Night's Betrayals: A Night's Vampire Series Book

By Mary M. Cushnie-Mansour

Night's Betrayals opens a can of worms for the vampire leader, Count Basarab Musat, and it is one that will not be so easily dealt with...
Santan, Basarab's son, after receiving an anonymous letter detailing his father's deceit, fled to his birthplace, Brantford, to seek out his love, Mia...
Samara, the temptress, while grieving the loss of her betrothed, Akos, seeks solace in the arms of her lover, Lajos, but she is not the only one Lajos is in bed with...
Mia, who is in love with Santan, heir to the vampire throne - to what extent will she go to ensure she sits by his side...
Ildiko, still stinging from Basarab's constant rejection of making her his queen, decides to find another route to the throne...
Dracula has sat in Basarab's shadow long enough - after all, he should be the true leader of the vampire world, and it is time...
Basarab learns of the deceit and betrayals under his roof. Plus a murder, and Basarab's promise to bring the culprit to vampire justice. Little does the count know what that is going to mean...

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781927899632

Mary M. Cushnie-Mansour

Mary M. Cushnie-Mansour is a writer in Brantford, Ontario. She completed a journalism course at the University of Waterloo, after which she wrote articles and a short story column for the Brantford Expositor. She has published four poetry anthologies and a collection of short stories. She is also the author of Night’s Gift—book one in the Night’s Trilogy.

Book preview

poorer…"

Prologue

M

anya paced back and forth in the cave. Her nerves were frizzling with anger, and with fear. Anger, because she had killed the young man she loved; fear, because her father would be furious when he found out what she had done. The young Russian vampire had loved Ákos from the minute she’d laid eyes upon him, as a baby. She could not wait for him to grow into a man, and then when he did, he’d fallen in love with another: with the one known as the Temptress––the daughter of the Count Basarab Musat, ruler of the vampires.

When word of Ákos’ behaviour reached her ears, the jealousy inside Manya had raged to boiling point, where she could see nothing but his dead body. If she couldn’t have him, no one could. She knew the Temptress––Samara––was playing Ákos for a fool, which angered her even more. Manya had no idea how she knew such matters––she just did. She began to wonder why she’d even thought he would be a good match, a future ruler by her side. He was weak to have so quickly succumbed to the wiles of such a vixen!

Petya, Manya’s brother, stood quietly in the shadows watching his sister. He was concerned for her. She was as wild and unpredictable as she was beautiful. She was of a more delicate build than he, but the delicateness was not to be mistaken for weakness. He, of all, knew this from the many times they had wrestled when they were growing up. Her hair, unlike his crow-black crown, was blonde with a glint of gold. Her eyes, again, unlike his dark brown eyes ringed with red, were an intense blue, flecked with orange and yellow. He had always felt inadequate standing beside his beautiful sister, but he loved her more than life itself and could not see her suffer.

He knew what she had done, however had, as of yet, said nothing to her. As he watched his sister’s guilt eating away at her, he decided it was time and stepped forward.

Sister … it’s time we talked.

Manya startled at her brother’s voice. Petya … how long have you been here?

Long enough. Petya motioned to the opening of the cave. The sun has set; shall we take a walk?

Sure. Manya slipped her arm through Petya’s and he led her out of the cave.

They walked in silence for a time, neither willing to open the conversation. Petya, because he knew he had to be careful how he approached his sister with this delicate subject; Manya, because she didn’t know how much her brother knew about what she had done––if anything.

Finally, Petya took the plunge. Why’d you do it, Manya? Ákos was our friend.

He knows! Manya glanced away, not wanting to look her brother in the eyes.

Talk to me, Manya. Better to tell me what you’ve done before you approach our father. Petya’s voice was demanding.

Manya stopped walking. She let go of Petya’s arm and laced her fingers behind her back. She continued to stare at the ground, avoiding eye contact, but began to slowly pour out what she had done, and why.

I loved him … but you know that. It was something I hid from no one, not even him, but he was too blind to pick up on my clues. He betrayed my love by becoming besotted with her––Samara, the Temptress. Wasn’t I good enough? Did he have to go after the princess? How could I face everyone here when Ákos returned with his royal bride? I would’ve been a laughing stock. Manya looked up at her brother, smoldering flames of resentment in her eyes.

No one would’ve dared laugh at you, Petya replied. And if Ákos returned here with a bride, we would’ve all had to accept it as his choice. You are beautiful, Manya, more so, I believe, than Samara will ever be. From the rumours that have filtered here, she is beautiful indeed––but only on the outside. There’s evil in her, and it’s said the vampire princess is putrid with the desire for power. It’s also rumoured she wants the throne, and will stop at nothing to attain it.

