Page 44 of Origins of Eternity

“You hardly know her,” Zara stated.

Arwen looked over at her and said, “I know we just met, but what Idoknow, I like so far. God, Zara, she’s the best kisser. You have no idea. It’s like her lips were made for mine.”

“But seriously, Arwen, what do you really know about her?”

“Where is this coming from?”

“You just met her at some bar. Then, you’re on a date with her, and now, you’re going to lunch with her when you usually eat with me at the office or we go out to grab something. You’re even going on another date tomorrow night.”

“Zara, that’s usually how it works,” she argued. “Generally, you meet someone you don’t know yet, and yougetto know them over dates. I mean, unless you’re friends with them first, you have to meet and get to know them, right? Do you not like Iro or something?”

“I don’t know her. That’s the point.”

“You can get to know her, too,” Arwen replied. “Want me to see if the three of us can hang out?”

“On your date?” Zara asked.

“No, another night. Maybe this weekend or something.”

“I don’t exactly think it’s time to meet the friends yet. Yes, we already met, but only because I was there with you.”

“Zara, I’m not sure what’s going on right now, but I’m trying, okay? I like her a lot. I think she likes me a lot, too. I plan to see as much of her as I can, so I’d like you two to get along. I know I don’t date all that often, so this is kind of new for us, but I’m serious about her.”

“Serious? It’s been one date and a lunch.”

“I’m serious about trying with her, seeing where it’ll go. That’s all I meant.” She held up the glass. “I’m going to put this on my desk. I’ll see you later. I can handle everything today on my own if you want to work on something else.”

“Okay. Good.”

“Right. Well, I’ll see you later, then.”

Arwen turned and walked back to her office, still not able to shake the feeling that something was wrong with her best friend, who hadn’t ever acted this way before.

CHAPTER 13

Zara

“Hello, Zara. I know I asked you to report back, but you didn’t have to show up on my doorstep. Idohave a phone,” Cassia told her, but she held the door open anyway.

“You turn me into a vampire, give me a lecture on what to do and what not to do, and tell me to go. Did you really think I wouldn’t need a little more than that?” she said as she walked into the house and remained in the foyer, waiting for Cassia to close the door. “What happened to the person who opens your doors? They were here this morning.”

“I give my people time off, and I can open my own door, Zara. My, what you must think of me… So, what brings you by, exactly? I was just about to begin my evening with Miranda, Gigi, Alexia, who was a gymnast before being turned, and Sarah.”

Zara’s eyes went wide, and she asked, “Four women?”

“Five with me, but it can be six, if you want,” Cassia said and moved into Zara’s space, tugging at the princess cut button-down shirt Zara had bought online. “It’s always better when there are equal numbers. We can couple off, triple off if we want, and get back together if we’d like. I never like to leave anyone out.” Cassia unbuttoned the bottom button of Zara’s shirt. “You must feel it by now.”

“What?” she asked and swallowed.

“The constant hunger. And I’m not speaking of blood, although I’m sure you’re feelingthatas well.”

“Yes, I am. I almost broke at work today. Arwen came in, so I was able to distract myself.”

“Ah, yes, your Arwen. Did you distract yourself how you’ve always wanted to with her? Soft strokes between her legs, bringing her closer and closer as she’s whispering your name over and over again?”

Cassia undid the zipper on Zara’s skirt.

“I didn’t come here for this,” Zara replied.