Beloved Forever Part 20

She couldn't even wiggle her fingers. The only part of her still responding to her brain's commands was her eyes. They darted around the room, searching for escape. When Koss walked toward her, the light in the hallway revealed him more clearly. He was shorter than Nicholas, but muscular, giving him a solid presence. He had bronze skin, dark eyes and black hair, shaved close to his skull. His nose was a large beak, and his lips were thin. She searched for the perfect way to describe him, but the only word that came to mind was foreign. There was something alien about him.

As he stopped a few feet from her, she gasped and was surprised when her body cooperated to make the sound. Even her tongue seemed frozen. The cause of her shocked gasp was the scar on his face. It was cross-shaped, but decorative like an ankh. The scar was ragged, with knots of white flesh on faded pink skin. It was obviously old, but it hadn't disappeared. He must have been marked before his transformation to a vampire.

Tremont threw himself in front of Koss. His desperation was clear in the set of his shoulders.

Koss didn't even pause. He waved his hand, and the diminutive man went flying against the wall. He hit with a loud cracking sound, followed by a cry of pain. Within seconds, the three who had lingered near the door rushed to him, ripping at him.

Emily watched with horror, unable to move, as they tore at Tremont's clothes and skin. She couldn't clearly see what they did to him from her angle, but could guess from the sounds he made. He continued to scream with agony as he tried to defend himself. It didn't take long for them to subdue him and for the screams to fade to silence.

"No one heard him cry out," Koss said with mock sympathy. "Nicholas did an excellent job of shielding this residence. It was difficult for me to find. His power has increased. He is to be commended."

She glared at him, still unable to speak or move. As distressing as was the sound of the three feeding on Tremont's remains, this man's gaze was infinitely more disturbing. She tore her eyes from his, pointedly averting them from the eager sounds issuing from the pack of animals consuming their meal.

"Do they sicken you, Emily?" A cold smile flashed across his face. "Surely, you felt no fondness for Tremont after what he did to you?"

She refused to look at him.

He crooked his finger. "Look at me."

Her frozen muscles loosened, and her neck turned so she was facing him. Emily squeezed her eyes shut, praying for the strength to avoid his gaze.

He chuckled. "You're strong for a young one." Koss's voice dropped to a whisper. "But not strong enough to resist my commands. I could make you scream as loudly as Tremont."

"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction," she bit out, shocked to be able to speak.

He laughed again. "There are more efficient ways, dear, and I want you fresh for the night's activities."

She held her breath when he walked up to her, stopping less than an inch from touching her. She swayed as a roaring filled her ears, and her eyes popped open of their own volition when he touched her cheek.

She whimpered as she found her gaze locking with his. "Do you recognize me yet? We've met before." He caressed her cheek. "Remember, dear? Do you have that sense of deja vu yet, like we've done this all before?"

His soothing tone was seductive, and his eyes were like whirlpools, sucking her in. Emily felt her consciousness flowing from her into him, but couldn't break eye contact. She tried to resist as her body relaxed, but was unable to stand upright. As she crashed into his arms, blackness overwhelmed her, and a dream violently overwhelmed her.

1831, England (Vallsade Manor) Erin blinked back tears and tried to give her husband a brave smile. "It is only three nights, Nicholas."

He caressed her cheek, pushing back her blonde hair. "I hate to leave you for three minutes, beloved."

His other hand cupped her distended stomach. "With the birth so close..."

She shook her head. "More than a month, love. You will return in plenty of time."

Nicholas sighed. "I do not want to leave you. What difference will my vote make?"

She felt a flutter of panic and struggled to suppress it. She knew Nicholas must leave. "As long as the Tories are so vehemently opposed to the Reform Act, even one Whig vote might make all the difference.

Your party needs your voice. The people need you."

He sighed again. "I know you are right, but I have not spent one night away from you in eighteen years."

She smoothed the full skirt of her loose dress and managed to avoid his eyes. "I will be here when you return." She nearly broke down sobbing, but somehow found the strength to continue her pretense. She must protect Nicholas. With a tilted chin, she met his gaze. "All will be well."

Nicholas nodded briskly and took the reins Tremont extended for him. Unmindful of the staff milling about the courtyard of the manor, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. When he reluctantly pulled away, he said, "I shall think of you every moment."

She nodded, unable to respond for the lump of moisture in her throat. She touched his cheek. "Travel carefully, my love," she managed to choke out hoa.r.s.ely.

He mounted the chestnut stallion as Tremont scrambled into the saddle of a tame gray gelding. Nicholas lifted his arm in a wave before turning the horse toward the lowered drawbridge.

Erin drank in the sight of her handsome husband astride his horse as he galloped out of her sight. When he had reached the end of the path, where it turned a bend, and he was no longer visible, she squeezed shut her eyes. She wanted to savor her last glimpse of him. It would feel like an eternity before they were reunited.

As she had dreamed countless times, a disturbance woke her early in the morning. Erin was surprised to have slept at all, with knowing what was coming. She grasped the ornate bra.s.s handle of the daggertucked under her pillow and slid out of the bed that was too large without Nicholas's presence.

