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The front door flung open a few seconds later as my aunt ran down the stairs and into Gabriel’s open arms. No shit. It was like a Hallmark commercial.
“Gwen, you look as amazing as ever!”
Her laugh sounded so unlike Aunt Gwen, younger and carefree in a way that let me know she was quite familiar with Gabriel Alton.Shit. My aunt fucked the immortal . . . and by the looks of it, she liked it.A lot.
Gabriel released my aunt as she stepped back and admired him from head to toe. I couldn’t fault her that. I’d already done the same. “You’ve not aged a day. Where have you been all these years?”
His expression sobered while he ran a hand through his dark hair and tousled the strands. “I needed time. You know that.” His gaze shot in my direction briefly before returning to Gwen. “We all needed the break.”
What was that about?
“Yes,” Aunt Gwen agreed, watching him closely. “I agree, but now you’re back.” She smiled so wide it was breathtaking. “I’ve really missed you. Wait until Tom sees you. You’re gonna be in a world of shit.”
Gabriel laughed and picked up the groceries. “Lead the way.”
I noticed he didn’t call her any endearments, and it warmed my heart just a touch. Maybe I was wrong, and she didn’t sleep with him. Why that mattered to me, I had no idea.
Trudging behind them, I closed the door and wandered into the kitchen. Fresh apple juice in a large pot simmered on the stove, soon becoming homemade hard cider. Baking supplies gathered on the counter to start the soul cakes while cored apples waited to be seasoned and dried for other recipes.
We still had to make potpourri and incense to burn during our rituals, so I gathered ingredients, measuring spoons, and cups together as my aunt talked with Gabriel. I set to work, crushing dried rose petals, ivy, and yellow button flowers, when I felt a slight shift in the air.
The intense, powerful presence outside grew insistent.
I lifted my head, staring into mesmerizing green eyes.
The vampire.Damian Rockcastle.
Chapter 2
Damian stood by thefront gate as his eyes flashed crimson, quickly overtaking the striking green I’d noticed several times today. A sneer dominated his flawless features, but I quickly realized it wasn’t intended for me. Hot breath landed on the back of my neck as Gabriel’s arm encircled my waist from behind and pulled, forcing me against his chest.
“Damian looks lonely out there,” he whispered, his head dipping as his lips lowered close to my right ear. “A shame he can’t enter without an invitation.”
I wasn’t stupid. I knew a vampire couldn’t enter private property without someone who resided at the location giving their consent. “I know that already,” I snapped, shoving his hand aside. “What game are you playing?” How did Gabriel know Damian?
“Game? I’m not playing any, sweetness. I can promise you I’m in this for the long haul.”
