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“Have you heard from your dad?” he asked as Nakor handed him a cup of espresso, and he took a deep, appreciative sip.

“He wanted us to fly over for Christmas, but Charlotte wanted to experience a smalltown Southern Christmas.” He shrugged. “We may visit in the summer. You?”

“No. You know my father isn’t a fan of unnecessary communication.”

Most of the time it didn’t bother him, but every now and then he thought it would be nice to have a closer relationship. Then again, vampires weren’t known for loving family ties.

They finished their coffee in silence, then Nakor fixed him with a glowing amber gaze.

“So why are you really here?”

“I don’t really know. I was restless. I’ve been having some issues at the restaurant.”

“Do you need money?”

“Of course not.” He wasn’t as wealthy as Nakor, but he was far from poor. Still, he knew the offer had been made out of kindness and he found himself smiling. “Although maybe I should get you to come and aim a few flames at the neighborhood raccoons.”

“Raccoons?”

He explained the previous day’s events, then ended up mentioning more of the mishaps that had plagued the restaurant. He didn’t think he’d mentioned Wendy at all, but Nakor finally frowned at him.

“Who is she?”

“Who is who?”

“The female who has you so restless.”

“I never mentioned a female.”

Nakor snorted.

“I recognize the signs.”

“Just because you’re newly mated doesn’t mean that everyone around you feels the same way.”

His brother only raised a brow and waited.

“She’s human,” he finally burst out. “Completely unsuitable, but very… tempting.”

“Why is she unsuitable?”

“She’s only in town for a short time.”

“So was Charlotte,” Nakor pointed out. His mate had been working for his publishing company and had been sent to prod him into finishing his latest book.

“But I’m not going to make Wendy give up a job.”

Another puff of smoke trickled from his brother’s nose.

“I didn’t make Charlotte do anything. It was her choice,” he snapped.

He acknowledged the correction, knowing he was being a little unfair.

“Do you want this female to stay?” his brother added.

Yes.“I’m not sure.”

“Well, once you make up your mind, ask her.”