[There was one fewer packets on the table than there had been a moment ago. Oh good, he wasn't on his own here. Now he just needed to keep the bride distracted.] Yes, let's get those properly underway, shall we?

[He raised his glass with the best sultry smile he could muster, then downed it all.

Ugh. It was like drinking vinegar. Had his palette changed since becoming a vampire? Almost certainly. But he was going to blame this town for the taste, simply on principle. He almost managed to hide the grimace.

And now the bride was laughing at him.] Too strong for you?

No, [And he sounded more defensive than he wanted to let on,] I'm just not used to the local stuff yet. I think I need to get better acquainted with it. As should you, darling. [The fox snickered into her cup, drinking deeply. Fine. If he had to play up being a lightweight to keep her distracted, he'd do it, but not happily. What a rotten little furball.

Gods, the smell of blood was making it hard to think straight. He deserved praise for all this restraint.]