Nightly love

Chapter 1



“ Oh my god!”

Danika grabbed onto the large metal gate to keep from falling over as she stared at the castle that loomed before.

“ This is mine?” She squeaked walking forward as the gate swung open, her hands still tightly wrapped around a bar.

“ Danika,” Jamie laughed, grabbing her hands and jerking them free of the gate.” What is the big deal?”

Spinning on her heels Danika stared at her friend with wide eyed.” You’re joking, right?”

“ Not to my knowledge.”

“ That’s a castle,” Danika said, pointing.

“ I know.”

Closing her eyes Danika shook her head than reopened them.” That is a castle.”

“ I know,” Jamie repeated.

“ Never mind.” Turning her attention back to the castle Danika took a moment to examine the outside. Was like nothing she had seen before. Than again she hadn’t seen many castles so the one before her seemed bigger than it actually was.

She had only seen castles in movies or television shows and this one was like what she would have dreamt about. With large towers, a wooden door that she could only place as being the drawbridge and a moat it was like stepping into the medieval times.

Getting over the shock of things Danika glanced over at her friend.” So, how are we suppose to get in with the drawbridge up?”

Suddenly a loud creaking noise drew her attention towards the front of the castle. She waited in fascination as the drawbridge slowly was lowered towards the ground, resting with a loud thump that shook the earth.

“ Why do I even ask?” Danika mumbled than walked towards the front as a figure emerged from inside.

The figure walked over to Danika and gave her a warm smile.” You must be Lady Rivers. We have been expecting you.”

“ We?”

The older lady nodded.” Yes, the staff and myself. My name is Veronica Chambers but everybody calls me Ronnie. I will be your lady-in-waiting.”

“ Lady-in-waiting?” Danika asked.” Don’t only princess or queens have them?”

Ronnie smiled.” Not always.” She indicated towards the castle.” Would you like to come in and see your room? I am sure your exhausted from your trip and would like to rest before dinner.”

Danika smiled despite how tired she felt.” Yes, that would be lovely.” Hearing someone clear her throat she rolled her eyes.” This is my friend, Jamie. She’ll be staying with me for a few days until I get settled in. If that is okay?”

“ Oh quite,” Ronnie smiled.” More the merry, I always say. Please come inside and I’ll show you to your rooms. Later I will introduce the staff.”

Grinning from ear to ear Jamie followed Ronnie into the castle than stopped and looked over her shoulder to see Danika staring intensely up at one of the castles.

“ Are you all right, Danny?”

Getting an eerie feeling Danika had glanced up at the left tower to see a large figure crouching on the top staring at her. Squinting her eyes she looked closer to see a large gargoyle staring down at the ground. She took a step to the right than left and could swear that gargoyle was watching her.

“ Are you all right?” Jamie asked again startling her.

“ Yes, but….”

“ But what?”

Danika shook her head.” I don’t really know. It’s just weird. It’s like that gargoyle is watching me.”

“ It’s stone, Danny.” Jamie giggled looking up at it. Suddenly getting the same creepy feeling she linked her arm with Danika and pulled her inside.” More time to explore tomorrow. It’s getting dark and I’ve heard horror stories about things in the dark around here.” Never taking her eyes from the gargoyle Danika let Jamie pull her inside.





“ I hope the room is to your liken,” Ronnie said walking into Danika’s new room.

“ I am sure it will be—“ Her words died in her throat as she walked into the room and looked around.

The room was huge. On the opposite side of the room were two double doors that lead out on to the balcony. A large door on the far right lead into the unknown that Danika could only assume was the bathroom. A large canopy bed to the right beckoned her to sleep. A large couch, dresser and vanity were the only other furniture in the room.

“ Is everything all right?” Jamie asked, placing her suitcases by the foot of her bed.

“ Yes, I just wasn’t expecting this.”

“ Are you all right, Milady?” Ronnie asked concerned walking over to stand before her.

Danika smiled.” I am fine. Just tired. Could you please tell Jamie that I am more tired than I thought and that I will see her in the morning.”

“ Of course. Good night, Milady.” With a small bow of her head Ronnie left.

