"Wise decision," Connor said.
Kieran patted me on the back. "Congrats, bro. You've just sold your soul to the devil. Wait. You don't have a soul."
"I'l send out the soul hunters to find out the book's whereabouts," Cass said, ignoring him.
"We'l keep in touch." Devon and Connor walked away, glancing over their shoulders a few times as though they didn't dare turn their backs on us.
"You know I'l stand by you no matter what. We might have our differences, but you're my brother and I love you," Kieran said.
Cass laughed and flicked her hair back, revealing a milky-white, slender neck. "And I thought you two didn't have a heart. Wel , technical y you don't because you're dead. Even stil , it was a gushy moment. If only I had a camera to capture the magic. But then again, you wouldn't show up on film."
"What's your desired position with the Lore council?" I asked.
Cass beamed at Clare, and I marvel ed at how little she looked like a half fal en angel—more like a little child in a candy shop. If I didn't know who her father was, I would've believed she was a normal teen with too much determination and no sense of fashion.
"Make me ambassador," Cass said. Kieran burst into a fit of laughter.
"I'l try my best." I grabbed her outstretched hand and shook it, the heat emitted from her palm scorching my skin.
Clare accompanied Cass to her car while Kieran and I returned to the house. My gaze fel on Amber sitting next to Blake. Our eyes connected, and she smiled that lazy smile of hers that had my stomach in knots.
"Is everything al right?" Amber asked.
"Just peachy," Kieran said. "No need to worry your pretty head. We were trying to figure out how to save a damsel in distress from evil forces that want to destroy her."
She laughed, oblivious to how much truth hid in Kieran's words. "Is there hope for her?"
Kieran winked. "I believe so. We're making it our personal mission to save her by recruiting some big, bad demons, scandalous Shadows, vampires, and even Beelzebub herself."
"You've been busy then," she said.
"Ignore him." I placed my hands on her waist, suppressing the urge to lower my lips onto hers and never let go. She didn't seem to believe a word of it, but if Kieran wasn't more careful she might start to. "Al 's great. We had some business to discuss." From the corner of my eye, I watched Blake leave quietly. I pul ed Amber toward the large glass panes and wrapped my arms around her as I whispered in her ear, "This is what I wanted to show you. Do you like the view?" I could hear her heartbeat speed up. Whatever Clare said about a boyfriend, soon Amber wouldn't even remember the poor guy's name.
"It's beautiful," she said.
Like you. I bit my lip, drawing a drop of blood, the smel intoxicating. I hadn't fed in two days. If my plan worked, soon I would no longer need to.
We gazed at the dark water crashing against the cliffs below. Nothing I hadn't seen before, but standing here with the one, I felt excited, more so than the first time I watched the spectacular display of Mother Nature's force right under my feet. I inhaled her scent and pul ed her back to the sofa, remembering she was mortal after al . "Did you have dinner tonight?"
Amber blushed. "I did. But I don't mind sitting with you if you want to grab a bite."
I smiled. A bite sounded good. I didn't mind one of those, but not to feed. "I'm not hungry."
Kieran shot me an amused look. "I am."
"You're not getting anything." Clare elbowed him in the ribs. "Come on. We'l sink our teeth into something on the way home."
"Hey, Amber. If you ever tire of him—" he pointed at me "—you know where to find me."
Amber avoided my gaze. I could sense her nervousness as the others left. She wasn't comfortable around me. Not yet. To gain her trust, I had to move slowly, taking one step at a time. "Tired?"
She nodded. "A bit."
Grabbing her hand, I pul ed her to her feet. Even though the bond would draw her to me nonetheless, I wanted her to start loving me for who I was inside, not just because we were meant to spend eternity together. "We should get going then. You're working tomorrow. Nobody makes vegetable stir-fry like you do."
"Right. Of course, boss." Amber shrugged into her coat. I thought I caught the slightest hint of regret in her eyes.
I locked the door—more for show than out of need—and started the engine. She seemed fidgety now, her hands clasped in her lap, fingers intertwined.
"You're an experienced driver," Amber said.
I could sense the question in her statement. She couldn't keep her curiosity at bay. Maybe I had underestimated her inquisitive nature. Even though I had died at eighteen, my perilous existence as a vampire had helped me mature beyond that age.
