I face her, eyes narrowing. “Vampire… buddies?”
“There must be a place they go where you could, you know, ask around?”
I pull the Jeep into the empty street. “Despite what you might think, most vampires don’t spend much time topside.”
“Damien, please. I need you to do this.”
I groan. Why does she have to put it that way? My blood grits like sand inside my veins. I can’t deny a direct command. “There is one place. A club for supernaturalswho like to live among humans. It’s possible one of them saw something.”
“Take me there.”
I scoff. “Humans aren’t welcome. It’s too dangerous.”
“But I’d be okay with you, right?”
“I’ll go alone. I’ll report back what I find.”
“But I need to be there. It’s possible someone will say something that jogs my memory from when I was with Tony and gives us a clue to finding the proof we need.”
“It’s a bad idea.”
“I command you to take me, by the power of the candle.” She folds her arms over her chest.
I wince, the bone grinding discomfort building within me again. “You don’t have to say it like that,” I snap. “A simple order will suffice.”
She stares at me expectantly.
“Fine. I’ll take you tomorrow. I need to feed tonight, or I won’t be strong enough to protect you.” Gods, this is a bad idea for so many reasons.
“Tomorrow.” She looks relieved it’s not tonight. It’s close to 2 a.m., and I can tell she’s exhausted.
“Wear a dress,” I say. “And shoes you can run for your life in.”
18
Unwanted Attention
DAMIEN
After I drive Eloise home, I shadow back to Night Haven before I can do something stupid and taste or touch her again. If our experience tonight has taught me anything, it’s that she could never be my mate. She’s too fragile. Too docile. But that doesn’t mean I can turn off my wanting her.
To keep myself from returning to her, I visit Marabella’s for the second time this week. I leave slightly sloshy from drinking as much human blood as my body can carry. Normally, I can go weeks on regular food, supplementing my diet with blood when I start to feel weak. But considering where I have to take Eloise when the sun sets again, I’m highly motivated to stay as nourished as possible.
I shouldn’t care. Whatever happens to the human, she’s brought it upon herself, commanding me as she did. Unfortunately, I’ve grown attached. Despite my promises to keep my distance, I’ve become obsessed with the woman. Even now, with my body so fullof nourishment I couldn’t drink another sip, I spend the day dreaming of her blood, of her skin, of her smell. The temptation to taste her again is a constant gnawing sensation at the pit of my stomach, a dull ache, a lingering addiction. No blood will ever compare to hers.
I want to deny it, but it’s useless to try. Only by admitting it to myself will I break its hold over me.
The antidote is simple. I have to meet the terms of our agreement and get as far away from her as possible.
Which means, I must be prepared to defend and protect her. That won’t be easy, considering where I have to escort her tonight.
I've just left my apartment for the evening when two of the Queen’s Guard hail me from across the street, their crimson, black, and gold corded uniforms unmistakable. With a curse, I realize they’ve both seen me. No chance of smoking out of there. Nothing good ever comes from the queen, I know that well enough. I grit my teeth as they move in.
Both women bow. “Damien, the queen requests your presence at the palace. We’ve come to escort you.”
I scoff. “A request or a demand? I sent a letter explaining my situation. I am obligated to perform the terms of my curse tonight.”
“The queen has read your letter, which is why we’re here now. There is still time before full dark. She wishes to see you before you leave Night Haven for the evening.”
