“Maybe be extra careful around him from now on then, yeah?”
“Yeah.” Jesse turned to look out the window, thoughts drifting back to Ian. “What did you want, anyway?”
She moved close and slipped her arms around his waist. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Oh.” Jesse grinned at her reflection. “Just like Peter.”
Lys pinched him hard, making him jump. “I am nothing like that arsehole.” She smirked. “For starters, I’m not trying to get in your pants.”
Jesse shuddered at the thought. “Stop it.”
She laughed. “Sorry.”
“And I’m fine, really.”
“You don’t seem fine.” Stepping back, she changed position so that she could see his face. Jesse reluctantly met her gaze. “I know I pushed you to end things with him, but that doesn’t mean I don’t sympathise with how much it can hurt.” She shrugged. “I’ve been there, remember. Some people—human or vampire—just affect us differently and it’s hard to let go. I think Ian was that for you.”
“Why though?” The thought still bothered him.
“Who knows? I’m sure there are books somewhere in Raph’s vast library if you really want to find out.”
Maybe he would. There were a lot of things he should probably know more about. “I don’t think it would be a bad idea to do a bit of research. You should join me.”
“Ugh. No thanks.” She flashed her fangs at him. “I know all I need to know. There are plenty of things I’d rather be doing than reading old books.”
Jesse had no doubt. “How are the twins?”
She elbowed him in the side. “Stop that. They’re not related.” She reached for his hand. “And they’re fine, thanks, but come on, we need to be downstairs. Raph wants everyone in the meeting room for when the VLCD arrive.”
Jesse groaned. He could really do without this fucking inspection.
“Don’t worry,” Lys said as she dragged him towards the door. “They won’t be here all night, and then you can go back to moping in your room.”
“I’m not moping,” he mumbled.
“Mhmm.” She paused before opening the door. “Whatever you’re feeling, try not to let it show when we get downstairs. You know how some of them can be. Especially Peter and his cronies.”
“Yeah, okay.”
She was right. He needed to hide his feelings better. They might be part of one big coven here, but some members had been wankers as humans, and they were still wankers now. Just with extra speed, strength, and a thirst for blood. With hunting off the menu now, they had to get their kicks in other ways.
He plastered on a smile. “Is this better?”
She patted him on the shoulder. “Much creepier. Perfect.”
“SO,” RAPH FINISHED up, arms crossed as he leant against the window. “Stay in the common areas while the VLCD complete their inspection. That means here, the games room, or the library.” Groans littered the room. No one wanted to be cooped up while the police roamed about the place. “I know none of you like this. I don’t like it either, but it’s necessary.”
Liam sat on the arm of the chair nearest Raph, dark eyes scanning the room, and Jesse wondered if Raph had asked him to watch out for anyone in particular.
“Remember,” Raph added. “The VLCD will have orders to shoot if they feel threatened at any time. Their bullets might not kill you but they cause excruciating pain, and you’ll be out of action for a good few days. And no one wants the headache that will come from an investigation. So please, stay in the designated areas.”
Jesse glanced over at Peter to try and gauge his reaction to this. He was deep in whispered conversation, but as though he felt Jesse’s eyes on him, his head snapped up. Their gazes met before Jesse could look away, and Peter’s knowing smirk made his skin crawl.
“They’ll be here shortly, so please decide where you want to spend the next few hours and go get comfy.”
“Where do you fancy?” Lys stretched her arms above her head, smiling in satisfaction as her bones cracked.
Jesse chanced a quick glance at Peter again, making sure he wasn’t paying them any attention, then leant in close to Lys and whispered, “How about the library?”
