Vampire - Child of Destiny (Vampire Series Book 2) Read Free

far been unable to sneak past Matilda's women, but I had decided that I would bide my time and that I would eventually succeed.
     
    My words may have been strong, but in truth, I bled inside.  The need to see my son grew stronger every day.  I imagined his chubby face, and his sweet smile, for I feel certain he would be smiling by now.  Henry was ripped from my slashed womb to enable him to live, and as I died, I heard his cry, and rejoiced that he lived, but not once did I see his face.  Matilda had whisked him away, certain that I was dead, but Robert had fed me his blood, and against all the odds, I had survived.  I was certain I had survived so that my son could live his life without their depravity, for as much as I loved Robert, he lived an evil existence, and I did not intend to give my son up to his will.
     
    I decided I would no longer beg Robert for a glimpse of my son.  I would act as if I accepted his words, and that I no longer cared for the child of my heart.  I would also go out of my way to find friendship amongst the vampires.  I needed their trust to be able to move freely around the manor, and to gain their trust, I needed to show them I had fully embraced my new life.
     
    I walked over to the chest that housed my gowns. Tonight I needed to show Robert I had accepted his command, and so I chose my most alluring gown.  Becoming a vampire had changed my appearance.  My dark hair, once straight and sometimes lifeless, now hung around my shoulders in glittering curls, vibrant and beautiful.  My eyes, which had always been my best feature, now not only shone with mischief, but with a blue brilliance to rival any sapphire.  My lips shone red like cherries, and my figure had returned to that of a maiden.  I had noticed, several times, the eyes of some of the male vampires following me lustfully, while the women’s eyes glittered with jealousy.  I had not yet taken advantage of my new beauty, and now was the time to start.
     
    I quickly stepped into my blue dress, deciding for the first time ever that I had no need of a chemise or a corset, and I laced my bodice tightly to ensure that my breasts showed to great advantage.  I then pulled my stomacher tightly to enhance the appearance of my small waist, and I left my hair to fall down my back like a shimmering cape. 
     
    No sooner had I started down the stairs which led to the grand hall, than several pairs of eyes followed by progress.  Stares burned into my skin, but I noticed no one, my eyes were searching for just one man.
     
    Robert was sprawled in a large chair near the fire, his hands full of a newly transformed vampire called Emily.  Jealousy pierced my heart, but I refused to give in to my emotions, and instead looked towards a vampire called Louis who was lounging on the bottom step, lazily but hungrily watching my movements, desire stamped on his face.  Louis was, as his name suggested, French.
    "Bonjour, mademoiselle," he said bowing low.
    "Bonjour, Louis," I laughed, as he grasped my hand in his, lowering his mouth to kiss my hand. 
    "You are very beautiful tonight, mademoiselle...maybe too beautiful, huh?”  His eyes shifted in the direction of Robert.  I followed his gaze, and almost gasped from the piercing ray of rage that radiated from Robert’s eyes.  Robert's hands were still full of Emily, who sat facing him on his lap, her legs twisted around his body, but his eyes were full of me, and he was not happy!  
     
    I turned back to Louis and said, "Please excuse me, Louis, I wish to move closer to the fire."
    Louis chuckled, "Of course, ma petite...I also have no wish to die tonight, huh?  He bowed lower over my hand, and whispered, "Lord Robert...is um, a little put out...do not make him too angry, mademoiselle."  I smiled towards Louis, but my eyes never once left Robert’s.  Mesmerized by his angry stare, and bound by the fierceness in his eyes, I moved closer towards him, but it was more than that, I felt