Page 62 of Eternal Obsession

“I wish I could do that,” Alex said.

“Close your thoughts?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll teach you,” I said.

“Do you suppose he ever thinks about us?” Alex asked.

“Orpheus?”

“I still can’t get used to that name.”

“I often sensed that he regretted⁠—”

“What?”

“Not taking you with him.”

It was a foolish thing to say, but deep down, I needed to believe their friendship wasn’t born out of evil. For his sake, I suppose.

Alex sat back in his chair. “I wish things were different.”

“I can’t bear to think of Catherine frightened and trapped,” I admitted with the heaviest heart.

“You are doing the right thing. Don’t give up on her.”

“I couldn’t if I tried,” I said.

“Perhaps she’ll come to us?”

“That’s just it, why the hell hasn’t she sent a message? She must know.”

“I’m sure there’s a good explanation,” he said.

“I just wished I knew what it was. How is the feeding going?”

“I think I’ve mastered it now,” Alex said. “After drinking as little as possible, I persuade my—them—to drink from me. Then before I know it they’ve forgotten the whole thing ever happened.”

Alex was like me, reluctant to say the word “victim.” We had both naturally pursued those whom society considered evil and as such it had helped to quell the self-reproach. With a few sips of our blood our food source would have no recollection that we had even met.

I sighed. “Let’s practice closing your thoughts down. Quiet your mind.”

The waitress set a cup of Earl Grey tea down on the table. I thanked her.

Alex’s gaze followed her back to the serving station. “What am I thinking?” he asked.

I read his mind.

His thoughts wandered, light and unguarded, filled with a wry humor that danced at the edges of mischief and warmth.

“Obviously I have my work cut out.” I laughed.

Alex smiled and poured his full teacup into the plant pot on our table.

I cringed at his attempt to dispose of his tea. “Alex!” I whispered. “The plant’s not real.”

The tea seeped out from under the plastic pot, dripping on to the table. Leaving more than enough money to pay for our drinks, we withdrew from the café.