The Art of Loving a Vampire

by Jaye Wells

  “It was a hard time for us, trying to find a new home,” Kira said with a sad smile as she looked at her sons. “But we’re proud to call ourselves Americans, although we do try to visit Scotland as often as possible.”

  Callum cleared his throat and patted his mother’s hand.

  “I think we could all use a break. How about a drink?”

  Syd’s eyes widened, and her hand went to her throat as she shrank back in her seat. Logan mentally cursed his brother. Obviously, she thought blood was on the menu.

  “Syd, relax. He means a regular drink.”

  “Oops, sorry,” said Callum, looking chagrined. “I meant like a soft drink.”

  Syd relaxed. “Do you have anything stronger?”

  Kira laughed and said, “Of course we do—we’re Scottish. What you need is whisky.”

  Syd smiled at Callum when he handed her the snifter. She took a tentative sip. She saw Logan frown at his brother, but ignored it to take her first sip. The fiery spirit blazed a trail down her throat.

  “Smooth,” she croaked, causing her companions to chuckle.

  “You’ll get used to the burn,” Kira said, taking a drink from her own glass.

  Syd nodded and took another sip. This time she savored the smoky flavor of the whisky.

  “This raises another question,” she said, feeling more mellow as warmth spread through her midsection. “Can you get drunk?”

  Logan chuckled. “Yes, but it takes quite a bit more for us to feel the effects of alcohol or drugs than it does for mortals.”

  “And do you need to eat and drink for sustenance?”

  Logan nodded. “The nutrients in food are beneficial, but we do not need it to survive.”

  Syd watched him as he spoke, taking in his relaxed posture. She gazed at his hand, which cradled his own snifter of whisky—the same hand that just hours before had brought her to the edge of ecstasy and beyond. The hands that caressed her face and made her feel cherished and safe. She didn’t know how to combine the Logan she knew then with this Logan—the one who drank blood and was old enough to be her great-great-great-etc. grandfather.

  “Sydney?”

  “Hmm,” she said looking up to his face.

  “I think you zoned out for a minute,” he said with a smile.

  “Sorry, I was just trying to process everything. This is all so . . . I don’t know,” she finished lamely.

  “Poor dear,” said Kira. “You must be exhausted.”

  “No, I’m fine. It’s just a lot to take in.”

  “You’re doing great, considering,” Logan said.

  “Thanks,” she said and smiled at him. Their eyes held for a moment. She felt something indefinable pass between them. But before she could name it, the connection was broken when Callum spoke.

  “Yes, you have been very brave,” Callum said supportively.

  Then she laughed. “Oh, I don’t think barricading myself in a room is brave.”

  “Nonsense,” said Kira. “Your reaction was quite normal. After all, I am sure you had quite a fright.”

  “I have to admit it was a shock. I thought Logan was injured at first.”

  She saw Logan flinch at the reminder. She wasn’t sure what to think about everything she’d learned tonight, but she knew he felt horrible about the scene in his bathroom. She also believed they wouldn’t hurt her.

  Even though their explanation went a long way to dispel the myths about vampires, she didn’t know what to do with the information. Or what it meant for her feelings for Logan.

  “Syd, I cannot apologize enough for that,” Logan said quietly. She nodded to acknowledge the apology because she had no idea what to say.

  “What exactly happened?” Callum asked. Syd saw the devilish sparkle in Callum’s eye and knew he was baiting his brother. It was odd seeing centuries-old men act like regular brothers.

  “I was distracted and accidentally ripped a bag of blood.”

  “I bet you were,” Callum said, sending a significant glance Sydney’s way.

  “Is there anything else you want to know, dear?” Kira asked quickly when Logan’s eyes narrowed and leaned toward his brother menacingly.

  “Honestly, I don’t think my brain can handle any more right now.”

  Kira smiled. “Perhaps a good rest will help you sort through everything.”

