Page 99 of Twice Bitten

He shrugged. “Most people lie to me, Alex. They’re far too stupid to realize I always know.”

His voice held an edge of bitterness.

“It must be difficult to have a relationship with that ability.”

Alric’s eyes widened with surprise. “I—” A self-deprecating laugh escaped him. “Yes,” he said after a moment. “Everyonelies. All the time. It’s maddening. Even about the smallest things. We seek acceptance in the smallest of ways every single day. We say what we think others want to hear in the hope we will be included.”

“Including you.”

Alric’s smile reached his eyes this time. “Yes,” he admitted. “Including me.”

“Hmm. Beckett has a virus. Where did it come from?”

Alric went still and said nothing for such a long time I thought he might refuse to answer. When he did answer, his words surprised me.

“We don’t know where it came from. Beckett has always been a problem.” He shook his head. “Even when he was a human, he was entitled. His maker should have refused to turn him, but Beckett is pretty, and vampires like pretty things.” Alric got up and grabbed the coffee carafe, refilling both our cups as he seemed to choose his next words carefully. “He has no charm of his own, unlike others, and he uses fear to get his way. I had to get involved multiple times to de-escalate situations with him. Eventually, as you well know, he managed to escape even my vast notice. I was looking for him when you came upon us in the alley.”

“Looked like you and Silas were hashing something out.”

Alric shook his head. “Completely separate and a coincidence we ran into each other. I have no idea why he was there, but our issues boiled over into a physical confrontation.” His lips twisted. “And then there was you.”

“How long has Beckett been infected?”

“You’ve asked two questions now. But I will answer and demand two truths of my own. I believe for at least a week, perhaps two.” He eyed me over his mug. “Are you craving blood?”

I froze. “Why do you ask?”

One of his eyebrows rose. “You’ve used your turn for questions. Now you must answer mine.”

“What’s your second question?” I needed to know so I could use my pass to the best of my ability.

He smiled, exposing far too many teeth. “That depends on your answer to this one.”

“Not today,” I said honestly. “Not for a while.”

Alric’s brow furrowed. “When?”

I chuckled at the look on his face when he realized he’d used his second question. “Once. When I was at work.”

He rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Odd. You haven’t lost control?”

I shook my head. That day at work was a close call, but I hadn’t had any major incidents since then. I realized things could change if that pendant wasn’t suppressing all my cravings, though.

“Do you mind if I touch you for a moment?”

My eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Because I am your maker.” He frowned. “Of a sort. You were not made in the traditional way, and I did not expect for you to develop any sort of ability. My claws sliced you, not my teeth.”

For a moment, my eyes flicked to his mouth, and I wondered what it might be like to have him bite me with intention.

A slow smile slid over his lips. “I’d be happy to show you,” he said quietly. “Different vampires have different abilities. I’d love for you to experience mine.”

I blinked and glared at him. “No, thank you. You can touch me, but keep it brief, please.”

The glitter in his eyes told me he had no intention of doing as I asked. He reached for me and gently took my chin in his hands, his thumb resting on the edge of my jawline. He stroked my skin and leaned close, peering into my eyes.

“Close your eyes.” His breath fanned my cheek.