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

but she cleared her throat and kept her tears at bay. “I was on my way into the parlor to fetch my embroidery when my father-in-law begged for your forgiveness for my husband.”
    Parlan’s eyebrows rose, apparently surprised she heard so much. He nodded. “Then you know Ian’s punishment for his inability to manage his responsibilities.”
    She nodded.
    After a long pause, he said, “I realize the condition of this arrangement sounds like I’m sending you back into the lion’s den.” Parlan studied the soft brown leather of his boots before returning his gaze to her. “Ian is especially not happy about the tightening of his purse, which I trust Munro to enforce. That’s why I’m insisting they stay here under my roof, so I can give you a measure of safety and assurance you will be protected.”
    Davina let the flood of her sorrow loose. “Da, please don’t let me endure another moment of this union! Can we not do as you said and dissolve this marriage?”
    Parlan tightened his jaw and turned his sorrowful eyes toward his wife. Lilias grabbed his hand, seeming to give him support. “Davina, the Russells provide immense business opportunities, both for me and your brother, and I cannot rely on my cousin the King forever. We must make efforts to increase our holdings on our own.” Focusing back on Davina, he stepped toward her and took both of her hands into his. “I’m sorry you endured more than any woman’s share of heavy-handedness from your husband. Now that I can deny his treatment of you no more, I hope you can forgive me for not speaking for you sooner. I will take measures to ensure you’re protected, and with your help, methinks we can make this work.”
    Davina exerted great effort to speak over the lump forming in her throat. “Be the gentle hand to tame the beast,” she whispered, repeating the words of her father-in-law.
    Parlan nodded. “Munro has obviously done a poor job of showing Ian how to be a man. Your stay, their stay here will be indefinite. Ian and Munro will each be staying in the guest rooms above, and you will, again, have your room to yourself on this level. I have pressed the matter further with Munro, and we will both be supervising Ian’s behavior over the next several weeks. Munro has humbly accepted my guidance as a father, and Lilias as a mother, to put Ian on the right path. Only when we see improvement will you be allowed to venture back to their home. Only when I feel confident you will be cherished and taken care of as the precious woman you are, will you be allowed to go with them.”
    Though relieved the beatings and cruel sexual engagements would stop, Davina’s world still crumbled about her. “Da, you don’t know the true Ian. He’s a master of donning a mask of charm over the monster he is. He’ll—”
    “Davina, there is no way I will let him harm you. I agree that he takes his responsibilities too far in exercising his dominion as a husband, but he isn’t a danger to your life. If I thought he was, I would dissolve this marriage now. We will protect you.” Davina hated knowing her family believed she had a flare for the dramatic. He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight embrace. “I won’t let him harm you. You must do this for your family. One day, when Ian has learned his role and duties as a husband, you may grow to forgive and love him. If not, you may at least find solace in the children you will have one day.”
    She let her tears flow, wetting her father’s tunic and holding him tight for strength as she submitted to his wishes. She would be the sacrificial lamb for the stability of her family’s future.
    * * * * *
     
    Steel clashing against steel rang about the air, bouncing off the walls and high ceiling of the Great Hall, which mingled with the grunts, panting, and groans of Kehr and Ian as they dueled. Kehr parried Ian’s thrust, turned around, and swatted Ian’s open side, initiating a grunt from him. With a grin on his