Be Still My Vampire Heart(104)

 

"Remember, the Malcontents do not fight fairly." With a flick of his wrist, Giacomo sent her foil flying through the air. It landed with a clatter across the exercise room.

 

"How will you handle this?" He charged at her, his sword pointed straight at her heart.

 

She pushed off the ground as hard as she could, thinking levitate. She soared up so fast, she clonked her head on the ceiling. "Ouch." She hovered, rubbing the crown of her head.

 

Giacomo grinned up at her. "You're a natural."

 

Austin stood by the door, chuckling. "I think she's underestimating her strength."

 

She glared at him. "I pinned you yesterday in forty-five seconds."

 

He shrugged. "Yeah, but you could whip me when you were a mortal, too."

 

Giacomo laughed. "La signorinais a fierce one."

 

"And don't you forget it." Emma whipped the dagger from her belt, teleported behind Giacomo, and poked him in the rear.

 

"Ouch!" He jumped forward, spinning to face her.

 

She smiled sweetly. "How am I doing, teacher?"

 

He narrowed his eyes. "Do I detect some latent anger, bellissima?"

 

Emma sighed as she stuffed her dagger back under her belt. Maybe she was angry. She was certainly frustrated. She'd been at Zoltan's house for one week, and Angus hadn't returned any of her e-mails or phone messages. She'd read his note so many times, she had it memorized.

 

Dearest Emma,

 

I do not expect forgiveness for the terrible thing I've done to you. I only hope you can be

 

changed back as soon as possible, so you can reclaim your life. You deserve a happy life,

 

filled with light and peace.

 

Peace? Did he really think she wanted peace when bad vampires like Casimir roamed the earth? She was a warrior like him. And now she was a vampire like him. Sure it had sickened her at first to think of him draining her dry and transforming her, but after a few nights of serious contemplation, she'd decided she was glad he was the one to induct her into this new life. She was undead because someone she loved had performed an act of mercy. That was so much better than dying the victim of an enemy's act of violence. And it was fitting that Angus had been the one. He'd been the one all along.

 

He'd taught her the difference between wreaking revenge and seeking justice. She no longer wanted to kill every vampire in her path to relieve the pain of her parents' murder.

 

She wanted to put that pain behind her and move on. She wanted to use her new power to protect the innocent, so others wouldn't suffer as her parents had.

 

Angus had taught her that love was so powerful, it survived death. She still loved him with all her heart. And she understood now that death couldn't disfigure or corrupt a person's soul. She was surrounded by loving, honorable Vamps.

 

So why was Angus ignoring her? Was he averse to a commitment that might last for centuries?

 

Darcy joined her husband at the doorway. "We just received an e-mail—"

 

"From Angus?" Emma interrupted.

 

Darcy gave her a sympathetic look. "From Roman. He reports that baby Constantine is healthy, happy, and normal."

 

"That's good," Austin murmured.

 

Darcy offered Emma a sheet of paper. "Some of his message was for you, so I printed it out."

 

Emma took the note and wandered across the large exercise room to read it.

 

Dear Miss Wallace,

 

I couldn't help but notice the e-mails and phone messages directed here for Angus. I thought you should know that he left here two nights ago for England. He's expecting you to come to New York to be changed back, and I don't believe he wants to be here for the event. This is not because he doesn't care. He cares very much. He's suffering greatly for what he did to you. Perhaps, in time, he'll be able to forgive himself. I think he'll begin healing once he knows you have safely returned to your mortal life. I am at your disposal, as soon as you are ready.

 

Sincerely,

 

Roman Draganesti

 

Emma folded the note. "Why does everyone want me to be mortal again?"

 

Darcy gaped. "You'd rather be undead?"

 

"Of course she does," Giacomo said. "It's a superior life."

 

Darcy snorted. "I didn't care for the diet."

 

"The blood tastes good to me." Emma crossed her arms, frowning. "Why shouldn't I remain this way? The man I love is a vampire." She grimaced. "Unfortunately, he won't speak to me."

 

"Amore." Giacomo pressed a hand against his heart. "How we suffer for it."

 

Darcy snorted. "Especially you, Jack, since you're so in love with yourself."