"We thought you were drunk, so we did not look for it. Then we get a call from Spiro. His goats were very loud, so he goes outside. The big cat is there, scaring the goats. He tries to shoot the panther, but it runs away."
So Carlos had wanted goat for dinner. Robby aimed a surge of psychic vampire control at the police officer. There is no panther. Spiro was mistaken. So was I. We had too much to drink. If ye see anything that looks like a panther, ye willna shoot at it. Ye willna try to harm it. Do ye understand?
The police officer nodded with a blank, glassy stare. "I understand."
Ye will leave and no' return here. "Thank you for stopping by," Robby added out loud.
The officer looked confused as the mind control faded away. "Oh. Okay." He stepped back. "I will go, then."
"Good night, officer." Robby shut the door. The policeman would subconsciously follow his orders, so hopefully, Carlos would be safe.
Robby wandered back into the family room and glanced at the rug where just moments ago he'd brought Olivia to climax. Twice. She'd been so passionate and responsive, so sweet and loving. Tonight should have confirmed their future together, but a small doubt had weaseled into his heart. What if she couldn't handle the truth about him being a vampire? What if she found it ugly or shameful?
No, he rejected that thought. Olivia was not like his wife. She would never betray him. His wife had put her own interests first, but Olivia was different. She'd wanted to face the panther alone rather than put him in danger.
"Did you get rid of the police?" she whispered from the darkness of the kitchen.
"Aye, they're gone." He strode into the room and noted with dismay that she'd dressed.
She avoided looking at him. "I¨CI left the sweater. It was still wet. And my shoes are still on the patio. I'm sure they're wet, too."
"It's all right. We can wait. No one knows ye're here."
"My grandmother knows. And if I don't return soon, she'll be sending the police back here." She looked at him now, her eyes sad. "I'm sorry. I know you...expected more."
"Sweetheart." He touched her cheek. "Ye're far beyond anything I ever expected. I never thought such a beautiful and brave lass could care for me."
"Robby." Her eyes filled with tears. "I don't know how this can be happening. How can I fall in love so fast?"
"There's no need to question it."
"But that's what I do. I analyze feelings and situations. When people fall in love this quickly, how can you trust it to last when times get - " She stopped when he placed his fingers on her lips.
"Do ye believe in love?"
She nodded.
"Do ye believe in faithfulness and loyalty?"
"Yes." She took his hand in hers and smiled. "And I believe good will overcome evil. I believe in family and friendship, kindness and respect. Just don't ask me to believe in unicorns and the Tooth Fairy."
He chuckled. "Nay. But I will ask you to believe in me."
"I want to. I really want to."
"Then do it." He kissed her brow. "I wish ye would stay with me." Forever.
"I need to go for now." She placed a hand on his chest. "But I could come back tomorrow night."
"Tomorrow?"
"Yes." She smoothed her hand through his chest hair and over his nipple. "Can you wait till tomorrow?"
"I could wait forever for you." He slapped himself mentally. "But I doona want to wait that long. I'm ready for you now."
She glanced down and winced. "I noticed. Would it help if I threw more ice water on you?"
"Cruel wench," he growled, then smiled at the sound of her giggle.