She sensed Viktor’s presence before she saw him. Not hearing even one footstep, she assumed he’d done his vampire thing, reappearing out of thin air. She laughed at the thought of it, refusing to think about the reality of the situation.
The scent of food filled the air and she rolled over, taking in the beautiful sight of him. With the body of a Greek god, tanned and hot as fuck, he strode across the room, exuding confidence and sexual magnetism. From his broad, muscular chest to his ripped abs, his physique outrivaled any of the thousand fitness enthusiasts she’d witnessed working out on the beach in San Diego.
Without a stitch of clothing, he winked at her and placed a large gold tray onto the coffee table. “Come eat.”
Viktor reached for an open bottle of red wine and poured it into a large, royal blue goblet. He set it down and reached for a crystal decanter. As he poured the crimson liquid into the second glass, Waverly assumed it to be blood.
Viktor reached for a throw blanket, spreading it onto the large black sofa, creating the perfect picnic. Waverly tugged a silk sheet from the bed and wrapped it around her body and then slid onto the couch.
“Voilà. Human food.” He set a plate in front of her, placed the food onto it and gestured to the table.
“Po Boys?” Her mouth watered at the sight of the delicious sandwiches, brimming with shrimp.
“Yes, cher,” he replied in his best Cajun accent. Viktor reached for a second throw blanket and made quick work of wrapping it around his hips. He reached for a goblet, extending it to her. “Come now, eat something. I plan to take care of my lovely human as if she were a rare flower. I shall make love to her, water and feed her.”
“A flower?” She laughed as she accepted the glass, examining the unique golden stem that had been molded in the shape of a nude woman. “This is, um, interesting. I’ve never seen wine glasses like these.”
“Yes. It’s a set. Adam and Eve and whatnot. Fit to hold the forbidden fruit.”
“I thought that was an apple, not grapes.”
“Apple. Grape. What’s the difference really?”
“Quite a bit,” she laughed.
“Do we really know it was an apple? Was anyone there? Only the Goddess knows.” He held his glass up to her in a toast. “To the most enchanting human I’ve ever met.”
“I’m sure that can’t be true.”
“You most certainly are. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“Well, you’re the most intriguing vampire I know.” Waverly melted inside, her cheeks flushing. “I think it’s safe to say you were right…we’re more than friends.”
“Lovers,” he corrected.
“Lovers,” she repeated in a whisper as she brought the rim to her lips, attempting to conceal her blooming feelings. Dark tones of cherry and chocolate danced over her tongue. She moaned in delight. “Merlot?”
“Pinot Noir.”
“What are you drinking?” Waverly regretted the question as soon as she asked. What is wrong with you? The man needs to eat. It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter.
Viktor smiled. “I’m having blood. Nourishing, I assure you. But I’ll share your wine if it’s an issue.”
“What happens if you don’t drink it?” She inwardly cringed realizing she probably shouldn’t ask him details, but curiosity won over manners. “I’m sorry. It’s—”
“I weaken. Just as you would if you didn’t drink water or eat food. The life blood sustains the magick of our species. Some of us can sustain ourselves using wolf blood. It’s rare but happens. Same with witches. Luca. He’s in my brother’s line. He married a witch.” Viktor glanced to her sandwich and changed the subject. “You need to eat.”
“I’m sorry, yes. I’m starving.”
“One’s roast beef. One’s shrimp. I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”
“Both are perfect, thank you. This looks amazing.” She reached for the shrimp po boy, attempting to eat gracefully. As she brought it to her mouth and bit into it, she moaned, the delightful flavors dancing over her tongue. “Hmm…this is delicious.”
“I go to this little place down in the Business district. Rafe likes it.” Viktor handed her a black linen napkin, which she accepted.
“How long has Rafe been with you?”
“A few months.” Viktor glanced at his glass. “I don’t have any other children in my line. It’s never been my thing. But the wolf…he’d been injured during a fight. Long story short. He’s alive but he’s hybrid. And he’s my responsibility now.”
Waverly nodded without asking any other questions and took another bite of her food. Although she wondered how he was turned, she didn’t want to pry any further. After a few awkward minutes of silence, she glanced up to find him staring at her. “I’m sorry I’m stuffing my face.” She laughed, embarrassed.
He smiled. “It’s fine. Please eat.”
“Do you want some? I know you don’t usually eat food, but—”
“I’m fine with this.” He lifted his glass to her.
Waverly gave a small smile. How long had it been since Viktor had given up on humans, on his own humanity? “I would love it if you ate with me.”
She turned toward him, crossing her legs underneath her. She glanced at the po boy then to him. “It’s just…well, I don’t know if you remember. But eating a meal with someone. Sharing. It’s more than just sustenance. It brings people together. It’s family. It’s intimacy.”
Viktor shrugged. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve lived like this?”
“I’ve seen you…in my visions,” she whispered.
“Tell me, pet. What do you see?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“I saw everything.” Waverly licked her lips, her voice shaking. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve had visions. They were blocked. But with you, it’s like they pour into my head. It’s as if I’m flipping through a photo album one minute with snippets of audio and video. When it first happened to me, I was really freaked out. But the more it happens with you, the more I’m getting used to it. I can’t explain it. It’s like I’m seeing you without being there. It makes me feel closer to you.”
“And you wanted this? To feel closer?”
“You know I didn’t, at first. But now? I’ve never felt like this. And I don’t know what this is. I just know that I’m not scared of you. I know I said I’d never see a vampire but—”
“Date a vampire. You said you’d never date a vampire.” He chuckled.
“I don’t know if what we are doing would qualify to be called dating. But what we just did…it was amazing.” A broad smile broke across her face. “And it made me feel good. And I want to do it again. But I also want you to—”
“Eat with you?”
“It’s stupid. Forget it.”
“My lovely Waverly. You’re not stupid. What you are is human.” He smiled with a nod and reached for her wrist. With his gaze locked on hers, Viktor slowly brought the food to his mouth, bit down and licked his lips. “Tasty, indeed.”