A movie played quietly on the TV perched atop my dresser. I wasn’t paying much attention to it, but with a sexy, naked werewolf in bed next to me, how could I? Shaz and I lay together, a mess of entangled limbs. I always felt the warmth and comfort of the pack when he shared my bed. Our nights apart were less than enjoyable.
We cuddled in an affectionate embrace that sparked feelings of giddy love within me. It wasn’t something that I was used to by any means. I still had a hard time believing it was real and not some amazing dream I would wake up from, disappointed to find it wasn’t real at all.
Kylarai’s Escalade was in the driveway when we got home. The door to her room had been closed and would likely remain that way until she was forced to come out. It wasn’t like she owed me any explanations, but she was dating my friend and co-worker.
Or at least, I had thought she was.
Once Shaz breathed softly and his eyes closed, I thought that was it for him. I gazed absently at the moving images on the television screen, but my mind was focused on how perfectly our bodies fit together. No matter how we slept, we always seemed to mold to one another.
“I really don’t like this whole thing with Arys’ sire being in town.” Shaz’ voice came low beside me. Since I thought he’d fallen asleep, I was startled. “And I really don’t like that blood bond nonsense. I think you have more than enough vampire influence in your life as it is.”
“I knew that was bothering you. I could feel it.” I reached for his hand, tracing light circles in his palm with my finger. “It shouldn’t. You’re right, it is nonsense. And, I’m not afraid of Harley.” That was only a half-truth. I’d seen things in Arys’ memory that certainly did stir fear inside me. Harley thrived on pain and fear, torture driven energy.
“Why do you think he’s here? I mean, why now?”
I pondered that for a moment, not liking anything that came to mind. “He knows about the power that Arys and I share. I think he wants to see it for himself.”
The tension that seeped into Shaz caused him to stiffen beside me. I didn’t like it.
This was supposed to be a place and a time for comfort and relaxation. I rubbed his shoulders, hoping to ease some of the strain.
“Just tell me that you won’t go back to that vampire bar alone.” His arms went around me, blanketing me in his warmth. “I’m not trying to sound like Arys, that cocky ass, but I need to know you’re safe. After Julian’s display tonight, I’m feeling madly overprotective.”
I gave a small laugh. The truth was that if Arys had acted this territorial I would have been super-pissed. Shaz was my wolf mate though, and that was rooted in something deeper than we understood. I knew that implicitly. His urge to protect and defend me was driven by love and nature. When Arys did it, it was all about the ego boost of saving the damsel in distress.
“You are too good to me.” I nuzzled his face with mine before kissing him with undying devotion and passion. “I love it when you’re overprotective. But, I don’t want it to have you scrapping everybody. And no, I won’t be going back to The Wicked Kiss alone. Promise.”
The name of the club brought the blood bond to mind. I hadn’t known vampires called it that. I also hadn’t known that humans could be bonded. The thought sent a chill through my warm insides. I resisted a physical shudder.
“Don’t try to talk me out of fighting Julian. I’m doing it, Lex. I’m putting that pitiful excuse for a werewolf in his place, and I’m going to enjoy doing it.” He pressed even closer, if that was possible, with his head resting against mine. “I love you. And, I know you want me to let it go. But, I’m running on instinct here.”
I sighed but didn’t bother trying to dissuade him. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t try again before the full moon. It just wasn’t something I wanted to think about right now.
“I love you, too, babe.” I breathed in his intoxicating scent and closed my eyes.
“Now promise me that you won’t get yourself killed.”
Chapter Six
The crumpled edges of a post-it note crushed beneath my face brought me awake to the delicious scent of bacon frying. The note was written in Shaz’ messy scrawl. “You are so beautiful when you sleep. I couldn’t stand to wake you. I love you … forever.”
I would have once scoffed at the sappy sweetness of the note. Now it warmed my heart and brought a stupid smile to my face. I sighed and took a deep breath of his heavenly scent on my pillows and blanket.
Kylarai was clearly feeling guilty over keeping her fling with Julian a secret. She didn’t cook often. It was usually left to my poor attempts and Shaz when he was over. Ky was too busy with work. So, it spoke volumes when I rounded the corner of the kitchen to find her also making her famous omelets, which I loved so much.
“Coffee?” Her first word kind of surprised me. She smiled wide, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.