“That’s one word for it.”
Alexa lit up again under his hand. “Please stop touching her,” I said.
“She interrupts without reason,” he said.
“Same,” I muttered.
He looked at me, unreadable. I looked away, pretending to check my phone. Neither of us said anything else. The silence felt too intentional. Like both of us resolved to act like we weren’t affected by the other’s presence.
“Wait,” I said. “What did you say your last name was again?”
Cristian looked up from where he was staring at the toaster. “D’Archeval.”
“That’s the same last name as the guy who built this house.”
He didn’t react. Not even a little. “Ah, yes. That would surely be my insufferable brother.”
I lowered my phone. “Excuse me?”
He said it so evenly, unmoved.
“My brother. Cassian D’Archeval,” he continued. “He probably built this place. Or had it built. He was there when I was put into stasis. I assume he is the reason I find myself in Boston.”
I blinked again. “You’re telling me your brother is the guy from the plaque by the gate? The ‘Founding Settler and Merchant of Boston’? That’syourbrother?”
“Mm… I’d assume so, yes, but I’d have to see the picture to be sure.”
“Is he… alive?”
Cristian leaned against the counter, folding his arms. “I have no idea, but it’s very likely. Vampires are difficult to kill, and my brother had an unnatural talent for staying alive. If theworld is still spinning, he’s probably lurking in the shadows, manipulating someone. Although, I’m not sure why he would have left this house, so it’s possible he finds himself in trouble of some sort.”
“Fascinating.” Talking to Cristian about this was like getting to go back in time. “Who’s the older brother?”
“I am, but we were turned into vampires at the same time. We are alike in every way except conscience.”
“That’s horrifying.”
He inclined his head. “Correct.”
My phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at it and froze. Venmo notification. Payment from Mr. West. A lot more than expected. My eyes widened.
“Well,” I said, grinning, “looks like I’m rich for the week. Come on, we’re going shopping.”
Cristian frowned. “Shopping?”
“You need clothes. Those sweatpants have served their purpose.”
“I’ve received many compliments on these pants.”
“From a man hanging out of a car window,” I said. “That doesn’t count.”
“I never should have told you about that.” He shook his head. “I cannot take your money.”
“Too bad. You’re my weird, supernatural dependent now.”
He sighed. “I have a vault full of gold overseas. If I ever regain access to it, you will never want for anything again.”
I froze. “That’s… wildly generous.”
