My Lord Eternity by Alexandra Ivy Read Free Book Online

well.”
    Shoving himself upright, the Runner allowed his inner resolve to chase away his air of jovial goodwill.
    â€œDo not fear,” he assured her in relentless tones. “We shall soon have this monster in Newgate.”
    She did not doubt for a moment that this man would be tireless in his search for the killer. Unlike most, he did not sneer when he spoke of Molly, or dwell upon the fact she was a mere prostitute. Instead, there was a grim determination etched into his countenance.
    â€œI do hope so. He should be punished for what he did to poor Molly.”
    â€œHe will. Until then, please take care.”
    â€œYes, I will.”
    â€œThen I will bid you good day.” With a bow the man turned to leave the room.
    Jocelyn remained standing as she considered the unexpected visit. She was determined not to overreact to the announcement that Molly was clutching her name in her hand. There could be a dozen explanations. It would be foolish to plague herself with concerns that might very well be imaginary.
    All the same, if she were perfectly honest with herself, she could not deny a renegade flare of relief that Mr. Valin had forced his way into her home.
    For all his rakish charm, she sensed that he would make a dangerous adversary.
    And at least for the near future she would not be alone.
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    The hack pulled to a halt in the shadows of St. Giles. With care Lucien helped Miss Kingly to alight complete with a large basket she had insisted she bring with her. He had been rather surprised when she had made no protest at his determination to accompany her to the streets on this evening, and he could only wonder what had occurred with the Runner earlier in the day.
    Obviously something had unnerved her enough to lower her pride to the point of welcoming his assistance. And while he was relieved not to endure a lengthy argument, he could not help but ponder what danger she faced.
    Whatever it was, he would do well to be on his guard, he sternly assured himself, his gaze lingering on the delicate lines of her face. No matter how invincible she might consider herself, he knew that she could never be prepared for what hunted her now.
    No mortal, no matter how brave or determined, could be prepared for a vampire.
    As if sensing his concern but misunderstanding the cause, she regarded him with a lift of her brows.
    â€œYou are determined upon this?” she demanded.
    He smiled as he firmly took her hand and placed it upon his arm. “Quite determined, my dove. I will be at your side each night you travel to the streets, and even pay for the privilege.”
    She gave a faint shrug, but she could not entirely disguise her relief. “’Tis your money.”
    â€œIndeed it is. And soon to be yours.”
    â€œYes.” She glanced down the darkened street. “We go down that way.”
    Lucien gave a nod, but before he could take a step, a familiar tingle raced down his spine. He stilled, searching through the darkness with his mind to locate the source of the malice that was nearly tangible in the air. It took a moment to locate the vampire in a nearby alley, and he reluctantly removed Miss Kingly’s hand from his arm.
    â€œA moment, my dear.”
    She glanced at him in surprise. “What is it?”
    â€œRemain here. Do not stray.”
    â€œMr. Valin, where are you going?” she demanded with a hint of impatience.
    â€œTo rid us of a pest.” Removing the dagger from beneath his coat, he moved with a fluid stealth down the street and slipped into the alley. He confronted the silver mist with a frown. “Reveal yourself, Amadeus.”
    With an eerie chuckle the mist swirled, forming into the shape of the nondescript vicar.
    â€œJust keeping a guard on my property, Lucien. Neither of us would desire harm to come to the Medallion.”
    Lucien narrowed his gaze in distaste. “I intend to keep a close guard upon Miss Kingly. Your concern is