Page 38

“Laundry after breakfast,” she decided. “But before anything, there needs to be grocery shopping!”

Excited to show off for the guys, she searched everywhere for the van keys until she realized she’d left them in the van last night!

“There was a lot going on,” she muttered to Babette. “I can’t be blamed for forgetting something small like keys.”

Double checking she had everything, she climbed into Mildred. Babette was quick to clamber up behind her.

“I’m not sure you should be coming with me,” she said to the little dog.

Babette completely ignored her and climbed into the passenger seat and sat down like a polite passenger.

“Okay then,” Mila said, happy to have the company. “Prepare yourself, Babette! We’re on a quest to purchase ingredients for a sumptuous meal that will make Carter and Gio beg me never to leave!”

Chapter 12

Carter

Carter’s wolf was at war with his human side. The alpha wolf was demanding he get up to find Mila. Gio was there, but his wolf soul was less worried about the powerful vampire. Carter’s inner alpha was much more worried about their fragile human mate.

He hadn’t been aware when she left, but he was realizing she wasn’t with him now. The body snuggled in his arms was Gio. While the vampire smelled wonderful and looked tempting as hell, Carter’s wolf was making it impossible for him to ignore the growing anxiety.

“Why—?” Gio mumbled as Carter slowly uncurled from around the vampire. Gio was trying to lift his head but couldn’t manage it.

Carter might not be able to see auras, but he could sense how depleted Gio was. Guilt made him want to stay at Gio’s side. The vampire hated being alone during the day when he was this helpless.

“I’ll find Mila, then come back,” he promised Gio, giving the man a gentle kiss on the lips.

Gio frowned, but then sighed and let the daylight sleep drag him back under.

Rolling over to his side of the bed, Carter sat up, then almost fell back over. His head throbbed, his throat was dry, and his entire body felt like he’d been run over by a semi. After a moment, the headache eased enough for him to think, and his body felt steady enough to try standing.

He braced himself to stand up, knowing it was going to be as bad.

He was wrong. It was worse. So much worse.

With a gasp, he grabbed hold of a nearby chair. It was the only thing that kept him from crashing to the floor.

Pain made his vision waver and sweat break out all over his body. His wolf hated this. Being weak meant he couldn’t protect their mates.

“I’m not happy about this either,” Carter grumbled to his wolf as his vision cleared.

Moving slowly, he took careful steps to the door. He opened it to find Faith standing there with her hand out, about to grab the door knob.

“Oh, that saves me a trip,” the tired knitter said.

“You can leave,” Carter said, summoning a smile. “I’m fine now.”

Faith rolled her eyes. “You’re standing, that’s good. But I can feel your body struggling to cope. Sit down before you fall down.”

She took hold of his arm and guided him back into the room. He wanted to fight but knew he’d end up on his ass if he tried to pull away.

His naked ass.

“Could you get me something to wear?” he asked, swallowing his pride. He didn’t mind being nude around Gio, and Faith didn’t count, but his lack of clothing might upset Mila. He needed pants at least.

To his surprise, Faith didn’t smirk or tease. She flattened a hand on his chest and closed her eyes. “In a moment, let me check on you first.”

He felt her magic flair against him. He relaxed and waited.