The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars

By Susan Hanniford Crowley

In 1938, Vampire Prince Răzvan and his companions on their way to see the king, take the snowy path into the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. In the deep woods, they find a gypsy encampment and take refuge with them for the night. His heart is lost gazing in the exotic pale blue eyes of a raven-haired beauty. Saraina and her people just want to be free and live peacefully. Meeting Prince Răzvan changes everything, first with his dire prediction and second, with his warm hands and gaze that tear of her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Hanniford Crowley
• Release date: Mar 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463795477

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Susan Hanniford Crowley is a science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance author specializing in vampires and rare supernaturals. Crowley is an active member of SFWA, RWA, CTRWA, and BroadUniverse. She is the founder of Nights of Passion Blog which she shares with five other authors. Crowley is also an Associate Editor for Space and Time Magazine.Happy 2020! I am an Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author. Woo Hoo, and it all because of my wonderful vampire/supernatural romance novel, Vampire King of New York, and it's all about Max, Vampire David Hilliard's father. Keep your eye on Nights of Passion Blog to follow my wanderings as I talk about Max. Follow me on Facebook to get the most up-to-date details. Vampire King of New York is the first book in my 2nd series, Arnhem Knights of New York.Currently on Amazon Kindle are Vampire Princess of New York and the 3rd book in the series The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars.It's a spin-off of my first series, Vampires in Manhattan. The books in that series are When Love Survives, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais (David Hilliard's love/adventure story), A Vampire for Christmas, and Vampire in the Basement/My other books previously published by Tease Publishing which closed and returned rights. Bless them for returning rights. This affected the four books of the Vampires in Manhattan series and my mythology romance Poseidon's Catch (re-released with a new cover) and Mrs. Bright's Tea Room (re-released with a new cover).When Love Survives, which is here on Smashwords as well in lots of ebook stores, is about the supernatural community on the worst day in New York City. Our heroine is a finance student who receives surprising news from her family and is late for her internship, and our hero is a shapeshifter and financial advisor who worked in the World Trade Center. David Hilliard is introduced in this book.I have plans to bring as many of my other books over to Smashwords as possible. Happy reading! If you can't find it here, it is at Amazon Kindle.

Book preview

Dedicated to

Mihai and Tatiana,

Lawrence,

and Liam

Acknowledgments

Whenever a book is written, there are many people who help in several ways from giving guidance, feedback, editing, to emotional support. Having someone believe in you is a powerful thing.

Mihai and Tatiana Constantin were a tremendous help on everything Romanian – the customs, language, and places, especially one famous for its paranormal activity, which I used in the book. Mihai had asked me if I could write a book about a vampire set in Romania who was not Dracula. I said if I dreamed it, I could. Ta da! Thank you, Mihai, for asking.

Thank you to my editor Anne, who checked every word in this book, numerous times, focusing not only on the content to make sure I didn’t leave anything out but also on applying the ever changing rules of grammar in an effort to make this story a smooth reading experience. Thank you to Dianne D. who scoured this book for errors, and there were plenty.

I want to thank my beta readers: Deborah, Debi, and Charlotte. Without them I would be standing on my head.

Thank you to Cindy Samul for the stunning cover that completely expresses the feeling of the novel.

My husband and family deserve my heartfelt thanks for their support. I’m going to be asking for additional bookshelves. My husband is a unique inspiration to me. When I was ill, he watched over me and was a huge help in my research and attending conferences.

A special thank you goes out to Harold for his confidence in me no matter what.

Finally, thank you to my readers for enjoying my books and wanting more. Believe me, I am planning lots more.

Thank you, God.

