Daughters of Dracula (The Stoker Sisters #1) Read Online Free

the Stokers, it is I who has been charmed. They are a delight and I’ve no doubt the artistry you bring to them is partly responsible.”
    “I know you far more than you realize. Your innocence doesn’t quite fool me.”
    “Innocence?” He walked up close to Delilah, close enough to use his body to guide her up against the table.
    “The boyish charm you display. The playful way you have with both Sadie and Alexis, though I’ve noticed how your play can be a tad more passionate with Alexis.”
    “Jealous, are we?” Ashwin had cornered Delilah, his lips a few inches away from her neck.
    “Hardly,” Delilah said, pushing Ashwin lightly away and stepping out around him. “I enjoy spending time with you, idly chatting about nothing in particular and watching you try your charms on me, but I must warn you, Ashwin .”
    “I’m tingling to know more.”
    Delilah chuckled, a sound that was devoid of amusement.
    They stood close to one another; Ashwin smirking with a trace of arrogance; Delilah frowning and determined to get through to him.
    “It may not be wise to play one sister against the other,” she finally said.
    “Do I sense your desire to steer this conversation in another direction?”
    “Mr. and Mrs. Stoker have expressed their concern over your interest in the girls.”
    “We’re more alike than you want to admit, aren’t we?”
    “They are of the belief that Sadie would be better suited to the title you could bring to her, Lord Ashwin .”
    “My fondness for the sweet young woman runs deep, but I can’t deny the strong attraction I feel for the heated passion of the eldest sister. And what is your interest in these girls, Delilah?”
    “I have a love for the girls that runs far deeper than that of tutor/student, Ashwin . Family ties and obligations extend far back, perhaps as early as your time.” She turned away from him, her eyes filled with pain and aching. “I won’t sit by and watch you ruin them. I won’t let you turn them.”
    “I’ve no intention…”
    “What you intend and what occurs are of two minds.” She whirled around to face him again. Her smile had disappeared and the friendly discussion was set to become grim and sinister. “I know of your lineage, of our lineage.”
    Ashwin cocked a brow and smiled, but his unease was apparent in the subtle shifting of his weight from one leg to another.
    “When it comes to love and passion, many men of our lineage lose their wits. Women, too. We are ruled by the thirst.”
    “I know of what you speak of, Delilah. I assure you I have no intent of giving in to the thirst with the girls. I do not wish them the same fate as ours.”
    “I’m watching you, Ashwin . Be aware of that. I don’t know what game you are playing, but I have taken a stance, that of Dracule’s . I’m sure you are aware these girls are the last remaining human descendant of Vlad Dracule himself. His human bloodline runs through their veins. Even their adoptive parents, the Stokers, do not know of it. I’ll not allow you to ruin the bright future both these girls have.”
    Ashwin surveyed Delilah from head to toe, taking her petite, but womanly frame in. He licked his lips seductively, his eyes never leaving Delilah’s eyes. “I do not wish to challenge you, Delilah. It has been a while, hasn’t it, since we’ve been acquainted. Much too long, yet I remember it as clear as yesterday.” He traced his finger along Delilah’s shoulder. “You’ve taught me much,” he said wistfully. Delilah stepped back. Ashwin straightened. “ Dracule himself cannot have chosen a lovelier guardian for his girls.”
    Delilah’s eyes widen before her pupils turned amber, revealing her passion. “ Dracule is not a Strigoi , Ashwin . Remember that. He is not what the Romanians call the evil undead. My tutelage under him has taught me to control my thirst, to control the dark rage within.” Delilah’s hand shot up to Ashwin’s neck in a firm grip, before loosening it to