Once I have control of myself again, I brace my hands on the back of my armchair. “I will offer a spare bedroom in my unoccupied wing to Audrey, along with the options of Aurelius’s home, and Pierre’s attic. The decision of where she wants to stay will remain Audrey’s.”
I fight against the smile threatening to make an appearance at the thought of Audrey picking me over the other males. My home is much bigger than Aurelius’s, never mind Pierre’s tiny attic.
Surely size has to matter in this case?
The committee, and Katie, agree that this is the best course of action and that Audrey’s choice should be prioritized.
While the conversation drifts into the upcoming craft night at The Dancing Daisy, Calla shoots me a curious glance and leans a little closer to me. “I’m not going to ask you any questions about that spark in your eye, but I am going to suggest you keep your wits about you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply neutrally, clasping my hands together in an effort not to fidget.
A soft laugh puffs out of Calla. “Sure you don’t. I’ll order extra sunscreen just in case the need for more daily walks suddenly arises. And blood bags.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Why?”
“In case you find your hunger levels suddenly increased,” Calla says with a knowing grin.
“I—”
There are only two reasons for vampires to have heightened levels of hunger—violence or sex.
I have no need for violence on this peaceful island, but sex…
Pierre and Katie fly off while the ladies bid me farewell and thank me for my willingness to open my home. Then, they walk arm in arm into the early afternoon light while I remain safely indoors.
Annamae pauses on a bend in the road and winks, then conjures up a big shrub bursting with scarlet roses.
I’m choosing not to analyze this, or the bouquet in my parlor, too much and to simply accept it as a generous gift from a dryad as a way to adorn an otherwise monotone palette.
After sunset, I find myself walking past the fragrant blooms, their scent scratching a part of me that doesn’t need itching, before I hurry my steps down the cobbled path leading to town.
Where the road forks, I take a deep breath as I contemplate my choices. I can either follow my usual routine and head directly into town to get my blood bags,orI can take the longer way and perhaps stroll past Bodin and Tilly’s home.
What I’m going to do there, I’m not sure. It’s not like I can simply march up to the door, see if Audrey is already there, and then offer her my home. Though, if she happened to be outside and we happened to coincidentally bump into each other, and the topic of her living situation came up in conversation, it would be only natural for me to offer it to her then.
Aye, that seems like a pretty good plan.
My steps feel light as I near the Terrals’ home and feminine laughter bubbles through the air, dancing over the hill before the quaint cottage with the yellow door comes into view.
In my plan, I had falsely assumed that Audrey would be alone with the Terrals, but it sounds like half the town’s females are gathered here.
My steps halt on the edge of the garden as Audrey’s voice spears through the dark. “Look, it’s not like my life is literally in danger. I’m just on a nice little holiday until it all blows over. It’ll be days, two weeks tops, then I’m out of your hair again. And until then, I have the privilege of getting to hang out with some of my favorite creatures in the world.”
There’s a reprimand in Tilly’s voice as she counters, “Audrey, there’s an actual crime ring out there who’s pissed off at you. You’re practically in a witness protection program right now. Excuse us if we don’t make light of the matter. We’re allowed to be concerned for you.”
Ice slices through my veins as realization of Audrey’s true predicament hits me, my throat tightening at the thought of her actually being in danger. That woman can be as cavalier about her situation as she wants to be, but while she’s here, onmyisland—even better,myhome—I’ll be sure she’s safe and protected, even from me.
I drift further behind the large hydrangea bush, making sure I’m properly obscured from view so I can glean whatever information I can about the threat to Audrey.
Seemingly on the same page as me, Eleanor speaks next, her voice warm and tender as she explains, “Shinsu is monitoring the coast and will remain on high alert while you’re in Starry Hill. Just know you are safe here.”
There are a couple of hums of agreement from the rest of the females, then Calixta drawls, “You’re going to be so bored on this island. I give you two days until you’re crawling out of your skin, ready to cause some mischief. Why don’t you come in for your nails tomorrow morning and I’ll give you a fresh set. It should keep you out of trouble for a little while.”
“Yes,” Eleanor echoes, the party’s mood now much lighter. “Then swing by The Dancing Daisy and get this month’s book club pick. It’s a deliciously smutty one about this gargoyle who—”
The words drown out and my vision flashes red at the thought of Audrey getting lustful for a gargoyle, of reading about them and all that they can do with their…
Audrey’s voice is a near purr, halting my racing thoughts. “Smutty? I’m in.”
