Page 30

“They really do. No matter how many times we say it’s not why we do it, it still comes up.”

“Shit is wild,” he says before grabbing a bag from the small fridge. “You want one?”

“Nah, I’m straight.”

“Why? You went to Blood Lust last night?” he asks and I shake my head. “So, no cub and no blood. What the fuck is up with you? Bruh, that was her at the fire? Ol’ girl that had you daydreaming and shit at the station? That was her at the fire,” he says while shaking his head. “That’s why you were all Black Panther and shit, trying to do it on your own,” he adds then bursts out laughing.

“Black Panther,” I repeat, laughing too. “I’m Danakil.”

“I know that shit right,” he says, then holds out his hand for a dap. Jay and I are about the same age, and over the years we’ve crossed paths, but we didn’t become friends until we ran into each other here. In some form or another, the Danakil find each other. Our clan is small and Hollow Grove has become a home for almost half of us. There are others out in the world though. We are stronger when we are together because our energy and powers feed off each other. “But that was ol’ girl,” he adds.

“Enani,” I tell him. “And yes, that was her.”

“She’s pretty as shit.”

“And mine,” I say sternly with a glare, my natural, possessive instincts appearing.

He laughs again, then says, “I see. That fire flashed in your eyes. I’m happy for you.”

“’Preciate it.”

After turning the volume up on the television, he offers me a bottle of water and I accept. We watch the game and just chill while his team hooks my ride up. When they are finished, I leave his shop, stop by the store to pick up a few things, then head back to the crib. A few hours after I’m home, I feel her, then there are soft knocks at the door. Knowing it’s her, I rush to the door and open it.

“Want some company?” she asks, smiling.

“I want you,” I admit and she steps into my arms. After I take her all in, we kiss until she gasps for air. “My bad. I need to be more gentle with you.”

“I’m not as fragile as you think,” she says after handing me a small duffle bag. “I hope you don’t mind. I came prepared with my spend-da-night bag.”

“You could have brought all your shit or nothing at all. I can buy whatever you need,” I admit honestly.

Her eyes stretch but she doesn’t say anything. A million thoughts run through her mind about her complicated situation but I cut them off. I don’t want to abuse our connection or be intrusive, plus, I trust she’ll tell me how she feels. I’m also giving her time to handle that, not much though. For a vamp, once he finds his mate, it’s all gas, no fucking brakes. That’s our nature, but she’s human and I know it’s not as easy for her. Where I’m instinctive, she’s logical, so I’m not rushing her.

“I have clothes but thank you. I just don’t want to go back home tonight. I went earlier and got a few things. I’m good until I’m ready.”

“But if you want to go, I can go with you.”

“No, thank you. When I go back, it’ll just be me so I can handle things.”

After stepping behind her, I just say, “Okay but if you need me, I’m there.”

She reaches back and grabs my arms. She wraps them around herself, then says, “I love how you’re dancing around the real issue and letting me handle my mess. Thank you. This has been long overdue, but I finally have the will to do it. Once my grandparents are good, I’ll be uncomplicated and ready for you.”

“Long as you know I’m already ready for you, beautiful.”

While squeezing my hands, she says, “I do. I don’t know what you did to me last night but I do.”

“I told you. I did to you what you did to me. We found each other.”

“You found me.” She turns around and lifts her head to meet my eyes. Slowly, she tilts her head to the side and says, “Now bite me. I’ve been thinking about that all day.”

That shit makes my dick jump and my fangs pop out.

“You don’t know how sexy that was,” I admit, then lift her. She laughs when her legs are locked around my waist. “The neck is cool but I told you what I like.” After walking us over to the sofa, I place her down then get on my knees.

“These shorts were a great idea.” She smirks as my hands graze her thighs. “Easy access.”

Chapter