Who’s been telling us all these rumours? Manya knew much of what was going on, but she was unaware of Samara’s desire for the throne. She’d been too absorbed in what Ákos was doing.

Rasputin.

Rasputin? Manya’s eyes opened wider. How’s he know so much?

He travels a lot, as you know. He gains access to places where he can glean information, and then reports back to Father.

How do you know so much about what that old bugger does? Manya was beginning to gain a new respect for her brother. She’d not realized how astute he was about what went on within their clan.

I listen from the shadows.

Father’s never caught you?

I’m careful.

Manya looked away again. She noticed a large rock just off the path, made her way to it, and sat down. I don’t trust Rasputin, she began. Something about him isn’t right…

Petya approached her. He placed a foot on the rock and leaned toward his sister, a serious look on his face. He’s a rogue, therefore not rightly one of us. But, he’s a powerful rogue––very powerful. It’s rumoured that the Black Witch is the one who turned him.

The Black Witch? I’ve heard stories of her, but never believed her to be real. Manya paused. And how do you know this, Petya, since most of our information from the outside world comes from Rasputin? I’m sure it’s not something he’d have shared with you, or anyone else in our clan.

Petya chuckled. "As I told you, dear sister, I like to hide in the shadows. One morning, as I was walking to my room, I passed by Rasputin’s. I heard him chanting, so I paused a moment. What I heard curdled my blood. He was calling to the Black Witch: ‘Oh great and powerful one, hear my words … Black Witch––Dark Wolf––of the mountains, of the forests, of the rivers, of the plains … come to me … let me drink from my mother’s blood … let me feel your power course through my veins, giving me the strength I need to do your will … Adrianna Daciana, the Dark Wolf of all that is mighty in our world … the true ruler of the vampires … and all else…’

At that point, I continued to my room; I’d heard enough. We have all heard rumours of this Black Witch, but her identity has remained elusive. I think, maybe, whoever she is, she’s ready to make a move, and I don’t think Rasputin is our father’s friend, as much as he pretends to be.

Sometimes our father is so blinded by his own goodness of character that he doesn’t see the wickedness in others, Manya interrupted. And our mother…

Is as enamoured with Rasputin as all the other female vampires are. Rasputin has a way with women… Petya finished.

You took the words from my mouth, Petya. I don’t understand, though; he’s not anything to look at … I think he’s ugly! Manya stated, picturing Rasputin in her mind. He was dark-skinned, deeply bronzed, and his body was riddled with age lines. His eyes were deep set and almost hidden behind the bushy eyebrows and wild black hair that crowned his head and fell well past his shoulders. His nose was long and pointy, his mouth a thin line of contempt. He was tall and willow-thin; Manya had often thought a gentle breeze could blow him away.

I agree, Petya laughed. But the single female members of our clan seem happy with how he leaves them feeling when he takes his leave of their bedchambers.

He must mask his face, Manya suggested with a giggle.

Like you did when you killed Ákos? Petya returned abruptly to the subject at hand. Why’d you choose to look like Ildiko, Basarab’s cousin? he added. He had always envied his sister’s ability to change her looks, but had, at times, worried it might land her and their clan in trouble one day. This seemed it might be one of those times.

Manya’s words came slowly. I thought she’d be someone he’d recognize, and it had to be someone who was at the party. I couldn’t very well be myself, could I? Her tone had a sarcastic nuance to it.

But if anyone saw… Petya began, but Manya cut him off.

No one saw me! I was careful––and swift.

Petya sighed. He grasped hold of Manya’s shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. You must tell Father what you have done before news of Ákos’ death reaches here.

Manya turned her head so she wouldn’t have to look into her brother’s eyes. I know. The bravado she’d been trying to muster failed to surface.

Petya dropped his hands from Manya’s shoulders, and then extended a hand to her. Shall we?

Manya took the proffered hand and stood. Now’s as good a time as any.

Together, the brother and sister headed back to the caves to seek out their father and tell him what had transpired at the castle in Scotland. They were oblivious to the shadows around them––unaware of the one that moved quickly away, a smile on his face.

Rasputin would need to tell his mistress the good news. The Black Witch would be pleased to know she could use Manya’s jealousy toward Samara to her advantage.

Chapter One

A

ngelique was still dealing with the shock that Ildiko would go so far as to kill Ákos. The young vampire stirred in her arms, and she soothed him by stroking his forehead. He settled again.

