Page 45 of Kentucky Nights
“My name is Kentucky. I love chasing sunsets and love guns. Pew. Pew.”
I groan, hanging my head in defeat. I’ll never have a moment of peace when it comes to Lorcan.
“I do not sound like that, Lorcan.”
“Hate to break it to you, bucko, but you do sound like that. Pew. Pew. I’m dangerous and have a big horse. Pew. Pew.”
I glance up to see him in the exact same cowboy hat I own on top of his skull, cowboy boots with the spurs, and a gun holster around his waist. Luckily, and I mean that with all my heart, he has a fake gun in his hand. I can’t imagine what Lorcan would do with a real one.
Dru is dumbfounded, staring at Lorcan as if she is seeing a ghost. I suppose, in a way, he is, since he comes and goes as he pleases.
“You must be Dru.” Lorcan hooks his fingers in the holster, stomping his boots hard on the ground so the spurs create noise. “Nice to meet you, pretty lady.” He pinches the brim of the hat, giving her a head tilt.
I’m the only one allowed to give her a head tilt.
Sneering, I’m in between them, blocking her from him. “Don’t even think about flirting with my m—her,” I correct myself, not wanting to spill the secret too soon.
I know lying isn’t good to do, especially so early on, but is it so bad that I want her to love me first before she feels like she has no choice because she is my fated mate?
She deserves a choice, and if she’d rather die than be with me, I’ll respect that and die beside her.
“Meow, kitten. Claws are out.” Lorcan scratches the air and hisses. “Okay, okay, sheesh. Relax, will you? I’m only poking fun.” He slings the hat across the room, hooking it on the coat rack.
Impressive.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Dru. I’m Lorcan.” He holds out his hand in greeting.
I stand there, crossing my arms over my chest with an eyebrow lifted.
“Ugh, seriously? She can’t even shake my hand? You’re one of those types of…”
I pinch my mouth together, my jaw curt and tense as I stare at him.
“Vampires…?” He ends up sounding like he’s asking a damn question. As long as he doesn’t spill my secret, we will be good. Lorcan has a big mouth, one that vomits words when he isn’t supposed to.
“Kentucky, I’ll be okay. You said this is Lorcan, right? The Void?” Dru asks, peeping around me. “I’ll be okay if he is as nice as you say.”
Hecanbe nice.
When he wants to be.
“Aw, he said I was nice? That’s so sweet.” He grins, holding his hands together over his heart, and if he had eyelashes, I know he would be batting them at me.
Begrudgingly, I step aside to let them meet. I suppose it was only a matter of time, considering he is my only friend.
Dru plasters a big smile on her face, shaking his outstretched hand. I can smell how nervous she is. She pushes through the unknown, willing to meet a paranormal she knows nothing about.
I love her courage.
“Your hand is bone,” Dru points out, staring at it like a kid glaring at a stranger.
“I do have another form that is nicer to look at. I prefer this one, though.”
“Do you want a plate? We were just going to talk about vampire stuff. Kentucky was going to answer any questions I have.”
Lorcan doubles over with laughter, wiping away a fake tear since he can’t cry. “He was going to answer your questions? He was?” He jabs his thumb at me. “It’s a good thing I make myself at home. He doesn’t know anything about vampires. He couldn’t tell you anything. Oh, that’s funny. Oh my god. My cheeks hurt.”
“You don’t have cheeks,” I grumble, flicking his cheekbone.
