“I’m not some damsel in distress in need of saving, Cassius.” She said his name with poignant clarity.
“I know.” His voice was soft and warm, like blankets straight from the dryer.
“His thrall was intoxicating. I’ve never felt anything like it. It was heavy and I couldn’t move...” The honesty in her voice was undeniable. She continued her way around the room. She needed to keep moving, to keep thinking.
“He mentioned you, by the way. I don’t suppose you’ll tell me how you know him.” She turned her head to look at Cassius, who stood in the corner where she’d left him, looking like a goddamn snack. Her stomach rumbled and she closed her eyes in annoyance.
“We should get you something to eat.” He completely ignored her comment.
“Not until you tell me what the hell is going on.” She crossed her arms.
“Fine.” He sighed.
Ava didn’t know how to respond. She had never gotten a straight answer out of him—about anything.
Chapter Ten
Ava watched as Cassius started the coffee pot and opened the refrigerator, the light casting an ethereal glow on him.
“Do you even have food in there suitable for mortals?” she prodded.
“You know very well that we are capable of eating food, although it does not sustain us.” He turned his gaze to her briefly as he shut the door.
She took note of the items in his hands: bread, eggs, milk, a container of strawberries and butter.
Cassius turned to the black granite countertop. She watched as he opened cupboards and pulled out several bowls and plates. He padded his way around the kitchen, gathering utensils, and Ava had to admit it wasn’t a bad view. The way the jeans hugged his legs, the holes and frays eliciting slivers of perfectly clear, fair skin...
She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the thoughts. “So, are you going to tell me what the hell Octavius means by settling a territory dispute?” Cassius dipped a piece of bread in batter, never turning away from his concentration—she didn’t mince words. His answer was plain but solid. “After you eat.”
Ava scowled, attempting to look over with interest. “What are you making?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see, my sweet Avarice.”
She could see his smile stretch, exposing just a hint of fang. Her stomach flipped and she swallowed. What the hell was wrong with her?
It has to be the mark. Nothing more. Why am I so damn warm all of a sudden?
She placed her palms on the cool granite island, hoping it would kill her rising temperature. Maybe she really did need to eat. Or perhaps it was the remnants of Octavius’s thrall—she’d never been thralled by a master vamp before. It certainly had nothing to do with the barefoot, sexy vampire making her breakfast out in the middle of nowhere.
“Why do you insist on calling me that? That’s not my name, you know.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, exposing her neck just slightly.
“Why do you insist on calling me Cas? That’s not my name.” He flipped the bread on the skillet with perfect ease. The sound of sizzling butter and the scent of sweet sugar and cream filled her senses as the coffee pot buzzed.
“Because it’s a hell of a lot easier to say than Cassius. Besides, it sounds better. Not like some ancient Roman god from the dawn of time.”
She watched in awe as Cassius managed to pour her a cup of coffee, mix in the cream and complete cooking the French toast—all in absolute perfection—as if he was the host of a daytime cooking show. He sliced several strawberries and layered them on top of the sweet bread, setting the plate and cup in front of her.
“Bon appétit.” He smiled.
Ava couldn’t deny the flutter in her heart, but it was probably just her stomach. The French toast looked quite amazing after all.
***
Ava moaned in delight as she finished the last bite of breakfast. It was the best French toast she’d ever had. Of course, it would be as sinfully delicious as the vampire who made it.
“I didn’t know you could cook world-class delights.” She took a sip of coffee. It was heavenly.
“There are many things you don’t know about me because you’ve never asked.” Cassius settled down on the barstool next to her, his feet barely touching the metal rings as he swiveled back and forth.
Weren’t vampires supposed to be still, stoic creatures? Perhaps this one didn’t get the memo.
Ava sighed. “You never give me a straight answer.” She narrowed her eyes skeptically.
He swiveled once again, the movement bringing his arm just close enough to touch hers, yet...
“Octavius means to challenge me for territory I staked a claim on.” He looked at her, his golden hair falling into his eyes, casting a dark shadow over his features.
“Your territory?” Ava took another sip of coffee, waiting for him to continue. She raised an eyebrow.
“Seven years ago, when I marked you...” He closed his eyes.
Ava knew it was a touchy subject for the both of them. Cassius preferred not to talk about it, yet hearing his words, she could have sworn it made her wrist flare with heat.
“I was on Boracelli territory, that night at the party.” He opened his eyes and continued, “I shouldn't have been there in the first place but...” His face looked pained. “By marking you, I staked a claim—not on just you.”
“On their land.” Ava understood. Then asked in confusion, “But you’re not a master?” Another voice chimed in, “No, he’s not a master but he’s pretty high up in the ranking, sweet cheeks.”
Ava turned to see a muscular, dark-skinned man with a megawatt smile and long, shimmering black hair. Black tattoos sprawled up his arms and his eyes shone like fossilized amber.
The woman who stood next to him was tall with a perfectly sun kissed tan and long brownish-blonde hair tied into a long braid. Her facial features were striking, her eyes bright cerulean, her lips thick and pouty. Ava felt her self-esteem plummet. They had to be Tajiri and Jasmine, the owners of the voices she’d heard earlier.
“He’s an Aurelia.” Jasmine’s voice was crisp as a ringing bell.
Ava’s eyes widened at the name. It couldn’t be...
“You’re an Aurelia? How come you never said anything?” Ava blinked in surprise and almost wavered on her stool. The Aurelias were like an urban legend among vampires, rumored to all have the ability to sire newborn vampires, which was usually only afforded to a select few. They generally ended up becoming masters, due to said ability. It was also rumored they could reproduce in the traditional sense—although no evidence existed to confirm such claims.
“You never asked.” Cassius shrugged as if it was no more important than the weather forecast.
“Pretty sure that’s first date material. Right after ‘do I have permission to bite you?’ Did I mention I’m part of a highly regarded, legendary coven of vampires?” Ava regarded him with a glare as she spoke.
“I didn’t think it mattered. It’s not like I was bringing you home to meet the folks or anything.” Cassius spoke with sarcasm and turned away from her piercing stare.
Ava felt her blood boil and she gripped her coffee cup tighter.