By the time he and Castille had taken Faith and the kids back home it was already after nine o’clock. Faith went inside with Jake and Emily, but Petey remained as if still taking his role as Harvey’s protector very seriously.

“I tell you what. Why not stay the night at my place?” Castille asked as they stood on the doorstep. “That way you won’t disturb your family if we stay out too late.”

For a moment, Harvey was speechless, but not Petey.

“I’ll get your clothes, toothbrush and comb, Uncle Harvey.” Petey took off at a run, and Castille laughed out loud.

“Your nephew is a very well-organised young man.”

The joyful sound relaxed Harvey. and it wasn’t as if he couldn’t return home if things didn’t work out. But if he was honest, he felt a pull to Castille that he hadn’t ever felt toward anyone else.

When he returned, Petey stared up at Castille. “If you’re a vampire, do you drink blood?”

“No. That’s another reason I’m considered rogue. I use a substitute. I don’t have minions and I would never take what wasn’t freely offered.” Although answering Petey, Castille’s gaze moved to Harvey.

I’m not sure what the significance of that is. Harvey shuffled his feet. I don’t really know anything about vampires. Except that while there may be individual hives, most live in clans and much is made of the position of, as well as within, the clan. I guess if Castille is a loner, like me, the rest of his people might see it as odd.

“Have a nice sleep over with Castille, Uncle Harvey.” Petey reached up and Harvey leaned down to hug his nephew.

“Petey, go and get changed while I have a word with your uncle.” Faith waited for Petey to stomp inside with a dramatic sigh before turning, not to Harvey, but to Castille. “I may only be human, but let me warn you that if you do anything to hurt Harvey, I will find you and stake you.” Her voice dropped and Harvey shivered at its iciness, then Faith smiled. “But apart from that go, enjoy yourselves. Harvey, you know the kids will want to know,” she coughed. “All the details.”

“Oh, fuck.” Harvey covered his face with his hands, but Castille erupted in peals of laughter.

“Well, maybe. If you’re a good boy, but no promises in that respect.” Then he turned serious and faced Faith. “I give you my personal word of honour, despite being considered rogue, that I will neither do nor take anything that Harvey doesn’t freely wish.”

Faith didn’t immediately reply. She studied Castille closely for a long moment, before nodding slowly.

“I don’t listen to gossip, and I don’t judge books by their covers. I’ll judge you by your actions.” Faith jabbed a finger into Castille’s chest. “Don’t let me down.”

Castille bowed, then smiled at Harvey. “Still want to be with me?” he asked.

Harvey met the vampire’s gaze, and a sudden realisation washed over him. He thinks I’m going to refuse. That’s why he never made the first move. He was afraid then, just as he is now. He just has a better façade of bravado than me.

“Yes. I do.” Harvey nodded emphatically. “So long as you want to be seen with a puca.”

Castille’s gaze warmed instantly, and his smile softened from the previous artificial brightness.

“I do, too.”