Glossary

Bucureşti = Bucharest (Capital of Romania)

Dadrus = Father (in one of the Romani (Roma/Gypsy) language dialects)

Dragă mea = My Darling (Romanian phrase)

Forţă = Force, power (Romanian name)

Răzvan = Bringer of good news (Romanian name)

Rom Baro = Head Man (in one of the Romani (Roma/Gypsy) language dialects)

Saraina = a name of unknown origin. (Să-rāi-năh with emphasis on second syllable)

Strigoi or Strigoi Mort = vampire (Romanian word)

Te iubesc = I love you. (Romanian sentence)

Vârcolac = werewolf, Vârcolaci = werewolves (Romanian words)

The word Roma in this novel refers to the Gypsy people of Romania. Roma is the word used on the website of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/search?query=roma+in+Romania&languages%5B%5D=en

Table of Contents

The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars

Dedicated to

Acknowledgments

Glossary

Chapter 1 – October 20, 1938

Chapter 2 – The King of Romania

Chapter 3 – A Sacred Promise

Chapter 4 – Meeting in Bucureşti

Chapter 5 – The Spring of 1941

Chapter 6 – Living Nightmares

Chapter 7 – Death Engulfs

Chapter 8 – The Tangle of Trees

Chapter 9 – Screams

Chapter 10 – December 25, 2014

Chapter 11 – December 27, 2014

Chapter 12 – The Expedition Begins

Chapter 13 – The Prisoner

Chapter 14 – Who Are You?

Chapter 15 – Sticking Your Head Out!

Chapter 16 – Stars

Chapter 17 – Fear and Fangs

Chapter 18 – Lack of a Map

Chapter 19 – When Death Sleeps

Chapter 20 – The Plan

Chapter 21 – Raw Courage and Death

Chapter 22 – Beneath the Snow

Chapter 23 – With Eyes Open

Chapter 24 – Nylons?

Chapter 25 – 1930s vs. Modern Age

Chapter 26 – The Man in Black

Chapter 27 – Sister

Chapter 28 – The Second Wedding

Chapter 29 – When You Rule

Chapter 30 – Falling Apart

Chapter 31 – Gifts and Ungifts

Chapter 32 – Rescued

Chapter 33 – From Great Heights

Chapter 34 – Paris and the Stuff of Dreams

Chapter 35 – For the Love of Paris

Chapter 36 – Shopping for the Future

Chapter 37 – Fascination

Chapter 38 – Red Eyes

Chapter 39 – Iceland

Chapter 40 – Reunion

Chapter 41 – Raven Calls

Chapter 42 – The Wanderer

Chapter 43 – Stormy Skies

Chapter 44 – Council of Lifemates

Chapter 45 – At the Top of the Stairs

Chapter 46 – A Year Later in the Sanctuary

Books by

Susan Hanniford Crowley

About Susan

Where to find Susan

Chapter 1 – October 20, 1938

Snowflakes danced and glowed with twilight in the deep forest, where stark dark trees clawed the diminishing light. Three riders continued against the growing storm. Răzvan barely noticed the ice diadems swirling, appearing to pause midair around him then disappear, as if time stood still in that moment.

Dragă (darling). The word sang to him. On a mission with Toff and Zebrok, why did he choose this road? Why did he insist on continuing into the night? Dragă. Dragă mea (My darling)! Such an odd thing to be thinking now with his mission to see the king so vital.

My Prince, perhaps we should return to the last village and stay there. The snow will soon be too deep for our mounts.

Răzvan patted his stallion. He will bear it. So shall we. Our refuge is close by. How did he know that? Thousands of times he had traveled this road and knew nothing was close by. Besides the snow is easing now. A snowflake crown settled on his brow and he brushed it off.

They continued on the old road and turned with the bend toward the Carpathian Mountains. Răzvan thought he saw a shadow moving briskly behind the trees, a twinkle of silver light and then it was gone. Was it magic? No. The slightest touch of a feeling so immense drew him and urged him on.

Near the road but under the cover of trees were tents and wagons.

Gypsies, Toff muttered under his breath.

They are the Roma people, and I expect you to show them the same respect you would to anyone else.

Yes, my Prince.

Răzvan slid carefully off his steed and taking the reins led the way to the encampment. He could hear the grumbling thoughts of his companions in his head, but that didn’t matter.

The blazing fire invited and urged him closer. Men of the camp came out of their tents and approached him. Women and children hid behind them, their clothes layers of mismatched rags, colors faded by time.

