Reaching into my bag, I look for my manual glucose reader, but pause when Maisie’s words sink in. “Damn. Five? That’s really impressive. Well done, Ren.”
I give my finger a quick prick to get a reading of my current blood sugar level. Seeing that I’m within target range, I take out my insulin pen and give myself a shot in my stomach.
Considering cupcakes are high in carbohydrates and that the sugar will hit my system quickly, I want to make sure I’m safe before I put what promises to be something very delicious in my mouth. I’ll have to test again about thirty minutes after I’ve eaten to ensure my levels are balanced, but I know this cupcake will be worth it.
It’s been a bit of an adjustment to get used to not relying on my wearable device that continuously tracks my glucose levels, but since my phone’s basically useless on this island, I’ve had to revert to other ways to monitor myself. It takes quite a lot more mental space this way, but I’m slowly getting used to it again.
As the first bite of decadent sweetness hits my tongue, Maisie says, “By the way, did you know incubus cum tastes like red velvet? I tweaked the recipe a little so they resemble the real deal better.”
“Maisie,” I say, utterly flabbergasted, almost choking as I swallow down my bite. “I’m never going to be able to look at Ren the same way again.” It takes a lot to shock me, but if there’s one person who knows how, then it’s one hundred percent unfiltered Maisie.
She shrugs lightly before licking at some of the frosting. “Oops. Sorry, but that’s where red velvet cupcakes got their inspiration from. What does vampire cum taste like?”
“No idea,” I grumble, unable to keep my pout from forming.
“Oooh. You’ll have to do some field research and report back. I’m very curious.”
“That makes two of us.”
Maybe I should consider different ways to find out this very pertinent information. It could definitely help cure my boredom if I was on a mission.
Even though Arran has been keeping himself scarce, I hardly think he’s drowning in Starry Hill matters. There’s not enough happening on the island that would keep us from bumping into each other at least once a day somewhere in the castle.
Perhaps it’s time I paint my lips the sluttiest red I have and figure out how to seduce a four-hundred-year-old vampire. I could save him from the same boring purgatory I’m currently trapped in. And get a ton of orgasms.
But first, cakes.
“Who’s today’s order for?” I ask as Maisie brings over six mini cakes, ranging in colors and I’m guessing flavors too.
“They’re going to Nesting Grounds tomorrow.”
“The heat clinic Marisol used? Where she met Bash, Silas, and Killian?”
Last year, Marisol was only supposed to get some help with her heat at the specialized facilities, but what she didn’t expect was that the guys would be so taken with her that they courted her and the entire town after her heat ended.
Leading up to Halloween, they worked over time to help decorate and get The Singing Seahorse ready. It truly looked amazing, and perhaps it was just enough for Marisol to give them an actual chance. Now the whole pack’s mated and living out their joint happily ever after in Starry Hill.
“That’s the one,” Maisie confirms as she lines up a variety of piping bags and different tips on the table. “There’s a male omega with a very strong sweet tooth going into heat. This alpha has been courting him and wants him to have a variety of all his favorites in case a specific craving strikes.”
“That’s the sweetest fucking thing I’ve heard.”
I’m not jealous. At all. I don’t do romance,I remind myself.
But, being out here in Starry Hill and witnessing all the ways partners are taking care of each other, it’s kind of making me feel things I don’t usually feel in Cape Easton.
I’m sure it’s just the slower life here that’s fucking with my mind.
When Maisie and I are fully settled into decorating—me sticking to the basic piping techniques while she adds exquisite details to the cakes—Maisie asks, “How’s your first week of vacation been so far?”
“It’s been… nice. A highlight was when I popped by The Crowned Boot on Tuesday to ask Peregrine to design a sundress for me.”
“That’ll be lovely.” Maisie peeks over the cake and gives me a wicked smile. “Was Aurelius there?”
I arch a brow, recalling the sound of rustling clothes and zippers hastily being pulled up. “Hiding in the back behind a stack of material. Peregrine was thoroughly flushed when he appeared. I offered to come back at a different time, but he insisted I stay.”
A delighted chuckle bubbles out of Maisie. “Poor guys. Or not. You most likely helped them with their edging kink.”
“I’m not going to ask how you know what their kinks are.”
