I wiggled my lips, trying to work out the pieces. “Not that I’m in a hurry for any of this, but why not?”
“Marriage between vampires is a process. So why not enjoy some relaxation here while I conduct things?”
I raised a brow. I had the impression he wanted to drag out my stay. But why? Was he afraid I’d go bananas and eat up my entire town if I left?
“Explain this process,” I said, my tone growing sassitable, sassy and irritable.
“What is there to explain? It is no different from human couples seeking the approval of their family members.”
I smelled BS. “Okay, but Lazlo’s dead.” Dead for good this time. Stark had killed him and Fiona for attacking me.
“My brother was born after my father sold me to a vampire, so I did not have the opportunity to interact with him until many years later, after I learned he’d also been turned. However, despite my hopes of us having a close relationship, I quickly discovered Lazlo would never be welcome in my coven. He was far too wild to handle such responsibility.”
I wondered how Lazlohad gotten mixed up with vampires, too. Did Stark have something to do with it? Or maybe their dad?
Stark continued before I could ask, “So you see, my coven is my true family, and they are very ancient, very powerful. To join them is a great honor. Therefore, bringing you into the fold will require persuasion.”
“Okay.” I whooshed out a breath. It sounded complicated, and frankly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a part of his coven, also known as “the Party,” even if they’d take me. According to Charlie, they were a group of powerful vampire elites who controlled everything behind the scenes.
“Do not concern yourself with such things right now, Masie. You must focus on one day, one step at a time.” He kissed me again.
I sighed. “You’re right.” I had bigger things to worry about.
“I know. Now, let me show you the island while the moon is at its brightest. Then we will dine and dance, and you will meet a select group from my coven whom I consider to be my closest friends. They are eager to know you.”
“Closest friends? Here?” I snapped. “You never said anything about meetin’ anyone.”
“There is nothing to worry about. They are here to make your transformation more comfortable.”
His pale eyes began to swirl from sage green to blue to green again. The way they changed colors was hypnotic. He claimed that only the older, morepowerful vampires had eyes like his—some sort of warning sign.
He added, “You have nothing to fear tonight.”
Suddenly, I felt calmer. “Promise me: no more surprises. I mean it, Stark.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
CHAPTER FOUR
I couldn’t see much with my still-human eyesight, but the island seemed magnificent. According to Stark, a snowcapped mountain north of the resort fed a waterfall that cascaded into a sprawling pool. The water from that was diverted to tanks and used for showers, washing, and everything else. All around us, the lush forest hosted a variety of wildlife, including deer, racoons, squirrels, and rabbits. Stark was justifiably proud of the habitat he’d created with minimal intrusion on the island’s natural beauty.
“It’s really impressive,” I said as we strolled down a walkway that ran alongside a trickling stream at the center of the resort. He’d designed the place so that each building and suite was separated by trees and greenery for maximum privacy. “I wish I could see everything during the day. I bet it’s even more spectacular.” A mosquito landed on my bare shoulder, and Stark swatted it away with lightning speed.
I gave him a look, and he guessed my thought.Why would a mosquito be botherin’ with me?
“You still smell human,” he explained.
“Ah. Well, I look forward to the day I can walk into a swamp and not be attacked by a swarm of bloodsuckers. Can’t stand ’em.”
“I’m afraid your days of bloodsuckers are just getting started.”
I laughed. “You know what I mean. So, how long have you been building here?”
“Over a century,” he said. “But the island was given a complete makeover a few years ago. New plumbing and hot-water heaters. We added a heated pool, solar panels, a spa, a sauna, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.”
“Kitchen? What for?”
“Mostly for our human guests. Just because I am a vampire doesn’t mean I do not socialize with them. It is a necessary part of survival.”
