The next night, Asher discovered both the triumphs and tribulations of life in a large family. Jane had invited the Van Helsings—cousins and all—to a victory celebration dinner.
At first he was reserved and wary. It wasn't often that a master vampire was encircled by a room full of slayers and lived to tell the tale. But the Van Helsings quickly wanned to him. They were amazed by all the mirrors in his front rooms, and even more amazed that Asher's reflection could be seen whenever he stood near one. The Van Helsings learned that one of the many things they'd thought they knew about vampires was a myth. Which alerted them to the possibility more vampires might be hiding in London than they'd previously thought. They were grateful for that.
Yes, in spite of his being a Nosferatu, the Van Helsings had taken him into the bosom of their family—and what bosoms there were! Asher thought as he stared at Jane's décolletage. He really had to talk to her about her dressmaker and lay down a few laws. The neckline of that gown should be at least two inches higher. No, make that three, he decided as his wife bent slightly forward, listening to her cousin George.
Cocking his head, Asher decided that his wife looked lovely in her scarlet-colored gown. He was a. vampire, and he wanted her now in a most elemental way, with blood and body, heart and soul. Thanking his lucky stars, Asher realized how fortunate he was. In a world filled with lonely people, all searching for that special someone, he had found his. And since he was a vampire, he could have her by his side forever. He smiled devilishly, his love for his wife glowing from his eyes.
Jane returned her husband's smile, happier than she had ever been. Asher truly loved her, and she loved him with an intense passion that she knew would never die.
"Jane, pay attention," George admonished. "This story really is quite humorous."
Jane sighed and pretended to listen to her cousin's recollection of the other night's trip to the cemetery as she watched Spot approach Asher to be petted and held. With a sigh of resignation, Asher picked up the little dog and began scratching under Spot's chin. Jane hid her smile. Her toplofty earl was an old softie at heart. All the while she watched her husband talking with various members of her family. It was remarkable, but the Van Helsings had declared a truce with Asher, and they were all getting along famously. At this moment, Asher was discussing the tying of the oriental cravat with her brother and cousin Jemeny, who seemed awed by Asher's know-how.
Her grandfather was scouring Asher's home for mice. Uncle Jakob was deep in conversation with Renfield about the origin of the best red wines. Her eldest cousin, Dwight, was preening before the full-length mirror in the corner, and the major was sitting in the large brocade chair by the fireplace, his knees upon a cushion, discussing deer hunting with Douglas. (Though her father hadn't been very courteous to her husband, at least he wasn't reaching for silver chains or staring at Asher's chest with bloodlust in his eyes.)
She nodded happily at something George said, thinking how fortunate she was. They were just one big happy family—Orville, Spot, vampire hunters, vampire, human servant and all. In fact, Orville was singing his nightly song, screeching happily while Dwight, the major and Asher all wore disgusted expressions. Jane laughed. They had more in common than they thought.
After dinner, the hours sped by quickly, and the Van Helsings took their leave; Brandon, Douglas and Jemeny waved and called out their good-byes.
"Alone at last," Asher whispered dryly, as he watched his butler close the door on them. "Now you are mine, and I can have my wicked way with you." He leaned close and kissed her on the neck. "Stars fade, but I linger on, dear, just craving your kiss. I will always crave your kiss—your smile, your love, the way you argue with me…"
"Why, Asher, I rarely argue with you," Jane argued.
Asher threw back his head and laughed. Then he quoted, " 'Come live with me and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove.'"
"Christopher Marlowe," Jane said, knowing at once who had written the words. "And speaking of quotes—"
Asher cut her off with a hot, brief kiss.
Jane pulled back, staring at her husband. "I can't believe you knew Shakespeare personally, and didn't tell me."
Placing both hands on either side of her face, he said, "Jane, Jane, my most cherished wife, I love you."
"That is because you have impeccable taste," she teased. "Now, my love, stop trying to distract me. Tell me all about Shakespeare," she said, trying to ignore Asher nibbling on her ear.
"Do you know that your love was sharp enough to pierce my cold heart?" he asked. " 'I do love nothing in the world so well as you: is not that strange?'"
