MIDNIGHT CAPTIVE: Book 2 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by [email protected], Gina Henderson

weapon through the open space, the blade whistling through the air. “I have no doubt about that, sir!”
    Broderick opened the mahogany box and presented two stilettos—matching the sword’s craftsmanship and style. They were also forged of the swirling metal and silver plating.
    A twinge of uncertainty pricked his heart and James replaced the sword in its sheath. Setting the fine weapon upon the table, he faced Broderick. “Sir, I do not mean to seem ungrateful, but would care to tell me what you’re asking of me?”
    MacDougal raised an eyebrow. “This is the future you planned for yourself. You have achieved great things, James. I dote on those close to me and those who deserve it.”
    Hrmm. “You are also a man with purpose.”
    Davina’s fingertips covered her suppressed smile. Broderick’s steel gaze locked with James for a long stretch of time before he swaggered to the table and pushed the open mahogany box aside. “I see you find it troublesome accepting gifts.”
    Instead of the disappointment James expected on MacDougal’s face, mischief brewed in his emerald eyes.
    So, he is testing me. James crossed his arms, rising to the challenge. “I have not had the benefit of being around here for nigh on a decade, growing up instead away from my homeland and countrymen; supported by your generosity, of course. The Holy Roman Empire is excellent training ground for a young man coming into his own, especially at one of the best Fechtschullen in the Kingdom of Germany. As a result, I am no stranger to death…or taking the life of a man.” He paced, arms still crossed, pushing his guilt aside. “I come home to find the woman I am promised to living in a fortress that rivals the king’s and she is well-versed in hand-to-hand combat, with tailor-made sheaths and dueling knives…of silver-plated Wootz blades, no less.” He picked one of the stilettos out of the finely-crafted box, twirling the impressive dagger in his fingers. “And now I am gifted with equally brilliant weapons.” Placing the knife back into its velvet-cushioned home, he faced his future father-in-law. “I am in debt to you for treating me as a son, supporting my tutoring, for the lessons life has taught me, and for the way you continue to bless me with gifts as well as the hand of your beautiful daughter and her handsome dowry—none of which is deserving of my station. You say you leave on the morrow and this conversation could not wait. I know for a fact you do not journey away from home without your family.” He shrugged. “I would venture to say you are asking me to watch over them while you are gone, an honor I humbly accept.” He bowed to Davina. “But…it appears to me they do not need my protection. The real question I have for you, Broderick, is what am I protecting them from that I would need silver-plated blades?” How is that for your test, old man?
    Broderick threw back his head and his rich laughter filled the room. Davina’s face gleamed from her bright smile.
    James cocked an eyebrow and placed his hands upon his hips.
    “Though I have certain advantages you are about to find out, I have impressed even myself in allowing you to wed my daughter, lad.” Broderick bowed before a confused James Knightly. “Again, you have exceeded my expectations. Please sit down. You will need the support.” He stepped before his wife and took her in hand. Broderick kissed her cheek and ushered her to the entrance of the parlor. “Would you please have Cailin bring in some of our strongest wine for her betrothed?”
    Davina curtsied and attempted to leave, but Broderick pulled her into his arms for a hungry kiss that caught James off-guard and gawking. Davina’s face blushed deep crimson and she smiled apologetically to James before smacking her husband’s shoulder. She scampered down the hall and Broderick closed the door with a grin.
    James cleared his throat and sat. Returning to the matter at hand, he wondered about the