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“Nah. We’ll get your wine.”

He leads me to his bar. Just like him and everything else in this house, his wine and liquor collection is exquisite so I leave the selection up to him. He picks three and I choose a sweet red I’m not familiar with but it’s divine. He carries my glass back into his bedroom for me then we both slide into bed.

“You make me feel so comfortable,” I admit once we’re in his bed and my glass is empty.

“Good ’cause I want you to come back,” he says and I yawn. “The wine is working,” he adds.

“No, I think it’s you. My already complicated life was turned upside down today but you turned it back upright. My grandparents are safe thanks to you. They get out of the hospital tomorrow and we have a plan in place for them. I just had the best night of my life, again, thanks to you. And I’m about to get some much needed sleep, again, all you.” I yawn again then snuggle more into him. “I’m coming back.”

Chapter

Ten

Around eight, Enani left to go take care of her grandparents. She really loves them, and because she’s had my blood, I can feel just how much. She’s beautiful inside and out and last night showed it. My pull to her at Blood Lust was so damn strong I knew I had to know her, but last night proved I have to have her. She’s my mate; the woman intended for me, my true companion, mine. The minute she pulled my finger into her mouth, I felt that shit and she did too. She’s just got to deal with her family shit before she can see it. She was all in her head about us when we kissed goodbye.

That was about an hour ago but I’m just moving around. The fire I absorbed yesterday got out of my system but the effects of it linger a day or two when I take in as much as I did and I end up sleeping more than normal. I’m a three to four hour a night sleeper, but after absorption, I need at least six to feel fully restored.

This morning, I bypass my morning bag because I don’t need nor want it after tasting her warm, sweet blood. Instead, I grab a bottle of water and head to my workout room to hit the bench. I complete five sets of three hundred pounds and another five of four hundred then hit the treadmill for two hours. Before hitting the shower, I check in on Enani. Since she’s new to our connection and mind link, I decide to text.

Me: You good? Have they been released?

Mine: Yes. I’m really good actually. They were released at 9:30. I’m glad I left a little early. Nana is at the hotel resting and Papa, Shae, and me are looking at the first Airbnb.

Me: That’s what’s up. But are you okay? No fatigue?

Last night, since it was her first time, I wanted to go easy, but I couldn’t help it. Her taste, the way my body reacted to her blood, and even her reaction was like fire. I got caught the fuck up and need to make sure I didn’t overdo it.

Mine: I AM FINE.

Mine: But just because you seem so concerned, I got an iron-enriched smoothie from the place by the diner when I got breakfast for them. I looked one up and they made it. Mr. Worry, it has spinach, chia seeds, beetroot, and orange juice.

Before I can respond, she sends a picture of her holding the smoothie and drinking from the straw. I simply shake my head and smile as I respond.

Me: Good girl.

Mine: I know. When I’m done, I’ll let you know.

Me: I’m here. Don’t rush.

Because I didn’t even think about my phone last night with her, I plug it on the charger while I shower and get ready for the day. Around noon, I enter my garage and hop into my Charger. I haven’t driven it in a few weeks and she needs detailing and a fill up.

Gas is first then I stop by Hollow Grove Diner for food. I eat a double burger and sweet potato fries there then head to Jay’s detailing spot. We work together at the station and I really like to do business with other vamps when I can. To my surprise, he’s working this afternoon. I don’t typically see him here.

“What’s going on, bruh?” he says when I walk to the counter to pay for my full detail—wash, wax, vacuum, and tire treatment.

“You working today?”

“I have to pop up sometimes to make sure these niggas really be working,” he jokes and the sista at the counter playfully rolls her eyes.

“Eighty-seven thirty-five,” she tells me and I tap my phone to pay.

“Move his ticket to next. Can’t have my bruh waiting,” Jay says.

“’Preciate that man.” We dap and he motions for me to follow him to his back office while I wait. His office is plush as hell with a big screen TV, bar, and fridge stocked with beverages and blood.

“Not the blood here too.”

“It’s wherever I am. My donors be tripping sometimes, so I have to be prepared. Honestly, I might start taking some of these people we save up on their offers. They think it’s required anyway,” he says and I smile, thinking about Enani offering herself for feeding because she believed the rumor too.