The Rise of Vlad (The Seeker Series Book 3) by Ditter Kellen

Author:Ditter Kellen [Kellen, Ditter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DK MEDIA, LLC
Published: 2016-08-21T18:30:00+00:00

* * * *

Vlad awoke to the sound of Nita’s laughter. It washed over him in a warmth that instantly soothed him.

He dressed in record time and moved silently to the top of the stairs to peer below.

Nita sat on the floor of the foyer, playing with Lucius while her mother stood nearby, holding a ball. Shon sat in a chair with Laura on his lap, and Angel leaned against the wall with his arm around Ember.

Everyone had a smile on their face, including Mordecai, who had just stepped into the room.

Vlad’s heart swelled with emotion as he stood there watching Nita interact with his family. Even her mother seemed happy and relaxed.

Nita suddenly lifted her head, her gaze zeroing in on Vlad. “We were beginning to wonder if you would sleep all night.”

Vlad had needed the sleep after being caught in the dawn’s early light. Though he managed to forego the blisters by making it indoors in time, the rising of the sun had managed to drain him of strength.

“I was starting to wonder that myself.” Vlad glided down the stairs, stopping next to Nita to offer her a hand.

She accepted his palm, smiling as he pulled her to a standing position.

“More,” Lucius cried in a baby’s voice, tugging on Nita’s jeans.

Nita laughed and ruffled the child’s hair. “After dinner. I promise.”

“You will make a wonderful mother someday,” Ember informed Nita while plucking her small child up from the floor.

The insecure look in Nita’s eyes wasn’t lost on Vlad. He would ask her about it when they were alone.

“Dinner is ready,” Mordecai announced, offering Virginia his arm.

The older woman blushed, accepted his assistance, and allowed him to lead her to the dining room.

Everyone sat at the table, drinking wine while the shifters and Lucius ate.

Vlad’s gaze drifted to Nita more than once. He had so many questions to ask her. For instance, why her mother wasn’t kicking and screaming about being in a room full of vampires. And why the mention of children caused Nita anxiety.

“I trust that you have everything you need, Mrs. Franks?” Vlad asked, gaining Nita’s mother’s attention.

“Please call me Virginia.” She moved to stand. “Might I have a word with you?”

Vlad glanced around the table, the corner of his mouth lifting. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that no matter where they went in the house, the others would hear. Their vampire hearing would pick up sounds several hundred feet away.

“Absolutely.” He stood to follow her into the foyer.

Nita stood as well. “Mother?”

“Finish your dinner, my daughter. The Impaler will not harm me.”

Vlad stopped in front of the elder shifter once they reached the foyer. “What is on your mind?”

Virginia wrung her hands, staring at her feet for several heartbeats before meeting his gaze. “I would like to begin by thanking you for saving Nita’s life.”

“There is no need for thanks. I owed her.”

“Yes, well. You have my undying gratitude. She is all that I have left.”

Vlad felt uncomfortable with her praise. “My guess is that you didn’t bring me out here to thank me.

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