Page 68

Nope.

“Mack Mazzini, how dare you mess with my emotions like that?” She snapped, emotion overwhelming her.

That was mean.

He was being cruel.

“Jesus.” Mack groaned. “Kurt, I need two minutes.”

“You have one.” She heard the vampire reply.

Next minute, Mack appeared in her living room, his hand holding the phone, which he slid into his pocket.

That’s when she noticed he was wearing black tactical gear packed full of weapons.

Oh.

Ella put her own phone into the back pocket of her jeans and wondered if he dressed like this every day.

She didn’t think so.

Mack stalked across the room and cupped her face. His eyes were wild and there was a seriousness about him she’d never seen.

He looked scared.

Worried.

Intense.

“You love me?” she whispered.

“I love you.” His lips curled at the corners, despite the dark fire within his globes.

When his mouth lowered, Ella pressed her eyes closed and gripped his biceps as he gently kissed her. A moan escaped her, and she felt her cheeks heat. This man affected her so much.

Leaning into him farther, she expected him to scoop her up, but instead Mack stepped away, keeping one hand on her hip.

“I have to go,” he rasped.

“What do you mean?”

Leave? He’d just confessed his love to her and teleported into her house—his house—kissing her like she was his mate.

Now he was leaving again?

“I’m heading out on a mission. I had to see you before I left. I needed you to know how I felt. How I’ve always felt.” Mack brushed a hand over her forehead and kissed it.

No.

“Please don’t do this,” Ella said, shaking her head. “Tell me the truth. You love me as...a friend. Right? Because if you’re just doing this because you think you won’t return, then please don’t.”

Mack drew in a breath, his chest swelling.

“You know the answer to that, El. I know you feel it.”

Goddamn this male.

“Pack up and move into my room in the castle. The girls will look after you.” He pulled out his phone and messaged her. “That’s the room code. I’m coming home. I promise. Then we will talk.”