by I. T. Lucas
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s a last-resort measure, same as the stasis. I want to work for as long as I can.”
“I think there is another option,” Bhathian said. “I can move into the spare room with you. If you try to leave in the middle of the night, I’ll stop you.”
That was the best idea Nathalie had heard all evening. Bhathian would have no trouble subduing Andrew if he lost it. Not that she truly believed he ever would. They were all suffering from a severe case of paranoia. “I love it. That way I’ll have all the men I love with me.”
“What about your evening classes?” Kian asked.
“I can rearrange my schedule, so I’ll be there when Andrew comes home from work, or I can have Anandur take my place when needed.”
Kian pushed to his feet. “Then it’s settled. And if this doesn’t work, we can always utilize Dalhu’s idea.”
When the others left, Bhathian stayed behind. “Care to join me for a sandwich at the café?”
Nathalie glanced at her watch. “Carol is probably closing up. But I can whip us up something.” With only the two of them working at the café, they had to limit the hours it was open. Nine to five-thirty on weekdays and closed on weekends.
Andrew nodded. “Good idea. I left work early to get here and didn’t eat anything since lunch.”
“You should eat dinner at the café every day,” Bhathian said as the elevator doors closed behind them and the thing started its descent. “It’s a public place, and there are always a few guys sitting around. You can spend some time with Nathalie knowing that they’ll stop you if you try anything. If it makes you feel safer, I can be there too.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, right?” Nathalie glanced at Andrew hopefully. They could at least talk a little before he ducked into the spare room at night.
“It is.” For some reason, Andrew didn’t look convinced, but she wasn’t going to push him.
Carol was still serving coffee and sandwiches when they got there. “Hi, you guys, what can I get you?” she asked.
“I can take care of it. You probably want to go home already.” Nathalie felt bad for dumping more and more of the work on Carol. Onidu was supposed to start tomorrow morning after Amanda left for work, but Nathalie wasn’t sure how well he was going to manage. If he didn’t, and Carol left to intern with Gerard, Nathalie would have to either further limit the hours the place was open, or turn it into a self-service.
“No, I don’t. I’ll close up after you’re done.”
“You’re an angel,” Nathalie said and meant it.
Having an immortal helper was great. Carol never got tired, and if she was cranky, it was because of Robert and not because her feet were killing her.
“Thank you for doing this for us,” Nathalie told Bhathian.
“No need to thank me. It’s not as if I have anything better to do with my evenings. If I’m not working, I’m sitting in front of the dumb box and watching sports by myself. Now I can watch with Andrew.”
Andrew clapped Bhathian’s back. “Thanks, man. And I’ll have a drinking buddy. It sucks to drink alone.”
There was something that didn’t sound right with Bhathian’s story. He didn’t spend all his evenings alone in his apartment; usually he went out hunting at the clubs with the guys.
“What about the nights you go out?” she asked him.
“As I said, I can have Anandur or Yamanu take my place when needed.”
For some reason Bhathian seemed embarrassed. It couldn’t have been about her mentioning his prowls, they’d joked about it plenty of times, and it had never bothered him before. Was it because of Eva? Was he staying away from other females because of her?
It wasn’t something Nathalie felt comfortable asking him about, and frankly, it was none of her business.
Waiting for Carol to serve their order, they sat in an awkward silence. Bhathian was never one for small talk, but she and Andrew had never been so distant with each other. After a few moments Andrew shifted in his chair. “You’ll never believe who I met at the gym the other day.”
“Who?” Nathalie asked. She missed the little tidbits of gossip Andrew used to share with her.
“Think of the last person you’d expect to find on a treadmill.”
Bhathian snorted. “William.”
“You got it. Granted, he wasn’t running or sweating, only walking, but it’s progress.”
Good for him. Sitting in front of a computer all day wasn’t healthy even for an immortal. “I’ve noticed that he lost some weight lately, but I thought it was the walks he was taking my father on.”