Good people, could three travelers buy a meal and a place to sleep for the night?

The men grouped together and talked among themselves.

What brings you on this road when the snow falls and the sun is low in the mountains?

A mission for the king. I am Răzvan Forţă. These are my friends Toff and Zebrok.

They huddled together, eyeing Răzvan and his men with suspicion. We are a free people and have broken no laws.

You are not in any kind of trouble. We will pay you for the food and lodging. At sunrise we will leave.

The leader walked up to the prince. You are welcome. Please, come this way. He led the three into a tent that was open on one side to allow a fire pit, and it looked like the entire community followed.

Her eyes were ghostlike, dark rimmed but with a pale blue light in them, beautiful beyond words. She peered out at him from behind the other women. She wore a silver comb in her dark hair. It was hard to keep focused and listen to the leader who offered them seats on barrels at a makeshift table. She was the shadow he saw racing through the woods at twilight. Hers was the face he could gaze on endlessly.

An old woman brought them three bowls filled with a stew.

Toff lifted the bowl to his face. What’s in it?

Some birds and mushrooms. She handed him a cloth with a hunk of bread in it. The woman did the same for each of them. Another woman gave them cups with water in it. We don’t have much until the snow ends.

Răzvan watched one man lead their horses up alongside the tent, just inside so they would be more protected from the snow. Others built up the fire.

When you’re done, you can sleep here.

Families drifted back to their wagons. Doors shut. A few of the men pulled up barrels to sit with them.

Răzvan dipped the bread into the stew. He liked it. He seldom ate human food anymore so this was a treat, even if Toff and Zebrok didn’t think so. Their complaining thoughts were beginning to annoy him.

The beautiful, delicate face peered out from behind her father. So she hadn’t left with the others. Răzvan enjoyed her presence even through their exchange of stolen glances.

The food is good. This journey has been hard, and made so as the burden is great. Răzvan ate some more stew.

What do you mean? their leader asked.

The darkness engulfed the forest and the fire pits of the camp were the only source of light, shadowy at best. My Prince, Zebrok began, has visions both good and bad. When they are bad, it’s a burden. That is why he is urgent to see the king.

You are a prince?

It is a title that has no meaning here. My people are very old, older than this land. Still it is part of my name, Răzvan said.

But will the king see you?

Răzvan took a swig of water and cleared his throat. My father was advisor to the king for a long time. Now I go to take his place. The king must be warned about the evil coming to Romania.

The Roma men got closer. What evil comes?

I dreamt of a man in Germany called Hitler. If he is not stopped, he will kill many Romanians. Roma too and Jews. He hates anyone who is different, who is free. They will die. Those who defy him will die. Our country will be bathed in blood.

The women cried out, and the men shouted in the Romani language to get into the wagons. Doors slammed everywhere in the encampment.

What must we do? the leader asked.

You must hide your people far from the roads. Don’t go into towns. Live off the land and speak to no outsiders, and you must hide for years. People will betray a stranger as easily as a friend. It will be a dark time.

How soon must we do this?

When my men and I leave tomorrow, break camp and leave too. Go deep into the wild places where people never go. This Hitler is already destroying others, and the wind blows him our way.

The leader nodded. The fire sparked and spit. He shouted out, Firewood. Get more firewood for our friends.

Răzvan saw several men leave to get wood. The young woman ran off too. He continued to eat and think about her and why the word Dragă came to him earlier as he was deciding which road to take. Did she lead him here?

Finishing his meal, Răzvan thanked the women who cleaned up after them. As the table and barrels were moved, they took their saddles off their horses and arranged a place to sleep on the dirt closest to the fire. Răzvan unfolded his saddle blanket but it had holes. Shaking his head he laughed. He’d been in too much of a hurry and packed in haste.

I have a blanket I would sell you, the leader said.

He handed Răzvan a dark blue blanket that when unfolded revealed a night sky of stars.

It is beautifully made and soft but sturdy. Who made this?

