Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
I walk behind my mate with my hand on the small of her back. When she leans into my touch slightly, I wrap my arm around her waist. She molds her body to mine with a small sigh. And then she looks up. The small smile vanishes and she noticeably withdraws. It takes all of my effort to remain holding her. She’ll get used to it. It fucking hurts, like a damn punch to my chest, but both of us will get past this.
Thankfully I’m distracted. I overhear Alec and Devin’s conversation.
“I’m sorry, Dev. I hope you know that I was truly hoping you’d found your rightful mate.”
Alpha nods and slaps a hand on Alec’s shoulder. “I hold no ill will against you, Alec. I understand how it looked.”
“I’m pleased we can part on good terms.” Alec pauses before adding, “I may need you soon.” This catches Devin’s attention and he stops in the hallway as the rest of the pack files into the kitchen, while Remy and Natalia remain in the front room. I stay behind to listen in, making sure my presence is known. Devin gives a slight nod and I get comfortable, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest. As I listen, I watch Caleb lead Lizzie down the hall to our new room. Jealousy races through me as she takes his hand easily.
“Have you heard about the attacks?”
Devin inclines his head slightly, keeping his expression emotionless.
“The vampires are not faring well now that we’re limiting their food supply.”
“Then lift the law. It seems simple enough.” I agree with Devin. It was a stupid law to begin with.
“Unfortunately, the Authority disagrees. The majority are against it. They don’t see a need to drink from a vein when there are other options available. Especially when taking blood from an untested source is the number one cause of sickness in the vampire population.”
“Veronica mentioned her coven wanting some changes made to the way the blood banks are run in Shadow Falls.”
“Did she now?” Alec’s tone holds a curiosity that hints at something I can’t quite place.
“She made it clear that the humans wouldn’t be privy to any information regarding vampires.” Devin’s quick to defend Veronica. I nod in agreement again. Not that it’s needed. She’s Vince’s mate and we will support her. Given what happened last night, with the other shifters and their attempt to kidnap Grace and Lizzie, I consider myself personally in her debt.
“That would be paramount.”
“Is this the way of it now, donations from humans?”
“Perhaps. But the few that have been running have had disturbing results,” Alec confides in Devin and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“How’s that?”
“Several vampires have gone missing.”
“Surely humans aren’t abducting vampires?” Natalia and Remy pause their conversation in the other room as Natalia’s wicked eyes drift to Devin and Alec.
“It’s not certain what is occurring.”
“I see.”
“I just hope that if I need to call on you, you’ll be at the ready.”
“As always, Alec.” The two men brace their hands on each other’s shoulders. “Next time it would be beneficial for you to come alone.” Devin stares at Natalia as he says the last word, startling her. I stifle my grin. Alec chuckles and signals for the two vile beings to leave with him.
It’s not until the front door closes that Devin meets me at the threshold of the kitchen.
“Good riddance.” I don’t hide my disgust for that bitch who called my sweet mate broken.
“Agreed. But he had to bring backup in case we had …” Devin trails off as his eyes find Grace. Clearing his throat, he murmurs so his mate can’t hear, “We’ll take care of the issue in the shed in just a moment.” I remain at my spot on the wall as I watch my Alpha take his mate in his arms. She noticeably relaxes in his embrace the very second he touches her. One day. One day soon, I will have that with my mate.
Grace
“Dom. You’re with me. We have a shifter to question.” His tone and the serious expression on every pack member’s face keeps the words buried at the back of my throat. I have a million questions and there never seems to be time for Devin to answer them.
His hand lets mine fall and I lace my fingers in front of me, choosing to be silent and wait.
I watch Devin and Dom walk out of the kitchen. His broad shoulders and corded muscles ripple as he stretches out his back and cracks his knuckles.
I have no idea who the hell they’re going to “question” but I’m certain they’ll be getting whatever information they want out of him. There’s a thick tension that can’t be denied in the room. Dom’s almost as tall as Devin. The sight of the two of them is intimidating. Just watching Devin move with the skill of a predator sends a chill down my spine. But knowing what’s underneath that white T-shirt has butterflies fluttering deep and low in longing. I stifle my moan. I am, without a doubt, still in heat.