Read Online The Brethren Of Tavish [Vampire Coven Book 1] by C.L. Scholey - Free Book Online

father hadn’t thought about it, but she had. The visual significance hit
home as the bowl occupants went round and round. No doubt Mercy was the
youngest in their clan. Doomed to a life of cold nothingness. The idea angered Tavish. There were many more that lived the same life. Word of
the humans’ plans for worldwide self-termination had spread through the
remaining groups of vampires. Tavish planned to save his vampire family. He
would drag the humans out of the ice age kicking and screaming if he had to.
    “I was loved,” Mercy whispered. “In a different way.” She sounded sad, troubled. He hadn’t
meant to hurt her.
    “Come and see what I have to offer you. Decide
for yourself this time if you want starvation and loneliness or a chance at
real love and life,” Tavish said. “Walk away from your proverbial fish bowl.”
    Mercy’s gaze was fearful and yet interested.
Tavish tucked her arm into his, she stiffened then relaxed. No doubt she expected
to be punished for the contact. In Tavish’s world, touching was law. In time
she would get used to it. He walked her down the corridor leading to many other
rooms, then through the main hall. A group of five vampires watched them. All
were large and muscular, over six feet, dark-haired and blue-eyed. All wore
dark jeans, black t’s and black runners or boots. It
was how you could tell his vamps from the human men who wore loin cloths,
mostly because of the heat.
    It was subtle, but Mercy pressed herself a bit
tighter to his side. Her small hands made a grasp at the nonexistent outer furs
she was used to and fluttered in the air. Tavish sensed her embarrassment. But
he had also noted her interest in seeing her beautiful body for the first time
barely clothed. Soon enough, she would appreciate the warmth of the sun and
un-encumbrance of the added bulk.
    Both Mercy and his men continued to watch each
other. All no doubt heard the erratic flutter of her heart. Tavish decided one
vampire was enough for her to deal with right now. There was enough time later
to introduce her to his men. Tavish took her to the front door of his dwelling
and with a flourish, flung the double doors wide. Mercy’s audible gasp of
amazement and overwhelming delight was a gift.
    Tavish enjoyed her gaze of wonder up at him.
Had she been told a vampire avoided the sunlight? There were many myths he
would enjoy teaching his little cub about. For now, it was time to explore.

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Chapter 4

 
    Mercy tried to look everywhere at once. It was
as though she had stepped into another world or onto another planet. Her mind
was bombarded with colors, colors she had never seen before. The sky was a
bright vivid blue, a contrast to the ice ceiling. A few white clouds dotted the
skies. They looked like mass-contained snow squalls and so poufy. Mercy let go
of Tavish and spun in a slow circle. Everything on the ground was so green and
lush, and warm. Under her bare feet it was soft. Mercy had always worn something
on her feet; the ice would have cut her. Or she would have slipped. The
sensation was like touching and being one with nature.
    Trees stretched upwards. Mercy could have cried
at their sight. She had seen wood pieces; she had known the wood was called a
tree, but to see it growing, standing upright in front of her was exhilarating.
She touched the bark and pressed her cheek against it for a moment expecting to
feel a heartbeat. The green things she saw all around Tavish called plants.
Just like the one in his room. Everything was so vibrant and alive—it was all
wonderfully alive. Not cold and dead. Mercy hugged herself; her face was
actually aching from her wide grin and she didn’t care.
    Tiny creatures flapped from branches to the
open air and Mercy’s breath caught. Life, she was seeing living, moving life
not carcasses. Her brain was moving so fast to process information, she pressed a hand to her head and heart. This was why birds had wings. So they
could