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He dropped a soft kiss on her cheek. “Now we’re really screwed.”
Chapter Eighteen
More time slipped by and Christmas drew near.
“Do demons celebrate holidays?” Jade asked Sheena one evening.
Davian had been gone for two nights to deal with military matters he’d been secretive about and Sheena had kept her company. With Jade’s acquiesce, the vampire had brought lined, silk drapes to cover the windows of the cottage so she could be there during the day.
The sapphire in the bedroom matched the headboard and duvet, lending color and richness to the cozy space; for the living room, however, Sheena had selected a softer ice-blue that created a light, airy ambience, despite the heavy fabric over the glass panes. The vampire had exceptional taste.
Regarding Jade’s question, she said in her sophisticated accent, “Some do. Depends on the occasion. For example, Halloween was always a favorite, pre-war. We could be out and about that night, and the ones surrounding it, without anyone batting an eye at us.”
“But you look normal,” Jade told her. “Well, with the exception of being insanely beautiful and absolutely flawless.”
She laughed. “I am not without flaws, I assure you. But immortality does tend to preserve one in a flattering way. For most demons, anyway. The vampires and the shifters. Immortals such as Davian.”
Jade’s heart fluttered. “Now that is perfection personified.”
Sheena scoffed. “Sure, if you like all that brawn and outrageous height. I prefer a little less sinew and someone I can look directly in the eye without standing on tiptoe.”
“Not me,” Jade said with a sigh that sounded dreamy to her ears. “All that strength is intimidating, yes. But sexy as hell.”
Her new friend studied her with a curious look in her emerald eyes. “You enjoy living on the edge, don’t you?”
Jade gave this question serious consideration. Then she said, “When my parents were alive, we had so many adventures. My father was cautious, of course, but he taught my mother and I to defend ourselves, so he worried less about us. That made it possible for us to enjoy short expeditions and try new things. After they died…”
She glanced around the room that had once been theirs. Hers was on the opposite side of the living room, but it didn’t have a fireplace, so she’d moved into this space when she was thirteen. It’d taken her two full years to cross the threshold without breaking down in tears.
“I really had to keep everything on an even keel—status quo,” she explained. “I didn’t have the sort of protection my father had offered me, though the slayers have always looked out for me. I suppose I just stopped thinking about anything other than making it through each day without freezing or starving or crying.”
Sheena stared down at the book in her lap. She maintained her usual post in the chair next to Jade’s bed. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be human and vulnerable and all on your own at such a young age.”
“Actually,” she said, “I was very lucky. I had a place to live. I already knew how to manage the household, when to collect kindle and have the water tank filled and so on. How to cook and clean and mend clothes. I also had help from the villagers, of course.”
Sheena looked up from the textbook. “But it must have been so lonely. I’ve always thrived on being part of a coven. And when I moved into the castle… There’s so much activity, I never feel alone.”
“It’s not a comforting emotion by any standard—human or demon. But you do what you have to do, right?”
The vampire’s sculpted brows drew together. “You’re not at all what I’ve expected.”
“Am I the first human you’ve gotten to know?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact. And I feel quite fortunate because of it. I had a very tainted view of your kind and I never understood the king’s stance on mortals. When you first came to the castle, I didn’t leave because I wanted to prove I could do my job regardless of any challenge presented. But when I realized how badly hurt you were and how determined you were to rise above the pain and heal the damage, I was so impressed.”
Jade looked away, her stomach knotting. “You wouldn’t have been impressed with me at the church, Sheena. I wanted to die.” Shame seeped through her veins. “I honestly did.”
“But you didn’t give up.”
With a small shrug, Jade told her, “I didn’t have a choice. Davian is much too persistent.”
“Hmm, yes. He cares so much for you. And I can see it’s mutual.” Sheena paused as though gearing up for her next question. “Really, Jade, would you ever leave the human world for the demon one?”
Her gaze met Sheena’s. The vampire actually appeared amenable to the idea. This confused Jade. “How could I? And seriously, how many demons in the kingdom would be offended by my presence in comparison to the three or four of you who wouldn’t be?”
“There are complications and obstacles.” She neither validated nor disputed them. “But it’s something to consider.” Sheena tapped the sheets of paper Jade held in one hand and said, “Now solve this equation already, or I’ll think you’re purposely diverting my attention.”
Jade glanced down at the math problems she’d been grappling with most of the afternoon and well into the early evening. Her next attempt was little better than her previous ones.
