Thirst at Night

By Bella Perry

Transport yourself to Transylvania in the 14th century with this thrilling novel that combines fantasy, horror, and romance. With lords, dukes, duchesses, vampires, and pirates, this book has something for everyone!

Lord Armando, tired of his fruitless relations and visits to the tavern, finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of vampire slaying. Lady Roseabella, the eldest daughter of a duke and a duchess, longs to break free from her castle and explore the world beyond. And Garrett, Armando’s cousin, gets lost in the vampire life, leading to unexpected consequences.

But the characters don’t stop there. Meiga, the cook for the count’s castle, creates succulent meals that will make your mouth water. And her granddaughter, little Saige, possesses a powerful gift that will eventually help in the fight against the thirsty vampires.

This gripping and intense read will have you on the edge of your seat, balancing vampire fights with steamy romance and a classic nobility. And with strong themes of devotion and love for family, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the characters as they navigate the treacherous world of Transylvania.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886937848

Bella Perry

Bella Perry was raised in the Midwest, the youngest of three daughters, enjoying all that the small town and rural life had to offer her. Earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development, it comes as no surprise that her interests in relationships and home lives should find their way into her passion for writing.Before becoming a romance author, she spent her undergraduate years working in customer service, substitute teaching, and as a freelance writer. After graduation, she dived into Human Resources, Real Estate, and Property Management.Married to her college sweetheart, Bella and her husband are raising their daughter in the suburbs, along with their German Shepherd. She enjoys the serenity of a quiet life, playing fetch in the backyard, Saturday BBQs, hosting dinner with friends, and family get-togethers, while balancing the perks of living within city limits, like the parks, theater, trails, and excellent food.Her free time is best spent reading, biking, finding a good trail to hike, taking a walk with her family, or trying new recipes to eat around the dinner table as a family. Visit her online at www.bellaperry.com.

Book preview

About the Author

Bella and her husband and her family resides in NL, in a small-town call St. Albans. She comes from a family of 13 children, there are seven brothers and six sisters. She loves the outdoors and loves to spend time in her little cottage by a beautiful river that is famous of salmon fishing. She is a nature lover. In her dreams Bella always felt she was from the past, always on a horse with a war party defending her village a woman warrior. Her passion for telling stories and writing is contagious.

Dedication

I would like to dedicate to my sister, Marina, for believing in me, taking the time to read my work and getting it typed into the pdf file and to submit my work to publishing companies.

Copyright Information ©

Bella Perry 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Perry, Bella

Thirst at Night

ISBN 9798886937831 (Paperback)

ISBN 9798886937848 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023907373

www.austinmacauley

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

[e-mail]

[phone]

Acknowledgment

Again, to acknowledge my sister, Marina, who is now my manager for all that she did and still does for me. Her support and belief in

me are outstanding.

Characters

Lord Armando

Sister Helewise

Duke of Landburg

Duchess Bella

Roseabella: Oldest daughter

Eder: Son of Duke and Duchess

Ardelean: Middle daughter of Duke and Duchess

Gretta: Youngest daughter of Duke and Duchess

Josiah: Son of Roseabella and Armando

Soneia and Armanda: twin daughters of Roseabella and Armando

Gerrold: Armando’s top man

Meiga: Wife of Gerrold

Saige: Granddaughter of Gerrold and Meiga

Father Strickland: Priest

Marga and Ragga: Twin slayers

Romane: Ship crew

Captain Morgan: Captain of the ship (who is in love with Helewise)

2 puppies bought in a port for supply run, on Armando’s ship, they grow huge and are trained as fighting dogs.

Garrett: Cousin of Armando and Helewise who turns Vampire.

Morgania: Vampire woman

Hatmanu: Slave to the Vampires

Rueband: Boy on Garrett’s ship

Bacia: Garrett’s top man

Manu: was whipped and fed to the sharks for attacking Rueband and Gretta

Dr. Bardue: Doctor on Garrett’s ship

Finding a Wife

Armando decided he was sick of chasing women. He needed a wife; a strong woman with striking looks, not beautiful and full of herself. Armando’s mother was a beautiful woman in her own way. She was in charge when his father was away from the castle. Now, there was only him and his sister, Helewise.

