Color me surprised. I never realized Sondra possessed such a glib tongue.
Thomas idly brushed a finger across his lower lip in thought. After a second, where I thought for sure he was going to call us on our bullshit, he waved a hand to the rear of the plane in dismissal.
Sondra jerked her head at the two wolves behind her, sidestepping Caroline and I with a meaningful look.
“Aileen, a moment,” Thomas said when I would have followed.
Caroline paused to give me a questioning look, asking without words if I wanted her to remain.
I shook my head. If Thomas decided to press the point, there was little she could do to stop him.
As Caroline trailed reluctantly behind the other wolves, Thomas focused on Deborah and Connor as they stepped onto the plane.
“I’m so glad you were able to come,” Thomas said, speaking to my companion. “I hope my yearling has been taking good care of you.”
Caught off guard by Thomas’s warm reception, Deborah glanced uncertainly at me. “I have no complaints. Aileen has been a most gracious master.”
“That’s good to hear. I was worried she’d have trouble adjusting since she’s new to caring for a companion.”
Sensing my growing irritation, Deborah changed the subject. “Thank you for allowing my presence on this trip.”
“Aileen’s companion is always welcome. It makes me so happy to see you two getting along,” Thomas said warmly.
I stared at Thomas like he was an alien.
Who was this man and what had he done with my sire? He was never this effusive and genial when he was dealing with me.
Though there was probably a good reason for that.
“Will this be your first time in Las Vegas?” Thomas asked.
“Uh, no. I’ve been once before.”
“Wonderful. You know what to expect and can act as a guide for Aileen and her lovely friend.”
“I’ve been to Vegas before,” I snapped, mildly insulted that he thought I needed anyone to show me around.
Thomas sent me a chiding look. “I doubt you were exposed to the same side of the city as your companion.”
I hadn’t considered that possibility. If Columbus had two sides—the mundane and the supernatural, each with their own set of customs and dangers—it stood to reason Vegas would too. Having someone who knew the status quo would definitely come in handy. Though I hadn’t planned to drag my companion into this.
Thomas gave Deborah a warm smile. “Let me know the next time you two want to travel. I’ll lend you the jet.”
Deborah raised her hand in protest. “Oh no. We couldn’t.”
Good job, Debs. Don’t fall for this man’s charm.
Thomas waved away her objections. “Nonsense, you’ll be part of the family eventually.”
I almost sprained my neck from how fast I turned toward my sire. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He did not just casually allude to my changing Deborah into a vampire.
Thomas was way too dignified to roll his eyes, but somehow, he managed to convey how ridiculous he thought I was with simply a look. “Come, Aileen. No need to be bashful. Youknow those who become companions do so for the opportunity to one day join our ranks. It’s a natural progression of your relationship.” He sent Deborah a fond smile. “One I’m most looking forward to. But, of course, not for a few decades at least.”
I was at a loss for words. Truly, I didn’t know how to respond to that.
Deborah had a slightly dumbstruck look on her face that said she wasn’t faring much better. She seemed both appalled and fascinated by our conversation.
