Angel's Guardian: A Contemporary Vampire Romance by Zeecé Lugo Read Free Book Online Page B

cases,  one partner married for love, and the other for ambition or whatever other reason. Nothing was as painful as knowing your beloved did not feel the same way, and seldom was a vampire partner able to fake what was not there. Such a union would be hell.
    He hoped that someday his own children would choose wisely and build lasting and loving relationships, but he was not expecting that would happen now. His son and daughter were made from a different mold than their parents. Toma, from an early age, was prone to wanting what he should not want, be it power, position, or women. Lately, his son was going in directions his father could not allow.
    His daughter, Ivanna, was beautiful but selfish and willful. As a young girl, she always ran after her cousin Maxim and he, in turn, seemed devoted to her. At one time, Vadim thought they would be destined for each other, but Maxim had proven otherwise. Maybe he'd been too aware of Ivanna's scheming nature.
    “My love, you’re preoccupied tonight,” murmured his beloved Irina. “Is it the moon so beautiful keeping you awed and silent?”
    Vadim sighed deeply. “No, my dear. I wish I could say that having you in my arms under a wishing moon has my thoughts turning to romance, but I refuse to lie to you. You would know the truth.”
    “It's our son, isn't it? It has always been our son,” she sighed in resignation. “If only your brother Anton had not lost his two younger sons to the purge of our homeland's revolution, then it would not have mattered if Maxim refused to rule. One of his brothers would have stepped up, but the stewardship fell to you, his uncle. Toma, so close to power, was seduced by its lure and became obsessed with ambition.”
    “Three brothers we were: Anton, me, and Sergei. Upon Anton's death, the crown passed to Maxim, his only surviving son. If Maxim dies, it passes to me. My death will mean that Toma inherits it. If Toma dies without male issue, my younger brother Sergei is next in line, followed by his son Luca. Not I, not Sergei, nor Luca burn to be king. Maxim runs away from the privilege and responsibility. In turn, Toma burns for it. It seems unfair to him, but I know full well that he is the last one who should have it.”
    “I had the chance to speak with our daughter earlier,” Irina said. “I visited her rooms this evening and found her dressing to go out. She confided that she was meeting her brother tonight. I advised her not to go, warned her that her brother treads in dangerous waters and you’re well aware of it. She, of course, said the right words, but I know subterfuge when I hear it.”
    “Yes, I fear our children go where we dare not follow. They’re young and realize not how easily things break and can never be put back as they were. I’m afraid that Ivanna too will throw in her lot with her brother's. Her dreams of marrying Maxim and becoming his queen have little chance of coming true now. I expect that Toma will make her promises.”
    “I don't understand,” said his wife as she turned around to look into his eyes, her own clouded with worry. “Our union has been one of love and harmony. We have taught our children by word and action the meaning of family, loyalty, honor. The cousins all grew up together closer than brothers. Why are our children so unsatisfied when they have so much?”
    “I don't know, love. Maybe because our own union has been perfect, life must somehow take from somewhere else, balance the scales. I don't truly know, but I fear the outcome. I’m in terror that in the end, I will have no choice  but to break our hearts.”
    “Hold me. Hold me tight and keep me sheltered. I want to be oblivious to all but your love tonight. I fear the future.”
    “There is little sense in fearing what you can’t evade. Fear only causes you to delay action and prolong the misery of fearing. I have feared and delayed for too long. Tonight, I have sent for Luca. He should be here shortly. I have a mission of