form of life throughout eternity? Maybe I was selfish, but I didn't want him to choose. Although I knew how old he was, my grandfather had the appearance of a young man; and young men should not die. He'd suffered enough and deserved his own happy ending.
      'Thank you.' I sipped my water.
      The men remained standing and refilled their glasses as Marcus spoke again. 'According to our tradition, we remember our fallen comrades.'
      Kari rose from her seat, and I did the same.
      'Fallen comrades,' they repeated, and raised their glasses in another toast, and then refilled.
      Terens suddenly uttered, 'Melander.' He leant forward and blew out one of the silver candles before throwing his head back and emptying his glass.
      'Nepos,' Jake puffed out the next one and downed his toast.
      'Appius,' Sam said, and another candle died.
      'Pudens.' Cal followed suit.
      Four silver candles had been snuffed out. The aroma of burnt wax filled the room.
      'Martius,' Marcus said and blew out another one.
      'Galen,' Luc said. Another candle spluttered out and the last toast was drunk.
      Six extinguished candles to represent six dead soldiers. I guessed those on the candelabra that remained represented Marcus and the four living members of the original Roman patrol, as well as Luc, his son. Luc had told me the story of the deaths of two of them in particular. They'd been caught up in the terror when Marcus and his men were transformed by the witch's curse and were killed by their comrades. From the sad expression on Terens's face, he must have been responsible for one of those deaths. Perhaps Melander's, the name he called out.
      We resumed our seats, but Luc remained standing. 'And now, to The Second Cohort of Frisians,' the others rose and stood to attention, 'my customary gift.' He indicated the crimson vials in front of each of his men. 'Tribune Sextus Terentius, Troopers Quintus Sempronius, Caius Justinius and Calixtus. May you enjoy the day and the light of the sun. May the strength of the gods be yours, and the swiftness of their steeds in your feet. May your enemies cower and prostrate themselves before you.' When he finished, Luc gave them a nod.
      The men bowed low to him and Marcus, picked up their vials and drained their precious contents. Yet another ritual, but without the biting. Its ancient formal language embodied romantic images of soldiers in red cloaks riding on white horses into battle.
      'Oh man, I'd forgotten how damned good that is,' Terens remarked as he sat back down.
      'Can we know whose blood we've been given this year?' Jake asked.
      Luc looked at Judith, and she smiled. 'My gift to you. A way to say thank you for looking after our child.' She and Luc linked hands on the tabletop. 'It's First Blood.'
      I was stunned at my parent's generosity. First Blood, I'd been told, is the most potent, filled with energy and power unmatched later in an Ingenii's lifetime. It slowly declines over time, hence the need for a changeover every fifty years.
      Cal, who sat closest to them, took Judy's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it. 'Thank you, lady. I speak for us all.'
      The other three acknowledged with 'Aye's.'
      'What are you going to do with your three days of sunshine?' Judy asked him.
      He ran his finger around the rim of the wine glass. 'Botanical gardens. A lot of flowers only open in the day. I want to see and smell them.'
      Everyone nodded. There were no chuckles or smirks. It was the last thing I expected to hear from an ancient warrior. Who would've guessed that Cal liked flowers? I found myself waiting to hear what the others would do with their fleeting time in the sunshine.
      'Jake, what about you?' Alec asked.
      'Been thinking about that since this time last year.' He paused. 'I'm gonna take off my shirt and stroll along the beach. Then sit and watch the sunset.' A beaming smile lit his face.
      I looked at Terens. He was lounging back in his chair, rubbing the diamond stud in his ear and staring into space. 'Terens? What are going to do?'
      He glanced at me. 'I had considered skydiving, pet. I've always wanted to see the world in the daylight from that height, but I've had a change of plan.'
      'So you're not going to make a hole in the ground if the 'chute doesn't open?' Sam said.
      'Nope. Going hunting.' Terens poured himself another glass of wine. 'I lost an arm. That bastard. Timur's responsible, and he left his sidekick, Rasputin, behind. He knows where he is.'
      'Why didn't you tell me?' Sam turned in his chair and faced him.
      'Just did.'
      'Well, I'm after that son-of-a-bitch myself. I'm going with you.'
      'Count me in, as well. Luc, bring me one of the vials.' At Marcus's sudden pronouncement the room became deathly quiet.
      'But, you never - ' Luc began.
      'This time it's different. I can't hide in a monastery and let you battle this alone.'
      Terens grinned and slammed the table top with the flat of his hand. The candelabras bounced. 'Like old times!'
      'There goes the beach.' Jake rose and hammered on the table's surface as well.
      Sam did the same and muttered, 'I'll smell the roses next year.'
      The table vibrated with their rhythmic thumping, and the entire room reverberated to the accompanying cry, 'Marc-cus! Mar-cus! Mar-cus!'
