Page 82 of Wedlock (Vampire Bachelor Games #3)

It pains me to say it, but my second son, Talon, is everything my first is not.

When he’d run into the room I recognised him as mine instantaneously, and a lump immediately formed in my throat.

Talon was a strong, healthy, happy, little boy, with my features and his mother’s eyes.

His cousin, Marianna's daughter, was equally as enchanting, but I only had eyes for my youngest boy.

“He’s benefitted from his mother’s love,” I murmur after the brief introduction I was allowed as a ‘friend of the family’ before he was ushered away. “The difference between my boys is remarkable.”

“It’s not that I’m here,” Angie shakes her head, her voice strained, “it’s that he’s not being poisoned by a princess determined to marry his father.”

‘If indeed she poisoned him.’

Turning to her, I take her hands in mine and shake my head.

“It’s more than that, Angie. There’s spirit in him, a sense of humour, and something I just can’t put my finger on.”

“Naughtiness,” she says ruefully. “He and his cousin are absolutely abominable little monsters at the moment. I have no idea how they escaped the nanny and made their way here. I expect Yin will rip her a new asshole for not keeping an eye on them, but they’re so quick and mischievous when they’re together — and Talon has a talent for escaping every confine and breaking every rule. ”

‘Yes, he’s mine through and through.’

“Thank you for allowing me to talk to him.”

“Falcon,” she sighs, “please stop coming here.”

“Say you’ll date me.”

She looks up into my eyes, her own serious.

“Is that what it’s going to take for you to leave us alone?”

“Yes.”

“OK.”

“OK?” I smile. “You’ll allow me to take you on a date?”

“On the provision you don’t come into my home again, and you don’t try to make contact with our son again.”

I frown, but nod. Eventually, if all goes to plan, I’ll have plenty of time with my boy. But right now, I need to win the heart of the woman before me.

“I agree,” I say solemnly.

“Swear it,” she whispers.

“Pardon?”

“I know you vampires can swear a vow to do things, and you’re honour-bound to abide by it. Jag told me. Swear you won’t come into my home again uninvited, and you won’t try to see the child.”

Standing, I look down at her sincere blue-violet eyes, so beautiful, so honest.

“I swear by the power in my blood, the honour in my veins, not to enter without invite or attempt to see the child.”

I don’t bother telling her it has to be formally witnessed by another vampire to be binding. I intend to keep my promise for the time being.

“OK,” she says quietly, looking down at her hands, her fingers white where she’s gripping them.

“You can pick me up down by the lake. We don’t want you to come to the house.

You must see that it isn’t fair to the child.

He’ll never know you as his father; there’s no point in him forming any attachment to you, or vice versa. ”

‘No point? Woman, if you only knew how you wound me with your words.’

I straighten my shoulders and meet her earnest gaze.

“I understand.”

She nods and I turn to leave, my victory complete for tonight. She’s given me much to think about, and agreed to a date. I don’t want to push my luck.

“Oh, and Falcon,” she calls as I reach the door.

I turn back.

“Yes?”

“You also can’t kidnap me. When we go on a date I expect to be returned the same night. And this is just a date. Don’t have any expectations.”

“Expectations?”

“You know what I mean. No sex or, or…” she frowns as though trying to think through a list of things she means to forbid.

“I will be the consummate gentleman, Angelina,” I bow to her. “I consider this our first date and wouldn’t dream of taking liberties. But,” I straighten up and quirk an eyebrow at her, “just so we’re clear, a good spanking is out of the question?”

“Don’t push your luck.”

I’m still laughing as I reach my chopper.