Forever Touched (Touch of Vampire #5)

CHAPTER 22

22

ADALYN

Mistress hadn’t been exaggerating. She’d ordered a deep clean of the house from top to bottom.

Several times throughout the day, either she, Georgina, or Octavia came to check on my progress. At one point, Georgina tossed a toothbrush at me and demanded I scrub her entire bathroom with it—even the toilet. I worked without complaint, my mind elsewhere while my body slaved away.

It had taken an hour of laser focus, but I’d finally managed to reach Everett through our bond. Hearing the relief in his voice lifted my spirits, and I’d spent the past several hours sending him little updates on my wellbeing. I was safe, all things considered. His claim on me had frozen time, allowing me to brainstorm and think for once. I didn’t know how I could break the pactum’s hold on me without dying in the process, but I was going to turn over every possible idea.

As the Faircrofts prepared to leave for the evening, I finished telling Pepper all about the time I’d spent with Everett and his family.

Sounds like your soulmate isn’t the villain we believed him to be , she mused. Not anymore, at least. Which is a hard thing to admit, considering all the terrible things he did to witches in his lifetime .

I smiled a little. He’s no Prince Charming, but I can’t blame him for being a bit rough around the edges after all he went through with his brothers and the curse. At least he’s learning from his mistakes and attempting to fix them .

Wow , Pepper said in an amused tone. I think you might like him .

I mean, I’m starting to respect him , I evasively replied.

She snorted. You’ve spent too much time pretending, Ada. You don’t have to hide how you really feel .

Oh, yes, I did. Because the truth was too dangerous to face. Keeping my feelings about Everett carefully locked away was my only option right now. There was too much at stake, too many things that could go wrong. I couldn’t get distracted by feelings when my very survival was in question, not to mention his.

Mistress’s voice suddenly rang through the house. “We’re leaving, Adalyn. Remember your promises and don’t stop working until you’ve completed the list.”

I paused in my task, waiting for the sound I’d been longing to hear all day. When the front door snapped shut and silence finally descended over the house, I jumped up and started to dance. Not like I’d been trained to, but however I wished. I leapt and twirled, oddly excited to be stuck in the house all night. It meant that for the first time in three years, I didn’t have to work at the club .

Racing down the stairs, I turned on every lightswitch I passed, pausing only to shimmy out of my jeans and toss them on the floor. Wow, that felt amazing . I was wasting electricity and making a mess.

“We have the whole house to ourselves, Pepper!” I belted out. “My wicked taskmasters have left the building!”

She cackled in my mind. What should we do first? Jump on all their beds? Paint each other’s toenails with Georgina’s pink polish? It’s been ages since we’ve had a girls’ night!

I know, Pep, I’m so sorry. But I’m going to make it up to you. I’ll rummage in the pantry and see if I can find us a snack, then we can lounge around and be lazy . Let’s watch a movie or something . Mistress would have a fit if she knew .

Pepper cackled again. Forget her. The night is ours. I just wish I could leave a nasty little present in her bed. Hearing her disgusted shriek would be the perfect end to the evening .

I laughed as I headed for the kitchen, still turning on lights and shedding clothing. My shirt hit the floor with a satisfactory plop. I agree, but if she knew a mouse was in the house . . .

I know, I know. She’d probably hunt me down herself and eat me raw. Well, she could try , but she’d never catch me .

Still, you know I can’t risk it, Pep. I’m sorry you’ve been stuck in the basement for so long, but—

No need to apologize, Ada. You’re innocent in all this .

“Ha!” I said aloud, nearing the basement door. “You’re the second person—no, third —to call me innocent today.” Dramatically throwing a hand to my forehead, I twittered, “Oh, to be an innocent virgin again.”

“I’m all for pretending you’re a virgin, so long as I get to pop your cherry.”

Startled by the male voice, I whirled toward the kitchen door and screamed like a banshee. Spotting the hulking form in the doorway, instinct took over. I grabbed the nearest object and threw it at the intruder, realizing too late who it was.

Everett whipped a hand up and easily caught the object, then said with a soft tsk, “Did you really think this would stop a vampire, Adalyn? And not that I don’t appreciate the view, but why are you half naked?”

I blinked down at my bra and panties. “Um, I have the night off. Guess I like to relax without my clothes on.”

“Good to know.”

At the amusement in his voice, I threw him a smirk. “As for the glass paperweight, it was all I had. Mistress confiscated my only weapon. By the way, what are you doing here?”

“Is that what she makes you call her? Your mistress? ”

“I guess. But seriously. Why are you—?”

Everett abruptly squeezed the paperweight, so hard that it exploded in a poof of sparkly dust.

Listening to the tiny shards ping off the kitchen tiles, I groaned, “Great. Another mess for me to clean up.”

As I stepped forward to do just that, Everett said, “Don’t. Show me where the broom and dustpan are, and I’ll do it.”

