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Andrea was leaning back in her chair, an arm slung over the back, her legs crossed, not looking at all bothered by the looming vampire menace. Olivia watched as two vampires went a roundabout way to avoid Andrea’s table.
Andrea’s eyes lit up when she saw Olivia and she waved.
“Olivia! Come here!”
Terrible idea. Did she really want to get between Andrea and the wall of full-on vampire displeasure?
But what else was she supposed to do? It was too late to turn back.
Telling herself it was going to be okay, that this vampire wouldn’t murder her on the spot, Olivia sauntered over and smiled.
“Andrea, hi.”
“Olivia, meet Nikolas.” Andrea gestured to the brute, who grunted at Olivia in greeting. Just as well. Olivia didn’t want to shake his hand anyway. He had the same frightening and lethal aura as Marek. Part of her wanted to shrink until she was beneath his notice, while another part was drawn to him like a moth to a fly.
“Answer my question, woman. What are you doing here?” Nikolas bit out short of a snarl.
“I’m drinking coffee. Can’t you see?” Andrea wasn’t the least fazed. To Olivia, she said, “Sit, please. What do you want? It’s on me.” She scanned the QR code on the table and handed Olivia her phone with the menu.
“You’re supposed to be in California.”
Olivia browsed the menu while sneaking glances up at Andrea, who jutted out her chin. “I’m traveling for work, if you must know. I’m here to help Olivia.”
Olivia wished she could communicate telepathically with Andrea that she’d rather stay out of their conversation. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she felt Nikolas’ heavy, disapproval gaze on her.
“You’re Marek’s mate,” he said flatly.
She swallowed and forced a smile, like she wasn’t terrified witless. Nikolas wouldn’t hurt her, would he?
“Turn it down, will you? You’re scaring her.” Andrea looked unhappy for the first time. “Ignore him, Olivia. He’s posturing because he thinks I’m here to ruin his day. As if.” Andrea rolled her eyes and glared up at Nikolas. “I have better things to do than to make your life miserable.”
Nikolas gave a disbelieving snort. “This isn’t Haven’s territory. I can’t help you when you inevitably get into trouble.”
“First of all, I won’t get into trouble,” Andrea said. “And secondly, I don’t need your help. Now shoo, you’re ruiningmymood.”
Olivia’s eyes snapped wide when Andrea made a shooing motion with her hand. Nikolas looked like he was having an aneurysm. Was that even possible for a vampire?
A low growl rumbled out of him. Other guests glanced their way surreptitiously, but Andrea stubbornly stared out the window, dismissing him. To Olivia’s utter shock, Nikolas whirled around and stormed out. She felt sorry for whoever Nikolas ran into next.
“Are you really not scared of vampires?” Olivia asked once they were alone.
“It depends on the vampire. Nikolas is all bark and no bite. He’s a softie at heart,” Andrea said with a relaxed smile. “Now, do you know what you want?”
“Oh. Thank you.” Olivia submitted the order on the phone. “It sounds like you two know each other?”
“Yes. Nikolas used to oversee Haven, the vampire House ruling California,” Andrea explained. “You know about vampire Houses?” When Olivia nodded, she continued, “When I came to California, I didn’t want to join any of the witch covens. Nikolas helped me negotiate with the covens, so he’s not too bad.”
Andrea’s features softened as she spoke, and Olivia sensed sorrow from the other woman. Since discussing emotions wasn’t her strong suit, she asked, “But you didn’t know Marek, right? You aren’t scared of him either.”
Andrea blinked, smiled, the melancholy gone. “No, I didn’t know your mate. I have a healthy respect for vampire strength, but I can take care of myself. If Marek had attacked me, I might have had some fun fighting him.”
“You think fighting is fun?”
Andrea pressed her lips together when a waiter dropped off Olivia’s coffee.
“Someday, when you have better control of your magic, you’ll understand,” she said and sipped from her drink.
Olivia followed suit and sighed. The latte was smooth, with the perfect blend of milk and foam. Not too sweet, either.