His parents and two brothers all died within days from the plague. He and his baby sister, Heloise were the two survivors. Armando was invited to dine with the Duke and Duchess of Landburg. And all of Transylvania must know he was looking for a wife.

So far, no one appealed to him. The Landburg’s castle was only one hour away on horseback. They were neighbors and friends of his parents.

The Duke’s Castle

Welcome to our home, my Lord.

Thank you for the invite, sir.

It’s been a while, yes, we haven’t seen you and your sister Helewise since the plague. How is your sister by the way?

She is well but misses our parents dreadfully.

How many years now since the deadly plague?

It’s been five years. A hard and lonely five years of my life without them. That peddler came not only with his merchandise but also with the plague. It wiped out hundreds of our tenants also.

It was a rough year, no one worked the fields or out fishing. What the plague didn’t take, starvation did.

Dinner is ready to serve, my dear husband.

Their first course was fish chowder, very creamy with mussels and clams. The main course was a baked duck with Krispy glazed skin in orange sauce. Green beans sautéed with garlic, onion and baby carrots.

The third course was a grilled trout stuffed with breadcrumbs, wild sage and onions. The trout was pink and flakey and full of juiciness. Dessert was a raisin pudding, cooked in brandy sauce.

Is everything alright, Sir Armando?

Everything was magnificent, you have a wonderful cook, Duchess Bella.

Yes, I think we will keep her. Sir Armando, we heard you were looking for a wife.

News travel fast, I take it,

Well yes, a rich man like yourself, it doesn’t take long.

Yes, you are right, Duke.

So far, I haven’t had any luck in that field.

Would you mind if we introduced you to our daughter, Roseabella? She’ll be eighteen in a few months and will be ready to be wed. She is taught to manage a household. She’s not beautiful like her younger sisters but she carries herself well and has fine features.

She has a beautiful name, your Duchess. If she looks like her mother, I won’t be disappointed.

Meeting Roseabella

My Lord, it is so nice to meet you. We are neighbors but I have not met you until now. My parents don’t let us kids leave our castle.

Roseabella gave her parents cold looks.

Your father has good reasons not to. My sister Helewise is not permitted to leave the castle walls either.

Her life must be as dull as mine.

We do it for your protection, daughter. We will let you two get to know each other. Help yourself to more wine Armando.

Thank you, sir.

Would you care for some, Roseabella?

Yes, I very much would. Thank you, my Lord.

Call me Armando.

Can we keep the wine between ourselves?

You never drink wine with your meals?

We do not eat with our parents, Sir. And there is no wine served at our table.

My sister has wine twice a day when we dine.

How old is your sister?

She is fifteen.

How nice of your sister to eat with a grown-up and drink wine daily.

When you’re married, you will drink wine during meals and has you, please.

I’m afraid, Sir Armando, I will never marry.

A beautiful lady like yourself dreams of marrying.

I am not beautiful, Sir Armando. I have been told that before and I know I am not ugly either.

You’re are a very attractive woman. You would make any man proud to be your husband.

Thank you for saying that. But as I said, I will not marry.

Why wouldn’t you want to wed?

I have not lived yet, Sir Armando! I have never been outside of the bloody castle. Please excuse my language. It can be frustrating sometimes.

Your father has your best interest in you and your brother and sisters.

There’s nothing out there in the daylight that will harm us.

You know about the others?

Of course, I like to eavesdrop on my father and his friends.

What would you like to do in the daylight if you had a chance?

I dream of running over the sand and jumping into the ocean. Ride a horse through town and see all the shops and inns. Get on a ship and move far away, maybe to England where you can stay out dancing all night long. And don’t have to worry about vamps.

(My god she reminded me of my mother, she was never scared and always wanted excitement around her, my mother would travel with father on business trips and sometime we would go with them but always returning before dark; they loved each other so much.)

