Page 80 of Twice Bitten

“Yes. Perhaps not. Regardless, none of your clothing is salvageable. The cleaning crew has bagged everything up and removed the items. They will attempt to clean some of the less damaged items, but…” He trailed off and looked up at the ceiling. His fingers tapped against his thigh. “Trust me when I say it’s better for you to begin shopping for a new wardrobe.”

Alric was so uncomfortable. What in the hell had Beckett done inside my room? I stormed past the Prime, intent on going in and seeing the damage for myself when a hand reached out and grabbed me by the elbow. “Alex. Please.”

“It’s my bedroom.”

“I’m aware. We do not know each other well, but I will ask as a personal favor, please allow me to oversee this one thing.”

My entire body trembled. “It’s that bad.”

Alric’s face was somber. “I am not sure you would have survived had you been home when Beckett arrived.”

Fear walked its cold fingers down my spine. “I do not know how I got myself into this.”

Alric guided me back to the stool and sat down opposite me. “He fixated on you. Nothing you can do about it, unfortunately. Our kind are used to getting what they want.” He grimaced as he said it. “Doesn’t mean their victims hold any blame. In fact, the opposite is true.”

I glanced around my kitchen and sighed when I realized even my teapot was gone. “I would offer you something to drink but…” I waved my hand around.

A chuckle slipped from Alric’s lips. I snorted and let out a bark of laughter. “What a mess,” I muttered.

The Vampire Prime seemed more human tonight than anyother vampire I’d ever seen. He still looked like a statue carved from marble, but there was a weariness in his posture I’d never seen before. His eyes softened. “You must know…” His voice trailed off. “I never imagined he would go to these lengths. All I can do is my best to make it right.”

I stared at the Prime, unsure how to respond. He sounded so sincere. The urge to dismiss his words was strong, but I had a feeling if I did, I would shatter this delicate and unexpected peace between us.

And tonight of all nights, I needed a little peace.

He cleared his throat. “Alex, there is something I must discuss with you.”

“Ah,” I said lightly as the illusion shattered. “Here come the strings.” Surprise, surprise.

Alric’s jaw tightened. A flash of anger crossed his face. “I am not here to seek payment, witch. I am here to save your life.”

“Yes,” I said dryly, pissed that I’d almost fallen for his act. Why did I continually try to test my mother’s warnings to be cautious? I’d be a fool to trust Alric, even with him here cleaning up my home. But even this gesture was an act. He’d do whatever he could to force my hand. “After the wonderful dinner where you never threatened me, I can see how you’d be inclined to save my life. You seem like a kind and generous man like that.”

His nostrils flared. A haze of emerald rolled over his irises. “I am here right now assisting you with?—”

“With something one of your people did. You are supposed to be in charge of every vampire in this country, and yet I’m out thousands of dollars. I have no wardrobe, no dishes, no furniture—” My voice broke. “And whatever he did in my bedroom was so awful you won’t even let me walk inside.”

“I am aware of my responsibilities,” he hissed. “What you don’t understand is Beckett is not well. I am here to assist you, but I also need your help.”

I found myself wishing I had drunk myself into a stupor earlier this evening. “Even an idiot can see you want me to use myself as bait so you can lure Beckett out. He wants me and you want him, so I’m the easiest solution to get there.”

Alric studied me for a long moment. “Someone has already asked you to do this.”

I stayed silent.

“Who?”

“Doesn’t matter. My answer is still no.”

A huff of laughter. “Silas has come to visit you.” He rose and stalked toward the front door. At the entrance, he stopped, closed his eyes, and inhaled. “Beckett’s scent overrode the smell of wet dog.”

He crouched and touched a spot toward the middle of the door jamb. His eyebrows lifted, and he turned to me, his lips twitching. “You wounded the Shifter King. Tell me how.”

“No. And quit sniffing things like a weirdo.”

Alric rolled his eyes and rose in a single liquid motion. “Why does Silas want Beckett?”

“Why do you want Beckett?”