The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
Merrow barely raised an eyebrow at Delaney being in Hugh’s arms. “Injuries?”
“None beyond the bruising to her face and wrists.”
Merrow nodded. “Still ought to see the medics. I’ll need a statement too.”
She poked at Hugh’s shoulder and whispered, “I’m not giving my statement to the sheriff with you holding me like a baby.”
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He put her down, and she went to talk to Merrow. Hugh was delirious with happiness, both from finding her relatively unhurt and from her agreeing to marry him. And to think he’d started the day determined to scare her off.
The part about turning her into a vampire—about the consequences of that—still held a paralyzing amount of fear, but he would conquer it with research. It was what he knew. It was the only recourse he had.
Stanhill came to stand beside him. “From the looks of you, I’d say you’ve given up on your daft plan to run her off.”
Hugh nodded, unable to take his eyes off her. “I asked her to marry me.”
Stanhill’s disbelief was evident from the jerk of his head. “You did? What did she say?”
Hugh frowned at him. “She said yes, you muppet.”
Stanhill laughed and clapped him on the back. “Good for you, old man. About bloody time.”
Then he sobered, his voice lowering to conspiratorial levels. “Does this mean you’re going to turn her?”
Hugh took a long pause before answering. “Yes. Eventually. But not before I can test some things out, try a few experiments to see if—”
“I’ve been talking to Corette about this and—”
“You told her about Juliette?” Hugh stared at his rook. Never had the man been so loose-lipped.
“Don’t get your knickers in a twist. She actually has an idea.”
Hugh waited. “And?”
“Do you know Willa Iscove?”
Hugh frowned at him. “Of course I know her. My brothers and I set her up with her shop and apartment to convince her to stay in town. She’s the one who designed the official Nocturne Falls pumpkin charm.”
Stanhill frowned right back. “You and your brothers did all that?”
“Yes. I don’t tell you everything, you know.” Willa was young for someone with such talents, but the fae were a different than most supernaturals. They tended to keep to themselves.
“Apparently.” A small light came on in Stanhill’s gaze. “You brought her in to try to duplicate the amulets, didn’t you?”
“No comment. Is there a point to this?”
Stanhill shook his head. “I’m not sure. You already know Willa can work magic into her jewelry.”
“I do.”
“So why not ask her for help with turning Delaney? It’s fae magic, not witchcraft. I know how you feel about that.”
“Because if it takes powerful witchcraft to keep us from frying, how is fae magic going to make any difference keeping Delaney alive?”
“You could at least go talk to her.”
Hugh thought about it. As much as he hated mixing in outside help—anyone was liable to become an enemy at some point and use whatever information they’d gained against him—this was too important a chance to pass up without further investigation. “You didn’t already talk to Willa about this did you?”
Stanhill made a face. “Not me.”
“Corette?”
Stanhill stared at the ceiling.
Hugh gave him a hard look. “You didn’t say anything about the amulets to her, did you?”
That snapped his attention back. “No. You know I wouldn’t. Speaking of the amulets, why don’t you ask Alice about help with the turning?”
Hugh snorted derisively. “And give Didi one more thing to lord over me? And Delaney? No, Alice has done enough for us.”
“Then go see Willa.”
“I will.” He realized how brusque he must sound. “Thank you, Stanhill. It was a good suggestion.” He didn’t think much would come of it, but anything was worth a try.
“You’re welcome, your lordship.” Stanhill snickered. “I do hope it works out. For Delaney’s sake. And yours. You both deserve to be happy.”
“Thank you.”
“One thing…” Stanhill raised his brows slightly. “I know you brought Willa here, but Corette says her services aren’t cheap.”
Hugh almost laughed. “You know money’s not an issue.”
Stanhill shook his head. “I’m not talking dollars.”
“Then what?”
“I don’t know. Corette just said to tell you to expect to pay dearly.”
“Understood. Listen, let’s keep this between us right now. I don’t want to get Delaney’s hopes up in case this doesn’t pan out.”
Stanhill nodded. “Agreed. She’s been through enough.”
Hugh looked over at her sitting beside Merrow at the kitchen table. The bruises on her face were darkening, and her lip had swollen like she’d been stung. She looked delicate, but fierce. She’d been so calm, despite what she’d been through. Impressive. This woman who’d stolen his heart was a warrior.
If Willa could help Delaney, there was no price he wouldn’t pay.
With Captain trailing her, Delaney stumbled into the kitchen earlier than she’d expected to be awake considering the day she’d had yesterday. Her face hurt, but the swelling on her lip had gone down. A good thing, considering the kitchen smelled like bacon and something else delicious. Her mouth watered. The last thing she’d eaten was cotton candy.