Still, I was overjoyed to hear my lover's voice. I quickly grabbed the phone and flopped down on the bed, pressing my finger forcefully on the screen.
– Cedric! – I exclaimed, barely holding back tears of joy.
– Viper! Where are you now? Are you okay? – Cedric's voice came through the phone, and I was suddenly afraid I wouldn't be able to contain my emotions and burst into tears.
No, you can't cry! Cedric must think I'm happy!
– I'm fine! I want to go to the beach today and see the ocean," I started to weave my lie. It was terribly hard to lie to the person I loved most. A vampire, actually.
– That's a wonderful idea. I'm glad you're doing well. What hotel are you staying at? – Cedric asked softly, and I was confused: I didn't know any of the names of the hotels in Rio de Janeiro.
– The one you booked me a room at, you know how bad I am at that sort of thing," I found myself remembering that Cedric had booked me into the best hotel.
– Were you being met? You should have been.
– Yes, I was met wonderfully! I was picked up in a car, and my room is gorgeous. You can see the ocean from here! – With a hint of fake joy, I lied.
– Viper, are you sure you're okay? – Cedric asked in an unexpectedly caring tone.
– Of course I am! I'm totally fine! Why?
– You sound strange.
– I just woke up," I said. – I was so tired yesterday that I slept all day today. How are you?
– I'm fine. Markus's wedding is in three days.
– But they said the wedding was on the eighteenth of August! – I was surprised at the rush.
– Yeah, but it's moved up, and all our family and friends are already here. But let's not talk about that. I don't want to hurt you with all this talk.
The reminder of the great Czech vampire hunt brought back the image of Grayson drinking blood, and I shuddered again at the memory and the revulsion-I thought immediately of how many people would be killed.
– Cedric, please don't kill anyone on the hunt," I asked quietly. – I can't bear the thought.
– I can't promise you that," Cedric said in a serious tone. – I will need to kill.
– Then don't kill as much as the others," I whispered, and when I felt I didn't want to talk to him anymore, I added: – I'm sorry, but I'm awfully hungry. I've just ordered myself a load of delicious things. Will you call me later?