He wrapped his arm around me and his eyes took on a far away quality as he searched through his memories, his fingers absently trailing over my tops of my thighs. “I was much like you during my human life. I had visions of events that had not yet happened and like you, I told few of my ability. After my human death my gift remained intact. Instead of seeing the futures of humans I can see the futures of other vampires. The ability has gotten stronger as I age. I have also gained the ability to control my gift and can turn it off when needed. At times a vision will leak through. It is not an exact science.”
I snorted sarcastically at his last statement and Stefan laughed dryly in response. The corners of his mouth lifted in a slight smile as he continued with his story.
“It was approximately 200 years ago that I had a vision of a beautiful human woman on a beach. She would be a kindred spirit and her voice would call to me. I did not understand what that meant at the time, nor had I ever had a vision of a human after becoming a vampire. You can probably imagine the confusion I felt, knowing my destiny was to find her but having no idea where to begin looking for her or how to do it. After two centuries of searching, I found her. You,” Stefan paused and his face broke into a glorious smile. “I had to wait over 200 years to find you, Josephine. Now I have to convince you to remain by my side.”
He was worried about convincing me to stay? As scared as I was of having any kind of romantic relationship, there was something about him that drew me to him. The attraction between us was so profound it was almost magnetic. My mind drifted over our conversation and I had more questions for him.
“You mentioned ‘vampire bullshit.’ What exactly does that mean?” I questioned. Was there a network of vampires? And if so, I wondered if they were as annoying as humans that networked? I tried to envision vampires logging on to ‘VampBook,’ posting status updates and sending out friend requests. I inwardly laughed at the thought of vampires starting groups and 'liking' pages.
“Yes to both. They are as annoying as humans that network and we do network. There is no ‘VampBook,’ yet I am sure the board would find the idea interesting.” Stefan hesitated, taking an unnecessary breath. “There are five members that sit on a Council. The Council answers to an Administrative Board of three. I assure you, it is boring and tedious.” Stefan rolled his eyes, his lips frowning slightly. “I work mainly with the Board, because of both my age and ability. The Board sends their requests for me through the Council. Their requests are non-negotiable.”
My eyes widened in alarm as he talked. I hadn't asked him about networking vampires out loud, I'd thought about it! He's also a mind-reader?! I buried my head in my hands for a moment, trying to hide the blush that was quickly spreading. He'd been reading every thought that had I'd had about him and he hadn't bothered to share that information with me? I was so furious I could hardly put a coherent thought together.
“Back up the train, Romeo. You can read minds?” I screeched loudly, feeling the burn of anger flush across my face.
Stefan cringed and placed his long index finger over my lips. “We are in the same room, there is no reason to scream like a banshee. I can assure you my hearing is perfect. In fact, I can hear Georgia at her villa next door,” Stefan smirked, his eyes twinkling and his nose wrinkled in distaste. “Apparently she likes reggae.”
“Quit avoiding my question. Can you read minds?” I asked through clenched teeth. Stefan's smirk deepened and I could feel my blood pressure rising. He needed to start talking and stop the sexy smirking before I exploded. I felt myself begin to tremble in anger and my heart was hammering in my chest as I waited for him to answer me.
The amusement quickly faded from his eyes and he regarded me with a cautious smile. He took my hand in his, rubbing the top of my hand with his thumb. I watched him warily as he absently stroked my hand.
“I cannot read all minds. Just yours and I cannot do that consistently. If your thought is strong enough or there is enough emotion behind the thought, then yes, I can read your mind. Some of your thoughts are quite amusing.” Stefan grinned widely. “Your thoughts about 'spontaneous combustion' was actually quite funny, Josephine. I promise I will try to avoid reading your mind if it makes you that uncomfortable. It could be quite valuable if we could learn to communicate this way.”
My jaw dropped and I looked at him like he'd suddenly sprouted two heads. My mind was whirling as I replayed our conversation in my mind. He was a vampire, we shared a similar ability and he could read my mind? He's making comments like we're going to be some kind of super power couple, mind-reading and conquering the world together? Would we wear matching capes or costumes?