Page 97 of The Immortal’s Mark

The coffee machine beeps.

“Thank the Creator!” Paige whirls around and grabs two coffee mugs from the cabinet.

She pours the coffee, then hands one mug to me. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” I take a cautious sip, grateful that Paige’s surly behavior from yesterday seems to be gone.

“You’re welcome.” She lifts her cup. But before she can take a sip, her eyes grow wide, and she jerks back. Her coffee sloshes onto the floor.

I turn.

Gregory enters the kitchen without making a sound.

“Good morning,” he greets, but the familiar warmth in his voice is absent. “Is that coffee?”

“Paige just made it.” I motion to the coffee maker.

“Excellent.” He approaches the counter.

Paige swiftly steps out of his way. Her knuckles turn white where she grips her mug’s handle.

“Have you eaten?” Gregory asks as he pours himself a cup.

“Not yet,” I answer.

“I can make you something.”

“That’s okay.” I turn around and retrieve a box of cereal from the pantry. “I’m a Cheerios girl.”

Gregory sets his coffee down and retrieves a bowl from the counter, handing it to me. Then he gets the milk from the fridge.

I take it from him. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Paige watches us with a disbelieving stare.

“Do you want some cereal?” I ask her.

She presses her lips together and shakes her head.

I pour the Cheerios into my bowl, then turn to Gregory.

“What about you?”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” He reaches into the fridge and withdraws a silver thermos. He uncaps the top and takes a long sip.

My stomach churns. “Please tell me that’s not what I think it is.”

“Okay. I won’t.” He takes another sip.

“Gross.” I grimace.

He lowers the thermos and smirks, wiping the back of his hand over his mouth. “My apologies, Darcie, but a vampire needs to eat.”

“What’s this?” Alex enters the room. “Did I miss the invitation for breakfast?”

Paige shifts away as Alex positions himself between me and her. He snatches the box of cereal, briefly scans the back, and swiftly places it back on the counter.