Page 105 of The Immortal’s Mark

My heart thunders against my ribs, and the unsettling thought that whatever “place” Gregory’s being reminded of has something to do with me.

26

DARCIE

If you would have told me a powerful vampire and confident were-beast would have a harder time picking a place to eat than my childhood best friend who was notorious for her “selective eating preference” as she called it, I would’ve called you crazy.

It seems Paige has gotten over her initial hangups around interacting with vampires. And now I’m suffering for it.

“How about there?” I point at the all-American café on the corner.

We sit in a blue Jeep, idling at a red light. I’m driving with Gregory in the passenger seat, and Paige is in the back. Apparently, Alex rented the vehicle for my use while the rest of the team uses the SUVs for their surveillance. It is newer than my Jeep back home, but it’s nice to be in a familiar vehicle.

“I don’t know.” Paige leans forward to stare through the windshield, eyes narrowed. “It looks kind of sketchy.”

I suppress a groan.

We’ve spent the past fifteen minutes circling the restaurant district closest to the safehouse, turning down place after place, and my stomach is starting to eat itself.

“What does that even mean?” Gregory asks.

“It means that it looks unsafe. And gross. I bet you they barely pass the health code.”

Gregory rolls his eyes. “This community is full of million-dollar homes. There is no way any restaurant would still be standing if it wasn’t up to par.”

“Whatever. I’m not eating there.”

The light turns green. I press the gas and pass the café before they can argue long enough for me to miss the next turn. “Can we decide on something soon, please? I’m starving.”

“It’s not my fault you friend is picky,” Gregory mutters.

“I’m picky?” Paige scoffs. “Do you even eat?”

“Guys,” I interrupt with a whine. “Please choose something.”

“Alright, alright.” Paige huffs, still leaning between the front seats. “How about there?”

She points to the right, her arm extending directly in front of Gregory’s face.

For a split second, his lips pull back, teeth flashing.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

“Fine,” he bites out.

“Great!” I flick on my right blinker and switch lanes before either of them can change their mind. The Jeep rolls into the parking lot and stops beside a tall palm tree.

We climb out and head toward the popular chain restaurant.

“Of all the unique restaurants in Florida…” Gregory shakes his head as we walk.

“Whatever.” Paige flips her hair over her shoulder. “It’s not like you’re going to eat anyway. The menu doesn’t have anything for your diet.”

Another laugh escapes me as a snort.

I cover my mouth with my hand.

Gregory’s gaze swings to me in mock outrage.