Stretching, Danika walked over to the balcony doors and flung them opened, smiling as the cool night air teased her skin. She leaned against the ledge for a few minutes watching the sun sink over the horizon before she walked back into her room and closed the doors.

Undressing Danika left her clothes in a pile on the floor. Yawning she threw back the covers than slid into bed, pulling the covers up over her nakedness. Sighing she snuggled closer to the bed before she closed her eyes and let sleep over come her.

Thomas sensed something was different even before he opened his eyes. Feeling his stone imprisonment fading Thomas slowly stood up and shook the remaining stone particles from his flesh before he stretched and groaned loudly.

Glancing around he took in the night sky with a single glance before arching his back. A sigh of satisfaction crossed his features as his wings snapped to his full span of twenty feet long from tip to back.

Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Gazing slowly around he located the source to his discomforted. Folding his wings carefully on his back he turned heading for the door when a small figure blocked his way.

“ Evening, Milord.”

Crossing his arms over his chest he frowned. “ What is going on, Veronica?”

“ What ever do you mean?” Veronica asked innocently.

Stepping closer he sighed deeply. “ Do not take me for a fool, Woman. What is that strange presence I feel in my home?”

“ Oh, a presence.” Veronica fought hard not to smile and lost.” That would be the new lady of the household.”

“ New lady? Explain yourself.”

“ Ah, where should I start.”

“ Do not test my patience, Veronica. You know I tolerate very little.”

“ Aye, I know that all to well.” Ignoring his hateful glances Veronica walked over and sat on the edge of the tower.” While your sleeping Danika Rivers arrived earlier this afternoon.”

“ How long will she be staying?” Thomas asked knowing he wasn’t going to like the answer.

“ How long will she be staying? That, Milord I guess is up to her.”

“ Meaning what?” Thomas snapped.

“ Meaning that she inherited the castle from her late grandfather. She is the rightful heir to this castle.”

“ That can not be,” Thomas said, running a hand roughly through his hair.” Nobody has lived in this castle for years.”

“ True but since the death of Milord Rivers she was given the choice of living her or not.” Jamie shrugged.” She decided to move in.”

“ Fredrick died? When?”

“ About two months ago, Milord. I think he died of cancer. What kind I am not sure but I can find out.”

Thomas waved his hand in the air.” No need.” Standing to his full height he took a deep breath.” I have a feeling she will not be staying long. I will see to that personally.”

Before Veronica could stop him Thomas spread his wings and leaped off the side of the castle, disappearing into the darkness. Shaking her head Veronica turned and walked back into the castle.





Finding himself standing at her balcony doors Thomas slowly turned the knob and walked inside. She was laying on her back with arm tossed lazily over her eyes. Walking closer his hands clenched and unclenched at his side as he fought to keep from reaching over and dragging her out of the bed by her hair.

“ WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!” Thomas bellowed.

Jamie, who had been sleeping peacefully screamed and leaped out the bed. Her right foot got tangled in the covers sending her sprawling face first into the floor. Grabbing her bloody nose Jamie slowly climbed to her knees and looked over the bed.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the giant looming by her bedside. He was enormous. Jamie could only guess he stood seven feet tall. He had long straight black hair that was tied to the nape of his neck by a piece of rawhide. His green eyes stared down at her that was full of anger and despite.

“ Who do you think you are?” Thomas asked quieter.

Ignoring the giant’s question Jamie stood up and grabbed her robe, holding it against her bloody nose. Looking back over at him Jamie took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Finally when she got her nose to stop bleeding Jamie dropped her robe and placed her hands on her hips.

“ Are you trying to give me a heart attack because I assure you, Buddy you about did.”

“ Who do you think you are?” He repeated again.

“ My name is Jamie.”

“ What are you doing in my home?” He asked, stepping around the bed.

“ Your home? You must be mistaken because this castle—“ Her words died off when she noticed the large bat wings gracefully enfolding from his back.“ Oh my god!” Taking a step backward Jamie tripped over her footstool, falling on her backside.

“ I will ask again. What are you doing in my home?”

Jamie was confused. She had no idea what he was talking about.” I…I don’t understand,” Jamie stammered.

“ Do not take me for a fool! You are invading my home and I want you out.”

Crawling backward Jamie found herself trapped against the wall as he quickly approached her.” I…. I…I…”

“ Thomas!”

