Well, only the pieces that would fit her, Alessia told herself, allowing herself a bit of cattiness.
“That was an interesting thought that just cruised through your mind,” Titus observed from his place on the covered porch.
She loved how easily they’d fallen into some habits together. This morning they sat on the sunny veranda, sipping coffee. Gio had perfected how she loved her iced coffee with the yummiest amount of cream-to-coffee ratio and a generous addition of chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Alessia took another sip as she decided how to reply.
“I was guessing how everything’s going at Enzo’s. I wonder if my mom and my sister, Serafina, have figured out I’m gone.” That had a shred of truth in it.
“Oh, they noticed. Enzo has sent out feelers around the community searching for anyone who has seen you. He’s not revealing that someone took you, so he either didn’t believe the scene we staged or he’s not willing to admit someone got past his security and abducted you. Thankfully, so far, he’s not asking the right people,” Titus said with his own smirk of satisfaction.
“After all the commotion on the morning we left—everyone must know. That was so dangerous. You should have waited, and I could have met you somewhere.”
“That would never happen. Be glad I let you go home to rescue Hopper. I wouldn’t have allowed it, but I understood you needed to retrieve someone special,” Titus said. “Besides, I was close most of the time.”
Alessia shivered, remembering the bloody gloves Enzo had dropped on his desk. Her brother was desperately clinging to control and willing to eliminate anyone who interfered. She wondered what the future would hold.
“You’re safe with me, Little mate.”
She looked up at him and forced the bad thoughts out of her head. Smiling, she nodded, “I know I am. Thank you, Daddy.”
“A totally selfish move on my part. Have you talked to Carina about going to Nightfall tonight?”
“Yes. I’m so excited to see her again. She’s so nice. She… She told me her Daddy changed her into a vampire.”
“Does that scare you?”
“Kinda. Carina said the process wasn’t painful.” Alessia shifted a bit in her chair before admitting, “She said it was hot.”
“Then Marcus handled her transition correctly.”
Gathering her courage, Alessia forced herself to ask, “Is that something you want to do to me?”
“Turning you is a decision we’ll need to make at some point. Vampires live for many years. Marcus has been around longer than I have, and Alaric is older than both of us put together. I would love to have you with me for the rest of my life, but this a choice you will need to make. I won’t force you to join our clan.”
Some of the tension relaxed from her shoulders. Since Carina had told her about being a vampire, Alessia’s concerns had multiplied. She was relieved to hear that she would have a say. That was what Marcus had done with Carina. He’d allowed her to decide.
“If you have questions, I will answer you honestly and fully. I will not mislead you,” Titus assured her.
“Yes, Daddy. You haven’t lied to me yet. I can’t imagine you’d start now.”
“Thank you for your confidence in my character, Little mate. I would never use deceit with my clan or with you. At least not without a very good reason—a life or death risk.”
Alessia tilted her head as she considered that statement. His admission that he could use a lie to save a someone was understandable, but she didn’t like to consider he would ever lie to her.
“That bothers you, doesn’t it, Alessia?”
“Yes. I’d rather you always tell me the truth.”
“Let’s say a man has a gun to my head, and he’s going to kill me unless I send you away. I would definitely make up a story to get you out of there,” Titus explained.
“Or you could give me some sign that warned me you were lying, and I could flee to keep myself safe, but then I could alert Marcus to come help you,” Alessia suggested, planning quickly on her feet.
I could simply communicate with you this way.
“Oh, yeah. I forget that you can talk to me mentally without anyone knowing.”
“If a problem arises and I need you to run away, I will send you a message. I’ll also alert my clan simultaneously,” Titus assured her.
“I’d like to help somehow,” Alessia said.
