“Thank you, Amaury; you’re a great friend.”

Her eyelids were heavy, and within minutes she was out, sinking back into the pillows as she kept Samson’s head cradled in her lap.

SEVENTEEN

“Delilah, wake up,” Amaury’s voice came through her dreams. She tried to ignore it, but it wouldn’t stop. “Delilah.”

She opened her eyes and looked at Amaury holding a glass of the same horrible liquid he’d made her drink twice already. She had no idea what was in it and had no intention of ever finding out. For all she knew, it would be toadstool—or just the toad.

“Again?” She’d practically gagged the last time she drank it.

“Sorry, but you need it. He’s been taking a lot of blood from you.” She drank, trying to ignore the awful taste.

Then Delilah followed Amaury’s look, resting on Samson beside her. He looked better. His wounds had closed, and new skin was growing over them.

“How much longer?”

“Soon. In the meantime, you’re needed downstairs in his office. There’s somebody who wants to talk to you.”

She gave him a questioning look. “Who?”

“You’ll see.”

Her gaze drifted back to Samson, not wanting to leave him. “What if he wakes up while I’m gone?”

“I’ll be here. I’ll call you immediately.”

Reluctantly she got out of bed. She felt dizzy when she suddenly stood. Her body swayed, and Amaury instantly grabbed her. A low growl came from the bed.

Both she and Amaury turned their heads to look at Samson. He was seemingly still asleep, but his fangs were showing. Amaury instantly let go of Delilah’s arm. Samson’s fangs retreated, and his lips closed.

“He can sense you even in his sleep. He doesn’t like you being touched by another man.”

“But, you were just trying to help me,” Delilah protested.

“A vampire who’s found his mate is very possessive.”

Delilah smiled at Samson. Even in his sleep he was trying to protect her. “I’ll be back in a short while, my love.”

She saw a content smile form around Samson’s lips as if he could hear her.

Carl expected her in Samson’s office.

“Please take a seat here, in front of the computer, Miss Delilah.”

“Carl.”

He looked at her questioningly.

“I’m sorry. Did I get you in trouble with Samson? I’ll talk to him when he’s better. I don’t want you to be punished for letting me escape,” she said ruefully.

“It doesn’t matter what happens to me, as long as Mr. Woodford will be alright.”

“What will he do to you?”

“I was ordered to protect you, and I failed. All that’s important is that he got to you in time.”

“But it was my fault. I tricked you.”

He gave a faint smile. “No matter, Miss. I shouldn’t have let you trick me. If I may say so, for a human, you’re very smart.”

“And if I may say, for a vampire you’re very kind.”

He nodded. “Mr. Woodford has arranged a teleconference for you.”

Carl pointed to the computer screen. She sat in the chair he held out for her.

“A teleconference. What for?”

Carl switched on the monitor. A picture of what looked like a hospital room came into view. He adjusted the small camera on the top of the monitor and pointed it directly at Delilah.

“There’s somebody Mr. Woodford wants you to talk to.”

“Are we connected?” a voice came through the speaker, and a second later, a tall man stepped into view.

“Yes, we can hear and see you clearly, Gabriel,” Carl replied. “Miss Delilah, this is Gabriel Giles. He runs Scanguards’ headquarters in New York. Gabriel is one of us.”

“A …?” She perused the man on the monitor. His long hair was swept back in a ponytail and his otherwise handsome face showed an ugly scar from his ear to his chin. Yes, somehow she would guess he was one of them.

Gabriel nodded. “Yes, Miss Sheridan, I’m a vampire. It’s a pleasure making your acquaintance. I hope that I’ll have the opportunity to meet you in person at some later time. Samson speaks very highly of you.” Delilah recognized his voice as that of the man on the speakerphone.

“Thank you. Did you want to talk about the audit with me?”

“No. Everything has been settled regarding the audit. We’re aware what Milo and his sister Ilona were trying to do, and we’re working on reversing all their actions. No. This is of a much more personal matter.” He cleared his throat. “Samson has asked me to see your father.”