My daughter inherited her gift as a weaver from her mother.

Răzvan paid the man for the food, blanket, and night’s lodging.

The man’s eyes widened at the two gold coins placed in his hand.

No, it is too much. We could not spend it without others calling us thieves. He handed them back.

Răzvan gave him several silver coins instead.

Enough. More than fair. Having so much money, don’t you fear robbers?

My men and I are trained as soldiers, so robbers would be foolish to bother us.

The leader bit his lower lip.

Răzvan could smell his fear. And we don’t let them bother our friends either.

The man smiled and shook hands with the prince.

Pardon, as I have business.

The leader nodded.

Răzvan walked out into the forest beyond the camp. Snow stopped falling, and the moon broke through the clouds shimmering on the crystalline ground. He detected the soft sound of a song about rabbits and followed it. She was near. The Dragă’s presence was electrifying. He didn’t know why he called her that.

She came around the side of a tree and gasped in surprise, dropping the sticks she’d collected.

I’m sorry. Let me help you. He picked up the sticks.

I am Răzvan.

I know who you are. She moved away from him, circling back to the camp.

I will not hurt you. You have my word. May we talk?

Talk about what?

Why were you looking at me? He asked.

I was not. You were looking at me.

Răzvan laughed. You are right, Dragă.

Don’t call me that.

I have no name to call you by. What is your name?

She smiled and backed around the tree. He followed. Saraina.

Saraina, Dragă mea (Saraina, my darling), he repeated.

Don’t call me that. I don’t know you.

Have you ever met someone for the first time and knew that you’ll know them forever, that their presence gives your heart peace.

Now appreciably closer to her, he admired those ghost eyes with the sparkle of blue, the black rim enclosing the color making her eyes exotic. Her lips were plump and a deep red. Răzvan wanted to touch her even though he knew he shouldn’t. She moved away, as if reading his mind. Her black silken hair fell in waves down her back.

You were singing.

It was a silly children’s song about rabbits who play in the sun.

I liked it very much.

She smiled but moved around the tree. He followed at a slow pace still holding the wood for her.

I am sorry. I do not mean to frighten you. He left the wood at his feet. I will go now. He turned to make his way back to the camp.

No, please, Răzvan.

He stopped and faced her. What does Dragă mea need?

She laughed. Stop calling me that.

But it’s true. What would you say if I asked your father for your hand in marriage?

Shock filled her eyes. No, you cannot. He will say no.

Why would he say that? I am a man of wealth and property. I would cherish you and our children for all my life. You would want for nothing, and I would love you. Always.

My father will not listen. When I was small, a count wanted to marry my sister. He said he would love and honor her. The count lied and made her his courtesan. She is locked in his castle and her children will be his property. My father tried to buy her back. The count used soldiers to force us to leave.

What is his name? I will get her back for you.

You cannot. It is too late. She has babies now and would never leave them. This is why my father will say no.

Would you say no to me? He stepped toward her.

She didn’t back away. Why do you call me Dragă?

Te iubesc, Saraina, Dragă mea (I love you, Saraina, my darling).

Stepping forward, she looked at him with tears in her eyes. Why do you say that? Did you have a vision of me?

I believe your presence led me to you. I could feel you near and chose this road to meet you. If the choice was yours alone, would you be my wife?

Saraina gasped. He moved closer to her, and she stepped to meet him, then stopped and gazed up into his eyes. You have green eyes.

She was so close he could touch her, but he didn’t dare.

Saraina reached up to touch his face. I like your dark hair. Your eyes are truthful.

How do you feel about my question? he asked.

Saraina hugged him. I don’t know. I know I feel strange like I’m walking in a dream that I never want to wake from. My heart pounds so hard.

He held her against him, and she didn’t pull away. Dream on it. Ask for an answer. Tomorrow when the sun rises, I will be by this tree to await your answer. If you want me, I will speak to your father and ask for you.

Răzvan leaned down to taste those perfect lips. She closed her eyes and leaned up to him.

Saraina! Her father yelled for her.

