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Topher stops in front of a large home that is the picture-perfect example of New Orleans architecture. Wrought iron gates, adorned with Fleur de Lis, surround the three-story home. The yard looks like a full-time gardener lives here with rose bushes of everycolor lined next to the fencing. “This is beautiful,” I interrupt the silence.
“It’s always been one of my favorites.” He turns to the back seat. “There’s someone inside that Amelia and I want you to meet.” God, I don’t want to meet anyone. I just want a hot shower and a meal.
“That sounds great,” I lie. Alex looks at me as I speak.“Sometimes you have to pretend,”I send him a message. He nods and smirks.
Topher leads us into the elaborate mansion, stopping in the foyer. “We’re here!” he yells into the house.
Seconds later, an older woman is standing in front of us. She’s wearing a vintage dress, and her white hair is perfectly styled and piled on top of her head. Vampire energy flows from her as she turns toward Alex. “Hello, little one. My name is Fran.”
Alex holds his hand out to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fran. My name is Alex.”
She shakes his hand. “Would you care for something to eat, Alex?”
His eyes open wide. “Yes, please.” He turns toward me. “Do you have anything for Elsie and Thorne?”
“I do.” She turns toward the two of us. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” She motions to several soft-looking seats in the living area. “Please, have a seat. I’ll grab you some blood.”
Thorne and I follow Alex into the exquisitely decorated living room. The three of us sit on the sofa, with me sandwiched in the middle, whileTopher heads into a room on the other side of the foyer. Fran returns minutes later with three bottles of bright red liquid. My stomach growls at the sight.
“There’s plenty more where that came from. Don’t be shy.” Fran sits in a matching chair across from us. “Amelia’s told me about you.” I smile, not sure what to say. She turns her attention to Alex. “You’re quite remarkable, young man. I can sense your abilities and strength.”
“Is that good?” Alex asks.
“Fran was Celeste’s nanny,” Topher interrupts, coming back into the room.
“The immortal child, Celeste?” Alex slides forward on the couch, suddenly more interested in the conversation. “The one like me?”
“For many centuries,” Fran answers. “I love her like she’s my own.”
“Where is she?”
“She’s living in Mississippi with the love of her life.” Fran laces her fingers together as she speaks. Her body language tells me she misses the girl.
“Is she with another immortal child?”
Fran scoffs. “No. She’s with the Alpha lycanthrope of North Mississippi, and she’s no longer a child.”
“How is that possible?” he asks.
“Witchcraft. It came at a great cost for both her and her father.” She sighs before turning toward Thorne. “Viktor was your maker.”
“Aye. He was a great man. I respected him very much. I’m confused how we never met.”
The older vampire smiles. “My job was to care for Celeste. His job was to protect her with his life in business and in love.”
“I learned a great deal from him,” Thorne answers.
“He was full of information.” She huffs a laugh at her words.
“Can I do that?” Alex’s words are no louder than a whisper. “Can I use witchcraft to grow?”
Fran and Topher share a look. “That’s a conversation for another day,” Topher answers.
Surprisingly, Alex doesn’t argue. “Topher says I might be able to meet her, to meet Celeste.”
Fran smiles. “I don’t see why not. I can put in a good word for you.”
“Fran is more than just a nanny. She’s somewhat of a technological genius.” Topher nods his head toward the elderly vampire.
