Wolf's Bane

Peter's House

After dancing with Peter, Desiree asked him to join her at their table.

"I'm sure you must have lots of embarrassing stories about Andrew," she commented. "I'd love to hear them."

"Well, I can't disappoint a lady, can I?" He allowed her to lead the way back to the table.

Andrew joined them, having allowed the vampire he danced with to return to her spot against the wall. "I see you're keeping my bride company."

"Peter was just about to fill me in on every embarrassing thing you've done since childhood," she replied, turning to face him. She got the feeling he was the type to enjoy such attention. She hoped that would be enough to keep him talking to her.

"I certainly have stories," he said. "Andrew has always been one to do anything to impress a pretty girl."

"He certainly seems the type," she joked.

"I didn't do anything that embarrassing," Andrew insisted.

"Oh, so you didn't attempt to fight a donkey because Diana thought it would be impressive?"

Desiree looked at him. "I met Diana, didn't I?"

"Yes and that was just a childhood crush," he replied. "I didn't really fight a donkey."

"You tried, though," Peter countered. "He went into wolf form and snuck into the horse pen. That donkey came right at him. He nearly got a concussion for his trouble, but he managed to run away with an angry donkey on his tail all the way to the fence."

"I wish I'd been there," she commented.

"It wasn't that entertaining," Andrew replied.

"It is a source of great sadness to me that video cameras hadn't been invented during that time," Peter said. "I should like to have been able to watch the incident on repeat."

Desiree giggled, resisting the urge to look back at Sebastian. She didn't want to draw Peter's attention to him in any way. "Did things go well with Diana after that?"

"Not for Andrew," Peter replied. "If we're being honest, she always preferred me."

"Oh, you think so?" Andrew countered. "Shall we ask her? I'm sure she's somewhere around here." He looked around.

Desiree tilted her head. "Are you really looking around for another woman to ask if she was into you?"

Peter chuckled. "If he frustrates you, you're always welcome to stay with me, instead."

Andrew took her hand. "That was centuries ago. It has nothing to do with my feelings today."

"Well, we both know you're not good at letting go of emotions like that," Peter remarked.

"That sounds like another story," Desiree said.

"It's not." Andrew's response was firm. "Don't encourage his nonsense."

"But I like nonsense."

Andrew stood and held out his hand. "I believe it's time for another dance."

Desiree wondered if refusing him would make her motives obvious, but she was hesitant to let Peter out of her sight. "But I want to hear more stories about you."

"I'll be happy to tell you as many stories as you like," Andrew promised.

"I feel like Peter would give more entertaining details, though."

"She has a point," Peter commented.

"All the more reason for me to steal you away, now." Andrew took her hand and led her to the dance floor. She didn't resist for fear that would give her thoughts away. As Andrew led her in a dance, he asked, "Have you suddenly taken a liking to Peter?"