“Thank you, Corinne. I am most grateful for your cooperation. I see things more clearly now and it makes a nice change, having been in the dark for months now. Anything else you care to share about…anything? While you are here?” I ask sweetly.
She smiles sweetly back and says, “I have already said too much. Your mother wishes you to learn on your own. She believes it is the…”
“Making of oneself,” I interrupt her with a nod. “Yes, so I’ve heard,” I add wryly.
She tilts her head. “Xanthe?” she asks with a small smile.
“Yes,” I affirm.
She chuckles. “Well, if I may take my leave now? Ahmed will only be worried.”
“Of course. Thank you for coming,” I say sincerely. “Oh, and tell Ahmed I say ‘Hi.’”
She nods. “I will. He holds a great affection for you. Having watched over you for the last millennium he feels quite avuncular, the big softie. He will be pleased with your greeting.”
I giggle at her tone and say, “Don’t be a stranger. I need you. You know,” I clear my throat, “every now and again.”
She laughs, a beautiful peel, and says, “That is quite the honor.” She lowers her voice again, “I will try and sneak out to see you again very soon. It’s best if I go behind wards I have set.” And with that she blinks out of existence.
I make a mental note to find more wards she has set up for more secret rendezvous. I also vow to ask her how she can Teleport. She is still a few hundred years away from being able to have that ability. Must be a Witchy-Vampire power boost combo.
“Dev. Are you okay?” I say to him, walking back into the bedroom. “I feel like this is all my fault.”
“Lizzie, it’s not your fault,” he sighs. “It just is. Sorry, Xane. I am sure this is the last thing you wanted,” he adds.
Xane looks surprised by the apology and says, “Well, it’s not ideal, but Liv told me what happened. Even I wouldn’t go so far as to just let her die here.”
‘Let her die here?’ What an interesting choice of words.
“Liv, I wonder if I could steal you away for a couple of hours? There are things we should discuss that we didn’t get around to yesterday.”
I look at Devon, who shrugs. “Might as well while you can. Who knows what Hell is going to break loose when she wakes up,” he says it lightly, but I know he is still in terrible pain.
“Okay, baby. If you need me, get Linc to call me,” I say softly and kiss him.
He looks sad that he doesn’t have that ability even with our close bond, but he nods nonetheless and says, “I like the suit by the way. Very business kickass.” I knew he would know exactly what I was going for.
“I’ll be back soon.” I turn to Lincoln. “Call me if anything changes,” I say, referring to our Alpha bond which allows us the ability to call on each other no matter where we are.
“I will. Take care, V.A,” he whispers and kisses my forehead. I wave to Scott and he waves back, then Xane and I leave the suite. I hesitate outside the door and look up. Xane follows my gaze to the ceiling and inquires, “Problem?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure. Can you give me ten minutes? I’ll meet you in your office.”
He looks disappointed but agrees, “Sure. I’ll see you in ten.” He heads towards the elevator. I make for the stairs and run up two at a time. I stop in front of the door to our suite and hesitantly open it. CK is there, alone, I’m pleased to say, staring into the empty fireplace, Scotch in hand.
He turns as I enter. “There you are. I was loathe to come and find you after the last time,” he says with a sad smile. He notices my change of clothing and the necklace. His sad smile turns into one of pain before hardening into a straight line. I step closer to him and inhale subtly as he does to me. Both of us come up empty and stare at each other.
I am the first to speak as I say, “Eloise’s sister? She is one of your…playthings?” I don’t use the word ‘Pet’ as I always assumed that was for humans, or weaker Vampires. Vivienne is clearly nei
ther of those things.
“She was,” he says cautiously, knowing this is a minefield of epic proportions.
“Oh. You didn’t think to mention that?”
“I saw no reason to. Your issue was with Eloise. Not her sister.”
Same fucking difference, you idiot!