I stopped dead in my tracks to gape at him. “ You? The crown vampire prince is going to clean up a mess in the kitchen? Now this I gotta see.”

In a flash, I grabbed the broom and dustpan, then thrust them at him, grinning like a fiend.

Ten bucks says he doesn’t know how to use a broom , Pepper said, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation.

Everett gave me an odd look as I replied out loud, “You’re on. But if you win, don’t you dare turn that money into a new nest.”

No promises , she sang back.

When he continued to stare at me like I’d lost my mind, I waved a hand and explained, “It’s just Pepper. She thinks you don’t know how to use a broom.”

Because he’s a spoiled little prince who lives in a pretty castle run by human servants , she chortled. I bet he’s never washed a dish or folded laundry in his life .

When I snickered, Everett’s green eyes narrowed. “Oh, really? What else does she think?”

I blinked at him innocently. “Nothing interesting.”

“Mmm,” he grunted, then became a whirlwind. Literally. My hair flew every which way as he moved at lightning speed. A second later, he was standing before me again.

“Done,” he said, handing me the broom and dustpan. A dustpan that was now filled with little shards of glass.

My mouth fell open. As I wordlessly took the tools, Everett slowly smirked.

“So, when do I get to meet your familiar?”

“Uh . . .”

Now , Pepper excitedly said. I want to meet the magical, broom-wielding prince you have the hots for .

“Pepper,” I hissed, giving Everett a nervous little smile when he raised a brow in question. “Look, this really isn’t a good idea. Mistress will know you were here if you come inside.”

“Then we’ll go outside.”

“I can’t. She forbade me from stepping foot outside this house.”

His jaw hardened. “What does she expect you to do, then?”

I shrugged. “Mostly clean.”

Anger sparked in his eyes. “So you’re her servant.”

I didn’t respond, choosing to empty the dustpan and put the cleaning tools away instead. When I returned with a shirt on, he barely seemed to notice. He was too busy being angry, so angry that I wouldn’t be surprised if he started tearing down the house with his own two hands. He probably would too, which made me nervous.

To distract him, I said, “Look, Everett. It was nice of you to check on me, but I’m perfectly safe here. I think you should—”

A soft scratching noise suddenly came from the basement door.

Let me up, Ada. If you’re going outside with the hunky prince, then so am I .

I hurried to the door and opened it, bending to scoop Pepper into my hands. “You shouldn’t have come up here,” I quietly scolded her, trapping her between my palms when she tried to race up my arm.

Don’t make me bite you, Adalyn , she warned with a perturbed squeak. I’m super hangry, and witch tartare sounds mighty tasty right about now .

Knowing that she wasn’t bluffing, I opened up my hands. “Fine, but be careful.”

Why? Do you think your boy toy will swallow me whole?

Before I could scold her again, Everett asked, “What’s she saying?”

I whirled to face him. “Um . . . you probably don’t want to know.”

Chicken , Pepper goaded me.

I poked her little side.

She squeaked in protest and lunged for my finger, but I pulled it out of reach in the nick of time.

“Pepper, this is Everett. Everett, this is Pepper,” I quickly said, needing this introduction to be over with so I could shoo Everett away. I had no idea why he was here, but conversing with him like this was dangerous on so many levels. At least he was still in the doorway. Mistress might not be able to detect his scent later on, so long as he stayed where he was.

Ooo, he’s handsome. For a bloodsucker, I mean , Pepper said, boldly checking him out. I can see why you’re attracted to him .

Denial sprang to my tongue, but I didn’t voice it. I’d be lying to say I wasn’t attracted to him.

Everett took her in, then said the last thing I expected him to say. “Can I pet her?”

Oh ho ho! Pepper chortled, practically preening in my hands. Sorry, Ada. I can’t help it if this body is irresistibly adorable .

“Sure,” I answered, stifling an eye roll. As I stepped forward, though, I couldn’t resist the instinct to tuck her close to my body. “Just . . . be careful, okay? She’s really small. And delicate. ”

Everett’s expression noticeably softened. “Like you?”

Aww, he likes you too , Pepper sighed in a dreamy voice.

My heart gave a weird little flutter. Did he?

Girl, don’t be daft. He’s making googly eyes at you right now , Pepper said with a snort.

That stupid vulnerable feeling stole over me again. I could barely look him in the eye, too afraid of what I’d find.

“I won’t hurt her, Adalyn. I promise,” he said, making my heart flutter again.

Good enough for me , Pepper said. Let the petting commence .

I shook my head with a small laugh. “Fine. If you’re okay with it, Pep, then so am I. I’m going to let the big scary vampire pet you now.”

“Scary?” Everett said with an amused tilt of his mouth.

“ Very scary. To all the people who upset you and wind up dead.”

A laugh rolled from him, one that made me forget how to breathe. Spirits save me, he had the sexiest laugh. Too bad he didn’t whip it out more.

He laughed again, louder this time. “Whip it out? Interesting choice of words.”

