The vampire pulled out a pot and three varieties of chocolate.As he worked, Peter started singing something in a foreign language.The melody was pretty, but time haunting at the same time, with its lifts and drops.It sounded old.
Theo listened, wrapping his arms around the tightness in his chest and bending forward while gray flooded his vision.
Peter was still singing when the terror slowly started to pass.Several heartbeats later, Theo managed to take a deeper breath than before.
The soft click of a mug being placed on the table in front of him made Theo look up, and Peter stopped singing.
“A blend of dark and semi-dark chocolate with cashew milk,” he said, unsmiling.He put a selection of folded paper menus down next to the mug.“Pick whatever you want.My treat.”
Theo wanted to tell Peter that he didn’t want the damn chocolate and he wasn’t a freeloader.Also, there was still an apple and Celeste’s cookies somewhere in Theo’s bag, never mind that the cookies had probably crumbled.But the warm, mouthwatering smell of cocoa filled the air, and Theo instinctively placed his hands around the mug, immediately feeling soothed.
Still, few things in life were ever free, and Theo knew that.
“What do you want from me?And don’t bullshit me with…with whatever you were going to bullshit me with.I just want to know what your kindness is going to cost me.”
7
Peter
“Ijustwanttoknow what your kindness is going to cost me,” said Puck.
The young man sat in Peter’s favorite kitchen chair, looking much like a bedraggled stray carried in during a storm, and like any stray, Puck was leading with some metaphorical teeth and claws.
Peter drummed his fingers on the kitchen table.The bullshit-free truth was that Peter would merrily rip Meathands’s—Bernard’s—head off, strictly in the name of making New Elvenswood safer.Well, it was partially the bullshit-free truth.Peter cared next to nothing about making New Elvenswood safe.It already was.
Peter would rip Bernard apart just so Puck was no longer bothered by the other vampire.Then maybe he would broach a conversation about strawberries and whether Puck would like being sent some.Then Peter would make a habit of doing so.He’d set a reminder on his calendar to make sure there was a weekly delivery.And then he’d always have a reason to call Puck, to make sure the delivery had been received.
Which reminds me, I should get his contact information.I have to make sure he puts my number in his phone.What’s he going to save me under?Hmmm.
Puck looked different here, in this house, this kitchen, dressed in a plain, dark gray T-shirt and blue jeans.He looked like the student he apparently was and less like the persona he donned as a sex worker.
Puck ran a purple nail along the outside of the mug, that color the only remnant of how he’d looked yesterday.
I like having him here.Peter’s eyes fell to the bruise Bernard’s hand had left on Puck’s wrist.I want to protect him?No, that can’t be right.I don’t do that.Sending fruit is one thing, but protecting someone…Peter tapped his foot.But I want him safe.I need him to be safe.
Peter sighed.He needs me to want something from him.He needs balance.Bargaining power.
“Very well.When I drank from you last night…” Peter paused for dramatic effect.“When I drank from you, I noticed that your blood tasted…different.Sweeter.Addictive, even.It tastes like a drug, and I would be willing to negotiate for you to allow me to drink it again.”
That was a lot of bullshit right there, and disgustingly sappy bullshit at that, but it was the best Peter could do on such short notice.
Puck’s lips tightened.“Is that why Celeste said…she said you were going to pay twice my hourly rate?”
Peter rolled his eyes.“Twice?Well.I suppose so.But more than that, I…would want the exclusive pleasure of drinking your blood.”
Puck’s hold on the mug tightened.“I knew it was something.”
Peter was glad Puck had bought that.Of course, Puck had wanted to buy it.What has he been through to think this makes more sense than me interceding on his behalf?It’s no matter.Although perhaps I shall ask Bernard about it.
Peter pushed the paper menus closer to Puck.“Given my interest, I would like you to stay healthy.Please, select something you like.I will order for you, and while you eat, we can discuss terms.”
Peter had found that discussing business over food was a great way to get humans and a lot of other supernaturals in a good mood.He hoped the same would be true for Puck.
Puck held Peter’s gaze and didn’t even look at the menus.Instead, he slowly, deliberately, lifted the mug to his lips and took a long sip.That defiance?Priceless.And so very rare.It made Peter’s heart flutter.
“Do you like the chocolate?”Peter asked.He was unable to resist.
Puck raised his eyebrows a fraction before drawing them together again.“It’s all right.”
