How to Elude a Vampire (VRC Vampire Related Crimes #2) - Alice Winters Page 0,71
not invited. Earlier today, Marcus assured me it was a blessing and then Karsyn told me how last year they nearly threw Marcus out after he growled at the speaker and told him he doesn’t know his mouth hole from his asshole. Oddly, that kind of made me want to go even more.
But that means he has to leave me alone… with Claude. Marcus was against leaving me at all, but they’re only going to be half an hour away and the meeting is required. Since Aria will be here with me, I thought it could just be her and Orin watching me, but I’d forgotten Orin had something else going on. He tried getting out of it, but I assured him I’ll be fine. Clearly, Marcus doesn’t think Aria’s adequate because Claude is standing in the doorway proclaiming our date.
“Claude will be watching you,” Marcus says through a clenched jaw as he gives Claude a hearty pat on the back that sends him careening into the foyer. “While I understand that he’s the last person I would ever want to leave your life in the hands of, I also know that he’s aware I’ll tear his head off if anything happens to you.” He turns to Claude and mimes tearing his head from his body. He even mimes blood spurting out of the decapitated body. “I will bathe in your blood.”
Claude’s smile drops a little. “Like… is this usually how you act when people do you favors?” He waves Marcus off like his brother is of no concern. “Finny, it’s just you and me tonight, baby. You can sit on my lap if you think it’ll make you feel safer.”
“I’ve changed my mind. I will stay home,” Marcus says as he literally shoves his brother out the door and slams it in his face.
“But, Marcus… how will I feel safe if I’m not sitting on Claude’s lap?” I tease.
Marcus doesn’t find this funny and reaches for his tie like he’s planning on loosening it and getting comfortable for the night.
“Marcus. You’re half an hour away. Orin will be here until six. You’ll probably be home by seven at the latest. And there’s a security system on the house to identify and alert any movement. I’ll be perfectly fine, alright?”
Marcus groans before giving a curt nod. “Okay. You call me for anything, and I’ll be here in minutes.”
“Okay.”
“Anything.”
I nod, clearly getting it. “What if there’s like a fly or something. Should I call then?”
“Yes.”
“What if the doorbell rings, and there’s an innocent kitten on the porch. Do I get it?”
“No, it’s a trap.”
“But it’s a kitten.”
“It’s still a trap.”
“Yeah, but the trap might be worth it, you know? Okay, it’s a Persian kitten.”
“Leave it.”
“Yeah but what about a Scottish fold? You know you can’t say no to those ears.”
“Yeah, you can say fuck no.”
I sigh. “This is so hard for me to comprehend. So let me get this straight. If there’s a kitten, a Scottish fold kitten sitting on the doorstep, crying for me to save it, I’m supposed to just leave it outside to cry alone?”
“Yes. Just like how I left my brother to cry out there,” Marcus says before opening the door.
Claude has his arms folded over his chest. “I know you two think you’re cute but you’re not.” He hesitates as he stares at me. “Well… Finnigan’s kinda cute.”
Marcus turns to his brother. “Claude, I know we’ve… butted heads, but I’m trusting you to keep Finn as safe as you possibly can. This is extremely important to me.”
“I know, I know. I’m not an idiot. And you promised me a date with the sassy one if I do this. I can’t wait.”
The sassy… Oh no. Poor Karsyn. “Does… Karsyn know about this?” I ask.
“Shh,” Marcus whispers as he presses a finger against my lips. “I get it, Claude, but Karsyn will only enjoy it if you do a good job keeping his closest and only friend safe.”
“Got it,” Claude says.
Marcus kisses my cheek. “Be good.”
“I will, I promise,” I say. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He hesitates before grabbing Artie’s face. “You protect him, alright? Make sure Claude doesn’t touch him.”
“Wait, now we’re protecting me from Claude? I thought Claude was here to protect me!” I ask.
“Oh… right. Yeah, that.”
Marcus shifts his brooding look onto Claude which makes Claude narrow his eyes and shift uncomfortably.
“I want you to pity me,” Claude says to me. “Pretend I’m that kitten you were hoping shows up on your front porch.”