Page 66 of To Vanquish Darkness

Ren leaned against the counter. “It was rather offensive. Considering.”

Amalie glanced at Theo. “Considering what?”

Theo wet his lips. “It’s part of our curse.” He turned his head. “Our souls crave eternal connection, but our immortal forms are destined to destroy it.”

Amalie pondered this. “Because you feed.”

“Because we have to kill. And even those we save and lovedie,” Clémentine growled. “Perhaps if your lifespan was more than that of a moth you’d understand.”

Amalie swallowed hard. “But you don’t—you can’t love each other?” Her eyes flicked to Theo.

Ren barked a laugh. “We love each other plenty. But we aren’t built to attract other vampires. We aren’t built to bond with them.”

Bond.Amalie hadn’t heard that term before. “But you can bond with humans?”

Ren’s eyes flicked to Theo’s. “Something like that.”

The kitchen door swung open and Etienne strolled in. When he saw the food on the counter, his face lit up. "What are we making this morning?" He looked genuinely curious, oblivious to the tension in the room. "I've always been interested in how humans prepare their snacks."

"A bit pandering, even for you," Theo muttered.

"What? It's interesting." Etienne strolled over and glanced down at the bread and cheese on the cutting board. He nodded appreciatively. "Good choice.”

Ren took another step forward, crossing his arms over his chest. "Perfect timing, Eti. We were just discussing where Theo found his meal last night?—"

“Stop.” A low rumble started deep in Theo’s chest. He shot a glance at Clémentine who was stretching her hands over her head, showing the flat of her stomach. “Both of you.”

Etienne stepped forward, rolling the sleeves of his white linen shirt to his elbows. "Mind if I help?" He glanced up at Amalie through dark lashes, then winked at Theo. Grinning, he picked up a sprig of thyme, stripping the tiny leaves from its stem with practiced fingers. His silver signet ring glinted in the light from the window. “I’ve heard herbs add a brightness to flavors?—”

“Is this what we’re doing? Playing chef?” Theo glowered at Etienne as Amalie pulled her hand away to pinch the small spears between her fingers.

"Not playing. I've always been fascinated by the evolution of human cuisine." Etienne set down the herbs he'd gathered and picked up another leaf, this time tearing off small pieces and placing them neatly in a row along one side of the board before reaching for more. "The flavors, the textures . . . so different from when I lived."

“When was that?” Amalie asked, her interest piqued.

“Second century.”

She blinked, then turned to Theo. “You’re older?” Theo nodded. “How did you meet?”

Etienne cocked his head. “You haven’t told her?”

“Told me what?”

Theo crossed his arms over his chest. “We met at a party.”

Etienne laughed out loud. “Oh. It was definitely that.” He waited for Amalie to spread more cheese, then sprinkled the herbs. "Tell me, what is your favorite dish to prepare?"

Despite herself, Amalie found her lips curling into a smile. If he was attempting to put her at ease, he'd failed miserably, but there was something undeniably charming about Etienne's curiosity. And the way he got under Theo’s skin.

She glanced down at the fresh ingredients spread across the counter. "I suppose it depends on the season. In the summer, I love making ratatouille with vegetables from my garden. And in winter, there's nothing better than boeuf bourguignon."

Etienne’s eyes lit up. "You’re from the south?"

Ren’s eyes narrowed just as Theo’s hand wrapped around her elbow. “Enough.” His voice was low when he spoke. “Unlike the others, she isn't here for entertainment."

"No?" Clémentine purred, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "Seems like you’re quite amused.”

Amalie bristled, dropping the preserves over the herbs Etienne had prepared, then allowing Theo to draw her toward the door. Her curiosity ate at her like acid.What about thisparty? And if vampires didn’t bond with each other, why did Clémentine act like Theo was hers to claim?

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