My gaze cut to Misha. “He’s getting worse,” he mumbled to me. Petro tried to hurry up the steps, but his shaking made his movements awkward. Still, he smiled pleasantly upon seeing me. “Good evening, Celia. Forgive me for interrupting.” His smile faltered when he addressed Misha. “My brother, our grand master is…displeased. He demands a conference call at your residence and requests that all in our family be present.”
I rose slowly. “Why your residence?”
Misha tossed his napkin onto the table and stood. “Uri will likely use the large video screen in my home to assess the condition of our keep. I fear he believes bloodlust remains present within our family.” After all Misha had endured, his master should have demonstrated a little more kindness—especially for how devoted Misha appeared to be to him. Then again, should I have expected more from a grand master? “Misha, if you need me to speak on your behalf—”
“No.” Misha’s voice deepened over Aric’s growling protests. “I would prefer my master to know as little about you and your sisters as possible.”
“Okay, Misha.” I gave him plenty of room to pass, hoping he wouldn’t try to kiss my hand, or any other body part. He smiled, but his haste to meet with his master made him behave. Well, sort of.
“Good night, my sweet kitten.” He nodded to Aric. “May mange leave you bald and infertile, mongrel.”
“Run along, blood licker; the master calls,” Aric growled.
“A word of caution, canine.” He winked my way. “She bites.”
My face burned under Aric’s scrutiny. Of course, Misha wouldn’t be Misha without one more dig. He motioned as if lifting a phone receiver. Call me, he mouthed before stepping into his limo.
I watched the limos speed away, knowing my guardian angel’s problems were far from over.
CHAPTER 24
Aric pulled into the parking lot of the research facility where Danny waited for our arrival. I pointed to the right corner. “Park on that side. It’s closest to the lab where Danny works.”
The tension between us remained. Though Aric continued to appear interested in me, knowing most of his pack didn’t approve of our interaction made me wonder if anything between us was possible. I didn’t want a mere one-night stand. Whenever I saw him, I desired so much more.
I opened my door when he parked, but he pulled it the rest of the way before I stepped out, reminding me just how fast he could move “Chivalry’s not dead, you know,” he said with a wink.
“I’ve noticed.” I slid out, working hard to appear tigress smooth, not dorky-teen awkward. “Thank you for looking out for me when Malika broke free.”
“About that…I want you to stay away from this situation. You’ve been lucky so far, but your lack of knowledge about the supernatural world could lead to your downfall.”
“Financial or social?”
“I’m serious, Celia.”
“I know, Aric.” I imitated his gruff voice. He scowled at first, but then glanced away to hide his grin.
Our hands swung close enough to touch as we swept through the parking lot. This time Aric didn’t link us together. Maybe finding Misha on my doorstep upset him more than he’d allowed me to see. I wanted to show him he meant more to me than Misha and thought about reaching out to him. I angled a little closer, gathering my nerve to try.
Aric opened the wide glass door for me. We stepped inside, wincing from the obnoxious fluorescent lights bleaching the industrial white tile floor.
I instinctively clasped his hand as my eyes burned. “I’m sorry, Aric. These lights are designed to kill any bacteria brought into the building. They’re brutal on our vision, but the sting will pass soon.”
Aric opened his eyes and fixed them on our hands. The warmth between our palms assembled into a solid force, just like the other night, only more intense. “You make me crazy—you know that?” he murmured.
I released his hand, unsure whether the heat electrifying my body was something special…or if Aric had this effect on every female.
He paused before following me into the elevator and watched me as I hit the button to the fifth floor. “What’s going on between you and the vampires?”
Aric’s change of subject made me think his strong sex appeal naturally sizzled every gal’s core. Damn it. I shrugged. “Nothing.”
Aric crossed his arms and slumped against the wall of the elevator. “Then why were you having dinner with that idiot?”
My fingers tapped against the metal railing. “Misha just showed up, Aric. I was as shocked to see him as you were.”