immortality would take it tae heretofore unknown heights.”
She digested that. “Perhaps it’s wrong of me to ask this, but . . . Evan. He doesn’t seem as strong as most vampires his age. Regarding the sunlight, I mean. Did his childhood disease somehow cause that?”
“Aye.” Niall took his time expanding on the answer, giving Alanna the sense that it was a question that preyed on the servant’s mind as well. “Uthe had Brian take a look at Evan a couple decades ago, when Brian first got their attention with his research. That’s how Evan knows him. They’ve stayed in contact, became friends. Evan respects Brian’s field.”
“It makes sense,” she observed. “His focus is different from that of most vampires, much like Evan’s.”
Niall inclined his head. “Brian thinks Evan’s mortal wasting disease, how close he was to death at turning, affected him. The abilities that grow with a vampire’s age mature slower for him. His sensitivity to sun is like a hundred-year-old vampire’s. Same with speed, agility, the whole package. Since a vampire can sense the strength of another vampire and estimates his age based on it, Evan’s often taken for far younger than he is.”
Alanna now fully understood Niall’s concerns about the risks their Master took, but he gave her a reassuring look, a wink. “He’s far stronger than us humans, of course, but in the vampire world, he’s the gym class runt.”
At her disparaging look, he held up a hand. “That’s his description, not mine.”
“And yet he travels across territories where he might run afoul of vampires far stronger than him.”
“What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in intelligence, diplomacy. Sheer cleverness. He’s also got a hell of a poker face. Not much rattles him. Even when things should,” he added darkly.
“You worry for him, but he’s brave.” She considered it. “Most vampires don’t have to be brave. They follow the political path, fall in line with the hierarchy, and rely on their age and strength to make their way.”
“That’s not his focus.”
“You admire it,” she realized. “Even as his motives elude your understanding at times. To a brilliant man, the complex is obvious, leaving the rest of us searching for answers.”
“Didnae swell his head too much. He’s aggravating enough already.” Niall switched gears on her. “Is psychotherapy part of the whole InhServ training?”
“Somewhat, yes. I’m supposed to anticipate my Master’s needs, understand those around him, anticipate their moves and feelings as well.”
He sighed. “Can ye turn it off awhile and be a lass all aflutter about dress shopping?”
Alanna had no clue what such a person would act like, but she nodded demurely. When he reached over and squeezed her knee at the ticklish point, making her jump and pull away, he winked at her. In retaliation, she took the playlist back to “Eye of the Tiger” and fended off his attempts to change it. His pokes at her side to tickle her and get the player controls away from her had her laughing in no time.
She’d hit a few raw nerves, but seeing the grin that covered his handsome features and stayed there, the earlier shadows driven away, proved that his playing with her successfully turned his thoughts to a better place.
It gave her a sense of satisfaction, the feeling that she’d served both Master and servant well. For the moment, that was enough.
13
OH, damn it. The sudden surge of panic was an unwelcome disruption. For the last forty-five minutes they’d listened to music and enjoyed casual conversation, the city skyline of Asheville rising before them as they descended from the mountains.
However, now she remembered. Due to all the new experiences the day had brought, as well as Niall’s impatience to get going, she’d forgotten to bring the blocker, and she was due for it. She cringed inwardly, recalling Lord Brian’s stern admonishment. Never forget to take it at the proscribed time.
Damn it, damn it, damn it.
They had a full to-do list. If it was only about her dress, she might say something, but they had a list of items for Evan. She was not going to inconvenience her Master by making this a wasted trip. It would be okay. There had to be some residual effect from one blocker to another. She’d manage.
She turned her attention to the passing scenery. The garish tourist traps were of particular interest, with everything from chain saw-carved wooden black bears—similar but not as well-done as Henry’s—to dream catchers fluttering in the wind, feathers dyed in bright colors.
“Okay?” Niall’s hand