The Blood Bride (Blood Secrets) by Imogene Nix Read Free Book Online

the way it twisted and the cold look in her eyes left her shrinking back. Never before had her mother spoken to her this way. Though there had been a distinct coolness in her attitude since her return, this was an unwelcome revelation.
    “I never wanted you to go to college. By now, you should be looking for a husband within either this or an equal nest. Someone worthy, with skills and abilities that would enhance the nest’s reputation and standing, either married or ready to marry, at least.” Hope stepped back again, farther away from the icy blast that pummelled her emotionally. “Instead you continue with this…charade! Your head is full of silly ideas about having a career. You should be honoured that you are a nestling of the biggest and most prestigious house, and you have a role.” Her mother pointed at her chest, which now ached with the pressure building within it. “You have a status that many girls would do just about anything to achieve. One that is unable to be matched by others.”
    Hope sat heavily. Sure, she’d expected her mother to be upset, but nothing like this. Never had it crossed her mind that her mother would react like wanting her own life was a cardinal infraction against the nest and a personal attack. All she wanted was to make decisions for herself. Not to have to sit in on meetings that meant very little to her.
    “Mother? I’m sorry.” The words pushed beyond the hurt, the slicing ache that attacked her chest. “I just… I can’t do this. I can’t be you. You love what you do. You do it so well, but I don’t want to. This isn’t what I am.”
    Hope gestured around the room. A veritable museum, with French rose wallpaper gracing the walls of the perfectly proportioned space, dark polished wood floors with fine Aubusson carpeting. Heavy green drapes draped over the French doors that led to a terrace where roses stood in geometric perfection. Paintings by old masters lined the walls. The Louis XIV desk and chairs, chaise longue, and gold and marble timepiece filled the mantle above the ornate fireplace all came together, creating a look of genteel finery. The crystal chandelier that dripped with perfect shining drops beamed light into the room. It was a cage, gilded perhaps, but a cage nonetheless in Hope’s mind.
    “This is you. Not me.” Her head moved slightly as she tried to make her point.
    “No. This is you. This is your future. You will be taking over here in the next few months.” Her mother looked away, and a sensation of alarm surged through Hope. “Your father has spoken with the Master. I… I can’t continue doing this.” Her face crumpled and for the first time, the strong woman she remembered from childhood seemed lost, while something sad rose in her face, and the pain crushed Hope from within. “I wasn’t going to say anything yet. My doctor has told me I need to slow down. I have…an advanced and incurable illness. I need someone trained to take over the role as Chatelaine and Mistress to the Yeux Secondes .”
    The words hit like blows, another pain she couldn’t contain screamed through her and her fingers curled into the palm of her hand, the blunt edges of her nails biting at the soft and tender skin. Her strong mother was ill? When had this happened? Why hadn’t she known? She opened her mouth as her mother raised a hand. “We decided it wasn’t right to tell you, but I saw you in the meeting. I don’t think you listened to one word. That has to change.” The words were frigid and delivered forcefully.
    In the back of Hope’s mind an alarm rang viciously, but Hope pushed it aside. Now wasn’t the time to be second-guessing her mother.
    “What about Alexa?” Her sister-in-law would probably jump at the chance to take over from her mother. That would free her up, and if her mother required care then she would be available. Surely that would be an acceptable outcome? But even as Hope thought it, she knew what her mother’s reaction would