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Chapter 544
Leesa’s features tightened. Despite my attempt to keep things light, I was afraid my words might have made her aware of how alone we were out there.
“So, what brings you out on a night like this?” she asked.
I had just told her how much I liked the rain, but I didn’t want to make her feel bad by calling attention to it. I was more than happy to have the conversation continue on a surface level for awhile.
“I like walking in the rain,” I repeated. “It’s so quiet and peaceful, especially at night.” I looked at the building behind her, pretending to notice it for the first time. “Is that your dorm?”
She took a moment to respond. I would have given anything to know what was going through her mind right then. Was she worried about letting
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Leesa's Advent Chapter 545
He wore a dark blue raincoat that covered him down over his hips. He’d come upon us in that silent volkaane way while I was distracted by the complexities of my talk with Leesa. I could see the tension in his limbs, showing he was ready to spring if given the chance. Tiny blue flames flickered menacingly from his fingertips. I imagined I could hear them crackling. I wondered what was stopping him. Why had he given me warning? Besides their magic fire, surprise has always been the volkaanes greatest weapon against us. Slowly and with great care, I rose to my feet and let my fangs drop from my upper jaw, ready for battle. A low growl escaped my throat. “I said get away from her, Stefan,” the volkaane repeated, his voice dark with barely restrained fury. How did this volkaane know my name? And if he did know me, he should know of my strength as well. So why had he given up the advantage of surprise? Distracted as I was by my conversation, he could easily
Leesa's Advent Chapter 546
One thing I knew for sure — my conversation with Leesa was far from finished. And after my parting remark about Edwina, I knew she would be equally interested in talking with me.I waited a couple of days—leaving the caverns too frequently would set a bad example for my fellows, not to mention that it might be seen as taking advantage of my status as a Council member. Normally, I have the patience of a saint—an undead, blood drinking saint to be sure—but this time my eagerness was difficult to contain. My talk with Leesa had left too many questions unanswered. Something inside me told me that somewhere in those answers might be the opening I was looking for. I needed to find it.The day had dawned bright and sunny, but I didn’t care. I could contain myself no longer. As much as possible, I would stick to the shadows. My hooded sweatshirt would protect me from the sun when necessary.Now that Leesa was aware I knew where she lived, I
Leesa's Advent Chapter 547
I raised my eyebrows. I had not expected that answer.“His girlfriend, huh?” I repeated. I let a small smile played upon my lips. “Edwina always did like to play with her humans.”Leesa’s expression darkened. “What do you mean ‘play with’?” she asked tremulously.I had to be very careful with how much I told her. “Vampires don’t usually take human boyfriends or girlfriends,” I said. “We kill them, or turn them vampire, sometimes make one a feeder.” I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the table and letting a little more feeling into my gaze. “If there’s a human we are especially drawn to, we turn them and make them our consort.”I watched closely for he
Leesa's Advent Chapter 548
The bargain was a simple one: in exchange for Bradley’s freedom, Leesa would agree to let me turn her vampire and become my consort. Simple does not mean easy, however—giving up one’s humanity is a huge decision for most. I told her to take as much time as she needed to think about it. She promised to have my answer within a week.The arrangements we agreed to were also simple. Every evening at sunset I would wait for her in the parking lot of Gillette Castle, a place located not far from our hidden caverns. If her decision was no, she could simply tell me and leave; if her answer was yes, I would be ready to release Bradley.For six nights I waited in vain, but I didn’t mind. I told myself the wait was a good sign—if she had decided to accept my answer, she would probably h
Leesa's Advent Chapter 549
Leesa stepped forward and placed her hand lightly against Bradley’s cheek. I could only imagine what his skin must have felt like to her. “Bradley?” she said.The boy lifted his head. His eyes seemed to find some focus as he looked at her.“Pumpkin?” he said hoarsely.Tears streamed down Leesa’s cheeks at the sound of his voice. She dropped the umbrella and threw her arms around her brother, holding him close, as if she could will warmth and life back into him.“Yes, it’s me,” she said. “Leesa.”“Leeee-saaa,” Bradley whispered. He seemed to gain strength from her presence, from her touch. After a moment, he pulled his head back and
Leesa's Advent Chapter 550
A few weeks passed, frustrating weeks to be sure. I was still unable to make sense of what had happened when I tried to transform Leesa. I discussed the incident with Ricard, but he was as much at a loss about it as I was. Neither of us could come up with a logical explanation for why Leesa had the taint of grafhym in her blood.Ricard’s advice, however, was simple: I should let her go and move on to something else. Unfortunately, I suspected that was going to be easier said than done. Even though I had not seen Leesa since that fateful night, the pull I felt toward her remained as strong as ever, grafhym or not.I was still mulling over what to do next when Edwina approached me in our caverns. She pasted a smile upon her face.
Leesa's Advent Chapter 551
The next time Edwina left the caves, I followed her. I had nothing more than a feeling that she was up to no good, so I trailed her at a discreet distance, following her spoor and staying well beyond the reach of her vampire senses. It would not do to be caught trailing her if she were truly just out hunting for a feeder to replace the one I had taken from her.My concern grew when her trail crossed the river and headed north. When I followed it onto the Weston College campus, my concern turned to anger. Edwina had no need to come to the college—unless it had something to do with Leesa.I slowed my pace when I came to the edge of a wide field. This time of night, the field was empty save for three figures gathered near one end. Edwina and Leesa stood facing each other; Leesa’s friend Cali was
Leesa's Advent Chapter 552
The psychic summons was both powerful and brief. Ricard’s words echoed in my head. Come. Now.All vampires can sense the presence of other vampires when they are nearby, and at a somewhat greater distance when one is feeding. Not all are capable of sending thought messages, though—that particular talent took many, many years to even begin to master. Ricard had been vampire for a thousand years and had mastered many skills. That he was the vampire who had turned me only added to the strength of our psychic connection.I wasted no time obeying his call. I hurried through the dark labyrinth of our caverns to his quarters, making my way to his outer chamber. This room was the second largest cavern in the whole place, trailing only the immense council audience chamber in size. Ricard awaited me in the middle of the room, standing motionless with his arms folded across his broad chest.“What is it?” I asked. When we were alone, there was no nee
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