Page 108 of Undying
Bertie watches us with a pleased smile. When she sees that she has our attention, she folds her hands in front of herself. “About the people at the gate…I might have told a few humans you were interested in hiring some staff.”
I tilt my head and consider her offer. “And you trust these people?”
Her smile brightens, amusement crinkling the corners of her eyes. “I’ve been in the supernatural community for over twenty years, long before they came out to the rest of the world. It takes skill and knowledge to survive in this world for so long. People have come to trust me.”
Maybe I should be pissed that she invited people without asking first, but I’m just grateful to have someone so well trusted in the community. I reach out and squeeze her arm. “Thank you. Since you’re going to be in charge of the humans, I’ll give you free rein to hire anyone you see fit.”
A pleased blush fills her cheeks, and she bobs her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you for your trust in me. You won’t regret it.”
She doesn’t wait for a reply before she spins away and bustles off to the kitchen. I suspect that she already had a staff in mind and just needed approval to proceed.
I turn back toward the others, feeling better at knowing that the people outside aren’t about to attack at any moment. “That explains the humans. What about the rest?”
“I might have mentioned to a few shifters who are seeking a new beginning that you were looking to hire some security.” Bryce speaks from the top of the stairs. He runs his fingers through his hair a little sheepishly, then a frown darkens his face, and he mutters, “I didn’t expect so many to show up.”
Before I can say anything, Stanton awkwardly clears his throat. “I might have casually brought it up in conversation at HQ that you would be opening up the clan for new membership and interviewing candidates soon. They must have seen the activity out front and joined the queue.”
All I can do is shake my head at how my life keeps spinning out of my control.
At least this is a nice surprise.
I rub my hand over my mouth, my mind spinning with plans, then I drop my hands to my hips and take charge of the situation. No way am I okay with them sitting out there all night, not without some protections put into place. “Bertie is organizing the humans already. Since Castle and Tobias are in charge of my security, go with Bryce and sort out the shifters. I’ll meet your candidates after you give the final approval.”
The shifters nod, the three of them already heading out the door. Tobias and Castle each pause to kiss me before they leave, and I watch them go with a contented sigh, licking my lips to capture one last taste before it fades.
When I turn, I suddenly remember where I am and what I had been doing. “Milo—”
“The gathering will take place in a few hours,” he interrupts, completely in his element as he organizes what needs to be done next. “We won’t have time to sort through the vampires and train you at the same time. I want you to run the interviews with them. Stanton and I will remain in the room and guide you, but—”
“I don’t understand.” My nose crinkles as I try to figure out what he’s not saying. “How will that help train me?”
“You obviously don’t need help with your physical training, since you managed to eliminate an entire house and survive.” Stanton takes over the discussion, pacing from one end of the foyer to the other, lost in his thoughts. “When we have more time, I would like to join the shifters when they resume your training, but what you need most right now is experience with how to interact with vampires. How not to piss them off or inadvertently offend them.
“Vampires live for centuries, so it’s impossible not to gain enemies over time. Until you have alliances in place, it’s critical to gain as many allies as possible. Vampires are a vicious lot and will attack at any sign of weakness.”
“Great, just what I need—more assholes gunning for me,” I mutter, but I honestly didn’t expect any less. Vampires don’t exactly have a cuddly, squishy exterior that welcomes people. My back stiffens at the thought of being around more of them, but I can’t put it off forever. “So what does this training entail exactly?”
Milo shrugs, then looks toward Stanton. “I’ll allow him to explain. He has more experience in this matter. I’m still learning these things myself.”
Stanton just nods, not even registering the compliment. “Vampires and shifters have sharper senses than humans. You’ll conduct the interviews as you normally would, but you’ll need to use your vampire intuition to see if they have any ill intentions. Though you’re still growing into your abilities, your survival instincts are sharper too. If fledglings don’t develop them fast, they don’t survive in our world for long.”
“And you want me to practice honing my abilities during the interviews?” My palms sweat a little at the thought of sitting across from a vampire and trying to converse with them when everything inside me just wants to rip out their throat.
“You need to learn how to trust your instincts. Rely on them.” Stanton narrows his eyes, not missing the way I’m fighting for control, and his expression softens. He takes a step toward me, as if to comfort me, but stops himself from completing the gesture.
My spirits fall a little at the slight rejection, and I shake away the foolish notion.
I’m already juggling three mates. While I’m adventurous, I’m not sure I would even know what to do with four dicks.
“You’re worried about how you’ll react around other vampires,” Stanton says, seeming to read my mind and effectively distracting me from thinking about his cock.
“Being around vampires is triggering for me.” I’m not proud to admit that out loud. “What if I can’t see past my need to kill them?”
“You have a good reason for feeling that way.” Milo doesn’t hesitate to take me into his arms, his hands sweeping up and down my back, his touch soothing away the sharp edges of my nerves. “But I promise you that not all vampires are evil. I think you’ll sense that during the interviews. If you have trouble, I’ll be right beside you. All you have to do is squeeze my hand, and I’ll let you know if your instincts are off or not, okay?”
Suddenly reassured, I nod and snuggle against his chest, loving the crisp apple scent of his skin. I reluctantly pull back, then blow out a harsh breath. “Okay, then, let’s do this.”
The guys bring me into the office, then deposit me behind the desk, and I feel better at the idea of having something between me and the threat. Milo stays true to his word and remains at my side, while Stanton leaves to bring in the first vampire.
