From Protector of the Grey House:
“I think it’s time you told him the truth of his first meeting with Natalia. It might be better if he knew why he didn’t trust her.”
“Do you think he would trust her if he knew?” Vincent set the untouched glass on the windowsill next to him.
“Possibly.” Joseph slowly spun his glass, to allow the brandy to breathe.
“Then I will keep my secret.”
“Why? After seven years with her, why have one of your top men be suspicious of her?”
“Keeps me from having to.” Vincent strolled to his desk, but left his glass on the windowsill.
“Emily was human for far less time than that, and you had more reason to distrust her, yet no one followed her.”
Vincent smiled at the name, and pulled his key ring out of his pocket as a vision of the lovely lady came to him. She was blond with green eyes, of average height and very shapely. Emily was as beautiful as Natalia, almost as smart, but had no desire to fight. “None of the women I’ve loved have been like Natalia. Natalia is smart, beautiful, and dangerous. Perhaps I want to make sure I know what I’m getting myself into.”
“Even after seven years?”
“She’s hunting a vampire and is still human. She will one day catch the vampire, but what happens when she does? Will she stay with us, ask to be turned, or will she leave and turn Slayer? None of us know and we won’t know until her quest is finished.”
“Is that why you haven’t shown her your actual bedroom?”
“Among other reasons, as you know.” He gave Joseph a pointed look.
Joseph raised his eyebrows. “You could remove those items.”
Cat Stark 