Page 41 of Blood and Bonbons

“About a hundred years ago,” I said.

“How did that happen?” he asked.

“No one knows.”

“The supernaturals just appeared.” Vena wiped the ruined seat with the hem of her shirt. “My mother is going to be pissed when she sees this.”

“She will become inebriated?” he asked, looking slightly offended.

“No. Getting pissed or being pissed isn’t only about drinking. At least, not here in the States,” I said. “It means she’ll be angry.”

“As she should be,” he said. “That’s a fifteenth-century chair. In its day, it would have been paid for in gold. It’s the only thing in this dwelling that I recognize. Well, that and the books.”

Vena stopped dabbing to look at him, and I could already hear her inner mind at work, wondering if he would know the contents of the faded book. But she kept silent, now watching him like he was the prey and not her.

I had to admit, the vampire wasn’t the terror I’d expected he would be. I’d thought he would have gone for our necks at the first opportunity. He’d proven he could move fast, and he’d been close enough to my neck. But he hadn’t done anything. Only his elongated teeth betrayed his need for blood.

I actually felt a little bad for him. He’d clearly been sleeping for a very long time. Waking up after the entire world had changed must feel confusing, and maybe even a little frightening. Not that he looked frightened. Wary, yes. Afraid? Absolutely not.

He prowled through the study, making his way back to me. “Who are the leaders of the fae, dwarves, and wolves?”

“Why do you care?” Vena asked before I could say anything.

He gave a slight snarl of warning that had her crossing her arms.

“We wouldn’t know,” I said quickly to keep the peace. “Supernatural groups mostly keep to themselves. I know I agreed to help you, but is there a chance we can call it a night for now? I’ve been up since eight yesterday morning and need sleep.”

He didn’t look as if he was ready to call it quits, and I didn’t blame him. He had to have so many questions about the world, but I truly was beyond exhausted.

“Very well. I will take my leave for now and return tomorrow.”

“I work in the evenings but can answer questions after,” I said so he would know that I was previously committed.

“I would prefer not to wait so long. Perhaps we can speak as you break your fast?”

I didn’t like the way his gaze dipped to my neck when he was talking about breaking a fast.

He moved closer again with a satisfied smirk on his face when I backed into the wall again.

“I didn’t mean you. Unless you offer, of course.”

“Not offering,” I said weakly.

“A pity. I shall return in the morning. Rest well, Everly.”

He stepped away.

“Wait. What’s your name?” I asked.

He hesitated a moment before answering. “Brodier Ashley Cross. You can call me Cross. And I trust both of you will keep the knowledge of my existence, including my name, to yourselves.”

Faster than my eyes could process, he was gone.

“How’s he going to be back in the daytime?” I asked Vena. “I thought vampires couldn’t survive in sunlight.”

“They can’t. Hopefully, he’ll walk out into the sun and turn himself to dust so we don’t have to worry about the vampire you’ve fedtwice.”

I bristled at her tone.

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