The surrounding air froze and a single block of ice slid down my spine, chilling each vertebra as it passed by. My eyes widened at seeing her pointy fangs retract before she smiled again, spun, and stepped away.
A vampire.
I sucked in a breath. I detested the sight of blood, but the thought of tasting it, or worse, losing mine, made my stomach twist.
I swivelled away, but not before turning up the collar on my coat.
I shivered as I picked up my mug and inhaled the smell of the coffee. Not only to take in the delicious aroma, but something Dad had taught me from a very young age. Because seeing the vampire’s fangs heightened my senses, as well as my anxiety. But to be fair to her, the coffee she made was exquisite and I swirled the biscuit in the drink to scoop up the chocolate.
I wasn't leaving though, I wasn't scared of vampires, they just gave me deep chills. So I stayed, sat and enjoyed the peace as I thought about Carter and what he wanted.
Not just him, Seb, Ryan, and apparently Kane, too.
Phew.
“And there she is.” The voice was deep and masculine.
My eyes flicked up from the mug to see Jack and Blake stood in front of me. I smiled, feeling guilty again about leaving them.
Oh yes, Jack and Blake wanted the same thing, too.
“Sorry about last night,” I said, raising a shoulder.
“It’s fine, it’s not your fault your ex won’t accept you’re over.” Blake smiled as his pale blue eyes, pierced my gaze.
“Push up,” Jack said.
I shuffled along the padded bench towards the wall.
Blake took a seat opposite me. “Where did Carter take you?” he asked, staring at me.
I swallowed. “Back to his.”
Jack touched my arm. “Did you sleep with him?”
“Sex? No.” I thought it was easier than trying to explain I’d slept in the same bed as him.
“Did he try?” Jack pushed.
I shook my head.
“Has he turned?” Blake said and laughed.
“Ah, are you saying I wouldn’t sleep if I went back to yours? That’s not very gentlemanly.” I countered, raising my eyes but changing the mood of the chat.
“Not if you were there.” Blake’s eyes flashed with something, a fire, a burning. Definitely something behind those smoky blue eyes.
“I wouldn’t get much learning done. It is probably best I stay where I am,” I said and laughed, turning from Blake to Jack as his hand circled around my neck at the back, pulling me to him. His lips touched mine, he pulled away almost as quick. It was the most tender he’d ever kissed me. Our eyes locked together for the briefest of time.
“So you’ve thought about it,” Blake said and I turned to him. He was still looking at me with an intensity that made me tremble.
“No, I was having a joke with you,” I said. “I think I’ll stay where I am for now.”
Blake arched a brow before his lips turned into a smile. “Would you like to go for lunch, Lacey? There’s a nice place in town.”
“Thanks, but I should get back and study for a couple of hours.”
“Lunch and then study. We’re doing the same,” Blake said.