“I can’t take the credit – Fletcher picked it out.” Knowing I was a bit of a tomboy, he always selected dresses for me. “But I get the feeling that you haven’t come to chat about my dress.”
Her smile turned sheepish. “Um, Antonio told you that he plans to Turn me soon, didn’t he?”
“He did, yes. Are you having second thoughts?”
“I’m not having second thoughts about Turning, but I know a lot about the different breeds of vampire and, well…” Her voice lowered. “If I’m honest, being a Keja doesn’t appeal to me. The bloodlust isn’t as strong as that of Pagoris, but it’s strong enough that it would take the best part of a year for me to have it under control. I’m not keen on being isolated for that length of time. But Sventés…well, you guys are more human-like. It takes you less time to gain control.”
I could see where this was going. “You’re wondering if I’ll Turn you?”
Biting her lip, she nodded. “I’d rather be a Sventé.”
There were a number of potential issues with her request. “Have you spoken to Antonio about this? If I’m honest, I don’t think he’s going to want any vampire other than him to Turn you.” It would be hard for him to know that she had a blood-link with another vampire. I certainly hadn’t liked knowing Jared was linked to Magda but ding dong the witch was now dead.
“I know it might offend him. That was why I wanted to ask you first. It’s not worth even bringing it up to him if it’s not something you would be prepared to do – I’ll have offended him for no reason. Have you Turned anyone before?”
“No. Until I came to The Hollow, I hadn’t been living the kind of life that I’d happily bring someone else into.” The biggest issue at play here, however, was that I was no longer a Sventé. I was a hybrid. And anyone I Turned would become like me. That was if it even worked. For all I knew, I wasn’t able to Turn anyone, considering my new genetic status wasn’t natural for vampires. But that wasn’t something I could reveal to Lucy.
Aside from all that…“Really, though, I’ve never wanted to Turn someone, and I’m not sure that I ever will. The idea has just never appealed to me. It’s a big responsibility to begin a line…a little like beginning a family.” Ruling alongside Jared would bring me enough responsibilities. “And my being linked to someone else would most likely drive Jared mental.”
Lucy gave me a half smile, though she was clearly disappointed. “I understand.”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t talk to anyone else about your reservations. It’s something that you and Antonio need to work out between yourselves. He’d never force you to be a Keja if he thought that it would make you unhappy. Trust him to do what’s right for you. And trust me when I say that communication is really important if you’re going to be Bound to someone.”
“You’re right.” Seeing that Jared was returning, Lucy quickly stood. “Thanks, Sam. I really appreciate you hearing me out. And thanks for the advice.” Then she was gone. Hmm. Clearly Jared did intimidate her.
Frowning, Jared tipped his head in the direction of a quickly retreating Lucy. “What was all that about?”
“Girl stuff.”
He abruptly pulled me out of my seat and into his arms, grinning. “In other words, mind my own business?”
“Something like that.” Noticing that his irises were glowing red, I narrowed my eyes. “Why do I have the feeling that your thoughts have turned X-rated?”
His grin turned devilish as one hand slowly glided down the bare skin of my back that was revealed by the dress. “You know…I’ve always wanted to f**k you on the beach.” He ground the hard bulge in his pants against me.
Intriguing, but…“It’s not happening while there are witnesses.”
“No, it’s not. No one gets to see this body but me. It’s all mine. But it will happen soon.” He tugged on my bottom lip with his teeth. Taking advantage of my gasp, he swept his tongue into my mouth. The kiss was slow and leisurely, teasing me and coaxing me into wanting more. It worked. “Let’s go home.”
I had no objections, although…“It would be rude to leave my own birthday meal early.”
“Why? We did the same thing at the after-party of our Binding ceremony. Plus, everybody’s eaten and most of them are?” He cut himself off and released a low growl as something behind me caught his attention.
I swivelled my head…and groaned at the sight of Collins and Eloise heading for us. “My evening is now complete.”
As they stopped beside us, Collins smiled at me, though it was forced. “Happy birthday, Commander Parker.”
“Thank you.” I was surprised I didn’t shudder. Even if he hadn’t been making my life so hard, the slimy sod still would have made me feel uncomfortable.
Collins’ smile faded as he looked at Jared. He gave him the tiniest nod. “Commander Michaels.” He’d somehow made that sound like a profanity.
“Collins.” And Jared had done the same.
Eloise raked her gaze over Jared, standing a little too close to him for comfort as she played with her hair – something she did often. “Hmm, you’re looking very smart tonight, Jared. Weren’t you wearing that shirt the night we first met?”
What a little bitch. I knew that he hadn’t worn it then because I was the one who’d bought him that shirt. Obviously she was looking to piss me off on my own birthday and potentially ruin the night – surprise, surprise. Sadly, it was working.
Most likely sensing that, Jared kissed my forehead and soothingly caressed my back. He tossed Eloise an annoyed glance. “Since my memory of that night is pretty vague, I really couldn’t say.” Well that made me smile…particularly as it looked like steam might come out of her ears at any moment.
Collins held his hand out to me. “Perhaps you could join me for a dance, Commander Parker.”
Jared answered for me. “Not even in an alternate dimension.”
I had to wonder if the bloke was suicidal – seriously, who asked to dance with another person’s mate when said person hated them? And why was there such calculation in Collins’ beady eyes? Had Eloise asked him to separate Jared and me so that she could talk to him alone? It seemed more likely to be that than for Collins to be in a suicidal mood.