just off the bedroom, then to the kitchen and dining table beyond. It wasn’t a large suite, but it worked as a temporary residence. There was even a balcony outside that overlooked the city. Not that I cared enough to catch the view, but Willow might enjoy it.
I rummaged through the pantry and fridge and found it mostly stocked in blood. No human food.
Because of course they wouldn’t consider mortals in their preparation of a suite.
I tapped the screen on the fridge and grumbled when it revealed a similar layout to the one above the nightstand. Selecting the Activate button brought about the same response. After she finished her greeting, I said, “I want food.”
“Please say what food you desire.”
I arched a brow at the screen. “I want two filet mignons, a bowl of mashed potatoes, extra butter, and some plain green beans.” I hadn’t enjoyed a meal like that in ages; why not ask for the whole shebang?
“When would you like it delivered?” the AI asked.
“Now.”
“Order submitted. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Yeah, I want you to add vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, sprinkles, and whipped cream to the order.”
“When would you like that delivered?”
“Now,” I repeated.
“Order submitted. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“You could vary your statements,” I suggested. “Repetition is boring.”
“I’m sorry. You could vary your—”
I hit the Deactivate button before she could repeat all my words back to me. “Fucking AI.”
A strange sound came from Willow, causing me to look at her. She had her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide.
“Did you just… giggle?” I asked her.
She started shaking her head vigorously.
“Why are you lying?” I demanded. “You giggled.” And it was a sweet little sound. I kind of wanted to make her do it again.
She just kept staring at me with that deer-in-the-headlights look.
“Do you think I’m going to punish you for showing amusement at my expense?” I asked her.
No reply.
“I’m not sure what’s more irritating: your silence or the AI’s inability to carry on a normal conversation.” I palmed the back of my neck and sighed loudly. “We’re alone here, Willow. What are my rules?”
She visibly swallowed, her hand slowly falling from her mouth. “No rules,” she whispered.
“Right. So if you want to giggle, then fucking do it.”
“Okay.” Her tone indicated it wasn’t “okay” at all, but I let it slide.
We stared at each other for a long moment, her blue eyes firing with a thousand questions. “Ask me,” I dared her. “What do you want to know?”
Her lips parted, then closed, and then parted again. “I…” She cleared her throat. “That was the Goddess on the phone, yes?”
I snorted. “Lilith. Yeah. Not a Goddess, though. She’s just a vampire, and a young one at that.”
Willow frowned. “Young?”
“Compared to me and a few others, yeah. Why? How old does she claim to be in this world?”
“She’s ageless,” Willow said. “And revered.”
“By humans, yes. Not by my kind. She’s just a vampire with a penchant for power.” I folded my arms on the island and leaned against it while Willow stood on the other side. “I’m nearly five thousand years old. Lilith is maybe twenty-five hundred? I think a little less. She’s powerful, but not an almighty being.”
Willow gaped at me. “You’re almost five thousand years old?”
I lifted a shoulder. “I’ve been around awhile.”
“And you’re a temporary royal?” Confusion marred her brow. “Are you not old enough to be official?”
I snorted. “I’m one of the oldest vampires in existence, pet. Only Kylan and Cam are older than me. And there’s nothing temporary about my title. Lilith seems to think this is a trial run, but I outrank her in power and age. She can kiss my fine ass, as far as I’m concerned.” Issuing those fucking edicts. As though I’d ever listen to her.
“Cam…” Something flickered in her blue eyes. “He challenged the Goddess and died.”
“Is that the story she’s created for the young minds of this generation?” I asked, amused. “How wrong she is. Cam is very much alive.”
“There was a public execution.” Willow blinked as though picturing the image behind her eyes. “I’ve seen it in history books.”
“Photos can be deceiving, as can stories.” I pushed away from the counter, my dress shirt suddenly feeling a little tight.
I hadn’t changed out of my clothes when I put Willow to bed, mostly because I preferred to sleep naked and hadn’t decided where I would stay tonight. The couch didn’t appear all that inviting, and I definitely wasn’t