Prologue
Almost two months ago.
Therewasn’tallthatmuch in the single bag slung over Theo’s shoulder, but it was heavy.New Elvenswood was bustling all around him, still strange yet bright, and once again, he checked the address he’d written on a piece of paper against the building he stood in front of, almost frozen to the spot.
“This is it though.This is the address she gave me.”
Then again…people on the internet.Perhaps Madame Celeste wasn’t who she’d said she was, and perhaps this wasn’t the place Theo had expected.
Maybe it’s organ trafficking.Maybe they want my kidney.I’m probably still anemic though, so not sure how much good that would do anyone.
Resigned and without many other options, Theo headed to the building’s front entrance and rang the doorbell.
This is either going to be very good or… To be honest, I’ve had very bad already.This can only be better.
Theo didn’t have to wait long for the door to open.
1
Peter
Theafternoonsuncreatedshadows with acute angles in Peter’s office, making him wish for clouds as he sat behind his desk.Something, anything, to make the day more bearable.Not that sunlight was going to burn Peter to a crisp, no matter how many vampire movies said that was how he should end.
He simply didn’t like the sun.Or most vampire movies actually, unless they were good vampire movies.And no good vampire movies have screaming or horny teens in them.
Peter stared at the spreadsheet that was currently open on his work laptop.It was legal stuff, and he was good at legal stuff—being a lawyer with his own firm and all that—but he was feeling antsy to the point where all the columns and numbers made no sense.
It’s the blood,Peter thought, stifling a groan.Spreadsheets never made sense when he hadn’t had some nice fresh blood in a while, even if he normally loved himself some Excel magic.I should go find a horny teenager to eat, except that would be wrong, even if the world might be a better place with more humble teenagers rather than horny ones.
Sighing theatrically for the benefit of the echo in his lonely office, Peter leaned back in his ergonomically optimized chair and glared at the damn spreadsheet.It still refused to make sense, and his glaring was obviously wasted on the damn screen.Peter closed his laptop and got to his feet.
He had the corner office, given that he was the boss, and most days he liked it.He liked the ridiculously expensive interior design that in part served to justify his hourly rate, yet, right this moment, Peter couldn’t spend another second in there.It was the abstract art and the annoying shadows, the echo and the fucking spreadsheet, and maybe also the sunny day outside.
He pushed his office door open and hurried down the hallway, a nice scowl on his face that forced everyone to move out of his way as if he were a bull and they bone china cups.Taking a deep breath, Peter barged into Michael’s office.The handsome siren looked up, frowning when he saw Peter.
“Anything you need?”Michael asked.
Oh, Peter had a list of things he conceivably needed from Michael, and it had only grown since Michael had started working for Peter.At first, Peter had entertained thoughts of a nice, tempestuous affair with the delicious-looking siren.Peter had never had siren, and he’d wondered what Michael’s blood would taste like in the throes of passion.However, Michael had quickly proven too professional and much better suited to being a shoulder to lean on.Peter had rarely found that in another person, and it was more important to him than any throes, passionate or otherwise.
Then, in a most fortunate turn of events, Michael had started dating a human—the cutest little librarian in all of New Elvenswood—and that had been evenbetter, allowing Peter to watch those two being adorable together.They were downright sappy, and much more entertaining than any movie or soap opera, and Peter had been witness to sweet Corvin being brave in a way few librarians ever were outside a library, up to and including facing down the gravest danger for his Michael.
It was epic, and Peter loved everything about it.More than once, he had considered whether the two of them would mind if he moved in with them.He was quite sure he’d never be bored with such a passionate couple for roommates, or frustrated with most of the other distractions that promised relief from the boredom that haunted his immortal existence.Living with them would be such fun.
Except, of course, sirens were territorial and could turn lethal with ease if their lair was disturbed or their chosen upset.And Peter, despite the boredom, liked being alive.
What was worse, Michael and the cute librarian were planning their wedding, and Peter was not involved enough.And there was no way for him to easily get himself more involved without crossing several boundaries both professional and personal.
All of that is such a bother.If only the theater were what it used to be, or the opera.Ah!I used to love the opera.
Michael frowned.“Peter?Everything okay?”
The goddamn bother.“Just checking in,” Peter said, forcing himself not to ask whether they had selected a venue yet.“I wanted to make sure you’re fine with your current caseload.I’d understand if you needed more time with Corvin right now.It’s a delicate time, I’m sure.”
Michael smiled, clearly thinking of his beloved.“It’s fine, actually.Corvin’s excited.We’re going to go taste test cakes next week.”
Peter nodded.“You’ve found a good baker, yes?”
Michael nodded.“Yes.My mom had a few suggestions, but we’re going with Lily Cakes.”Michael’s face lit up as if a candle made from love had been lit inside his skull.“I suggested them.Corvin says I get to make executive decisions about food.”
