MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles by Arial Burnz Read Free Book Online

what happened. The blood drained from her face as Ian’s grumbling reached her ears. Deep, nervous protests rumbled from the horses in the stables as Ian kicked what sounded like buckets or stools. “Bitch! This is all her fault!” The jangling of buckles and tack sounded amongst the commotion. “Hold still, you stupid animal!”
    Davina inched into a crouching position from her seat on the ground, and peered through the cracks in the shutters of the opening above her. Ian struggled to saddle his horse. She winced at each tug and shove the horse endured from his master, until their stableman Fife cleared his throat when he stepped up to the stall. “Can I be of assistance, Master Ian?”
    Ian recoiled at Fife’s voice and then took a calming breath, backing away from the horse. “Aye, Fife, I would appreciate that.”
    Davina’s heart twisted at the sight of Ian’s handsome smile and charming air. He had been that way with her during their courtship, but now showed that side of his personality to everyone but her. Little did people suspect the ruthless man beneath the attractive exterior.
    “Something upsets you, Master Ian?” Fife rubbed his large, round nose, squinting his age-lined eyes as he patted the horse’s neck and walked around the other side to secure the leather straps.
    “Oh, just a little disagreement with my father. Nothing serious.” Ian grinned and shook his head. “Do we ever stop having disagreements with our parents, I wonder?”
    Fife chuckled and shook his head, dropping his guard. “‘Tis an endless battle we must endure a lifetime, lad. A lifetime.” They both shared a laugh in this wisdom. Fife handed the reins over to Ian. “Be easy on her, Master Ian. Have a good run to ease your tension and be back in time for supper.”
    Ian shook his head good-naturedly and mounted his trim form into the saddle. “I feel I have more than one father around here with the way you and Parlan dote over me.”
    “Just lookin’ out for you, Master Ian.” Fife waved as he watched Ian turn his horse and head for the front gate. “Nice lad,” he whispered as he straightened up the stables.
    Davina bit her lower lip in frustration. Was she the only one who understood Ian’s cruelty? Clenching her fists, she marched from behind the stables and headed back to the castle, Fife giving her a puzzled glance as she closed the door behind her. Nay, she wasn’t the only one. Her father had eyes to see, and she would be sure he knew the extent of Ian’s brutality.
    She headed straight back to the parlor, but found the room empty, the fire still burning in the hearth. Turning on her heels, she almost bumped into her mother.
    “Oh! Davina, you gave me a start!” Lilias put a hand to her breast and caught her breath. “Your father sent me to fetch you.”
    “I was just looking for him, myself.”
    Taking her daughter’s hand, Lilias led Davina through the ground floor of their home to the first floor, housing the private bedchambers. Every stone they passed on their way to her parents’ chamber reminded Davina of the pride in her father’s efforts, and the confidence in his wisdom to listen to her pleas.
    When her mother opened the door to their chamber, Lilias ushered Davina through, closed the heavy door behind them, and sat on the lounging couch by the fire taking a quiet, yet supportive place at her husband’s side. Parlan stood at the hearth, his back to the door, much the way he had in the parlor. “I’m not sure how much you heard outside the parlor, Davina, but I am sorry the conversation caused you such distress.” He turned to face her, his eyebrows scrunched in sorrow. “Fear not, I was the only one who witnessed your tearful retreat.” His last words were a comforting whisper.
    Davina drew her quivering lip between her teeth to steady it and stand strong before her father. “‘Tis nothing you caused, Da. I’m grateful to know you’re aware of my situation.” Her voice trembled,