Valdez crossed himself. “I’ve seen this once before. You just sent a demon back to hell, Jeremiah. It probably had a name but it had taken over the body of this woman to do its work. Helen Haig was just the vessel where it had taken residence. Poor woman.”
He stared down at that dark stain. “I’m surprised you were able to get rid of the demon so easily, Jeremiah. It usually takes more than a sword thrust.”
“I’ve heard of demons. I am thinking that it may be because I had the bishop bless my sword before the battle with holy water.” Jeremiah lifted his sword and we could all see that it was clean. There was not a trace of the black goo that had taken Helen to Hell. “Do you think the holy water made it possible to end such a creature?” He shuddered. “My sword seemed to have a life of its own. I had no notion of ending her until I’d done the deed.”
“It must have made the difference.” Valdez looked back at the altar. “I feel stained myself and feel the need to say a few prayers. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. We could all use some prayer.” Jeremiah took a long, slow breath and stared at that black blemish on the floor. “Gloriana, I could tell it was trying to do something horrible to you. I wonder why.” He put his sword away and took me in his arms again.
“I don’t know. I just had a feeling…” I held him tight. “Thank you, my love. I can always count on you.”
Safe. Jeremiah always made me feel safe. Yes, I could defend myself. That was a good feeling. But knowing I had a man who loved me and wanted to protect me was everything. He kissed me then smiled.
“You taste as you should.” He dropped another kiss on my lips. “As the woman I love.”
“That’s a relief. I’ve been too close to evil lately. I was very afraid it had tainted me forever.” Not afraid, terrified of the lasting effects.
“Let me see. One more try.” He bent his head and kissed me deeply, as if he searched my soul. When he finally eased back, we were both flushed and I wished for our bed.
“You’re my Gloriana, my love.” His smile warmed my heart.
I held his hand as we walked outside where a celebration was going on. Toasts were being made to a bright future for the happy couple.
A bright future. I could see that for us too. The pirates had been defeated and Jeremiah loved me. What more could I want? Forever.
Acknowledgments
I would have abandoned Glory St.Clair long ago if not for the loyal fans who keep asking for “one more book.” My Real Vampires Fan Group on Facebook and all the friends on my other sites there keep me encouraged. Thanks to them, I keep getting story ideas. I’m working on another prequel now, not set in the 1600s, but in the early 2000s. Yes, I read every email you send me.
I don’t have an assistant, it’s just me. And that critique group of two who I dedicated this book to. Nina and Donna have been with me for over twenty years as we worked on numerous projects. The most successful for me has been this Real Vampires series. I love to write suspense though so I hope some of my vamp fans have discovered my Texas Heat and Lone Star Suspense series. I’m a native Texan and can’t resist writing about my home state.
About the Author
Gerry Bartlett is a native Texan who recently moved to Pearland, Texas from her place that had flooded one too many times. Now she hopes she’s high and dry as she works on her books and enjoys tinkering with her antiques business in nearby Alvin, Texas. An avid shopper, Gerry is trying to clear her clutter, but it’s a lifetime obsession so not even the recent pandemic can slow her down. You can find her in a mask looking in thrift shops for treasures. She loves collecting purses, little boxes and anything colorful. Look for her latest releases and how to sign up for her newsletter on her website at gerrybartlett.com.
Also By
The Real Vampires Series:
Real Vampires Have Curves
Real Vampires Live Large
Real Vampires Get Lucky
Real Vampires Don’t Diet
Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs
Real Vampires Have More to Love
Real Vampires Don’t Wear Size Six
Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans
Real Vampires Know Hips Happen
Real Vampires Know Size Matters
Real Vampires Take a Bite Out of Christmas
Real Vampires Say Read My Hips
Real Vampires and the Viking
Rafe and the Redhead
Prequels:
Real Vampires: When Glory Met Jerry
Real Vampires: A Highland Christmas
Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates
Texas Heat Series:
Texas Heat
Texas Fire
Texas Pride
Lone Star Suspense Series:
Texas Lightning
Texas Trouble
Texas Reckless
