Mirror: Book One of the Valkanas Clan by Noelle Ryan Page A

laughed.
    “Actually, I’m pretty sure Damian has this suite remodeled with you in mind a few years ago. He’d never admit to it though, so don’t bother asking him.”
    My eyes widened, though I wasn’t sure if it was with shock, fear, or gratitude. He’d been planning to invite me into his home for that long? Why?
    “Don’t freak out, Aly , it was probably just a whim. Valerie wanted this part of the house updated to something a bit more modern, and you’re the only ‘modern’ person Damian has the slightest bit of interest in, so you were sort of a natural fit for the inspiration.”
    Somehow I didn’t believe Damian would do anything on “just a whim” but I decided to leave it alone for now. Why spoil a gorgeous space with over-thinking, especially when I had plenty of other things to be sorting out. Such as the sexy vampire I suddenly became conscious I was standing only inches from.
    “Better let the cat out,” I said, backpedalling out of the bathroom. Tom gave me a quizzical smile, but I ignored it, shutting the door and opening the cat carrier. Beckett sauntered out slowly, as if he didn’t care in the least that he’d been cramped up for a good half an hour, and set about exploring his new digs with idle curiosity. I grinned at his casual comfort. Everything I need to know I could probably learn from my cat , I thought .
    Beckett strolled over to Tom and Tom leaned down, scratching him behind the ears. Beckett’s responding purr sounded like a small diesel engine come to life.
    “Sounds like I’ve made a new friend,” Tom said.
    “ Mmm ,” I said, distracted. I’d just realized I was hungry again. “Hey, do they keep their fridge stocked? I forgot to drink the ones you brought to my place.”
    “I think they stocked some for you, actually. They usually go out for theirs.” Yeah, I bet they did. I flashed briefly back to last night, and that delicious warmth…. A small shudder went through me, and I hopped to my feet to conceal it, heading for the door.
    “You coming, or are you and Beckett going to spend some quality time together?”
    Tom smirked and followed me out, closing the door silently behind us. We made our way to the kitchen, finding Valerie, Damian, and Sam already there.
    “Breaking in the new room?” Sam said, arching an eyebrow. I blushed.
    “I’m happy to break in that mouth of yours,” Tom responded, reaching for Sam’s head. My blush turned into a stifled laugh at the sight of two decades-older-than-me vampires bickering like ten year olds. Then Valerie sighed, and they instantly stopped scuffling.
    “Can I get you something Aly ?” she asked.
    Glancing at the blush that had resumed possession of my face, Tom replied for me. “She’s hungry. Mind if I grab her a few bags from the fridge?”
    “That’s why they’re there,” she said.
    Tom swung open the sleek stainless fridge and grabbed a few packs, tossing them to me. I carried them with me to the dining table, uncomfortable drinking in front of everyone. Then Tom came and joined me with his own pack. The slight face he made after biting into it told me he wasn’t actually drinking it for his own enjoyment, and I found it kind of sweet that he was doing it just to make me feel more comfortable.
    “Ugh,” Sam said, “I don’t know how you can drink that stuff cold. Disgusting.”
    Then I heard a small popping sound, and I turned to see Valerie glaring at Sam while he rubbed the back of his head and quickly walked out of the room. I turned back to my pack, startled to notice I’d already drained it dry. I reached for a second one.
    I heard Valerie’s light step behind me.
    “I of course respect your wish to feed this way, but if you ever care to see how pleasant it can be for both parties when done directly just let me know. I’m happy to show you.”
    Out of politeness, I made sure I wasn’t wincing when I turned to face her. “Thank you,” I said, “but I’m fine with this for now.”
    “As