Page 63 of Soul Sucker

“They are guardians or mentors who are concerned more with your life or death choices rather than your spiritual ones.”

“That makes sense. So what kind of bird are you?”

“Would it be possible for me to come back with you on the ferry and retrieve my wallet?” He stood over her, one hand in his pocket, the other clenched on the back of his chair.

“A rooster? A chicken? I know you said you didn’t eat birds.”

He slowly exhaled and looked heavenward. “I don’t even have to speak to you on the ferry, just as long as you can spare five seconds to unlock your car and hand me my wallet when we arrive at your house. I’ll turn around and go right back, I swear it.”

“Couldn’t you just sleep with Alexei?”

He smiled. “Been there, done that, don’t want to do it again.”

She stared at him. “You’ve hooked up with Alexei? You’re gay?”

Again, that devastating smile. “He’s Fae. He’ll fuck anything that doesn’t run away fast enough.”

“And did you run?”

“Not really.” His gaze settled on her mouth. “We were young and I like to experience everything both worlds have to offer.”

“So you’re bi.”

“Why do empaths always insist on sticking labels on everything?”

“So we know what we’re getting ourselves into.” Ella stood up, but Vadim didn’t move away and she was far too close. She raised her chin to stare at him. In her experience, attack was always preferable to retreat and it was always amusing to see him having to be polite and conciliatory.

“If you prefer men, why are you still coming on to me?” Ella asked.

“I don’t prefer men, and you’re the one who was all over me earlier.”

“I was amusing myself at your expense.”

“I noticed. You’re good at that.”

“It’s a talent of mine.” She refused to look away from his beautiful blue eyes. “I have some paperwork to do before I leave. If you want to wait and come back with me that’s cool.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that.” He nodded and, to her relief, finally walked away.

11

She glancedsideways as Vadim disembarked from the ferry alongside her. It was still warm and sunlight glinted off the water like shards of glass, making her slide her sunglasses down onto her nose. He took off his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. He looked like something out of a fashion magazine.

“Is this really about your wallet?”

“I can’t manage without ID.”

She turned right and started up the slight slope toward her home. “Did Feehan ask you to come home with me?”

“He did, but I’d already decided to do that anyway.”

Ella stopped walking and faced him. “Why?”

“That’s a good question. Sometimes I just have to follow my instincts.”

“Your big bird instincts?”

His delicious mouth curved up into a half-smile. “You don’t give up, do you?”

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