“It’s different, though… when you’re like me,” Marcus says. “You become attached to things but in the back of your head you know that they’re going to die, and they’ll only be there for a fraction of your life. Has he applied to try changing you, or do you not want it?”
“Into a vampire?” I ask in surprise. It’s something vampires don’t talk about often since it’s such a touchy subject. It’s illegal for a vampire to turn anyone without consent from the law. Getting that consent is nearly impossible.
“He tried when I was in the accident. They refused to grant him permission because he was in hot water about Aria being a secret until she was five, even though it really wasn’t his fault. I honestly haven’t heard much about it since.” I try to steer him away from the subject. “I’m going to go get my teeth brushed… but thanks for standing up for me.”
“One more thing,” Marcus asks, making me look over at him. His golden eyes are watching me so closely that I suddenly feel like I’m under a spotlight.
Did I say or do something wrong?
“What’s that?”
“Who did you think was at the door?” he asks.
The question confuses me. “I… don’t know. I didn’t even know someone was there. Hell, your dog didn’t even know. You’re the one who heard them.”
“I could feel your fear spike when I told you someone was here. Who are you afraid of?”
I stare at him, refusing to break contact with those golden eyes as my mind races. Every answer I have for him would be a lie.
“Fine, I thought it was Brooks… I’m nervous that after yesterday he’s going to force me back with the humans.” I can’t tell if he knows I’m lying or not, but he takes the answer with a nod.
“I doubt he will, but I suppose you never know. Now get ready for our ‘date,’ but we’re not leaving the house so you can rest.”
I grin at him. “Really?”
“The sooner I can get it over with, the sooner I can feel happiness again.”
I start laughing. “And you say I’m dramatic.”
That’s when Marcus’s phone beeps. He looks down at it. “And that’ll have to be put on hold. They’re calling for a quick meeting at nine, so I have to run in. Devastatingly, we’ll have to reschedule.”
“I’ll go too.”
He gives me a look. “No, you’re supposed to rest. I’m sure someone will tell you about the meeting. Probably not me since talking to you doesn’t interest me.”
“Wonderful. But I’m going. Do you need a shower or something? I know you claim to automatically smell amazing all the time but I think you’re starting to stink. Or maybe that’s just your rotting personality.”
Marcus grins at me, knowing he doesn’t smell bad at all. “Sure, I have a spare outfit in my car.”
“Aw! Were you planning on spending the night?”
“No, it’s for when I get dirty and don’t want to get my car dirty.”
“Sure, whatever, lie to me. While you go get your clothes, I’ll shower. I’m taking your dog with me so you can’t run away,” I say as I grab Artie’s collar and pull him after me.
“I… can still leave without my dog, you know? Like I can come back later for him.”
“No, you can’t,” I say as I lead the dog into the bathroom and shut him inside. Then I sit down in front of him and ruffle his ears. “What am I doing?” I whisper as I press my head against his chest.
MARCUS
What a liar.
Finn was nervous when I tried intimidating him, but he never showed fear. As we sat on that couch and I heard someone coming near, it was pure fear I felt coming from him. The type of fear that radiates from someone when they’re afraid they’re going to die.
Is someone trying to kill him?
But instead of saying anything to me, he promptly lied. I have a feeling he’s been lying about more than he’s letting on. And now I’m overly curious.
I look over at the closed bathroom door and wonder what he’s not telling me.
And then I wonder why I even care. I don’t care. At all. Nope. No care in the slightest.
Dammit, why do I care?
I am nosy and not used to people lying to me. Vampires respect me. They sense my age and they tell me what I want to hear and this human… this human is obstinate and lies right to my face.
What an irritation.
I hate dealing with humans. You try to like them and then they just die off.
I sigh and walk over to the couch before sitting down on it. I hadn’t planned on staying all night, but I ended up falling asleep and didn’t wake until Finn did.
After a while, the bathroom door opens, and I look over as Finn walks out with Artemus staring at him in love. Why does that dog love him so much? It took me weeks to gain his trust! What a traitor.
Artemus notices me on the couch and gallops over before jumping onto my body like he doesn’t weigh a hundred and sixty some pounds.
“I’m ready,” he says, and I notice he has something stuck in the sleeve of his coat that is tucked into the pocket to make it look like he’s not missing his arm.
“You know you don’t have to hide it,” I say.
His eyes narrow. “You know you don’t have to hide your horrible personality… oh, wait… you don’t.”
I shake my head at him as I grab Artemus in a headlock. “Traitor,” I hiss. He responds by trying to lick my face. I push him off and get up. “Finn, I really think you should rest.”
“It’s just a meeting. I’ll stay for the meeting and come home. My car is still at the department anyway.”
“Alright. Do you want to go with me now or would you rather I come back and get you when I’m done at my house?”
“No, I’m more than capable of nosing around your house. I could even pick out my dresser drawer.”
This human. “You’re not moving into my house.”
“That’s fine, we can move into mine,” Finn teases.
“The only roommate I need is my dog.”
“Well, it won’t be long before he loves me more than you. I’m sorry to break the news to you.”
“You just like him because he’s tall enough for you to ride.”
“Kind of sounds like you’re jealous,” he says with a wink.
I do not want Finn to ride me. Nope. He might be cute but no. Although… fuck, now I’m thinking of his lithe body naked on my lap.
“Ooh? You’re thinking about me riding you now, aren’t you?” he asks with that cocky grin of his.
Stop thinking about this. Stop! “I just… it makes me cringe thinking about it. I even get this bad taste in my mouth.”
“That’s probably because you haven’t brushed your teeth yet.”
“No… I really don’t think that’s it.”
“Hmm… I feel like you’re lying to me, but I’ll let you get away with it. This once. Because you know, deep in your loins, that I’m right.”
I sigh, wondering why I’m even debating this. “There’s nothing going on in my loins.” There might be something going on in my loins but it sure as hell won’t lead to anything.