Page 10 of From the Shadows
He reached up and rang the bell again, his gaze darting around, perusing the property. He seemed to be… vibrating.
Diego pulled open the door. “Can I help you?”
The guy looked up, his eyes widening. “Hi, my name is Shay Nowak, your new majordomo.”
Diego narrowed his gaze. “The new… what the hell is a majordomo?”
Shay fluttered a hand. “Oh, it’s like… Have you ever seenMagnum PI? Higgins was the majordomo, responsible for the upkeep of the property, overseeing the staff. Things like that.” He frowned. “And I’m guessing you didn’t know I was coming.”
“Nope. Who sent you?”
“Ms. Connelly hired me.”
Empatia!
There’s no need to shout, you know. Has Shay arrived yet?
What the hell is this crap?
When you came for our appointment, you told me we needed someone to take care of Jeremy, did you not?
Yes, but not a human!
Oh, I assure you, Shay is much more in tune than a regular human. He’sfascinated by all things supernatural, and I think he’d be an excellent fit with your group.
No.
This has already been decided, Diego. If you have a problem with it, you’ll need to take it up with Mr. Biggs, who is, so you know, well aware of Shay’s… shortcomings.
Diego couldn’t believe this crap.Either he goes, or I do.
Then I will let Mr. Biggs know you’ve tendered your resignation. We will, of course, provide you with?—
Of course she’d call his bluff. Damned mind reader.Enough! Fine. He can stay, but I won’t be responsible for him.
I know you do your best to stay away from humans, though I don’t understand why and you refuse to tell me, going so far as to putting that information behind the shield I taught you. Regardless, you can’t avoid them your entire life.
I can try. Just… keep him away from me.
Shay will be overseeing the household. I can’t very well tell him to avoid you, as you live in the house.
Diego ground his teeth. His gaze snapped to Shay, who stood there with a smile on his face that Diego wanted to put a fist through. “Fine, come in.”
“And it’s a true pleasure to meet you too. Let me guess. You’re… Diego.”
Diego scowled. “How’d you know that?”
“Prickly personality, snappish attitude, very unfriendly. That leaves me to guess it’s you.”
“Fuck. Come in… please,” he ground out.
Shay grinned. “So you can be taught manners. That’s helpful to know. I’ll add it to the list of things I need to work on.”
“You’re pretty fucking mouthy for a….” Diego bit back the word. “Are you going to stand out there all day?”
With an annoying smirk, Shay entered the house. “Human. The word you were looking for is human. Though I suppose I could be considered mouthy for any species.”
It made no sense. Anyone, no matter who, should feel the threat of a vampire in front of them. That prickling sensation that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end, as well as thatdread that said you needed to run as fast and far as you could and never look back.
