Coffin Girls (Elegantly Undead: Book 1 of the Coffin Girls Witch Vampire Series) by Aneesa Price Page A

comparison.”
    “Ah, you flatter me, Monsieur when there’s no need. My
family and I welcome you openly and invite you to make our home yours while you
stay here.”
    “My thanks then to you and yours.” Conall regrettably let go
of her hand and the magick disappeared. He surveyed the room to hide another
frown from her. It was a large, formal and old-fashioned drawing room. It had
probably been the height of fashion when she did it oh, a hundred or so years
ago. “You did a wonderful job of this room. It’s warm and elegant at the same
time.” Thinking of warmth, her hands were not as cold as he expected a
vampire’s to be. Then again, he hadn’t touched many vampires as a rule.
    “ Merci , we’ve worked hard to maintain the plantation
and naturally are very proud of it. There are few of these homes left that are
privately owned and in good condition.”
    “I’m delighted then to stay here for a while. I’m also
looking forward to learning of your ways and seeing this part of the States. It
is beautiful and exotic.”
    Anais shrugged, indicating that they sit down, “It’s New
Orleans,” she pronounced it New Awlins, “beautiful and exotic is woven into its
DNA. Would you care for some refreshment?”
    “I’d appreciate that as would my guards. I’m for sweating
bullets here, even at night. I’m afraid that Ireland is a tad bit cooler.”
    “Of course, that’s to be expected but I’m sure you’ll
acclimatize shortly. If you’d like to call on your guards, I’ll take you to the
kitchen where the rest of our family is getting dinner ready and we’ll get you
that drink. We’re rather informal here.”
    Conall followed Anais out of the calm of the drawing room,
across the huge foyer. It was a beautiful house, majestic and grand in the
antebellum way. He appreciated that the slight changes to accommodate modern
conveniences did not detract from its historical integrity. It’s exactly what
they strived for at home. In the kitchen, the smells of cooking and the chatter
of women, all simultaneously and passionately making a point, was a welcoming
sight. He smiled. Since he arrived in this strange and exotic land, something finally
reminded him of home.
    “Hi,” Sophie slid forward gracefully, her light blue
summer’s dress emphasizing her etherealness. Soft, light blonde tendrils framed
her face, sweet in welcome. “You must be Conall. We didn’t get a chance to talk
last night but I do, of course, remember you. I’m Sophie.” She was charmed when
he took her hand and kissed it in the old-fashioned way, bowing slightly in the
act. Mmm… no wonder she was picking up an enormous spike in pheromones from
Anais. The man was ruggedly handsome, charmingly sophisticated.
    “Let go, Sophie.”
    Conall turned from Sophie towards the voice and saw a
vision. Was every woman in this place gorgeous? This one bore the mark of his
homeland. She was red hair and green eyes made in the way that Irish beauties
were stereotypically famous for.
    Rose kept her distance, naturally suspicious. “I think the
entire vampire community knows who Conall is after last night.” She stepped in
front of him. Close enough to be friendly and far enough to scope him out. “Hi,
I’m Rose. Where y’at?”
    Sophie rolled her eyes and caught Miss Suzette’s smirk.
Bayou Intimidation 101 – use localisms to confuse the tourists.
    “I’m here of course.” Conall looked puzzled as the kitchen
turned into giggle central. “What? What did I say?”
    “I’m just pulling your leg,” Rose dragged her gaze up slowly
from his toes until she met his eyes full on. “And a nice leg it is.”
    Her gaze was so intense; it felt as though she had x-ray vision
and had assessed his toes through his shoes. The intent in her eyes was far
from seductive though. It complete contradiction to her actions, it screamed,
“Back Off! I’m watching you and by the way, I bite.” He projected a thought
into her mind, “Game on!” and had the