I like you, Roseabella. You are a determined young lady. I am looking for a bright, mature, young woman. A virgin on our wedding night. She will have no other man in her bed until death do us part. My wife will be quite pleased in my bed. We will learn to love each other. I will want many children from our love-making; a tall strong bone-loving mother.

Good for you, Sir Armando. I hope you find that perfect woman you’re looking for.

My God, I have found her.

I am happy for you Sir Armando, who is this lucky woman?

Call me Armando and you, my dear Roseabella will be my wife.

In a daze, Roseabella swallowed down her wine and put up her chin, looked straight into his eyes only noticed for the first time they were so blue. Just like the blueberries that came from the village. Would his lips taste as sweet!

My god, what is wrong with me, how could I think like that?

Sir, sorry I mean Armando, I must make myself clear. I told you before I do not wish to marry you or anyone.

What don’t you like about me?

Nothing personal; Armando, you are a very attractive and handsome man. You are tall like myself, very muscular with long strong arms and thighs. Oh dear, did I just say thighs? I meant legs.

Are you blushing, my dear?

No, it’s the wine making me hot!

I think it’s so ladylike to blush.

I told you it’s the wine.

Would you like some more wine?

Ah, maybe a little.

So, tell me again why you won’t wed me?

Didn’t I just explain to you, sir?

You explained you have not lived. With me, you will enjoy life.

Is that right now? How will I be happy with you?

After we are married, we will have a celebration to show off my beautiful wife. We will have a picnic on the beaches and swim in the ocean nude, so we can make love; you’re blushing again, my dear.

Yes, I know, it’s the wine.

I like you already.

You just met me.

A man knows what he seeks in a woman. You are an honest, lovely young lady. You will be a good mother and teacher to our children.

How would I know about being a parent? We have a nanny who showed us love but my parents love each other but don’t show us love. Never hugged or kissed us, only rules to be followed.

I’m so sorry, I had lovable parents who doted their love on us. Some parents like yours find it hard to show affection to their children.

Marry me and you will want for nothing. It won’t be a prison anymore in this castle.

Is that a smile I see?

No, well maybe a little one.

You have a beautiful body, I can’t take my eyes off you, is it the wine making you hot again?

No, this time you are making me blush.

I’m glad to make your body hot for me, Roseabella.

It all sounds so simple.

Roseabella could not stop thinking about this new life Armando could give her. The taste of freedom she dreamed about for years.

Are you telling me the truth, Sir Armando? Will I leave one prison to go to another?

I speak the truth to you. After we become man and wife, would you let me kiss you and taste the wine on your lips? After our kiss, you will want to marry me. Be sure of yourself.

He grabbed her to him with force. He lightly touched her lips for a few seconds. He could not stand it anymore, so he crushed his mouth over hers; she let out a moan. He touched her tongue and what a taste she was. There was strong attraction there.

Heat was coming from their bodies. She will make a good bed partner, no woman I ever wanted more. His cock was so hard.

Roseabella felt like her mouth was being devoured. She felt wet between her legs and hunger she never thought existed. He broke away from her and they looked in each other’s eyes.

Roseabella, my beautiful Roseabella, would you do me the honor of being my wife?

Her heart was pounding so hard. Her legs, so weak, those eyes she could never say no to. Those ocean eyes.

I will be honored to be your wife, Armando; you make me feel desirable and I know we will grow to love each other.

He hugged her and kissed her neck down to her cleavage.

My dear, I think I’m in love with you already. We must be married as soon as possible. I want you in my bed, you’re the only woman for me. I will give you so much pleasure.

Armando, I want to give you pleasure back. Will you teach me to satisfy you?

Do not worry, darling; you already have me on fire. I have to leave soon before dark.

Yes, you must before the bloodsuckers come out to feed.

I will ask your family to bring you to me at first day light. Only leave when the sun is bright, they linger in the shade.

Please be careful tonight, Armando.

Now, I need to speak to your parent, we will be married in 3 days.

3 days? Why so soon?

I can’t wait any longer to make love, you will be a virgin on our wedding night.

Ok, sounds exciting to me Armando.

They kissed once more before she left to get her parents.

Duke and Duchess of Land Burg, I would like your daughter Roseabella’s hand in marriage.

