Sebastian said, “Oh, that’s Diego.”
A thickness swelled in my throat. I swallowed. “Hi, there.”
“Hello,” Diego replied in a gruff tone. Then he scowled and headed upstairs.
I furrowed my brows. What the hell was that about?
“Don’t mind Diego,” Sebastian dismissed. “You know how vampires get.”
“Not really.”
Sebastian exhaled. “Maybe he’s hangry.” He shrugged one shoulder. “He might be more surly than usual today because he’s worried about what you’ll do with the place.”
Ouch. I hadn’t even been in the house for long before the elephant galloped into the room and skidded to a halt beside me.
“Yeah, well, that’s something I’ll need to consider,” I admitted, not committing to anything.
“Of course,” Sebastian said.
Lucas gestured to the sofa. “Have a seat.”
After I did, I asked them, “How long have you lived here?”
“About a year-and-a-half,” Sebastian replied. “We found your aunt through the Salem Supernatural Network and were lucky to do so. It’s tough to find someone who will rent to supes.”
I adjusted my position on the sofa. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”
Sebastian covered his chest. “No, of course not.” His tone gave him away. He stood. “Where are my manners? What can I get you to drink? Tea? Lemonade?”
“Lemonade would be great.”
They had to be worried about their living situation, and I didn’t blame them. I distracted myself by petting Shadow.
“He loves chin rubs,” Lucas said.
I gave it a shot and was rewarded with the sounds of a purring machine.
“He likes you.” Lucas grinned with approval.
When Sebastian returned and handed me a glass of lemonade, I thanked him. “I understand why you’d be concerned about what I’m going to do with the house, and I would be, too. But I don’t yet know.”
Sebastian exchanged a glance with Lucas before he leaned forward and addressed me. “I get it. This has been sprung on you. I apologize if we came off as pushy.”
I nodded and then sipped the lemonade. It was cool and had the perfect combination of tartness and sugar and something I couldn’t identify. “This is delicious by the way.”
“Margaret taught us how to make it,” Lucas said. “She added a bit of bergamot from the garden.”
“Ah, that’s what I couldn’t place,” I replied.
“Your aunt was amazing at whipping things up—recipes, potions, spells, any kind of concoction,” Lucas said. “She had such a green thumb and taught me a lot about gardening. I bet you’re just as talented.”
I stared at the rug. “I’m afraid not.”
“Surely you must share some of her skills,” Sebastian prodded.
I shook my head and admitted, “No. Not only am I terrible at keeping any plants alive, I haven’t even attempted to do magic in years.”
“Why not?” Lucas scratched his chin as he peered at me in question.
