Kiss of the Dragon by Nicola Claire Page B

he clearly felt Nosferatins could offer something in addition to his usual vampire protection squad.
    If I hadn't have taken the gravity of the climate seriously before, I sure as hell did now.
    I nodded at him, letting him know through my thoughts and expression that I understood. Then turned back to Sophie and Yves.
    To the young woman I said, "Welcome to the team."
    She smiled broadly back at me, then fisted her hand over her chest and bowed to us both.
    In that instant she reminded me of Amisi, who had been raised in a community of Nosferatins and Nosferatu. Amisi knew instinctively how to be a Nosferatin. I had always envied and admired her for that. I looked at Sophie, who clearly knew too how to be a Nosferatin, and thought perhaps this just might work.
    It looked like I had a new sidekick and for some reason that didn't make me as scared as I had expected to be.

Chapter 8
The World
    The moment the Grandfather Clock in the hallway, outside the sitting room we were all in, announced it was midnight, Michel was back at my side. I had been catching up first with Kathleen and Matthew, and then lastly Sergei and Natalyia, with Christopher adding a little to the conversation here and there. It had been a great evening. I felt settled and grounded and at peace with my family around me.
    Marcus and Matthias had been playing an impromptu game of poker with Michel's Shadow Guards down one end of the room, so I hadn't wanted to interfere and touch base with them. They seemed hell bent on consuming as much alcohol as they could manage and losing as much money as the night allowed. It was raucous and entertaining to witness. I knew I'd have time enough to catch up with my personal guards in London, though and I had never been close to Michel's Shadow Guards, so didn't feel the need to go there.
    It was Samson who worried me and threatened to upset my pleasant mood. He had spoken with Michel for a while and then spent the rest of the night in intense conversation with Yves and Sophie. The young Nosferatin woman had appeared at first starstruck and then as the conversation continued a little pissed off. She hid it well, having mastered a blank mask no doubt at an early age. When around vampires so much you need to be able to hide your reactions, a vampire will use anything it can to gain the upper hand. She played the game well, but I am equally adept at recognising minute expressions, and I had seen the frustration and anger on her face fleetingly, before the mask fell into place. Just what the hell was the matter with Samson?
    " Ma douce, " Michel murmured in my ear against my neck, interrupting my thoughts and the conversation with Sergei, Natalyia and Christopher. They all ceased speaking and watched the scene unfold. Michel had never been shy about showing affection in public. It had taken a concerted effort from him to get me to unwind in any degree in front of others, but I was still not up to his standard of exhibitionism
    His arm now, had come around my waist pulling my back against his broad chest. One hand held my side firmly, his fingers splayed across my hip and waist in a claiming gesture that would not have been lost on those standing before us. His other hand had come up to my head and tipped it gently sideways, exposing my neck to his lips. He spoke against the skin there, an intimate gesture that promised much and left no one in any confusion about what was on his mind.
    I refused to crumble under his assault and just replied, rather obtusely, "What, Michel?"
    He chuckled against my skin, sending hot waves of his breath over my flesh. My body shuddered before I could stop it and I watched with a frown on my face as Natalyia flashed an amused grin from ear to ear. Sergei and Christopher just looked resigned. They'd seen it all before.
    "We have a date," Michel murmured. "It is midnight."
    I began laughing then, his arm tightened about my waist.
    "You have plans," I added, starting to get into the swing of the