MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles Read Online Free

please!”
    Cordelia’s objections faded behind the closed door, leaving the room in a heavy hush and Broderick to ponder Cordelia’s involvement in this charade. She knew Angus would make the transformation, though she may not have known about the results. Why had that information caused such elation?
    Rasheed contemplated Broderick lying on the stone floor with narrowed eyes. After a long moment, the Elders filed out of the room through the same door in which Cordelia disappeared, none of them uttering a word. Angus stood over Broderick’s body, shaking with a fever from the Vamsyrian blood purging the last of his humanity. The scent of his enemy—a distinct, musky spice—wafted around Broderick and he committed the aroma to his memory. “Brothers for all eternity now, forever bonded by blood.” Kneeling beside Broderick, Angus whispered, “I will give you this time, Rick, to learn what you have become. Use the time wisely. Once ‘tis over, I will hunt you.” Rising, Angus nodded and whirled toward the exit.
    “Not if I find you first.” Broderick grinned as he lay shuddering and scowled at Angus, who marched from the Grand Hall.

    Stewart Glen, Scotland—Late Autumn, 1505—Nineteen Years Later
    Davina Stewart’s eyes danced with delight around the colorful tents and caravans of the Gypsy camp. So many exotic scents drifted through her senses, her mouth watered one moment and she heaved a pleasurable sigh the next. Among the flickering torches and fires, acrobats tumbled, jugglers tossed flaming batons high into the air, and merchants waved their wares from around the world at the passersby. Davina’s father Parlan and her brother Kehr excused themselves and ambled over toward the horseflesh the Gypsies had for sale.
    “Davina.” Her mother Lilias pressed a hand to Davina’s arm, then gestured toward a tent in the distance. “Myrna and I will be at that tent. I mean to get your father a gift before he and your brother return. Stay close to Rosselyn and do not wander off.”
    “Aye, M’ma.” Watching her mother and Myrna join arms and stroll off, Davina clenched her jaw to contain her excitement.
    Rosselyn stood with her mouth agape.
    Davina cleared her throat. “If you wish to stand here and stare after our mothers, then you will do so by yourself. I, for one, am not going to miss out on this rare opportunity to explore my freedom.” Davina turned and scampered in the opposite direction to put some distance between her and her mother.
    Rosselyn scurried to catch up, and linked arms with Davina. “As your handmaid and entrusted guardian, need I remind you she said not to wander off?”
    “Can you believe she left us to explore?” Giddiness bubbled up inside Davina and giggles spurted through her hands as she covered her mouth.
    “Do you not get enough exploring while you visit with your brother at court?” Rosselyn tucked a stray, chestnut curl under her coif.
    “Bah!” Davina scoffed, imitating her brother’s favored exclamation. “Court is a horrible place to be, I have learned. The women backbite each other, supposedly friends, and all they ever talk about is the tossing of skirts and secret meetings with bonnie lads in the garden.” Heat rose to Davina’s face at her bold proclamation.
    Rosselyn giggled. “Davina Stewart, you’re blushing! And as you should! Your mother would take a strap to you if she heard you say such things.”
    “At court, M’ma keeps me close at hand, so nay, I don’t explore much there, either. I shall revel in my freedom this night!” Davina laughed. The glee vanished over the realization of how she must sound. “Oh, don’t misunderstand me. I adore M’ma, but…”
    “Aye, she hardly ever allows you out of her reach, let alone her sight.” Rosselyn was two years older than Davina’s thirteen and had grown up in their household. Naturally, she fell into the role of Davina’s handmaid since her mother, Myrna, was Lilias’s handmaid. Though Rosselyn