His tone softened. "Please.
"I have some things I need to do. I could meet you later, maybe."
"What things?"
"Vampire things," I said, knowing he wouldn't like that.
This time the pause was longer.
"I thought you'd decided to keep your distance from them," the captain said finally, making no attempt to conceal his reproach.
Liam's gaze darkened. As a vampire, his senses—and mine—were heightened, letting him hear every word the captain said. I knew his presence here wasn't required if he wanted to listen. He'd be able to eavesdrop from anywhere in the house. At least this way, he was being upfront about it.
"That was years ago. A lot has changed since then." My words were cold and stilted.
I didn't care if the captain approved of my choice. It was mine and mine alone.
For the first time since the captain's existence had been brought up, amusement touched Liam's features. His lips quirked as if he was glad to know he wasn't the only one I gave a hard time to.
"Fine, fine, I understand," the captain said, back peddling. "Why don't you tell me where you are? I'll come to you."
"That wouldn't be a good idea."
I trusted Liam not to hunt him down, but if the captain presented himself like a lamb to slaughter, that might be a little different.
"Why don't you tell me what you want over the phone?" I asked.
A frustrated sound left him. "It's not safe. Face-to-face is better."
"Look, I have things to take care of. Why don't I meet you at my apartment later tonight or early tomorrow? We can talk then," I said, offering him an olive branch.
He knew where it was since he'd helped me find it.
The suggestion was the best I could do on short notice. My apartment had the advantage of being neutral ground, since I had no doubt Liam was going to find a way to be present. It also had the advantage of coming with a pixie warning system. If the captain really had ulterior motives, they would make a good back up.
"Fine, if that's the best you can do."
"It is."
He hung up without saying good bye.
Liam pushed off the door frame. "Nathan and Connor are five minutes out."
*
My gaze moved from the unexpected sight of my car sitting in Liam's driveway to Nathan. "Please tell me you didn't let him drive."
Connor straightened; his expression mildly insulted. "What would be wrong with me driving?"
I pointed at him. "You don't have a license. No license, no driving Gwyneth."
Nathan peered at me in surprise. "You named your car?"
"All good steeds have names," I told him.
He glanced at the car with a skeptical look. "That's not a steed."
"It's a mechanical steed," I corrected.
