Page 11 of Awakened Light

Everyone laughed again, but Emilia pursed her lips together and gave me a soft smile. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I was really hoping it would.”

I sucked the air through my teeth and shrugged. “Love is just not in the cards for me, I guess.”

“Mark and I will take you out this week,” Annella said. “Our single arses can commiserate together.”

“You know what? I’ll take you up on that. I could use a little time in the city after living on an island with no technology for the past few days.”

“Party time!” Mark clapped.

“What? I’m not invited?” Emilia asked with a pout.

He crossed his arms and shook his head. “Nope, sorry, boo. Singles only this time. You couples can stay here in your happy couple bubbles while us singles go shake our asses at the club and break some hearts.”

“Works for me.” Aiden lifted her hand to his lips. Emilia lit up like a light, and I wondered if Catrain would light up the same if I kissed her hand.

Good God, man! Get your shit together!

I started to sound like a lovesick teenager the way I continued pining for the woman I couldn’t have.

And the only woman I’d ever really wanted.

After centuries of casual flings and light-hearted affairs, Catrain was the first woman to really intrigue me in a way deeper than meaningless sex. She challenged me and pushed me. Her wit and intellect were as intoxicating as her obvious beauty. The connection I felt with her was something I’d never experienced before. A deeper connection than anything I’d ever known... an unexplainable pull that felt impossible to resist.

Though somehow, she’d managed to resist it when she’d sent me packing.

“How was everything while I was gone?” I asked, hoping to change the topic to one that didn’t make my heart hurt. “Did you guys just hang around here and practice your new abilities?” I asked, directing the question at Emilia.

“Pretty much. Aiden and I hung out by the pool every day, then every night, these guys would help me hone my new skills. I’m getting good at focusing my hearing now. And soon, they will find me some humans so I can practice my influencing.”

“You need to focus harder on your racing skills so I can get some competition around here. You know, cuz I’m fast,” Mark teased. “Greased lightning.”

“Give it a couple weeks and we’ll be kicking your ass. And in the meantime, we have sunshine and margaritas to console us.” Aiden waggled his eyebrows, lifted his glass and clinked it to Emilia’s.

“Dick,” Mark said, then burst into laughter as they each took a long, exaggerated swig.

“Well, I’m so happy to see everyone doing so well.” I pressed my hands to my thighs and stood. “But I haven’t had plumbing for days, and I could really go for a long, hot shower. You guys enjoy the evening, and I’ll catch up with you later.”

“We’ll see you soon,” Lothaire said as I started away. “Tomorrow, we need to talk about Clan Lennox. There is rumbling that Leeya and her brother Leith are considering making a move for power. We need to look into it and find out if there’s any merit and squash their rebellion if there is.”

“Leeya? Again?” Mark huffed. “I hate that crazy chick. Coocoo for Cocoa Puffs. Seriously.”

“Me, too,” Aiden grumbled. “I should have killed her when I had a chance.”

Emilia shook her head and placed her hand on his. “You did the right thing letting her live. I don’t want anyone dying on my account.”

“Let’s hope it was,” Aiden said. “I warned her what would happen if she caused any trouble.”

“Clan Lennox is always causing trouble.” Annella glared. “I think it’s time you let me loose on them to put an end to their rebellions once and for all. It needs to stop.”

“We’ll discuss it tomorrow,” Lothaire said. “But I agree. They are pushing for a movement to allow the kidnapping and harvesting of humans. The idea is spreading, and they know I’m the thing that stands in their way.”

“That’s disgusting!” Emilia gasped. “Using humans like cattle?”

Grizella nodded. “Yes. There are vampires out there like Clan Lennox, who believe humans are nothing more than food. They don’t care if they get discovered, because vampires united against humans could wipe out entire countries in weeks. But we believe in a quiet coexistence and never keeping humans as slaves. It’s worked for centuries, so there’s no need to change things now.”

I nodded my agreement. “Then we’ll make sure they remember who makes the rules. I’ll meet with you tomorrow, and we’ll make a plan to handle them.”

Everyone said their goodbyes, and I started toward the house. Before I could reach the door, Aiden flashed in front of me and placed a hand on my shoulder.