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Chapter 162
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Let’s go get something to eat before we go home,” Leila said. Beside me in the limo, she reached over and squeezed my hand.
I turned my attention from the window, absently watching the scenery go by, and looked at Leila. “No.”
Leila sighed. “Lance, you can’t treat me like I’m glass.”
“Leila, you heard what Amy said,” I said, returning the hand squeeze. “You need to rest.” I turned my attention back out the window.
Leila sighed. “Charles, take us to Maggiano’s Little Italy.”
I sighed as I shook my head. It was a wonderful Italian restaurant, and I hadn’t been there in a while. Any other time, I would have been delighted. But now …
“Yes, ma’am,” Charles said, and then looked at me in the rearview mirror for approval. I gave him a slight nod.
Leila shook my hand, forcing me to look at her. “I haven’t
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We were both quiet during our meal, and I really didn’t taste it, although I knew the food was exquisite. It was a lovely afternoon, but it was time to start heading back.“Shall we?” I asked, having already paid the bill.Leila nodded, dabbing at her lips with her napkin.“Man, you were hungry!” I said, reaching out to help her up. “I am definitely going to have to start feeding you more often.”Leila laughed. “It was delicious.”I smiled. “Then, I’ll have to order take out from here more often.”“That would be lovely.” She swayed a bit as she got to her feet, but I steadied her.Actually, I had planned to have all of our meals catered for a while … at least until after the baby was born, if not indefinitely. “Shall we?”I kept my arm around her waist, helping to steady her, as we headed out the front door where the limo was
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 164
“Well, little man,” I said, walking down the hallway and into the penthouse, “it looks like it’s just you and me.”I set Jase down onto the floor, threw three blood bags into the microwave, and made us both a glass of iced tea. A moment later, there was a knock on the door. When I answered it, Kellen was on the other side, wearing his signature blue jeans, white T-shirt, and jacket and sneakers.“Hey, guy,” I said, stepping aside. “Thanks for coming.”“Addie said that you wanted to see me,” Kellen said. “What’s up?”I walked over to the microwave and pulled out the blood bags. Kellen sat down on one of the club chairs, and Jase crawled up in his lap. I poured a blood bag into a sippy cup for Jase, and the other two into long-stemmed glasses for Kellen and me. Carrying the two glasses, I crossed the room and handed Kellen one of the glasses as I sat down on the couch adjace
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 165
I ran quickly through the penthouse, leaving Leila and Jase sleeping, as I flung the front door of the penthouse open. “Stay here with Leila and Jase! Let no one enter but me!” I yelled to Channing and Blake, standing outside the door.“I’ll go with you!” Channing yelled.“No! Do not leave Leila and Jase!” I said over my shoulder. “Stay with them! Protect them at all cost!”They both nodded, on full alert. Unwilling to wait for the elevator, I ran down the hallway to the stairwell and down them as quickly as I could. I pushed the door open, and Gregory saw me running through the back of the castle. He nodded to Cal, another vampire bodyguard, and they both followed me quickly out the door. Guests stepped back, startled, as I rushed into the courtyard, but moved along. I looked around, but my ghost was gone.Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, Gregory asked. “Mr. Steel, what’s wrong?”
