Page 21 of Betrayed in Blood
“Which you drugged.”
“I did not drug your coffee.” I smirked. “It was in the wine.”
He rolled onto his back, rubbed his eyes, then pushed his hands through his hair. “I only remember bits of it.”
I stood so I’d be out of his reach. “That’s because you were still groggy from the portion I’d given you earlier.”
He sat up then put his arm out to steady himself. “I guess I’m going to need time with this latest revelation.”
“As Ginger would say—well, duh.” I went to the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth. Devon came in as I was finishing to do the same.
I sat by the window, watching how the garden changed hues as the sun rose. It was a peaceful setting. I hoped one day we’d return when Devon didn’t carry such burdens, and we could take the time to enjoy Aramburu’s hospitality.
Devon strode out with a towel around his waist, his hair still wet. I hadn’t even heard him turn on the shower.
“We need to leave today.”
I nodded. “Sonja is expecting us for breakfast, then she’d like to take a dreamwalk one last time with the same group as yesterday. She said the healer would give me another vial of the orange potion to take with me.”
“Do you think another dreamwalk is necessary?”
“Not everyone saw what I could do. This one will be shorter. It’s important they understand the possibilities and not fear them. And Gregor wanted to spend more time with you. A car will be waiting after a quick lunch.”
“You already worked it all out?”
I shrugged. “Based on what he’d heard about your temper, or at least the rumors of it, Gregor had prepared his Family for you to rage while at the community center. He was impressed by your, what did Sonja say?” I glanced at the ceiling, remembering the words. “Your resilience and even temper. They were both surprised by your interaction with the children. So was I.”
He’d stepped next to me while I spoke and gave me an odd look. “You thought I would take it out on the children?”
“Never.” My response was immediate, and I grabbed his hand. “I’ve just never seen you around children before. It never occurred to me you’d do them harm. I wasn’t expecting how quickly they would take to you or your tenderness with them.”
“My reputation could still use some work.”
I pulled him down next to me and took both his hands. “Your reputation is solid. And with each House you interact with, when they see your compassion, your fight for the future of vampire society, and common ground with other races, it only strengthens how your allies perceive you.” I gave him a cheeky grin. “I can’t help it if I couldn’t picture you with children.”
He gave me another odd look. “I suppose it’s something akin to watching Simone become closer with humans.”
I laughed. “I think you’re much further along than that, but I have to give Simone credit for trying.” I stood, took his face in my hands, and gave him a slow kiss. “Let me take a quick shower, and then we can take a stroll through the garden before breakfast.”
When he stood, I grabbed his towel, gave his ass a spank, and dashed for the bathroom before he knew what happened.
Once we were dressed in our traveling clothes—Devon in his linen pants and shirt and me in a sundress—we strolled hand in hand through the garden. We finished at the terrace and found Gregor’s immediate family, along with Erik and Ulrik, already sitting at the table drinking coffee and chatting.
“Devon and Cressa, I hope you slept well.” Gregor stood and held out his hand. “And I hope I’m forgiven for the shock you received yesterday.”
Devon took the proffered hand and shook it. “Nothing to forgive. I’m honored you’ve entrusted your secret with me. I apologize for my reaction to it, but I’m afraid it’s raised more questions than answers.”
Gregor waved us to our seats. “And I’m afraid I can’t tell you more than what I’ve already shared.” He took his seat, passed the coffee pot around, and called out, “More coffee, please.”
Within a minute, a young man scurried out with two fresh pots. “Are you ready for breakfast?”
“Sí, Louis. Thank you,” Sonja answered. “I’ve arranged for a lighter breakfast before our morning plans, then another light lunch before your trip back to Madrid.”
“We appreciate it.” Devon laid a napkin over his lap. “I don’t know about Cressa, but I’m starving, and all our meals here have been excellent.”
“Can you share with us what your plans are with Venizi?” Gregor’s quick change of subject didn’t seem to bother Devon. But I was curious how much he was willing to share with Gregor, at least in front of his family. I surmised he’d share more when the two of them were alone.
Devon considered it as he sipped his coffee then waited when two servers came out with platters and bowls. Once the servers left and the food was passed around, he did what Devon always did with his allies. He’d already told his House that we were at war. This was the time to go all in with the other Houses and seek a firm commitment of support.