  Syd suddenly had to stifle a yawn. She’d been sleepy before but not this exhausted.

  “Yes, Syd, that’s probably best. Why don’t you go lay down in the guest bedroom?” Logan suggested.

  “I was kind of hoping one of you could give me a ride home,” she said.

  The other three exchanged uneasy glances.

  “What?” she asked.

  “It’s probably not a good idea for you to leave right now. You’ve been through a lot. Besides, I am sure you’ll have more questions after you’ve rested,” Logan said.

  “I can always just call you,” Syd said, not liking where this was going.

  “Dear, you’ve had a shock. We’re worried that once some time has passed you might become agitated again,” Kira said.

  Syd fought another yawn. Her eyelids suddenly felt like lead weights.

  “Maybe you’re right. I am dead on my feet.”

  She flinched.

  “Pardon the pun,” she said, her words sounding slightly slurred to her own ears.

  “I’ll help you get settled,” Logan said. He stood and helped her out of her seat. Her knees nearly buckled when she stood. Luckily, Logan moved quickly and wrapped an arm around her waist.

  “Good night, Sydney,” Kira said. “We’ll talk again later.”

  “Sleep well,” Said Callum.

  “G’night,” she said and allowed Logan to lead her out of the room.

  He helped her up the stairs and to the doorway of the same bedroom she had barricaded herself in a few hours before.

  “Do you need any help?” he asked as he paused at the threshold while Syd continued into the room.

  “Hmm?” she murmured as she turned to look at him.

  “Do you need anything before you go to sleep?”

  She shook her head and plopped down on the bed. She looked up at him as he hesitantly walked into the room. Even in her tired state, she appreciated the view. She didn’t say anything as she let her gaze roam over his body.

  He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, um, I guess I’d better let you get some sleep.”

  She nodded but continued to stare at his mouth. She slowly licked her lips.

  “Logan,” she said quietly.

  “Yeth,” he whispered back.

  She looked up suddenly. “Did you just say yeth?”

  Chapter Twelve

  Logan’s hand flew to his mouth.

  “No,” he mumbled. “Lithen, I need to get back downthairs.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “There it was again. What’s up with the sudden lisp?”

  Her eyes widened as a thought occurred to her, “Your fangs are out aren’t they?”

  He shrugged. “I gueth.”

  She stood quickly, her instincts telling her to get the heck out of there.

  “Thyd, no, I would never bite you,” he said, holding up a hand to calm her.

  “Sorry, it just caught me off guard,” she said, staring at his mouth. “Can I see them?”

  He scowled and shook his head.

  “Come on, Logan. Just a peek?”

  He shook his head, but something caught his attention to her right. He paused and then walked toward it. She glanced over and froze.

  Crap! She’d totally forgotten about the hole.

  “Uh, Syd?” he began, the lisp gone. “What happened here?”

  “What?” she asked, playing dumb. She wanted the floor to open up right then.

  “The large hole in the wall,” he said, pointing to the crater.

  “It’s not that large!” she said, absentmindedly putting her hand on her rear end.

  Then she caught herself, “I th
ink it was here before I came in here.”

  His eyes narrowed as he looked at the hole again. Then he looked at her. His shoulders suddenly began to shake.

  “Shut up!” she said. “That dresser was heavy! And I was scared.”

  Instantly he sobered. “God, Syd, I’m sorry you were so afraid. Please tell me what I can do to make it up to you.”

  She dropped on the bed again, her fatigue returning in full force.

  “I don’t know, Logan,” she said.

  He nodded and shifted his weight. “I promise you’re safe here.”

  “I know,” she said, feeling too worn out to talk anymore.

  “I guess I’ll let you sleep then,” he said quietly.

  “Okay,” she said. He turned to go.

  “Logan?”

  He turned back and raised his eyebrows. She saw the lines of strain bracketing his mouth, and her heart went out to him. Underneath all the turbulent emotions the night had caused, she genuinely cared for him.

