A thousand responses barrel through me and I consider what to disclose.
Would it be better, more polite, to give her a simple answer, even if it’s only a half truth? Or do I give her a detailed list of every single thing I can detect at present?
Taking my time, my gaze sweeps down the length of Audrey’s body. Ever so slowly, I work my way up again, dragging my eyes over her hips, her breasts, her lips, before settling on her eyes. “Anything.”
Audrey’s pupils dilate. “I’ll keep that in mind.” It might just be my imagination, but her voice sounds much huskier than before, the effect not lost on my cock.
After a few seconds of silence where we both study each other, Audrey asks abruptly, “Vampires aren’t allergic or something to dogs, are they?”
“No,” I answer, watching the tiny thing loping happily around the room.
“Good. Because if Anita can’t stay, then I can’t stay. We’re a package deal.”
The seriousness in Audrey’s tone has me focusing back on her. “Noted.”
“Sorry,” Audrey exhales breathily, her shoulders relaxing from their defensive stance. “That sounded very presumptuous of me. Let me backtrack a little. I heard from Tilly that you offered a room for me to use while I’m here. If it’s still available, then I’d like to take you up on it. Anita and I, both. If you’ll have us?”
“You are both welcome. I’ve already prepared the same room you had last time.” I make the conscious choice not to respond to her last question, because I can’t allow myself to think about having Audrey. Ever.
“Thank you.”
A comfortable quiet nestles between us as we watch the little dog exploring the parlor, darting into the foyer before returning to Audrey’s legs. It’s as if the pup is asking for permission tofamiliarize herself with the castle, and also inviting Audrey to join her.
Audrey’s eyes soften as she smiles down at Anita. It’s an expression I haven’t seen from her before, but I wouldn’t mind seeing again.
Not that I’ve watched Audrey that closely over the years. It’s simply that I’ve beenawareof her since the first time she came to the island to attend Bodin and Tilly’s claiming ceremony.
Anita gives a little excited bark, then pitter-patters over to my feet, licking at my legs while she waits expectantly for me to pet her too.
It’s been years since I’ve last interacted with a dog, and I’ve forgotten how affectionate they can be. The island has a few but I’ve never considered having my own. Not since I was turned and…
I lift my eyes to meet Audrey’s already on me, hers watchful as she waits for my reaction.
Slowly, I lower my hand to let Anita sniff it, then I run my fingers across her soft coat as her tail swishes cheerfully behind her. She’s so lovely it’s impossible not to grin down at her.
Audrey lets out a faint murmur of delight and her scent sharpens to something that makes my fangs ache.
I try my best to keep my focus on the dog and not the human I can feel assessing me. When I’m unable to withstand it any longer, I sneak a quick glance at Audrey and take in the way she’s biting her lip and the way she’s squeezing her legs together.
As if Anita can sense she’s lost my attention, the pup jumps up against me, demanding that I pick her up.
Who am I to deny the delightfully fluffy being?
The tiny thing can almost fit entirely in my one hand, so I take extra care as I bring her to my face. Her whole body wiggles with excitement as she showers me with kisses, drawing a groany chuckle from me. “Aren’t you sweet, baby girl?”
Audrey sucks in a breath, but I don’t look at her. I can’t.
Instead, I think of ways I’m going to keep myself occupied over the coming days, weeks, or however long Audrey and Anita will be with me. I’ve already made stone die for each of my Knights & Castles friends, but perhaps I can carve figurines for our game next. Something to keep my hands busy instead of imagining them exploring Audrey’s body.
First though, I’m going to prepare my home for its canine guest. The last thing I want is for Anita to injure herself on the big stone stairs. Or getting herself lost in some corner in this old castle.
“Let us get out of your hair,” Audrey says as she shifts forward on her seat. “I’m sure you’re ready to head to bed soon. Thank you again for letting us stay here. I’ll gather my stuff and slowly bring them over after sunset.”
“I shall assist you then,” I state, not comfortable with the idea of Audrey lugging all her belongings here by herself. Nor am I okay with the thought of Tilly helping her, not in her current condition.
Audrey waves a dismissive hand as she gets up and walks toward me. “I really didn’t pack that much. Only some essentials and a few things to keep me busy while I’m here.”
“I shall assist you,” I repeat, also standing now.
