Page 36 of Bitten By Chaos

“You are something new, Charlotte. Something that hasn’t come along in hundreds of years. Possibly since I was born. And I like shiny new things.” He tipped my chin up until I was looking in his eyes again.

“I’m only new because other people made me a fucking experiment.” The rage I hadn’t had time to dwell on burst forth, surprising me. But Merl’s expression stayed curious.

“It must be difficult when everyone in your life has stolen your independence.”

I shifted uncomfortably but did not drop my hand. “Julian?—”

“Is your mate. He can’t help it, but that doesn’t change the fact that by becoming a vampire, he cemented your future. You exist for him.”

“He did it to try and save me, not to condemn me.” I was trembling now. He’d hit a nerve.

“He shouldn’t have tried to save you. He should have let you save yourself.”

My mouth snapped shut, teeth clicking as I closed my mouth. Julian had only done what he had to out of love. It had been the Middle Ages for fuck’s sake. He wasn’t like that anymore. But our fates had been sealed regardless. I choked back tears of frustration that this man could see more of me than I had.

“Let me go,” I said, unable or unwilling to remove my fingertips from his.

“That would be such a loss,” he said, unmoving. “Come inside.”

“Said the spider to the fly,” I recited.

Merlin threw his head back and laughed heartily. “Clever fly you are. I’ll tell you what. If you agree to have dinner with me now, I will tell you exactly why I am so interested in you, answer any three questions you ask, and give you the surprise I promised. I haven’t offered such a bargain in several hundred years.”

I knew I shouldn’t. I knew Julian would be furious. But maybe that was exactly why I stepped over the threshold. I needed him to know that no matter what we were, I still had agency to do as I pleased. Especially considering he’d indeed set us both up to be imprisoned in this ridiculous vampire domination hierarchy so long ago.

As I stepped past him, Merl bent down to snatch up the small piece of folded paper on the floor, stuffing it into his pocket. Then he closed the door behind him and spread his arms with a grin.

“Welcome to café Merlin. Tonight we will be serving roast lamb, sauteed asparagus, and all the blood you can drink.”

“I’ll pass on the blood thank you,” I said, taking a seat at the table where he’d already had two places set. “I see you were expecting me.”

“I’d hoped. And I believe the art of manifesting has to do with acting as though it’s a done deal.” Merlin waved a hand, and platters of food floated from the warming oven to the table. He grabbed a bottle of wine and lifted the cork with a gesture before pouring it into the crystal glasses before us.

“Romanee-Conti,” he explained, lifting the deep burgundy to his nostrils and swirling it. “It costs more than this mansion. I hope you like it.”

I sniffed my own glass and tipped it to my lips. Merl settled into his own seat, seemingly quite satisfied with himself as he heaped food on his plate. Despite the delicious aroma of his cooking, the scent of his blood rose above it all, singing until my veins vibrated.

“Question one,” I said, setting down my glass. “You seem to be trying to get me addicted to your blood. But even if I had to start paying, there’s always the danger of me being unable to stop.”

“That’s not a question.” Merl said after swallowing a forkful of lamb.

“Haven’t gotten there yet. The question is, how can that be worth it for you?”

Merl swallowed a gulp of wine and ran his tongue along his teeth as he thought. “It isn’t worth it. But that’s not why I do it. I like dancing on the edge. It keeps me young. Next question.” He motioned with his fork to keep them coming.

“I think I’ll wait until you share why you want me so badly.”

“Eat first.” He shoveled a spoonful of potatoes into his mouth followed by a spear of asparagus before he’d chewed the first bit.

“Okay then,” I held a forkful to my nose, scenting it to be sure it was free of his blood before eating.

I managed to help myself to a decent amount as he gorged himself, and when he finished, he threw down his napkin and waved the entire mess away, leftovers and all. Then he leaned back in the chair, spreading his jacket and hooking his thumbs in his waistband. His chest was bare beneath the coat, flat, toned stomach peeked out despite his eating style.

“Glad you appreciate the work it takes to maintain this body,” he said, making me snap my gaze back up to his face.

“You use magic,” I answered sipping the wine. “Don’t pretend that’s from working out.”

“Touché. Now, down to business.” He clapped his hands together and leaned forward over the pristine white tablecloth. “I already said you are new, and therefore interest me, but I feel it only fair to be upfront since you’ve asked me to be.”

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