Page 52 of Viktor

“So, you’re saying you’re an art dealer?” A smile softened her face.

“Sure, yeah. That’s what I am. How’d ya know? I’m an art dealer, and your boyfriend there has a vast collection.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Waverly protested.

“Technically not a girlfriend. A lover, yes.” Viktor questioned his own words. A seed of doubt was planted as she denied her feelings. What the hell is happening here?

“So that means you’re available?” Greyson asked with mischief in his eyes.

“No,” Viktor and Waverly both answered at the same time.

“Well, all right.” Greyson gave a hearty laugh. He stood and yawned, stretching his arms well above his head. “This vampire here, had a busy night. Came halfway around the world to help my long-lost brother. I think I’ll just nip off for a nap and let you two figure out what’s what. Tomorrow we’ll get to the art. Sounds like we’re gonna have a busy day.”

“Thank you, Greyson.” Viktor told his brother as he strode toward the staircase. “I won’t forget this.”

“No hanky panky, my chickadees.” The vampire spun around and gave a salute. “Ah, young lust.”

Viktor turned to Waverly, who set her wine glass in the sink.

“Are you sure Greyson can help us?” she asked.

“Yes of course.” Not really.

“He seems…different than you.”

“That’s because he is. He’s not like me at all.” A flood of memories flashed in his mind, and he promptly shut it down, unwilling to let the past root anger.

“Viktor. About what I said. It’s just that I know you probably have other girlfriends. I don’t want you to worry about…well, you know. I mean, it’s just that I don’t want you to think that because we were together this is something serious. You live in Miami, and I live in California. Long distance relationships and all that. I just want you to know I get it.” She stared up at him, feigning indifference.

“Mo chroí. I have no other girlfriends.” Only donors, one-night stands and empty sex. Viktor’s stomach sank as he considered his thoughts. She’d admitted she wasn’t his girlfriend. She told him she didn’t date vampires. The crushing hunger for her blood drove him wild but he wondered if it was simply the chase of the unattainable that drove him. “But perhaps we should go more slowly.”

“Um…yeah, sure.” She nodded.

Viktor extended his hand to her, his chest full of emotion at the thought of letting her go, “You need to know though, the truth is not just that I don’t have girlfriends. I honestly don’t have anyone. A few paranormals here and there of course. I may be the life of a party, but I don’t have friends. I have acquaintances. Whereas you, on the other hand…you are,” he smiled at her as he gently brought her into his embrace, “a friend now. A lover. So, I’m afraid whether you wanted a vampire in your life or not, you’re stuck with me.”

“I was wrong about that, about vampires,” she admitted. “It’s just my mom. She, uh, she didn’t like what happened with me. I know you think I’m something special but not everyone likes their kids to have visions. It’s not particularly cool in mommy circles.”

Viktor’s heart sank at her admission. “Did someone hurt you?”

“My parents were very strict. Those kinds of things weren’t allowed. The devil’s work and all.”

“What kinds of things?”

“Paranormal things.”

“Well, those sorts of things are highly encouraged around here.” Viktor smiled. “It’s pretty much required.”

“I can’t seem to control the visions when I’m around you. Actually, everything seems out of control,” she admitted.

Viktor sighed as Waverly wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek upon his chest. “I swear to you. Tomorrow, we’ll figure out what’s going on with the painting.”

“And Teagan?”

“We’re going to head back to Miami. Visit the club. We’ll check again to see if she’s been back,” he told her.

“And what about the humans who are doing this?”

“We’re gonna find them too. But tonight? You’ve got to get some rest.” Viktor pressed his lips to the top of her head.