“Yes, she may be frightened, but Alexis is as honourable as they come,” Byron said.

Amelia ran her fingers through Byron’s hair. “Was she like this the first time she was in love?”

“The Alexis back then was a very different person. She was open, optimistic, too optimistic perhaps. When she met Anna, a witch in a local coven, she fell head over heels. I’m not proud of the fact that I counselled against the relationship.”

“Why?” asked Amelia.

“Because as an immortal, you are always going to have a broken heart when the human or witch grows old and passes away. She was besotted by Anna, and she had to be prepared to watch her age and die. Alexis already had her fair share of pain,” Byron said.

“And was that how you felt when you met me?”

“Initially, but then I saw things from Alexis’s point of view. Love was worth the risk of losing someone. Luckily things changed, and our blood bond will keep you alive as long as I am.”

“I think they both look lost,” Amelia said.

“Let’s hope they find each other.”

* * *

Katie woke from her slumber to the smell of cooked breakfast. She hadn’t been eating much, but the smell was making her mouth water. She got up slowly and put on her dressing gown.

With the aid of a walking stick to support her weak legs, Katie made her way out to the living area of the cabin and followed the smell. She came out to the open-plan living area and caught the sight of Alexis making food at the cooker.

Alexis was wearing jeans and a sleeveless T-shirt. Katie was immediately attracted and intrigued. She hadn’t ever seen the Duca so casual before.

Alexis turned around and said, “Oh, you’re up already. I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.”

What? Had she entered some sort of other dimension where Alexis was open, helpful, and nice?

Katie was too shocked to say anything. Alexis hurried over to her. “Let me help you sit down.”

“Breakfast? You can cook?” Katie asked.

“I wouldn’t go that far, but every soldier can knock up bacon, eggs, and sausages.” Alexis went back to the kitchen and lifted a plate and brought it back to Katie. “Eat up. There’s bacon, eggs, sausages, fried bread, and beans.”

Katie looked down at the plate and then up at Alexis. She gazed at her silently. What on earth was happening here. The cold, stoic soldier and vampire had made her a cooked breakfast?

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“No, it looks lovely. Thank you,” Katie said.

“Eat up then. It’ll help get your strength back.”

“Are you eating?” Katie knew that vampires liked to eat for the pleasure of it sometimes, even though they didn’t need food for survival.