"My family shared a love for cars," I said. Another lie told out of need. Before she could resume her questioning, I focused on the invisible bond between us, emptying my head of any thoughts, then let my mind invade hers, slowly lul ing her into the sweet lure of slumber. It was the only power I held over her.
Amber breathed out and relaxed in her seat. I switched on the radio and watched her close her eyes, my mind wandering back to the conversation with the Shadows. Cass would ensure they kept their word. She simply had to. As a bounty hunter, half the Lore council owed me.
Maybe I could cal in those debts as wel and buy us some time.
By the time the SUV pul ed into the driveway, Amber's shal ow breathing told me she was asleep. I stepped out, opened the passenger door and scooped her up in my arms, marvel ing at how light she seemed, then carried her upstairs, as silent as my abilities permitted. She only stirred once, opening her eyes, when I placed her on the bed.
The soft moonlight cast lazy shadows on Amber's pale skin. She stretched in my arms like a cat in front of a hearth, but I could hear her heart racing, hammering against her chest. Ever so slowly I lowered my lips and brushed hers, then pressed a little tighter. Her mouth opened under my gentle pressure and she wrapped her arms around my neck. Heat rushed through my body, the sensation new and frightening at the same time. My thumb brushed down her neck where the blood pumped the hardest, cal ing to me. My lips fol owed the trail, barely touching her skin. Her pulse thumped against my lips. Hunger stirred inside me. I needed to get out of here, and fast, before I couldn't control my need to feed.
It took me al my might to peel my lips off hers. Amber protested, but I could see panic in her eyes, the sudden realisation of what just happened sinking in.
"Sleep wel ," I whispered. My voice sounded hoarse. In two long strides I was out the door, hurrying to get away from her before I lost al reasoning and bore my fangs into her delicate skin.
Chapter 10
I sat up with a jolt and watched Aidan close the door behind him. The last thing I remembered was sitting in his car and a sense of peace washing over me, and then Aidan leaning over me on the bed, our lips locked in the best kiss of my life.
I jumped up and rubbed my eyes to get rid of that unnerving floating. My phone vibrated in my handbag. Fishing through tissues, various makeup items and what else not, I retrieved it and pushed the green button to switch on the screen. A message popped up, and my heart skipped a beat, but not with pleasure. Guilt surged within me as I started to read.
Hey babe. Missed U so much. Whatcha say to nice dinner. Just U & I.
Groaning, I dropped back on the bed. Cameron had said he needed months to think. Why did he have to text me today of al days, less than four weeks after our break-up? It wasn't fair, not now when I had no idea what was happening between Aidan and me.
I rubbed my forehead, unsure what to do, when I remembered Rebecca's clothes were stil hanging in the closet. Nothing was going on between us because Aidan stil cared about his ex. To text Cameron back, I'd have to go to the laundry room. It was after four in the morning. Cameron had sent the message shortly after midnight. As much as I hated to keep him waiting, I couldn't bring myself to walk down to the basement now. I might freeze my feet off. Besides, Aidan cou
ld stil be lurking around. I felt the tel tale heat rise to my cheeks, and touched my fingers to my swol en lips, his caress stil vivid yet mortifying in my mind.
Should I tel Cameron? He may not be the jealous type, but I couldn't risk him changing his mind about us yet again. After taking a quick shower, I put on a fresh pair of flannel PJs and cuddled beneath the covers. Ignoring the sudden sense of being watched, I focused on my plans and the future with Cameron—a dinner that'd turn into a romantic declaration of love, Cameron realising that what we shared was special, moving in together and final y meeting his parents. The pictures I conjured in my mind seemed hazy and forced, unrealistic, making me feel like a little girl hanging on to her favourite fairy tale because she couldn't let go of the one guy that didn't love her back enough. While Cameron was polite, educated and pretentious, Aidan made me feel alive. Who was the better choice? Oh, darn it. Sighing, I started counting in my head until I drifted off to sleep, wondering why I'd never noticed how scrawny Cameron seemed compared to my new boss.
