“Nonsense, Jade. You’re mine: I’d give you the world if I thought you actually wanted it. Orrin, however, could be a threat to you. I will not stand for threats on your life. In fact, Ieliminatethem.” His voice grew harder, and the silence around us made his statement closer to a broadcast as the vampires closest to us faded from pale to downright ashen.
Oh. That’s why he brought it up. To make a statement.
We made it past the crush of vampires surrounding Killian and Hazel, and the space persisted.
When I glanced up at Considine, he still had that dangerous smile on.
Then I guess I better keep playing my part as the relaxed/not afraid slayer.
I leaned into him. “I appreciate your concern,” I said. “Although it can be inconvenient at times—rather like your astoundingly handsome face.” Saying that nearly killed me, but it had the effect on our watchers that I wanted—horror crossed with shock.
The brief grin that flashed across Considine’s face said I was going to hear about it again—probably multiple times—after thenight was over. “Oh, Jade. You are a light in the dark dreariness of life.” He squeezed my hand and put the look away as fast as it had appeared, swapping back to his deadly arrogance.
Satisfied I’d done my part, I settled back into place, content to observe and keep an eye on exit routes.
Considine had been my backup so many times. I was happy I could finally return the favor.
After two hoursof strolling around the ballroom and being followed but left alone—except for the occasional approach of one of the Dracos or Drake vampires—Considine led me out of the ballroom and all the way to the mansion’s massive kitchen.
When we first stepped into the kitchen, a chef and two assistants were stationed there, finishing two trays of hors d’oeuvres.
“Take a break,” Considine advised them.
The chef bowed while the assistants grabbed the trays and whisked them off. The trio disappeared into the hallway and closed the door behind themselves, leaving me alone with Considine.
Considine pointed to one of the two island counters. “Sit. Your feet must be killing you.”
“It’s not too bad.” I eased myself onto a stool pulled up to the counter. “We slayers keep these kinds of clothes so we can wear outfits we know are comfortable and not restrictive when the need arises.”
“Of course. As a slayer you would spare no expense on your work equipment.” Considine shook his head as he opened a fridge.
I watched him for a moment before taking inventory of our surroundings.
I’d seen the kitchen—which was as big as the main portion of my apartment—during the daytime. Now at night it was… overwhelmingly bright.
Everything was either wooden or white, with fancy molded cupboards, white marble counters, and white walls. The brilliance was broken up by stainless-steel appliances and sinks—there were multiple sinks, ovens, and fridges—but the general feeling the kitchen gave off was opulent efficiency.
Considine removed a pint of strawberries from the fridge and washed them in one of the sinks, then fetched a knife and a plate. “Well? What is your impression of the night so far? Was it as bad as you feared?”
“I had a rough idea of what to expect, given what I know about vampire psychology.” I frowned as Considine cut the green tops off the strawberries and arranged them on the plate. “But…was that normal?”
Considine glanced up at me. “Which part?”
“The space around you.”
“Oh. Yes, it is. Once a vampire learns who I am, anyway.” Considine set the plate of strawberries in front of me, then opened a different fridge. “You’re surprised?”
I picked up a strawberry. Although they were ridiculously out of season, the fruit was so sweet I could smell it before I bit into it. “I thought you would get trampled, like Killian and Hazel. Although I suppose I’ve never seen a vampire as old as you actually take part in society.”
Considine dramatically sighed. “I prefer to use the termpowerfulinstead of old. It hurts my feelings less.”
I laughed. “Thanks for the strawberries—they’re delicious.”
“Of course. Now do you want dessert, or something more filling?”
“I ate before the party, so I don’t need to eat.”
Considine, haloed by the lights inside the fridge, turned around and stared at me.