Jane would not be distracted. "That last part is Shakespeare—and you knew him. Were you good friends? Did he confide in you? Were any of his stories written about you?" She had a hundred questions to ask about the grand old playwright.
Asher laughed. "Wife, I believe we are at cross purposes. Give me a kiss to build a dream on. To build our future on."
Jane happily complied, the Bard barred for a moment as she deepened the kiss. Reluctantly both she and Asher drew back, gazing into each other's eyes.
"Do you truly love me?" Asher asked, his normal hauteur vanished. He knew she loved him, but how much? Enough to be with him forever as his consort? To be what her family had once taught her to indiscriminately despise?
"Will you let me tuck you into your coffin at daylight?" Her question was said in a teasing manner, but the answer to Jane was important. It was all about trust.
"Each and every night," he agreed solemnly. "Forever."
"Yes, Asher. I love you with all my soul."
"Forever?" Asher asked, his heart beating harshly in his chest. He had never needed anyone as much as he needed Jane. Although he had loved Clair, what he felt for his Van Helsing was more. He had never loved anyone as much as he loved her, and he blessed Clair and even her hairy husband, Huntsley, for bringing them together. For his love was as boundless as infinity, as endless as the vast heavens, for the woman he held so tenderly in his arms.
"Of course. I will love you until the day I die," Jane admitted softly.
"To your good fortune." He smiled naughtily.
She playfully bit his neck and ran her fingers through his thick, wavy hair. "You're so vain. But I love you anyway."
Asher held her hand as he looked down at her, his expression quite serious. "I want forever with you, Jane, not just thirty or forty years. I want centuries to pet and spoil you." He tensed slightly, awaiting her answer. "Be my vampire bride."
Tracing his lips, she sighed dreamily. Suddenly the world was full of possibilities. Forever was a very long time, and she intended to spend it with Asher, enjoying undeath to the fullest. It would shock her family, and she would have to overcome her thing about blood, but forever looked very good right now.
But… not tonight. Tonight was for affirming their love for each other. Each would luxuriate in the knowledge that they had found each other in this big, wide world, filled with a million smiling or tragic faces. Each knew now that love had filled their souls and hearts to overflowing.
"I will spend eternity by your side, but we can't do it tonight. I need to prepare my family for the deed."
"They'll never accept it," Asher replied tensely.
Jane put a finger to his lips. "Give them some time. Give me some time to change their minds."
"But…" Asher began.
Jane caressed his mouth with her finger, cocking an eyebrow. "Asher, I am Jane Van Helsing Asher, Countess of Wolverton and retired vampire huntress. I can do anything I set my heart to." She smiled gaily. For it was true. "After all, I managed to marry the most sought-after earl in England, and he fell deeply in love with me. If I can do that, I can manage to settle down a few disgruntled Van Helsings."
Asher grinned. "All right, my love. You take as long as you need. We have forever, after all." Clasping her tightly to him, he added tenderly, "I found you. I finally found the love of my life. Come. Let us go to bed. Where we will love and love until I have worn you near to death. The world can go up in flames around us, and we will be too busy to notice. Tonight, my adorable little wife, you are in for a night of lovemaking with no intermissions."
Jane giggled. "You, my lord, are no gentleman."
"A minor point at the moment," he conceded, nipping her neck with a bit of fang, then kissing her tenderly with all the years of unspent passion he'd stored within him.
Jane felt like weeping with delight. His lips were firm and caressing, his breath as sweet as autumn apples and fresh cinnamon. He was a part of her heart now.
The kiss ended with Asher scooping her up in his arms and carrying Jane in her scarlet gown up the wide marbled staircase. She glanced at the butler, Mr. Rhett, who was trying to hide the grin on his face. Renfield stood off to the side, also smiling—a rare treat indeed.
Blushing, Jane scolded gently, "The servants, Asher. What will they think of you carrying me off like this?"
Her husband laughed. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Jane howled in delight as Asher scaled the stairs rapidly. Tomorrow was another day that she'd be eating breakfast alone. But tonight… tonight was all hers.