Page 48

Story: The Vampire's Soul

“Hey, don’t blame me. I was born this way.” Dain slid a large note across to the bartender in exchange for the beer which had arrived.

He was trying to impress her.

Ella leaned on the bar and let him continue to flirt with her, enjoying the feeling of being wanted. It was a nice change.

In the back of her mind there was a quiet hum ofstuff you,andwell if you don’t want me then...going on as Mack’s face kept appearing.

The feel of his lips on hers. The way her body burst into flames and the world around her evaporated as all she wanted was to feel Mack sink inside her and make her his.

A dream that was never going to come true.

Before that kiss, she’d held on to hope. Wondering if the mating bond just hadn’t been obvious to him. Now she knew there was an attraction, but not one strong enough for him to pursue a relationship.

Work was more important.

A mate would never say or think such a thing. The bond between two mates was powerful and eternal.

“Ella?”

“Oh, sorry, what?”

“Who do you work for?” Dain asked and slid the wine he’d ordered for her closer.

“Thanks. Um, I’m self-employed. It’s a lifestyle thing. I’m more of a night owl.” She smiled. “My clients are offshore and...yeah, I need to go to a late-night meeting on Zoom soon, so can’t stay much longer.”

She didn’t want to lead him on too much.

“Shame.” He’d eyed her wine. “Hope the wine-buzz gives you some creative ideas.”

“Hope so.” She giggled.

Then she did a double take, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Her mouth dropped open when she straightened and looked over Dain’s shoulder at the scene.

Oh, shit.

Walking through the bar were three Moretti warriors. Top to toe in black, looking dark and dangerous. Mack leading the pack.

Holy shit.

Even from where Ella sat, she could see the fury in his eyes. How dare he? He knew/believed she was on a date.

“Shit, I have to go.” She scrambled off the stool and grabbed her purse.

Dain glanced over his shoulder, did his own double take at the intimidating three males, and then turned back to her. “What—”

“Ella!” Mack growled.

CHAPTER TEN

MACK

“You can’t keep Ella prisoner in that house,” Callan had said while biting down on his burger.

Mack didn’t agree.

He could do whatever he wanted to keep hisnot-yetmate safe.

I have to go. My date is waiting.