Page 111 of Night Prey
“But not recently, right?”
“No, many centuries ago.”
“Where are they now?”
“In Ellnesari.”
“I thought everyone had returned.”
“Everyone but Manu. Vivi was able to create another portal with Solomon’s help, but it closed too soon, so only Karl, Cheryl, and Ronan were able to cross it.”
“Were you planning to go?” My voice comes out squeaky.
Vaughn touches my face. “No, but considering the Elder dragon wanted to kill us all, I would have. But now I’m glad the portal lost its power before I could. I didn’t want to leave you.”
I relax. “I’m happy you didn’t go.”
“That spell you cast against the Elder dragon was awesome, by the way.”
“I didn’t know I had it in me to do. I couldn’t let her harm you.”
“And it almost cost you too much.” His eyes grow serious.
I step into his space, wrapping my arms around his waist. “I’m still here, and that’s all that matters.”
He rubs his thumb over my lips. “Are you tired?”
“Not in the slightest.” I smile.
“Good.” He steps back, then walks to the acoustic guitar mounted on the wall. “I want to play something for you.”
“Won’t we disturb the others?”
“Nah. The walls are soundproof.”
“Really?”
He gives me a cheeky smile. “A necessity when you live with a mated vampire. Saxon and Aurora can get pretty loud, and they’re always doing it.”
My face becomes warm. “Most vampires are horndogs.”
He takes the guitar from its peg on the wall. “I noticed. I’m not, though.”
I cross my arms. “Really? Are you telling me that since your change, you haven’t slept with your blood donors?”
Imagining Vaughn with any other female—human or vampire—annoys me like crazy.
His eyes round. “Uh… I’m not sure if I should answer that.”
“Why not?”
“Because your eyes have a tinge of red in them.”
My jaw drops. I didn’t realize I was that jealous.
“If you must know, I only did it once, and then I refrained. I didn’t feel right sleeping with anyone. They were already giving me their blood.”
“No born vampire feels guilty about having sex with their food. You’re still in touch with your human side.”