They jumped apart, and she hurried to pick up the wood.

I will be here tomorrow, Răzvan whispered.

In the dark, he saw her nod as she ran toward the camp clutching the pile of sticks in her arms.

Răzvan took a different way to arrive back at the campfire. She was there unloading her sticks onto the firewood pile. Pretending she didn’t see him, Saraina left for her wagon. He knew better. Răzvan could hear her heart racing, when she stole a glance his way. He watched her disappear into her wagon and shut the door.

My Prince, Toff will take the first watch. We should sleep. Our day will be long tomorrow.

Răzvan leaned back with his head on his saddle and stared above the trees at the deep dark sky now rich with stars. He caressed his blanket made by her hands. Her scent permeated the fabric, and he held it up to his nose to breath in her fragrance, the scent of a pine forest in winter with a trace of jasmine oil.

He heard a creak. In the distance, a faint glow came from her wagon. Its door was open a crack and exotic eyes peered out at him.

*

Răzvan believed in dreams. The instant his eyes closed he was back in the forest by their tree. Saraina was there too, gazing up at him.

Startled, she moved back. I thought I heard my father calling me.

That has already happened. Don’t you remember? You left carrying the sticks. I went to my place by the fire to sleep and saw you go into your wagon.

I remember that, but what is this?

A dream. I came to the tree to think of you, hoping perhaps you would think of me too.

This isn’t magic? A spell of some kind? Her fingers twisted nervously in her hair.

No, Dragă mea, Saraina. I am here because I chose it. You came here of your own free will. I would never think of using any power against you.

Will you remember this dream when you wake? she asked.

I will. He nodded.

Will I?

I hope so, because I was hoping that we may have the kiss that was interrupted before.

Why?

Such a pure question made him smile.

Because my heart beats like a running horse’s ever since I met you.

You just want to conquer me. All men want is to conquer women.

I do not want that.

What do you want then? A blush bloomed on her cheeks.

A wife in whose eyes I see home, in whose heart I can rest mine.

You can find that with any woman.

No, I cannot.

Her eyebrows rose. So you have not known a woman?

Răzvan laughed but stopped when he saw her backing away. Please, I didn’t mean to laugh about such a matter. Truthfully, I have known a few in the way you mean. I was hopeful but they did not turn out to be true in heart.

Saraina stopped her slow retreat. Each was untrue?

Yes, and I was broken-hearted. So there hasn’t been anyone now for a long time.

How many times was your heart-broken?

Twice.

She laughed and took a step forward. Twice? That’s very few. Then a solemn expression straightened her smile. Some men pay women to … I cannot say it.

I’ve never done that. I’ve never wanted that. I have been searching for my home.

You have no house? Now she was teasing him.

I have a fine house, but my bed is empty.

You do not sleep there?

It seems that recently I am always traveling, so no. I would travel less, if someone was waiting there for me.

The merriment in her eyes brought the smallest smile to her lips. He found it odd and amazing, that he could sense her feelings.

I travel all the time. Why not just take your wife with you?

As long as it was not dangerous, I would.

Saraina took a step closer. He closed the distance. She leaned up to him and he leaned down. A small space between them remained.

Răzvan, I don’t know how to kiss, she whispered.

He pressed his lips tenderly against hers. When he felt her doing the same, he embraced her fully against him. Feeling her arms reach around him was heaven. Răzvan was home, and he knew it. This was his Dragă."

They didn’t move out of that kiss for the longest time. That is the magic of dreams. Snow fluttered around them but she never felt the cold. The night was fading and Răzvan noticed that sunrise would dissipate the dream soon and felt sad. He had to keep her. He’d do anything to keep her.

Moving even slightly away from her hurt him. Saraina, remember me and this dream.

I will try. I don’t always remember dreams. She looked sad, a tear slipped down her cheek. Răzvan, are all kisses like that?

No. Only ours. Te iubesc, Dragă mea Saraina. He pulled her close to kiss again.

The sky grew pale, and Saraina faded with the stars.