Why, Ildiko? What is your motivation to do this? The throne? He was no threat to that … Basarab would never see his daughter, or any husband she took, on the throne.

Angelique gently laid her charge down, making sure he was comfortable. She stood and began pacing in the cave. The roar of the waves outside the opening echoed off the walls. She walked to the entrance, which was soaked from the ocean’s spray.

But something’s not right, she mumbled. You looked like Ildiko, yet your stature was not the same. Who I saw was smaller––shorter and of a much slighter build.

Angelique stared out at the storm brewing over the ocean; typical October weather for Scotland. She glanced up at the castle on the cliff and noticed most of the lights were out, meaning the family had probably retired. Of course. The sun will be up soon. Angelique noted the first rays of the sun trying to penetrate the dark clouds. She sighed. Attila would be missing her, wondering where she’d gotten to. Angelique turned as Ákos moaned, and rushed to his side.

The young vampire’s eyes opened slowly. He looked around, attempting to get his bearings. He remembered meeting Ildiko as he was returning to the castle, to his engagement party to Samara. Samara had disappeared and he was somewhat perturbed, especially since it had been her idea to go for a walk in the first place. His mind had been focused on seeking out his bride-to-be to ask her what had happened, not on what Ildiko was doing on the path down to the ocean.

Suddenly, without cause, Ildiko’s warm smile had turned cold. He remembered shivering, but still anxious to find Samara, he’d ignored the warning. The last thing he remembered was a sharp pain in his chest and flying through the air, before crashing into the ocean. He had tried to grasp hold of whatever had been shoved into his body. But his strength had waned quickly and water filled his lungs, drowning whatever breath he had left.

Angelique settled back down beside Ákos, crossing her legs and then leaning forward, her elbows resting on her knees.

Angelique? Ákos questioned. What’s going on? Why are you here? Why am I here?

Hush, she answered him, putting a finger to his lips. Save your strength. I will tell you all I know…

Where’s Samara? he interrupted.

A heavy sigh breathed through Angelique’s lips. Of course your first thoughts would be of your infatuation, wouldn’t they? Samara, I am assuming, is at the castle, probably getting ready to crawl into her bed for the day. She is the least of your worries right now. Angelique hesitated, still unsure of how to proceed. Then, What do you remember of your last few moments on the trail? she asked.

"Samara wanted to go for a walk. I didn’t. I thought we should stay at the party, which, I reminded her, was our engagement celebration. I told her it would be rude to leave our guests, few as they were. But she insisted. So, we headed down to the ocean, once again, her choice of location. It was windy and the trail was narrow, so she walked behind me. When I reached the bottom and turned around to take her hand, she was gone. I was scared and furious. Scared she had been swept off the trail and fallen in some crevice and was laying there all broken up, but also pissed she had maybe played one of her tricks on me and returned to the party.

I looked around, but not seeing her anywhere, I headed back up the trail. I remember seeing Ildiko step out from behind a rock. At first, she was smiling, but then … there was a sharp pain in my chest, and I was gasping for air, and my lungs were filling with water … then, nothing! Ákos tried to sit up, but he was too weak.

I don’t think it was actually Ildiko, Angelique stated thoughtfully.

Do you doubt who I saw with my own eyes?

No, I don’t doubt who you saw looked like Ildiko; I thought so too. However, the more I have thought about it, the more I believe it was someone else pretending to be her. The woman was of a smaller stature than Ildiko, and now, when I think about it further, the eyes were different as well.

But, I saw her close up, Ákos was still protesting.

Your mind, dear boy, was on getting back to Samara. I don’t think you were paying close enough attention to whom it was that stopped you on the trail. Would I be correct in that assumption? Be honest. The only face you have had eyes for lately has been Samara’s!

But… Ákos tried to sit up again and Angelique pushed him back on the bed.

You need to rest still.

What happened to me? What did she do to me?" Ákos resigned himself to laying back.

She tried to kill you. Actually, she did kill you. She drove a stake through your heart and heaved you into the ocean. Fortunately for you, I came along just at the right time. I noticed where you went into the water and I dove in after you. Luckily, you were wedged between two rocks or I might not have been able to reach you; the current was strong and would have swept you out further into the ocean. I managed to release you and get you to shore and into this cave where I pulled out the stake and breathed life back into you.

Ákos looked at Angelique, and she noted an accusing expression in his eyes. His questions confirmed what he was thinking. Why didn’t you go after my attacker? A short pause, and then, And it was convenient for you to come along just at the right time, wasn’t it; how do I know it wasn’t you who tried to kill me, and then had second thoughts?

