Ravenous (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Free Page A

protesting growl at the small fare on the tray.
    “Anne, it would seem our guest is famished. Send a more robust meal from the kitchens.”
    Surprised by his notice of her state, Emma was asked to be seated.
    George was direct and quick to the point. “We are curious as to why a young lady would come upon our residence late at night, and during a summer storm?”
    Emma was prepared with a story she thought upon for weeks.
    “I heard of the need for a governess in this home, and I felt to hurry was of the essence since I have not been able to find employment with any families of nobility. You see once the lady of the house ascertains me, I am immediately judged and sent away. I am in need of employment and hoping to gain such with his lordship.”
    Silence filled the room as a new tray was brought in with a few sandwiches and cut fruit. She looked upon the tray with longing, however, took proper bites in front of the butler.
    “I see. There is a position of governess here. The children were left to Lord Halverson from a dear friend. The children have suffered greatly since the death of their parents. They are in need of a helping hand and teaching,” he said.
    “Might you have references?”
    Emma’s heart slowed. She had not thought of that. She was unfamiliar with the hiring process.
    Emma knew she must have a struck look in her eyes at his question. He seemed to look more closely at her. She just hoped she had not given herself away.
    “No matter, at the moment, we need someone to start immediately. The children are in the nursery. May I suggest you think upon lessons for today, and we will have you meet with them this evening? Please meet his lordship in the dining hall for supper this evening.”
    At her affirmative nod, the butler left her to break her fast.
    Emma sat in silence as she ate quickly, her mind in a whirl. She had gained employment to a man of which did not interview her for the post. It was in fact daylight, and his lordship was not about; the rumors of Lord Halverson’s absence during the daylight hours were indeed true. And then something struck her. The butler did not ask for her name.
     
    * * * *
     
    Gabriel was in a dead sleep. It was symptomatic of his kind. He slept during the daylight hours, to awaken as the sun closed over the horizon. He was never conscious of the happenings around his home, but today he felt a new presence. Vibrant and beautiful warmth in his home, he tried to reach out to the feeling, but found himself closed off. Frustration roiled through his body as he cursed his undead state. He had never been able to feel someone during the daylight hours, and he suddenly felt the need to claw his way to consciousness. This woman, of which he was sure George had taken care of, would be staying in his home. Feeling relaxed, he willed himself to a deeper sleep.
    As night approached, Emma’s nerves were on end. She had thought over her lessons as a child, and had come up with some suitable instructions. The children were twins and were the age of nine, a boy and a girl, named James and Rose. Anne had warned her that they were spirited children. She could handle spirited children. Emma had given much of her time to the local orphanage. She was always able to keep a firm but loving hand upon them.
    Emma approached the dining hall and found she was alone. She was about to turn around and leave when she bumped into George.
    “Lord Halverson will be in shortly. Please sit and start your supper.”
    “Will the children be joining us?” Emma asked.
    “They have already eaten and have retired for the evening. His lordship wanted to speak with you before you meet them.” With that George quit the room.
    Emma took a seat at a chair that was pulled out for her by a footman. She ate her primary course in silence. It was twenty minutes before Lord Halverson entered the room. The world spun, and Emma felt tingling begin at the base of her spine and then up to her woolly brain. He was the