and made it hard for me to tear my eyes away—probably part of his thrall. Mater had told me to keep the details of my powers to myself because the element of surprise was our greatest advantage.
Lucian’s attention went directly to the wooden chair, then back to our bare chests, still flaking with dried blood. “Did I miss lunch?” he asked with mock disappointment.
You grumbled and I retrieved a bottle of blood from the fridge along with three wine glasses, thinking we may as well do this on full stomachs; it might even improve your mood.
“Lucian.” His name rang like a warning as you gestured for him to sit on the sectional sofa. “What brings you to our secret lair?”
Lucian crossed one ankle over his knee. He looked like the centerfold for a fashion magazine, from his tailored suit to the hard part in his styled hair. Prince Charming, Mater had said, but I had my doubts.
“I take it you two have kissed and made up?” he said.
I felt your eyes assessing me. It wasn’t so simple, and we all knew it.
“What’s going on with Mater?” I asked. You shot me a questioning look while I poured the blood and offered a glass to Lucian. I sat close enough to attempt a seduction, but not so close that it would freak you out. You remained standing at my side with your arms loose and ready, a surly look on your face. Your blood sat on the coffee table, untouched.
“Not bad for the bottled stuff,” Lucian said after his first sip. “I need the number for your supplier. I feel like I’ve been eating fast food since I got here.”
“Get to the point, Lucian,” you growled.
Lucian drained his glass without spilling a drop and set it precisely on the coffee table.
“Our mother is being starved of blood.” He looked to me for a reaction. I knew it already, and I wanted to know what could be done about it.
Spooky chose that moment to make an appearance and threaded her body through Lucian’s legs. It was abnormally friendly behavior for her. It had taken months for Spooky to warm up to Valentina, and I’d never in my life seen her seek affection from anyone besides me.
“Hello there, precious.” Lucian pet along her back, and Spooky arched upward to meet his hand. “Your cat’s a familiar,” he said to me.
Something else I knew already.
“How do you know this?” you asked as you sat down beside me, hunched over with your forearms on your knees, dagger still in hand.
“Her energy is clearly demonic. I doubt the cat’s original spirit is even present.” Lucian shot me a look. “You transmuted her, didn’t you?”
Without knowing his exact meaning, I nodded. He seemed impressed.
“I meant about Lena,” you said, irritated that we’d gotten off-topic, again.
“It doesn’t take a genius to know the signs of malnutrition,” Lucian said. “She tried to hide it from me, but I’ve caught glimpses of her true state. It’s not pretty.”
“It’s awful,” I agreed because I’d witnessed her deterioration as well. I thought about my own hunger and the way it consumed me after I’d only skipped a single bloodmeal. “Why would he do that to her?”
“Gods don’t need reasons, especially not the all-mighty Azrael.” Lucian frowned at you, and I wondered if he believed your loyalty to be absolute.
“And what are we to do about it?” you asked.
“I was hoping you could speak to your master on her behalf,” Lucian said. By now Spooky had climbed onto my lap and was rubbing her head underneath my chin. She always seemed to know when I needed her. Meanwhile, I tried to read your mood. I wanted you to agree to it on your own, but if you didn’t, I was determined to convince you. That was probably why Lucian sought me out in the first place.
“How old were you when you transmuted her?” Lucian asked, and it took me a moment to realize we were back on the subject of my cat.
“Six. Does that mean she’s immortal?” I asked hopefully.
“No, but you certainly extended her lifespan. What gave you the idea?”
“Mater said our blood is a cure-all. Spooky was dying. Or maybe she was already dead.”
“She seems very devoted to you.”
I nodded and stole a glance at you.
“What would you have me do?” you asked.
I faltered, surprised that you were asking for my input, but I recovered quickly enough. “I’d like you to talk to him. I know she’s hurt you, and you