"You don't have to believe to know deep inside. Just listen to that voice and you'l find belief easier to bear," Cass said. "Or, in other words, suck it up and just look at the facts because nothing wil work to keep him away."
Could she read my thoughts? My laughter died in my throat at the oppressing silence.
Cass crossed her arms over her chest, grinning. "That kiss between Aidan and you last night wasn't bad for a start, but I prefer a bit more oomph."
I gasped. "He told you? That moron—"
"The image rol s before my eyes like on a movie theatre screen because you can't stop thinking about it." She leaned in. "Honestly, you're good for Aidan. I've heard he's been such a grump over the last century. A little action might loosen the stiff up."
I didn't believe one word. How dare he kiss and tel , bragging to half the neighbourhood? That is, if we had any.
"Ha, you wish. I know his kind. He's so uptight he wouldn't even tel his own brother. Now try me," Cass said.
"Try you what?" I blinked, unable to keep up with Cass's changes in topic.
"You want to know if I can read your mind. Ask me questions, then."
I hesitated. "How did you know—"
"Come on, mate. I haven't got al day."
"Let me think." Breathing in, I focused on the first string of words my mind came up with: doo-da-di sausage with gravy and apple crumbs.
Cass scoffed. "Doo-da-di sausage with gravy and apple crumbs. Seriously? You were more fun to tune into when you thought I was dating your guy."
"How did you know that?" There had to be some sort of explanation. Maybe some circus trick, like pul ing a card out of one's sleeve.
"I could try the card trick for you, but I'm such a klutz most of the time. I'd probably end up with cards scattered al over the floor." Cass smiled.
I stared at her, enthral ed. "How do you do that?"
"What? Oh, that." Cass waved her hand; her smug grin made her look as though she enjoyed entertaining her audience. "It's just something I do.
Can be quite a pain in the butt when you're trying to sleep and the next-door neighbour keeps obsessing about the dripping water tap and whether the doors are indeed barricaded for the night."
"You're good," I said, impressed. I wished I could read other people's thoughts. Then I'd drive Dal as crazy by answering his questions before he asked them. Now, that would freak him out. "Can you hear anyone's thoughts?"
"There's a few exceptions."
"So, are you a vampire too?" I bit my lip to stifle the sudden onset of hysteria. Talking about the existence of vampires was one thing, facing one was another. I could only hope Cass had a hearty breakfast.
"Did my pale face give me away?" Cass laughed. "I knew I should've worn more bronzer. I guess I could pass for a vampire, but there's one giant flaw in your theory."
"What's that?"
Cass rol ed her eyes as she pointed at the large windows. "Uh, daylight. How could I be sitting here without sunglasses and draping myself in blackout curtains?"
"Right. I forgot that tiny detail. You'd be in your crypt sleeping like my boss, or so you say." If she wasn't a vampire, what was she then?
Cass hesitated. "I can't go into detail right now. Let's just say I'm here to save your butt since Aidan's keeping you in the dark. I thought you should know what you're dealing with in case Aidan decides to bite a bit harder than the usual boyfriend." Cass tilted her head to the side, her eyes shimmering bright red like two Chinese lanterns. "Urgh, Dad's cal ing. Gotta dash." She air-kissed my cheeks and loitered out the door, waving as she cal ed over her shoulder, "See ya, mate."
"Wait. You mentioned some court. Who's coming after me?" I bolted after Cass in time to see her jump into her huge SUV. Shooting me a smile, she sped off, a puff of smoke lingering in the air. Of course Cass had to disappear when I was final y warming up to the idea that maybe—
just maybe—I lived in a house inhabited by immortals. What did they even want from me? And how dangerous were they real y?
Returning to the living room, I slumped down on the sofa and stared into empty space. I shouldn't be slacking off during working hours, but no way could I focus on going about the chores now. Was Aidan real y a vampire? I hadn't seen him around during the day, hadn't actual y seen him eat, but he didn't look like the usual Dracula sidekicks on TV. For one, he didn't wear a cloak. He didn't turn into a bloodsucking maniac at the stroke of midnight. And he seemed to travel by car rather than beam himself to places. Of course, there was the slightest chance that even vampires go with time and adapt to twenty-first century amenities. Who wouldn't rather sleep in a bed than in the confined space of a coffin with the migraine-inducing smel of wood polish? But how likely was that?
