“I suppose it would be too much to ask for straight from the tap on such late notice?” the rude-ass-bitch I already hate asks.
Who does she think she is, showing up at Warin’s house and asking if they can pass me around like a midnight snack?
“Ah, I don’t share this one, Joyce,” Warin says, his hand firmly on my hip, his thumb rubbing comforting circles on my flesh.
“It is a bit odd having a witch at your disposal. Are you sure you aren’t open to sharing?” the tallest man of the council asks.
“Envy looks absolutely disgusting on you, Magnus. Now, shall we head to my parlor to discuss what exactly it is you’re here for?” Warin says.
The massive vampire known as Magnus looks simply irritated at Warin’s words, but doesn’t reply.
Warin holds out a hand, the vampire that works for him leading the way. I can’t remember the guy’s name, but Warin makes sure that we’re the last to follow, that none of the council members are behind us.
I haven’t been in this room, it’s moodier than the rest of his house, little light and tons of dark wooden accents. The hearth is blazing with a fire and all of the council members sit on the chairs furthest away from the flame.
Warin takes a seat at the largest leather chair, grabbing my hips and placing me on his lap.
It takes everything in me to not gasp out in shock. It’s fine, totally cool. I’m sitting on the lap of the extremely attractive vampire who kidnapped me. No big deal, not at all, not the way he holds me like I belong there, or how confident he is in showing me off to his council.
This is all totally normal.
His arm spans my middle, his hand splayed on my stomach as he presses my body against his. It shouldn’t feel this good.
“How pestiferous,” Joyce says, her chin high in the air.
What an old immortal bitch? It has my body relaxing further against Warin’s large chest. Hatred for this judgmental vampire fueling my willingness to play along, it’s not that I’m alsoenjoying this. No way do I like how strong his thighs feel under mine, or how comforting his touch is around my waist.
It would be wrong to love this vampire's touch, especially with the given company.
“Now, Joyce, you didn’t simply come here, into my home, to be an absolutely horrific cunt to my guest of honor, now did you?” Warin asks.
I shouldn’t like him calling her that word. It shouldn’t give me a sick satisfaction. I definitely shouldn’t be smirking at this extremely pompous woman, but here I am.
Her jaw clenches before her cheeks hollow, a clear attempt at trying to keep her mouth shut.
The other woman stands, walking behind Joyce’s chair.
“Excuse Joyce's manners. But we wouldn’t be here if it was something minimal, you know this, Warin. You’re the functionary of Eastern Louisiana since your sire’s passing,” she says in a thick English accent. “Your position is indeed in place to not only keep the vampires in your area in line but to also report back to the council if there is ever an issue against our greater good, is that correct?”
“That is correct,” Warin says behind me. His body is tense, yet his fingers are gentle on my skin, reassuring even.
“Then please enlighten us on why a slayer is in your territory and you didn’t deem it absolutely necessary for the council to know,” she says, and all the council members stare at him.
I try not to let my relief show. They aren’t here for me in any capacity; they want the Slayer.
“You mean why would I want my vengeance on the monster who killed my sire?” Warin says, and I wonder how he can so easily lie to their faces; I suppose I’m doing the same, though he seems way better at it.
Joyce snickers, but the other woman doesn’t move an inch, almost like she’s frozen in time.
“Please, we aren’t fools, Warin. Your relationship with Oz was a complicated one. You had nothing but to gain after his demise,” Joyce says.
“It’s being handled,” Warin states, and the balding vampire stands next.
I wonder if you can’t grow hair once you’re a vampire? Are you permanently frozen however you looked when you died? If so, it’s honestly a shame for this man.
“You mean mismanaged? How long has the search been going for? We’ve only just gotten word that your sire’s death was potentially a slayer, why didn’t you alert the council?” the bald vampire says.
I swallow thickly, and Warin holds me closer.
