Page 102 of Nightshades

I stare at him, endearingly, unable to picture what my life would be like without him. He came quick and fast, unexpected, yet welcome. He’s rough, mean, murderous, possessive, and every red flag a girl can think of. There’s so much people don’t see when they look at him.

“You mean Sherlock and Watson?”

He grunts, giving a curt nod. “Yes, them. They make a good team. We are a good team. The best team. We are better than them.”

I chuckle when he begins to growl, annoyed by fictional competition. “They aren’t here, Shadey. “

“I’d kill them if they were.”

I hide my smile, staring at him with the same intensity he feels for me.

I love him.

I loved him since the first time he paralyzed me, fucking me with one of his roots.

He gave me everything I needed, not knowing I would make sure he always got what he needed too.

“Let’s go before she makes me run after her. I don’t want to make a scene.”

I open the door, allowing the cool night to wrap around me, and the red motel light reflects off my car.

He is by my side before I can double-check that my badge is on my hip. I loop my arm through his, my hand not even close to wrapping around his bicep.

Every step, the ground threatens to fall from under us from the force Shade carries himself with.

We pass a side garden to the right, walking towards the staircase, or what used to be a garden is now riddled with cigarettes and soda cans.

When we climb up the staircase, Reba is on the right. I don’t hide my badge, and she doesn’t seem like she is going to make a run for it.

She’s confident. I’ll give her that.

“I have done nothing wrong.” She doesn’t even look at me, never taking her eyes off the night as she smokes.

The foggy cloud escapes her lips, creating a slight mirage of her face.

“Just here to talk.” I point to my badge. “I’m Detective Sanchez. I’m just here to ask a few questions.”

“You can try, but I won’t answer them. Not without a lawyer present. Don’t waste your breath. I know my rights.”

That’s fine. She won’t be needing rights tonight anyway. She will never stalk and murder anyone again by the time Shade is done with her.

God, I can’t wait to see him in action. I’m excited. I’ve only ever been the star of the show, never a spectator.

“That’s okay.” Shade steps forward, his gaze locking onto hers.

I wish he could mystify me like he does others. Vampires aren’t allowed to use their influence on their mates.

A real fucking buzz kill. I would love for him to force me to do whatever he wanted, as I obeyed his every command.

“You won’t be needing a lawyer tonight, Reba Lynn.” Shade plucks the cigarette from her, taking a long hit off it before blowing the smoke into her face.

She doesn’t even blink.

“I don’t?”

“No.” His hand steers her to her room. “We’re going to play a little game.”

“I love games!” She brightens, giving him a smile.