      In that moment I was drawn into another world, another era, like a bystander from another time witnessing a scene that had disappeared from the planet, centuries before. Here they were, Roman soldiers saluting their commander—my grandfather.
      The passage of time had become irrelevant.
      A broad smile lit Luc's face as he and Marcus clasped forearms and exchanged words, so low and fast I could only guess what passed between them. Whatever it was, the men thumped the table even harder, the din so loud my ears began to ring.
      Next to me, Alec rose and joined in the salute. I wondered how much the glass table could take till it shattered under their prolonged assault. I glanced at Kari. She was staring open-mouthed at Jake, hero worship evident in her eyes. How long will it take for him to see it?
      Luc spun on his heel and left the room.
      Marcus raised his hand for silence and looked at Alec. 'With your permission, I'd like to resume permanent command of my men.'
      'You have it. Welcome back, Lord Marcus.'
      Marcus bowed his head then motioned for us to be seated. His gaze went straight to me. 'Laura, when Luc first told me about finding Alec, I knew we wouldn't have long to wait for your arrival. But, by Deus, neither he nor I guessed how all this would come about.' He smiled briefly at Judith. 'It all comes full circle, and where it began, it shall end.'
      The curse began in a remote Pictish village in Scotland. That's where I would have to give birth to a child conceived with Alec in order to end it. I had no idea if I was even pregnant and inwardly laughed as my twenty-first century feminist ideas were jettisoned in the face of the ancient juggernaut that had taken over my life.
      Luc returned and handed Marcus the little red vial. Marcus swallowed hard and straightened his shoulders. 'The time has come.' Everyone around the table watched as he removed the stopper, stared at its contents then gulped it down. 'Deus!' His eyes widened. 'I could lift a house off its foundations. My entire body's tingling.'
      'Welcome to my world, Father,' Luc said.
      Marcus placed a hand on Luc's shoulder and squeezed. His gaze went to his men. 'We leave at dawn.' His chin quivered.
      'Been a long time since you've given that command, Marcus Antonius Pulcher,' Terens said, a note of reverence in his voice. 'It's good to hear.'
      'Why did it take you so long?' Luc asked.
      Marcus sat back down, and with a wave of his hand, indicated his men. 'I brought them into this, so I took the brunt of the punishment. I could have acted more nobly and showed clemency in the face of her cruelty that day. But I did not. I showed myself to be no better. She as much as said so, and I've carried the guilt for nearly two-thousand years.'
      'No!' Luc cried. 'The bitch cursed us all; the innocent with the so-called guilty. I'll never accept it as punishment. It was vengeance, Father, and no less. To be condemned for all eternity to live without the light, far outweighed the so-called crime.'
      Marcus continued. 'I've had a long time to think about it. She and I were both wrong. But I believe she relented after her death. Hence the Ingenii.' He glanced at Judy, then at me before returning his attention to Luc. 'You have been privileged to enjoy the sun, Luc, and I am proud of you for sharing it with our men. Any more then once a year, though and who knows how the curse would have reacted.'
      'You talk of it like a living thing,' I said.
      'Laura, these things are like an entity, an extension of the one who uttered it—like a lost spirit who hovers on earth waiting for Judgement Day. It cannot leave till all things are properly fulfilled.'
      The hairs on my arm stood on end.
      Alec squeezed my hand. 'We'll end it, darling, and it'll haunt us no more.' His eyes looked into mine with such assurance, I wanted to believe everything was going to be all right.
      'You could've shared in this once a year,' Jake said. 'It wouldn't've affected the curse. Why didn't you?'
      'I had my reasons.' Marcus waved his hand. 'No longer relevant.' He looked at the wine glass in his hand and drank down whatever was left.
      It occurred to me that they always spoke English. Did they ever use their own language when alone? Would it be Latin? I whispered the question to Alec.
      'Only Marcus, Luc and Terens are from a Roman background,' he answered. 'Cal, Jake and Sam are Frisians—from the Netherlands. Latin isn't their native tongue. In fact, Frisian's the ancestor of modern English.'
      Terens turned toward me, wearing a mischievous smile. 'You should hear Sam speak Latin, pet.' He shook his head in mock disgust. 'Worst thing I've ever heard. At least in French or English I can understand what he's saying.'
      Sam slowly turned his head in Terens's direction as quiet chuckles filled the room.
      'For example,' Terens went on, 'I remember a particular incident when he was stopped by that old, bandy-legged centurion, Nemius - '
      'Not that  old story,' Sam protested.
      Kari sat forward in her chair and asked Jake, 'Have I heard this one?'
      'Probably. Terens loves to repeat it.' Jake's eyes crinkled up at the corners as he sipped on his wine.
      '"Festinabimus taberna!" he said.' Terens mocked Sam's voice. Even Sam cracked a smile.
      Of course, I didn't have a clue what they were on about. I looked at Alec for clarification. 'Sam said he and his companions were hurrying to the tavern, but he used the feminine form of the verb, as if they were women.'
