Cherry Blossom (Vampire Cherry Book 2) Read Free Page A

will, however, be joining you when you visit Cherry’s parents. As a precautionary measure, in case things go awry. I’ll have to make some arrangements first, but we should be able to leave by the end of the week.”
    It was obvious from Alex’s eager expression that he’d go along with anything to get the go-ahead for his silly fantasy. I didn’t exactly view things the same way. It was weird how readily Constantine had agreed.
    “Precautionary measure?” I asked. “You plan to mind-wipe them, if our little reunion is threatening to the vampire community?” Meaning if my parents somehow realized I was undead, freaked out, and threatened to tell the world about our existence.
    The look he gave me was full of scorn. “No.” The word sounded like it was mentally accompanied by several non-flattering adjectives. “What I had in mind was that you’ll have a member of the council with you, in case another vampire realizes what you’re up to. My presence will make your visit legitimate.” I could swear I heard him finish his sentence in my head with, “You idiot.”
    “Oh.” Because, what else could I say? He only had our best interest at heart, and I really should stop being so suspicious of him. If he said it was all right, it probably was. “Okay then, I guess.”
    Constantine grinned. “Besides, a road trip with just the three of us? Think how much fun it will be.”
    Yeah, he was hiding something, all right. All this cheer wasn’t normal. “What’s in it for you?” I asked.
    “Just the pleasure of your company.” His mocking tone and arched eyebrow didn’t exactly vouch for his sincerity.
    “And what else? Why come with? If you plan on hurting my parents—”
    He slammed one hand on the table, making all of us jump. Outbursts were no more like him than cheeriness was. “I’m not planning on hurting anyone, you stubborn woman. I’m coming with, because you’ll need me there.”
    I had no response for that.
    Liza’s face fell. “Can’t I come with you?” Her big green eyes shone with unshed tears. She was really going to cry, because Constantine would be away for a few days? Or because he’d be with me?
    But I had a boyfriend…who was glaring daggers Constantine’s way. Oh-kay.
    Constantine tugged at Liza, until she rounded the chair and faced him. “You know Carrie and Sally need you,” he said, his tone grave. “ I need you to stay behind and take care of our girls.”
    She preened at his show of trust, and I felt bad for her. I’d been there, ready to do anything for his approval. I hoped it ended better for her.
     
    ****
     
    For all his outstanding qualities in and out of bed, Alex wasn’t above snarking.
    “So I ask nicely, but all it takes for you to agree is Constantine’s permission. Good to know,” he said with fake cheer, as soon as our bedroom door was closed behind us.
    “Thought you got what you wanted.” I turned my back to him, kicked off my slippers, and went to the closet in search of my sneakers. I’d promised Sheena I’d catch a late movie with her, and I’d rather focus on that than what Alex was saying.
    “No. Constantine got me what I wanted. And you said nothing when he said you’d want him there.”
    “He said I’d need him there, and he’s right. He knows our laws better than me, and he can protect us from the rest of the council. You were the one who thought talking to him about it was a good idea.”
    He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans, and rolled his head from side to side. “Yeah…I’m just being an ass. I’ll call my mother and tell her we’ll go by tomorrow evening. She can’t wait to meet the girl I’m constantly talking about.”
    Oh, goodie ! With or without Constantine’s approval, the idea still held no appeal. “Isn’t it too late for you to call her? Maybe you should do it in the morning, and give her a couple days’ notice.”
    “Notice for what? She’ll just be making dinner.”
    My right sneaker was in