Page 77 of Twilight Longings

Kadie had just stepped out of the grocery store, a bag in each hand, when she saw Eleni sashaying down the street toward her. The vampire was just as beautiful as she remembered, her hair framing a flawless face, her figure shown off to perfection in a pair of skinny jeans and a hot pink tee shirt that fit like a second skin. Kadie’s first instinct was to turn around and run, but of course, she didn’t. It was never a good idea to let vampires know you were afraid, although Kadie was sure Eleni could hear the sudden pounding of her heart.

Taking hold of her courage, Kadie kept walking toward her car.

Until Eleni blocked her path.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the little housewife,” the vampire remarked, a sneer in her voice.

“Jealous?” Kadie asked, with far more bravado than she felt.

“Of you? Don’t be absurd.”

“Would you mind getting out of my way? My ice cream is melting.”

Eleni stared at her, then glanced around. The street was crowded. This wasn’t the time or the place to cause a scene or put this pitiful human in her place. “I’ll see you again. Soon.”

Kadie swallowed hard. There was no mistaking the blatant threat in the vampire’s voice, or the hatred that burned in her eyes.

Eleni turned away just as Saintcrow appeared at Kadie’s side. A quick bit of preternatural power enveloped the three of them, making them invisible to anyone on the street.

Eleni smiled at him. “So, the fair knight came to rescue his lady love. Well, don’t worry. I was just leaving.”

“What in holy hell are you doing here?”

“I’m sure you know,” Eleni retorted. “I’m here to collect what you owe me, and I’m not leaving Morgan Creek until youdo.” She glared at Kadie. “I can’t guarantee this puny mortal’s safety until your debt is paid. You might want to think about that until we meet again.”

Before he could reply, she was gone.

Saintcrow wrapped his arm around Kadie and willed them to the house on the hill, groceries and all. Settling her on the sofa, he took the bags from her arms, carried them into the kitchen, and set them on the counter. He stood there a moment, his hands clenched, until he had control of his anger. Damn Eleni. She was determined to get him into bed. What he didn’t understand was why. She could have any man she wanted. Was it a matter of pride? Did she find him so attractive because he was likely the only man who had ever refused her?

When he returned to the living room, Kadie was still shivering.

“When I first met you, I thought you were the scariest thing I’d ever seen,” she said. “But Eleni takes the cake.”

Saintcrow dropped down beside her and wrapped her in his arms. Damn his sire to hell! What was he going to do about Eleni?

Kincaid couldn’t hide his surprise when he opened the door and saw Saintcrow standing on the porch. “Hey, what’s up?”

“I was wondering how you’d feel about giving me a drink?”

Kincaid arched one brow? “I take it you’re not talking about a glass of wine?”

“No. I mean some of that ancient blood in your veins.”

“You wantmyblood? What the hell for?”

“I’m hoping a little of yours will add a big kick to mine.”

“Why?”

“Eleni.”

“Ah. Come on in.”

Saintcrow followed Jake into the living room, noting that Rosa hadn’t made many changes to the interior of Blair House. There were a couple of new pictures on the wall over the sofa, the furniture had been rearranged, but that was about it.

Kincaid sank down on the sofa. Saintcrow took the easy chair across from him.

“I take it Eleni’s giving you a bad time.”