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 166
I smiled, glad to see that she was in such good spirits, especially after the day we had, and headed into the bathroom. Soon, I emerged from the shower, refreshed, with just a towel wrapped around my waist.“Hum,” Leila said, sitting in a club chair in the living room, adjacent from the bathroom, “you look good enough to eat.”I laughed. “Now, don’t you dare get that started.”She laughed as she finished the last of the blood in her glass and I headed toward the bedroom. I came out a few minutes later, wearing a dark gray suit, black Versace shoes, with my dark brown hair combed back, still wet from the shower.Leila gave a low whistle, smiling.“Don’t start,” I said, grinning as she laughed.“No, I don’t want you to be late for your meeting,” she said, smiling seductively, “but maybe later.”I shook my head. “Leila, you need to rest.&rdquo
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 167
I walked over to her and gave her air kisses over both cheeks. “You didn’t tell me you were coming, but thanks for being here.”She looked at me seriously. “What happened last night affects us all, but I also came for a reason that I will divulge later.” Then, she gave my arm a gentle squeeze. “But when it comes to yours and your family’s safety, I will always be here.”I pulled her in for a slight hug, and she gave me air kisses over both cheeks, careful not to smudge her red lipstick. “Thank you, Raven.” I then walked to the head of the table and addressed everyone in the room. “Thank you all for coming tonight. You may be seated.” They all complied, but I remained standing. “As you know, we were attacked last night. I asked you to come here tonight so we could exchange information. If you know anything at all about anything that I am about to tell you, please let me know. In exchange, I wi
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 168
Then, I turned to everyone in the room. “There are horsd'oeuvres and wine. Please help yourselves. Thank you all for coming. I will keep you apprised of any developments. Please, do the same if anything happens in your covens, or if you discover any leads.”Then, I walked over to Drake. “May I speak with you privately?”Drake nodded and followed me into a small conference room. I pulled out my checkbook and laid it down on the table. “Drake, I apologize that I haven’t to the hospital lately, but Leila isn’t well. I appreciate you keeping the deliveries coming, though.” I started writing and added a few more zeros than usual, since I hadn’t been to the hospital for a while, then tore it off and handed it to him.“Thanks, Lance,” Drake said, slipping the check into his pocket. “I’ll make sure that the hospital gets this.”I nodded. “Thanks, Drake. I sincerely app
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 169
I nodded. “Thank you for coming. Kellen can show you out.”“I would be happy to,” Kellen said as he stepped up beside me and ushered them out.“Well, Lance,” Xander said, smiling as he slapped me on the back, “although I haven’t known you long, every time I see you is always an adventure.”I laughed, giving him a man handshake. “That it is, but I can tell you that I’m looking forward to sharing some quieter times, my friend.”Xander laughed. “You and I both.”“Well, we really must go,” Elias interjected. “Please tell Dr. Ryan and your wife that I will be here in the morning to begin work.”I nodded. “I will, but I’m afraid that it will be just you and Dr. Ryan, but if you need any assistance, I will be here, so just let me know.”“Well, one thing I know, we’ll need is a guinea pig; someone to test t
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 170
When she saw how relaxed we all were, even Adeline joined in the fun. “I’ll clean this up in the morning when I come,” she said, laughing.I laughed. “No need. I’ll have the cleaning crew take care of it in the morning,” I said, taking Jase into my arms. “As long as you all are happy, we can always clean the house.”“I’m glad to hear you say that,” Leila said, and then threw another piece of popcorn at me as everyone laughed.Jase laughed, too, within my arms. “Mommy funny!”“Oh, yeah?” I asked, tickling his belly as he laughed. Then, I leaned down and blew on his neck, making a loud noise as he squirmed within my arms.“Well, I think that’s our cue,” Amy said, and then looked over at Adeline. “Shall we?”Adeline nodded as she got to her feet, laughing. “I’ll be here in the morning,” she said to me.