It was past ten when I woke up. I'd overslept again, the second time in six working days. I jumped out of bed, dressing with one hand and brushing my teeth with the other. Downstairs, the usual silence greeted me. I breathed out, relieved that no one was about. I could only hope Aidan hadn't instal ed some sort of nanny cam to watch my every move. Remembering Dal as's words in the woods, I smiled. Paranoid. Yep. And sil y for kissing my boss a week into the job. So much for keeping my job and private life separate.
Humming to myself, I grabbed a dusting cloth and went about cleaning, starting with the living room and shifting from one huge space to another like a robot. What a dreary job, the worst I'd ever done. Maybe not the worst, but not a glamorous one either.
By the time a car parked in the driveway an hour later, I had skipped the chandeliers—no way would I be able to reach the ceiling—and most of the paintings on the wal s—real y, who dusts those on a daily basis—and was ready to start on the ironing, which was even worse than cleaning.
As light footsteps approached, I polished with a little more fervour, seemingly engrossed in my work. The door opened. From the corner of my eye, I noticed red hair, floating around like an oversized halo. A faint whiff of smoke wafted in. "Hey. The door was open so I let myself in."
I turned to see the girl from last night—Cassandra—inch nearer. I peered up from the loose jeans and green cardigan to see whether she stil wore the fake horns on her head, but Cass sported a turquoise bonnet that hung too low, covering her entire forehead and partly hiding her spectacular, green eyes. Didn't she wear the same things last night? Either she couldn't be bothered to change her clothes, or she liked to buy her stuff in bulk. Or she didn't go to bed yet.
"You don't mind, do you?" Cass slumped on the sofa and pushed the bonnet out of her eyes.
Happy for any diversion from my dreadful chores, I put down the dusting cloth. "Sorry I look a wreck. I wasn't expecting company." I fanned myself air. "You wouldn't believe how hot it gets in here after an hour of cleaning."
Cass smiled. "Oh, gosh. I definitely get you. Back home, it's so hot one can fry an egg on the sidewalk. And cleaning isn't my thing, either."
"Can I get you anything?" I asked.
"Nah, I'm good." Cass scanned the room, her nostrils flaring, sniffing the air. "Fancy place, isn't it? But kind of dark and dreary like an old, giant tomb. I prefer brighter colours to lift the mood. You know, yel ow or red."
"You haven't been here before?"
Cass frowned, hesitating. "I have, but not in this room."
I regarded her for a moment. I wasn't a good liar myself, but I could tel when others were tel ing fibs. Why would Cass lie about such a triviality, unless Aidan and she were dating and they tried to keep it a secret? A pang of jealousy hit me ful force, taking me by surprise. Inhaling deeply, I curled my lips into a smile. "What can I do for you?"
"There's this tiny inconvenience I'd like to discuss with you." Cass took off her bonnet and placed it beside her. "I've no idea how to start. Made myself this fabulous list—" she fished in her pocket for a crumpled paper that looked like she'd used it more than once "—but it's al useless."
"Just spit it out, whatever it is."
"Okay." Cass inhaled and exhaled a few times. "You may find it a bit hard to believe at first, which I can ful y understand, but once you've slept over it, you'l see I'm offering you a perfectly fine explanation of what's going on."
Why did I have the feeling whatever Cass aimed at involved Aidan? And probably not in a good light. "Say it, Cass. I don't need any more cushioning."
"You've won a major prize and now half of the Interracial court's coming after you." Cass let out a big sigh. "There, I said it. Way to go, me!"
"The what?" No keep away from Aidan? No Aidan's seeing someone else? I laughed.
A frown crossed Cass's face. Two tiny, red dots twinkled in her eyes. "What's so funny? If I were you I'd be scared to death, girl."
I burst into a fit of laughter. "It's just, I thought you were going to—" Shaking my head, I wiped the tears from my eyes. "Sorry. Please go on."
Cass regarded me careful y. When I remained serious, Cass resumed the conversation. "A little birdie told me a few nights ago you were in the woods, doing something very naughty."
The jewels. She knew. Of course, they had to belong to someone. I groaned. Dal as had messed up big time.
Cass snapped her fingers. "Hey, focus. You entered a race, and since Aidan chained everyone else to a tree, they had no chance to stop you.
