Not a bad thing—but also not what I’d intended.
The pixies’ red rimmed eyes and stuffed up noses had been little consolation.
“Lie to yourself all you want, fanger,” Inara sneered.
Before the two of us could descend into argument, Connor addressed Lowen’s previous question. “As to her presence here, Aileen has chosen this human as a temporary blood companion.”
“Congratulations,” Lowen said, his look of surprise matching his consort’s.
“Look who finally grew into their milk teeth,” Inara teased, losing some of her antagonism.
“Vampires don’t drink milk,” Connor corrected.
Inara dismissed his comment with a shrug. “It’s a figure of speech. I’m just saying it’s good to see her being a proper vampire for once.”
“I was always a proper vampire,” I argued, feeling a little insulted. Just because I’d resisted drinking blood, it didn’t make me any less a vampire.
Connor and Inara acted like they couldn’t hear me.
“The human is another rescue,” Connor explained.
“Ah.” Lowen’s face reflected sudden understanding, as if Connor’s words made everything make sense.
“What is with you and strays?” Inara asked, looking at me in irritation.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Exhibit one.” Inara pointed at Connor. Next, she nodded at the human. “Exhibit two.”
“Are you counting yourself among those exhibits?”
Her glare made my lips twitch upward.
“A vampire was trying to pressure the human into something she didn’t want,” Connor continued. “Aileen stepped in to protect her.”
“And got a companion instead,” Inara guessed with a knowing smirk. “Bet you weren’t expecting that?”
I wished Connor was close enough to swat as I whirled on him. “Whose side are you on?”
His smile was thin. “Yours, of course.”
“It certainly doesn’t feel like it right now.”
“As a member of our house, her highness needs all of the information.”
Inara nodded. “He’s right. I’m in charge of security. I need to know why she’s here and who might target her as a result.”
“Since when did you become my security?” I asked baffled.
Inara’s attention had already shifted to Deborah. “Listen, human. The hierarchy in this house is very simple. Aileen takes care of the bigs; I’m in charge of the smalls.”
“What smalls?” I asked.
They were the only pixies I knew. They’d better be the only ones in this house too.
“I want it clear for future reference,” Inara said, throwing an irritated look in my direction.
“No need,” I returned. “You two are the only pixies who are ever coming through that door.”
