MIDNIGHT CONQUEST: Book 1 of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page B

willingness to work with me on settling his role as husband and father.”
    “I will not make efforts toward introducing him to any royal contacts until Ian has shown some signs of maturing.” Parlan turned toward Munro and crossed his arms over his chest in that position Davina knew so well that bespoke his solidity in the matter. “And you would do well to close your coffers to him. As you know, he has already gone through Davina’s dowry.”
    “Aye, Parlan. I—”
    “Da, please!” Ian protested.
    “Hold that tongue, lad, or I will cut it out!” Munro glared at Ian until his head bowed.
    Davina’s drumming heart made her breathless with fear of being discovered and over the rare display of her husband so subservient. Davina almost swooned at the mixture of excitement and trepidation surging through her. How many times had her husband made her feel the same way? How many times had he silenced her with a heavy hand? To see Ian subject to another authority made her want to cheer. Yet, her limbs trembled at the notion of Ian catching her witnessing this moment and relishing her private victory in his discipline. She struggled to remain a silent audience.
    Parlan’s forehead creased, pensive, as he studied Ian and Munro. When Munro appeared satisfied his son would remain silent, he turned his attention back to Parlan. “I fear you’re correct, Parlan. I had hoped that he would curb his spending, and I wish I could say where the money is going…” He glared at his son. “But I agree with your next suggested course of action.”
    “Da, I have tried!” Ian disputed. “Have I not proven to be a better husband?”
    Munro stepped forward and backhanded his son, causing Ian’s head to thrash to the side, splattering blood to the stone floor. A measure of guilt pulsed at Davina’s conscience from enjoying her husband’s situation. At the same time, she pondered at what he could possibly mean by “a better husband.” If anything, Ian had become more brutal over the last four months or so. Did he think that disciplining his wife more harshly was the quality of a sound groom? Munro raised his fist and Ian shielded himself for another blow.
    “Enough!” Parlan barked. “I can see now where your son learned his order of discipline.”
    Munro drew up tall, pushing his chest out in defiance. “Harsh discipline is the only thing he’ll listen to, Parlan. Trust me on this.”
    “That may be so, as I don’t know your son well enough, but I know Davina, and that manner of punishment isn’t necessary with her. Though she can be rather dramatic, she’s a reasonable woman and can be spoken to. I realize a man has the right to do with his wife as he wishes, and some women do need to be disciplined with an element of force, but not my daughter.”
    Davina fought to see through the tears flooding her eyes over her father’s defense. She was not aware her father knew. The pride and relief swelling in her breast would surely burst her ribcage!
    “We arranged this marriage contract for mutual benefits,” Parlan continued. “As I’m second cousin to King James, this gives you valuable connections. The Russells have wealth for investments and business opportunities for me and my son, Kehr.” He stepped toward Munro with menace in his eyes, his voice barely a whisper, and Davina strained to hear him. “But I didn’t bargain the brutality of my daughter in the exchange.”
    Munro glared at his son. “Again, Parlan, I must beg you to forgive my son.” He turned toward her father more contrite. “And I implore you to forgive me for whatever I may have done to contribute to my son’s overzealous duties as a husband.”
    A chill ran through Davina. Though Munro may have sounded sincere—and the expression of acceptance on her father’s face indicated he believed her father-in-law—that same tone of feigned humility came from Ian often. Such humility always proved to be an elaborate masquerade, however. Even his words