His lips quirked. “No shapeshifting, I’m afraid, but mesmerizing is a common skill among our kind. It helps to convince our dinner to stand still and not scream. Speed increases with age. You’ll also find yourself stronger. Some of our kind can even foretell the future or read a person’s intention.”
“What’s your superpower?”
“A secret for now. I hear you went shopping.” He changed the subject.
“I did, on your dime. Yvette took all kinds of measurements and notes. I should be getting a bunch of stuff over the next few days once she gets the new outfits tailored to fit.”
“Excellent. As your body continues to change, you’ll most likely have to see her again a time or two for resizing. Once your changes stabilize, you’ll just be able to email or call her when you need new garments.”
“Are you encouraging me to spend your money?” Having dated many cheap men, it took me by surprise.
“I am. Don’t worry about cost, I have enough for you to order thousands of wardrobes.”
“I just need one, but thanks.” Then because I couldn’t help myself, I quipped, “Gonna have to start calling you sugar daddy, or should I make that sugar vampire?”
“Neither.” He grimaced.
“How about sugar fang?” His glare had me laughing. “Oh, your face, so priceless,” I chortled.
“Now that you’re properly outfitted, you should ask Gwen to make an appointment with Colleen.”
“Who’s she?”
“Hair and makeup artist.”
“Not sure why I’d need either. Last night was the first time I left the house since getting here, and as you noticed, it didn’t go well.”
“It happens. Fledglings struggle with controlling their bloodlust but, that said, you’ve done well thus far. My staff says this is the only incident you’ve had.”
“Yeah, but I should admit, I’ve wanted to bite Lou a couple of times.” Lou being the most stuck up of the three staff members, which said a lot given how not warm and cuddly the other bodyguards were.
“I’ve wanted to do the same on occasion,” Cillian joked, his face creasing in a smile that had me eyeing him with hunger—not the fill my belly kind, but cream my panties carnal.
“Why have you avoided me?” I bluntly asked.
“I’ve been busy.”
“Dealing with Gavin’s reappearance,” I stated remembering what I’d been told.
“Among other things, yes. December is a hectic time for me. But it’s not as if you’ve lacked for anything.”
“Other than someone to talk to,” I grumbled. “I would have misbehaved sooner if I knew it would get me a face-to-face meeting.”
“Feeling neglected?”
“More like bored and lonely. Your staff aren’t exactly warm and fuzzy and I’m not allowed to talk to anyone from my old life.” That had been made crystal clear to me by Randy. “I’m not sure how I’m supposed to make friends, seeing how I can only go out at night and can’t exactly reveal my secret. Not to mention, any humans I befriend could accidentally end up being dinner.” My lips turned down.
He grimaced. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a protégé and I’m afraid I’ve forgotten what that’s like. I might be able to help with the boredom aspect. I was invited to a Christmas soiree tomorrow night. You will accompany me.”
He didn’t ask, he told, and I didn’t care. I couldn’t help the spurt of excitement. “A soiree sounds fancy. How should I dress?””
“The last time I attended this particular party the women wore a wide range of outfits from simple to intricate.”
“That’s not very helpful.”
“How about the fact I’ll be wearing a tuxedo?”
My brows lifted. “Hot damn. That sounds way more sophisticated than anything I’ve ever attended.” I paused before adding, “Are you sure you want to take me?”
