Cyrus sits first, pulling me next to him, while Simon and Stella sit on the twin couch across from us. “Thank you for welcoming us, Lucien,” Cyrus says, breaking the silence.
Our host sits at one of the chairs. “Tell me. To whatdo I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Long legs cross at the knee, and his perfectly manicured fingers cross over the top. He’s sitting so still, even my vampire eyes don’t detect movement.
Simon glances at Cyrus, and the two exchange a silent conversation that no doubt has everything to do with Aurora and Callum. “I’ve heard you are powerful,” Cyrus says, breaking the silence.
Lucien’s laughter fills the room. “Where ever did you hear that from?”
Simon clears his throat. “My father is Gideon Ward.”
“Ahh, I thought the name sounded familiar. I should’ve guessed when your names began with the letter S.” He scoffs. “I’m not sure why your father chose for his children’s names to all begin with the same letter. Rather confusing if you ask me, but of course, he did not, in fact, ask for my opinion.” He waves his hand, covering his mouth. “Oh, I’m not making fun of you, well…maybe slightly.”
“I…we understand,” Simon answers. “We’ve often wondered the same.” His body language screams anxiety.
“I worked with Gideon on a particular matter a few years back. I’m guessing he shared his knowledge of me with you?”
Simon nods. “Yes.”
Lucien turns toward Cyrus. “I’ve heard of you,Cyrus Knight.” He stares at my buyer, raising the tension in the room a few levels.
“I’ve been around a while,” Cyrus answers.
The warlock looks Cyrus up and down, making me feel uncomfortable. “You are rather nice on the eyes,” he says. “That part wasn’t mentioned.”
Cyrus smiles. “Thank you.”
Lucien jumps from his seat. “Oh, my. What a horrible host I am. Would you all care for something to eat?” He slides a heavy pocket door that separates the living area from an ornate dining room. Before we have time to respond, he disappears through the door.
Simon’s eyes grow several sizes as he makes eye contact with Cyrus and me. His body language is screaming the question we all want to know…What the hell?
Our host reappears as quickly as he disappeared. He sets a large tray on the table between the couches. The amount of food covering it is astounding. “I didn’t have much time or notice of your arrival. You’ll have to forgive the small amount I’ve prepared.”
The tray is covered in cookies, petite sandwiches, glasses of what looks like fresh lemonade, and two bottles of bright red liquid. My stomach rumbles at the sight.
“I knew you were hungry,” Lucien says, waving a hand in my direction. He hands me a bottle. “I always keep blood on hand. You never know who might show up unexpectedly.”
I turn the bottle in my hand, inspecting the liquid inside. It smells delicious, and my instincts begin to take over my common sense. “Thank you,” I say, smiling weakly.
“Go ahead,” he urges. “It’s not poisoned.” He laughs again. “I don’t know you well enough to poison you, yet.”
Cyrus takes the second bottle, brings it to his lips, and drinks most of it in one gulp. Several minutes pass before he nods so quickly, I barely catch his movement. His movements tell me to drink, and I don’t waste a minute doing so. The liquid tastes perfect going down, and I close my eyes in response.
Simon and Stella empty the rest of the tray like they haven’t eaten in years. “This is delicious,” Simon announces. “Thank you, Lucien.”
Lucien relaxes his posture slightly, sliding to the back of the tall chair. “Now, please tell me why you’re here.”
“We need your help,” Cyrus announces.
“Of course you do. No one ever just comes to visit. It’s always, Lucien, I need help with a vampire, or, Lucien, I need help with a witch. No one ever stops to just say hello.” He sighs loudly. I stare at the warlock, not sure if he’s crazy or lonely.
Cyrus stands, pulling me with him. “I apologize for the intrusion.” He bows slightly. “Thank you for the sustenance, but we must be on our way.” Simon and Stella stand, moving behind me.
“Where are you going?” Lucien asks.
Cyrus pushes me from behind, while Simon does the same with Stella. “We’ve made a mistake,” he answers.
Lucien swipes his hand in our direction, and the front door locks. A second swipe causes metal rods to slide through the wooden floor, forming a cage around the four of us. Shit. “You’ve only just arrived. Seems like a long trip for such a short visit.”
The tension in the room rises, bringing chill bumps to the surface. The energy is heavy. “We mean you no harm,” Cyrus continues. “Lower the cage, and we’ll be on our way.”
