"It's more than that. You have instincts that can't be taught. Situational awareness. The ability to assess threats and respond appropriately." I pause. "You're wasted as just muscle. I meant what I said about grooming you for the inner circle."
"Marcellus doesn't trust me."
"Marcellus doesn't trust anyone. It's why he's so good at his job."
She almost smiles at that. "Fair enough."
Dawn is pulling at me now, that biological imperative that'simpossible to ignore. I need to rest before the day bleeds my strength.
"Get some sleep," I tell her. "Tomorrow night, I want to test your tactical thinking. See how you handle strategic problems, not just physical ones."
"What kind of problems?"
"The kind that are waiting for me the moment I wake at sunset." I move toward the door. "Welcome to the inner circle, Celeste. It's not glamorous. It's not easy. But it matters."
"Maximus."
I pause in the doorway.
"Thank you. For saving me. For trusting me enough to show me all of this."
I should deflect. Should maintain my cold facade. Should remind her that this is transactional.
Instead, I tell her the truth: "You're welcome."
I leave before I can say anything else that compromises the walls I've spent centuries building.
In my private quarters, I lie down as dawn fully breaks. The pull toward dormancy is overwhelming now. But even as I feel consciousness slipping away, my last thought is of her.
Of the way she looked at me just now, with gratitude, yes, but also with that same direct assessment that first intrigued me. Seeing me. Really seeing me.
Not the powerful gatekeeper. Just… Maximus.
A man who's been alone for so long he'd forgotten what it felt like to be seen.
Dangerous, I think, as sleep claims me. This is so dangerous.
But I can't seem to make myself care.
Chapter
Seven
Iwake to complete darkness and the disorienting feeling of not knowing what time it is without looking at a clock.
The blackout curtains in my room are so effective that no light penetrates.
I reach for it on the nightstand. 7:43 p.m.
Just after sunset. My body knew somehow, pulled me out of that death-like sleep right as the sun dropped below the horizon. Vampire biology is doing its thing.
I shower and dress quickly, unsure what tonight will bring. Maximus said he wanted to test my tactical thinking.
Knowing him, it’s probably something that will make me question every assumption I have.
I find him in his study, surrounded by maps and documents spread across a massive desk. He's changed into more casual clothes than his usual formal wear, dark jeans, and a Henley that makes him look less like a Renaissance painting and more like an actual person.
"You're punctual," he says without looking up.
