Read Online MIDNIGHT HUNT: Book 3 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz - Free Book Online Page B

laying in bed, he panted and clenched his jaw. Eighty years without companionship was enough to test the resolve of any man, but the love and devotion he had for his wife did much to help him remain faithful to her memory. Self-gratification had been an adequate way to satisfy any sexual cravings he experienced over the decades. He honestly had not needed anyone else and had no desire to bed another woman. No one will ever touch my soul the way you do, Blossom. But now…
    The need to bury himself in her soft, wet heat surged through his body in a way he’d not felt since she was alive and in his arms. What in blazes was happening?
    Broderick swung his legs over the side of his bed and rested his head in his hands. An oil lamp burned very low by the door to his cabin, glowing with just enough light for his immortal eyes. He stood and stretched, working out the last of the lethargy from his daytime repose, and sauntered over to his chest of drawers. Though his success as a merchant could produce an impressive wardrobe of the latest fashions, he was uninterested in pursuing such garments. They would advertise his wealth and draw too much attention. As one stalking victims for sustenance, he needed to maintain a low profile. He wore simple, form-fitting knee breeches, covered by tall brown bucket boots, which reached just above his knees. After slipping a white linen shirt with full sleeves over his head, he shrugged on a sleeveless doublet and buttoned it down the front. He fasted a belt around his hips and positioned his sporran just over his groin. The baldric holding his sword, nestled at his hip, and his wide-brimmed hat completed the ensemble. Blowing out the lamp, he exited and secured his cabin.
    “Evenin’ Cap’n,” his first mate greeted when Broderick came on deck.
    “Evening, Andrew.” He shook the calloused hand of his old friend. Andrew and the three other men on the ship had been with MacDougal Shipping Company for over fifteen years. They knew he was a Vamsyrian and they were loyal to the marrow of their bones. They also each wore some piece of jewelry Broderick had blessed with the incantation to protect his crew from Angus. He wasn’t taking any chances with their lives.
    “Are we preparin’ to set sail tomorrow?”
    Broderick scanned the night sky, the bright moon above almost full. “Nay, old friend. Not this time. Be prepared to stay awhile in Vollstadt.”
    “Found some prospects here, did ye?” Andrew’s sea-weathered face brightened at the opportunity.
    “You could say that. Are you and the crew comfortable enough with German to mingle with locals?”
    “Aye. We can manage.”
    During the journey, Broderick had expedited their education in languages by transferring knowledge to them through brief feedings. The men were uneasy about the idea at first, for many reasons. Initially, it was sharing such an intimate act—and not just with any man, but their captain—but also being bitten and having their blood drank. Andrew, brave soul that he was, volunteered first. When he moaned over the euphoric sensation experienced by victims, the men backed off and shook their heads. However, when Andrew recovered, his enthusiasm of having learned the rudiments of several languages in such a short exchange had the men reconsider.
    “What was you moanin’ about?” Paddy had asked, waving his stubby fingers.
    Andrew’s face flushed scarlet. “Well, I’ll just say it plain and simple. Being drunk from was better than drinkin’!”
    “You mean it felt good?” Rob asked and scratched his bald head.
    Andrew nodded.
    “So them fangs don’t actually hurt?” Gilbert asked, examining the small wound at Andrew’s neck.
    Andrew shrugged. “That part, just a little.”
    “So say something in, French,” Broderick coaxed, while he smeared his immortal blood on Andrew’s neck to heal him. The men had seen him use his blood in such a manner for other situations, so it was no surprise.
    “Hrmmm.”