“Good to know,” I replied, my fascination with the woman growing another notch.
“Now, Lyall, will you take me back to the Sanctum in the morning?”
“Yes,” I replied, although the word nearly scorched my tongue as an irrational wave of possessiveness surged through me.
“Will you help me find Elliot?”
That mere question triggered yet another irrational response as a pleasant warmth spread through my chest to have her wanting my presence… Well, at least my assistance, which still came down to further being in my company.
Fuck, I’m pathetically needy!
“Maybe,” I replied with pretend nonchalance. “It might be fun, and I’m rather bored right now.”
“It absolutely will be,” she countered with a conviction that verged on arrogance.
I raised an eyebrow and gave her a dubious look.
“You like mischief and mayhem,” she continued before I could challenge her words. “We both know there will be plenty of it ahead.”
I couldn’t help the almost malicious smile that stretched my lips. “Like I said, it might be fun.”
“There’s no question it will be… at least for you,” Eleni replied, a hint of victory seeping into her tone. “That said, I must prepare for tomorrow. That means I need specific reagents.”
“Write the list and ring this bell,” I said, pointing at a gold and silver rope with tassels, which dangled by the head of the bed. “A servant will come and then fetch them for you. You can say what you want for dinner and at what time you would like it also.”
“WhatIwant? You won’t join me?” Eleni asked.
“I already ate,” I reminded her teasingly, although I braced for her reaction.
Understandably, most mortals were freaked out by the fact that my kind devoured other people in part or in full. The thought of her being disgusted by me over this had my innards twisting painfully. She shouldn’t have such a powerful hold on me.
She pursed her lips and gave me a speculative look. “Is that what you always eat?”
I shook my head, relieved by her relaxed expression. “No. I eat regular food as well, but it offers me very little benefit other than basic sustenance.”
This time, she perked up with genuine curiosity. “Right. You acquire some of the powers from the people or creatures you eat. Did you gain much from the Onis?”
I shook my head again. “No. I already possess all the powers they did. However, I will leave you now. I must go out.”
“Back to the Mortal Realm?” she asked with a bit too much eagerness.
“Yes,” I replied in a cool tone.
“Bring me back!” Eleni exclaimed.
“No,” I replied sternly.
She recoiled and blinked at the almost belligerent way in which I had replied.
“Why not? You’re going back there,” she asked, confused.
“I want you sleeping in my home tonight,” I said in a stubborn fashion.
She narrowed her eyes at me. “In your home or in your bed?” Eleni challenged.
“In my home only, at least for tonight,” I replied, holding her gaze without flinching.
“And tomorrow?” she insisted.