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Touched by a Vampire Chapter 241 and Epilogue
LeilaJase started toward me, but Selestra held up her hand, stopping him. “Wait!”“Selestra,” Lance growled, his eyes flaring a brilliant green. “If you do not release the children now, I will personally tear you to pieces.”“As a show of good faith, I’m giving you back the children,” she replied. “But Raif is crazed with vengeance. I couldn’t take his abuse anymore, and I left him and took your children with me.”“It’s a lie!”“Lance, wait!” I held my hand up, stopping her. “What if she’s telling the truth?” Then I turned to Selestra. “So, give us the children. Once they’re safe, then we’ll talk.”Selestra nodded. “Agreed.” She motioned for Jase and Addie to go to us, and they both rushed toward me and hugged me.“She’s alone,” Addie whispered, keeping her voice so low only I could hear.I nodded once. “Jase, Sirena, go home with Raven. we’ll talk when we get there.”Jase looked between us and said, “Be safe.”Lance pulled them both in for a quick hug, making it look good. But he ki
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 240
Leila“I spoke with Kellen,” Lance said, quickly crossing the room. “He’s called an emergency and is locking down the castle as we speak. He’s also agreed to stay with Sirena and Emma, too.” He let out a deep breath, placing his hands on his hips. “It may be overkill, but I don’t care. Sirena needs all the protection we can give her.”A moment later, there was a knock on the door.Lance held up his hand to me and quickly crossed the room. He looked through the peephole, opened the door, and extended his hand to Emma. “Thanks for this. I’m so sorry we had to phone you on such short notice.”“Not a problem. I’m glad to help.” She walked in dressed in a pair of jeans, a floral shirt, and boots, similar to what I was wearing. I was sure she had come prepared to fight, too.“Thank you so much for this.” I pulled her in for a quick hug. “After Kellen locks down the castle, he’ll come stay with you.”Emma nodded. “That’s fine.” She pointed down the hallway. “Is Sirena in the family room?”I
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Leila“What do you mean ‘they’re missing?’” Lance demanded, taking a step closer.Raven took a deep breath, the most flustered I’d ever seen her. “After dinner, they were dismissed and were in their common rooms. One of the other students said that Jase got a call... from you.” Her head snapped up toward me. “So, he stepped out into the hallway with Addie and never came back in.”“From me?” I asked in disbelief, shaking my head. “It wasn’t me.”“Well, the student said your number popped up on his phone.” Raven shook her head. “I’m so sorry—”“Who was the student?” I asked.Raven let out a deep breath. “Kian Medine. The Medine family is important in the witch community and very trustworthy.”I nodded. “Can you do a locator spell on him like you did last time?”“That’s what I planned to do.” She looked into Lance’s eyes. “I knew you would want to be present.”Lance nodded. “Thank you.” He gritted his teeth. “If Raif and Selestra have them, there will be no place they can hide. I’ll tear
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LeilaI nodded. “I know you will.” I rose to my feet and pulled her in for a hug. “My husband and I will discuss this and will get back to you. Thank you for coming.”“Would you like to meet our daughter before you go?” Lance asked.Emma nodded. “Yes, please.” Her eyes brightened. It was clear that she loved children.I nodded. Whether or not we hired her, what harm could it do to introduce Emma to Sirena? “Right this way.”I walked down the hallway, and Emma walked beside me as Lance followed behind. When we entered the family room, Sirena was playing Chess alone, switching seats at each turn. It was the funniest thing I’d ever seen. Then guilt filled my chest for not having anyone her age to occupy her. “Sirena, honey, I’d like you to meet someone.”Sirena looked up and smiled, her game forgotten as she crossed the room purposefully toward Emma and thrust out her hand. “Hello. My name is Sirena. What’s your name?”“My name is Emma.” She tilted her head to the side, smiling. So, you
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 237
