Page 54 of Bitten Vampire

Yes, she is my friend.

“She saved me, told the vampires she’s the Alpha’s mate. A bloke in the doorway—could not see his face and did not catch his name—was giving her grief about using a signed cricket bat. He sounded more amused than angry. She was so confident; all the shifters took her lead.”

Wonderful. I’m so happy she saved you. Good news at last. Her story is for another day, though.Sleep.

“I don’t sleep,” I mumble.

Yet with House stroking my hair as though I were a child, I sleep—no dreams, just a head-first plunge into exhaustion.

Chapter Twenty-Two

I must beout for sixteen hours, perhaps more, before House wakes me.

Fred… Fred, wake up.

My eyes snap open.It’s dark. I slept the entire day away.

“Did you magic me to sleep?” I grumble.

House ignores my question.The warrant was issued by Clan Nocturna and approved by the Grand Master. He knows you are alive.

“Oh.” My stomach flips. “That’s… really bad.”

And there are strangers outside the wards. Not Valdarr’s lot. I doubt they are here for a chat.House’s tone tightens.They are wearing tactical gear;I think they mean to attack.

“Attack?” My voice shrinks. “But… but your wards?—”

Oh, we’re letting them in,Beryl says brightly from thebedside table.

“I’m sorry, what?” Sleeping must have made me delirious. “Let them in? The hit squad?”

Yes,House replies.They think this place has a flimsy ward. We will open the door, then be rid of them.

“Be rid of?” My voice leaps two octaves.

Don’t fret,House purrs.Everything will be fine. We will deal with this in-house.

“Famous last words,” I mutter.

Privately I’m screamingWhere is Valdarr?Unfair, given it’s not his duty to protect me. Yet it’s only natural, as he’s the only vampire I know. But I don’t need a man to protect me when I have House, Beryl, and Baylor. Plus, I’m a vampire.

I slide out of bed and dress in a hurry. “Baylor!” I call.

No response.

“Baylor! Baylor!” He must be sulking after no walk today. Claws clatter on the stairs. A moment later, he creeps into the room and disappears under the bed. Poor boy, he knows something’s wrong.

I drop to my knees. “It’s okay, buddy. House, Beryl, and I are going to deal with the naughty vampires.”

Deal with—I wonder what that will entail.

Baylor lets out a soft, uncertain “awoo.”

“It’s okay. What a good boy. Brave pup. I’ll be back soon. Stay here, nice and safe.” I stroke his head, kiss his nose, then leave and lock the bedroom door.

“House, if we handle these vampires, what about the next lot? We can’t fight the whole country. With a kill order, everyone’s involved, even the human government. Perhaps I should just… leave. I have no job, no rent money. I’m a burden and I’m putting you at risk.” I pause on the stairs.

That doesn’t matter. When have I ever needed money? Stay as long as you like. You and Baylor are family.