Angelique threw back her head and laughed, the tension of the past few hours releasing from her body. Ákos looked at her, shocked. When she settled, she smiled. I think you are very naïve to think I, of all people, would do this to you, and then save you. I will get to the bottom of this and find out who it really was behind that mask of Ildiko, because there is one thing I am sure of now, it was not her. Which means there is someone else out there that has it in for you, and until we find out whom, you are not safe. I am going to take you to a place where you won’t be found, and you will have to stay there until it is safe…

But…

No buts. I didn’t save your life in order to have someone make another attempt on it and be successful next time.

What if I won’t go with you? Ákos pouted like a little child.

Angelique leaned forward. Don’t underestimate my power, young man. I have not survived so long in this world by being anyone’s fool.

Ákos cocked his head to the side: What are you then? You aren’t a vampire––that much I know.

A sad smile crawled across Angelique’s face. You don’t really want to know exactly what I am, but this much I will tell you: I am a White Witch, and thank goodness for you that my colour is white, not black. I have protected the Dracul family from the beginning. It was I who alleviated the curse my sister, Tanyasin, inflicted on the family. So, if I say you will stay somewhere that no one will find you, you will stay there. The choice is not yours.

Angelique stood and reached a hand out to Ákos, assisting him to his feet. He stood shakily and then threw back his shoulders and raised his head. Angelique sensed a strength in him that others appeared to have missed, especially Samara. She waved her hands in the air and a murky smoke encircled the cave, slithering into all the corners. She began to chant in a language Ákos didn’t recognize. When the smoke cleared, he found himself standing in a room in what looked to be part of an old castle.

Where are we? he asked, walking unsteadily over to a tall, narrow window, which was covered with a heavy tapestry.

Safe. Angelique followed Ákos to the window. He turned as she approached. We are in the mountains, she stated. That is all you need know.

Angelique was not about to tell him where, for his own good. I will return later with some supplies for you. In the meantime, you will find everything else you need in this room, and since it is daytime, you might want to catch some sleep.

Ákos looked around at the emptiness and snorted. Really? Everything I need?

A soft chuckle emitted through Angelique’s lips. Really. She waved her hands in the air, and suddenly the room was furnished enough to suit any young person. A double bed sat up against the west wall, a desk and chair hugged close to the curtained window, and a table and two chairs sat on a braided rug in the middle of the room. A couch and coffee table adorned the east wall, and a radio sat on a table in the corner next to the couch.

No computer? Ákos asked.

No. You will have to think of something else to do with your time when you wake up. There is plenty of writing material in the desk, and I believe a couple of games, along with a deck of cards.

Angelique made her way to the door. She was unsure if she should leave the young vampire awake or put a sleeping spell on him. She turned and studied his body language. Realizing he was antsy and might want to explore his surroundings, the sleeping spell could be a bit much at this point, but a protection spell on the room would be in good order. At least that way, he wouldn’t be able to get out and no one else would be able to get in.

I’ll see you later, she said, opening the door. I must return to the castle before everyone awakens and discovers you are missing. I don’t wish to explain my long absence to Attila. Angelique knew Attila enjoyed waking up to her beside him.

Once outside the door, Angelique waved her arms in the air and cast her spell upon the room. Outside, she did the same to the entire castle. To the naked eye of any passer-by, all they would see would be an empty lot with a row of trees around three sides and a boisterous stream closing off the fourth.

Chapter Two

S

lowly, the castle came alive. The sun was setting in the west, and the night was dark and cold, promising another storm.

Basarab had been unable to sleep. Something was bothering him and he couldn’t quite figure what it was. He’d thought it strange when Ákos hadn’t returned to the party, and he’d also thought it inappropriate that his daughter hadn’t seemed to care. Ildiko had left early as well, not long after her dance with him and her Uncle Dracula.

Virginia stirred in the bed. He gazed down at the woman he loved more than breath itself and wondered why he’d been so short with her lately. She didn’t deserve to be treated badly. She’d given him two beautiful children and then she’d embraced his world, with only a little hesitation. However, he’d still kept her at bay, not letting her into some of the more intricate parts of the vampire world. What was he afraid of? He couldn’t answer that question, no matter how many times he asked it of himself.

You sleep well, my love? Basarab leaned over and kissed his wife.

Virginia smiled sleepily. Very. I was exhausted. She returned his kiss. You are restless, she added, just knowing from the way he looked––distracted.

A lot on my mind, I guess. He sat up in the bed, letting the blanket fall to the crease at the top of his legs. Virginia reached over and trailed her finger, snake-like, across his chest and down his stomach, stopping teasingly at the blanket. Basarab took her hand gently in his and kissed the back of it. We should return home; it is time.

