The girl smiles. “Please stay.”
I sit across from her, watching her take small bites of her food. No doubt, she’s convinced it’s poisoned. “I miss food,” I announce. “What does that taste like? Can you describe it?” I ask, pointing at the sweet potatoes she just took a bite from.
“Um, well, it’s creamy, with a hint of cinnamon, and I think there’s nutmeg mixed throughout. The pecan topping adds a little sweetness that counters the tartness of the potatoes.” My body reacts to her description differently than I imagined it would. Sharp fangs protrude from my gums, making themselves visible. What the hell? I cover my mouth with my hand, hoping to hide the display.
“Oh, my God. I’m sorry,” I mumble. She eats the rest of her plate, and I manage to keep my fangs intact.
“That was delicious. Thank you. My compliments to the chef.”
“I think I enjoyed watching you eat it as much as you enjoyed eating it,” I say truthfully. Her energy relaxes the longer we sit together.
“Are there morevampiresin the city?” She crosses her arms across her chest.
“You do remember you live in New Orleans, right?This city is riddled with vampires and has been for centuries. Hell, I think vampires were here before humans. I can guarantee we’re not the first ones you’ve come across in your lifetime.” The look on her face tells me she’s thinking about everyone she’s ever met.
“Who is Harrison?”
I sit back, not sure how much to share. “That is a question for Harrison. His story is not mine to tell.” I take her plate, hoping to change the subject. “Do you mind helping me get the leftovers ready to take to the shelter?” I throw a few Ziploc bags in her direction, and the two of us fill them to the brim.
“Thomas did go a bit overboard,” she says, relaxing even more.
“He always does, but it will go to good use.” Throwing the plastic bags into grocery bags, I get them ready to deliver to Opie. “I hate to tell you this, but you have to go back into your room while I’m gone.”
“That won’t be necessary, Violet. I’ll stay with her. In fact, why don’t Amelia and I take the leftovers to the shelter?” Harrison appears out of nowhere. He’s wearing a pair of jeans and a Henley shirt, making him look more human than I’ve seen him look in a century.
“Sure, if Amelia’s okay with that,” I answer, wearing a fake smile. “Are you okay with that?” I ask our “guest.”
“If I have to choose between being locked back in that room or hanging out with a supposed vampire, I’m going to choose the vampire,” she answers.
I watch as the two of them exit the house, unsure if I should warn her or join in this game Harrison’s playing.
TWENTY-SIX
two months later
“What did you think would happen?”I ask Harrison as I sit across from him in the large SUV. “You practically hand-delivered her to Viktor.”
Anger flows from my maker. “I thought she would follow instructions and bring me the immortal child.” Harrison has always been a little off, but since Amelia’s arrival, he’s gone off the deep end. His obsession has created a monster disguised as a vampire. I scoff at the oxymoron of that thought.
“She’s smarter than you thought. So is Viktor.”
“Shut up, Violet,” he spews.
“Yes, Father,” I retort, using as much sarcasm as possible.
“When we get there, take care of the wolf. I’ll get Amelia and the girl.” I don’t argue. In fact, I don’t respond. It’s not worth my time or energy.
We arrive at Viktor’s home not long after. Amelia and the immortal child are the only energy I feel from inside. Lycan energy comes from outside, but by the strength, there is only one.
I leap from the truck, moving quickly toward the wolf that’s on guard. Hiding behind a tree, I spot him not far from the lake. His head jerks up as he senses me. He sniffs, reminding me of my friend from years ago. He’s about the same age as Simon was the last time I saw him, and smells much the same.
“Kill him,”Harrison says through my mind.
“Fuck you, Harrison,” I whisper. The lycan shifts into wolf form, still sniffing in my direction. “I’m not going to hurt you,” I say into the wind.
“Kill him!”my maker repeats.
“No,”I answer.
