“Uhm, yeah I think it did but we won’t know for sure until Silvano comes back to try to complete his bond,” she told him, a little taken aback by how normal he was acting. Maybe he was actually of capable of being just friends. She gave a mental shrug and started to eat. The taste of the eggs flooded her mouth and it was like a little piece of heaven after being unable to have anything but blood.
“Speaking of the leech king, I’ve got to meet with Tony and see what he wants to do about him and the Aequivalere. Do you need a ride anywhere?” James asked, having somehow managed to eat everything on his plate already.
“About the Aequivalere? You know they’re a global organization and there isn’t really much you or Tony can do about them,” she told him, between bites, preferring to enjoy her food rather than inhale it.
“Global or not, they’re here because Tony lets them,” he replied, getting up and putting his plate away. “And he has every right after this debauchery.”
“Debauchery? Wow that’s a big word James,” Lily teased him and he gave her a smirk.
“Yeah, I got me a new ther… th… well you know that book with words that are different but mean the same thing,” he replied and Lily couldn’t help but laugh as she shook her head.
“Ahh yes, I know it. Kind of big for you isn’t it,” she asked him, finishing her breakfast.
“I’ve had bigger,” he said with a wolfish smirk.
“Well, you know what they say, James. It’s not the size that counts but how you use it,” she told him, trying to keep a straight face, putting the plate in the sink.
“Oh trust me I know how to use it,” he replied and with a dramatic sigh, Lily shook her head side to side but only a second before she started to laugh again.
“You’re the one of two people that I know that could make a conversation about a thesaurus sound dirty,” Lily said and he looked at her with a curious expression. “Chris being the other one,” she told him and James grinned and agreed with her.
“Alright Lily, I’ll see you later. Most likely Tony will want to call a meeting or something either tonight or tomorrow and you’ll most likely have to be there,” he told her and once she nodded, he left. Well, that was normal… like two friends, she thought and ignored the twinge deep in her belly.
“That’s good,” she told herself out loud. “Normal is good. Now quit thinking about it… oh great now I’m talking to myself,” she complained, running water over the plates before going to get her own keys.
The Roberts house, as usual, was buzzing with the sounds of people. Most of them Lily knew, but there were some unfamiliar faces. “Hey Qin Xuan, you’re still here,” Lily said, slinging her arm over the Asian witch-wolf as soon as she saw her. Qin Xuan gave her a blindingly cheerful smile.
“Yes, the alpha asked me to help them handle the vampire king,” she said happily but there was something else in her expression.
“But?” Lily asked and Qin Xuan glanced around before uttering a word with an almost depressed look on her face.
“Chris doesn’t want to tell them,” she replied and Lily sighed with a head shake.
“Want me to kick his ass for you?” she asked and Qin Xuan smiled with a bubbly laugh.
“No, no. You don’t need to do that. I don’t want him hurt and all that. I am, after all, kind of fond of him. It’s just I don’t like feeling like his dirty little secret,” Qin Xuan said with another sigh.
“Of course you don’t. No one would like that. I’ll talk to him short stuff. I’ll get him to come to his senses and I promise I won’t break or sprain anything on him. I cross my heart and hope to die,” Lily told her, crossing her chest with her index finger.
“Fine but don’t bruise him too badly,” Qin Xuan replied.
“I won’t make promises I’m not sure I can keep,” Lily told her with a sly wink. “Come on let’s say hi to A. J.”
“Okay, but why does your scent have James scent in it as well. Did you and him…” she said her voice drifting off then she let out a sudden burst of giggles while practically jumping in place.
“It’s not exactly what you think Qin Xuan,” Lily told her quickly. “He agreed to the mark as a method of protection and not being a mated couple. That’s all. Just friends and nothing more,” she explained. Qin Xuan pouted a little at her response then giggled again.
“You know that’s how all the girlie books start right?” She said, looking almost devilish if the devil was super, hyper, and cheery.