Vampire King of New York by Susan Hanniford Crowley Page B

You would have to put aside your philosophies, your agenda. The Knights come first. Nothing else matters but the work a Knight vows to do.”

    “In my existence, I’ve seen my family and my village destroyed, and I could not stop it. Now you risk losing the village of your making and its peace. New York has been a sanctuary for many—human and supernatural. I am finished with avenging my past. I want to hunt down the rogue, before any more humans suffer the same fate.” Hatcher knelt before Max. “Besides, I want to help save your village and make it my permanent home.”
    Max grinned “The request has been made. Are there any who would speak against this vampire?”
    No one spoke.
    “Hatcher, do you acknowledge your past is dead? If you agree, say I do .”
    “I do.”
    “Do you pledge your complete obedience and loyalty to me as your sovereign?”
    “I do.”
    David handed Max a sword.
    “Do you vow never to question my authority? If you agree, say I do vow .”
    “I do vow.”
    “Do you vow to protect humans from death by vampires?”
    “I do vow.”
    “Do you vow to give your assistance and protection to any supernatural in danger?”
    “I do vow.”
    Max tapped him on each shoulder with the sword then held it over Hatcher’s head. “This is a symbol of the lives you hold in your hands every time you take to the street.” Lifting the sword higher, he bowed to the new Arnhem Knight. “Rise, Sir Hatcher. Rise and join your brethren. Now there are ninety-seven Arnhem Knights in New York.”
    Max returned the sword to David and turned once more to the crowd that congratulated Hatcher with slaps on the back.

    “Normally we celebrate the making of a new Knight with one hell of a party. Unfortunately, that will have to wait.”
    With clipboard in hand, David rejoined Max’s side.
    “Everyone see David for your new assignments.”
    “May I speak, sir?” the new knight asked.
    “Yes, Hatcher.”
    “The scent of myrrh could indicate we’re up against an ancient.”
    Max’s mouth drew tight into a line. The room of knights grew silent, as their leader sat down. He rubbed his chin, while all assembled awaited his response. “David, change the assignments. I want an elder or ancient on every team. Put me on a team too.”
    Evelyn gasped. She hadn’t meant for it to be audible, but it was. All of her growing feelings for Max gushed out of her like blood in that moment. Being embarrassed was one thing, but fearing for Max was a new and painful experience for her.
    He smiled at her. His smile could warm her toes from across the room.
    David leaned over to him. “Right. Everyone, line up for your assignments.”
    David called out names in groups of four.
    Evelyn went into the kitchen. She could still see the living room through the open door, but at least there was more distance between her and the Arnhem Knights. She wanted to be removed from this process; after all, being human, she shouldn’t have been involved. It’s not like she was a real Telkhine.
    She couldn’t believe it when Max introduced her as a Telkhine, as if she had powers. On top of that, she was going to be guarded by the Arnhem Knights. Max was one thing, but … she actually didn’t mind being guarded by Max, tall, strong, vampire Viking, Max. Ooh, Max. Sheer lust shuddered through her, when she felt his attention on her. Whenever her thoughts drifted to Max, she sighed. He was hot. Every time he touched her, her reserve melted.

    Everything about this situation overwhelmed her. Evelyn wasn’t sure where she was going in life, but she planned on leaving the vampire world behind. Slivers of a nightmare intruded on her thoughts and she shivered. Whatever that woman was terrified her. She could almost hear her damning words again. Almost. Not quite. What did she say again? Lose your way. No, that wasn’t really it. There was more. Did Max really think she could be a victim again?
    Bewildered, and trying to anchor her thoughts on