Reaching down towards the terrified woman Thomas looked over his shoulder to see Veronica standing in the door.

“ What?” He asked, straightening.

“ I can understand you are anger and think that invaders have taken over your home,” Veronica said walking over to stand beside him.” But if you are going to take your wraith out on the new lady than make sure you do it to the right person.”

Titling his head to the side Thomas stared at Veronica.” What are you talking about?”

“ Thomas, let me introduce Jamie Walker. She is a guest.”

“ A guest?” Thomas was getting confused.

“ Aye, she is Danika Rivers friend and guest.”

Feeling shamed and foolish Thomas walked over to the balcony doors and looked out keeping his features hard as stone. “ You never told me she had a guest.”

“ You never asked.” Veronica said simply. Reaching down she helped a horrified Jamie to her feet. “ Are you all right, My dear?”

Unable to pull her eyes from the giant Jamie nodded. “ Who’s that?”

“ Drink this, Jamie.”

Jamie watched as Veronica placed a teacup in her hand, urging her to drink.

“ What is it?”

“ Just some tea. It will help you sleep.”

“ I don’t think I can sleep—“

“ Nonsense. Be a good girl and drink it than straight to bed.”

Jamie drank the warm liquid like an obedient child than handed the cup back. Smiling shyly Jamie glanced one last time at Thomas before she crawled into bed and fell asleep.

Veronica tucked Jamie in before she turned towards Thomas with glaring eyes.” How could you be so stupid?”

“ How was I to know she had a guest.” Thomas argued.

“ But who gave you the right to barge into her room and scare the life out of her?” Taking a calming breath Veronica pulled Thomas out onto the balcony.” The tea I gave her will help her forget of her encounter with you. When she wakes she will think it was all a bad dream.”

“ And her nose?”

“ She will think she was tossing and turning and fell out of the bed, bumping her nose.”

“ What of Danika?”

“ What about her?” Veronica asked staring into the night sky.

Sighing deeply Thomas shook his head.” Never mind. I’ll find out myself.”

“ Wait, Thomas! I must tell you something!” Veronica shouted as Thomas spread his wings and leaped off the balcony but it was to late. He disappeared into the darkness.





Circling the castle several times Thomas finally perched lightly on the balcony. Growling deep in his throat he glimpsed through the window and saw a figure sleeping peaceful in the bed.

Deciding that his last attempt to confront the invaders was not acceptable he quietly opened the doors and walked inside. Hovering by the side of her bed Thomas stared down at her fiery red hair spilling across her face hiding it from his view. Gently he reached over and brushed away her hair away from her face silently praying she did not wake up.

It was like suddenly someone had punched him in the stomach. Thomas couldn’t breath. Backing away from the bed he found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her face.

“ Angela? Nah, it can not be.”

Even as much as he did not want to admit it Thomas was staring down at his lost love. The resemblance was undeniable. Hearing her soft sigh he backed up onto the balcony as she rolled over and mumbled something incoherent, tossing off the covers.

Thomas found himself unable to tear his hungry gaze from her nakedness. Her body was lean and trim. Her firm breast rose and fell with each breath she took. His gaze left her breast and took in her flat stomach and long shapely legs before he tore his view away, feeling the approaching dawn.

Walking quickly out onto the balcony he stared up at the sky as it began to lighten up. How he wished he could feel the suns warm rays bathing his face and warming his body. Sighing, he glanced up at the tallest tower. Due to his stupidity and jealousy the sun was something he would never see again.

Spreading his wings he flew up to his perched and assumed the position of a predator stalking it’s prey as sleep overcame him, his body hardening around him.

Danika slowly opened her eyes and sheepishly glanced around the room. Remembering where she was she smiled and stretched as a ray of the mornings sun danced across her face instantly warming her. Hearing a soft knock than the door opening Danika raised her head to see Jamie closing the door softly behind her.

“ Good morning,” Danika said.

Jamie walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. When she didn’t respond Danika became alarmed.

“ What’s wrong?” Sitting up quickly she clutched the sheet to her chest.

“ Nothing really.” She paused and took a deep breath.” I just had a really bizarre dream.”

