Blood of the Son (Book #1 in the Skye Morrison Vampire Series) (Skye Morrison Series) (16 page)

“So, how do you guys get blood?” I asked, motioning to their drinks.  “I kind of figured that you just drank from people.”

“We do,” Jameson answered.  “We drink from willing donors or we buy bagged blood from a vampire blood bank.”

“How do you find willing donors?” I wondered aloud, taking a sip from my glass.

Archer decided to answer this time.  “We date them,” he said simply.  “There are women who are into getting bitten.  Some even like blood play.  We call them ‘Vampire Groupies’.  When we can’t find those, we have a service that caters specifically to vampires.  We buy their…time,” he said tactfully.

Oh
, I thought, blushing.  I took another hasty sip of my whisky.  I didn’t know what to say after that. 

Archer chuckled. “I didn’t figure you to be shy about such topics,” he said with a lopsided grin.

“You shouldn’t presume to know everything about me,” I said, getting a little mad.  I stood up and finished my drink.  “It’s been real, gentlemen, but, if we are done here, I’d like to go home now.  Jameson, would you mind driving me to my car, please?”

Archer stood up. “Oh, no you don’t,” he said.  I looked at him, confused.  “You have had way too much to drink tonight.  I will not allow you to drive,” Archer said with authority. 

I crossed my arms over my chest.  “And, just what do you expect me to do?  Sleep here?” I asked, getting annoyed.

“Yes,” Archer said simply

“But I have no clothes,” I said, trying to reason with him.  “And, what about my dog?”

“I might have a few things here that’ll fit you,” Jameson answered, standing up.  “And, maybe you can call someone about your dog?”

I thought for a second.  The only person I could call was Nikki.  “I can try…” I said, unsure of what time it was.

“It’s 12:45am,” Archer said, answering my silent thought.

I looked at him and pursed my lips.  “Stop, please.  Not now.  Just…not now, Archer,” I said, getting aggravated and growing tired of this night.

I walked over to the chairs in front of Archer’s desk and dug through my messenger bag that was sitting in one.  I found my phone and texted Nikki.  A minute later I got a reply saying she’d bring Styvi Nix over to her house for a sleepover.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  At least I didn’t have to leave her by herself tonight.  I really hated doing that.

I put my phone back and walked over to the guys.  “Ok, that’s taken care of,” I said.  “Now, Jameson, would you be a dear and get me get a change of clothes for tomorrow and something to sleep in?”

“Sure thing, Skye,” he said, opening the door to the apartment for me. 

Jameson walked over to the closet unit and dug through it for a few moments.  He brought out a pair of button up Levi’s, two t-shirts, a pair of socks, and some drawstring pajama pants. 

I smiled at the thought of a shower.  “Thanks, Jameson.  I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime,” he said, and turned around to leave.

“Wait!  Where are you going?”  I asked, hurriedly. 

He looked a little confused for a second.  “Home.  I’m going home, Skye,” he said.  “Why?” 

I was suddenly frantic to have him stay.  I COULD NOT be left alone with Archer.  I didn’t half trust myself around him and I had just promised myself that I would remain neutral when it came to the brothers.  “Please don’t go.  Stay here with us tonight,” I pleaded, keeping my voice down.

He looked unsure for a second, but then nodded his head.  “Ok, Skye.  I’ll stay.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him, walking back out into the office with him.

I looked at Archer but he wouldn’t meet my eyes.  “Feel free to take a shower,” he said, walking back to the bar to put his glass down.  “You may have the bed and Jameson and I will take the couches.”

“Thank you,” I said quietly and turned to walk to the bathroom.  Once in there I shut the door and got ready for my shower.  I quickly undressed and stepped through the glass stall door.  The water was hot and the water pressure was perfect.  I stood under the shower head for a couple of minutes, just letting the water fall on my neck and shoulders.  I washed my hair and body and then quickly toweled off. 

I dressed in the white t-shirt and drawstring pants that Jameson had lent me.  The top went halfway down my thighs and the drawstring pants were too big.  I pulled the strings on the pants tight and knotted them.  I gathered up my old clothes and shoes and headed back out into the apartment. 

