The Vampire's Mail Order Bride
Everything about Willa seemed genuine. Not that he’d doubted her, but this was Delaney’s life in the balance. It didn’t hurt that the charm Willa had made for Julian was working, well, like a charm. Hugh relaxed a little. “I need an engagement ring that will keep the wearer safe from harm.”
Willa made an understanding sound. “I see. What sort of harm are we talking? General protection? That’s a pretty easy construct.”
“More than that. Life or death.”
Willa’s lips parted in a soft breath. “Oh. That’s something else entirely.” She pulled out a notebook, flipped it open and grabbed a pen. “I’m going to need specifics. This is much more serious than what I usually do.”
“How specific?”
“The more details you give me, the more complex and specific I can weave the magic that goes into the piece. You want this ring to be as successful as it can be, don’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Then tell me everything.”
He hesitated, trying to think of where to start and what details would be important.
Willa tipped her head. “I promise everything you tell me will be confidential. And I’ve made many pieces for delicate situations. There’s very little I haven’t heard.”
Her assurances were nice, but he’d already been prepared to tell her whatever was necessary. “My first wife did not survive the process of being turned.”
“Into a vampire?”
He nodded.
Willa scribbled something in her notebook. “Go on.”
“There is another woman—”
Willa grinned, her eyes on her notebook. “There always is.”
Hugh ignored the comment. “I want to marry her, and she wants to be turned, but…” He shook his head. “I fear history will repeat itself.”
“So you want the ring to do more than protect her. You want the ring to ensure this turning goes smoothly.” She jotted a few more things in her notebook. “That’s good. That gives me something to work with.”
“Can you do it then?”
“I’ll tell you what I tell all my custom clients. My end will be a hundred percent.”
He frowned. “What does that mean?”
“That means there are always factors I can’t control.” She gave him an apologetic shrug. “Fae magic is born of the earth, and the truth is, if you were human and asking me for a fertility bracelet or a pendant to bring you love, I could guarantee it. But when it comes to other supernaturals, fae magic can’t always control the situation. I can guide what happens. Beyond that, there are no certainties. It’s part of the reason I was never able to create anything that would allow your kind to walk in the sun. Whatever gift your family has that allows that is beyond me.”
Frustration tightened his jaw. “How is that any different than how the situation would turn out without your magic?”
“She’s human, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then it ups your odds greatly. If that isn’t enough, then maybe there’s no point in continuing this conversation.”
“No. I’m sorry.” He combed his fingers through his hair. “I want your help. Any additional protection is welcome.”
She reached across the space between them and put her hand on his arm. The reassuring gesture gave him hope. “I understand how frightening a situation this must be for you. I promise you I will give this ring my full focus.”
“Thank you.” And now on to the rest of it. “Not to be crass, but I know you’re not doing this for free, nor would I expect you to. What is this going to cost?”
“There will be the cost of the materials, the diamond—assuming you want a diamond?”
He nodded. “Something large but not ostentatious. As perfect a stone as you can find.”
“Two carats?”
“Three.” He wanted Delaney to know he meant business. This was forever.
Her pen rolled across the page as she made a note. “Hmm. I have an idea. Give me a sec.”
She opened her laptop, angling it so he could see the screen but she could reach the keyboard. With a few key strokes, she called up a program and started designing a ring right in front of him. “I’m thinking cushion cut. I have a great supplier who will overnight me anything I want and he’s got beautiful goods.”
“Excellent.”
She tapped away. “I’ll set it with a halo of smaller diamonds, round brilliants, then do a split shank paved with round sapphires.” She looked at him. “Great stone for protection and strength.”
“Perfect.” He studied the design she’d produced. “It’s beautiful. Classic but different.”
“I’m going to set a few stones on the inside of the band. Moonstones, peridot, a little turquoise, maybe. They won’t be felt when the ring is on, but for our purposes, they’ll add another layer of protection.”
“Absolutely. Whatever you think it’ll take.”
“All right then.” She pulled out a calculator and did a few sums that resulted in her making a little noise in her throat. “It’s going to be a very nice ring.”
“I understand. How much does very nice cost?”
“Based on the quality of the stones and the amount I’ll need…about fifty to sixty thousand.”
“That’s fine.” He would have paid twice that. Triple, even. “And that’s all you need from me?”