Page 130 of Vampire's Choice
Is that a command?
If it was, would you defy me just to enjoy my reaction?
She could let herself have the spike of desire his response gave her. The arousal another vampire could detect didn’t have an orientation attached to it. Ruth nodded.
“Thank you, my lady. You honor us.”
Kaela smiled, seemingly easy again. “Would you like to have some time to yourselves before the meal? You’re welcome to wander the house and grounds. The beach is beautiful this time of night. For a meal with the three of us, you can change into more comfortable clothing if you prefer. Let’s be less on guard and formal, if that’s possible for our kind. You’re welcome to call me Kaela.”
The words seemed honest. Even more perplexing, in Kaela’s gaze there was a strange…vulnerability? Ruth felt a pull toward the woman, as if a hand was being offered, and all she had to do was clasp it before…what?
The thought made Ruth want to bolt for the door. She had to put effort into keeping her ass in the chair.
Ruth.
It’s okay. Don’t react.
Kaela had Lady Lyssa’s support, but she was also an overlord. One of their jobs was identifying and punishing any breach of vampire law.
What’s the concern, Ruth?
I think she knows, Merc. Knows what I am. And I don’t know why she’s calling it out.
Lady Lyssa sent you here to gather information. Do you think she was setting you up to expose that secret?
The idea was painful and shocking, and it didn’t match what she knew of Lady Lyssa. But was her view colored by her memories of the most powerful vampire in the world bouncing Ruth on her knee?
Still, the Trad issue was far more important. Ruth couldn’t see Lyssa getting sidetracked by something as insignificant as outing a weaker vampire with submission tendencies.
This was why Mal hated dealing with vampire politics. Their games give me fucking migraines.
Ruth steadied herself. Even if Kaela knew something, Ruth’s behavior would confirm or deny it. She needed to pull her shit together and remember every lesson she’d learned to prepare for being in the company of vampires like this.
Plus, the Trad issue was a more important issue to her as well. Once they got past it, Clara might consider the solution that could save her life. That took priority over Ruth’s crazy fears.
“Of course. Thank you,” Ruth said courteously. “Though your rank doesn’t require the invitation, you’re welcome to call me Ruth. The ‘Lady’ thing has never felt like a good fit. My father deserves a title far more, though he would be horrified if anyone gave him one.”
“From the pleasure of my few meetings with your father, I would agree.” Kaela’s expression softened a blink before it held polite reserve, with the right touch of courtesy and warmth. “Lady Yvette mentioned you had some interest in my background, my human years? I can answer questions at dinner, if you like.”
“I like history,” Ruth said. “Vampires carry around a lot of it. But I don’t want to stir up bad memories. It took my father a long time to share his experiences, during and after the Trail of Tears.”
But he had. Including how his mother sacrificed her life for him. I forgot the name my mother gave me, Ruth. Don’t ever let anyone take something that precious from you.
Kaela’s expression had shadowed, her eyes thoughtful. “Your kindness is appreciated. There are things too painful to recount for a pleasant dinner, but so much happened then, there are plenty of other topics to explore.” Her attention returned to Merc. “I’d be interested in your history as well, my lord. Whatever you are willing to share.”
Merc didn’t speak right away, though his gaze held hers in a lock. As the silence drew out, a slight flush tinged Kaela’s cheeks and her lips tightened. “I apologize if I offended you by asking.”
“You didn’t. I just haven’t decided. Let’s see what answers dinner provides.”
Merc rose and offered Ruth his hand. Bemused, she put hers in it and let him draw her to her feet. “We’ll go check out the beach.”
Merc took them to the nearest exit, a set of glass doors leading into a side garden. It had an iron bench and he stepped up on it, sliding an arm around Ruth’s waist. It was getting easier to anticipate the liftoff and move with him. As he flew out over the cliff face, she thought it was a spectacular way to experience that view, the salt-laden ocean air lifting her hair and touching her face, his arms around her.
When he landed, he’d chosen a stretch of beach out of sight of the house. The moon had gone behind clouds, leaving the tumultuous surf a dark and heaving living thing. She wouldn’t have minded if he kept flying all the way to the Mexican border, because she didn’t want to address what he’d gone away from the house to handle. She was starting to feel foolish. She’d overreacted.
“I’m okay,” she insisted. “I don’t need coddling.”
Is that why you think I’ve brought you here?