Read MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles for Free Online Page A

anew.”
    Ian snapped his head toward his father, and Munro dropped his mouth open. “Now, Parlan, I believe that’s going a bit too far. There is no need to upset Davina with having to move her back here and endure the instability of a shifting home life.”
    “A safe and loving home life is better than the holdings she has endured under your roof. I will make arrangements to have her things brought back at once.” Parlan narrowed his eyes on Ian. “You want those covetous connections to the crown, lad, you had better prove yourself to be a doting husband, worthy of the fruit of my grandchildren.”
    Davina fought to calm the thundering of her heart, thrumming out of control. She would be home!
    “Parlan.” Munro put a comforting hand upon her father’s shoulder. “I can assure you Davina will be safe under my roof. Now that I’m aware of the situation—”
    “The mistreatment was happening under your nose and you could not see it!” Parlan roared.
    Munro bowed his head, backing away, and nodded. “You are correct, Parlan. I cannot express the grief of my ignorance over the pain I have caused your precious daughter. I have come to see Davina as the daughter I have always wanted and regret that my wife did not live to know her.” Munro turned away to submit to forlorn pacing, his hands behind his back, a vision of repentance. “Methinks if Ian had the loving influence of my wife, he might have learned to be a kinder husband. I fear my attention to matters of estate and wealth gave me little time with him, so I failed in my duty to teach him such things.” Turning sorrowful eyes to Parlan, Munro pleaded his case. “I understand your decision, and if you wish to maintain your position, I won’t fight you. Nevertheless, I implore you to give me the chance to set this right. My eyes are opened and I will be Davina’s protector. I will maintain control over Ian.”
    Davina waited, her breath caught in her chest, as she dared to hope in the safety her father offered. The moments stretched on endlessly as she watched Parlan consider Munro’s words. With a deep sigh, he nodded. “I will concede.”
    Davina dropped her mouth open and her heart plummeted into the depths of her being.
    “On one condition: You will all stay here as our guests for a fortnight or more. I wish to spend time with my daughter and give her a chance of reprieve and a period of observation over your son.” Parlan pointed a finger at Munro’s face and snarled his lips. “But if I see the tiniest sign of sorrow in my daughter’s eyes, any hint of a mark on her body, if I don’t see her demeanor change to that of a blissfully happy woman in a short time, I’m dissolving this marriage, and I care not what scandal it causes or what it costs me.”
    Munro tightened his jaw and his eyes grew cold. “Aye, I’m sure scandal is something you’re well-equipped to handle, considering your background.”
    Parlan’s face flushed crimson. “Regardless of my background,” he gritted, “I’m still the one who has the connections to the crown, and not just through my illegitimate birth. Being nursery mates and close cousin to the one currently on the throne has its privileges.”
    The two men stared at each other in a silent contest, but a broad smile eventually broke across Munro’s face. “Not to worry, my friend! You won’t be disappointed. Ian will be a model son-in-law, and we will have many grandchildren to be proud of!” Munro’s hearty slaps on Parlan’s back did nothing to wipe away the determined line of Parlan’s mouth, but he still nodded his assent.
    Davina gulped down the new tears of dismay that threatened to give her away. Easing back from the doorway, she padded silently down the hall, away from this meeting of men, this gathering of male dominance deciding a doom-filled destiny for her life. As she staggered through the kitchen, out into the empty courtyard and behind the stables, her heart sank even further at the idea