“I got run over by the guy who killed my cat and instead of letting me die, Cillian gave me a second chance at life. Or unlife.” I glanced at Cillian. “Are we considered alive? Because Google seemed to be split on that.”
“Very much alive,” he murmured giving me a squeeze.
Sophia’s lips pinched but she remained gorgeous. “I see you’ve still much to teach her if she’s still asking such basic questions. You know, if you’re too busy to properly educate her, then feel free to leave your fledgling with me. I’d be delighted to provide a well-rounded education on our kind.” Sophia offered.
“I can handle Skylar on my own. Now that my business is almost concluded, I’ll have more time to dedicate,” Cillian’s terse reply.
“Doubtful. You always were an overachiever.” Sophia sniffed.
“Some of us like feeling as if we’ve achieved something of worth.”
“That’s how I feel about my annual holiday party. Speaking of which, I should make the rounds. Eat. Drink. And be merry.”
With that last command, the lady glided off and I couldn’t help but stare, trying to see her feet move. I failed.
“She was a vampire, and not a cryptid, right?” I asked, using the new word he’d taught me.
“Correct.”
“Her heart beats even slower than yours,” I remarked. “How long has she been throwing this party?”
“A hundred and fifty years or so. Although only a decade in this particular location.”
“Jesus,” I hissed. “She’s old like you.”
“Older, actually. Although, I should add there aren’t many in and around our age in North America. Most of the truly aged vampires prefer to live in Europe in their castles.”
“Vampires can travel?”
“Yes, although we have to do so with certain modifications to the method of transport. Private jets with blinds that shut at the slightest hint of sunlight. Vehicles with darkly tinted windows that block UV rays.”
“No coffins full of dirt?”
My question had him snorting. “No. And I don’t know where or why that common misconception started.”
“Are all vampires rich?” Because looking around, I’d yet to see anyone who looked like they shopped off a clearance rack.
“The smart ones are. We tend to invest quite a bit, building our wealth.”
“I thought investing was a gamble.”
“Not when we can easily acquire insider info.”
“Isn’t that illegal?”
“Only if we’re caught,” Cillian replied with a chuckle. “Now, I didn’t bring you here to give you lessons on our kind, but so you could have some fun. While I reconnect with some acquaintances, why don’t you wander around and meet some people?”
“By myself?”
“I’ll keep an eye on you in case you get into trouble.”
My brow knit. “Why would I get in trouble?”
“You are in a room with a large number of predators and you are practically a lamb.”
“Not exactly an inspiring analogy,” I muttered.
“But true for now. Experience will change that, though.”
