Page 49 of Feeding Frenzy (Crimson Coven #3)

CATALINA

I slowed on the last steps of the banister and squeezed the grooved handrail. Wood creaked and I relaxed my hold. The back and forth arguing echoed down the hall.

“You can’t tell me you don’t want to hear it,” Asher’s voice elevated multiple octaves. “What if she leaves us?”

“Shut up,” Ren drawled.

“You didn’t see how she froze up when I told her,” Asher mumbled. “You, did you apologize? That’s what she demanded of Ren. Maybe that’s what she’s wanting. I don’t care what you fucking do, Jaxon, drop on your knees before her and beg her to forgive and accept you. If it’s because of you that she’s holding back. I swear to the undead I’m going to?—”

“Even if she tries to leave, she won’t succeed,” Ren interrupted Asher.

“Obviously,” Asher snapped, sounding heated.

“This is an illogical argument, Asher,” Tobias interjected. “You cannot rush her.”

My slippers made my steps nice and quiet as I approached. I stifled my smile as I neared the second living room where they liked to have all their serious talks.

“What are you guys talking about?” All heads swiveled in my direction. A slight pink flush bridged Asher’s nose. I turned to Jax, and he only scowled. Then I turned to Ren, and he was smirking.

“Tobias?” He usually gave me answers, but this time, he only rubbed his temple like he was so done with the conversation.

“He’s upset because you have not expressed that you love us,” Bastien offered.

“I was talking about me ,” Asher said defensively. How had I not shown I cared for them?

“Are you spiraling because I haven’t said it?” I teased.

“This is not a laughing matter,” Asher sniped. Who would have thought they needed words of affirmation. I pursed my lips, trying to not laugh.

“I mean I stayed after all the stunts you guys pulled. It’s kind of obvious what I feel for you psychotic vampires.”

He crossed his arms and tipped his chin up, staring me down.

“Then say it,” Asher pouted.

I leaned against the threshold sill and cast my gaze across them. They sprawled on the couches. A large clear bottle half filled with red liquid sat in the middle of the coffee table.

“I mean is it really that important?” I worked my nail under the other one, studying them nonchalantly.

“I would like to hear it too,” Jax murmured. “She had no problem telling me while I was a cat.” He faced me. “I will turn into a cat if you prefer?”

I could only stare.

“Unlike these two, I respect your wishes.” Tobias straightened the lapels of his coat.

“Are you quoting another of your books,” Ren drawled. “Because I call bullshit.”

“Cat,” Peter shouted from the foyer. “Just fucking tell them you love them. Dear fucking God, I’ve been hearing them theorize about that shit enough.”

“Language,” I snapped, straightening. My face flamed with warmth as all the blood traveled to my cheeks. I cleared my throat, uncomfortable with how the five pairs of eyes focused on me. “And I do.” I sucked in a breath. “Love you vampires.” I cupped my hand to my ear like someone was calling for me, avoiding looking at the too-still vamps.

“What was that? I’m coming.”

“Where are you going?” Asher shouted, sounding much too gleeful.

I hurried away as fast as possible.

Damn them, I wanted to make them suffer—just for a little bit. A smile crested my lips. At least I had the rest of eternity with them.

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