The Gift
Ishowered then blow-dried my hair, and stood staring into the retail boutique Karson had bought for me. He’d considered my style and purchased more plain V-neck t-shirts and jeans than any girl would ever need. At the end of the rack, there was a collection of dresses with silken fabrics that would drape over curves, and a few shorter, fitted styles. I pulled the black one out.
“Not that one,” Karson said from behind, hoisting it from my hands and hanging it back. “That’s for my eyes only. It was bad enough watching men stare at you in your black leather pants.”
I turned back, grinning. He wore black slacks, but he was bare-chested, and his hair was damp as if he’d rushed from the shower to stop me donning the dress.
“Are you jealous?”
“Only if you call wanting to smash in the eyeballs of any male that even glances sideways at you jealous.”
I chuckled. “Are you worried I’m going to run off with the feral creepy one that makes my skin crawl, or the baby-faced vampire?”
“I’m not worried about you running off with any of them, but I prefer not to have to gouge out the eyes of my dinner guests—it might get messy.”
“I don’t think Georgie would like it,” I agreed, turning back to study the rack of clothing. “If she’s coming?”
“She’s attending. She’s getting ready now.”
I’d almost lost my friend to trauma and fear and had only just gotten her back. She was more accepting now of the supernatural world, but still I felt as if she teetered on the edge of a cliff; one bad thing and she’d crash again.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Is that a good idea? Is anything likely to happen that might upset her?”
Karson rubbed the back of his neck. “Perhaps. Rodney can be unpredictable, but Michael did warn her and she chose to attend.”
Vampires consuming blood from goblets was probably a given. The first time I’d witnessed it my stomach had turned, but Georgie would have witnessed that by now.
“What am I meant to wear, then?”
“Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.” He took hold of my hand. “While you decide, I have something else for you.” He led me back to the bedroom, where a cool breeze wafted through the open balcony doors. On the bed was a white box with gold edging—a jewelry box; too large to be a ring box. Shame.
“You bought me something,” I whispered.
“Don’t look so surprised. I would buy you the world if you asked for it.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Open it.”
I placed the box on my palm and flicked the lid open. Inside was the most exquisitely detailed antique gold necklace with a large emerald-colored pendant, encased in gold-scrolled surrounds. The necklace matched my mother’s ring. The ringshe had gifted me to block my powers so I didn’t accidentally hurl some kid across the room. The detail was stunning.
“I had it made for you,” he said hesitantly, when I simply stared at it and didn’t speak. “Do you like it?”
I looked up at him, my throat choked with emotion. “It’s beautiful, thank you.”
A breath of relief fluttered from his lips. “I wanted to get you a ring made like your mother’s.” His voice was husky, and he dropped his eyes as if it was easier for him than to show me his emotions, or maybe to see mine. “But I wasn’t sure if you would feel comfortable wearing a replica … And I know it won’t be the same, but I was hoping it might help …”
“It’s perfect.”
He took the necklace out of the box and shifted behind me, placing it around my neck. It was heavy and fell just below the collarbone. I ran my fingers over the top of the smooth stone, just like I used to do to my mother’s ring.
And then a thought dawned. I frowned and turned back to face him. “Is it spelled?”
He blinked. “It will not block your powers, Amelia. Feel free to throw me across the room if you so wish.”
If I paid attention, I could feel the powers buzzing through my veins. I should have done that before I asked …
“Sorry, I’m not sure why I asked. Thank you.” I pulled him into my arms, resting my head against his bare chest. He held me for a moment then stepped back, and in one fast movement he’d whipped my t-shirt off so I was naked. He ran his eyes over my body and smiled, then wrapped his arms back around me and pulled me close again.
