To Curse the Darkness by P.G. Forte Read Free Book Online Page A

clean.”
    Brockwell snorted derisively. “Aye. I had wondered how long it would take before you threwit in our faces that we are guests in your demesne.” He turned on Georgia once again. A wild light danced in his eyes as he growled, “I don’t care what he says. The sight of you displeases me. I want you gone.”
    Venom flooded Georgia’s system. “Do you now?” Her heart was pounding furiously as she rose from her seat. She knew this would likely be a fight to the death, for Brockwell would surely accept nothing less. She was not looking forward to it. It had been a long time since her last skirmish, whereas Brockwell had seemingly been at war with everyone lately. She suspected that gave him a serious advantage. But, she would not shy away from this battle. It was not in her nature to retreat. If this was her day to die, so be it. “Do you hope to silence me with bluster?” she sneered at him. “I promise you, I am not so easily cowed. You say you do not recognize anyone’s authority over you? Well, I do not recognize your authority over me !”
    As Brockwell sprang to his feet, Georgia tensed, readying herself for his attack, but Conrad was already in motion. He pushed Georgia out of the way, then picked up the chair in which she’d been seated. As Brockwell rounded the table, Conrad swung the chair, knocking Brockwell to the ground. He swung again, but missed when Brockwell rolled out of the way at the last second. The chair splintered into pieces against the marble floor.
    Howling in fury, Brockwell jumped from the floor and launched himself at Conrad’s throat. But Conrad had armed himself with a leg from the broken chair. He staked Brockwell through the heart before the other vampire had a chance to land a single blow.
    The scent of blood filled the air, and a shocked silence descended upon the room. Georgia glanced around again. Many of those present were licking their lips and looking on avidly. Conrad, his breathing labored, stood over the body, but he made no effort to feed from his victim—an oddity Georgia noticed in passing and then immediately forgot when the silence was unexpectedly broken by Emrys, who had begun to clap, very slowly and with great drama.
    â€œAnd so the motion is carried,” Emrys announced as the others turned to glare at him. “Or so I assume. Unless anyone else is willing to risk Quintano’s anger at this time by voicing an objection. Anyone? No?”
    His remarks were met with angry silence. It seemed he was correct in his assumption. No one would dare argue with Conrad now—a state of affairs for which Georgia was supremely grateful. Had things gone differently, she was not certain what the outcome would have been.
    After a moment, Emrys smirked and continued, “I thought as much. And, voila ! Quelle surprise . Casa di Quintano increases its holdings yet again. Bravo signore . That was very well played.”
    Conrad growled as he turned to face the others. His eyes were luminous with rage and unsatisfied bloodlust. “Iam Casa di Quintano ,” he said, speaking in a voice so savage that it gave even the other Invitus reason to fear him. “Make no mistake about that. I am my House—every part, every member. Attack any of my people, direct an insult at any of them, and you attack me . You insult me . If you are sure of nothing else, be sure of this. Attack me, and I will respond.”
    â€œYes, yes,” Emrys drawled. “I am sure everyone has understood the lesson: he who incites the bull to anger risks finding himself impaled upon its horns. I’m sure Brockwell would have been honored had he realized that his death would serve such a noble purpose—assisting you in making your point.”
    â€œKeep quiet, you fool,” Georgia hissed at him, shooting a worried glance in Conrad’s direction. “Or you’ll likely meet a similar fate.”
    â€œIt’s