Page 58 of Petals and Fangs

“Mr. Rothschild, as your legal attorney, I should tell you that this is not a good idea.”

“As my legal attorney, Perry, I want you to make it happen. If I don't hear from you again, then I will assume you haven't done anything. Understood?”

“I insist that we don’t do such a thing. We just need to solve this legally.”

“You handle the FDA matter then, and I will deal with our suspicious buyer.”

“Very well, Mr. Rothschild.”

“Now, Perry, let us talk friend to friend. You've seen Lily with me earlier, right?”

“Yes, Mr. Rothschild, and I was wondering why. But that's none of my business.”

“Well, I was wondering if you could find out a few things about her.”

“I am not a detective, Ethan.”

“I am aware of that, Perry. But I need you to do it. And if it requires a detective, I will gladly provide one.”

“It is a bit personal.”

“I didn't like the look on her face after we got out from the basement. She kept asking me about Sanguisderm. She was so close to finding out about the packed blood cells. It would have been a problem for both of us. And I can't let that happen. Find out what she is up to.”

“And what will you do with her, Ethan?”

“I'll think about that when you've found out what she wants. For now, just keep her under watch.”

“Okay.”

“Thank you, Perry,” I say as I stand up and stretch.

“You can count on me,” Perry responds, standing up too.

“I know I can. See you soon, Perry,” I say, shaking his hand.

I need to get to my office. I need to get Lily out of my head, at least for now. She has started to invade my mind, and I don't like it. As much as I am craving her right now, I can't let her be around me. It would not be a good thing. Especially when I am thirsty.

I miss her, but she has not tried to reach out to me either. It's been a few hours, with no call from her.

It is best for both of us. She can't know what kind of creature I am, and I don't want to lose her. I don't want to risk losing the only human I have ever fallen in love with.

“Busy?” Nick's voice pops out by the door and brings me back to reality.

“Not at all,” I say and stand up.

“Amazing work your girl has done in my office.”

“I am assuming you are talking about Lily.”

“Well, yes.”

“Of course, you are, Nick.”

“Perfect work. I loved the red roses. It matches the color of the walls.”

“I bet. And she's not my girl, Nick. Not that I would ever tell you, anyways,” I walk to my fridge. The thirst is getting to me, and I feel myself getting weaker.

“But she could be again if you would only try. You've been alone for too long, brother.”

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