Page 42 of The Vampire’s Prey

Over the next several minutes, I relay everything that has passed between Evangeline and me, especially what I found at her apartment.

"She has not confided anything to me yet. But I have a feeling that something is not what it seems. I would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to something like this. I have lived through my fair share of vampire hunts, as I am sure you have too."

Lucius nods thoughtfully, staring past me and to the wall. "And you are sure she's safe and secure at your place?"

"There's no way she can leave the property without me. I will keep trying to earn her trust and update you as soon as I know something. Either way, she and I will have to have a long talk. If she already knows that I’m a vampire, then that concerns me a little. It would explain some of her odd behaviors though. Damn it. I just wish I could compel her. This would make everything so much simpler."

"Yes it would.” He stands and extends his hand out to me. "Please keep me updated."

"Will do.” I shake his hand then turn to leave the club. It’s high time I return to my ward.

The whole drive back, I stared out at the road in front of me. I really need to sort out my feelings soon. If I do in fact care about her, that’s one thing. But if I don’t, then I really need to cut ties and urge her to never come back to Arizona. However, the mere thought of her leaving brings my feelings of rage and anger to the forefront. It’s time to face the facts. I am never going to let her leave. But how to convince her to stay? It is not like I can just turn her without her knowing it. Even if I was powerful enough, there is no guarantee it would even work.

I finally arrive at my driveway, no clearer on what to do. Sighing, I wipe my face with my hand and make my way inside. The smell of chicken broth hits my nose as soon as I open the door. Perfect. Maria should be almost done. I slip off my shoes and put them on their stand before making my way into the kitchen. Standing back, I watch Maria dance around the stove, singing softly under her breath. She has been the best companion I have had, and she will be missed when she finally does pass on.

She’s definitely gotten softer with age. Her chestnut hair is finally becoming more silver than brown; however, she still keeps it up in the pert bun on top of her head. Smiling, I let my gaze wander to her face. The lines are deeper, but all it does is accentuate her smile. She is still as lovely and kind as ever. This is the true vampire’s curse. Eventually, everyone you love is taken from you.

Steering my thoughts away from that darker tone, I sneak up behind her. Without warning, I reach out and twirl her into me, so we can both continue the dance. She shrieks and slaps my arm but laughs as she moves around the kitchen with me.

"Master Adrian, I am no spring chicken. You can't just scare me like that."

Grinning, I dip her slightly. "I say you are as young as the day you first started working for me."

Maria blushes and pushes away, so she can stir the soup. "Now master Adrian, you know you shouldn't be flirting with me while you have a young miss tied up in the guest bedroom.” Smiling, she tucks an errant strand of hair behind her ear.

I frown and cross my arms. "Did she cause you trouble then?"

"Oh no, no!" She is quick to assure me. "She did let out some frustration. Oh, not at me."

My shoulders relax back down. "But she is okay?"

"Last time I checked, master Adrian. Asleep like a baby. She's a pretty one, you know. Much nicer than those other biddies you've brought home."

I raise my eyebrow and pin her with a stare. "Oh? You have something to say about my taste in women?"

Maria chuckles and goes back to stirring her soup. "Of course not, master. That would not be my place."

"Humph. Indeed, it’s not. But I am glad you like her. That’s actually really important to me."

Sighing, she turns around and wipes her hands on her apron. "She needs loving, that one. I'm just worried you don't know how to give it."

I stagger back, hand to my heart. "Maria, you wound me. Have I not been nothing but generous and loving towards you?"

She reaches up and pats me on the cheek as if I were the child and she the parent. It warms my heart.

"Yes master. You have been a joy to work with. But I wasn't broken when you hired me. Something's hurt her bad."

Frowning, I gently grab both of her shoulders. "Is this a vision? Have you seen anything?"

Her eyes go milky for a moment. Not much frightens me, but seeing her in a trance always makes my stomach flip.

"Nothing that I can really see master. Just pain. Lots of pain. That and a crossroads. You need to help her make the right choices, or she will easily fall astray.”

Her eyes slip closed, and she sways for just a moment. I tighten my grip and hold her steady.

"There now. Enough of that. You go lie down, and I'll take care of the soup."

"Posh. As if I can let you," she mumbles, her eyes fluttering. "Just give me a moment, and I'll be right as rain."