Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [50]
“Did they what?” she asked.
Laughter erupted from the couch, and he shot an angry look at Brynley. He turned to Marielle, and as usual, her beauty took his breath away. He lowered his voice, hoping the female shifter couldn’t hear. “Did they give you . . . instructions?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
His groin tightened. “Really?” He blinked, trying to keep his eyes from turning red.
“Yes. I learned how to shower and brush my teeth. All sorts of useful things.” She smiled at Brynley. “And I was well guarded all day. Thank you.”
Brynley grinned back, her eyes twinkling. “You’re welcome.”
“Excuse me.” Connor slipped into the bathroom to relieve himself and get a grip. He needed to stop thinking about sex and focus on business. After he washed his hands and face and brushed his teeth, he returned to the kitchen.
Marielle was still there, drinking a glass of water.
“The demon dinna return?” he asked. Just as she shook her head, the phone in his sporran rang. He quickly answered it. “Aye?”
“Good news,” Emma reported. “Shanna woke up and she’s drinking her first bottle of blood.”
He exhaled in relief. “Thank God.”
“You’ll start with the training today as planned?” Emma asked.
“Yes.” Connor looked at Marielle. He’d have to explain what was decided at the strategy meeting last night.
“I’ll let you get to work then,” Emma said. “I just wanted you to know that Shanna’s doing well, and she’s eager to see the children.”
“I’m sure she is.”
“She expressed a desire to meet the angel, but Roman said no, not with the children about. I’ll call back if she manages to change Roman’s mind.” Emma chuckled. “She usually can.”
“Aye.” Connor rang off and dropped the phone into his sporran.
Marielle was watching with a hopeful expression. “Shanna’s all right?”
“Aye, if ye call being a vampire all right.”
“I’m sure her husband and children are happy she’s still with them.” Marielle sighed. “I would have felt awful if I’d killed her.”
“It wasna yer fault,” he insisted. “I was the one who took you there.”
She gave him a wistful smile. “I missed you during the day.”
He wished he could say the same, but he didn’t feel anything in his death-sleep. That had always been a blessing before, but he suspected nothing would ever be the same now that he’d met Marielle. “Ye look well. Ye rested?”
She nodded. “I slept for the first time.”
“Good. Ye need yer strength tonight.” He was just about to explain when a form materialized close by.
Ian MacPhie set two tote bags on the kitchen counter. “Vanda thought ye could use some more supplies,” he told Connor, though his attention quickly shifted to Marielle.
“Greetings.” She inclined her head at Ian.
His eyes widened. He looked at Connor, then back at Marielle. He opened his mouth to speak, then changed his mind and bowed.
“This is Ian,” Connor explained. “He’s no’ usually speechless. Or so well dressed.” He hid a smile. Ian had worn his dress kilt, black jacket with brass buttons, and white shirt with ruffled cuffs and cravat.
Ian gave him an annoyed look. “I shouldna wear my best clothes to meet an angel from heaven?”
“You look very nice,” Marielle said. “I love your shirt.”
Ian blushed. “Thank you.”
Connor crossed his arms and muttered, “I have a shirt like that, too.”
Marielle ignored him and continued to talk to Ian. “The colors on your kilt are lovely.”
Ian shot a triumphant look at Connor. “Aye, I’ve always thought the MacPhie tartan was one of the best.”
Connor snorted, although he wondered if she liked the Buchanan plaid.
“Have ye heard the good news?” Ian asked. “Shanna woke up and she’s doing fine.”
Marielle nodded. “I am greatly relieved.”
“Me, too.” Ian hesitated, shifting his weight. “If it is no’ too forward of me, I would ask a boon from you. My wife is expecting our first child, and if ye could remember them in yer prayers, I would be eternally grateful.”
When Marielle smiled, Connor’s breath hitched. It was the closest he’d come to seeing a ray of sunshine in hundreds of years.
“That’s wonderful! Congratulations.” Marielle touched Ian on the