I groaned, feeling the beginnings of a blush stain my cheeks. “Well, that was embarrassing.”

“You? Embarrassed?”

“I know, right? Apparently, the thought of you reading my deepest darkest thoughts does that to me.”

He laughed again.

This is the cutest thing ever , Pepper interrupted. Wish I had some popcorn for this little romcom moment .

“Seriously, Pepper? Knock it off already, would you? Here. Everett’s going to pet you now.”

Oh, goodie. It’s my turn to get a piece of him . You’ve been hogging him all to yourself, you greedy girl .

Ignoring her, I held my hands out toward Everett. As he reached up to pet my tiny familiar, some of my nerves vanished.

“What?” Everett asked, seeing the little smirk on my face.

“You just don’t seem like the mouse-petting type, is all.”

“Then what type am I?”

“The squish-mice-for-fun type.” When he frowned and Pepper squeaked in protest, my smirk grew. “Just saying.”

“Well, maybe I have a soft side for small creatures,” he replied, keeping his gaze on me as he gently stroked Pepper’s back with his index finger.

I swallowed hard, pretty certain he wasn’t referring to Pepper.

He abruptly jerked his hand back with a hiss.

I looked down and saw that his finger was now bleeding. “Pepper, how could you?” I scolded, mortified that she’d bitten him.

Just wanted to see how he’d react. Don’t worry. He passed the test .

“Oh, Pepper,” I sighed, shaking my head.

“What did she say?” Everett asked before popping the finger into his mouth to lick the wound clean.

“Apparently, she wanted to test you. Good thing he didn’t squish you for that, Pep.”

She twitched her whiskers, not the least bit apologetic.

“So, did I pass?”

“Yep. You’re all clear. Whatever that means.”

I suddenly felt something through our bond, making my eyes widen. He was pleased .

“You’re both crazy,” I muttered.

He huffed a laugh. “Come on. Let’s go outside.”

My nerves returned tenfold. “I really shouldn’t. What if the Faircrofts come back early? ”

“I’ll hear if they come back. I can have you inside the house in seconds, and my car is parked a mile down the road. They won’t even know I was here.”

Still not convinced, I blurted, “But I’m not wearing pants.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “I’ve seen you outside in far less.”

Oh my. Now I was remembering our time in the rain with me naked on the car and his head between my thighs. My resistance started to melt, along with my panties.

Squeezing my legs together, I made one last weak attempt at an excuse. “I still can’t step foot outside this house.”

Faster than I could blink, Everett scooped me into his arms. “Then I’ll just have to carry you.”

Spirits save me, he’d totally won. As he stepped out the door and into the dusky evening, I cradled Pepper close and allowed my resistance to fade.

Fresh air! Pepper sang, her little nose happily twitching. It’s been so long since I went outside. I’m officially a fan of your vampire prince .

He’s not my vampire prince , I scolded her, hoping Everett wasn’t trying to read my thoughts. And don’t even think about taking off while we’re out here. That tabby is probably still around, not to mention the owls and coyotes and —

I get it, Ada , she groaned. Everyone wants to eat me . Except your dashing prince, who only wants to eat you .

I started to choke.

“You okay?” Everett asked when my coughing subsided.

“Yeah, fine,” I quickly said, frantically fishing for a subject change. “Are Loch and Kade nearby?”

“No. Kenna picked them up. They’re on standby at the lakehouse until further notice.”

“Standby? ”

“In case I need them.”

“And what about you? Why are you still here?”

He glanced down at me. “Because I can’t stay away from you. I meant it when I said you aren’t alone anymore. I’m not going anywhere.”

My heart did that weird little flutter-thingy again. Blinking up at him, I whispered, “Ever?”

“So long as you want me here, I’ll stay.”

So romantic , Pepper said with a dreamy sigh.

Overwhelmed, I didn’t say anything. As I struggled to process his words and my emotions, I looked out into the night to see where he was taking us. We were approaching the shore of the Atlantic, but before we could hit the rocks, he veered left.

“Where are we—?” I started, then sucked in a quiet gasp as I spotted something up ahead. “Is that a picnic?”

“Yes. Loch and Kade helped me set it up before they left.”

You were totally wrong , Pepper said with a delighted squeak. He is Prince Charming .

Biting my lip, I took in the unexpected scene before me. Tucked beneath a huge red maple tree was a blanket spread out on the grass. A single lantern warmed the space, revealing a large picnic basket, along with plates and silverware set for two.

“Wow. This is . . .” I said, at a loss for words. When he stopped at the edge of the blanket, I looked up at him and blurted, “Is this a date?”

A soft smile curved his lips. “I’m hoping it will be. I didn’t do things right with you, but I want to fix that—if you’ll let me.”

At the open honesty on his face, I couldn’t help but smile back. There were a million reasons why this shouldn’t happen. A million reasons why I should demand he take me back to the house and leave. But, instead, all I said was, “I’d like that.”