Page 57 of To Vanquish Darkness

Uncle Oren's words came back to her.She didn't keep the rules. She went out after dark and spoke to a man she did not know.

A lump formed in Amalie's throat. She needed to be crystal clear. "The man my mother spoke to after dark. Was it you?" Something pinched deep in her gut.

"No." Theo’s voice was close. She turned, and found him there in front of her. His fingers brushed her elbow, then disappeared as quickly as they'd come. “I wasn’t there watching. I couldn’t be.”

“Why not?”

Theo’s eyes turned cold again, hardening like stone. “The more I pay attention to things, the more other vampires pay attention to things.”

“Is that true of all vampires? Or only you?” she asked. Theo didn’t answer. “Why do they pay attention to you?”

Again, he remained silent. Amalie pressed a finger into his chest. “The only reason I can think of for you to clam up when I ask these questions is that there’s something you’re hiding. I just can’t figure out what.”

“You’ll have to inform me when you come to it.”

Anger flared in her chest. “Perhaps you didn’t kill my mother like you say, but I saw her blood on your hands. Maybe you’re only opportunistic.”

Theo’s jaw twitched. "I was there because I smelled her blood. Because my throat burned and I was driven mad, is that what you want to hear?"

Amalie’s mouth grew dry. "If it's the truth."

"You've already decided what the truth is. Soyoutell me why I was there. You tell me why I can’t go anywhere without someone watching. Please, Amalie, tell me why I waited forty years to have the pleasure of arguing with you at sunrise. It will be much faster and easier that way."

“Only forty? That’s like a split second for you,” she snapped, but her mind was spinning.Theo had waited for her?She suddenly recalled the first flash she’d seen of him. His hands had been on her waist. His lips?—

Amalie straightened even though her body still felt like it was being dragged down by anchors. "I'm so sick of arguing with you, I could scream."

Theo turned his head. "Then do it."

"I'm too tired."

He huffed a breath. "Hungry, too?"

Amalie pursed her lips. "I'll survive."

"I believe you were invited to breakfast."

She planted a smile on her face. "Everything I've ever dreamed of. Cracking into an egg in a sea of vampires telling me ‘don’t worry, doll. He’ll be thirsty soon enough.’"

Theo laughed out loud. “Is that what she said?”

“Word for word.”

He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.

Amalie hadn’t meant to gawk, but she didn’t catch herself in time. Even leaning over, he was a head taller than she was. It gave her a perfect view of his mouth.

Theo blew out a breath. "Breakfast would most likely be vegetarian."

Amalie blinked. "You're joking."

His laugh was rich and low. "We can't eat like humans, but Etienne enjoys cooking like them. Especially when there’s company."

Despite the sun on her cheeks, Amalie felt cold. Were the others still alive? She drew a breath and steadied herself with a hand on the wall. She needed to lie down. Needed to sleep.

Theo gripped her shoulders, and Amalie felt a jolt of energy run from her head to her toes. He spun her toward the door.

She tried to pull away, her muscles didn’t obey. His hands were gentle as he led her to the stairs. At least he wasn't picking her up again. It was a small win, and she was going to take it.

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