“Not only Fernando. William has a girlfriend.”
“Oh wow. That’s great news.” Or maybe not. If William was seeing a woman, he would have less time to hang out with her father, and she’d have to find Fernando another babysitter.
“Here you go, guys.” Carol started unloading a tray, placing four plates loaded with sandwiches and sides of salads on the table. “I’ll join you, if you don’t mind. I put up the closed sign.”
It seemed Carol didn’t feel like going back to her apartment yet.
Bhathian pulled out a chair for her.
Carol waited with her sandwich in hand until they all bitten into theirs. “What do you think? As good as Nathalie’s?”
“Uh huh,” Andrew mumbled with a full mouth.
Nathalie finished chewing and swallowed before answering. “Better. What dressing did you use?”
“I whipped up something new and wanted to test it on you guys.”
“It’s amazing. Are you going to keep it a secret or are you going to share it with me?”
“I’ll show you what I did, but if I decide to bottle and sell it, I’m not sharing the profits.” Carol winked.
“It could be a hit,” Andrew said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “It’s so good I want another one.”
Carol grinned. “No problem. How about you, Bhathian, another one?”
“Sure. You need to start super-sizing these sandwiches. That’s not enough for a male to fill up on.”
She was back with two more in under three minutes.
It must be nice to be so fast and tireless, Nathalie thought. She couldn’t wait to transition and have as much energy and stamina as Carol. Just one little bonus on top of getting her man back in her bed.
For a few moments, Carol watched the guys wolf down the sandwiches with a satisfied smirk on her face, but then her expression became thoughtful and she started to wind a lock of her hair around her finger.
“I know it’s none of my business, and I probably shouldn’t even know about it. But I think I can help you with your problem, Andrew.”
Damn Anandur. The blabbermouth had probably spread the rumor to every resident of the keep.
Andrew grimaced. “Living here is like living in a commune. Everyone knows everything about everyone else.”
Carol snorted. “Yeah, tell me about it. I get unwanted advice about Robert and me all of the time. But I really think my suggestion can help. Have you ever tried pot? It takes the edge off. And if that doesn’t work, I can recommend stronger stuff. I’m an expert of sorts.”
Andrew shook his head. “I’m working for the government. Doing drugs is a sure way to get fired.”
“How often do they test you guys?” Carol asked.
“I get a physical once a year.”
“And when was the last one?”
“I think about six months ago.”
Carol rolled her eyes. “So what’s the problem? By the time they test you again you’ll be clean.”
“Damn, I didn’t think about it. But can I even have a physical? What if they find something weird?”
Bhathian clapped him on the shoulder. “Then you thrall the nurse and alter the results.”
Andrew frowned. “I don’t think I can do it, thralling I mean. I didn’t try it yet.”
“Then it’s time you learned. Tomorrow, come down to the gym after work and I'll
have Arwel show you how it’s done. He’s a telepath, so he’ll know if you’re doing it right.”
“Don’t I need a human to practice thralling on?”
Nathalie raised a finger. “One human volunteer here…”
“No way,” Bhathian and Andrew said almost at the same time.
“Just think about it, boys. It doesn’t have to be anything too intrusive. Andrew can practice projecting a different image of himself. Like Anandur with his demon.”
Bhathian’s expression turned thunderous. “He showed you his demon?”
Nathalie shrugged. “I asked him to. I think it’s a really cool trick.”
“I’m going to kill that son of a bitch. That thing could’ve scared you into a miscarriage.”
Nathalie laughed. “Don’t be silly. I knew what was coming and was ready for it. Besides, his demon is kind of cute.”
Andrew growled. “Cute?”
Jealous anyone?
“You know, in like not scary. But it sure is ugly.”
Chapter 21: Eva
The hectic pace of the last three weeks had exhausted Eva’s crew, and the only reason she wasn’t sporting dark circles under her eyes like the three of them was because she wasn’t human.
