Page 50 of Vampire's Breath

“They are our most valued human employees. We, the executives, trust them with our secret, and in exchange for compensation, they provide us with blood when needed. There isalways one male and one female here, but there is a staff of them who rotate, so we don’t feed from them too often.”

The idea of drinking from a willing donor made my stomach twist in ways I didn’t expect, especially given my relationship with my mail carrier back home. I shifted from one foot to the other as a young woman with cropped auburn hair strolled into the room, her hands tucked into the pockets of her tailored vest.

“Hello, Cormac. Dani got caught up with something, but she said you needed me?”

“Julia.” Cormac nodded with a smile. “Yes, my brother requires a drink. When was the last time you allowed someone to feed?”

She tilted her head, considering, then shook it with an amiable smile. “Cormac, you know you’ve got more than enough of us on staff. I haven’t been needed for that in, what—six weeks?”

Cormac’s expression softened. “As I explained to Lorcan, the Executive Trustees are our most valued employees. It is my responsibility to ensure your well-being above all else.”

Her smile turned wry. “I appreciate that. But we all know you run things differently than some of your kin. You make sure no one’s taking advantage.” She glanced at me, curiosity flickering in her hazel eyes, before returning to Cormac. “Who’s the lucky brother?”

I stared at her, the sound of her blood rushing through her heart consuming my ears.

“This is Lorcan. I’m sure he’ll introduce himself when he feels better.”

Julia let out a nervous giggle and held out her hand. “Well, Lorcan, it is nice to meet you finally. I’m sure you know what to do with this?”

I took her hand, looking into her eyes with barely a hint of gratitude, and brought it to my lips, greeting her. “Thank you forthis,” I choked out, turning her wrist toward me. She smiled, and her eyes seemed to sparkle.

The moment my fangs broke her skin, warmth flooded my mouth. I had made sure to hit the artery, allowing her pulse to push the blood to the back of my throat. But there was no sweetness, nothing that gave any satisfaction other than the feeling of nourishment, no desire to pull the life-giving force into me. I limited myself to a few swallows before running my tongue over her wrist to seal the wound.

Julia looked between Cormac and me, her eyes wide. “Surely, that wasn’t enough, Lorcan. You can drink until you are full. Cormac won’t let you hurt me.”

I looked at Cormac from the corner of my eye, and the corners of my mouth turned down.

Cormac smiled at her. “Thank you for your trust in me. That’s just all that he wanted right now. Your services are appreciated.”

She nodded. “Not for another six weeks.” She turned and walked from the room.

Cormac looked at me. “Still bitter?”

I narrowed my eyes. The taste clung to my tongue, weak and lacking substance. “Like partially sweetened lemonade or that thin gruel they used to give the kids in the workhouses.”

Cormac’s face twisted into a look of concern, his eyebrows knitted together. He looked deep into my eyes. “Lorcan, are you sure—”

I wasn’t even going to consider it—not daring to give credence to his idea that Briar could be my mate. “If she were, Cormac, would I want to leave her? Would I want not to be around?” My stomach bubbled at the thought. If she were my mate, walking away wouldn’t just be difficult—it would be impossible.

He shrugged. “I would do anything for Aurora. If I felt she was in danger, I would put myself in any peril to save her, evendenying my own happiness. Much like what you’re doing with Briar.”

I looked between the two of them. “Yes, well, I will never have what the two of you have.” I sighed as I sank into the leather chair.

Cormac pulled in a deep breath, resignation flickering in his eyes. “We still need your help. But if we can figure out how to find the Cure, I will put Jacob at your disposal. You may return to Australia—on one condition.”

“And what is that?” I lifted an eyebrow, aware I could walk out the door and book a commercial flight at any moment. But I deferred out of respect for my brother.

His voice softened, barely a demand—a plea almost—a tether to keep me from severing ties again for good. “That you at least stay in touch, brother.”

I folded my arms over my chest. I wouldn’t commit to that now. “What do you need from me to find the Cure?”

Rory stood and crossed the room to one of the shelves of books. She removed a volume from it and sat down on the couch.

“I need you to come over here,” she said.

I tilted my head. “But why?”

Rory bit her lip, hesitating as though she would scare me away, but there was a lightness in my chest; a curiosity I couldn’t tamp down. Had my brother not mentioned that I was the one who enjoyed magic?

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