I sighed and jumped up, eager to find out whether Aidan bore a dark secret. I thumped up the stairs to the second floor and yanked open one door after another, skipping Rebecca's room. No point looking in there, because I knew I wouldn't find more than a closet ful of old clothes.
There were five other rooms in total; four bare of any furniture and one locked. Kneeling, I peered through the padlock. Whoever was in there had locked themselves from the inside and left the key in. Pul ing with al my might, I rattled the door, but it didn't budge. Wel , there was my answer, then. You can't lock a door from inside unless you're in there. Had I kissed a creature of the night? A real living corpse? I should search the Internet and print out a vampire hunter's guide so I knew al the right places where to kick him. I snorted, anger creeping up on me. That morning I thought Aidan was such an improvement to egocentric, self-satisfied Cameron. Gee, had I been wrong. Why couldn't I just meet a normal guy for a change?
Preferably one that didn't love his car more than me, or one that didn't need his five-a-day in the form of blood infusions. Was that too much to ask?
After returning to my room, I retrieved my phone and left the house through the backdoor in the kitchen in the hope to find reception. There was none, so I walked out the gates a few steps down the street until one bar appeared on the reception indicator. Shivering, I pressed two to speed-dial Dal as's number in the hope he was stil in Inverness and could pick me up. His usual, stupid James Bond 007 voicemail greeted me, informing me he was on a secret mission with some hot chick.
I rol ed my eyes and left him a message requesting that he cal back, then briefly considered cal ing Cameron when I remembered in al the havoc I hadn't texted him back yet. He could wait just a bit longer because I had more pressing issues on my mind, like considering whether to pack my bags and get the hel out of there. Anyone in their right mind would just head for the nearest door, but that wasn't my style. I had never backed up from a good confrontation. After Aidan fooled me into kissing him, I felt I had every right to give him a piece of my mind.
The thicket to my right rustled. I ignored it until I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Someone pressed a broad hand over my mouth. I spun sharply, staring straight into Connor's pitch-black eyes.
"Not a word," he whispered.
Panic washed over me. He seemed to miss we were in the middle of nowhere. Who'd hear my screams? And then the whole absurdity of the situation dawned on me. This person had been hiding in the bushes even though, as Aidan's friend, he could've just rung the bel and I would've opened. I groaned under his strong grip. Could this day get any weirder?
"I see Aidan's getting careless. He should've warned you not to leave the house." Connor pushed me forward but didn't loosen his grip. "You're coming with me."
My gaze scanned the area, taking in the asphalt slick with dew. Whatever his intentions were, I had a feeling Aidan was the harmless one out of the two. I made a step forward and stopped, shaking my head.
"What?" The edge in Connor's voice betrayed irritation. I made a gagging sound that barely found its way out of my throat, but it was enough for Connor to loosen his grip over my mouth. "Better now? Move it, then."
I closed my eyes, praying for help, even though I knew no one would c
ome to my rescue. From the corner of my eye, I caught movement. A strong gust of wind scattered a pile of fal en leaves. Someone whispered in my ear, and for a moment I thought it was Connor, until I realised I didn't recognise the voice, nor did I understand the words. Without thinking I opened my mouth and bit as hard as I could while stomping on Connor's foot.
He cried out, pul ing his hand back, then toppled over as though someone just hit him over the head. Peering at me, he stood and took a step when he was sent flying backward, a groan escaping his throat. With a grunt, he col apsed against a tree. His body shook a few times as though something or someone kept hitting him. I stared, wide-eyed, unable to move my legs. What was happening to the guy?
