Page 108 of Bite

Something hot and bright pulses under my ribs. It’s the little gestures– the way he always takes care of me, the way he makes room for the people I love, the way he lets Ozzy crawl into our bed at night… all of it adds up.

Thisis what it means to be chosen.

“You’re a good man,” I say softly, hoping it doesn’t sound as corny out loud as it does in my head.

A smile curves his lips. His hand comes to rest at my hip as I turn back to Bex.

“Can’t wait!” I say brightly.

She takes a sip of champagne, eyes sweeping the crowd. “Is that guy European too?” she asks, tipping her glass. “He’s got a serious staring problem.”

I follow her gaze and spot Elliott leaning against a pillar, eyes locked on us. He doesn’t even bother pretending not to stare when we catch him.

“You don’t recognize Dr. Faulkner?” I laugh, elbowing her. “He’ssuperfamous, babe.”

She scrunches her nose. “The slutty little glasses are kinda cute. Though he looks like he could dissect me with a salad fork.”

“Don’t tempt him,” James murmurs. “He’s been known to use less.”

Bex cackles, then loops her arm through mine. “Introduce me?”

“Sure,” I laugh.

The three of us cross the dance floor, eyes following us the whole way. When we reach Elliott, he straightens, inclining his head in greeting.

“You’re the one who invented the instant-heal cream, aren’t you?” Bex blurts, as if she’s just connected the dots.

Elliott just stares at her.

“That stuff is like black magic,” she gushes, ignoring his silence. “Can you invent something to heal period cramps that fast? Because I’d buy a gallon.”

He continues to stare at her blankly.

“Wow. Talkative,” Bex snorts.

I elbow her, but she just keeps boldly staring back at Dr. Faulkner, still awaiting an answer. The weirdest part is that he hasn’t looked away– the dude usually has serious eye-contact issues when he’s up close.

“If you’re looking for a donor tonight, this one’s more trouble than she’s worth,” James interjects.

“Hey!” Bex protests.

I bite back a laugh. Bex and James may snipe at each other, but I swear they’re slowly becoming almost… friendly. It’s adorable.

“Did I hear you’re looking for a donor?” a smooth feminine voice asks, and I turn to see Francesca gliding toward us in a red dress that probably cost more than my old apartment, her dark hair slicked into a severe twist.

“I was actually just leaving,” Elliott mutters, tossing back the rest of his drink. He finally shifts his gaze from Bex to James. “You know I can never last very long at these things.”

“Thank you for making an appearance,” James says diplomatically. “Still planning to come for dinner next week?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he replies eagerly, eyes bright.

Dr. Faulkner has been coming by every week to check in on our bond, fascinated by each new development. Since we have to keep it secret from everyone else, it’s kinda nice to have friends that are in on it and we can be ourselves around.

He steps away, melting into the crowd, while Fran drifts closer.

“Congratulations,” she says, gaze flicking between James and me. “I just heard about the upcoming merger. Are you both available to debrief Monday?”

James now involves me in all things Bite-related, which I don’t mind at all, given his history with Francesca.