Page 13 of Twilight Destiny

“I’m not looking for a husband,” Rosa said. “Just someone who might turn me, if I decide that’s what I want.”

“Still trying to make up your mind?”

“Well, like you said, once it’s done, it’s done, so I want to be sure. And the only way to do that is spend time with vampires, and see how they … ah, really live.”

“You’ve got a brother and a sister who can tell you everything you need to know.”

“But they can’t be neutral. They’ve both made it crystal clear they’re against it. And so have you.”

“If you’re determined to do it, you need to let Micah turn you. Or Ethan. They both have my blood in them, which will give you an edge over most fledglings.”

Rosa nodded. He was right. If the one who turned her would be her sire, it should be someone she could trust 110 percent. “So, you didn’t come here to tell me not to go out with Kincaid?”

“I would, if I thought you’d listen.”

“Do you think he means me any harm?”

“Not if he values his head.”

Rosa grinned at him. In spite of Saintcrow’s apparent indifference, she was sure he cared about what happened to her, at least a little.

“Come on,” he said, covering her check with a fifty dollar bill. “I’ll walk you out.”

Rosa felt the tension in the air as the two vampires nodded at each other. As had happened once before, she felt like there was a silent conversation going on between them.

“I’ll see you at home, Rosa,” Saintcrow said, and disappeared into the shadows.

She felt a rush of excitement when Jake smiled at her.

“I’ve waited all day to see you,” he said as he opened the passenger door of the midnight blue Mustang convertible parked at the curb.

“Really? I thought … never mind,” she said as she settled into the seat.

Kincaid laughed softly. “You thought I was dead to the world?” he remarked as he closed the door.

She felt her cheeks bloom with embarrassment as she watched him walk around the front of the car and slide into the driver’s seat.

“Like Saintcrow, I can be awake during the day if I wish.”

“Because you’re an old vampire, right?”

He glanced over his shoulder as he pulled away from the curb. “I take it he’s been teaching you about our kind?”

Rosa nodded.

“I’ve never known anyone whowantedto join the ranks of the undead.”

Undead? Rosa shuddered as the image of a living corpse filled her mind. “Is that how you see yourself? Undead?”

“Not really. But that’s how most people think of us.” When he stopped at a red light, he reached for her hand. “Do I feel undead to you?”

His hand was large and cool and the mere touch of it sent frissons of heat racing up her arm, spreading warmth to every part of her being, until it settled deep inside her.

He grinned as he stepped on the gas. Damn! He didn’t know what had just sparked between them but it had never happened to him before.

They were silent during the rest of the drive to the nightclub.

Kincaid parked the car, got out, and opened her door for her. He hesitated a moment before he reached for her hand to help her out of the Mustang. His gaze met hers as that same spark passed between them again.

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