Page 15 of Twisted Gift

I roll my eyes. “You’re way too chipper right now.”

A bit of the light in his eyes dies. “You should be as well, gorgeous. Today you’re going to learn how to feed, and it’s going to be epic.”

“Goody,” I remark dryly. “Can’t wait.” I pump my fist into the air.

“You’re in excellent hands,” he praises himself. “I’m awesome at this.” Recalling him feeding off the crowd at the pub gives me a bit more faith in his words, but his excessive enthusiasm makes me want to call the whole thing off right now.

“Why don’t we eat some human breakfast first? I’m starving, and there’s this little café down the street. We can talk strategy before trying anything.”

I’m not sure what “strategy” entails, but I nod. “I’ll go get changed.”

His eyes drop to my less than modest sleepwear. “Ihave no issue with your attire, but the rest of the public might stare.”

I flip him off and walk back to my bedroom. After changing into black yoga capris and a comfortable violet blouse, I return to the other room where Nikolai is setting my empty mug in the sink. Yeah, he’s way too at home here. It’s unnerving.

“All set?” he asks without turning around.

I blow out a breath. “I guess so.” This morning’s initial optimism seems to have disappeared.

He shifts, appearing right in front of me, and grabs my arm before I can step back. “If you believe you’re going to fail, you will.” His dark lashes lower, fanning his cheeks. “You want to get better, right?”

My eyes snap to his. “Of course I do.”

His hands slide down my arms and drop away. “Wonderful.” He grins. “Let’s get going.”

Sitting across from Nikolai at the café down the street from the pub isn’t as weird as I thought it would be. That’s not to say I ever thought it would happen because, until the night at the pub, I didn’t think I’d see him again.

In the four years I’ve lived in Rockdale, I’ve never been to this coffee shop. The rich aroma of coffee soothes me even with the lingering nausea. Looking around, I take in the sleek, modern decor. The place has an incredible aesthetic. I understand why Nikolai enjoys coming here. The table we’re sitting at has black wrought-iron chairs with plush cushions. I make a point not to touch the chair with anything but my ass for fear of an iron burn.

Breakfast food has always been my favorite. There’s never a wrong time of day to eat it, except when you feel as if you’ll hurl if you eat anything. Nikolai orders us some coffee while I slip into the ladies room near the back of the café to splash cold water on my face. When I return, he’s already engrossed in the menu. I look it over, but most of the selection makes me feel nauseous.

“You look like you’re about to vomit,” Nikolai comments, peering at me over his menu.

I don’t even have the energy to fake a smile right now. “Awesome. I feel that way, too.”

His brows tug closer. “It could be—wait. You and Westbrook. Did you...?”

My eyes narrow. “I’m not pregnant,” I whisper-yell. “God, Nikolai.” I huff and scowl. “Can fae even get humans pregnant?”

Nikolai’s expression transforms before me, going from light and at ease to something dark, hard. Haunted. “Yes,” he says in a low voice. In the space of a heartbeat, his face returns to his normal, relaxed appearance, but my head is spinning. I want to ask him what happened, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not with the way he looked at me moments ago.

“You need to order something.” His eyes return to the menu as mine wander toward the sound of coffee beans grinding in a machine behind the counter. “Their French toast is a-fucking-mazing.”

My chest tightens, and the unease in my stomach worsens. “No French toast.” My voice is gravelly. It takes my entire will not to think about the morning before the gala in Tristan’s kitchen.

“All right,” he says. “I’m going to eat my weight in bacon and eggs. Feel free to join me.”

I turn back and arch a brow at him as the waiter stops at our table. I take one more look at the menu and order a yogurt with granola and a fruit bowl. Nikolai orders a giant platter of bacon and eggs as the waiter refills our coffees. Once he’s gone, Nikolai leans over the table and lowers his voice.

“Here’s the plan. After breakfast, I’m going to take you to a feeder unit.”

My pulse spikes. “Allison told me about those. I’m not sure I can get on board.” The whole thing still seems freaky.

He takes a sip of coffee. “I’m going to be with you the whole time, so don’t worry. Your first feed can be overwhelming, but I’m confident it’ll go well.”

“Because you’re going to be there?” I ask, my voice laced with sarcasm.

He smirks, leaning back. “Now you’re getting it.”

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