Forbidden Blood: A House of Comarré Novella by Kristen Painter Page A

Arnaud’s.”
    “Why? I’d prefer not to involve her in this.”
    “In order for my request for libertas to be binding, it must be witnessed by another vampire—you—and another comarré—her. Otherwise, Arnaud can ignore the claim and we’ll be back where we started.”
    “You think Catarina will do this for you?”
    “In exchange for her freedom?” Marissa smiled. “I don’t think it will be an issue.” She went back to her food.
    “After this is over and we are free to leave—or forced to leave, which might be more likely, as I am sure I will be made anathema—where would you like to go?”
    She added butter to her potato. The pale yellow melted into the snowy white flesh as she thought. “Somewhere…fresh. A place where we can start over without prejudice. Maybe somewhere warm. I’m tired of Romanian winters. Do you have any ideas?”
    He sat back and tapped his fingers on the table. “I will find somewhere perfect. Somewhere exactly as you wish.”
    She ate a little more, both of them in silence until he broke it once again. “Are you afraid?”
    Her face went solemn with thought as she swallowed. Then she nodded. “Yes. Everything changes the moment I utter that word. Everything.”
    He nodded. “I’m glad you said that. I would be worried if you weren’t.” He twisted his wineglass, causing small ripples in the Brunello. “Few good things in life come easy.”
    She set her fork down. “Are you afraid?”
    “I am a noble vampire with more strength and power than most men ever dream of.” His eyes stayed on the wine. “Even my bones fear what is about to happen.”
    “Then why do it? What do you have to gain?” Even as the words left her mouth, fear dulled her eyes.
    He looked up and smiled, trying to reassure himself as much as her. “I have lived this life a very long time. It has been good to me. But Arnaud is about to change all that. I will either become his slave or suffer the consequences of refusing him.” He looked deeper into her eyes. “What do I have to gain by helping you? Freedom from Arnaud and a new life. A life with something this one has long been lacking—companionship.” He relaxed as the fear in her eyes faded. “We will go through this together.”
    “To a point.”
    His smile disappeared. “What do you mean?”
    “I will tell Arnaud you had nothing to do with this. That I refused to allow you to touch me or alter my blood in any way despite your efforts. Then, if he kills me, you can go back to your life without incident.”

Chapter Ten
    M arissa had spent the last three weeks very simply. Training to fight Arnaud and spending time with Dominic. He sat with her while she ate, went for walks with her in his garden, listened to her hopes and fears, entertained her with stories from his youth and made her realize that her feelings for him had become something much greater than just a plan. Love had taken hold of her heart, and denying it was no longer possible.
    But love was not on her mind at the moment. Now, bent over, sword in one hand, fists on her thighs, Marissa took a moment to let her breathing even out. “Well, that made a difference. How much did you give him?” These past weeks, she’d dispatched a handful of fringe vampires, but this last one had been more of an effort.
    Dominic came to her side, concern marring his handsome face. “A full vial of the Bellona.”
    “How much did you give me?”
    “Half.” The furrow between his brows narrowed. “I will give you the full vial as well before you face Arnaud.” He checked his pocket watch. “Almost four minutes.”
    She straightened and lifted her braid to cool her damp neck. “The fight with Arnaud won’t go much longer.” She smiled, trying to ease the alarm in his eyes. “Because I’m ready for him.”
    Dominic tucked his watch away and nodded unconvincingly. “I hope you are right. I cannot help my worry.”
    “Don’t. Not one of these fringe has laid a hand on me. I’m not