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“No,” he answered with a sigh. “You are my great sin. I swore to love none but God. But I have broken that vow. ”

I felt tears on my face. When he saw them, he was instantly at my side, drawing me up into his arms.

“Let us not speak of the past,” he said swiftly. “Let us not speak of what was, but relish what is. ”

I stroked his face with my fingers as I kissed his lips tenderly. “I love you, but I do not want to hurt you. ”

“And that, my darling, is the crux of it. You do not hurt me. You heal me,” he said, and kissed my face all over.

We clung together until my tears faded and our kisses grew passionate. I could feel his pain, but I could also feel his love for me. Soon all that was left was his love, pulsating in his kisses and in his touch.

“Come,” he said at last. “Come see what there is to see. ”

He drew me from our small haven and out into the hall. Immediately, a footman appeared to walk before us. Upon silent orders, he flung open two large doors I had not seen before.

We entered a grand salon filled with people, music and dance. Some were mortal, others vampires, and others appeared mortal, but I felt they were not. I watched as humans gave themselves up willingly to little groups of vampires, receiving bites and kisses, their expressions languid and pleasured. I marveled at this sight, pondering my many hunting expeditions. How easily these humans gave themselves up here!

Men were gathered together talking and laughing. Some of the women were in tight little cliques gossiping animatedly. Violinists were playing wild, crazed Hungarian music and a few people were dancing. Tucked into tiny alcoves, a few people indulged in more scandalous pursuits.

Dominique was sitting at a table, smoking a pipe, and talking loudly with a man I knew instantly was a vampire. He was beautiful and radiant with long red hair. Beside her, Oscar was slumped against her chair, snoring loudly.

“Vlad comes here?” I asked softly of Ignatius.

“Yes, at times,” Ignatius answered.

“So you do know him and he knows you?” I said.

“Yes,” he said in a tone that was truthful,

but also demanded no more questions.

Unexpectedly, he turned, gripped me tightly about the waist, and swung me around into a wild dance. I clung to him as we joined the other dancers' gay movements.

We danced and laughed for quite some time. I loved seeing him smile and his gaiety seemed to surprise more than a few onlookers. At one point, I saw Astir and Dominique in deep conversation and knew they were speaking of Ignatius.

We drank more wine mingled with blood, and I even took a sip from a young man who offered me his wrist. I boldly sat on Ignatius’ lap and he happily wrapped his arms about my waist.

“Countess Dracula,” Astir said as the Fallen was suddenly beside us.

I gave him (for I shall now call Astir male for lack of a better address) a very dark look and he laughed.

“Oh, come now, I know who you are. Your husband speaks highly of you. ”

I stood up sharply, blushing. Panic gripped me as I realized I could be exposed and Vlad’s wrath would descend on me.

Astir took hold of my arm. “This is a place of discretion. None will speak of your appearance here with our dear Father Ignatius. ”

Ignatius slowly rose to his feet and slid his hand around my waist. “Astir speaks the truth. ”

“If you tell Vlad…”

“I will not, I can assure you. Neither will anyone else who knows who you truly are. But Countess, what I wished to tell you is that you are always most welcome here and should you need me I am at your disposal. ”

“Why?” My tone was clipped and fierce.

He laughed at my boldness, but his gaze strayed to Ignatius. “Because, darling, I am intrigued by any woman who could snare the heart of one who swore it to God. ”

“You taunt me,” Ignatius snapped.