Page 75 of The Vampire Oracle
The day went on with us ignoring what had happened. No more sex comments were made, no more implying, and no more vampire talk.
Right before the end of the day, I watched as the others began packing their stuff. I sat in the middle of the ring, leaning on my hands. My body ached, and I couldn’t exactly get myself up anymore.
“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned,” a familiar voice hit my ears. My eyes searched and I found the pale, gothic Father Nero moving inside the gym. “Hello, little mouse.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hello, guy who can’t make cookies.”
He chuckled, leaning on the ropes of the ring. “Father Theron kicking your ass or teaching you something?”
“Just kicking my ass,” I chuckled. Last time I saw him, it was at the academy when I left him behind to die. Now he still looked at me the same way, even though I could have stayed behind and helped him. He looked the same, pale skin, black hair pulled into a bun, tattoos climbing his neck and hands, piercings everywhere. He looked more like a vampire than Theron did. “I’m glad you’re okay.”
Slowly I get to my feet, groaning. I moved to him, head tilting back to look up at him.
“I’m sorry I left you.”
“No matter who you are and how strong you are, you’re still a lower rank. I would have done it either way, Psalmy. I do miss the cookies, so please apologize for that,” he said, split tongue running over his lips.
Heat blazed in my stomach as I smiled at him. “I’ll make it up to you.”
He nodded. “You better.”
“You know Father Nero?” Theron’s voice had me looking over.
I wanted to sigh. Can’t he go back to Miren and his constant flirting? I was watching, laughing to myself. She had no chance with any of my men.
“Yeah, he was at the academy when…” I started, but my voice trailed.
“Also, I like to sneak in and get some cookies.”
Theron rolled his eyes. “One day, you’ll get into trouble.”
Nero shrugged, glancing at me. “I haven’t yet.”
I shook my head, rolling my eyes. “Going to get me into trouble, Father.” I ducked under the rope, and when I looked up, he was closer than I thought.
“I would never get you into trouble, Psalmy,” He smirked. “Not too much trouble anyways.”
I scoffed, about to grab my shit, but Nero touched my wrist lightly.
“I came here because I heard you were here working. I’m glad you are okay, and I just wanted to say, if you ever need anything, let me know.”
My eyes met his dark gaze. This was the first time I knew he was serious and genuine. “Thank you, Father.”
He gave me a nod. I grabbed my shit, ignoring the glare that Theron gave Nero. Nero was oblivious or… just tried to be. He smiled at Theron before leaving.
Soon it was only me and Theron alone in the gym. I stood with my bag and jolted when I hadn’t realized that he was this close to me.
“Stay away from Nero,” Theron hissed.
I cocked a brow. “You failed to realize I’m not going to listen to you.”
He grabbed my wrist to stop me. My eyes moved to it before going up to his face. “I’m serious. He’s trouble.”
I rolled my eyes, pulling my hand from him. “You might be a father, but you’re not my dad. Have a good day, Father Theron. See you tomorrow.”
He growled, so I left him there growling. I texted Briar, trying to find him or figure out who was taking me home.
“Hello, beautiful,” Beck’s voice made my body melt. I twisted to him as he moved toward me. “Ready to go home?”