Kindling Flames: Granting Wishes (The Ancient Fire Series Book 5) Read Online Free Page B

push to get you two started should be enough. But…” His words trailed off.
    Cathren could see a hint of doubt in his eyes. “But what?” she pushed.
    Patrick let out a long breath. “Master Darien hasn’t always had the best luck in love.”
    “Master Darien?” Cathren repeated.
    Patrick rubbed his free hand into the back of his neck. “Well, he does have a few other quirks about him.”
    Cathren cocked her head, questioning him. “Like?”
    A pained look crossed Patrick’s face as he went on. “Umm… he’s a vampire,” he said sheepishly.
    “ A vampire !” Cathren gasped in shock. “You wanted to hook me up with a vampire !” She tried to pull her hand away, but Patrick held it fast.
    “Master Darien is a very good vampire,” he defended his friend. “He hardly ever bites anyone anymore.” Petting her hand, he tried to calm her outrage down.
    Cathren tugged on her hand, trying to get it free of Patrick’s grasp. “But he’s still a vampire !”
    He held it firmly, trying to soothe her.
    “And what do you mean, he hardly bites anyone anymore? Is he a reformed vampire?”
    “No.” The answer came from the darkened doorway. They both turned to look at the man stepping in from the main shop.
    Cathren’s eyes ran over the new arrival. His rich, brown hair was elegantly cut, and brilliant green eyes sparkled out of his handsome face.
    “I don’t hunt my food because it takes too much of my time.”
    His voice was warm and brushed against the inside of her skin. Cathren shivered in response.
    “Master Darien.” Dropping Cathren’s hand, Patrick stood up from his stool.
    Cathren watched as the vampire pulled something out of the pocket of his dress slacks and tossed it towards Patrick. Two green stones sparkled in the air before Patrick caught them.
    “And I better not find out you were cheating,” Darien growled. He stalked towards the pair and stopped just far enough away from Cathren so he wasn’t crowding her. “This is the girl you wanted me to take out?”
    Cathren could feel his eyes sweep over her before turning back to Patrick.
    “You know I don’t have time for romance.” Darien said. His voice held a note of exasperation. “I barely have time to socialize at all.” Turning back to Cathren, he held out his hand in a friendly manner. “Forgive me, I’m Darien.” He smiled.
    Cathren didn’t see any pointy teeth in his mouth, so she took his hand for a nice shake.
    “I’m sure you’re a nice girl, but I’m a very busy man. I wouldn’t be very good boyfriend material.” He released her hand and looked over at Patrick. “Now, Patrick here, if you can get over his odd habits, would make an excellent romantic companion.” Darien smirked at him.
    Patrick sneered. “I think you’re spending too much time in your office.”
    “Probably.” Darien shrugged. “But, I enjoy what I do.”
    “Are you really a vampire?” The question slipped out of Cathren’s mouth before she could stop it. She covered her mouth as Darien turned to consider her. “Sorry,” she said, horrified that her thoughts had slipped out uncensored.
    A smirk curled the edge of Darien’s lips “Yes.” Sharp fangs flashed in his mouth as he spoke.
    Cathren’s mouth went very dry, and she swallowed the fear rising in her.
    “It was a pleasure to meet you.” Darien turned to look at Patrick. “The night is getting late, and I really must be going.” He held his hand out for the fay to shake. “See you next time, my friend.” Releasing Patrick’s hand, he headed to the door.
    “Kian,” Patrick called as he scooped up the three coins from the table.
    The vampire stopped and turned back to see what the leprechaun wanted.
    The gold rang as Patrick tapped it on the table before slinging it at his friend.
    Darien’s hand came up and caught the coins before they could smack him in the chest. He looked at the gold and raised an eyebrow in question.
    Patrick shrugged. “I was cheating.”
    Darien