Blue Flames

Bonus Chapter 6

 (This is taking place during Elle's first day on Arthur's Island. Around chapter 10 from Elle's POV)

Arthur's POV

After I shot down the unthinkable idea of using Elle as bait to draw out the demon, the meeting ended.

We made our way to lunch in the backyard. Jesse lingered behind with Elle.

"What?" Elle snapped.

"You're weird."

"If you don't like my smell, you're welcome to keep your distance."

My lips twitched up. She had such a mouth on her.

"Nah, it's not that. You smell fine. In fact, you smell more than fine."

Jesse was being particularly hostile towards her. Although his statement about her scent was far from wrong. She did smell delectable.

We made it to the backyard without spilled blood.

Jesse sat beside Elle. I gave him a look, and he just smiled innocently. He was no longer the lanky boy I'd rescued decades ago, but he, Charles and Kat would always hold a soft spot in my heart. They grew up around me, and no matter how old they became, I would always see them as young. Maybe that was why I let them get away with things other people wouldn't dream of doing around me.

Thomas stood near the set up table, straight-backed and wary, as he always was. His past made him distrust people on instinct, perhaps even dislike. He was also an extremely magic-sensitive witch.

What do you think about Elle? Magic-wise?

I sent the question to his mind. He wasn't able to send back, so he leaned down and whispered in my ear. "Very dull, my lord. If what you're suspecting is true, then whoever cast the spell was very powerful and skilled."

I nodded, and he straightened up.

You may join us, if you wish.

Thomas bowed his head and retreated to the house. He never joined us. Perhaps one day, he would break out of the hold his past had on him.

The females around the table broke into a fit of giggles. It appeared Amanda would have more female companions to share her time with.

Thomas was a great cook. But many of my favorite dishes over the centuries have lost their appeal, especially after losing Toby. Not just food. A great many things have lost their appeal. I was aware of the danger that posed. Boredom was extremely dangerous for someone of my power.

Today, however, I found myself enjoying the meal. Perhaps it had to do with the spark of intrigue that little blonde had awakened in me. Or the way she stole glances at my plate of food and goblet of blood.

How had she survived and kept her secrets with such a readable face?

"Yes. It's blood. And yes, I do need food as much as you do."

Her glare was expected yet delightful.

"Stop that," she said.

"What?" I asked, taking a sip of my blood.

"Don't read my mind."

"I don't need to, your face is enough."

"Stupid vampire lords," she grumbled under her breath.

There was a beat of silence before Amanda asked, "So, Elle, who trained you? You move in a beautiful way when you fight."

Elle swallowed, the green of her irises darkening. "I trained here and there."