Jameson was readying the bed for me, pulling back the covers.  I smiled at his thoughtfulness.  I walked over to him and set my bundle down on the floor beside the bed. 

“Thank you, Jameson.  That was very thoughtful of you,” I said, putting my hand on his shoulder.

He looked at me a little sadly.  “No problem,” he said, turning, and walked toward the chaise lounge. 

I watched him go as Archer walked in and came up to me.  “You have everything you need?” he asked me. 

“Uh, no, not quite.  Do you happen to have a brush I could borrow?” I asked uncertainly.  “If I don’t brush out these tangles, I’ll be in big trouble tomorrow.”

Archer went through a couple of drawers and found a hairbrush that still had the tag hanging from the handle.  “Here you go,” he said, handing it to me.  “I bought this for Jameson, just in case.”

“Thank you, Archer,” I said and turned to Jameson.  “Do you mind, Jameson?”

“What’s mine is yours,” he said, comfortably laid out on the chaise lounge, his eyes closed.

I quickly brushed out my hair as Archer retrieved some blankets and gave one to Jameson, putting the other on the overstuffed couch for him to use.  I got into bed and looked over at all the room that was left.  There was enough room for three more people in this bed.  I felt bad kicking Archer out of his bed, but I didn’t feel comfortable sleeping with either of them. 

Archer went around the room and turned off the lights.  The only light in the room came from the alarm clock on the bedside table.  I called goodnight to Jameson and Archer and snuggled deeper under the covers.  They smelled just like Archer and it brought back profound memories of our dancing earlier.  My lower abdomen suddenly tightened and I quickly shoved the memories aside. 

I closed my eyes and rethought the day.  This had felt like the longest day.  But, regardless of how things played out, I did have a good time tonight.  Dancing with Archer had been really fun.  I slowly drifted off to sleep, thinking of all the questions that I still had for the two vampires.

I awoke to a knock at the apartment door.  I opened my eyes and saw Jameson cut on the light and walk to answer it.  It was Gunnar and he had a tray of food in this hands.

“Thank you Gunnar.” Jameson said.  “I’ll take it from here.”  Gunnar turned to leave and Jameson kicked the door shut with his foot.  He walked over to me, carrying the tray, wearing nothing but a pair of plaid boxer shorts and a smile.  I quickly looked away and sat up in the bed.

“Good morning, Skye.” he said gently, sitting down on the bed beside me.  “Did you sleep well?”

I swallowed hard at the memory of his new near nudity.  He was amazingly sexy in the morning with his bed head and sleepy grin.  “Yes, I did.  This bed is really comfortable,” I said, smiling. 

“Good,” Jameson said, putting the tray down on the bed in front of me.  “Archer took the liberty of ordering breakfast for you.  I hope it’s to your liking.”

I looked down at the tray and was impressed.  The tray held a large, buttery croissant, fresh strawberries, a mini truffle quiche, hot tea, and a small mug of coffee.

“Thank you.  This looks delicious,” I said, suddenly very hungry.  I looked up at Jameson and smiled.  “But, I don’t drink coffee first thing in the morning.  Too much caffeine this early makes me jittery like a junkie.  Would you like it?  You could sit down and drink it with me while I have my breakfast.”

Jameson shook his head.  “No thank you, Skye,” he said, and gently explained.  “I am unable to drink or eat food.”

I was confused.  “But, you’re able to drink alcohol.  How is that possible?”

“We are not completely sure why.  Some say it goes back to our father and his blessings.  Many believe we are able to consume alcohol so that we can still receive communion…the blood of
an tAthair Naofa
, the Holy Father,” he explained.  “But, if you will allow me to, I’d like to sit with you and enjoy my kind of breakfast…if you would not be offended by it.”

“No, please do.  I want you to be yourself around me, Jameson,” I said smiling and touching his knee.  “Let’s have breakfast together.”

Jameson put his hand on top of mine for a few moments and then got up and went to the apartment refrigerator.  He took out a bag of blood and put it in the microwave for a few seconds to heat up.  When it was done, he politely poured it in a large coffee container and put the lid on.  He then resumed his place on the bed with me.  I did my best not to look at him in any other place but his handsome face.  His naked chest was impressively sexy and I was trying my best to stick by last night’s promise of staying neutral between Jameson and Archer. 