She briefly wondered if she should have told him what would happen tonight, but quickly shook her head, knowing if he had stayed, he would have died too. When Koss came for her, he wouldn't let anything stand in his way. His obsession with Nicholas was bound to spill over to her at some point. She was an easy way to hurt her husband.

Would it have made a difference if she accompanied him to the townhouse in London? Would that have stopped Koss from carrying out his plan? Would Nicholas have been able to protect her if he came for her anyway, or would he have died with her and took any chance of them being reunited with him?

A sharp pain shot through her stomach, causing her to gasp and bend over at the waist. It reminded her of why she hadn't gone with him. The pains had bothered her off and on for the last two days, and she knew their daughter was eager to make her appearance. Tears streamed down her cheeks at the thought.

It was no solace to know her baby would have life again in the future. She longed to hold her daughter in this life, even though her visions told her that wasn't to be.

As she lit two of the candles, she heard footsteps on the stairs, and then someone shouting. A cry of pain and the sound of someone tumbling down the stone steps followed the shouting. It sounded like the butler, Eves. If her vision proved correct-as they always did-he would survive the night's events.

Before she knew it, someone was pounding on her bedchamber door. Erin backed into the shadows of the room and waited for a man she had never met to enter her room to kill her.

She recognized him instantly. He was the third to enter, following Nina, the perfidious b.i.t.c.h, a blond-haired man in his forties and a dark-haired man who kept his face in shadows. The scar on his face was the same she had seen repeatedly in her dreams during the last eighteen years. She didn't doubt he was Koss.

Erin tensed as he scanned the room, knowing he saw her when his eyes moved in her direction. She struggled not to move, hoping she was wrong, but still twitched when she saw him turn in her direction.

Erin pressed the dagger against her leg, hiding it in the voluminous folds of the linen shift. Every vision she'd had showed her attempts to defend against Koss were futile, but she wouldn't give in without a fight. Not only did she have a child to protect, but she also wanted to be there when Nicholas returned.

She had too much to lose to yield easily to her fate.

Koss chuckled. "You think you can fight me, Erin?"

She swallowed heavily, but didn't answer.

"Do you think you can hide from me in the corner?" His eyes bored into hers. "I see you." He crooked his finger in her direction. "Come to me."

Her feet moved forward against her will. Erin tried to stop walking forward, but couldn't control her own body. Her hand on the knife loosened, and she bit down hard on her bottom lip. The flash of pain helped collect her thoughts, allowing her to tighten her grip.

He met her halfway. As they stopped before each other, Nina lit the last candle on the bedside table, providing more illumination. The scar on his cheek caught her eyes, and she shuddered.

He nodded, touching it as if by reflex. "It is hideous, is it not?" She didn't answer.

Koss's mouth twisted. "How I came to get it is a long story. Has your husband revealed it?"

She shook her head. In the early days of their marriage, Nicholas rarely spoke of Koss, and hadn't at all for some years. He seemed to think the other man had finally decided to leave him alone. Erin had never corrected his a.s.sumption. If she had told him about her visions of Koss, it would have meant admitting to him that she could see the future. She had kept her secret all these years, fearing he would pressure her for glimpses of the future, and she hadn't wanted to tell him what she saw. He would have tried to change it, and in doing so, he would have died too. She was certain of that.

Koss spoke again. "That is just as well. He doesn't know all of the facts." He laughed as his eyes swung in Nina's direction, but it was a cold sound, lacking any humor. "It is not a pleasant tale, and better reserved for another time." A cruel smile slashed his lips. "Then again, your time is limited, is it not, Erin?"

A frisson of fear darted up Erin's backbone. He committed violence without a second thought. She knew he wouldn't have mercy for her or the child she carried.

Koss shook his head. "Enough of the past. It is the present I am interested in, m'lady." His respectful tone was mocking. "Where is your husband?"

She kept her silence. He was toying with her. His goal was to cause Nicholas pain, and Koss had deliberately waited until he was away. She had no doubt he knew exactly where Nicholas was and when he was due to return to Vallsade Manor.

"He will be heartbroken, will he not?" Koss touched her shoulder. "I do hope you understand this is not personal. You could be anyone."

She found her voice as he drew her nearer. "And my child? Does her life mean nothing?"

"No," Nina snarled, her face contorted with rage. "Destroy them both, Koss."

Koss hesitated for a brief second before shaking his head. "I'll admit the child makes me second-guess myself. Something..." He shrugged. "I do not tolerate indecision in anyone, especially myself. I can find no pity for your child, whatever my instincts might tell me." His eyes fastened on her stomach. "Nicholas must be punished."

She brought up the dagger in one smooth motion and plunged it deep into his heart. Erin let out a hoa.r.s.e cry of triumph when his eyes widened as he clasped his chest. Blood poured from the wound, soaking his hands.

He coughed as he fell to his knees, and a trickle of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth. He grunted with effort as he ripped the dagger from his chest and flung it away.

Erin's mouth fell open when he struggled to his feet. He grinned at her, and a sob broke free from her throat. The dagger had been ineffective, despite the magical charm placed on it by the witch she had consulted with.

