Drackus's eyes meet the dark user who leans back comfortably on the piano, not seeming to cower beneath the seething, protective, fatherly gaze.
"Why are you two in here... alone?"
I bite back a grin as Gage stands to his feet, motioning to the piano.
"I was playing. Alyssa was reading." He motions to the mounds of books I've lazily tossed to the couch in my quest of finding something worth occupying my mind. At least I found a way to cure Kane.
Drackus cracks his neck to the side, and then he steps to the right to motion for Gage's departure.
"I believe that's my cue. Alyssa, it was lovely seeing you tonight. I'm assuming I'll see you at breakfast in the morning before you go?" Gage asks, his devious grin in plain sight.
I don't know how, but he knew I was planning on slipping out without Drackus knowing.
"I'm leaving tonight, so no."
Drackus tightens his lips, his hands sliding around to take a hands-on-hips stance.
"Absolutely not!" my estranged father answers, surprising me with his authoritative tone.
"I'm afraid that's not your choice, Drackus," I bitterly counter, and his eyes soften instead of growing angrier as I anticipated.
"I was really hoping you'd at least stay until morning. Castine is strongest under the moon, just as any night stalker. Not to mention, I have a present for you."
Gage smirks before walking out and leaving us alone. I watch his back, my desire for him mounting, but it's quickly overshadowed by the tense air I have to share with my father.
"A present?" I ask, trying not to laugh. "What's the price?"
He seems a little offended, but he brushes it off in his usual stoic manner.
"This is the first time you've been home in years, and I can't very well let you leave empty-handed. There's nopricewhatsoever. Let's call it a birthday gift. You have one coming up soon, do you not? I realize it's been a while, but I think this one should make up for all the material things you might have lacked."
Just not the emotional things, eh? Typical.
"You've missed a few birthdays, but who's counting?" I say with a shrug. "I don't need a present. I do need to get back. Thad's supposed to be back tomorrow, and I'm going to get him to buckle down and focus on Mom's case."
And possibly free me from the bond with Kane since Gage is out of the question now, thanks to Drackus and his choice in bride.
"This is a gift you will love, and as far as Thad goes, I'll have him meet you first thing in the morning. I know I have no right to ask, but please stay. Just for tonight. If you refuse, then I'll have no choice but to drive you home myself. Is that what you want?"
His smug smile makes me feel like a child again. Gage knows him well. He perfectly predicted this.
"Okay. Any chance you can whip me up some pajamas? My magic isn't quite clothing creation savvy, so I'd rather not look like Jane of the jungle."
He chuckles lightly, a delightful sparkle in his eyes.
"Actually, you'll find your old room is fully stocked with everything you could possibly need. No magic necessary."
My mouth would fall open if it wasn't glued shut right now. Why would he have my room stocked?
"Why-"
"Because regardless of your justifiable resentment toward me, you're still my daughter. Every year I change the styles of the clothes, keeping things up to date and keeping the clothing in your size. Amari simply believes that room is a shrine to the daughter she believes died years ago. I've never told her any differently."
His voice wavers, forcing him to clear his throat, but he decides not to proceed with his explanation.
"Okay. Thanks," I murmur with clear confusion.
He motions for me to walk out first, and he follows behind me as the music plays on for the dancing immortals. As we near the stairs, I decide to call it an early night.
