Vampire Coven Book 3: A Vampire's Embrace by C.L. Scholey Page B

intimidating. Hope had seen a man’s chest. Dirk had bathed in their tiny cave. Granted Dirk had nowhere near the physique of these men. Hope had seen Rhett nude. Now that was intimidating.
    “My name is Tavish,” said the tall vampire. He was slightly bigger than Rhett and Caine. Hope tried to appear at ease but realized her show of bravado was for nothing. The tell-tale pounding of her heart would be a dead giveaway. Tavish smiled at her. “This is my coven and I’m in charge. There are rules you will need to follow for your safety and the safety of others.”
    “I want to go home.”
    Tavish looked as though he was choosing careful words. “I realize you have survived longer than most humans. That you were alone with a young child tells me of your strength and courage. That you are talking to me and not cowering at your surroundings is another indication of tenacity.
    “The doctor has given me some news you need to hear. For one, you are barren; there is no chance of you having another child.” He waited and let her absorb the information. Hope decided she didn’t care. She didn’t want any more children, Ann kept her busy enough.
    “This is pertinent?” Hope asked.
    “In my coven, women of child-bearing years are bred. The vampires aid humans and in return humans aid vampires.”
    “You raise your own food,” Hope said dryly. Her arms crossed over her chest. Now she understood why he thought this information so pertinent. The sooner she got Ann away from here the better.
    “We cultivate life,” Tavish corrected, though Hope narrowed her eyes onto him. “Vampires provide sustenance for the humans. Children are not bled until they turn a certain age. You needn’t fear for Ann in that respect, she will be far too young to bleed for many years. But you may want to listen to a proposition.”
    “I don’t know why you are offering a proposition. I’m useless to you and so is Ann.”
    “You are not useless to us. That’s why I am offering. Rhett says you can be compelled but you know when you are being compelled and fight it. All that will do is cause you emotional pain.”
    “So you just want me to offer myself up as a snack. In exchange for food.” Hope knew how to find food, she didn’t need vampires.
    “There is more to Tavish’s offer,” Caine said quietly.
    Hope looked at Caine. His eyes were sad. “There’s something wrong isn’t there?” Hope began shaking. She didn’t want to know. She had to know.
    “It’s Ann,” Tavish said. “You must know your child experiences pain.”
    Hope squeezed her eyes closed for a second. She knew. “Sometimes,” she whispered.
    “I can ease her suffering,” Caine said. “I can make her comfortable. I’m sorry Hope, she hasn’t much time left.”
    The tears began falling from her eyes from her shock, they were lying, but from Caine’s look she knew he wouldn’t torment her needlessly.
    “No.”
    Hope thought her heart would burst with the pain she felt. She knew Ann was sickly, but to be told she didn’t have much time left almost killed Hope where she stood. Caine moved forward to pull her against his chest. Hope let him. She clung to him in desperation. She would be alone. She couldn’t lose the only person in her life that meant everything to her.
    “Hope, in exchange for your obedience you and Ann will have everything you need. She needs medical care. She needs the fresh air and sunlight; she needs friends to play with. I can provide all of that. Your situation is different from others. Normally a barren female can be of some use. Your child is dying. How she dies is up to you.”
    Hope gazed at Tavish through wet eyes. He was offering her a business proposition. Keep her and her child fed, warm, clothed, until the end. No doubt he felt he was doing her a favor. And he was, but she would pay for his favor, he didn’t look like the type of vampire who gave anything away for free.
    “What of after?” Hope asked.
    “Rhett has agreed