Blood Magic (After Dark Book 7) by Sarah Bailey (ereader for android txt) 📗

Gavin looked pained for a moment. Talking about their maker, Yvonne, was a sore subject. The less said about that incident, the better. I never want to think about it again.

“Neave is Daisy’s sire, although she’s given up all claim as her master.”

Jamie sat back, wondering how the hell that has happened.

“Wait, Neave sired your wife? After what happened to her, I thought she’d never turn anyone.”

“Do you think I asked her on a whim? It was a life or death situation.”

Gavin looked a little rattled. It made Jamie hold back a grin. He did quite enjoy getting under his brother’s skin. It had always been a game to him.

Well, now he’s told me why I’m here, perhaps I can get back to Dani. I want to know why she’s been kept hidden away.

“Who’d have thought a little human would get you all worked up?”

Gavin’s lip twitched.

“You won’t be saying that when you meet her, I assure you.”

“Well, she must be a force of nature if she puts up with you all the time.”

“You really do know how to try my patience. Go and send Neave in here.”

Jamie jumped to his feet, grinning.

“And remember what I said. The fae princess is not a new toy for you.”

He waved a hand at Gavin.

“I heard you the first time.”

“Jamie…”

“I’m not going to do anything.”

He slunk away before Gavin could get another word in. The door closed quietly behind him.

He really is a dog with a bone. I just want a conversation with her.

He strolled back out into the bar, spying Neave immediately. He waited whilst she finished serving a customer.

“So, how long did it take for him to lose his temper with you this time?” she asked, leaning against the backbar.

“Hmm… Gav? He was relatively calm. Probably because he wanted something from me.”

Neave cocked an eyebrow, grinning.

“And that is?”

“Oh, you’ll know soon enough. He wants a word.”

Neave’s face fell. She straightened, walking around the bar and coming to a halt next to him.

“Are you sure you don’t want to give me a clue?”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“What will you give me in return?”

“You really have no shame.”

His lips curved up into a smile.

“None whatsoever.”

She flipped her hair and walked away towards the staff door, pausing and giving him a wink before she disappeared. He shook his head. Neave was like a big sister to him. He’d missed the cheeky vampire’s company.

Looking around the bar, he spied Dani nursing her drink in a corner booth. Fright Night wasn’t too busy, but there were a few shifters, vampires and humans dotted around. He purposely made a beeline for her. Her eyes were on her phone. She didn’t hear his approach. He slid into the booth next to her silently.

“You said curiosity brought you here. I’m curious why you didn’t tell me you’re a princess.”

§

Dani jumped at the sound of his voice, phone clattering on the table. She put a hand on her heart.

“You scared me.”

Jamie leant back, smiling at her. She eyed the vampire warily. His steel grey eyes glinted with mischief in the low light of the bar.

I shouldn’t be talking to him. Not really. If my father knew I was here, he’d kill me. And how on earth did he know who she was?

“My apologies.”

“Who told you I’m a princess?”

Dani didn’t need that piece of information becoming public knowledge.

“My brother. It’s his business to know who’s who, he does run London after all.”

“Oh… Wait, my father told me about him. Gavin, right? He’s your brother?”

I didn’t know vampires had siblings.

“We shared a maker. I was her last and youngest child, but never mind that. You are the king’s daughter, are you not?”

Dani sat back. She hadn’t wanted to reveal her identity to anyone.

“Yes.”

“What really brings you to a vampire bar?”

Could she trust someone she’d only just met with the truth? Jamie seemed like the type who didn’t take much seriously. Perhaps he’d be the perfect candidate. He ran a hand through his chestnut hair. She sighed, looking down at her fingers.

“The fae court is still in chaos after Queen Gwilliana’s death. My father doesn’t know I’m here nor will he. Since my mother died, he’s been overprotective, but I’m of age now. I want to know what I’ve been missing.”

The fae came of age at twenty five. It’d been her birthday three months ago. Her father had promised he’d loosen her apron strings, but Gwilliana’s death had scuppered those plans. She was fed up with waiting.

The vampire smiled at her, his white teeth gleaming.

“So, you’ve been rather sheltered?”

“You could say that.”

“Well, you could do worse than hang out in here.”

“I’m sure there’s more to our world than this.”

She waved her hand around at the bar. She wanted excitement, to be free to do as she pleased. She wanted to know what really went on in the supernatural underworld.

“There is, why? Did you want to see it all?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t know where to start.”

The mischievous glint in his silver eyes made her blood pound. The subtle smile on his face made her aware he could hear it.

“I have only just returned after a spell in Prague. It was my plan to reacquaint myself with the city, so you’re welcome to tag along. Although, I shouldn’t be offering, Gav did tell me to stay away from you.”

Why would he do that? Unless it’s because of who I am and who my father is.

It seemed like a logical explanation.

“Why? Does he think you’ll get me into trouble?”

He chuckled, a sly grin appearing on his lips.

“I think you want to get into