Page 61 of Love Bites

"Maybe I'm not all that human either," I tried to joke, but my joke fell flat.

Talon didn't laugh at least. "I don't care what you are, you're perfect." He kissed my temple before rising from the couch.

"Heading out?" I asked.

"I'll be back in a few hours, I hope."

"You'd better be. I'll be waiting."

Waiting and ready to take my beast's mind off whatever he had to do tonight.

* * *

It was just past nine and I was lazing in bed when my phone lit up. A message from Luke.

We're being attacked

What? It was only three words, but I had to read them again. Who was attacking my little brother?

My stomach turned to knots as I read the text a third time and realized what might be going on.

Vampires.

I wasn't their only target, was I? Everyone in my family had one of these stupid marks.

My hand went to my mouth. I felt like throwing up.

Where are you?I texted back, the fingers of my right hand flying over my phone.

I didn't wait for a response before jumping off the bed and throwing on my coat and shoes.

My phone flashed.Dad's office.

Stay there.It was the safest place in the house.

Frantically, I navigated to my contact list and called Talon—when a horrible thought occurred to me.

What if he was in on this?

He wouldn'twantto attack my family, but his sire could make him do basically anything. He'd told me as much.

Please God no.

On pins and needles, I waited for the call to connect. I'd never actuallycalledTalon before while he was out. I always sent text messages if I needed anything, not wanting to disturb him in whatever he was doing. That should let him know this was urgent, right?

So why wasn't he fucking answering his phone?

Phone still pressed to my ear, I made my way to the elevator that would take me down.Come on, Talon.

I pushed the button for the ground floor and then,finally, the call connected.

"My family is being attacked!" I blurted out before Talon could even utter a greeting.

"What?" He sounded like he had no idea what I was talking about.Thank fuck.

"Luke texted me. They're being attacked. He's hiding in the office."

"Tell him to stay there."