Page 169 of Eternal Craving

Sunaria enjoyed more visceral pleasures. To placate her, I’d agreed to join her on a visit to one of her more bohemian vampire friends – a promise I had no intention of keeping.

Marcus had also searched out new acquaintances, widening his social circle within London’s underworld. I declined his frequent offers to join him, preferring my own company, when I wasn’t in that of my son’s, albeit from a distance.

Culture and class beckoned nightwalkers from afar. Regardless of my desire to hold back time, it unraveled, relentlessly betraying me.

Despite it being Christmas evening, Sunaria and Rachel braved the elements. Not even a harsh English winter could deter Sunaria from the erotic spoils of city life.

I took a seat in the corner of our lavishly decorated lounge and openedSir Gawain and the Green Knight, resting the book on my knees.

A bloodhound sluggishly settled at my feet. This was the first room Sunaria had furnished, and she’d spared no expense. We were immersed in decadent colors, lush textures, and sweeping curtains. The far wall was painted a deep red. Despite my initialreservations, the color complemented the décor and went well with the candelabras positioned here and there, providing a soft yellow illumination.

I barely looked up from my well-worn novel to greet Marcus. Quietly judging my mood, he joined me, taking the seat opposite. I glanced up at the bookcase, now half-stocked. Sunaria enjoyed assisting Rachel with her collection, and I’d granted permission for her to shelve it here. Though I preferred a more modest setting, this room had become the center of activity in the house, and tonight I desired company, if only for a while.

I broke the silence. “The doctor accepted the money?”

“It wasn’t easy,” Marcus said. “He’s a man of integrity, which is?—”

“A good thing.”

“He needed some gentle persuading,” Marcus added. “I just told him the money came from a grateful custodian, and as you’re always calling Jacob your rock, I told him the gentleman’s name wasRoch.”

“You must have intrigued him.”

Marcus opened his mouth to reply but then chose not to.

I saved my page and closed the book.

“The money will be used for Jacob’s education,” Marcus said.

“And Jacob?”

“He looked well. He has your eyes.”

Unable to be that close to my son and not embrace him, I’d sent Marcus.

“He has his mother’s eyes,” I said, correcting him. “And that other matter?” I pulled at the frill beneath my white ruffled sleeve.

“Our third orphanage has just been purchased, and the children are being schooled,” he said. “Do come and visit.”

“I prefer not to.”

Marcus’ knuckles were white as he clutched the armrests – not that I cared.

“Sunaria tells me that there’s a place in London where mortals mingle with our kind?” I asked.

Marcus smiled. “Madam Rouge’s. Where the wine flows like water and so does the blood.”

His voice faded into the background. Entranced, my thoughts wandered as I stared out the window, hypnotized by the gently falling snow. A robin jumped onto the sill and pecked at the glass.

I breathed in the scent of burning oak. The log had almost turned to ash, and, as though striving for life, fresh flames burst up around it.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Twelve years passed before I considered setting foot in Madam Rouge’s illustrious home.

Despite its reputation, I found myself reluctant to pursue any kind of personal pleasure in her private East London house. For an hour, I’d lingered outside, trying to coax myself to enter.

Eventually, with hope that my depression would lift, I headed inside. Such a spontaneous visit would be a nice surprise for Sunaria, and I wondered if Marcus would be enjoying another evening here.