Page 103

After all Lenore had been through, Cassandra could not blame her. She wished she could heal wounds to the mind and soul, but that was beyond her power. “Is there any way you could refuse?”

“No. I promised I would give him anything he asked, except for my territory.” Rafe shook his head. “The blackguard actually jested by asking for you first.”

Before Cassandra could respond to that irreverence, Eric entered the study. “The Duke and Duchess of Burnrath are here to see you, my lord.”

Rafe’s eyes widened as Ian and Angelica strode into the room. “I apologize for the delay, Rafe. Due to my wife’s desire to run pell-mell across the Continent, your message reached me only last week.” Ian rubbed the back of his neck. “I am relieved to see that you came through your ordeal successfully.”

Angelica gave Rafe an apologetic look before her eyes widened at the sight of Cassandra. “Lady Rosslyn! What are you doing here?”

Cassandra grinned, showing her fangs. “It is Doctor Villar now.”

Ian chuckled. “Ah, so that situation was also resolved.”

“Yes, my wife is the first vampire physician. I’ve opened a hospital so she can treat our people.” He raised his left arm and wiggled his fingers. “I was her first patient.”

The ducal vampires gaped like landed fish. Ian recovered himself first. “I see you have a long story to tell me.”

Rafe nodded and rang for port. “Very long.”