Something whispered in my ear to get away from there before Connor woke up. I bolted up the street and through the gates toward the house. I didn't dare stop until I reached the front door, locking it behind me, then went about locking the backdoor too, but I knew instinctively Connor wouldn't fol ow. I figured he hadn't been lurking outside the gate because it was more fun than breaking in and kidnapping me from inside the house. Aidan had cal ed him a friend, but that's a relative term. His definition of friendship probably differed greatly from mine. I sensed there was some sort of fear that kept Connor from entering Aidan's property. Shaking, I poured myself a glass of water, spil ing half of it as I returned to the safety of my room, stil pondering.
I spent the day packing my belongings and checking my phone in the laundry room where I had reception, jumping at every sound. Dal as didn't cal . Tel ing my parents or Cameron of my predicament was out of the question. Who'd believe me? Besides, I wasn't keen on risking their lives.
At the first signs of dusk, I grabbed the rosary my mother gave me and strode down to the kitchen to wait for Aidan. The cross was tiny, barely larger than my fingernail, but it boosted my confidence, instil ing a false sense of safety in me. I poured a glass of water, spoke the Lord's Prayer and dipped the cross into it. It was the closest I'd get to holy water, but I figured a prayer was a prayer, with or without a vicar to say it.
The door in the hal opened and closed, and Aidan's footsteps retreated up the stairs. Fury rose inside me at his shameful pretence. He could claim he came home from work al he wanted, I knew he had been locked up in that room, sleeping in his coffin, or whatever.
I should've left. If he was a vampire, kil ing came with the job description, but Connor might stil be out there, lurking in the shadows. For some inexplicable, utterly irrational reason, I trusted Aidan more than I trusted Connor. If he wanted to kil me, he could've done so instead of engaging in mindless smooching. I wouldn't let a hot guy with a talent for pul ing girls play havoc with my life. Taking a deep breath, I yanked the door open and stomped after him, fingers clenched around the water glass.
Chapter 11
Aidan
I could sense Amber's bad mood as soon as I opened my eyes. Her usual nervousness was gone, replaced by maddening rage, and I didn't have the slightest clue what was wrong with her. I stretched and rose from my four-poster bed, kicking the scarlet silk sheets aside. A preference for a lavish lifestyle was the only thing Rebecca and I had in common. I just wished I'd known that before fal ing for her deception, but then again I wouldn't be here with my true love, ready to start a new life far away from the Lore court and the threat my world posed to a mortal.
The hearing was tonight, in the heart of London. I'd use my ability to teleport there. Even though it weakened me, I had to get there and back as soon as possible because I couldn't trust Amber's safety into Kieran and Clare's hands. They were strong vampires, but also careless: Clare was too trusting of everyone crossing her path, and Kieran always underestimated everyone else.
I took a quick shower and dressed in my usual ripped jeans and black shirt, then teleported onto the driveway, ruffled my almost dry hair and entered through the front door. It was a routine I performed on the rare occasions I had mortals around, bar the beauty part. That had started only after Amber's arrival.
Amber was in the kitchen. Hot waves of anger wafted from her as her heart thumped in her chest, pumping that delicious blood that kept cal ing me like no other. I walked up the stairs to my study when the door flew open and Amber appeared, cheeks flushed as though she'd hurried to catch up to me.
"Having one of those days when everything sucks but the vacuum cleaner?" I smiled and cocked a brow, suppressing the urge to grab her in my arms. Her heartbeat sped up, hammering against her ribcage. She moistened her lips. I stared at her mouth, wondering whether she'd slap me if I just kissed her.
"You lied to me." Amber inched closer and poked a finger in my chest, eyes widening when I didn't flinch. Fury blazed in her gaze. "I've no idea what game you're playing, but I quit. You can look for someone else to clean your house."
"Whoa, calm down." I reached for her. She lurched forward and poured the glass of water over my head, then jumped back, flabbergasted. I peered at my soaked shirt, stifling my laughter. "Don't tel me I was in dire need of a shower. You could've just advised me to buy a new deodorant."
"Stay away from me," Amber whispered.
My smile died on my lips. "What's wrong with you?"
"You know what's wrong!" she shouted.
I didn't want to point out that I wasn't exactly a mind reader so, unless she was more specific, I had no idea what she was talking about.
