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I made quite the mess.

After my embarrassing episode on the couch, we decided to finally clean up the absolute carnage I inflicted on the apartment and doorway. I had told Celine I’d take care of it, but she refused to let me do it alone.

“I could tell you all kinds of ways to get blood out of things.” I flash a fang at her from where I scrub, and she stills for a second before trying to pretend like it didn’t happen.

Too soon.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just an involuntary reaction. I promise I’m not scared of you, Zav.” She winces in apology. “Even though I probably should be,” she adds under her breath with a nearly questioning tone. “I’m still processing everything you told me. I know you’d never hurt me.” Celine sets a hand reassuringly over mine and then gets back to scrubbing.

I can’t blame her for needing time. I’m overzealous and want to jump headfirst into things with her. No other human has even known my true nature and for once I don’t feel lonely. She still doesn’t know we’re mates, but I think for now it’s safer to keep that information to myself. I don’t want to overwhelm her more than she already is.

A chirp comes from Celine’s pocket, and she pulls out her phone to check the notification. Whatever she sees must excite her, because she jumps up and rushes to the bedroom.

“Celine?” I call after her now phantom form. “Are you okay?”

She hops back into the room, pulling a boot onto one foot and nearly falling over into the wall. I rush over to steady her. Her hair is back in its standard ponytail, and she grabs her black jacket from where it rests on one of the barstools.

“Yes! It’s fantastic actually.” I follow behind her as she practically skips to the front door. “Ava just texted me and said there’s been another murder. My main case has been a little stale lately, but the serial killer left us another body.” The gleambehind her eyes is that of a predator with a scent of their prey. I should know, since I’ve seen it reflected in mine many times.

“That’s sounds promising.” Flashing my smile sans fangs at her she nods, and opens the door. I follow her out and she stops abruptly when she realizes I’m right behind her.

“What are you doing?” She peers at me over her shoulder. A neighbor a few doors down walks past and nods in greeting. I notice him staring at Celine’s chest a little too long and bristle.

Welp, another one to add to my list.

“It’s take your man to work day. I’ve dubbed thee so.” My arms flare out and I bow exaggeratedly.

“You are not coming to a crime scene with me.” Celine tries to push me back in the apartment but I’m not budging. “And my man? Man-child maybe.” She tops the comment off with a roll of her eyes. I make a mental note to spank her ass for that later.

“Pfft. Hurry up and close the door or you’ll let Midnight out.” Minty fresh breath teases my face when I hover right in front of her. “And yes,yourman-child. Now onward!”

Slyly wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling the door closed with my other, I propel us forward. I can't wait to see her in action up close. Stalking from roofs and trees just isn't doing it for me anymore. I crave more. I need more of her. Plus, Frank was a big bad they’ve been trying to catch, and I know she’ll be impressed.

“Obviously, you’re not budging on this, so you need to listen to my ground rules before we get there.” Celine presses the elevator button and turns to lecture me while we wait for it. “Number one, you stay in the car.” She inches closer to me. “Number two, you stay in the car.” Toe to toe now. “Finally, number three, can you guess?”

“Hmm.” I tap my chin in mock thought. “Stay in the car?” She smiles widely when I answer appropriately.

“Exactly. Shall we?” The elevator dings and we walk in. I purposely stand as close to her as possible even though there’s nobody else with us. Her short breaths bring a smile to my face when I realize she’s still affected by me even after the vampire revelation.

“Most people would be terrified to be stuck in an elevator with me.” Goosebumps flare along her neck where I whisper by her ear.

“Good thing I’m not stuck in here with you,” the smart-ass replies.

Slamming a hand against the emergency stop button I cage her into the corner of the elevator. One arm frames her head against the doors and the other stays on top of the button stopping any escape she might hope to make. It’s silent except for both of our stilted breathing.

“You were saying?” I murmur.

My nose drags through her hair, and I let loose a small growl of pleasure. Time to test the theory I’ve been wondering about. I give into my baser, animalistic urge and let my fangs click down.

If I didn’t let them, they would’ve barged in anyway. Fangboner, hello.

With the utmost care I scrape a fang along her delicate throat like I’ve dreamed of doing since the day I saw her. I make sure not to draw blood, as much as I’d love to. If she protests, I’m ready to back off immediately.

A moan climbs out of her throat, and I feel the vibration against my canines. Her back is a solid weight against my chest, and I bring my left hand down to collar her throat on the opposite side of my mouth. She melts under the contact, and I gently tighten my grip.

“Mm.”

Fuck she’s so sexy.