Koss wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his black greatcoat. "I commend your useless efforts, m'lady."

He bowed mockingly. When he stood again, he seemed as strong as he had before she stabbed him. "Allfor naught, I fear." He gestured to those who had accompanied him. As silently as they had been since arriving in her room, one man and Nina moved forward to flank her. The shorter man remained hidden in the corners of the room.

Erin watched them warily, waiting for one or all to lunge at her. She wondered why neither had appeared in her visions. Would she have been prepared for them if they had? Why hadn't she realized Nina would have such a prominent role in her execution? She could have told Brannon...

The man moved first, with careless haste. He made a roaring sound as he rushed her, with his hands extended. His nails were sharp, and they gouged into her upper arm as he grabbed her with his left hand.

She waited until he was close before thrusting up her knee as high as the bulk of her stomach would allow and connecting with his genitals. He howled as he backed away from her, swaying.

Before she could turn to face Nina, she was in her arms. Erin struggled to throw off the brunette's tenacious grip, but didn't have the leverage or strength to dislodge her. In desperation, she tried levitating to free herself, but couldn't summon the required energy to lift her own body, let alone break free of the other woman's hold.

"You are as weak as Brannon," Nina taunted as she tightened her grip.

Koss stepped around the man cradling his t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es and walked to Erin. He looked over her shoulder and nodded at the woman. "Well done, Nina. Hold her."

Erin screamed as Koss flipped open his coat and withdrew a sword. She recognized it as the one from the dreams that had haunted her. It had the same carvings on the slender silver handle, and the same slight curve to the sharp blade. She renewed her efforts to twist away from Nina's hold while he brought back his arm.

"I would say death is painless, but that is a lie." He smiled, but his eyes remained without expression. "I will ensure it is permanent by severing your spinal cord, so you will not suffer overly much."

"Please do not do this." She knew begging was useless, but had to try. The baby kicked vigorously, and a pain rippled through her stomach. Had her daughter registered her fear?

He didn't acknowledge her plea by so much as a flicker of his eyes as he swung the sword.

Erin closed her eyes and prayed that just once, one of her visions would be wrong, and this man would have nothing to do with her daughter's future when she was reborn. As the blade slashed through her neck, leaving a fiery trail of pain, she called out Nicholas's name without sound. Her eyes snapped open as pain flooded her, and her last sight was of Koss standing before her with a smile of dark joy on his face as he licked her blood from the blade of his sword before offering it to Nina to cleanse.

Chapter Thirteen.

Emily awoke to find her hands bound behind her back. She was on her knees, and her upper body had slumped forward. Her forehead rested against something hard. Nausea churned in her stomach, causedby fear and heightened by the lingering emotions from the memories. She shuddered.

"Emily?"

She turned her head at the sound of her name whispered close to her ear. Her eyes widened when she saw Michael beside her, bound in the same fashion. "Where are we? What's happened?"

Michael scowled. "They burst into the rectory this evening and overpowered me. I didn't stand a chance." He shook his head. "I fear for Nicholas."

As he spoke, Emily lifted her head and realized she had been propped against the chancel railing. The kneeler pads cushioned her knees, and she frowned at the thought of Koss making she and Michael comfortable. It seemed ominous. "Are we at your church?"

"Yes, St. Peter's." He closed his eyes. "It's no longer a sanctuary, I fear."

She swallowed the lump of fear in her throat. "What will they do to us?"

He shrugged awkwardly. "I haven't had the courage to contemplate the thought."

His fear fed her own, and she closed her eyes, struggling to regain a modic.u.m of control. She was less than successful, because she couldn't hold back a yelp of alarm when someone approached her right side and knelt beside her.

"Open your eyes and look at me." His voice was firm, with a hint of steel that dared her to refuse his command.

With a whimper, Emily turned her head to meet Koss's disturbing gaze. She licked her lips. "Why are you doing this?" He has no pity for anyone, she reminded herself, remembering what he had done to her as Erin when she was pregnant. "What do you want with us?"

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You know the answer to that."

"You want to hu-hurt Nicholas," she forced herself to say, having the irrational fear that voicing the words would give them power.

"Yes." His stark answer lacked emotion. "Tonight, we play."

She leaned her head against the chancel railing again, breaking eye contact. "Why do you hate him so?"

He laughed, but the sound held no amus.e.m.e.nt. "I don't hate him. I love Nicholas."

She stiffened when Koss's hands stroked her hair. She struggled to turn away when he cupped her chin in one of his large hands. "Please."

"I love him as much as he surely loves you, sweet Emily." As he spoke, his hand twisted her head toward him with unrelenting pressure. His gaze was dark with desire. "I can hardly fault his taste, can I?"

She twisted her head, crying out with pain as he tightened his grip enough to force her tongue against her fangs and cause her mouth to flood with her own blood. "What do you want from me?" His grip made it difficult to speak at all and distorted her words. "Very little." He loosened his hold and stroked his finger down her cheek. "I only want to use you to cause him pain."

"Why?" It didn't make sense. From everything she had learned about Koss, she had thought he burned with hatred for Nicholas. Yet, he claimed to love him. Why did he insist on torturing Nicholas?