Page 11 of Eleazar

Like the fact he’s a vampire. Andrew still couldn’t get over that fact.

He was just about to get up and see what was taking Eleazar so long when the door opened and the handsome vampire reappeared, his expression unreadable. Shayde followed close behind, a frown etched on his face.

“Andrew,” Eleazar said, striding back toward him. “I have a special job for you tonight.”

Andrew’s heart skipped a beat. This was exactly what he’d been waiting for, a chance to prove himself to Eleazar, who had somehow captured his attention. “What kind of job?” he asked.

Eleazar leaned in close, his warm breath against Andrew’s ear. “I need you to come with me to a private party tonight. There will be some important guests there, and things might go a little more smoothly with a companion at my side.”

Andrew swallowed hard. A private party with vampires? This was definitely not what he had signed up for, but at the same time, he couldn’t help the thrill that shot through him at the thought of being included in something so exclusive.

He seriously needed his head examined. Andrew should just tell Eleazar that he knew the truth, but Felix had warned him about spilling the beans. Still, trying to pretend that he had no clue what was going on was exhausting.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good,” Eleazar said, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. Lips that Andrew had a wild urge to kiss. His heart tripled in beat just having Eleazar so close to him, but Andrew reminded himself that the guy was his boss, a vampire, and he would do well to keep things professional.

Eleazar led him from the building, and they were whisked away in the car. As they drove, Andrew’s nerves were getting the best of him. The thought of being surrounded by vampires at a private party sent shivers down his spine. He didn’t know if he was ready for this kind of world, but at the same time, the thought of being at Eleazar’s side was too tempting to pass up. So he braced himself for whatever he might walk into.

When they arrived at the location, Andrew’s jaw dropped. The mansion before them was grand, a sprawling estate that spread out as far as the eye could see. It was clear that this was no ordinary party.

As they entered, Andrew was struck by the opulence of the place. The walls were lined with gold—probably not real gold—while the floors were made of shiny marble. The air was heavy with the scent of expensive perfume, and the sound of classical music floated toward them.

Andrew felt out of place. He was just a lowly human who was so out of his depth that it wasn’t even funny. But Eleazar’s presence beside him gave him some comfort, and he followed the vampire’s lead as they made their way through the throng of people.

Wait. Andrew recognized one guy. Ronald Savant. He was the CEO of some big corporation that had something to do with science stuff. Ronald had been out during daylight hours for photo ops and charity events.

Ronald was human, which meant not everyone there was a vampire. Relief made Andrew’s shoulder sag as a few people stopped Eleazar to talk. Andrew was a personal assistant, or human servant, according to Felix, and he wasn’t sure why he was even there.

Honestly, the party was a bit too stuffy for Andrew. He was among the elite and bored out of his mind. Now he wished he was back in his room or, better yet, back at his apartment where he could toss on some pajamas and veg out in front of the television because Andrew was fighting a yawn.

Until Eleazar turned and gazed down at him.

“Who is your guest?” one woman asked.

“This is Andrew,” Eleazar said.

He didn’t state that Andrew was his assistant.

“What a pleasure.” The woman smiled. “You brought a human with you.”

Eleazar’s gaze shot to Andrew, who tried his best not to seem ruffled by her words. He looked everywhere but at his boss, hoping everyone would pretend she hadn’t just used the word human. If Andrew was going to tell Eleazar that he knew about them, this wasn’t the place he wanted that to happen.

“It was a pleasure speaking with you,” Eleazar said then placed his hand on the small of Andrew’s back. “I must mingle with other guests.”

But instead of mingling, Eleazar led Andrew to a room. An office if the décor was anything to go by.

But Eleazar didn’t say a word. He just stood there studying Andrew after he closed the door.

“Is there a reason we’re in here?” Andrew was trying hard to play things off, to not let Eleazar know that he already knew the truth.

Then Eleazar crossed his arms. “You’ve been acting off all evening, and now you’re not questioning me about the human comment. I’ve already told you that I do not tolerate lies.”

Andrew wasn’t sure how he should handle this. He wanted to keep his conversation with Felix private, but Felix wasn’t the one facing Eleazar right now. “I haven’t lied to you.”

“Don’t you dare hit me with semantics, Andrew. Omission is just another version of lying.” He moved closer, and out of self-preservation, Andrew took a few steps back. Would Eleazar hurt him if he didn’t tell him the truth?

Eleazar slid a knuckle down Andrew’s cheek. The move was so unexpected that Andrew found himself leaning into the touch.

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