Read Online The Vampire's Angel by Damian Serbu - Free Book Online Page B

accepted too much responsibility for his sister, who did what she pleased, yet he cherished Xavier’s concern for those he loved.
    The increased looting and riots in Xavier’s neighborhood also concerned him as Parisians grew angrier by the day as they starved and inflation continued. They blamed the Catholic Church for not providing relief while it never paid taxes and received financial support from Louis’s government. Xavier insisted that nothing threatened him directly and that most of his parishioners knew that he sided with them. But how long would this alliance last? What if people from outside saw Xavier and attacked him?
    Tonight, Thomas had panicked when he first saw Xavier’s church because an angry mob surrounded it, shouting expletives about authority. But he raced up and found Xavier in the middle of a remarkable scene. The priest had allowed the people to gather, and he sat in the middle listening to them rail against the government and Catholic hierarchy. Xavier held their hearts like no one Thomas had ever seen. He listened until Xavier convinced those gathered to return to their homes. He also invited those without food to dine at the church, where Xavier found enough to feed the few who remained. Afterward, Thomas had pledged a large sum of money to Xavier, to assist with this cause. Xavier resisted, saying that Catherine gave him plenty, but Thomas appreciated how Xavier helped those in need and he wanted to contribute.
    “Thomas? Did you hear me?” Xavier asked as they continued toward the Saint-Laurent home.
    “Of course. I’m just worried.”
    “About the mob?”
    “A little.”
    “Don’t worry about them. I love them, and I think they love me. They just need to voice their grievances to someone who will listen.” He pointed up the street. “We’re almost there. Are you ready? Do you have any other questions about my family?”
    “I already know too much.”
    Xavier smiled. “Here we are.” He paused, then trembled and played with his cross. Thomas squeezed his arm in support, worried.
    “After you.” He ushered Xavier forward and followed him into the enormous house, further confirmation of the Saint-Laurent wealth that Xavier so desperately tried to conceal. Catherine had decorated it in the latest fashion, although it retained an older charm. They stood in a vast entryway, illuminated by what looked like a thousand candles. Xavier walked toward a hallway when someone approached from the other direction.
    “Xavier? Is that you?” A uniformed man came down the hall. Quite handsome, Thomas thought, though without the baby-like innocence of his brother. Michel’s features were harsher, perhaps from his time in the military.
    “Michel, allow me to introduce Thomas Lord.”
    “My pleasure,” Michel bowed.
    “I’m happy to put a face with your name, Lieutenant. I’ve heard much about you and your family.”
    “Then I suppose you heard about the latest problems.” Michel turned to Xavier. “She gathered us together to make an important announcement and thinks I have no idea. But Jérémie told me about her little scheme. Can you imagine that she invited him as well? This beast is sitting in that room with her.”
    “Beast?” Xavier repeated while Michel shrugged.
    But Thomas hardly had time to think about the spell that Xavier had described as the three men headed down the hall. When they entered a side parlor, Xavier whispered to Michel. “Be kind. You can’t do anything if you anger her.”
    Another room, more opulence, and plenty of tension. Xavier introduced Thomas to Jérémie, who sat by himself.
    “I thought Catherine was with you?” Michel asked.
    “Still spying on me?” Catherine said from behind.
    “I only meant—” Michel started.
    Catherine pushed past him without acknowledgement. “You must be Thomas. I’m so glad that you’re here. Xavier talks about you all the time.” She put her hand out and Thomas kissed it lightly. “He used to spend more