“The fridge is stocked with blood bags in case you’re hungry,” Igor says.
“Thanks, but I’m okay for now.”
Tish jumps onto the kitchen counter. “What about food for me?”
“Yeah, yeah. I got that too,” Igor replies.
I open the cabinets, looking for the ingredients I asked Igor to procure at the Nightshade Market. “Were you able to find everything on the list I gave you?”
“Yes, Miss Sophie.”
“I already asked you to call me Sophie.”
“Your father doesn’t like it.”
Smirking, I look over my shoulder. “He’s not here, is he?”
Igor blushes, then rubs the back of his neck. “Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”
“Yes, you whipped me into shape. And you said I was ready. Are you doubting yourself now?”
He stands straighter. “No, of course not. I… I worry, that’s all.”
I read guilt in his eyes. He wasn’t around when I was attacked, and I can see it weighs on him. “I’ll be fine. And I promise you, I’ll never let anyone hurt me again.”
They’ll regret the day they were born if they try. I curl my hands into fists as my fangs descend. Fury brews deep in my belly, ready to erupt. Secretly, I want someone to try something with me. I have all this pent-up anger that needs to be unleashed or I’ll go crazy.
“I’d better go, then. I don’t want to be seen here.” He pulls his hood up, concealing part of his face.
“All right. If I need anything, I’ll call you.”
He nods. “You do that.”
When Igor walks out, shutting the door behind him, Tish turns to me. “You know he’s probably going to lurk around, right?”
I frown. “Do you think my father asked him to spy on me?”
“Not spy per se. More like a bodyguard.”
That doesn’t work for me. I can’t have a tail on me while I’m trying to figure things out. I suppose I’ll have to be sneaky, then. I take the supplies Igor bought for me and lay them out on the counter.
“Oh, we’re doing witchy things now?” Tish sniffs them.
“Yes. I need a couple of potions.” I fish the old grimoire out of my purse.
“I got you a gift.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. Now where did that baboon put it?” She jumps off the counter and rushes to the bookcase. “Oh, I think it’s on the top shelf.”
I walk over and inspect the books on the shelf. “You got me a book?”
“Yeah. It should have been wrapped, but I can see Igor didn’t do it.”
“Which one is it?”
“The one with the faded red leather.”