“What do you think?” Eva asked no one in particular.
“It’s small,” Tessa said.
A four-bedroom house on a canal in Venice cost a small fortune in monthly rent, and the girl was complaining that it was small.
“It was either a big house inland, or a small house near the beach. I figured you guys would prefer the beach.”
“The house in Tampa was big and close to the beach,” Sharon said.
“Well, kids, what can I say, Tampa is cheaper than Los Angeles.”
Nick was the only one who seemed to be happy about the move. “You can stand down here and nag, while I go upstairs and call dibs on the best bedroom.”
“Second floor is yours, third floor is mine,” Eva reminded him.
“I know.” He lifted his suitcase and took the stairs two at a time.
Tessa grimaced as she looked at her own two suitcases and then at the stairs. “He could’ve at least helped me with these.”
Eva patted her back. “Don’t worry. He’ll be back.” She grabbed one of the suitcases. “I’ll take this one up and send Nick for the other.” She could’ve lifted both with ease.
Tessa grabbed for the handle. “I can do it myself.”
“Right…” Sharon passed Tessa on the way to the staircase.
“Why is everyone treating me like a kid?”
Because you look like one. Eva wanted to say. “Go check out the office in the back and let me know if anything is missing.” The movers she’d hired were top notch. They came to the house in Tampa, packed everything carefully and marked each box with detailed instructions where everything went. Supposedly, they’d unpacked and put everything in its proper place. She’d be surprised if they’d done as good a job as they’d promised. Not that she needed to check on it right then, but it was a good excuse to send Tessa away.
“Sure.” The girl let go of the suitcase and headed toward the back of the house.
It was all about saving face.
Eva lifted Tessa’s two suitcases and ran up the stairs, depositing them in the hallway between the bedrooms, then went back down for her own.
“You could’ve waited for me,” Nick said as he saw her coming up the stairs again.
“Never too late. You can take this one.” Eva pretended to huff as she handed him one of her suitcases.
“What a view!” Nick exclaimed as they entered the third-floor master bedroom. He put the luggage down and crossed the room to the French doors leading to the balcony. As he opened the way, the room filled with fresh sea breeze and a chorus of seagulls’ cries.
Pure heaven.
For an undeserving sinner.
The guilt was uncalled for, she’d told herself as much a thousand times, but the fact remained that Eva walked on the dark side. Heck, she hadn’t set foot in a church since that first kill, even though she truly believed she was doing her part in God’s grand design.
But so did the Devil, and he wasn’t a good guy.
“Wow, just look at this,” Nick called. “You can see the ocean from up here.”
She joined Nick on the balcony. It was on the smallish side, but roomy enough to accommodate a lounger and a tiny bistro table with two chairs. The picture of that balcony was what convinced her to lease the small house for the outrageous asking price.
“It’s beautiful, but I’ll need to take on an extra case or two a month to afford this place.”
“So why did you do it?”
“Because of this.” She waved her hand toward the horizon, where blue water met blue sky.
Nick shrugged. “You’re the boss, and I’m not complaining about living accommodations next to the beach. I heard that California babes are the hottest, and I’m going to check them out.”
Eva’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She’d been waiting for that call. “Hi, Nathalie. We’ve just got in.”
“Are you sure you want me to come over right now? You don’t want to rest a little? Get comfy in your new place?”
“Sweetheart, I haven’t seen you in a month, and I can’t wait a moment longer. Unless you’ve gotten too big to travel. I can come over to your place if you prefer.”
“No, I’m good. I’m dying to see the house you got. It sounds amazing. But I’ll have to ask Bhathian to drive me because I can barely reach the steering wheel.”
Eva had been hoping for time alone with Nathalie, and she wasn’t ready to see Bhathian. The memory of that one kiss they’d shared was still fresh on her mind.
“I can come and get you.”
“It’s okay. Bhathian wouldn’t mind.”
