Over the chatter from other patrons, Morgaine had made introductions. Mikhail seemed like an affable fellow. Tall, dark, and aristocratic but without the arrogant air he’d expected from the older, more experienced vampire.
“Tell me how you like it.” He nodded toward Sly’s glass.
He took a sip. The smooth red wine slid down his throat and was like nothing he’d ever tasted. A moment later, his blood thirst was gone!
“Amazing,” he breathed. “I feel—better.” He glanced around the restaurant to be sure no one could overhear. “Is it always like that? Instantaneous, I mean?”
Mikhail shrugged one shoulder. “It depends. If you haven’t fed for a while, it might take longer. And if you have to spend prolonged periods in sunlight, you’ll probably need more. But be careful. It’s potent.”
Sly swirled what was in his glass. “Have you ever gotten drunk on it?”
Mikhail grinned. “Tipsy maybe, but not drunk.”
Sly took another tentative sip and smiled.A cure! At last!“Are there any other things I should know? Will it sap my strength or dull my senses?”
“No. That’s why it’s so popular among our kind. It removes the negative effects of our condition, while allowing us to keep the positive.”
Sly shook his head in wonder. “It’s a miracle.”
“You might still need sunglasses and sunscreen. I imagine it’s been a long time since you’ve been exposed to sunlight.”
He sighed. “Twenty-six years.”
“Only twenty-six?” Mikhail didn’t appear to be joking or sardonic.
The waiter returned with Morgaine’s herbal tea. She had been studying the menu and was probably starving after all day in the hotel room.
“Would the lady like to order?” he asked.
“Yes, please. I’ll have the coq au vin, spring greens with the house dressing on the side, and do you bring rolls or bread to the table first?”
He grinned. “Only the best warm wheat rolls in the world.”
She licked her lips. “Hurry.”
The waiter bowed slightly and rushed off.
Sly chuckled. “Hungry?”
“Famished.”
Mikhail crossed his arms. “Aren’t you taking care of my dear, old friend?”
Sly saddened. “I would have, but I’m afraid sunrise snuck up on me this morning. Had I thought of it before I passed out on the floor, I’d have urged her to order room service.” He took her hand. “Why didn’t you?”
“I didn’t want to add any charges to the bill since you’d paid up front and didn’t have a credit card.”
“Oh, sweetheart…”
The waiter returned with a small basket of rolls that smelled freshly baked. He set a tiny crock of butter in front of her, and she dove into the appetizer.
“How do you two know each other?” Mikhail asked.
“We live in the same apartment building. Our friendship goes back to the night she moved in—what was it, nine years ago?”
“Ey,” she mumbled with her mouth full.
The guys chuckled.
