Reign of Night (Thorne Hill #7) - Emily Goodwin Page 0,40

the confusion off her face. Nancy is looking at me as if I’m a mythical unicorn, and William is staring at me with so much hatred I can feel it. And their friends, which I’m pretty sure are the Smiths, have no fucking clue what to do. If that man is indeed Gregory Smith, then he’s been part of the Martin politic ring long enough to know something happened to me.

“No,” I tell the hostess, giving her a sweet smile. “I’ve never seen them before in my life.”

“Isn’t that Callie?” William’s friend asks. His voice is scratchy from smoking, and I know for sure it’s that asshole Gregory now.

“What a surprise,” William says, trying to force a smile to his face. “We had no idea you were back from your mission work in Africa.”

Ah, he went with that classic lie.

“I’ve never been to Africa.” I keep the smile on my face.

Mrs. Smith is looking all confused now. “I’ve seen the photos.”

“I don’t know who they photoshopped my face over, but I assure you, I’ve never been to Africa for mission work.”

“She’s lying,” William rushes out. “Making up stories like always.”

Lucas pulls his hands out of mine and draws his fangs. “Are you calling my wife a liar?”

William tenses, and Nancy jumps back, bumping into Mrs. Smith. The hostess has no idea what to do and looks mortified. This is not the low-key romantic evening I had in mind.

“Like she said, we do not know you, and I suggest you stop harassing us and let us enjoy our meal in peace.” Lucas takes my hand again, bringing it to his mouth for a kiss. “I am so sorry about that, my love. I trust it will be handled. After all, discrimination against a vampire-human relationship is illegal in Chicago.” He looks at the hostess, who quickly nods and raises her hand, signaling for the manager to come over.

This is a swanky place, and as far as everyone in the restaurant knows, we’re innocent victims.

“Let’s go,” Mrs. Smith urges. Her cheeks are bright red, and her eyes dart around, aware almost everyone is staring at them.

“You are no daughter of mine,” William snarls, just having to get the last word in.

“Oh, I know,” I reply. “I met my real father, and he is not someone you want to piss off.” My heart speeds up, and I feel energy buzzing around me. Inhaling deeply, I remind myself that I’m the motherfucking Queen of Hell—unofficially, that is. The petty drama the Martins bring with them wherever they go is insignificant. “Now go,” I say, and my eyes flash blue for just a second.

“Is everything all right?” The manager comes over, talking in a low, hushed voice. He has a French accent and looks pissed at the Martins for making a scene.

“It’s fine,” William grumbles.

“Just a misunderstanding,” Gregory goes on.

The poor hostess pushes her long hair behind her shoulder and motions for the Martins to follow her. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed they didn’t get thrown out.

“I am so sorry about that disturbance,” the manager tells us.

“It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault. People are crazy, right?”

“Indeed. Again, I am so sorry. Please allow me to bring you a complimentary bottle of wine. Red or white?”

I almost say red but then look at Lucas and smile. “I’m pregnant, so I can’t drink.” Lucas smiles back, liking hearing me say that out loud.

“That’s what we’re out celebrating.” Lucas takes my hand again.

“Congratulations, that is wonderful news,” the manager says, doing a shitty job acting like he cares. He wasn’t here when Lucas flashed his fangs, but I wonder if anyone around is listening in and wondering how this works, with me being pregnant and him being a vampire. “Is there anything I can offer you instead?”

“The uh…” I look at Lucas.

“Croque monsieur,” he orders for me and then says something in French, making the sullen-faced manager smile. He replies to Lucas in French, and both talk so fast I can’t discern anything, though it’s not like I know how to speak French anyway.

“I like hearing you talk in a different language,” I tell him once the manager leaves. “It’s hot.”

“I think the same when you’re speaking Enochian.” He laces his fingers through mine. “Are you okay, Callie?”

“Yeah, overall. I feel a little shaky inside, but that was more satisfying than it should have been. I keep saying I’ve let it all go and moved on, but I get so angry any