Dark Choices - I. T. Lucas Page 0,37

down and chuckled. “All throughout dinner, I kept wondering whether I would ever be able to eat goat cheese in front of Kalugal.”

Kian waved a dismissive hand. “After the demonstration at Richard’s induction ceremony, he knows that Annani can not only override his compulsion, but can compel him as well. He’ll figure out that she did that.”

“I know. But I don’t want him to know that it was a test, and I also don’t want him to think that I have no willpower and couldn’t abstain from cheese even with him compelling me not to crave it.”

“Then I guess that whenever Kalugal is invited, there will be no goat cheese on the menu.”

“Yeah. Not a big deal. It’s not like he’ll be a frequent guest.” Amanda turned the cup to the right, then to the left, and then to the right again.

“What’s bothering you? Not having cheese or Kalugal’s infrequent visits?”

She shook her head. “Neither. Richard asked me to talk to you about giving him an extension.” Amanda turned to look at him. “His time is running out and he’s worried. Would you also consider inducing him yourself? Maybe you will succeed where others have failed. Roni needed four different inductions, and finally your venom did the trick.”

Kian raked his fingers through his hair. “Roni didn’t transition because he was recovering from pneumonia, and his body wasn’t strong enough to go through transition. By the time I induced him, his health had just happened to improve enough for the venom to work. Richard is the picture of health. Besides, he hasn’t bonded with anyone, and that’s another strike against him. He just might not be a Dormant.”

“I know that. But on the other hand, he’s good friends with Bowen and Leon, and they both like him a lot. He also says that the village is the first place where he has felt at home. That sounds like affinity to me.”

“Do you want me to induce him? I’ll do it as a favor to you.”

The unexpected pregnancy had been a shock to Amanda, and despite the brave face she put on, he had a feeling that she was holding up by a thread. If there was anything he could do to reduce her stress level and make her happy, he would do it. She needed all the support she could get.

Amanda smiled. “Thank you. That’s sweet. But all I ask is that you talk to Richard. He really wants to stay, and after the services he provided, he deserves an audience with you before getting kicked out.”

Kian arched a brow. “What services?”

“You know, the auctions. It was hard work for a human to service a different immortal female every night. The poor guy was so exhausted that he asked for a break.”

“You told me. It’s understandable.”

“Give him another chance,” Syssi said. “We don’t get enough male Dormants, and it would be a shame to send Richard away before making absolutely sure that he isn’t one. The ladies will be disappointed.”

“I’ll call him.” Kian pushed to his feet.

“Are you going outside to smoke?” Syssi asked.

“I intend to. Why?”

She smiled. “No reason. Enjoy your relaxing break.”

His wife was the best.

He leaned and kissed her cheek. “I won’t be long.”

Out on the back patio, Kian sat on a lounger, pulled out a cigarillo, and lit it up.

The only problem he had with inducing Richard was giving the guy false hope. If he hadn’t transitioned yet, he probably wouldn’t even with the help of the most potent venom. But refusing was even more unkind.

With a sigh, Kian pulled out his phone and placed the call.

It rang a few times before Richard answered. “Kian?”

“Good evening, Richard. Amanda told me that you wished to talk to me.”

There was a long moment of silence. “I do. I just didn’t expect a call this evening. I know that you’ve been entertaining Jacki and her new husband. Where are you now?”

“In my backyard. Why?”

“Can I come over? I can be there in two minutes. It’s not the kind of talk I’m comfortable having over the phone.”

Damn. Kian was hoping to avoid that, but it wasn’t as if he could refuse. It would be callous of him. Before Syssi had entered his life, it wouldn’t have even occurred to him, but he was learning to be more sensitive to other people’s feelings.

“Enter through the side gate.”

“Thank you. I’m on my way.”

26

Richard

Richard hadn’t been expecting a call from the boss, especially not at nine in the evening.

“I have to run.” He kissed