  “I—um . . . good night.”

  He nodded and held her eyes for a moment.

  “Good night,” he whispered. He flipped the light off and closed the door.

  Logan tried to put his game face back on before he returned to the living room. His talk with Sydney had left him feeling more defeated than ever. Just when he’d thought there was hope, his damned fangs came out. But worse, the hole in the wall had reminded her of the terror she’d felt earlier. Terror he’d caused. Who was he kidding? He didn’t stand a chance with Sydney now.

  “How’d it go?” Kira asked.

  He shrugged. “She should sleep for a while. She could barely keep her eyes open when I left.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” she chided.

  “I know,” he said and sat in the leather club chair next to the fireplace. His mother and Callum exchanged uneasy glances.

  “Son, you mustn’t blame yourself. None of us could have predicted she would find out like this.”

  “Oh, really? I did! I told you from day one having a mortal in this house was a mistake,” Logan said.

  Kira sent him a disapproving frown. “Young man, I know you are upset, but I will not let you pass the buck here. Need I remind you that the two of you had not been engaged in research when this happened?”

  Logan didn’t respond. What could he say? He never should have acted on his feelings for Sydney. Making love to her was a mistake, and now he was paying for it. In spades.

  “Mother, I think we need to focus on what comes next instead of harping on how we got here,” Callum said. Once again, Logan was shocked his brother would pass up an opportunity to tease him.

  “Yes, you’re right,” Kira said with a sigh. “Logan, how do you want to proceed?”

  Logan took a deep breath. What he wanted was to go back in time and do everything differently. Unfortunately, his wants weren’t an option.

  “I think we need to just let her go,” he said.

  “What do you mean?” Callum asked.

  “I think she’s been through enough. I say we just clear her mind from yesterday evening on.”

  “I thought you didn’t want us to tamper with her mind,” Kira said.

  “I know, but I think it’s easier this way,” Logan said as he rubbed his eyes.

  “Easier on whom?” Kira said, her implication clear.

  He dropped his hand and demanded, “What do you suggest, then?” He didn’t mean to take this out on his family, but he didn’t know how to deal with the emotions he felt.

  “Son, Sydney is a big girl. She will eventually accept everything we have told her and decide how to deal with it. I think we should keep her here for a few days until she gets used to the idea.”

  “Mother, I will not make her a prisoner,” Logan shot back.

  “Of course not, darling. But I think she needs time to ask questions and become used to this new reality. Besides, if we let her go before she is ready, she might go to someone and reveal the truth. The time is also for us to be sure she can be trusted to keep our secrets.”

  “I don’t think she’d tell anyone,” Logan said.

  “Darling, did you see her tonight? She’s in shock. Otherwise, she would have been unable to joke with us. Once it wears off, she will be angry or scared again—probably both. We need to help her through that.”

  “Logan, she’s right. It would be unfair to send Sydney on her way without helping her accept the truth. Besides, there’s also Raven to deal with. If she finds out how deeply Sydney is involved with all this, she could try to use her against us.”

  Logan lowered his head to his hands. He didn’t know if he could face Sydney once the shock wore off and she realized she found him repulsive. But he couldn’t risk her safety. Resigned, he nodded his agreement.

  “Besides, darling, you two have some issues to work through,” Kira said.

  Logan laughed bitterly. “Mother, I think what we have goes way beyond the normal relationship issues. But you’re right. I suppose we do need to talk.”

  “It’s decided then. Syd will stay here for a few days. Callum and I will check in periodically.”

  “What should we do about Raven while this is happening?” Logan asked.

  “I’ll take over the search. Our sources have come up with nothing so far, but I have a conference call with the Brethren Council this afternoon.”

  Kira nodded. “I’ll call her boss and explain we have asked Sydney to go to our estate in Asheville to do some additional research. That should cover her absence for a couple of days. I’ll also run by her apartment and gather some clothes for her. She’ll be more comfortable with her own things.”