      I could see how that would've been embarrassing to his fellow soldiers.
      'I got a week's latrine duties for getting it wrong,' Sam said.
      'As I recall,' Terens remarked, 'he said you accomplished what no enemy of Rome had done—destroy the Roman language.'
      Marcus and Luc roared with laughter.
      'You'll never let me live that down, will you?'
      'Not in a million years,' Terens answered, leaned forward and slapped Sam on the back.
      'Don't you think it's ironic. Nobody speaks Latin anymore, yet Frisian's everywhere—in modern English? Maybe it's just as well I didn't waste my time learning to speak your language.'
      Cal guffawed, reached for the decanter and poured himself another glass of wine. 'How you gonna counter that one, Terens?'
      'Only one way I know.' Terens stood and flexed his right arm. 'Brand new model.'
      'By all means, test it out.' Sam's chair scraped across the floor as he, too, rose and began flexing his right arm. 'Ready to lose some fingers?' The two faced each other, grinning.
      Kari rolled her eyes. 'Oh no, not this stupid game.'
      Alec leaned toward me and whispered. 'Maybe we should go for a stroll around the deck.'
      'Why,' I asked. 'What are they going to do?'
      'Their version of an arm wrestle.' Alec looked uncomfortable. 'They do it every Christmas.'
      'It's gross, Laura.' Kari grimaced. 'The loser must chop off a finger and hand it over. The one with the biggest collection wins.'
      'You're kidding! At Christmas?'
      'It's the only time they can do it—good way to test the strength of the Ingenii blood. Any lost appendage regenerates in an instant,' Alec said.
      'Sorry, boys, you know I can't stay to watch,' Judy said. 'If anyone wants me I'll be in my room.' She wished us goodnight and kissed Luc and Marcus on the cheek. The men rose and bowed as she left.
      'Think I'll do the same,' I said when I saw Terens move one of the candelabra aside and pull a blade from beneath his trouser leg. 'No way am I going to watch them cut off fingers, even if it is some weird Christmas tradition.'
      'Allez, ma petite, this is not for a lady's eyes.'
      'I agree,' Kari said and skipped to my side of the table. 'Let's join Judy.'
      I still had Alec's Christmas present. This was a good time to slip away and give it to him. 'Meet you there, Kari. There's something I need to do first.' I mouthed the words, 'Present for Alec.'
      She nodded and gave me a knowing smile as she left.
      I turned to Alec. 'I accept your offer of a stroll around the deck.'
      With his arm around my waist, Alec led me from the dining room just as Sam and Terens took up their positions, elbows on the table, hands clasped, steely gazes locked. Two long menacing-looking knives lay in the centre of the table.
      I shuddered and looked away.
      The night air was cool and sweet as we stepped through the doors. I took a deep gulp to rid myself of the warm scent of burnt candle wax, along with the image of disembodied fingers. It brought back the sickening memory of Rasputin's severed hands clawing at the ground.
      Although it was cloudy, the air was still, and every sound was magnified—the hum of the crickets in the bush across the bay, gentle lapping of the waves against the sides of the boat. Several smaller boats were anchored nearby, their lights reflecting off the dark, mirrored waters.
      I reached into the pocket of my taffeta, black and white polka-dot dress, pulled out a tiny parcel and held it out to Alec. 'Merry Christmas.'
      'Laura, I didn't expect—'
      'Ssshhh, open it.'
      While he and Jake had been away at the lab searching for an antidote for white-oak, I'd done some searching of my own. After several hours trawling through the net, I'd found it—the perfect gift—on a Scottish Clans site.
      Alec tore off the wrapping and sucked in a breath when he opened the little box.
      'I hope it fits,' I said.
      A dazzling smile lit his face. 'It will, darling.' He lifted the gold ring from its box and slipped it on. It fitted. A gold eagle perched on top of a strap and buckle—the ancient family crest of the Munro clan—sat comfortably on his left, index finger. He pocketed the box and wrapper, took me in his arms and kissed me with a passion that made my thighs tremble.
      'So, you like it?' I asked after a while.
      Alec chuckled. 'Very much. Where did you find it?'
      'Online. You asked me not to leave the boat.'
      He brought his hand up and gazed at the ring. 'It's perfect. Now it's my turn to ask—how did you know?'
      'I didn't. Only knew you had a set of bagpipes, and since there's no other ring on your finger apart from wee serpent here,' I put on a mock Scottish accent and wriggled my finger, 'I thought to get you one.'
      'Our clan crest.' He chuckled and kissed me again. 'Merry Christmas,' he murmured into my mouth. As we were locked in each other's embrace, faint growls and swearing drifted out from the stateroom. I didn't want to know who was losing a finger.
      I pressed closer to Alec. The drumming of my heartbeat drowned out any other sound.

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