Page 13

Because, let’s face it, if he came storming into the bar and confessed his love, she’d crumble. Perhaps it was time she gave up. After that kiss, if he still didn’t want her, then she’d be a fool to keep wishing.

Clearly, her mate sensor was broken.

Like, out of warranty, completely useless, broken.

“You’re on a fucking date?” he asked, sounding incredulous. “After I flew you out to Maine and fucking kis—”

Another growl sounded.

She waited, her eyes shooting back to the men. One of them winked at her. Ella tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled, then turned around and huffed.

“Which you said wouldn’t happen again. God, you can’t even say it. I have to go. My date is waiting,” she snapped and ended the call.

Heart pounding, Ella put her phone in her purse and walked to the bar. It took sixty-seven seconds before the human sidled up beside her.

“I just canceled my Spotify,” the six-foot blond said, smiling down at her.

Weird.

“Um, okay.” Ella glanced up at him.

“Ask me why.”

Her eyes darted around. “Wh-why?”

“Because you weren’t named this week's hottest single.”

Ella did a kind of double take, floored by the terrible pickup line, but also a little amused.

Was this guy serious?

“Assuming you’re single, of course.” He grinned, then when the bartender slid her glass of wine across to her, he said, “Another pilsner please, buddy.”

Ella lifted her drink and took a really long sip. “An assumption.”

Mr. Blond’s hand slapped to his chest. “Don’t break my heart.”

She snorted. His moves were so far from smooth it wasn’t funny. But at the same time, he was making her laugh.

“Fine. I’m single, but not really looking.” Ella shrugged.

Or was she?

“May I sit?” Mr. Blond asked, indicating the stool.

“Sure.” She nodded.

Why not—she’d told Mack she was on a date, so at least this way she felt less of a liar. As long as this human didn’t discover she was a vampire, she would be safe.

“You don’t sound like you are from around here.”

“Seattle. Arrived yesterday for...work,” Ella said, instead of explaining she was a vampire and like, her kind were being hunted and the man she thought was her mate—for like ever!—had flown her out and was protecting her.

By kissing her.

Then rejecting her.

Just like he had all her life.

Nope, she wasn’t saying any of that.

“I’m Dain. Marketing analyst.” He held out his hand.

Smiling, she shook it. “Ella, marketing consultant.”

“Nice. See. We’re made for one another.” Dain grinned.

“Are you always this cheesy?” she asked, and it only made his smile broaden.

That’s when Ella realized that he was a very good-looking man. Dain was tall, with a bigger than average build, his blond hair mussed in the front, and he had lovely blue eyes.

Still, Mack would tower over him as most of the Moretti warriors could.

“Wait until you find out who I work for.” Dain grinned and Ella wondered where this was going.

“I’m scared to ask.” She let out a little laugh.

“Organic Valley.”

Oh, my God.

They were one of the biggest cheese companies in the United States. Ella shook her head, dropping it into her hands as she reluctantly laughed at the pun.

“Hey, don’t blame me. I was born this way.” Dain slid a large note across to the bartender in exchange for the beer which had arrived.

He was trying to impress her.

Ella leaned on the bar and let him continue to flirt with her, enjoying the feeling of being wanted. It was a nice change.

In the back of her mind there was a quiet hum of stuff you, and well if you don’t want me then... going on as Mack’s face kept appearing.

The feel of his lips on hers. The way her body burst into flames and the world around her evaporated as all she wanted was to feel Mack sink inside her and make her his.

A dream that was never going to come true.

Before that kiss, she’d held on to hope. Wondering if the mating bond just hadn’t been obvious to him. Now she knew there was an attraction, but not one strong enough for him to pursue a relationship.

Work was more important.

A mate would never say or think such a thing. The bond between two mates was powerful and eternal.

“Ella?”

“Oh, sorry, what?”

“Who do you work for?” Dain asked and slid the wine he’d ordered for her closer.

“Thanks. Um, I’m self-employed. It’s a lifestyle thing. I’m more of a night owl.” She smiled. “My clients are offshore and...yeah, I need to go to a late-night meeting on Zoom soon, so can’t stay much longer.”

She didn’t want to lead him on too much.

“Shame.” He’d eyed her wine. “Hope the wine-buzz gives you some creative ideas.”

“Hope so.” She giggled.

Then she did a double take, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Her mouth dropped open when she straightened and looked over Dain’s shoulder at the scene.

Oh, shit.

Walking through the bar were three Moretti warriors. Top to toe in black, looking dark and dangerous. Mack leading the pack.

Holy shit.

Even from where Ella sat, she could see the fury in his eyes. How dare he? He knew/believed she was on a date.

“Shit, I have to go.” She scrambled off the stool and grabbed her purse.

Dain glanced over his shoulder, did his own double take at the intimidating three males, and then turned back to her. “What—”

“Ella!” Mack growled.