LeilaEmma sat on the edge of her seat and smiled, folding her arms on her lap. “My name is Emma Fitzroy.” She had the type of British accent that I could listen to all day.Lance’s head snapped up, a crease between his eyes. “Fitzroy? As in ‘the bastard son of a king?’”“Lance!” I scoffed, unable to believe what he had just said.“Please, pardon me, both of you.” Lance looked over at me and smiled. “The word was more commonly used in our time. Please, forgive me.”I nodded cautiously. “It’s okay.”But Emma smiled, unaffected. “It’s okay. I used to hear it all the time years ago. But not many people know the meaning or connotation today.”Lance nodded. “So, who was your father?”She let out a deep breath. “My father was King Henry I, and I am one of his illegitimate children.”My eyes nearly bugged out of my head, but miraculously, I maintained my composure. “Could you explain that to us? I mean, how did you come to be in our coven?”She nodded. “I was born the twenty-sixth of June, i
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 236
LeilaLance let out a deep breath. “After hearing everything, the Council agreed with my reasoning. They couldn’t believe all the threats Raif had leveled against you and the children, and they agreed that if he defeated me, he would also take over the Council, the vampire world, and the rest of the supernatural creatures. When I told them he wanted to be king, they agreed that we can’t let that happen.”“Well, let’s eat, and then you can take a shower before Emma gets here.” I made a sandwich out of a biscuit, an egg, and a slice of bacon.Lance laughed. “What are you doing?”“I used to do this all the time when I was human.” I picked it up and took a bite. “You should try it! It’s good!”“Can I have some?” Sirena asked, looking at my biscuit sandwich with curiosity.“Sure!” I slid her onto my lap and made her a sandwich with the other biscuit, egg, and bacon. Lance got up and made another one for me and warmed up a bag of blood for her.“Here you go!” I handed her the biscuit sandw
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 235
LeilaLance raised up and kissed my shoulder, smiling as he laced his fingers through my hair. “Why don’t you shower, and I’ll fix the coffee?” He traced lazy circles over my body, raising my nipples to peaks and sending chills over my body. “I would take a shower with you, but Sirena will be up in a few minutes, and her seeing her mommy and daddy naked may cause unnecessary trauma.” He chuckled. “It’ll cost me a fortune in therapy for the rest of her life.”I laughed, running my fingers through his dark brown wavy hair. “We really need to find her a nanny.”He laughed. “Yes, we do.” Then his lips descended upon mine in a passionate kiss as my tongue swiped over his, all heat and desire. He pulled back a moment later and gave me one last sweet kiss. Then he slid out of bed and slipped into his sleeping shorts and a white T-shirt.“Ahh,” I moaned, reaching for him. “Come back to bed.”He chuckled, one corner of his lips curling into a sexy smile. “You don’t know how tempting that is.”
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 234
LanceI nodded. “So, what say you? I will poll each of you. An answer of Yay will be in favor of banning together to fight. An answer of Nay will be against.” I looked around the room. “Xander.”“Yay.”I nodded. “Drake.”“Yay.”“Annette.”“If he would go so far as to threaten you and your family and then take over the Council, then my answer is Yay,” she replied.I nodded. “Felicia.”She let out a deep breath, a crease forming between her eyes. It was clear that she was not making her decision lightly. “Yay.”“So, it’s unanimous. We will stand and fight. I appreciate your support.” I placed my hands on the table as I leaned forward. “I’ll coordinate with you and will let you know when we plan to attack. But as of this moment, we are at war with Raif Cavanaugh, Leader of the East Coven.” I let out a deep breath. “I asked Chef Faustino to prepare a special buffet for you. So, please. Enjoy.” I motioned toward the buffet lined up against the wall, filled with all sorts of delicacies incl
Touched by a Vampire Chapter 233
LanceLeila and I went through several applicants for Sirena’s nanny but didn’t find anyone suitable. The successful applicant needed to be a vampire with fighting skills, capable of protecting Sirena during a crisis. He or she would also have to have good nanny and child nurturing skills. Not an easy combination to find in one person.“So, did you have any luck finding a nanny for Sirena?” A smile spread across Kellen’s face as we headed toward the main conference room for the meeting with the Supernatural Council, consisting of the heads of all the covens and packs in Las Vegas.I scoffed. “No. Not yet. It’s proving to be as difficult as it was to find a nanny and protector for Jase.”Kellen nodded, stopping just outside the door. “I think I may have a solution for you.”“Oh?” My eyebrows shot up.“I know a young woman that reminds me a lot of Addie, but she was a little older when she was turned.”“How old was she?”“Eighteen,” he replied. “I think Addie was sixteen when she was tu
