Page 26 of The Monster's Desire

I definitely get a gold star in that department, as evidenced by the fact there is a vampire at my table.

“Apparently, it’s fucking not,” he growls. “I’m your vessel, so use me as you wish.”

My jaw falls open, and I stumble back as my chair slides wildly behind me.

“Oh, fuck no.” I jam a finger at his stupidly strong and unmoving chest. “I’m not that kind of witch. See yourself out.” My magic spills out in a dark cloud, swirling around me and again being overly dramatic. It looks way cooler and more impressive than it is most of the time. It also clearly shows when I’m on edge. It’s hard to have much of a poker face when your magic gives you away at the most inopportune times.

Echo studies me with a predatory intensity that rivals the alpha wolf. It might be more intimidating, because this fucker is legitimately deathly still. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Would it kill you to pretend to breathe?” I ask as I take my seat.

“I’m your council appointed protection during your stay in North Falls,” he says in a firm tone. “Whether you choose to take advantage of my services or not...” He shrugs. “We’re stuck with each other.”

“Okay, well, I’ll take it up with the town council. I’ve never needed a spy at my side before... What is up with this town?” I run my hands over my face, pulling back my hair from where it’s falling into my eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll find out before long,” the vampire guard muses, stretching back in his chair. “I thought all blood witches creamed their panties over having a live vessel.” He smirks. “Well, in my case, semi-alive.”

“You’re just a bundle of fun to be around. Has anyone told you that lately?”

The vampire stares me down over the old dining table.

I don’t falter.

Okay, fine.

After thirty-three seconds of unfettered eye contact, technically, I am the first to look away, but only because he literally doesn’t have to blink...ever.

“Why would any council appoint anyone a vessel?” I muse mostly to myself, but I speak aloud, in case the vampire wants to help shine some light on this ridiculous situation. It’s an archaic and outdated custom that hasn’t been widely accepted for hundreds of years.

“You’re not just a blood witch. You have demon blood,” Echo says, his eyebrows rising. I don’t know what look that is on his stupidly handsome face, but it seems very serious. It would be nice if I knew what the hell it meant.

His brows pull together as his thick lips turn down into a frown. Possibly, he thinks I’m slow on the uptake, or it could be his general state of being is that of a stuck-up asshat.

Actually, it’s more than likely that both are true.

“Okay, well, great chat.” I stand to indicate this little meeting is over. My arm awkwardly swings toward the door to confirm it’s time for him to go.

The smug bastard simply arches an eyebrow at me. “What part ofyour full-time securityconfused you, baby darkling?”

I can’t even with this guy.

I snort. It’s a very unladylike sound that I should be embarrassed about, but I can’t bring myself to care.

This place is freaking strange.

Spinning around, I head for the stairs that lead to the small bedroom.

“You’ve got an appointment to meet the council in less than two hours.”

“Do not follow me,” I call over my shoulder.

* * *

Sneaking out of the apartment is easier than I expect. I use the back stairs that head directly into the heart of the club and, thus far, I’m good.

I grab my phone out of my dress pocket and dial Shelby. I need directions to wherever she is. She opened a small shop somewhere here in North Falls, and I need to see a friendly face right now. She chuckles through the entire conversation, but gives me easy-to-follow directions. We disconnect as I hit the main street. I’m fairly sure I can find my way from here.

Most sanctuary cities are on the smaller side. This place is no exception. It’s clearly a decent-sized town, but it’s no metropolis. That would make reinforcing the ward basically impossible with only one blood witch, especially with how drained it is.

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