Blood Vengeance Read Free Page B

pointedly at his Hummer and then back at him, trying to tell him to run for it.
    But he’d just cocked his head and grinned arrogantly, fearlessly. She’d known why he wasn’t afraid. There weren’t many threats to a Master vampire as powerful as he was. Actually, there were only two: killing all of his created children, his power draining with each death, and a witch. A powerful witch…like Keira. And she, under Leeha’s orders, had been very careful to keep her magic concealed so he wouldn’t sense it.
    Approaching the two females, Luukas had come to a halt directly in front of Leeha, finally dragging his eyes from Keira long enough to greet her. Bending at the waist, he’d taken her proffered hand, briefly kissing the back of it before letting it drop back to her side.
    “Leeha.”
    His voice was deep and as smooth as a fine cognac. He’d spoken in low tones, and Keira had felt chills whisper over her skin as he’d bowed again and introduced himself to her, boldly raking his eyes over her small form. “My name is Luukas Kreek, originally from Estonia.”
    She’d opened her mouth to tell him her name, but was interrupted by Leeha before she could say anything.
    “She is not important,” she’d sneered. “I trust you had no troubles finding my home?”
    Luukas had stared intensely at Keira a moment longer before turning his attention back to his hostess. “No trouble at all. Shall we go in? Or are we going to do this out here?”
    Leeha had smiled at him sweetly, looking up at him through lowered lashes. “Follow me.” Shooting a warning look Keira’s way, she’d grabbed her roughly by the arm and pushed her out in front, while she herself fell into step with Luukas.
    “Do you have a new pet?” she’d heard him ask.
    Leeha had chuckled. “You could say that.”
    “Does she not have any warmer clothes?”
    Keira had still been wearing the rolled-up cargo shorts, slip-on Keds, and white, short-sleeved printed T-shirt she’d worn to the carnival.
    Leeha had been silent for a moment. “I suppose I could find her something,” she’d said offhandedly.
    She hadn’t. Keira still wore the same clothes today, but she had been given something of a blanket.
    Following the rambling creek into the cave at the base of the mountain, Keira had felt the tiny hairs rise on the back of her neck as she felt the weight of his eyes on her. She tried to ignore him, leading them over to the tunnel that would take them into the interior. Torches lined the walls, lighting the way through the narrow space, until it gradually opened into a gaping cavern, and Luukas had whistled with appreciation as he’d taken it all in. “Wow. Quite a place you have here.”
    The main room they’d entered had been gouged out of the mountain interior until it resembled a great cathedral of old, including mosaic floor tiles, massive columns, and a soaring ceiling of pointed arches. At the far end of the center aisle were smooth stone steps leading up to a large platform, upon which sat an impressive throne made of the same glossy, black stone that lined the walls, with threads of glittering gold interspersed throughout. Plush red cushions covered the seat and back, completing the royal effect.
    Luukas had turned in a circle, taking in the full effect. “Impressive.”
    Leeha had preened like a peacock under his praise. “It took my vampires a full six months to construct it to my specifications. There is no electricity, but I prefer it that way. We do have running water, however," Leeha had told him proudly. "I think they did quite well."
    “Where are all of your little minions?” Luukas had asked.
    “Oh, they’re around. There are many rooms here in my home, many more than meets the eye,” Leeha had alluded.
    Luukas smiled. “I would expect nothing less.” With another quick glance at Keira, he’d proposed, “Shall we get down to business?”
    Giving him a regal nod, Leeha had glided down the aisle and climbed the stairs to