Blood Legacy: Heir to the Throne by Kerri Hawkins Read Free Book Online Page B

her undoing, however, because the instant the girl’s blood touched her mouth, her urgency increased a thousandfold.
    “You will make an excellent King, ma cherie,” Marilyn whispered, returning to her ear, “because you have an incredible ability to satisfy your subjects.”
    Her perfect teeth sliced into Ryan’s neck, and Ryan tensed from the pleasantly agonizing sensation. Marilyn held her tightly, and it was not long before the lethargy forced her to relax in the grip of her irresistible assailant.
    Marilyn’s hunger had fore-shortened her usual seduction, but she would get her full gratification by prolonging the act through the night.
    In the east wing, Abigail sat sipping a cup of tea while she embroidered. She cocked her head to one side, then smiled to herself. Her lead consort approached, then bowed low.
    “As always, you have won your wager, my lady.”
    Abigail treated the announcement as if it were no matter. “I have known Marilyn for a very long time.”
    The consort bowed again. “Indeed.” He disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.
    Abigail took a sip of tea, then returned to her embroidery. It had not been a wager of “if,” only “when.” And the immediacy of Marilyn’s act had clearly been Abigail’s prediction.
    Abigail smiled to herself again. The girl was going to have a difficult week.
    CHAPTER 8
    RYAN CHECKED THE SADDLE BAG one last time, ensuring she had sufficient food and water for Drake. Satisfied, she reached down for her son. Edward handed him upward and Ryan settled the small boy on the horse in front of her.
    “Are you sure you do not wish accompaniment?”
    Ryan shook her head. “Thank you, Edward. But I really wish to be alone for a few hours.”
    Edward understood. Just being in the presence of the Old Ones was exhausting. He could not imagine having to satisfy them as well. He glanced at the small boy. He did not know what effect the presence of the Others was having on the child, but it could not hurt to spirit him away. Ryan’s estate was so large that she could disappear on her steed for days.
    Ryan had promised him she would not do so, and reiterated the promise.
    “I will return before nightfall.”
    She wheeled the mount around with masterful horsemanship, then set out a breakneck speed. The velocity likely would have terrified a normal child, but Edward could hear the boy’s laughter even above the fading sound of the hooves.
    Jason jumped out of the limousine and ran up the stairs. He nearly ran headfirst into Edward, who stepped onto the landing as he approached.
    “I’m, I’m sorry, Edward,” Jason said, trying to catch his breath. “Is Ryan here?”
    “I am dreadfully sorry, young sir,” Edward said formally, “but Ryan is out riding for the day, and I am afraid she will not return before evening.”
    Jason could not hide his disappointment.
    “And Drake?”
    “He is with Ryan as well.”
    This statement took all of the wind went out of his sails. As Susan approached, she could see the disappointment on her son’s face. That meant Ryan was not here. She tried to hide her own disappointment.
    Edward stared at the young woman, enchanted. The transformation in her had been remarkable. She had been a lovely young lady before, now she was stunning. There was high color in her cheeks, and Edward realized she was blushing because he was staring. He bowed low, offering his hand.
    “Welcome back, Dr. Ryerson. And may I congratulate you on the success of your Change.”
    Susan took his hand, still unused to the slight shock she received when touching Ryan’s Kind.
    Her Kind, she reminded herself. Her Kind.
    Edward examined her carefully. “You definitely bear Marilyn’s mark.”
    Susan fully blushed now. She was not certain that was a good thing. Ryan had chosen her mentor, and specifically chosen one from Marilyn’s line. Susan was not exactly sure why, although Marilyn was extremely powerful.
    “Speaking of which,” Edward continued, “Marilyn