“Jennifer, it would be best if you left now. I’ll give you a call.” He gave her a look that struck me as odd. It was almost pleading. He was hoping she wouldn’t make a scene.
“What?” Her voice was flat, like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Just like that, I’m out of here? I spend three days in here with you, and as soon as the next one shows up, I’m dismissed? That’s f**ked, Sinclair.”
I stood back and waited for the awkward moment to pass. I hated being part of someone else’s drama. I watched Kale roll his eyes at her, motioning to where her clothing lay tossed on the back of a chair.
I cleared my throat, drawing their attention to me. “I’d just like to say that I am not a donor. I work with Kale. This is about business.”
Jennifer scrutinized my tight corset and killer heels before nodding as if she knew all too well. “It’s always business with Kale.”
She grabbed the clothes off the back of the chair and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her and muttering a series of muffled curses. I stared at Kale, expecting some kind of serious explanation.
He met my eyes, and I was sure I saw the flicker of total humiliation hidden in the depths of his carefully constructed vampire gaze. It was quickly replaced with irritation.
Something in me did not like this situation. I realized that, though I wasn’t afraid, I was wary. Something wasn’t right. I again had the sensation of being prey in this place, something the wolf in me detested. I am a predator by nature, even more so since I’d formed a permanent metaphysical bond with a vampire. I didn’t appreciate being looked at as if I were lower on the food chain.
The sound of running water and drawers slamming came from the bathroom.
Jennifer didn’t seem too happy about being asked to leave. I would have been glad to take off right then myself.
“You shouldn’t have come here, Alexa.” Kale cast a glance around for a robe, which he spotted on the chair a few feet away. “It’s dangerous here. You’re like a dose of premium fuel in a place that only has regular. Someone will fixate on you in a heartbeat.”
I watched him slip from the bed in one fluid motion, pulling the robe secure around his slender but firm frame. Kale was certainly a sweet sight on most days, but right now, I was more interested in my safety than his lean physique.
“So I’ve discovered. But, it was either me or Kylarai, so be grateful for small blessings.” That you don’t deserve, I added silently.
Now that he was out of the bed, his presence seemed to grow. It was intimidating. I stood my ground when he came towards me, my pulse quickening in my veins.
“Why are you so nervous?” He asked softly, leaning in to reach behind me, to the hook on the back of the door where his finely pressed pants hung.
When he closed the short distance between us, I could feel the energy trickling from him to tickle me wherever it touched. I rubbed my arms but didn’t step away from him like I wanted to.
“Why do you think?” I looked up into his intense light and dark eyes, more than a little concerned. “You’re wired. Been doing a little binging, huh?”
Kale’s pupils were dilated. They shone with a strange, translucent shimmer. He made no attempt to get out of my personal space, and that instantly raised a red flag for me.
“I wouldn’t hurt you. You’re not food to me. You know I see you as an equal.” His words said one thing, but his actions said another. His clothing hung forgotten in one hand; his gaze transfixed on my throat, despite the choker I wore.
“Then why are you thinking about what I taste like, Kale? I think you need to take a step back.” I was careful not to move too much, cautious to avoid doing anything to set him off. I wanted so badly to gather the energy at my core in case I needed sudden defense, but if I did, he’d know.
He gave his dark head a slight shake before turning away from me. His energy grew strained; his sudden distress caused the power level in the room to rise further.
“Dammit, Jennifer! Get out of the bathroom and get out of here. I don’t have time for your dramatics right now.” I’d only heard that vehemence in his tone when we were hunting to kill.
I had a hard time believing he really found the awkward donor thing to be worth the hassle. It made me kind of glad that Arys frowned upon this lifestyle. I don’t think I could handle him becoming this involved with random women who were supposed to serve one purpose only.