Flirting Under a Full Moon - By Ashlyn Chase Page 0,56
we’re with other people unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s kind of rude, like whispering behind someone’s back.”
Nick frowned. “I wish I could communicate with Brandee that way. I don’t know why we can’t.”
After a brief silence, Sly asked, “Are you sure she’s your mate?”
Morgaine raised her eyebrows and shot Sly an intense stare. Nick imagined her telling him to keep his big mouth shut.
Sly quickly added, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I know nothing about you two.”
Nick leaned back in his chair. “Don’t worry about it. I asked myself the same question. Telepathy is a rare thing among my kind, so I’m not worried just because it hasn’t happened to us. I knew Brandee was my mate the first time I kissed her.” And now I’ve marked her as my life-mate, and I won’t find another. If she dumps me, I’m screwed.
Nick rose. “Well, I should get going. Are you still willing to do the dry run of a bank robbery tomorrow?”
Sly chuckled. “I’d be happy to. It sounds like fun. I’ve never robbed a bank before.” He rose and strolled to the door. “Just let me know when and where.”
“I’ll call with the details. Morgaine, you’re welcome to try it too.”
She rose but didn’t join them by the door. “No. If Sly can’t do it, I certainly can’t. I’ve never flown before. A vampire’s powers increase with age.”
Nick straightened. “You mean if we’re dealing with a very old vampire, he might be able to pull it off, even if Sly can’t?”
Morgaine stared at her beloved. “I suppose so.”
Shit. Was all this for nothing?
“Look, just so you know, I doubt any vampire could pull this off,” Sly said.
And if that’s the case, it’s back to the drawing board.
Chapter 16
Roz seemed like a wonderful woman. Smart, levelheaded, put together…all words Brandee wouldn’t use to describe herself. But to be fair, Roz had adjusted to the idea of werewolves a while ago, and Brandee’d had less than a day.
“I’m glad you came.” Roz opened the door and led her into a cozy apartment.
Roz offered her a seat in the living room and asked if she could get her some coffee or tea.
“Either one is fine, but no milk or cream, please.”
“I’ll make some tea, then. Are you still freaking out?”
Brandee nodded.
Roz held up one finger. “I’ll be back in a flash.”
“It’s not like you can’t take your eyes off me. I’m not going to do anything crazy.”
Roz laughed. “I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at myself. You seem to be handling this better than I did.”
Brandee stared at her. “Seriously? I feel like a mangled mess of nerves right now.”
“I was so not handling it well when I first found out. In fact, I was dissolving in big puddles of tears. But that was then; this is now, as they say.” She smiled. “I’ll get the tea started. Feel free to look around.”
Glad Roz had shared that initial reaction, Brandee almost leaped to her feet. She needed to pace, and the wall-to-wall bookshelves seemed like a good place to do that while pretending to look at titles.
Her first impression of the apartment was neat and tidy, but there was more to it than that. A grouping of comfortable furniture surrounded a fireplace, which was clean, but not too clean. The blackened surround meant it had obviously been used, and split wood was stacked in the grate, as if just waiting for a chilly evening.
The book collection seemed well cared for and even loved. The volumes were grouped according to size. A special vase or statue broke up the volumes occasionally. Many were hardcovers, and their creased spines meant all had been read at least once. A few were leather-bound classics. Some she had read, but most she had to admit she’d only heard of. War and Peace? Who actually read that?
Apparently these folks did.
Roz returned with a tray of bone china cups and saucers, plus a plate of scones. The kind with clotted cream and jam Brandee loved but rarely treated herself to.
“The water will be ready in a minute,” Roz said. She set the tray on the ottoman and sat on the sofa. When Brandee didn’t move, Roz patted the empty cushion beside her.
Brandee strolled over and took the seat offered. “Your place is lovely.”
“Thank you. Because my husband is the dean of the school next door, we lucked out and were given this place as part of the whole package.”