Page 45 of The Vampire’s Prey

"From what little Adrian told me, you're not home anymore. In fact, you came out here to be your own person. So, I will teach you video games. You're gonna love them. They're the best thing ever!" She looks down at her cake. "Well, one of the best."

Giggling, I fork a piece of cake into my mouth. Closing my eyes, I savor the chocolate as it dissolves on my tongue. Imagine, cake and videogames for breakfast. She does have a point though, I can start living my own life, beginning with these.

Hours fly by, and I don't even notice the time slipping away. This is the most fun I have had as long as I can ever remember. At this point, chip bags are spread all over the table, and the cake platter is in between us, empty.

"Looks like someone sure made themselves at home."

I squeak and look up to see Adrian standing behind the couch, surveying the damage. I'm trying so hard to look contrite as his eyebrow raises while taking in the scene.

"Well, you did tell us to."

"Master Adrian!" Marion flies off the couch and slams into him with a huge hug.

A pang of jealousy flashes through me before I can control it. However, instead of greeting her like a girlfriend or lover, he simply kisses her on top of her head and hugs her like a child. I know Adrian is old enough, so could she in fact be his?

"I kept her busy all day, just like you said."

Chuckling, he pulls out a small bear with a pink tutu and star wand. "I can see that. I can also see that you took way advantage of my hospitality young lady."

She looks down at the mess and winces a little. "I'm sorry, master Adrian. I think I got too excited. Please don't tell daddy."

Daddy?

Adrian raises his eyebrow and thinks for a moment. "I will think about it. In the meantime, I believe I promised you a new friend.” He looks over at me and winks. "She looks to be in one piece. So, consider your job accomplished."

"Oh yay!" Marion grabs the bear and clutches her tight. "Thank you so much. And thank you Evie for playing with me."

I'm about to respond when she hurls herself at me and grips me in a tight hug. Stunned, I sit there for a moment with my hands by my side, not really sure what to do. After a few moments, I reach around and hug her. With each squeeze, my empty heart feels like it's becoming full.

"Careful sweetie. You don’t want to squish your bear."

"Oh! You're right.” She pulls away and examines her new buddy until she's satisfied she's not hurt. A loud buzzing comes from her pocket, and she pulls out her phone and smiles. "Daddy's here to get me! I can't wait to show him my new bear. I'm going to name her Evie. After you!"

"I'm flattered.” I watch both Adrian and Marion leave, Adrian with his smooth, long strides and Marion skipping to keep up. It's such a heartwarming scene.

I watch them head to the door, hand in hand. Wow. That is definitely something I never would imagine seeing. She's not even his protege, and yet, he handles her with such tenderness. Not just her. With me too. I ease back onto the couch deep in thought. This is certainly illuminating.

"Now then, missy."

My gaze flies up to see Adrian staring down at me. His brows are drawn as if he's angry, but a playful smirk keeps tugging at his lips.

"I see a lot of snacks and sweets on this table.” He leans over and nudges the empty platter. "Or, should I say, lack thereof. Please tell me you had more than this to eat today."

"Well, of course! I had two bowls of the chicken soup, just like you told me to."

Adrian's brow furrows deeper. "And."

"Well," I look over the table at all the bags and wrappers spread about. "The chips aren't that bad.” Squirming in my seat, I keep searching the table. What else did we eat? Honestly, I didn't even pay attention to what was going into my mouth. I was too distracted by the video games. Now I see why they are forbidden in the house. "Oh! We had tacos!"

"Tacos?" His eyes widen for a moment. "When I checked the fridge last night, there were no tacos in there."

"Marion ordered delivery?"

Adrian reaches up and rubs his hand across his brow. "Oh, she did, did she? And with what did she pay for it?"

Biting down on my bottom lip, I look down at the floor. I really don't want to get my new friend into trouble, but I also don't want to get me into trouble either.

"She said the house account? I'm really sorry. I asked her if it was okay. She assured me that it was!" Hysteria tinges my voice, and I'm trying desperately to calm down. I know my heart must be beating a mile a minute.