  Logan sent a grateful look to his family. “Thanks, both of you, for all of your help. I’ll call Alaric this morning and ask him to continue work without me for a couple of days.”

  “Darling, I know this is difficult. But please try not to worry. Everything will work out as it should. Now, you should grab some sleep too. If you need anything, call us.”

  She and Callum said their good-byes and left. Logan called Alaric and filled him in quickly. His friend had questions, but Logan had no energy to explain everything. He promised to call the next day with more details.

  When he went upstairs, he paused briefly outside Sydney’s door. With his keen senses, he could hear her soft sleep sounds through the door. He turned away, his shoulders slumping, and went to his room. This time, he locked the bathroom door when he fed. Then he collapsed onto his own bed and prayed for sleep to give him a reprieve from his troubles.

  Syd jerked awake. She couldn’t remember the nightmare, but she felt relieved to have her eyes open. The thick curtains prevented her from knowing the time, but she felt as if she had slept for days. She sat up slowly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She needed coffee. But her mind kicked in, and she realized that to get it, she’d have to face Logan.

  She got out of bed and went to listen at the door. She heard vague noises from below. Then the intoxicating scent of coffee mixed with the smoky aroma of bacon caused her to inhale deeply. Her traitorous stomach growled. How could she just walk downstairs and eat a civilized breakfast with a vampire?

  Suck it up, Sydney, she chided herself, wincing at the bad pun. She knew from their talk last night Logan and his family were not monsters. No, it wasn’t fear keeping her in the room, but uncertainty.

  None of her previous experience with men prepared her to deal with finding out her current lover was a vampire. She knew she should be more concerned with finding out vampires even existed, but take away the drinking blood and immortality, and the Murdochs seemed almost normal. Her logical mind balked at the idea, but her instincts told her she was right to trust them. However, she had no idea what these developments meant for her relationship with Logan. Her stomach growled again, and she decided to take her cues from him and go from there. Perhaps not the most mature attitude, but it worked for her purposes.

  She tightened the belt of her robe and followed
the breakfast smells to the kitchen. She found Logan standing at stove with a dish towel thrown over one shoulder as he cooked. His damp hair glistened in the morning light. He wore a white polo shirt and faded blue jeans that hugged his firm rear. He turned toward her on bare feet with a frying pan in one hand and a spatula in the other. He looked so handsome and domestic that for a moment she longed to wake up to this scene every morning.

  “Good morning,” he said with an uncertain smile. “Did you sleep well?”

  She nodded. “What time is it?”

  “It’s two in the afternoon, but I thought you might like breakfast,” he said. “Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll get you some coffee.”

  She hesitantly walked past him toward the bistro table on the far side of the kitchen. She sat with her back to the large bay window so she could watch his graceful movements as he poured the coffee.

  “I’m surprised you can cook. Most bachelors just order take-out,” she said, trying to fill in the silence.

  He smiled crookedly. “I’ve had a few years to learn.”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry,” she said, feeling stupid for forgetting how old he was.

  He walked to the table and set a steaming mug in front of her. Then he knelt beside her and looked into her eyes.

  “Syd, don’t worry. I know this all takes some getting used to.”

  His nearness made her fidget. She had so many questions to ask that she didn’t know where to begin. So she decided to concentrate on her coffee instead. She nodded to acknowledge his comment and then reached for her mug.

  He stood and went back to the stove, where he piled two plates with scrambled eggs, thick-cut bacon, and buttered toast. The he set her plate in front of her before taking his own place across the table.

  She inhaled the delicious aroma of the breakfast. “Logan, this looks wonderful. I’m starving.”

  “I thought you might be. Scotch whisky tends to give one a mean hangover,” he said with a wink.

  She chuckled. “It does pack a punch. But I meant I haven’t eaten since last night.” She immediately regretted her words. The last thing she wanted was to get into a discussion about last night’s events.