Page 44 of Immortal Bastard

“No. Time holds little significance to our species.”

Did he say species? She frowned and fanned out her hands. “I’m lost.”

“I was eight years old when I came to America.”

“In 1737,” she clarified, wanting to get every ridiculous detail straight.

“Yes. I’m two-hundred-ninety-five years old.”

“Riiiiight.”

He remained silent, his chest slowly rising and falling with each breath as he studied her. “Sarcasm is an English form of irony we don’t use.”

“Good for you.”

His eyes narrowed. “I’m aware you're mocking me.”

“Oh. I was worried you wouldn’t notice.”

“More sarcasm.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

He did not look pleased. “You’re free to go if you can make it out the door in ten seconds.”

All thoughts of teasing him vanished as she did a double take. “Seriously? Just like that?”

“Six seconds.”

She bolted off the bed, but the moment her feet hit the floor he was out of his chair, blocking the door. How had he gotten there before her?

“Time’s up.” He smirked.

“You lied.”

“No, you failed. How does it feel to be mocked?”

Confused by how fast he crossed the room, she considered her options. “Do it again. Give me another chance.”

“I’m afraid not. I’ve made my point.”

Frustration bubbled, forming a lump in her throat and tears filled her eyes. “That you’re an asshole? Yeah, great job. So much for earning my trust.”

He drew in a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “You may not trust me, but I’m going to trust you with everything I’m about to share.”

She shook her head and walked back to her side of the room. “I don’t care about anything you have to say. I just want you out of my life.”

“Look at me.”

“Fuck off.”

“Delilah, look.”

With a sniff, she wiped her nose and turned, prepared to unleash on him. “Why the hell would I—Jesus!” She stumbled back, pressing her shoulders into the far wall. His dilated eyes glowed silver, and his hands splayed with talon-like claws. But his teeth…his fucking teeth…

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

She whimpered, feeling about as safe as anyone would with a wild animal in the room. His fangs curved sharply, lethal like a lion’s. His claws were razor thick and long. But his eyes. There was nothing human about his eyes as they illuminated the room with an eerie, alien glow. “What are you?”

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