|
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Seth just knew his jaw sagged open in shock. You are?
He gave the gardener a closer once over, his gaze landing on
the sandwich in his hand. But you re eating! Then he
remembered the carrot stick Adalric had swiped from his
plate the night before. Is that normal?
Xavier sighed and shook his head. Well, damn, you
really don t know much. How is that possible?
He d be offended, but the words were said kindly, with
almost a fatherly concern. Shrugging, he explained, I was
near Durango trying to stop some buddies, well, ex-buddies,
really, from giving my ex-boyfriend crap.
That s a lot of exes, Peter pointed out.
Nodding, Seth told them, When he left me, I realized
what assholes they were and stopped associating with them.
They blamed it on Bobby, so I went to the town he d moved
to, intending to warn him. He grimaced. It wasn t like he
was taking my calls anymore, not that I blamed him.
Ouch.
As much as Seth appreciated Peter s commiseration, he
knew it was his fault. Not wanting to dwell on his
foolishness, he continued his tale. Well, I found him all
right, shortly after my friends had pulled him from a
restaurant. A rogue vampire attacked them. They might
have been assholes to Bobby, but no one deserved to die like
that, he whispered, remembering the vampire s glowing
eyes, gleefully feral expression, and cackling laughter.
I grabbed Bobby and we ran. The vampire chased us. I
crashed my truck. We were saved by Maelgwn, Bobby s
gargoyle mate, and Adalric, he quickly finished. I never
63
Charlie Richards
actually got to go home. They declared me legally dead.
Okay, that last bit might have been said a little bitterly.
Instead of commenting on it, Xavier nodded. I suppose
that is not the best way to be introduced to paranormals, is
it?
Peter snorted. Ya think?
Well, I guess I can share a few things then, Xavier
stated, thoughtfully rubbing his jaw.
For the next thirty minutes, Xavier explained how
important finding a beloved was to a vampire. He explained
how they became possessive, wanted to keep their beloved
safe at all costs, and even dominant and pushy to make that
happen. He also shared how the vampire viewed their
beloved s happiness as one of the most important things
above all others, besides their safety, of course.
Seth learned his life would be extended after they bonded,
so he wouldn t die until the vampire did. He d become more
immune to diseases, his bones stronger, and he d gain an
almost sixth sense of when his vampire was near.
He lifted a hand suddenly. I m sorry& wait, what? We ll
be able to speak how?
Telepathically, Xavier said again, this time a bit more
softly.
Telepathically, Seth mumbled. That s what he d
thought he d heard. You mean, in my head, don t you?
Yes, Xavier confirmed.
Obviously sensing Seth s growing discomfort, Peter
reached across the gap between benches and touched his
arm. But he ll help you learn to control it, so you don t
always have him in your head. You ll be able to choose, he
assured. Plus, he added, I m sure he d never just barge
into your mind without your permission. That would be
rude and Adalric wants you happy. You re his beloved.
64
A Bite of Fulfillment
He said that as if that would solve everything. Seth
wondered how that worked. Clearing his throat, he decided
he would revisit the whole telepathy issue another time. Seth
really had one more huge concern. What happens when
your eyes turn& red? Does that mean you re about to
attack?
65
Charlie Richards
Chapter Eight
dalric pushed the door open to Daystrum s room and
A
crossed to the bed. He smiled upon seeing his second s
eye flicker open. Heyyyyy, he greeted softly, drawing out
the word. If you needed a rest, you really just should have
said something, he teased.
His second chuckled, then groaned. Shit, don t make me
laugh.
Gently resting his hand on Daystrum s good shoulder, he
murmured, Sorry, old friend.
Daystrum s brow creased. Shit, that must be the first
time I ve ever heard you say that, he whispered.
Smirking, Adalric quipped, I m sure I don t know what
you re talking about.
When do I get to meet the human who s mellowed you
out? Daystrum pressed, his eyes twinkling despite the pain
he must obviously be feeling.
Adalric smiled. As soon as you can get out of bed on
your own. How about that? You can receive us in that fancy
sitting room of yours.
Sounds like a plan, the injured vampire mumbled.
Now that his friend had finally woken, Adalric had to
ask. Did you see who did this to you?
No, came the unfortunate answer. And they were
doused in liquor, so I couldn t even tell you if I recognized
their scent.
66
A Bite of Fulfillment
Damn, Adalric muttered. It sure wasn t what he d
wanted to hear.
I m sorry, sir.
Grimacing, Adalric shook his head once. Your health is
far more important to me than that, Daystrum. Just get well.
We ll figure this out.
Daystrum sighed. Shit.
Hey, relax. I m just glad you re healing. You ve had a
few of us worried.
I hate feeling this helpless. How the fuck could I have
been so careless to let them get a drop on me? Daystrum
hissed, clearly frustrated.
Them? How many do you suspect?
Three, maybe four.
You relax, Adalric reassured, even though all he
wanted to do was howl. He was a good leader, and possibly
having four traitors pissed him the hell off. We ll get these
bastards, one way or another, he vowed.
He went to stand, but Daystrum lifted a hand and
gripped his sleeve. Wait. How re you and Seth?
Um. Adalric paused and licked his lips, trying to come
up with a& well, maybe not an honest answer, but
something that was fairly accurate. You know& better. Not
great, yet, but I think he s coming around.
Coming around? Daystrum sighed and rolled his eyes.
Gods above, why do you make everything so difficult?
Me! Adalric snapped. He was attacked by a rogue
vampire. I could have lost him before I found him! He
clicked his jaw shut as that realization sank in. Fuck.
Daystrum actually smiled and squeezed his shoulder.
Have you told him how you feel, yet?
How I feel? He tried to sound confused, but he really
knew what his second meant. They d known each other for a
67
Charlie Richards
couple centuries. Shit. No, but it s on the to-do list, he
admitted.
Once again, Daystrum chuckled, then grunted. Fuck.
Told you not to make me laugh, he grumbled. Adalric just
scowled at him. Once he d settled, Daystrum smiled wanly
at him, suddenly looking tired. Don t wait too long, my
friend.
He thought about saying some snarky response, but then
saw his second s eyelids droop. Instead, he patted the
injured vampire s shoulder and whispered, You get some
rest. I ll see you later.
Before he d even made it out of the suite of rooms, the
main door opened and Edwin slipped inside. He flicked a
glance toward Daystrum s bedroom, then refocused on
Adalric. Sorry to interrupt, sir, but there s a detective here
looking for both you and Seth Goodwin.
What? he gasped. He d worked with Maelgwn to have
Seth declared legally dead, burned to death in a truck fire to
be exact. Why would a detective come here looking for him?
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pldoc.pisz.plpdf.pisz.plmew.pev.pl
|