Suddenly intrigued Danika leaned closer.” What was it about?”

“ A large man standing beside my bed yelling at me.” Her eyes widened as she focused onto Danika.” He was huge, Danny. Probably standing close to seven foot.”

“ What else?”

“ Well, his hair was dark and his eyes,” she paused to think staring through Danika.” His eyes were green, I think.” Her eyes focused on her again.” But you want to know what makes this dream so weird?”

Danika nodded.

“ He,” She paused to take a shaky breath.” He had wings extending from his back.”

“ Wings?”

Jamie nodded.” Yeah, wings. Large black wings.” She looked through Danika again and whispered.” I have never seen much animosity in a person’s eye. He looked ready to kill.”

“ That does sound like a creepy dream.”

“ It was more than a dream,” Jamie said looking at her again.” It was almost to real.”

Danika smiled and hugged her.” I had a few dreams that seemed a little too real too but you need to remember, Jamie they are nothing more than dreams. Dreams can’t hurt you. Now, get up and get dressed. I’ll meet you down stairs.”

Jamie lightly touched her throbbing nose as she watched Danika leave the room. Quickly getting dressed she decided that whatever, or whoever was in her room last night was no dream. She was determined to find out who it was.







Standing outside Danika raised her face up to the morning sun and smiled as the warm rays danced lightly over her face. Closing her eyes she sighed deeply than slowly reopened her eyes. Her smiled quickly faded as her gaze fell on the large stone gargoyle perched dangerous close to the edge.

“ What the…”

She titled her head to the side and stared up at the gargoyle. She could have sworn that when she came in yesterday he was crouching. Today he was standing tall and proud with his massive arms crossed over his chest. Deciding that she was exhausted when she came in yesterday Danika glanced around surveying the scenery than walked over and sat heavily on the bench next to the garden.

“ Good morning, Lady Danika.” Ronnie smiled and sat next to her.

“ Oh, morning, Ronnie.”

“ I trust you slept well.”

“ Indeed I did. A little to well.” She smiled brightly.” I never knew a bed could be so comfortable.”

Ronnie studied Danika’s face as she glanced off into the distance. She was quite lovely. When she had first seen Danika she too had been knocked back. She held a stunning resemblance to Angela. Suddenly she noticed Danika staring at her, her gray eyes looking deep into her soul.

“ Something the matter, Danika?”

She shook her head.” Not really. I was just wondering why you were staring at me.”

“ Please forgive me. I mean no disrespect.” She paused and looked off into the distance.” You remind me of someone I haven’t seen in years.”

Danika was intrigued.” Who do I remind you of?”

Ronnie said nothing for a long time wondering if she should tell her the story of Thomas and how he was betrayed by his only love. Glancing back at Danika she smiled.

“ A friend of mine who died many years ago.” Standing abruptly she bowed her head.” I have things to do, Milady. I will talk with you later.”

Danika watched as Ronnie walked off. She was hiding something from her and she was going to find out.



For the rest of the day Danika and Jamie explored the castle and got to know the staff. Other than Ronnie who waited on the girls were Fredrick the butler, Grace the maid and Greta the cook. Danika couldn’t believe that for a skeleton crew the castle was immaculate.

Sitting down at the table Danika waited patiently as Greta placed a steamy bowl of stew on the table than stepped back and waited for Danika’s approval. Knowing that the cook was waited Danika filled her bowl full of stew than took a bite making sure it was cool enough to swallow. The savory flavor slid down her throat.

“ Oh my god,” Danika moaned.

The cook became instantly alarmed.” Is something the matter, Milady?”

“ Oh god no. This stew is unbelievable. Jamie, you must try it.”

Danika and Greta both watched as Jamie filled her bowl and took a bite.

“ Oh my god,” Jamie moaned.

Danika smiled.” I told you.”

Pleased with herself the cook disappeared into the kitchen than returned a few minutes later with a basket full of bread. Placing it on the table she grinned happily as the girls took a huge slice of bread and hungrily devoured the food. She watched the girls for a few more minutes before went back into the kitchen, a huge smile planted on her face.

Walking into the room through the kitchen Ronnie was confused by the cook’s sudden spark of happiness. Sliding to a halt she smiled and shook her head than sat down in a chair.