*

Once the dream ended, he couldn’t sleep. Răzvan was waiting at their tree just before sunrise. The sun flickered through its branches like a fire about to ignite when he heard her light footfalls.

She peeked around the tree. There you are. Răzvan, did you mean what you said?

He smiled and took her hand. Saraina did not try to pull away. Yes, will you be my wife?

Your hand is so warm even in winter. How can that be?

Răzvan was surprised that she found him warm. He would have to reread the legend. My heart is warm and happy at finding you.

Yes. She laughed and pulled him further behind the tree.

Yes, you will be mine? I have only to ask your father now.

What if he says no?

Răzvan lifted up his sleeve, taking off a thick bracelet. In the growing light, it sparkled with gold and rubies. It’s been in my family for a long time, it is called Tears of Blood. I give it to you as my promise. No matter what we will marry, if you truly want me.

I do want to marry you.

He placed it on her arm. Do not show it to anyone. They might take it from you to sell. Its worth is so great, the seller would come to harm. This is my gift to my bride. If your father says no, I will return after seeing the king and convince him. I pledge that I will not give up my love for you.

Saraina smiled and hugged him. I hope he does not say no. But if he does, I will wait for you.

Răzvan knelt in the snow before her. You are mine, and I am yours. Now you say it.

She laughed but then knelt down facing him and solemnly said, You are mine, and I am yours.

They kissed. Răzvan felt his fangs descending but forced them back. He would have time to tell her. She would still love him. There was no doubt in his heart.

This kiss is even better than the dream, she whispered.

You remember!

Saraina! Her father bellowed for her and came into the forest with many men to search.

They jumped apart. Răzvan went out first into the clearing. Then she followed.

What are you doing with my daughter?

We were talking. I would like your permission to marry her.

Saraina, go back to the wagon.

Dadrus (Father), please. I want to marry him. She walked toward her father.

Why? He is not like us. He is not Roma. Remember your sister. Her father took her by the arm pulling her further away from Răzvan. He is bad luck.

I have told Saraina that if you give me the name of the count, I will get your daughter back.

There is no way you can get her back to us now.

I know I can. I will free her children too.

Strigoi! (Vampire!) An old woman screamed, running into the clearing, pointing at Răzvan. Strigoi!

More men ran into the clearing bearing knives and torches, Saraina and her father disappearing behind them.

I am not a strigoi, Răzvan shouted. His men with swords drawn rushed out from the bushes behind him.

I recommend we leave, my Prince, Toff said.

I must take my leave to see the king, but I will be back to talk to you about Saraina.

You will not. We will not be here, her father shouted.

Saraina, I pledge my love to you and only you.

She called out, Răzvan, I pledge my love to you and only you. He heard her even over the distance.

You do not. Take her back to the wagon. Make sure she doesn’t leave. In the growing tangle of angry men, Răzvan saw two carry her kicking and struggling away from the clearing and toward their camp.

Please, consider, sir. I have great influence, and I can get your other daughter and her children returned to you. Give me the count’s name, and I’ll bring this matter to the king.

No, it is too late. I was a fool once, but never again. Do not come back, Strigoi, he said between gritted teeth.

I am not strigoi. If I was, I would have killed you all in your sleep.

The men looked at each other. Răzvan could see the doubt on their faces.

Go away and never come back. We don’t want you here, the headman shouted.

Răzvan’s anger boiled through him, but it would not help his cause.

My Prince, it is time. Zebrok and Toff stood behind him and urged him backwards. The horses are only a short distance away already packed, Zebrok thought to him.

Did you pack my new blanket?

The one with her scent on it? Yes. I knew you would not leave without it.

They continued to walk backwards into the forest. The Roma did not follow. Răzvan was surprised how far they walked until they came to the horses. The sun was high in the sky, and they were almost back at the village and the fork in the road.

Why are we here? he asked.

It is the safest place, to begin at the beginning, Zebrok said.

You need time to think this through, my Prince. Toff played with his horse’s reins, twisting the ends, a nervous habit.

You need blood, Zebrok