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We’re best buds.

“Yup.” She gives one last cursory glance around her living room and shuts the door. Taping up the frame she covers it in record time and trudges over to my apartment. The sad slump of her shoulders hurts me to watch.

Midnight hops out of my arms as soon as we enter the living room, and he makes himself comfortable on the couch. I hope Celine can settle in just as easily as him.

“I’ll take the couch.” She announces suddenly and I have to resist the urge to hold my hand to my chest like a Victorian child with the plague.

“I think the fuck not,” I refute.

“Excuse me?” A small laugh comes out of her and she crosses her arms, ready to argue. Little does she know I’m a stubborn vampire and would never let my mate sleep on anything less than a comfy bed I personally vetted.

“I’m not making you sleep on the couch, Celine. You’re my guest.”

Quicker than she can track I grab the blanket and pillow she just sat on the couch cushions and deposit them on my bed. Vampires don’t need much sleep, so I hardly ever use the king size mattress. The crisp black comforter is ready for her to dive under. Fluffing the pillows I stand back and admire my work.

“I’m not sleeping with you. Just because we went on a date doesn’t mean we’re cuddling.”

“Aw, but I’ll be the little spoon.” My lip juts out and she slugs my shoulder. “I’m just kidding. I’ll take the couch.” Snagging a pillow and fleece blanket off a chair in the corner of the room, I set them up on the couch.

“I feel bad kicking you out of your bed.” She stands awkwardly in the doorway of the bedroom with her blanket hanging loosely from her fingertips.

Even amidst the chaos of getting here in a rush, rain slicking back her hair, makeup running down her face, and red eyes from unshed tears, she’s still the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

“Zavier.” Snapping pulls me out of my daydream. Celine taps her foot in rapid succession on the hardwood floor and lets out a huff. “Did you hear me?”

“You want to get married and have my babies? Great plan. Love that plan.”

Her cheeks burn red, and she chucks a pillow at my head.

“Shut up. You know what? I don’t care that I’m stealing your bed.” Hair flows around her shoulders as she abruptly turns and closes the door behind her.

A snort comes out at her thinking a flimsy piece of wood would keep her safe from me.

“Meow.” The disgruntled sound behind me shows Midnight making himself at home on my makeshift bed. The bakery has opened, and he is working overtime to produce biscuits.

“Make yourself at home, my friend. Neither you nor your owner will be leaving.” It sounds ominous but I’d be damned again if I let her slip through my fingers.

CHAPTER 19

CELINE

Sweat rolls down my temple as I jab the heavy bag in front of me.

The room is quiet besides the occasional grunt from fellow boxers.

I’ve come to Vitality for as long as I can remember. Run by a retired female MMA fighter, it’s a female only gym tucked downtown. It’s a safe and supportive environment I love coming to.

Boxing has always been an outlet whenever I have too much on my mind. Usually after I visit my dad it’s one of the first stops I make. When I’m stuck on a case it also allows me to clear my head. There’s something about boxing that makes everything else in my life fade away.

Right now, I’m overflowing with frustration, confusion, and horror at what happened last night. Someone broke into my apartment, my safe space, and ransacked the place. Violated doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel. My chest is tight, my stomach coiled from the defilement.

With one last punch that leaves the bag swinging, I squat down to catch my breath.

“You okay, Celine?” Olivia, a regular I see often, asks.

I peer up and find her standing in front of me with a concerned look. I must seem possessed over here, absolutely pounding this bag like if I beat it hard enough whoever did this will feel it too.

“I’m all right.” I blow out a breath and attempt to wave her off.