Page 53 of Hunt the Dusk
“Allowing?”
“Veins aren’t usually free to choose their own spouses,” Flo said. “But Mistress Sangera knows we’re in love.”
“You just got lucky and fell in love with the right match,” Regina said.
“And you’re just jealous,” Blondie said.
Regina ignored her and turned to me. “Veins are bred so that our offspring have the right blood for our masters and can eventually either be turned or used as veins.”
I wasn’t quick enough to hide my distaste, and Flo’s eyes hardened.
“You think you’re better than us?” she said.
“No. I think you’re being used, and it pisses me off.”
“It’s the way it is,” Regina said wearily. “There is nothing we can do about it. Vampires need to feed, and this is the least feralway to do it.” She smiled. “In the meantime, we make the most of the life of luxury we’re given. And this is my last year.”
“They’re letting you go?” I’d have imagined the nobles keeping their veins for as long as possible.
“Veins retire at thirty-five as our blood is no longer as potent.”
She did not look thirty-five. “So what do you do now?”
“Are you getting matched?” Flo asked.
Regina’s smile was sad. “No. My master has other plans for me.” She stretched and yawned. “I should get some sleep. Last night was restless.”
She said her goodbyes and left the room.
I stayed for a little while longer, grabbed some food, and listened to the veins swap stories before heading back to my quarters for a nap on the sofa. If I was going to accompany Ezekiel to his dinner tonight, I wanted to be refreshed, wide awake, and on the ball.
The potent aromaof freshly ground coffee tugged me from sleep, and I opened my eyes to find Ezekiel crouched by my sofa.
“Good evening, little Silver. Did you sleep well?” He brushed a tendril of hair off my cheek, his finger leaving a hot trail against my skin.
I was suddenly wide awake. “Is that coffee I smell?” I sat up, and he retreated, taking his cedar wood scent with him.
“Fresh and hot. There are buns, too, sweet or savory. You can pick.”
I rubbed sleep from my eyes and stifled a yawn because what the fuck? I’d slept for hours.
“It’s the altitude,” Ezekiel reminded me. “Your body is still adjusting.”
“And yet, you’re fine.” I grabbed a mug and poured the rejuvenating nectar into it, adding three spoons of sugar.
“That will rot your teeth.”
“I don’t care.” I slurped and sighed. “Good stuff.” Another sip just to make sure and I could already feel the caffeine working. “Okay, so what’s the plan? What time is the meeting?”
“The meeting is over,” Ezekiel said.
“Wait, what? What time is it?”
“Nine o’clock.”
“You let me sleep through it? I came here to protect you.”
“You needed the rest.”