"Stop pretending," Amber yel ed, inching forward.
I took a deep breath, suddenly noticing the smel that lingered on her skin. A snarl escaped my throat. "How did they get on my property?" I scooped her up and sat her on top of my mahogany desk, forcing her to face me. "Listen, I want you to tel me the truth. Did you invite them in?"
"Who? Your creepy, little friends? Hel , no." Amber's voice sounded sarcastic, but there wasn't just anger in her gaze. The tel -tale signs were there. She was starting to trust me no matter how hard she tried to pretend otherwise. But it wasn't enough yet.
"I told you to stay out of the woods," I roared. "Do you have any idea what could've happened to you? I can't take care of you when I'm—" I stopped before I said too much "—when I'm gone."
"You mean when you sleep?" Amber snorted. "Surprised I know what you are? I know everything, and I'm not staying in this house any longer."
I rubbed my chin, her words echoing in my mind. How did she find out? Was she afraid of me now? Damn the Shadows for trying to ruin my chances. "You know I'd never hurt you," I said softly, focusing on her mind as I tried to catch fragments of thought, but what came easily to me with other mortals didn't seem to work on her. I could influence her emotions, but I couldn't read her. I felt bad for using such a cheap trick on her, and yet I had no choice.
Clearing my mind, I met her gaze, ready to guide her on tranquil ground again so we could talk, when I noticed the barely visible bruise spreading on her left cheek near the hairline. Whoever hurt her was as good as dead. Tossing the books on the desk to the floor, I picked her up and teleported through iron-enforced wal s to the only safe place I knew: my chamber. Ever so gently, I lowered myself on a sofa and pul ed her onto my lap. She barely protested, her eyes wide with curiosity as she scanned the room, lingering a little too long on the dishevel ed bed.
"How—" Amber started.
"Tel me the truth. I'l make them pay if it's the last thing I ever do." I pointed at her cheek, trying to keep my mind from wandering to the bed and how awkward it made me feel since we barely knew each other.
Amber winced even though I didn't touch the bruise. "I left the house to cal my brother when one of the guys you introduced me to the other night tried to kidnap me." Her voice sounded calm and composed, considering her words careful y. She was hiding half the truth.
"Wait a second, we'l get to the kidnapping part later." I raised my brows. "Why didn't you cal your brother from the landline in the hal ? Surely Clare told you to use it any time you want since there's no reception elsewhere."
She averted her gaze, blushing. "I forgot
."
In spite of the seriousness of the situation I smiled. She was such a bad liar, but cute. "Okay, let's pretend you forgot, which I don't believe by the way, did you also forget I told you not to leave the house?"
"You said I couldn't walk into the woods, not to stay inside." Her eyes narrowed, chal enging me.
I inhaled slowly. No point in arguing with her. I'd just make sure she'd never leave the house without me again. "From now on you stay inside, unless I'm with you."
"You can't tel me what to do. Who do you think you are?"
She looked so feeble in her annoyance, it made me feel frail too. I snuggled her head into my shoulder and whispered, "You're not going anywhere. If I need to put you in chains to keep you by my side, then so be it."
"Why would you do that? Because of the prize? I know you wanted it for yourself."
So the Shadows told her about the prize as wel . No surprise there. I squeezed a finger under her chin and lifted her lips to mine. "Don't you see it? You're the prize. Your gift's just the bonus." I touched my lips to hers gently, running my fingers through her hair as I pul ed her closer for a moment before releasing her abruptly.
She peered up at me through hooded eyes fringed by long lashes, her ful lips glistening in the soft light. "What's wrong?" Amber asked, her voice dripped with disappointment.
"You don't want this like I do," I whispered.
"What?" She smiled that lazy grin that made my heart skip a beat, shattering the frail shel of my control. "I can assure you I do."
I shook my head. "One day you'l understand what I'm talking about." I had to keep my appointment with Layla, and find a way to get rid of that curse she cal ed a prize.
Amber smiled. "You won't get another chance."
"You couldn't leave even if you wanted to."