I know. But do we not have time for a little play first? her lips suggested seductively.

Basarab grinned and reached over to slide his hand under the blanket that still covered Virginia. As his fingers nestled over the waiting nipples, a knock came to the door.

Basarab, I must speak with you! Ilias’ voice sounded through the closed door.

What is it? Basarab returned, impatience in his tone at being disturbed at such a moment.

Ákos is not in his room; he did not return last night.

Basarab withdrew his hand from under the cover, leaned over and brushed the top of Virginia’s head with a kiss. Later, he promised.

I’ll hold you to that, she said as she threw the cover from her and headed to the bathroom. She heard Basarab curse under his breath as he watched her walk naked across the room.

Give me a moment, Ilias, Basarab shouted out as he began to pull his clothes on. Within a minute, he was opening the door to a distressed cousin. Have you looked everywhere in the castle? Maybe he came in late from his walk with Samara…

His walk with Samara! Ilias’ voice was just short of a scream. "Your daughter lured him out for a walk and then left him and returned to the dance, to their engagement party. My son did not return, and that has me worried. The coast line around this property is steep, and the rocks one might land on, if they were to slip over the side, are many and very sharp."

Basarab scowled. As I was going to say, Ilias, maybe he came in late and decided not to wake the household and is sleeping downstairs on one of the couches. Despite his words, Basarab had a sick feeling in his stomach. Ilias’ next statement confirmed they were thinking along the same lines.

How could he have come in so late that we would have all been sleeping, Basarab? The party ended at the break of dawn. Would not the sun have burned him, had he stayed out too long? Ilias drove his point home.

Ilias made sense, but Basarab needed to defuse his cousin’s concern before it escalated too far. If your son did find himself too far from the castle as the sun came up, I am sure he was smart enough to find a hiding place to sleep away the day. There are many caves along the shoreline. He will be along soon. Basarab stepped out into the hall and pointed to the stairs. Shall we go and see if Ákos is sleeping downstairs, or if he will soon walk through the front door and tell us he was sleeping in a cave?

After searching the entire first floor, Ilias turned to Basarab, his eyes asking the question before he spoke it. What do you suggest now? My son is not here. And, if he did take refuge in a cave, he would have returned from there by now. Darkness has been upon us for a good hour.

Basarab had to agree with Ilias. As he was about to suggest they begin a search for Ákos, Attila and Angelique appeared.

Why the worried look, son? Attila inquired. What’s wrong?

Angelique looked away, knowing what would be said.

Ilias spoke up quickly. Ákos is missing; we need to search for him.

Who’s missing? Samara’s voice, still edged with sleep, entered the conversation.

My son! Your betrothed! Ilias spit out as he turned toward Samara. He strode quickly to her, meeting her at the bottom of the staircase. What did you do with him, whore? The word was out of his mouth before he could contain it.

Basarab snarled at the insinuation toward his daughter. Had it not been for Attila stepping between them, Basarab would have taken Ilias’ head from his body. Now is not the time, son, Attila said, his hand on Basarab’s chest. The man is grieving. He did not mean what he said. Attila turned to Ilias, a serious look in his eyes. Did you?

Ilias shook his head no, knowing he had stepped over a line with his king, and thankful for the intervention of Basarab’s father. He lowered his eyes to the floor and muttered an apology. Forgive me; I am distraught. He turned away from Samara and headed to the door. I am going to search for my son. If anyone would like to join me…

Wait for me, husband, Délia came racing down the stairs and joined Ilias at the door. I have brought you a cape; this damp October weather here in Scotland is worse than the frigid cold of our Russian winter nights.

I will gather the rest to help us with the search, Attila said. We will join you as soon as possible.

After two long hours of searching the property and the shoreline, the vampires returned to the castle. Ilias and Délia walked as broken people. Angelique walked with guilt weighing her down, but she had no choice. Until she found out who had tried to kill Ákos, she could not disclose that he was still alive. The only one who was not present for the search had been Ildiko, and even though Angelique didn’t think she had been the one to drive the stake through the boy’s heart, she still found it very strange. She stepped in line with Basarab as they returned to the castle.

Where is Ildiko? she asked. I noticed she is the only one that didn’t show up to help us search.

Basarab shrugged his shoulders, knowing there was one other who didn’t show up––Santan. Where was he? It is one thing for you to hide in your room for your meals, and to miss your sister’s engagement party, but surely you heard the commotion. She left the celebration early, he finally answered Angelique. "Possibly, she went