Page 70 of Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Three

“Now come,” Bran says and takes me into the wide sweep of his arms. “Let’s go see what the Alpha has to say and then we’ll be on our way.”

Jimmy wasn’t lying. The entire Midnight Pack is waiting outside Duval House.

“Well, this is unprecedented,” Damien says from the wide wrap-around porch. The sun has already sunk below the trees, but the night is still light enough to make out the vast size of the pack. There must be sixty men and women here.

Cal stands at the head with Fox at his left. The rest of the shifters are behind.

“Alpha,” Bran says, “we didn’t discuss this.”

“I made a deal with Jessie, not you,” Cal calls back, his deep, raspy voice reverberating across the property.

Bran’s tongue runs along the inside of his bottom lip.

“Bran,” I mutter beside him.

He clamps his mouth shut and takes my hand. He and Damien have me sandwiched between them as we make our way down the steps.

We come to a stop several feet away from the Alpha.

“What does this deal entail?” Bran gives me a sidelong glance before turning to Cal.

“I promised her I’d have her back,” Cal answers. “In exchange for her help with my mate.”

“And who is this mate?” Damien asks.

Fox steps forward. “That’s none of your business.”

Cal holds out his arm, stopping his beta from going further.

“I’m just here to lend my support,” Cal says. “Imagine what your enemies will think when they see you show up with the pack behind you.”

“I imagine they’ll wonder if I have enough dog food to feed you all.”

“Bran!” I shout.

He crosses his arms over his chest.

“No need to worry, Jessie,” Cal says. “I suspect I will be growing on your vampire boyfriend soon enough.”

Bran’s mouth drops open. “Excuse me? Why do you say that?”

“I have a psychic, remember?”

“Yes, I do. And if you’re insinuating that I might come to regard you as a friend or ally, you are very much mistaken, Alpha.”

Cal snickers and turns away. The pack parts for him.

“Alpha!” Bran shouts.

“We should be going,” Cal calls over his shoulder. “The night is getting away from us. If you’ll drive, the pack will run beside you.”

I can’t help but laugh. This is a gift I didn’t know I needed. But is Cal being serious? That seems a silly thing to joke about. I suspect Cal doesn’t exactly want to be friends with Bran, but maybe our interests will continue to intersect and the two alpha men will come to an understanding.

I like the thought of it. Especially if Sam is destined to be with Cal.

“Stop smiling, Mouse,” Bran mutters.

I clamp my hand over my mouth, but I’m sure he can tell the smile is still in my eyes.