Page 73

Twenty-Seven

Rolling over, I feel a cold spot where Erin should be. Cracking my eyes open gingerly, I silently wince. We drank so much whiskey last night, I’m surprised I’m not still drunk. Hungover, definitely.

“How’s the head?” Erin asks from the doorway.

“Not as bad as I expected,” I croak. My voice is raw from all the talking and laughing.

“You and Barty sure put a lot away last night,” Erin grins, padding over with a cup of coffee in one hand and a plate of fruit in the other. “Here, drink and eat this.”

“My savior,” I sigh dramatically, earning a pleasant scoff and eye roll.

“Your savior was the liters of red I had you drink before passing out.” My memory is foggy. I remember singing an Irish drinking song at one point, but it’s a blur after that.

“Sorry,” I wince again. I’m not sure how Erin feels about the whole drinking blood thing yet. Well, not for sure. She’s seen me a handful of times, but mostly I try to wait until she’s not around.

“It’s your liver you should apologize to. Now you have fifteen minutes to get up and get dressed. Dr. Mendhi should be finished with Barty and Anya by then.”

“What time is it?”

“Nearly eleven.”

“Eleven? Damn,” I hiss. I’m usually up and dressed by six, at the latest.

“You can’t be surprised,” Erin laughs. “We didn’t fall into bed until three. Anyway, it’s given the doctor plenty of time to do his tests. When you’re ready, we will join Barty and Anya in the gardens. It’s a beautiful day.”

Scarfing my breakfast as quickly as I can, I rush to shower and dress. Yesterday’s chat with the two vampires wasn’t as helpful as I’d hoped, so my expectations for today aren’t wonderful, but if Barty can give us any new bit of information, it’s a step in the right direction.

The chatter from the dining hall is animated. All the Lochs are in high spirits. Anya and Barty are absent, but I presumed that means they’re still occupied with the doctor.

“Ah, she’s alive!” Maria calls over the din. I give a small wave in recognition. The table is filled with food. “Have some brunch, that will cure you.”

“Drink this,” Lucille says, thrusting a glass of red into my hand. I chug it down, still feeling dehydrated from all the booze.

Erin sits next to Aliah and begins a conversation. I still love to watch her interact with my family. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to how wonderful she is.

Taking the seat next to my mother, I refill my glass. Most of my family have red in front of them. Aliah is drinking hers. Erin doesn’t seem to care.

“Are you ready for your talk with Barty?” Mother asks.

“I’m not sure how useful it will be, in all honesty honest. If Barty had any new information, he would have told us last night.”

“Maybe, but it’s worth hearing his story. And it will be good for you to have someone who truly understands what you’re going through.”

I nod and continue drinking my red. The tightness in my skull is easing with every drop. “What are your plans for today?” If I know my mother, she has organized something for the family to do.

“We’re driving back to Dublin for the day. Unless you need us here?”

“Thank you, but I think we’ll be okay. We can have a family meeting tonight to fill you in on any new information.”

Brunch continues for another twenty minutes until Barty and Anya join us. I can see the little wad of cotton held in place by medical tape on both of their arms. They wave to everyone, Barty looking no worse for wear. That man can drink whiskey!

“How are we all this fine morning?” Everyone answers in unison, causing a rise in noise that is unpleasant on the ears.

“Right, Lochs. Get your things together. We leave in ten,” Mother announces, scraping back her chair. Shooting me a wink, she embraces Barty and Anya as if they are old friends. I silently thank her for gathering the brood and clearing them out.

Erin and I continue to eat and drink as the family bickers and argues all the way out of the castle. My mother issues stern warnings every five seconds. I don’t envy her today.

“Well, they’re a lively bunch,” Anya laughs.