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“I do not wish to scare you. You need time to ease into this.”
“I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but don’t hold back, Stark. I want to know everything.”
“Why so curious all of a sudden?” He gestured toward the front door, which was a massive wooden rectangle with intricate carvings—vines with symbols where the leaves might be. Just like his tattoos.
“Did you just ask why I’m curious about a big group of vampires living in my town?”
He chuckled.
“How long have you all lived here?” I asked.
“Not long. A few years. And before you ask what brought us to Leiper’s Fork, I will say that it was the same thing that brings people to any community: the lifestyle. Most of us here are retired from political life and prefer a quieter atmosphere.”
“So you’re a bunch of old retirees.” I laughed.
He gave me a look. “Old is a subjective term, but yes. There comes a time in every vampire’s life when they wish to simply enjoy the fruits of their labor. We served our people and no longer wish to work.”
I didn’t believe he was retired. He’d just told the entire restaurant that I was Anna and the rightful ruler. There had to be a power play at the heart of all this.
We stopped in front of the door.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Probably not, but I agreed to your tests, so let’s do it.”
He opened the front door. “After you.”
I stepped inside the foyer and gasped. It was beyond beautiful, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the three-story ceiling. The polished black marble floor reflected the overhead light, making the tiles look like glass. On one side, pushed against the wall, was sleek, modern white furniture—two upholstered armchairs and a bench.
“Not what you expected?” he asked.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect anything, but now that I see this, I guess I’m surprised you like modern décor.” It almost felt like the entrance to some glamorous Vegas hotel—not that I’d ever been.
“Would you care for a tour?”
I would, but honestly, I felt more anxious about these tests. “Rain check? I’d like to get down to business, if it’s all the same to you.”
“All right.” He took my shoulders and gazed deeply into my eyes.
I froze, immediately transfixed by the pale blue and green swirls. “Why do your eyes do that?” I muttered. “It’s like the colors are dancing.”
“They have changed over time, but I do not know why. All of the older vampires have similar eyes.” He kept a firm grip on me. “Perhaps it is nature’s way of warning others not to cross us.”
So Stark was older than the rest. I had to assume more powerful too, after his comment about his blood earlier. He’d said two drops would give me the strength to beat Fiona.
“Are you going to bite me now?” I asked, still in a quasi-trance. Funny, I felt perfectly aware of everything, but my mind was all warm and gooey.
“Do you want me to?” He licked his supple lips.
“No.” I shook my head.
“Perhaps later, then.” He flashed a sly smile and then slowly lowered his head, pressing his mouth to mine. His lips were warm and velvety soft, like I remembered.
A pulse of heat surged through me, nudging me to step closer and press my body against his. I wanted more, for him to deepen the kiss.
He broke away and slowly swiped his thumb over my lower lip. “First test passed.”
I blinked up at him, breathless.
