Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 242

Chapter 242: The Other Slater Brother

The following afternoon, wind swept across the harbour, carrying the scent of salt and wet timber.

"I am late!"

Lachlan exhaled a white mist, dragging his leather-bound trunk across the wooden planks of the pier. When he caught sight of the large merchant vessel still at the dock with a noisy crowd gathered near it, he breathed a small sigh of relief.

As he drew closer, however, he heard the sharp voice of a merchant. "What do you mean we aren’t departing?!" gesturing furiously at the stacks of crates left sitting in the cold. "I paid a premium for passage on this ship!"

A dockworker wiped his hands with a rag and sneered, "Unless you fancy a private tour of the ocean floor, no one’s setting foot on this ship for the next three weeks or a month. There are massive holes clean through the lower hull and water’s pouring into it."

"A month?!" the passengers began to grumble.

Lachlan stopped, leaning his weight against the handle of his trunk, and let out a long, weary sigh.

"Ah, just my luck..." he muttered under his breath, scratching the back of his neck.

A month? He checked his coat pockets, counting the coins he had left from the journey. Considering his limited resources, he decided to head to Father Anthony’s house, which was located behind the church.

"My, my. Still on dry land? I could have sworn you were in quite a rush to catch the morning tide." A smooth voice drawled just behind him.

Startled, Lachlan turned only to find the pureblooded vampire from yesterday’s wedding standing casually.

Dane was dressed in a tailored coat which had silver fox fur on the lapels. His hands were tucked leisurely into his pockets, and his lips were curled.

"Mr. Slater," Lachlan offered a polite bow. "It seems my travel has been delayed because of some damage. The ship won’t be setting sail for days."

"What a terrible tragedy. Ships these days are constructed so terribly fragile, aren’t they? One stray rock in the bay and an entire voyage ruined," Dane shook his head in disappointment, while his eyes carried a sharpness.

"Indeed. But there’s nothing I can do about it," Lachlan smiled.

"You are welcome to stay at the Slaters mansion," Dane suggested but the human shook his head.

"Thank you, but Father Anthony may need me because of his health. I would rather not trouble your family, and it would be better if I stayed with him."

Dane hummed, his eyes flickering over the young man. He then said,

"My carriage is just past the pier," he gestured with a tilt of his chin. "I would be more than happy to escort you back to your stay."

Lachlan blinked, entirely taken aback by the sudden generosity of a nobleman he barely knew. "That is very kind of you, Mr Slater, but the church isn’t far. I can manage with the local carriage."

"It is no trouble at all," Dane purred smoothly as he led Lachlan toward the carriage. "In fact, I insist."

Lachlan bowed gratefully and followed the pureblooded vampire as they walked towards the carriage. He then asked,

"What brought you to the harbour?"

"I lost something here and came to retrieve it."

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