Veil of Prejudice (Claudia Richelieu: The Chimera Agent Book 3) by Isabel Campbell & Michael Anderle

Author:Isabel Campbell & Michael Anderle [Campbell, Isabel & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2024-12-17T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Jasmine’s eyes stayed glued to Alaric as Claudia went to the door. She stepped out onto the porch, squinting because of the sun. It was close to setting and cast a golden glow across the porch. Alaric flashed her a smile. “The view here is spectacular.”

Like her, Alaric had not seen mountains outside of Haven while growing up. As he neared the porch, his gaze shifted to her and lingered. He noted her dubious expression. “What’s wrong?”

Claudia glowered with her arms folded. “You weren’t supposed to arrive in a Mercedes or dressed like that!” She gestured at his expensive but tasteful clothing.

Alaric arched a brow. “What’s wrong with my car or my clothes?”

“You’re not blending in!”

He appraised her once more, noting the flannel and denim cutoffs she wore. “It would explain that getup.”

“Don’t be snobbish about my clothes.”

“You’re the one being snobbish.” Alaric’s easy smile returned. “Good to see you again, Richelieu.”

Claudia thought of something smart to respond with, but the front door creaked open behind her. Rita and Jasmine emerged, wearing tentative smiles. “Who are these fine ladies?” Alaric asked.

Claudia tried to sound cheery again. “Alaric, this is Rita Pierce, owner of the land here, and her niece Jasmine. Rita and Jasmine, meet Alaric Fairbourne.”

“Ah, your friend from Haven,” Rita inserted. “Very nice to meet you, young man.”

Alaric grinned at Claudia. “I wasn’t aware we were friends.”

Claudia scowled.

“Nice to meet you,” Jasmine echoed her aunt’s sentiment. Her cheeks were flushed pink and not from crying over Emil’s letter. Her gaze did not leave Alaric.

Claudia knew some vampires had that effect on humans, and Alaric especially. He ranked as one of the most attractive vampires in all of Haven. Claudia remembered seeing a Haven tabloid with Alaric’s face splashed on the front cover. The title gracing it was Haven’s Hottest Bachelors: From Fairbourne to Falvo.

Alaric wasn’t much older than Claudia, and she was certain he’d dated around. She’d heard plenty of stories about him, all adding to the playboy persona confirmed by his actions with her. Still, he was here for a reason, and Claudia knew he wouldn’t help if she were rude. She inclined her head toward the door. “Want to come inside?”

“You two catch up while Jasmine and I finish dinner,” Rita insisted and tugged her niece into the house.

Claudia lingered on the porch, watching Alaric as his gaze wandered the property. “I meant it earlier when I said the view was beautiful. I’ve never been to a place like this. And they’re nice, even though they know I’m a vampire.” He gestured after Rita and Jasmine. “Are they all like that?”

Claudia moved from the porch. “Hardly. We’re lucky with them. I’m surprised you’d ask such a question.”

This reminded her that Alaric hardly knew what life outside Haven was like for humans, especially those who supported vampires. Hadn’t he heard about Jordan getting his ass kicked for dressing like a Chimera? Alaric would need help fitting in, and that started with getting him some new clothes.

“How was the drive?” she asked.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.