No idea how you figured out the riddle, but you scooped the first prize. Congratulations. You've just won a vacation to a big, relaxing place cal ed a grave."
"Who did what?" I shook my head to clear my mind and calm my racing heart. Okay, play it cool. I had nothing to fear. Cass's crazy talk proved nothing. "You're mistaken. Why would you think it was me?" If I went to jail because of Dal as's stupid plan, I'd kick him right where it hurt the most.
"I know you were near the shed. There was an eyewitness."
"You said it was night. How could this person possibly identify me?" I tried to keep my composure, but my voice shook. Dal as was as good as disowned.
Cass smiled as she peered at me, green eyes glinting. "He saw you up close when he demanded the jewels, but you ran with your backpack.
You were wearing al black, covered in mud, and your hair was tied in a ponytail."
"I can explain," I whispered.
"I doubt that, mate," Cass snorted very unlady-like. "Now you're stuck with this ability for half a mil ennium."
Huh? "You're saying I've earned a skil for the next five hundred years? Are you serious? Shouldn't I be dead by then?"
"Technical y yes, I guess." Cass squirmed in her seat, chewing her lip. "Actual y, we're not real y talking about a skil , rather a gift. I'm sure you've noticed it already and if not, Aidan wil make you use it soon so you can get the book."
I laughed. "What can I do? Fly like Superman? See the future?"
Cass waved her hand. "Nah, it's not that grand. Would be great though, saving on airfares and al . What you can do is see and communicate with the dead."
"A necromancer, then?" I cocked a brow, amused.
"Yes or, in other words, the old spinster who talks to herself."
I stared at her. Cass's face betrayed no signs of lying. I had to find a way to give the jewels back without anyone dragging me to court. Hel , I hadn't even wanted to steal them in the first place, so no one could actual y persecute me. Could they? Either way, Dal as would have to understand I wasn't going to take the blame for him. It had been his idea. He was old enough to deal with it. I could only hope he hadn't sold them to the highest bidder already.
"Okay, let's say I was in the woods and did enter a certain shed—" I took a deep breath and brushed imaginary fluff from the sofa "—I understand the things there must belong to someone, and I'm perfectly happy to return them. I'm even wil ing to pay a bit of compensation fr
om my meagre wage. Just give me a few days to sort everything out and maybe we could make a fresh start."
Cass leaned forward and squeezed my hand, unnatural warmth seeping into my skin. "I'm so sorry, but it's not that easy. You solved the Riddle of Sight by gathering the required jewels. No idea how you came up with the right answer, but those who enter the race must be content with whatever riddle they solve and whatever gift is bestowed upon them. There's no exchange or refund policy."
The Riddle of Sight? The woman from the pub flashed through my mind, and al those strange nightmares, and Rebecca's savaged body when I'd touched the red dress.
"You're starting to believe. As I always say, if you can't take the heat you should've stayed out of the kitchen." Cass laughed. "Kitchen—get it?
You're a housekeeper and al ." She cleared her throat, seemingly embarrassed. "So sorry, mate. I can't help it. It's like I'm possessed or something.
Anyway, there's more. Ever wondered why no one's here during the day?"
I shook my head, not because I didn't wonder, but because I didn't want to know, since I was stil processing the news that I was the top winner of a skil that, as per Cass, would bring me a step closer to an early grave.
"Never mind, I'l tel you anyway," Cass said as though reading my mind. "Your new boss's a vampire, and if you don't learn to handle him, you'l wake up dead. And I hope it's in Hel because it's more fun and heaven ain't al that."
"You're kidding?" Aidan couldn't be. Last night he sure didn't feel like a corpse when he kissed me. In fact, he felt al warm and gentle and—
Cass rol ed her eyes. "Does he ever eat? Nope. Does he sleep during the day and only comes out at night? Yep. Is he so sexy you'd sel your soul to spend just a night with him? Double-yep. What other proof do you need?"
I sat up and walked to the window. Cass had a few points but, real y, a vampire? Who believed in such a myth? What was Cass suggesting anyway? That I grab my rosary and head for the nearest church begging for holy water? Line my door and widows with salt? Sleep with a wooden stake under my pil ow? Hang garlic bulbs from my bedroom door? Why was I even considering these options? The girl was ludicrous.