Page 104 of Cryptic Dreams
I donotlike the way she said that, but there’s nothing I can do about it at the moment. One day I’ll let her know how speaking down about my family is a huge problem for me, but now is not the time. I have to play nice if I want to attempt to use my gift on her, if she even notices my glove, that is.
“I’m not entirely sure what Wraith is planning.” I set my one glove on the table in hopes of drawing a little attention to it then smile a bit as I look down at my espresso. “He did mention something about traveling to celebrate our mating. Somewhere exotic, maybe.”
Drusillahmmsagain, one that sounds rather disapproving. “Like what the humans do? A… what is called? Ahoneymoon?”
Her tone brings my gaze back to hers. “I suppose it’s a little like that.”
“And you don’t find it tacky? Stooping to their level by performing a custom rooted in nothing more than a vain attempt to appear cultured when in reality the species as a whole is a modern day equivalent of Neanderthals?”
“I think it’s sweet.” My spine stiffens as Drusilla gives me a smile full of pity. “Wraith knows I’ve never been outside of New Orleans and he just wants to show me—”
“You poorthing.” She gasps as she feigns a look of surprise. “You’ve never been anywhere else at all?”
“No.” Something she knows damn well because most vampires can’t travel like that. The money it takes to make sure their transportation is light tight, to make sure they aren’t with any humans, the clearance they need to get in order to do so is beyond most of the population’s ability.
Only vampires in high positions, from old families, or with a level of fame are allowed to travel freely, and they’re the only ones who could afford to do it even if it wasn’t already a restricted luxury.
So it should come as no surprise to Drusilla that I haven’t been anywhere but the city I was born in. And that means this was another dig at me and my bloodline.
Bitch.
“Well, I hate to rain on your parade, my dear, but between usgirls,”she says as she leans toward me like she’s about to share a secret. “Atticus is about to put a stop to all travel outside of the country for our kind.”
I frown. “Really?”
“Truly. We’ve yet to make much progress in discovering who was responsible for that awfulness at the nest and he doesn’t want them to flee. The High Elder was going to discuss this with our son when you come for dinner but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind that I let it slip now. Family and all that.”
“Right…” I watch her straighten up and fix her stole again. “We can wait. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the guilty party is caught.” Or not, since the guilty party is my mate but maybe I can get her to share a little info with me if she won’t let me get my intel my way. “Does Hans have any viable leads?”
Drusilla waves her hand dismissively through the air before producing her own flask and adding a hearty pour to her wine glass. “That’s not conversation for females, Zephyr. Something my son should have taught you by now.”
“He did,” I say quickly. “I just thought, you know, between us girls…”
“Did you get a gown for dinner?”
I watch as she nearly chugs hercocktail, almost sighing over the ridiculous way she changed the subject. “I did, actually. Orion should be picking it up now.”
“Something less revealing than what you wore to the meeting, perhaps?”
No. “It’s tasteful, and very pretty.”
“Hmm.”
A few moments of silence pass between us, Drusilla slamming her mixed drink and moving to her tea while I stare at her in a way that could probably get me in a lot of trouble.
It’s amazing to me that my sweet though wicked prince was born of such horrible creatures. I don’t really know what the point of this little chat is but none of it has been pleasant, and the level of negativity vibrating off this female is making me lightheaded.
“Well then.” Drusilla looks around the room—probably for Randolph so she can get the hell out of here—before connecting with me again. “This has beenthrilling, my dear. I so wanted to spend some quality time with you, I was so worried after you fainted at the meeting.”
Thisis her definition of quality time?
Now I see why Wraith says she was a terrible mother. Five minutes with the female and I have residual mommy issues after having outstanding parents.
“Don’t forget, we’ll be sending a car for you just after dusk on Saturday. If we don’t, I’m sure my son will make you late with some disgusting or depraved idea he thinks up.” She gets to her feet with a look of disdain before fixing the front of her dress. “And please make sure you come dressed appropriately. Those antics may be acceptable at a Counsel meeting, but if the High Elder Successor thinks for one minute that he can get up to such vulgar… oh dear.” Drusilla bends awkwardly at the waist and picks up my glove, thank god, then turns it over in her hand. “Is this yours, Zephyr?”
I pick up the matching one off the table and hold out my free hand, trying to look surprised and hoping she buys it. “Oh gosh, yes it is.”
“It’s rather lovely, isn’t it?”