“ You got to try this,” Danika said through a mouth full of food.

“ I all ready did.” Lacing her finger together she placed them under her chin and leaned forward, elbows on the table” You two have made the cook extremely happy.”

“ How so?” Jamie asked, breaking off a piece of bread.

“ It has been years since she had someone to cook for. Well, she had the staff but nobody really to enjoy her cooking talent.”

Danika smiled brightly.” I am glad we are here to make her happy.” Wiping her mouth with a napkin she finished her drink than leaned forward.” I think earlier you were going to tell me who I remind you of.”

Looking as innocent as possible Ronnie said,” I was?”

“ Yes, earlier before you took off suddenly.” Danika leaned closer.” What are you hiding?”

Knowing she was fighting a losing battle Ronnie sighed.” Come into the library and I will tell you a story.”

Looking over at Jamie they bother jumped to their feet and raced into the library, flopping before a soft fire like eager children waiting for a bedtime story. Minute’s later Ronnie glided in and shut the door behind her, sitting in a large chair.

“ Had your grandfather told you anything about the history of this castle, Danika?”

“ No, not really. He seemed unwilling to talk about it even when I asked.” She paused for a second before continuing.” I always wondered what he was hiding.”

“ Centuries ago a man name Lord Thomas Alexandria was the master of this very castle. With him was his twin brother James and at his side was his lovely wife to be Angela. Thomas was a proud man who believes that the common folk were more than peasants but the life of the castle. Without them the castle would be nothing more than a pile of bricks on top of a hill.’

‘ Thomas loved Angela with all his heart. She was everything to him. Without her his life seemed empty, not worth living for. Angela became pregnant but the child was not Thomas’s. Thomas knew he had not lain with her. They had agreed to wait until after they were married. So, he knew only one person who would have betrayed him.’

‘ To enraged to confront his brother Thomas grabbed one of his finest swords and went down to the courtyard where he spotted his brother in his morning training. Without some much as a warning Thomas walked over and slain his brother, consumed by his jealousy and anger towards the man that had ruined his soon to be wife.” Ronnie paused and looked down at the face that sat wide-eyed and staring at her in interest.

“ What happen to Thomas?” Danika asked.

“ And what about Angela?” Jamie asked.

“ A witch name Tabitha put a curse of Thomas for his crime that he may never see the light of day ever again. As for Angela her body was found the next day. She had drank some poison that killed her and her unborn child instantly.”

Jamie looked puzzled.” Did she turn him into a vampire?”

Ronnie smiled and shook her head.” You can not turn someone into a vampire, My dear. A vampire is made.”

“ So, what happened to him?” Danika inquired.

“ Nobody knows. He just vanished.”

Danika grinned and laced her fingers together placing her hands against her cheek.” Ah, a tragic love story.”

“ They say,” Ronnie continued.” That Thomas’s twin brother, James haunts this castle.”

“ This castle?” Jamie squeaked.

“ So they say,” Ronnie shrugged.

“ Oh please,” Danika snorted crossing her arms over her chest.” There are no such thing as ghost.”

“ Are you sure?” Ronnie asked.

Danika slowly lowered her arms and stared at Ronnie. Seeing the seriousness in her eyes she swallowed loudly. She heard herself say yes, as she shook her head no.

“ I didn’t think so,” Ronnie grinned.

“ Is James really haunting this castle?” Jamie asked leaning so far forward she almost tumbled forward.

Before Ronnie could answer a book from the bookcase took that moment to fall onto the floor, startling all of them. Ronnie looked at girl’s face and grinned at their startled expressions and wide eyes.

“ It’s getting late,” Ronnie said standing.” I think you two should get some rest.”

“ But it’s early,” Jamie argued. Glancing out the window she noticed for the first time that the sky was becoming dark as dusk approached.” Oh.”

Thanking Ronnie for the story both girls gathered themselves up and left the room.

Ronnie sat in the chair for a few minutes staring at the book on the floor. Walking over she bent over and picked it up, groaning as her aching muscles tightened. Replacing the book she smiled and headed for the door.

“ I know your here,” Ronnie said over her shoulder.” Nice timing.” Rounding the corner she heard a soft chuckle before she ducked into her room.