Read Online The Vampire's Protector by Michele Hauf - Free Book Online

He made me that offer many times over my lifetime.”
    â€œReally? And you always refused? That takes a lot of courage and bravery.”
    Nicolo shrugged. “I was talented by my own right. I did not need the dark evil. Nor would I ever accept. I did not want my son to see his father become a monster. But the Big Guy—as you call him—did not relent in his temptations.”
    â€œI give you credit for resisting. I had a run-in with him once.”
    â€œIs that so? What great temptations did he offer you?”
    â€œNone. I was just a baby. He kidnapped me and used me as bait to get my brother, Johnny, to come to him. He was trying to steal Kambriel’s soul, and Johnny was in love with her. It’s a long story. Suffice it to say, Johnny got me out of there safely. But ever since I’ve had an allergy to demons.”
    â€œHow does that affect you?”
    â€œWhenever one is around I start sneezing. It’s weird, but kind of handy when you want to avoid the bastards.”
    â€œI hate demons.”
    â€œTell me about it.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œUh, no.” She smiled at him. “That’s just an expression of agreement. So, I’m sorry. For the bringing-you-back-to-life thing. Because we don’t have any clue now if you’re going to go evil or—” Best not to make assumptions and make him feel worse than he must already. “I gave a witch friend of mine a call. She lives in Paris. I think if she touches you she might be able to tell us what you are. Would you be okay with that?”
    â€œYes, I suppose. I don’t feel evil. But I do feel as though I have so much to explore and learn now. I want to do it all, Summer. I have been given a new life, and I mustn’t waste any time in diving in.”
    â€œSuch as with the sluts back at the bar?”
    â€œSluts?”
    â€œWomen of ill repute. They were looking for a good time. And I had to pay for their wine.”
    â€œI thank you for paying the bill. I ate fish-and-chips.”
    â€œI guessed at the chips. What did you think of that?”
    â€œExquisite. They were crisp and savory. I have never seen a fish cooked in such a manner, but it was delicious. I want to taste all the food. I want to drink all the wine. And I want to hear music again. How I have missed it.”
    â€œI can help you with that.” Summer tapped her cell phone, which sat in the dashboard holder. She scrolled to the music app. “This might blow your mind.”
    â€œIs that similar to freaking out?”
    She chuckled. The guy was sweetly innocent. Something that felt so refreshing in her life right now. “Same idea. This is what music has evolved into since your time.”
    She flicked through the various playlists and decided to take the first song that came up. Thanks to her dad’s obsession, she’d grown up listening to a few of the country-music classics. Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” blasted through the car speakers.
    Nicolo gaped and eyed her, then touched his ear as he tried to comprehend.
    â€œPretty cool, huh?”
    â€œThat’s—” He turned his head, checking around the inside of the car. “Where is that coming from? What sort of music is that? Is it magic?”
    â€œBetter. It’s technology. Let me find some rock and roll. With your background in music I think you might appreciate the head-banging stuff.”
    â€œIt comes from your tiny box? Surely that is witchcraft. And that thing is a witchbox.”
    â€œWhatever works for you.” Black Veil Brides blasted through the speakers. “This is called heavy metal. The band actually incorporates a violin in some of their songs.”
    Nicolo, while touching his ears intermittently and then touching the dashboard in seek of the source, gradually allowed a huge smile to trace his face. And when his eyes met hers, dancing with delight, Summer felt her heart drop.
    The guy was