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Chapter 11

Aweek had passed since they had sensed the Cheld’s presence, and to Lawrence’s surprise, Kenton seemed more worried about the Derrickson descendant than he himself felt. Perhaps because the Cheld in question had to also be a distant relative of Alessandra’s. His former nemesis had asked no less than ten times about his siblings’ progress in finding the man or woman since his own were not speaking to him. Repeated attempts to reach out to Laria and Torr had resulted in nothing more than “We’re on it” and “Stop worrying.”

It was maddening.

It had also been a week since Lawrence last saw Toni. It had gone slowly, miserably, but at least he’d made strides toward opening his bar. He’d met with Robert Davis, who was every bit the bastard he was purported to be. He’d not fault a man for wanting to grow his wealth, but one that did so at the expense of everything else in his life, or at the expense of others . . . Lawrence had no patience for that sort of man.

For a man who had once led a small army of warriors, it was a very different life. A very small life. And he loved it.

“Now that’s a sight.”

He could sense Alessandra coming up behind him.

“Kenton would surely love to hear that you were admiring my ass, Allie.”

He stopped in front of The Creamery and waited for her to catch up to him. The smell of waffle cones wafted from inside, courtesy of its strategically open front door.

“First, I wasn’t talking about your ass. And second, you’re one of like three people who have the distinct pleasure of calling me that, so don’t ruin it.”

Chuckling, he started walking once again.

“Heading home?” he asked.

“I am. Feel like coming over for a drink?”

“Sure, why not.”

She took a good long look at him and started snickering.

He couldn’t help but smile back. “Are you amused that I accepted your invitation?”

“Noooo. It’s just . . . you. With groceries. You have to admit it’s kind of funny.”

He lowered his voice for her ears only. “Vampire and all, you mean.”

“Exactly. I’m trying to imagine Kenton at the grocery store.”

Even he had to laugh at that image. Her fiancé did enjoy the finer things, always had. His own brother, Torr, was much the same way.

“You can afford a housekeeper . . . ,” she started.

“No, thank you.”

Alessandra shrugged. “Suit yourself. But I’ll admit Mary is nice to have around. You wouldn’t have to put those groceries away all by yourself.”

“Mary’s a gem,” he said, stepping over a gap in the sidewalk. “But I only tease Kenton about stealing her because I enjoy teasing him. I’ve had my share of servants, maids, and butlers over the years. I’m perfectly content keeping company with myself—”

“In that great big house?”

They walked past the courthouse and through the alleyway that led to a set of concrete stairs.

“Exactly.”

At the top of the stairs, they turned onto their street.

“Have you heard anything yet?” Alessandra asked.

He didn’t need to ask what she meant. “Nothing. I’m assuming he or she is on the run. I can still feel their presence.”