Page 33 of Cursed Lifeline

"In fact," Caelum continues, wiping his mouth after downing his drink. I look his way just as his glassy eyes find mine, "it's immorality that has brought us here. So cheers to that."

He raises his glass to take another sip and frowns when he realizes he's drunk it all.

Silas rolls his eyes, clearly annoyed by his brother for being roused from bed at this early hour. Sila's job, which is strictly enforced by the council, is to watch over me at night, and ensure I'm safe as I slumber quietly in my bed. It's a job that has to annoy him as Alfred and Caelum stagger in at all hours from wherever their latest indecent and vulgar endeavors have taken them.

Once or twice, I've almost sought Silas out and told him not to worry about watching over me so he could get some rest since I'm already guarded by a force that even the council couldn't defeat. But then that would divulge the secret of who and what is covering me. Protecting me.And I know I can't do that.

A caring caress touches my mind as a loving brush of Felix's approval fleets across my thoughts.

"I wouldn't go cheersin' and celebratin' just yet," Silas scowls. "There's still a lot at stake and a lot of work to put in if Esme is going to ever truly be able to defend herself against any bloodthirsty vampires, especially the famed Immortalis Coven."

"Speaking of celebrations," Alfred butts in. We turn and look his way as he unbuttons his coat with one hand, eases himself into a midnight blue high-back chair, and sips of his drink. "Father is planning another gala tonight."

"In honor of what this time?" I laugh.

"Marriage."

My brow furrows. Alfred takes another sip of his drink and studies me over the rim. The look he gives me hints that I already know the answer to my next question before I even ask.

"How wonderful," I manage, though my voice comes out shakier than expected. "Who is the lucky couple?"

From outside in the garden, anger reaches my mind before Alfred even speaks another word. It grows and engulfs itself into an inferno that I know won't be stopped if my brother tells me what I fear he's about to.

"Lord Laurent is finally announcing his engagement," Alfred hisses as he sets his drink down on the table in front of us. "To Miss Esmerelda Martin. They are to be married in one month's time."

My eyes grow wide. My hands shake. My ears refuse to believe what I've just heard.

"That's impossible," I whisper. "I gave father the money and …"

"Like I said," Alfred sighs, "Father is obsessed and preoccupied with this cult of reason. He's spent your money, and now he once again needs more. Lord Laurent, though timid at first, maybe even a little frightened, was once again willing to bail him out for a price."

"That price being me?"

No one says a word as the violent rage in the garden just outside the window grows.

"He won't live long enough to see me walk down the aisle," I seethe.

"Oh, I'm betting on that," Alfred laughs. "That's not what concerns me though."

"Pray tell what does then?" I sass.

"Lord Laurent is the last thing that stands between Father and King Louis. He dies. King Louis dies. Then what's to stop Father's cult of reason from growing."

"The coven," I insist.

Alfred and Caelum laugh.

Silas regards me with a sad smile.

"You may have stolen the heart of the prince of darkness, Esme, but I guarantee the rest of the damned will not be so willing to stand down when Father opens the door for them to not only hunt at night through King Louis' reign of terror but any time they like. Father has said he's intent on enlisting every coven worldwide to help him build an empire. Not just the Immortalis. He's hell-bent on making a new religion in France. One that won't be stopped by any King. One that is ruled by reason, remember? His reason. Not a higher power. Well," my brother chuckles, "Excluding his, that is."

"So I'm to be married to that old Lord to stop father?" I shout.

Even though I sense Felix's rage, surprisingly I also sense his calming touch. His gentle pleading to take a deep breath. To listen, to know, and understand that Lord Laurent, my father, they will be stopped.

"No," Alfred bristles at my tone. "Hewon't allow it."

Felix.

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