Page 31

“If I could only have you for one night, then I damn sure wasn’t missing that opportunity. You’re a fucking catch, Maggie Wilcox.” I shrug, not ashamed of my selfishness. I’m speaking the truth. “Are you mad?”

“I should be, but… no, I’m not. Viktor, you healed a part of me that was broken. You showed me that I’m capable of experiencing pleasure again, capable of being a sexual creature again. But—” Her eyes flash with doubt before dropping to my chest, and her shoulders curl.

Cupping her face, I guide her eyes back to mine. “What is it?”

Voice small, she asks, “What happens now?”

“Whatever you want, Maggie. You’re always in control here.”

Lying down again, she snuggles back under my arm with her head on my chest. I hope she doesn’t notice how fast my heart is beating. “Can we go slow?”

“As slow as you want, sweetheart. Always. ”

“I’m not ready to tell Lily yet, either. She’s had a lot of adjustments recently, so I want to make sure this is permanent before we tell her.”

Do her words hurt a little? Sure . But I’m determined to prove just how serious and permanent this is. “Of course, Maggie. I want what’s best for Lily, too.” Like magnets, my fingers make their way back into her curls. The claws seem to have retracted now that my appetite for blood is satiated.

The claws… the eyes… Will that happen every time I feed on her? Only time will tell.

“I do need a date for my father’s annual charity event. Would you like to accompany me?”

“Hmm. Will there be food?” She yawns before snuggling deeper into my side.

I chuckle. “Yes. And drinks. And dancing. We could stay the night in my apartment in the city.”

“I’d love to go.” Her head pops up, eyebrows knitting together. “But I don’t have anything fancy to wear!”

Sweeping a finger over her freckled cheek, I smile. “Don’t worry, country girl. Just call me your fairy godmother, because I’ll take care of everything.”

T here’s a pep in my step as I walk back to the guest house. Opting to not use my enhanced speed, I tuck my hands in my pockets and whistle. The gravel crunches under my shoes and the soft breeze ruffles my hair .

Energized by excitement, my body hums. Excitement about the charity gala this weekend. Excitement about Maggie meeting Mother and Ness.

Fuck Father.

I don’t give a flying fuck what he thinks anymore.

Most importantly, excitement about the future and finally being out from under his suffocating grip.

When I get inside, I slip off my shoes and collapse into the chair next to the fireplace. I still didn’t tell Maggie she’s my mate, but she said she wants to go slow. So I didn’t want to ambush her with a lifetime commitment or anything.

Huffing a sigh, I pull my phone from my pants pocket and dial the one person who I always talk through tough situations with.

“Hello, dear brother. To what do I owe the late-night phone call?” Her tranquil voice is like a balm on my stuttering heart.

“Ness, I need your help.” I rub the bridge of my nose before tipping my head back and staring at the ceiling.

She hums. “Ah, so you’ve finally realized who the smart twin is.” I can hear the smugness in her tone.

I growl. “I’m serious, Vanessa.”

“Hi, Serious. I’m Vanessa, it’s nice to meet you.” She giggles, then snorts. Glad I’m amusing her.

“Ugh, Ness . Maybe I should have called someone else.”

She laughs. “You’re too easy, Viki. What can I help you with?”

“It finally happened, Ness. I fed on her.”

“Please, keep the details to yourself.”

I roll my eyes. “Ugh, Ness. Real mature—”

“Never claimed to be,” she sing-songs.

“ Focus . I fed on Maggie, and it happened… the claws, the longer fangs, the glowing eyes. All of it.”

She’s quiet for a beat, and I almost ramble more, but she finally says, “So she’s a compatible mate.” Vampires can have several mates over their lifetime, but based on my body’s reaction earlier, Maggie is one of mine. The only one.

“Yes.”

“Did you tell her?”

Running a hand over my hair, I shake my head. “No. We’re taking things slow. But I’m bringing her to the charity gala. That’s why I need your help, Ness. Can you send some dresses from the city?”

She squeals, and I rip the phone from my head before she shatters my damn eardrum. “Yesss! I’ll take care of everything, Viki. Dresses, shoes, bags, jewelry. Oh, this is so exciting! It’ll be like the times we used to wear Mom’s dresses and shoes when we were little.”

“Yeah, until Father found us and made sure to burn it into my brain that real men don’t play dress up.”

Vanessa’s sigh echoes down the line. “Speaking of Dad. How do you think he’ll react to you bringing Maggie to the gala? She’s human, Viktor. You know he’s going to lose his shit.”

Somehow, I swallow down the unhinged, possessive growl that threatens to break free from my chest. “I’ll protect her. I won’t let her out of my sight all night.” I hope. “He won’t have a chance to ambush her or be his dickish self.”

“I’ll help run interference, but you should probably warn her ahead of time. ”

I pick at the worn arm of the chair, hating that my father is such a colossal asshole. “I will.” Suddenly, the rush of adrenaline I had after leaving Maggie crashes, and I stifle a yawn. “Thanks for your help, Ness. I’ll see you Saturday. Love you.”

“I can’t wait to see Maggie again! She’s a gem, Viki. Hold on to her tight.”

A smile curves my lips, and I relax against the soft cushion of the chair. “I plan to.”