Page 12 of Shift in the Blood
I should be automatically forgiven. Anyone who looked like Didier probably got a lot of questions about sexy times.
Didier blinked rapidly. I suppose when he was thinking about the FAQs he might get about the whole patronage gig, sexy times wasn’t one of them.
“This is not based in romantic inclinations. If any should develop, that’s obviously between the Patron and the Chosen.” His words were stiff and formal.
“The Chosen?”
“That is what the humans who accept patronage are called. The Chosen.”
“Is there like a secret handshake, or something like that?”
Didier’s expression relaxed. He almost looked as though he might find me amusing. “No. If you wear the necklace, your Patron wears a ring, and that is all that is necessary.”
“May I?” I extended my hand now to take the necklace.
He handed it to me. It was heavy and well made. The entwined snakes were carved with individual scales, and the whole thing screamed craftmanship. And money. A lot of money.
“What do I do if I agree to this?”
“You paint.” Didier’s response was almost immediate. “This is a way for vampires to give back. To support humans.”
“Rather than just eat them?”
“Exactly.” He gave me a toothy grin.
It should have scared me, seeing his elongated canines. He looked animalistic, which was at odds with his appearance.
But instead, it thrilled me to my core. I wanted to reach out and touch his fangs… to feel them—I shook my head.
“Is something wrong?”
“No.” I shook my head again. “No. I was just thinking to myself. So if I accept this, I don’t have to worry about the commissions?”
“No. I would love it if you decided you wished to try your hand at them, however.” Didier looked up at the ceiling, the picture of studied innocence. “For practice.”
“Uh, huh. I’ll just say it. If I accept this, I’ll do your paintings. But I won’t help you with whatever you’ve got planned for them.”
“That is fair.”
“And I have one other condition.” There was no way around this. Much as I hated to expose Carina, I had to keep her safe.
“Which is?” His eyes shone.
“I need you to swear to keep my sister safe.”
“Carina?”
Hearing him say her name, speak it was though it wasn’t my most closely guarded secret, sent a shockwave through me. “How do you know about her?”
“I had research done on you, Clara. I could not hire someone who had, say, gambling problems, or some other addiction. Her name came up in a routine check. You’re her legal guardian.” His shoulders went up and down in a shrug. She’s in college, correct?”
“Yes. But I take care of her. I’m all she has left.”
“She’s all that you have left as well.”
“That too. But I take care of her.” I wasn’t sure why I repeated myself. It was important that he know what my responsibilities were. “If Maxim is after me, he’ll come after her as well.”
Didier nodded. “Forgive me. I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s a reasonable assumption, and I understand why you’re concerned. I can protect Carina as well.”
