Page 18 of Visions of You

CHAPTER 6

Jaron stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing his bleary eyes. He'd tossed and turned all night, his mind spinning with thoughts of Keegan.

Did he drink the blood Jaron had left for him?

Or had he thrown it away, thinking Jaron a total lunatic?

It was a bit weird, wasn't it? Leaving someone a bottle of your own blood.

Jaron wished he could have seen Keegan's reaction.

If he did drink it, did he like it? Would he want more?

Jaron licked his lips, trying and failing not to lose himself in thoughts about what it might feel like to have the vampire bite him.

He'd never been into that kind of thing before, so what the hell?

He made himself sit down at the kitchen table. Malkira was already there, always up a little earlier than he was. When he joined her, she looked up from her tea, one eyebrow arched. "Well, don't you look like something the cat dragged in. Rough night?"

Jaron grunted, pouring himself a mug of strong coffee. "Couldn't sleep."

"Mmhmm." Malkira hummed. "And I'm sure it has nothing to do with whoever put that silly grin on your face the night of the festival. You looked like you'd found hidden treasure when you came home."

If Jaron had taken a sip of his coffee yet, he would have choked on it. Damn it. He could never hide anything from Malkira.

"It's nothing," he mumbled, focusing intently on his mug.

Malkira snorted. "Nothing, my left foot. I know that spaced out look, Jaron Tymera. You've got it bad for someone."

Jaron sighed, running a hand through his rumpled hair. "Fine, yes, I met someone. But it's…." Jaron trailed off. He was about to say that it was complicated, but was it, really?

Just because the guy he liked was a vampire?

And a seer?

Malkira patted his hand sympathetically. "Want to tell me about them?"

Not really, no.

Malkira wouldn't judge him the way his parents would, but she might tell him to be reasonable, and that was the last thing Jaron wanted to be.

Just as he opened his mouth to deflect her questions, a loud knock sounded at the front door. He leaped to his feet, grateful for the interruption.

"That'll be Ianair. We're heading to work together today."

Malkira shook her head, a small smile playing about her lips. "This conversation isn't over, you know. I expect details later!"

Jaron rolled his eyes fondly, grabbing his bag. "Yeah, yeah. I'll see you tonight, you nosy old witch."

He ducked out the door before Malkira could swat him with a dish towel. He grinned at Ianair. The other dragon shifter cocked an eyebrow at Jaron's rumpled appearance.

"Rough night?" Ianair asked as they took flight.

Jaron groaned. "Not you too! Malkira was about to interrogate me as well."

Ianair chuckled. "She's just looking out for you, man. So spill, what's got your tail in a twist? Meet a cute girl at the festival?"

"Guy, actually," Jaron said. "Vampire."