We sat in silence for a few minutes as I dug into my food.  The truffle quiche was exquisite and the strawberries sweet.  I took a sip of my tea and looked over at Jameson.  He was quietly drinking his breakfast while watching me eat.

“Do you miss it?” I asked in between bites.  “Food, I mean?”

He looked at me with a small sad smile.  “Aye…I sometimes wonder what pizza tastes like,” he said, a thoughtful look on his face.

I nodded my head in understanding.  “Yeah, pizza IS pretty tasty.”

We sat for a few moments more and I asked where Archer had gone off to this morning.  “He is in the office taking care of business and ordering a new top for the bar,” Jameson said plainly.  “He’ll be back in a few moments.”

“Oh,” I said simply and resumed my meal.

Jameson finished his blood rather quickly and walked over to the chaise lounge.  He quickly put on his leather pants from yesterday and grabbed the guitar that was sitting in the corner.  He walked back over to the bed and crawled into it, sitting with his back to the tall headboard.  He slowly started playing a tune that I had never heard before.  The chords were soft and melodic. 

I listened to him play with great interest as I finished breakfast.  The song was beautiful, full of sorrow and joy.  “Do you have any words that go along with it?” I asked.  “I really like it.”

He smiled a kind of sad smile and looked up into my eyes.  “No, not yet.  It just came to me this morning,” he said.  “But, I’m glad you like it so far.” 

I didn’t understand why he looked sad.  I didn’t like seeing him that way.  I reached over and gently rubbed his lower thigh.  “You look so sad and I hate to see you that way.”  I put my tray down on the floor and scooted over to sit up against his right side.  I looped my arm around his and put my head on his shoulder.  “Cheer up, hon.  The day is new, with no mistakes in it yet.  It’s a good day.”

He sat there for a few moments and then resumed softly strumming his guitar.   After a minute or so, he turned his head and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. 

“Thank you, Skye,” he whispered.

“Anytime,” I said, a content smile upon my face.

Archer walked in a few minutes later, and I fought hard to quickly shut down my suddenly rampant sexual thoughts.  Archer was wearing black silk pajama bottoms and a smile, nothing more.  He looked positively edible.  My mind was quickly filled with thoughts of all of the yummy things I could lick off his chiseled chest.  I looked down at the comforter on the bed and tried to take even breaths.  My stomach felt like there were a million butterflies in it and my heart was beating out of control.  Jameson stopped playing as both he and Archer looked at me. 

“Your heart is beating so quickly.  Are you okay?” Jameson wondered.

I started blushing when I realized that they could hear my heartbeat.  I swallowed and nodded my head, taking slow, deep breaths through my nose and out my mouth.  Archer cocked his eyebrow at me and looked amused.  He licked his lips and stared at me for a moment before he resumed his walk to the kitchenette.  He grabbed a bag of blood and heated it up in the microwave for a few seconds. 

When it was done, he brought the bag of blood over to the bed and sat down with us.  I watched as he bit the corner off the bag and took several big gulps of the warm, thick liquid.  “So,” he said.  “I’m going to have Jameson take you to get your car when he goes to practice this afternoon.  I’d like you to be back here around half past 2pm.  You need to call the people from the applications you selected and schedule interviews with them for me to conduct tomorrow.”

“Sure, thing, boss man,” I said, trying hard to sound casual.  “I can do that.  Don’t forget that I work for Dan tomorrow from 11am-7pm, so I can be here after if you need me to.”

Archer smiled and crossed his legs.  “Actually, Jameson is playing a show at Drop Kick Dan’s tomorrow night, and I was going to stop by and hang out.  Care to watch the show with me?” he said, raising one eyebrow.

I looked between the two of them.  Jameson was looking down at his guitar, softly strumming away, but I knew that he was paying attention to my answer.  “Um, I’d love to stay for the show.  I’ll have a drink with you, but I’ll probably be dancing most of the time,” I said neutrally.  I saw a slight smile appear on Jameson’s lips.