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Vance waited until he closed the door before continuing. “Honestly? I don’t know how I’d feel. It’s still hard to think about the woman she’s become…to not see who she was before. She wasn’t always psychotic, you know. She has family—parents that are still alive and love her deeply. Despite what happened between us, I’ve stayed in contact with them. To this day, they treat me like family…like their son. If she’s dead, I’d have to tell them and I don’t want to deliver that kind of news. I guess I’ve always assumed they would pass away first since they’re human.”
I took a moment to absorb that. I didn’t know why I was so bothered that he remained in contact with his former in-laws. People ended marriages all the time and remained close with their ex’s family. I guess I’d never humanized Maria before then. I’d forgotten how young she was in vampire years, and that it was quite possible to have immediate family members that were still alive. In my mind, she’d always been a crazy bitch and Vance’s revelation forced me to see the bigger picture. Maybe there was a point in time when she had been a good person. Before she became obsessed with immortality.
“So you’re concerned for her parents…but how do you feel about it?”
He crinkled his brows. “Karli, the entire situation is pretty overwhelming. I wouldn’t say that I’d be happy she was gone, but I wouldn’t necessarily be upset either. If she died so you could live, that’s retribution in my eyes. What’s important is that we don’t assume she’s gone until we have proof. We can’t afford to underestimate her again, especially if this Connor guy truly is Khonsu. Maria’s nuts, but he’s psychotic on an epic level.”
“It has to be him. Leo said that he is the only vampire in existence who could sift away like that.”
“All the more reason to stay on guard. I don’t know why he would recruit Maria, but I don’t like it.”
“Me neither,” I agreed.
Leo stepped out of the bedroom. “I just confirmed our meeting for tonight. We have about six hours.”
Vance looked at his watch. “You want to grab a late lunch?”
I watched Leo for a reaction. I didn’t need his permission, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings either. He nodded, telling me he was okay with it. “Yeah, sure.”
Leo walked over to help me off the couch. He pulled me in for a hug and placed a kiss on my cheek. “Enjoy your lunch, my sweet. Be back before sunset. I don’t want you out after dark without me.”
Vance scowled at the insinuation that he couldn’t protect me but he wisely kept his mouth shut.
“Thanks, Leo. I’ll see you in a bit.”
Vance nodded towards an open booth in the back of the cozy little pub we had selected. “That one okay?”
“Sure,” I said.
A petite waitress with wild blonde curls approached us as soon as we settled into the high-backed benches upholstered in worn leather. “Welcome to McGillins. What can I get ya to drink?”
“Karli?” Vance gestured for me to order first.
“I’ll have a Guinness please.”
“That sounds good. I’ll have the same,” he said.
The waitress placed two menus on the table. “Verra good. Here’s your menu. Have a look and I’ll be back in just a bit to take your orders.”
I waited until she walked away. “Thanks for coming. I really am glad you’re here to help.”
He grabbed my hand across the table. “Me too.”
I pulled back. “Please don’t.”
“I’m not allowed to touch your hand?”
“It’s better if you don’t.”
His brows crinkled. “Why?”
“Because when you touch me, I get confused. I can’t afford to lose focus here.”
“Why do you get confused?”
“Please don’t make me say it,” I begged.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “No, I think I need to hear this.”
