Stephanie swayed toward Cassius.
He caught her body with his hands, his eyes swirling white. "Why would you do this?"
Stephanie squinted as if she was having trouble focusing. "Because a long time ago, you saved a little girl who should have died. It was the least I could do."
I watched the scene unfold. Something was off. Stephanie wasn't dying, not that I thought she would, but Cassius was—
"Cassius!" I yelled. "Stop touching her!"
Cassius frowned and looked down at his hands. They were still touching her skin, but Stephanie wasn't acting like a typical human being touched by a Dark One. Usually they were filled with so much lust that they attacked, and their arousal was so evident you could smell it in the air.
I smelled absolutely nothing but my own mate and every other person in that room.
No lust.
"Well…" Alex chuckled from the door. "How's that for a fun twist to the story? The great Dark One has no effect on Stephanie as a human."
I was relieved.
Cassius looked irritated.
He moved his hands down her arms then back up again, his face twisting with curiosity until he finally cupped her chin. "You feel nothing?"
Stephanie shrugged. "You feel a bit cold, but other than that, it's nice to be touched."
"Nice…" Cassius repeated. "Nice?"
"Bad answer," Genesis said under her breath.
I wrapped my arm tighter around her, tugging the warmth of her body against mine.
Cassius continued inspecting Stephanie as if he couldn't understand why she wasn't affected by him.
"You would know if she was lying," I finally pointed out. "And Stephanie, you should rest."
She nodded, suppressing a yawn with her hand. When she rose, she leaned over and kissed Cassius on the cheek. "I'm glad you're okay."
Cassius's face was priceless.
Never in his existence had he ever had any creature not be affected by his presence. I imagined it was a humbling experience — one he didn't enjoy.
"Thank you." He released her, his arms falling to his sides as if they carried the weight of the world.
She stumbled toward us.
Alex moved quickly, lifting her into his arms. "You know, you're still my sister… in every way that matters."
"Ha." She yawned. "So you won't disown me?"
"Not unless you really piss me off — then again, you are a human. By the way, do I affect you? Feeling warm and tingly?"
She frowned. "First of all, gross… second, no."
"Fascinating." Mason rubbed his chin and shook his head. "It must be becau
se she started out immortal."
Cassius was still staring at the door long after Alex had carried her out of it.