Page 96 of Dark Flame

I cough, hiding my laughter behind my hand. It should be a horrifying thing to hear, but the image of Alec literally trying to rip a witch’s magick from them, which is impossible, is amusing.

Carina sips from her mug, pulling my attention back to the kitchen and away from the vampire in the basement. “He’ll live. Anyway, I’m sure it’s strange being back, but I thought maybe I could show you around town? There’s a reason Banff is so highly visited, and if you’re going to live here, it’d be a shame for you to not do all the touristy shit first.”

“That ‘touristy shit’ keeps the town thriving.” Morgan flicks her fingers towards her daughter, scowling. A spark of blue flits from her fingertip and taps the back of Carina’s head, who only rolls her eyes in return.

“Says the woman who owns a crystal shop downtown. Besides, she’ll be busy setting up for the ceremony tonight, so I figured you and I could hang out. If you’d like.”

I want to, a lot. I’d want to more if I didn’t feel like reality was about to slap me in my face.

Morgan nods her agreement, flipping something from the pan onto waiting plates. “She’s right. I have a lot to prepare for tonight. Not that I wouldn’t be thrilled having you around as I do so, but seeing the town would be much more fun. Also, feel free to drop your clothes by the basement door. I’ll have them washed later.”

Both options sound appealing, but they’re right. The little I’ve seen of Banff is breathtaking, and I want to take it all in. There’ll be other full moons I can observe the setup for.

“I’d love to.”

“Great.”

I slide into one of the free chairs as three plates float from the counter, dropping lightly on the table. They’re filled with eggs, toast, and pancakes, and my stomach growls painfully at the sight.

Fuck, I can hear that.The deep rumble chimes through my mind.

Next time, don’t starve me.Even if he can’t hear me, it makes me feel better having said it.

My first bite of eggs makes me groan. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve had something more than granola bars or an apple. “Real food. You have no idea how needed this is.” A statement for every being in the house.

I have better ways of making you moan.

I choke on the same bite, earning concerned glances from Carina and Morgan that I wave off, wishing I could tell the voice as easily. Maybe it’d be worth sipping his blood so the playing field is even and he can be forced to endlessly argue.

“Thanks for the food…and everything. And keeping Alec safe.” I glance towards the window where the deadly-for-some-beings sun radiates.

Carina’s head whips up from her plate, her widened gaze darting between her mother and me, but it’s Morgan who responds, shaking her head. “Between us, Carina. No one can know we’re harbouring a vampire, not even Jasper. Swear it.”

“He won’t hurt you,” I add quickly, feeling the need to defend Alec to them.

Only if she hurts you. Otherwise, I’m past killing witches.

“Oh, it’s not that. I think vampires are cool, that’s all—not that I’ve ever met one, so I can’t wait till dusk.”

The uncertain look that crosses Morgan’s face suggests she’s not a complete fan of the idea. “My daughter enjoys dangerous things that make my hair turn grey.”

Carina rolls her eyes. “A simple enchantment removes signs of aging, duh.”

Chuckling, I comment, “He can be a bit prickly. I’m still in the process of training him.”

Carina spits out her coffee, giggling, while the rumble inside my head threatens violence.

You haven’t trained me. You’ve just unleashed another level of me. One even I didn’t know existed.

Why do I like the sound of that so much? I’ve seen what he can do when he’s being protective.

You’re intrigued. I feel it.

Ignoring him, I listen to mother and daughter discuss the ceremony tonight while we finish the delicious meal. Carina disappears to shower and change while Morgan cleans the kitchen with a wave of her hand, magick doing all her work.

“I have to go to the shop, but you’ll be okay, right?” Morgan stops by the table. “Once Carina’s ready, you two can head out.”

“I’m great,” I tell her honestly. “I’m thrilled you found me yesterday, truly.”