Page 29

“Nothing. He’s leaving,” Elijah says.

“Bash?” I ask, not giving up.

“The cheetahs are being loud. They are chewing through the duct tape with their abnormally sharp cheetah teeth,” he complains. “I can’t mind-fuck the extreme asshole one. The other asshole is less strong. I was able to convince him to shut up. Ryker wants them contained before the club opens tonight. I need you two to agree what we are going to do with them.”

“I want to see them,” I say, ignoring the roll of my stomach. I need to confront them. They have been built up to this level ofuntouchable in my mind—seeing them vulnerable will help me move on.

“Fuck, no.” Elijah turns to me.

“Yes,” I say firmly. I pull with my finger. “I need to.”

“I am not putting you in danger,” he persists.

“You aren’t. You will be right beside me.” I look at Bash. “Will you be there?”

“I can be,” he nods.

“No.” Elijah crosses his arms.

I glare at him. “Yes.”

He rakes his hand through his hair. “Shit.”

“Put a shirt and shoes on. Let’s go,” I say, trying not to smile.

He stomps back to the house.

“I’m surprised he left you out here with me,” Bash ponders.

“He knows you are no threat to him. You are mated. Plus, I’m not without weapons.” I shift my claws, flashing them.

“I suppose.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m used to being feared.”

He sounds disappointed. “I’m sure you are to humans. Some types of shifters are more afraid of different species that others.”

“Yeah,” he sighs.

“Poor Bash,” Elijah sings as he leaves the house. “Must be losing your vampire touch,” he taunts.

Bash shows his teeth. “Fuck off.”

“Alright, geez,” Elijah says, giving me big eyes when Bash turns away. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes. I have to.” For some reason, I feel compelled to confront them. Maybe I need to do this to move on.

“Okay, Kitty Cat. Let’s do this.” He grabs my hand and leads me to his truck.

Bash already left. He must have run here as there wasn’t a car. Elijah lifts me into the truck and leans in to buckle me in.

“What is your hatred of vampires about?” I ask him again once he gets in.

“It's a long story. Not for today,” he says quietly.

I study him as he starts to drive. He has demons. He has parts of his life he keeps in the dark. He won’t open those doors easily. I should be worried about that.

I’m curious. I’m eager. I’m excited. A life with Elijah would be anything but boring.

I am all those things and more.