I bet he wouldn’t.
“As you wish.”
“I’ll see you shortly, Mom.”
Eva cast a quick glance at Nick. It didn’t seem as if he’d heard anything. He was leaning against the railing and enjoying the breeze ruffling his long hair.
“You’re going to fit right in.” She slipped her phone into her pocket and leaned against the railing next to him. “You already look like a surfer.”
“Thanks.”
She hadn’t meant it as a compliment, but if he thought it was then why not. “I want to freshen up a little before my cousin gets here,” she told him.
Nick got the hint. “I’m out of here.”
Eva closed the door behind him and pulled out her phone again to text Nathalie a reminder.
You’re my cousin. The granddaughter of my grandmother’s sister. We’ve just met and don’t know much about each other.
A moment later her phone buzzed with Nathalie’s answer. Sorry, I didn’t know you had company.
No harm done. Nick didn’t hear a thing. I just wanted to remind you. Eva erased her messages before closing the phone. One could never be too cautious.
Eva took a five-minute shower, put on fresh clothes, and went downstairs feeling like a new woman.
“We need to go shopping,” Sharon said. “Do you know where the nearest supermarket is?”
“Yes. But you’ll need to do it without me. My cousin is coming to visit.”
“Already? We can’t even offer her coffee.”
“Then I suggest you get moving.” Eva pulled out a couple of hundreds and handed them to Sharon. “Take Nick with you to carry the bags.”
“I feel like a pack mule,” he grumbled.
Sharon slapped his back. “Stop complaining. There is a price to be paid for having a dick.”
“Yeah, and there is a price for being the only guy working with three women. You all gang up on me.”
“But you know we love you.” Eva kissed his cheek. “Now get going. My cousin will be here any moment.”
Half an hour later there was a knock on the door.
She ran to the door and yanked the thing open, then grabbed Nathali
e and pulled her into her arms as far her belly allowed. “This baby is big.”
“Tell me about it,” Nathalie huffed as she walked inside. “Cute place.”
“Hi, Eva,” Bhathian entered behind their daughter, carrying a large box under his arm. He offered his hand. “It’s Eva, right?”
She chuckled, thinking he was joking. But that wasn’t like Bhathian. He didn’t strike her as the humorous sort. He probably wasn’t sure which name she was using. “Yes, it is.”
A sharp intake of breath from behind her reminded Eva that Tessa was there. Turning around, she found the girl staring at Bhathian with doe-eyed fascination. A guy his size must’ve looked intimidating to her.
“Tessa, meet my cousin Nathalie.”
The girl shook Nathalie’s hand without taking her eyes off Bhathian.
“And this is her… her…” Eva stuttered, searching for a plausible familiar connection.
Bhathian stepped forward and offered his hand. “I’m Bhathian. Nathalie’s cousin from her father’s side.”
Good save. Who would have known Bhathian had it in him.
Tessa placed her small hand in Bhathian’s giant one and blushed. “It’s nice to meet you.” She cranked her head way up to look up at his face. “What did they feed you that you grew up so big?”
He winked. “Lots of eggs.”
Nathalie waddled to the couch and plopped down. “Do you have any plates? I brought pastries.”
Bhathian let go of Tessa’s hand and patted the box under his arm. “You’re in for a treat. Nathalie bakes the best ones.”
Tessa shook her head as if she needed to dispel a thrall. “I’m going to check if the movers unpacked them.”
Bhathian put the box on the coffee table and lifted the lid. “I vote for eating straight from the box. We brought napkins.”
Tessa ran off to the kitchen anyway, probably to splash some cold water on her flaming cheeks. Eva cast Bhathian a sidelong glance. He was handsome, very handsome in fact, but she’d never seen Tessa react like that to a guy. Throughout the years they’d been together, Tessa had never shown any interest in the opposite sex. Perfectly understandable given her past. Except that was exactly why her reaction to Bhathian was so surprising.