him. He rocked my world without even making it to third base.
Like that would go over well. I’d have to leave the coin behind somewhere Zane would find it when I was in Portland. I didn’t want to hold up the search because of my own issues. I needed to get out of town now. I needed to think.
There were some major decisions that needed deciding.
Remarkably, I was exhausted, probably due to my impromptu blood donation, expelled sexual energy, and my dazed condition. I slid the coin under the mattress on my side of the bed. It would be safe there until I figured out what to do with it.
Where are you? I sent my question to Zane.
Letting my princess sleep. We’re all out in the barn, chatting with our new partners.
Partners? How did that happen?
Go back to sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.
Goodnight, I said, relieved I wouldn’t have to face him tonight. Werewolves could stay up for days without sleep, yet another of the many major differences between us.
Flipping onto my side, I realized the window was still open. Not such a good idea. I couldn’t handle anymore late night visitors.
Wishing I could flash myself to the window or shut it with my mind wasn’t going to get the job done. I’d have to get up and do it with my own two, very human hands.
“If you’re going to come in through my window, you could at least be polite and shut it on your way out,” I said to no one in particular as I reached up to pull the framed, glass pane down.
A familiar, but unexpected, ghostly face appeared. “I think we need to talk,” Alcuin said, looking none too pleased. “By the way, you reek.”
“Sorry I’m not up to your smelling standards.” I was borderline furious that all the damn supernatural men, who didn’t need any sleep, kept interrupting mine.
“Come on in. Everyone else does.” I wished right then for a giant eraser that would erase the last hour in one big swipe.
Alcuin slipped into the room’s one chair. “Vampires are very aware of each other.”
I faced him with my arms crossed, deciding to remain standing in hopes I looked somewhat authoritative. “No. I didn’t know. I’ve been aware of your world for one week now. My entire life has been turned upside down, and I’ve got werewolf and vampire suitors vying for my attention. I got married when I was drunker than a …”
“Slow down, Doll. I am well aware of your supernatural overload. I’ve suggested to Zane more than once that he take you to Europe or somewhere far away from here for a month, but he feels too obligated to his pack and their problems.”
I was surprised by Alcuin’s revelation. I also remembered my earlier desire to talk with him about Valamir. That heart to heart was taking place here and now whether I was ready for it or not.
I decided to spill every detail of my three encounters with Valamir, well, most of the details. I didn’t go so far to tell how attracted I was to him or about my erotic experience. From the way Alcuin was watching me, I assumed he already knew. He was, after all, a bloodsucker. Well aware of vampire tactics and tastes, and the potential human responses.
“He brought you the coin?”
Surprised he didn’t have more to say, I nodded and retrieved relic from its hiding place. “How do I explain this to Zane?”
Ignoring my question, Alcuin flipped the coin over in his palm, examining it. “I wonder if your vampire admirer could translate these sigils. It’s is not my area of expertise.”
I had a feeling that Valamir was privy to lots of useful information. Getting him to divulge that information without signing over my soul, and my blood supply, was the problem.
“Sorry to change the subject, but what’s all this ‘you’re mine’ stuff?” I needed to know why my scent was so appealing to Valamir and Zane.
Alcuin stopped rolling the coin and studied my face. “You are quite attractive. And you do smell intoxicating. I detected your unique fragrance that first time we met.
As a rule, vampires can find pleasure feeding from a wide range of donors. On occasion, a specific human catches our fancy. Kind of like a choice dish at your favorite restaurant.”
“So I’m a good meal?”
He looked at a loss for words. “It’s difficult to explain. We want only to feed from that one special person. I’ve never experienced it. Not all vampires do.