In the Company of Vampires(109)

“Assuming I’m able to sleep, that is,” she added as she collected her purse. “There was some sort of celebration going on when I checked in, with fireworks and people in the most amazing costumes dancing in the street. I gather the town won some sort of a civic award?”

“Something like that, yes.” I saw her to the door, then returned to sit with Ben, wrapping my arms around him.

“Wasn’t it just yesterday you were telling me that my mother would be okay because she was strong and a fighter? Well, David is strong and a fighter, too. And he knows we’re not going to rest until we free him. So stop feeling guilty because you were resuscitating me and couldn’t stop de Marco from taking him.”

“That’s not why I feel guilty,” Ben said, pulling me onto his lap again, this time so he could nibble at my neck. “You must come first in all things. You are my Beloved, my life, my sunshine.”

I laughed, nipping on his ear until he looked up. Despite his pain, he smiled, love shining in his dark oak eyes, the gold bits glittering with a heat that shimmered along my skin. “You get bonus points for including the sun in that statement. I love you, too, my bossy vampire, and we’re going to get your buddy away from that maniac and his whacked-out chick. Okay?”

“Okay,” he said, and kissed me with enough steam to make my toes curl. There is a problem, though.

What? Finding David? I know the Vikingahärta is broken, but maybe there’s a way to get it fixed, and then I can use it to find out where de Marco has gone.

No, not that.

What we’re going to say to the watch when they’re done tallying up all the dead therions?

I don’t care about the watch.

Then what we’re going to do with the Vikings? Eirik told me they are enjoying themselves way too much to go to Valhalla, and Finnvid claims he’s madly in love with Imogen, although you’d think that would stop him from sleeping with every big-breasted woman he can sweettalk into bed. I hope Imogen finds out he’s been sleeping around, because he seriously needs to be whacked upside his head.

He laughed, and slid his hands under my T-shirt. I shall make sure she finds out. The problem I was referencing is one of practicality. We have nowhere to sleep, and if you wish for me to do all the things you’re thinking about—ice cubes, Francesca? Are you sure?—then we will need some privacy, and I don’t fancy this couch with your mother in the next room.

I laughed, kissed him again, then helped him put on his coat and hat so we could hit Peter up for the keys to Naomi’s trailer.

Life is looking up, don’t you think? Oh, there are still clouds on the horizon—David is the biggest, naturally, and my mother’s mental state is another major concern. But you and I are a team, Ben, and together, there isn’t anything we can’t do.

Even the ice cubes? That sounds rather chilly.

Definitely the ice cubes. I have plans for them. Very big plans . . .