you, the last thing we want to do is let them see what’s happening.”
Karros lifted his head, his eyes flashed with anger as he turned and looked out into the distance. “Now more than ever I wish I had your shifter senses.”
“They won’t do you much good,” Zara told him. “I can’t seem to get a fix on whoever or whatever is out there.”
“Do you have any clue?” Aiden asked as they went inside, and he shut the door behind them.
“Not really. The first couple of times I sensed there was someone out there, I went out the next morning and scoured the area, trying to pick up the scent of anything different. But it’s impossible, there are so many shifters who pass by.” She led them into the kitchen, her cheeks were less flushed, and she seemed to be recovering herself. However, she was constantly looking at Karros as if her eyes were drawn to him of their own accord.
They entered the kitchen area, which was in a bad state of repair, although the tools laid out on the floor suggested she was working on it.
“You’ve worked hard on the house,” Aiden complimented his sister as she made a fresh pot of coffee.
“Since I planned to come and visit you for a couple of days I’ve been trying to get ahead of schedule. Uncle Peter has been coming around to help in the evenings.” She smiled fondly. “Not that I need it, but I think he and Aunt Harriet are keeping a close watch on me.”
“Are you sure whoever you sensed wasn’t one of your cousins?” Flora sat down at the table. “Maybe one of them comes past when they are out and checks on you.”
“I had a similar idea. But I know what my cousins feel like and anyway, their senses are no better than mine. This is too far away, like something brushing against my mind.” She put her hand to her temple. “I know it’s vague but can’t explain it any better than that.”
“Vampires?” Karros finally found his voice.
“A what?” Zara’s eyes went wide. “Vampires aren’t real.”
“Yes, they are,” Aiden confirmed. “Not only are they real but they also have the ability to glamor people and take away their memories.”
“Like the effects of the sycombre but a lot worse,” Elise said. “Sorry, you don’t know what that is either.”
Zara pulled out a chair and sat down heavily. With her elbows on the table, she put her head in her hands. “I’m beginning to realize there’s a lot I don’t know about.”
“This is a shock. We all felt the same way when we found our mates.” Caleb glanced over to Elise.
“A real shock and I’m not a shifter. I can’t imagine how intense this is for you all.” She touched her brother’s arm. “But that’s the great thing, we know it’s true. We feel it in our hearts. There’s a connection. It’s like I can sense Caleb with a part of me.”
“That’s exactly how I felt the first time I met Aiden.” Flora sidled over to her mate and he slid his arm around her shoulders. “Of course, I tried to push him away at first.” She fixed her eyes on Karros. “I was confused because it wasn’t part of the plan. I also felt resentful that once again someone or something was deciding my fate. But honestly, things got a lot easier when I just gave in to the inevitable.”
“You make it sound so romantic,” Aiden teased.
“Hey, I’m being honest. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?” She dug him in the ribs.
“Yes. Be honest with each other about your feelings,” Caleb advised. “It’s the best way. It’s the only way because this isn’t going to stop.”
“Thanks for the advice.” Zara glanced shyly at Karros.
“Yes, thanks for the advice.” Karros smiled softly at Zara. “We just take it slow.”
“We just take it slow.” She wiped a hand across her eyes. “I’ll get us that coffee.”
“You sit down and take a moment. We can make coffee.” Caleb squeezed his sister’s shoulder before opening the cupboard next to him. “Cups?”
“Oh, in that cupboard there.” Zara pointed to a cupboard to his left and Caleb set to work, with the help of Aiden.
“How are you doing?” Elise asked Karros quietly.
“I’m okay.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I feel a little removed from reality if I’m honest, as if this is happening to someone else and I’m an observer.”
“It gets easier.” Flora joined them. “I’m so happy for