But you just met.

As soon as I saw your daughter, she was going to be my wife, I will make her happy and treat her with respect. We have so much in common.

Did Roseabella accept?

Yes, we will be married in 3 days.

We can’t get a wedding dress in three days.

I know a woman who already has wedding dresses made and for sale. She will come to the castle in two days and have her ready.

What is the rush, Sir Armando?

You of all people should know, my Duke that we are in a disease world. We take pleasure in life as soon as possible before it is taken from us, there are evil things out there in the dark, waiting for a chance to feed on humans; we must find a way to destroy them. It’s time for me to leave for they will be feeding on me.

You will leave at first light, you will stay until after the wedding.

Roseabella was just listening to her parents and Armando making decisions on her future.

I never dreamed it would happen so fast, my child.

Why, mother? Because I am not as beautiful as Greta and Ardelean?

Of course not, you are pretty enough. You have good genes and will make healthy children.

Thank you, mother, that’s the longest conversation we ever had.

I’m sorry, Roseabella if we didn’t show love. When you are brought up with nannies and tutors and never see your parents, it’s hard to show affection to your own children.

My children will be loved and cherished by me and my husband. They will eat their meals with us three times a day and be tucked in every night with a bedtime story.

We are so sorry we failed you as parents. said her father.

What’s done is done to me, father but you have three children upstairs who need you both. Spending time with you is all we ever wanted. One hug a day won’t kill you, I hope in time we can be close.

Maybe, we’ll make good Grandparents.

Yes, I agree with you father.

I will promise to love my grandchildren and I hope you give me a second chance, someday.

My love, you must go and pack all your things for tomorrow.

Of course. Mother, will you help me?

Her mother looked at her with tears in her eyes.

I’d be happy to.

I will walk you out, Armando, it will be dark soon.

Yes, sir thank you for your daughter.

I know she is in good hands. We will not be traveling to your castle in the morning, we will meet you half way. We will see you on your wedding day and spend the night.

Of course, your Duke, we’ll meet at daylight.

Armando rode his horse as fast as he could. His horse seemed a little bit jittery.

It’s ok, Spirit, we’ll make it.

For a second, he could see movement under some big trees in the shade; Waiting for victims when the sun goes down, he thought to himself.

Come on Spirit, faster, faster, that’s my boy.

He could see his castle as he got closer and the gates were opening.

We made it Spirit, thank God.

My Lord, I didn’t think you were going to make it. I and some men were about to look for you.

I was late because I found myself a wife.

My Lord, you found the right one then?

Yes, I certainly did.

Well then, I wish you all the luck. I hope you will be as happy as me and my Meiga.

Wipe down my horse and we leave at first daylight to meet them.

Yes, sir I’ll round up the men tonight to take with us.

Now, I break the news to my sister Helewise.

She has been so moody, sir and worried about you.

What was so important you had to stay out after dark, my dear brother? Have you lost your common sense? All this wife-hunting is getting to your brain.

It’s so nice of you to worry about me, my little sister. I can take care of myself, so do me a favor and relax.

I worry you won’t come back and I’ll be alone.

I’m sorry Helewise, I left it so late but I have good news, my dear.

Good, I could use some good news, please tell.

I am to be married in three days’ time.

You are what?

You heard me the first time.

But you only went to the Duke and Duchess of Land Burg.

Yes, you are exactly right.

Is the duchess a widow now?

Of course not, you little mouse.

So, it’s one of her daughters? Aren’t they too young?

The older one is seventeen and she is to become my wife.

How long have you known her?

Three hours and it’s long enough when you know she’s the one.

You’re telling me after three hours you’re going to spend the rest of your life with this woman?

Yes and her name is Roseabella.

What kind of name is that?

A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. I’m meeting her halfway in the morning, so I must get some sleep. Please show her some kindness, Helewise and make friends with her. She’s never been outside of their castle before.

I know how she feels.

You do go out on the bright sunny days.

Oh, wow! What’s it been? Twice this year?

"I’m sorry I’ve been busy lately, dear sister. Now