Page 68 of Thicker than Blood
“Except I can’t leave.”
“Except that.” I brush my fingers across his cheek. “You are so lovely. I can’t believe I didn’t know you existed. It’s because you stay in your lab like a studious little mouse.”
“Plenty of vampires know I exist. You didn’t because you stayed in your pleasure palace.”
Chuckling, I brush his hair from his forehead. “A fair observation. Come now, my prize. You need to eat.”
“I’ll eat, but I really need to work after that.”
“Whatever you desire.”
“Except leaving.”
His insistence on this topic pricks at my skin. “Why do you desire to leave me? Am I unkind? Do you fear me?”
His heart rate picks up as his nostrils flare. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“Then why do you want to leave?”
“It’s not that I want to. It’s just weird to be held captive, and I’m used to working in my lab.”
“I will build you a better lab. As for being a captive, you are far safer here than anywhere else. No one would dare harm you now that I’ve claimed you.”
“Claimed me?”
“You are my consort, as I’ve told you many times.”
“Right.” He scratches the back of his head as his belly rumbles again. “Food would help.”
Smiling, I nod. “Of course. Freshen up and join me downstairs in the dining room.”
I force myself away from my lovely mortal, motivated by the fresh desire to provide him with nutrition. Had he been better nourished, I would’ve feasted on him while he slept, but he needs to restore himself.
I find Benicio in the study, dusting already sparkling furniture. He looks up at me and nods.
“Sir?”
“I need a steak for the mortal. Spinach too. He’s low on iron.”
“I had a variety of food delivered. I can make a steak. And for you?”
“I’m fine. How are Jagger and the other mortal?”
“Quiet for now. Perhaps asleep.”
“I’m very much awake,” Jagger says, joining us. He’s dressed in only a pair of low-slung sweatpants. Quickly fading scratches decorate his chest and shoulders. “Are we making food for the mortals?”
I nod. “Yes. Mine is anemic and dehydrated. Yours?”
“I did not feed this time. He’s not well but he’s doing better now.”
“Judging from the marks on your flesh, he seems quite well.”
Jagger grins. “He had some pent-up energy to release. He’ll be down in a moment.”
“Benicio will prepare steak and vegetables.”
Geordi’s scent tickles my nose as he enters the room shyly. My long-dormant heart flutters in my chest at the mere sight of him. The urge to carry him back to my room and keep him there is strong, but he must eat first.