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She returned his warm gaze.
Was I jealous? A little. Maybe. But I also got the impression Xander couldn’t help teasing and charming whenever he got the chance. And the way she’d responded…was this what he’d meant when he said girls just attached themselves to him?
Leaning back, he slipped an arm over my shoulder and planted a soft kiss on my temple. “But nobody can compare to my precious orchid.”
“You’re particularly powerful, Xander.” Vesta shook her head, like she was clearing it of fog. “I’m usually able to resist vamps better.”
“Thanks. I can’t really help it. At least, all of it.” He shrugged.
“It’s impressive.” Vesta snatched up her water and took a chug herself.
“I love that you don’t feel what she does.” He said to me, nuzzling into my neck. “That when you love me, it won’t be because of that.” A fang tip skimmed across my collarbone.
I shivered and goosepimples bloomed along my skin, but I wasn’t afraid of him.
His arm around me squeezed my shoulder and it comforted me. I wasn’t sure why he’d chosen me to be the focus of his attention—I hoped it wasn’t just because I hadn’t fallen at his feet like apparently other women did—but whatever the reason, I was glad of his presence.
I looked at Vesta, my cheeks warming.
She was beaming, her eyebrows nudging upwards suggestively. “Looks like you’ve got a powerful vamp crushing on you. Lucky you.”
“Not luck, dear Vesta.” Xander wagged his finger slowly. “A commandment from the universe.” He stroked my hair carefully. “She’s everything I could’ve wished for.”
Vesta practically swooned. I was happy my flame child friend seemed to approve of him, but still wasn’t sure what to make of this new relationship, no matter how Xander referred to it or me.
“Now, you said you’d been speaking with NLPD about your mom.” His tone turned serious. “I’m not hopeful they’ll be much use—I suspect they couldn’t find their own asses with two hands—but it can’t hurt to have them aware of the situation, I suppose. In any case, they’ll be putting all their efforts into trying to find the campus killer. I heard he’s struck again too. On the other side of the city.”
“He did?” I shuddered.
“Yes.” His single word reply was solemn and there was a pause in our conversation, filled with the chatter from tables around us. “Another young girl. Made ugly work of it.” He hugged me closer.
I tucked my head into his chest, thinking of another poor girl, left in a state like I’d seen at the library.
“Don’t worry, I’ve always got either my own or other trusted eyes on you,” he murmured into my hair.
I kept forgetting it was dangerous out there, more so with a killer running around. I never thought it would be a relief to know a vamp was watching out for me, but it was. And I had a feeling he was right about how helpful the police would be. When I’d spoken to the officer on the phone, she’d said she would fill out a missing persons report, and ‘add it to the list.’ I’d asked how many missing persons ended up being found alive and well, on average, and she’d ignored the question and promised to keep me posted with any updates. I got the impression someone disappearing was hardly a rare event in New Lincoln.
“You’re coming to my apartment tonight, right?” I pulled back and asked him. All the guys were supposed to be there, including Aaron’s mystery friend. We were going to regroup and figure out our next steps if nothing turned up today.
“Yes, my love.”
“I’m sorry I can’t make it.” Vesta frowned. “Let me know what else I can do.” Her family lived close and had an event she had to go to. So it would just be me and a collection of paranormal hunks tonight.
It could have been worse. I just hoped they wouldn’t argue.
They were arguing.
It had stemmed from something they all agreed on, which was that me sleeping alone in my apartment wasn’t a great idea, but they all had strong opinions as to why I would be safer going to each of their places instead.
Oh, and Aaron’s best friend and roommate had turned up. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be Mr. Scowly. But he wasn’t scowling anymore. In fact, he looked a bit sorry for himself as his gaze met mine.
As the others grumbled, rolling their eyes, insisting, dismissing, and generally talking over one another in the living room, Mr. Scowly—whose name was in fact Osric, and who was, unbelievably, a Fae prince, according to Aaron—strode over and gestured toward the kitchen. “May I speak to you?”
“Of course.” I held no resentment over his previous arrogance, especially if he was here to help look for my mom.
We moved over a few steps, away from the arguing. “Cecilia, I’m so sorry.” He spoke softly. “About your mom. About not doing more.” His eyes were filled with regret.
“It’s not your fault.” I knew it wasn’t, whatever he was referring to.
