Page 33 of Twilight Destiny

Taking the chair across from his, she said, “I don’t really have any.”

“Kadie came home last night.”

“Oh? Is something wrong?” Rosa asked, and then frowned. “She didn’t say anything to Micah or Sofia about me being here, did she?”

“No. But she did mention that both Sofia and Micah asked her to check up on you.”

“Of course they did.”

“So, have you made up your mind?” he asked with a grin. “To be or not to be?”

“Not entirely. But even if I decide to ask Micah to turn me, I think I’ll stay human for a few more years.”

“I’m sure your family will be glad to hear it.”

“I guess.” She sighed. “Would you mind if I talked to Kadie?”

He shrugged. “Why would I mind?”

“Your name might come up.”

“Ah. You’re going to ask her what it’s like, being married to a vampire. What it’s likebeinga vampire.”

Rosa nodded. “I’d like a woman’s point of view.”

“It’s okay with me if it’s okay with her.”

“Thanks.”

Rosa drove into town in the afternoon. She had been here over a week and to tell the truth, she missed being home. Saintcrow could be good company. And she loved spending time with Kincaid, but she spent a great deal of the day alone, and even she got tired of movies and eating out and shopping. She missed working. She missed her own place. Maybe she would cut her vacation short and go home early. Maybe putting some distance between herself and Jake was a good idea. She was falling for him way too hard, way too fast, and if she decided not to be a vampire, then what?

She pulled up in front of the restaurant to deliver the cake, and decided to stay for lunch. She had just ordered a ham sandwich and a bowl of potato cheese soup—the house specialty—when Paul Rhinehart entered the restaurant. A moment later, he was striding toward her.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked.

Rosa bit down on her lower lip. He was a hunter and there were two vampires in town. Saintcrow had warned her to be careful.

“I just want to talk,” Rhinehart said with a reassuring smile. “I’m not stupid enough to try anything in Morgan Creek. Truce?”

Rosa nodded, wondering if she could trust him. She hadn’t forgotten that he had lied to her about who he was.

He pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Are you still hunting Saintcrow?” Rosa asked.

“Yes. And no.”

“What does that mean?”

“He’s no longer a priority.”

“Oh?” She felt a sudden chill, an overwhelming certainty that he was now hunting Jake instead. “Are you after someone else now?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“I guess whoever it is must be another vampire.”

“Like I said, I can’t discuss it.”

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