Unable to help himself, he placed his hand on Acadia’s shoulder and gave a light squeeze. “I’d like to talk after.”
She nodded in acknowledgement and Kaj took that as his cue to leave. He made his way around the tables, winding his way back to where Eclipse and Orianna were sitting. The male motioned him over, and he gladly accepted, dragging out the chair across from them.
“Is that…” Kaj leaned forward and studied what was on Orianna’s plate.
“Cheez-Its,” she said with a chuckle, then lifted the glass of yellow liquid. “And Mountain Dew. Breakfast of champions.”
“She would eat this every day if I let her,” Eclipse told him.
“I survived on this before I met him,” Orianna explained. “And Phillip surprised me when he brought in cases of both a couple of days ago. I think he bought out Costco.”
“Your doing?” Kaj asked Eclipse.
“Nope. Not me. Phillip has taken a liking to my female.” Eclipse glanced at Orianna, still grinning. “Perhaps I should keep a closer eye on him.”
Orianna shrugged him off, playing right into his teasing. “Perhaps you should. I happen to be quite fond of him, too.”
The soft growl Eclipse made was one Kaj was all too familiar with. It was that of an overprotective male. Both vampires and angels were notorious for it.
“Good morning, sire.”
Kaj peered up to see Jeffrey standing at his side, a silver-covered plate on a tray.
Leaning back, he allowed theheurospto set the items down. Before he disappeared, Jeffrey produced a pitcher of tea and filled the glass that had been set out.
“Thank you, Jeffrey.”
“It’s my absolute pleasure, sire.”
Kaj fought the urge to mouthsirethe way Blaz had.
“You get anyvestrahnhired yet?” Eclipse prompted.
Picking up his fork, Kaj poked at what appeared to be beef stroganoff. “Not yet.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s the difference between avestrahnand aheurosp?” Orianna asked.
“One’s a vampire, the other a human,” Kaj informed her. “Aside from that, they have basically the same duties.”
“Is there any reason why you’d want to replace what you’ve already got?” she asked.
“I have no issues with theheurosp. I simply prefer to employ vampires.”
“That makes sense.”
He lifted an eyebrow curiously.
Orianna smiled. “You want to offer jobs to your people. Can’t fault you for that. It’s what makes a good leader. You’re looking out for the little guy.”
He found it interesting that she could see that much considering what little time he’d spent with her since Eclipse brought her to the mansion. Then again, he’d become relatively close to Eclipse during his stay here, and he figured mates talked about shit like that.
His gaze swung over to Acadia. At one time, they’d talked about anything and everything. Then again, he’d been laid up in a bed, unable to do anything else. So they had passed the time talking about family, friends. He’d shared more with her than he had any other soul. She was simply easy to talk to, he figured.
Kaj’s attention returned to the glass Orianna was drinking from.
“I have to say, it’s a little disconcerting to watch you drink that.”
Orianna pulled the glass from her mouth, peered at it, and smiled. “I can see that. Doesn’t mean it’s not serious awesomeness.”
