Page 71 of Thicker than Blood
I’m jolted backward in my seat as it feels like my body resets itself. How unpleasant. I blink, glancing around the room, truly confused.
“What is going on?”
Geordi exhales. “Memory loss. Hopefully it’s temporary.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It seems like the antidote knocked out your memory of recent events. I need to make a note of that.”
I study Geordi for a moment, my thoughts in a cloudy haze, but then the clouds part and memories rush back. The vaccine. Ronald. I kidnapped Geordi. I chuckle. How amusing.
“Ah. It seems my memory is back.”
“Mine too,” Jagger grunts.
“Your vaccine unlocked my truest self.” I cup Geordi’s chin. “Make a note of that, darling. It makes the vampires more vampire, if you will.”
“Super.” He groans, sitting back in his seat. “So if Ronald gave it to a bunch of people and vampires feed on those people…”
“We’re about to have a hot mess on our hands,” Enyo says.
CHAPTER 21
Geordi
“See? This is exactly why I follow rules. I broke them and now look what’s happened. I’m so fucked.”
“Now, now, darling. Everything is fixable.” Elias lifts my hand and kisses my palm. His eyes are clear again and his fangs retracted, but he’s still behaving a little too adoringly. “I’ll help you.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling normal?”
He nods. “Perfectly fine.”
The scent of sizzling meat reaches my nose, and Benicio enters the dining room carrying a large silver platter. He sets it on the table, delivering plates to me and Enyo with a large steak and sautéed spinach on each.
My stomach rumbles with hunger and I dig right in, temporarily distracted from the drama of my situation. Benicio watches me with expectant eyes.
“It’s really good.” I take another bite of steak. “Like, best steak ever.”
Benicio preens, puffing his chest out slightly. “I’m pleased you like it.”
Elias leans toward me, scooping spinach onto his finger then, shockingly, offering the finger to me to eat from. I do it, clearly making him happy with my compliance.
“I enjoy watching you eat,” he says. “I can sense your blood fortifying itself and making sure you’re healthy.”
“Because you want my blood?”
“Of course I want your blood, but it does me no good if you’re unwell. More importantly, your health matters to me.”
“Why?” I bite into another piece of perfectly cooked medium ribeye.
“Because you’re my consort. My companion.” He nibbles on the tip of my index finger. “And when you’re ready, I’ll make you mine for eternity.”
Jagger makes a choking sound, scrunching his face up. “Gods.”
“What?” Enyo asks, cutting a piece of his steak. “You seem shocked.”
“Only that Elias Caswell, supreme vampire that he is, wishes to turn a lover. How novel.”