rise. What the fuck was he doing? I could feel my hands ball into fists at my sides and my jaw began to ache from clenching my teeth over and over.
“Lucian,” I began as calmly as I could, “I know that your sex life is your own business, but it just has to be asked. What the fuck was that?” I was getting angrier. Why was he so crass? Sex with blood and violence? Hitting on me in front of his girlfriend. No wonder she was pissy. God, the sound of him slapping Lydia still rang in my ears.
“Grace,” Lucian stood. He was dressed flawlessly in a pair of dark grey wool trousers and a soft looking, black sweater. His skin appeared free of damage and flushed with health. “You are absolutely correct,” he continued, “My sex life is my business. It could have been your business as well, but you refused to let yourself go.” He took a step forward and I moved back. “You never once took what was always in front of you. But you considered it, didn’t you? That thought fills me with… Well…” Lucian ran his soft thumb across my jaw. Instantly, Seth was at my side. His cool, vampire presence felt more comforting than Lucian’s body heat at that moment, which set off a dozen alarm bells.
Lucian straightened. The look in his eyes was so foreign. “Why are you here?” he asked. “What made you interrupt me tonight, Grace?” He eyed Seth. His lip curled in a sneer, then, folding his arms, he took a step back.
“Do you know anything about Voltaire’s plans?” I looked from Seth to Lucian. “You defeated him at my house, I saw you. You did it once, you can do it again.” My voice rose, “I want to know if you can help us.” I was sure I sounded desperate but I didn’t care. I had to know. Seth moved closer and taking it as some sort of challenge, Lucian stepped closer as well. I shook my head and moved away from both men. Their dominating presence was smothering me. I stood closer to where Lydia sat. Her presence couldn’t feel much worse.
“Ah, so you want me to fight the demon, Grace? How strong do you think I am?” Lucian asked as if I were a fool.
“What spell did you use?” I persisted. “What did you do to defeat him? I’m filled with magic and haven’t even put a chink in his armor.” I cried. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you tonight.” I looked away at the memory. I suddenly couldn’t meet his eyes. “I’m sorry. Believe me I am so very sorry I saw anything. But I need your help,” I finally looked at him.
I felt tingles, like little pins sticking into my spine and I turned, Lydia was looking at me like I was Lucifer himself. I almost threw off my glamour and beat the shit out of her. I had to take several deep breaths and cool my mind. I was rolling in a sea of emotions and I had a pretty good feeling she was the source. Or maybe it was just petty to think that. I didn’t much care for Lydia.
“Please,” Lucian brought my attention back to him, “my dearest Grace, Seth, sit. I’ll tell you what I know. Who knows, it may help, though I greatly doubt it.” Lucian sat down next to Lydia again and I took the small desk chair, opting for some distance.
Seth frowned at me when our eyes met as if he were trying to tell me something. I focused on his mind and then mentally slapped myself. I forgot that I couldn’t read his thoughts.
“That is only because I did not wish you to.”
“Shit!” Startled, I jumped off my chair. All eyes turned to me expectantly. I laughed a little too loudly and rushed to cover up my total stupidity. “Oh, this chair is a little loose.” I moved to the couch and sat next to Seth with a sheepish smile.
“That was pathetic, Sweet.” Seth’s deep baritone whispered in my mind. “Next time, try harder to control yourself. And you were always able to read my thoughts; it was only when I realized that you could, that I held them from you. I have been a mind reader for centuries, so the little fists you pound on my door are easy to ignore. You are a tiny infant to your powers. You can do more than you think.