Page 54 of Craving Her Vampire

“Bash kills people,” Marie blurts out. Bash jerks. “I mean, he kills bad people. Really bad people. So does Micah. And Quinn used to. I think everyone in the room has killed or been close to killing—” She pauses. “Plus, I call Bash Daddy.”

“Woman,” Bash hisses. “Stop saying kill.”

“Fuck, sorry.” She grimaces and falls silent. A minute passes, and then everyone’s laughter rings out. The tension breaks, and a waitress brings in drinks.

I sip mine and listen to the conversation flow around me. Micah holds me close and lets them talk. At some point, I will have to move around the room to get close to the women. I may be excellent at stealing, but I’m not that good. I have to be close enough to the mark to lift their valuables. Even though they blundered their welcoming plan, I don’t take offense and would hate to disappoint them. I have felt real judgment and hate. What they did wasn’t even close.

I am a little let down; Micah said there would be some real excitement. I was expecting that excitement from hitting someone who insulted me. I didn’t get to hit the woman downstairs.

Well, the night is still young.

Everything was going as planned. Everyone accepted me into the group. I was standing on the balcony, finally getting close to the girls. Six out of the seven women had one or more valuable items on their wrists, and my bra was full. Micah had been the recipient of a few hugs so I could use his pockets. After the third random hug, he looked at me with amusement and willingly let me feel him up.

The drinks were going down easily, and my laughter was more spontaneous. I turn my back to the rail and look at my mate. Micah’s legs are stretched out, a drink is held loosely on his stomach, and he is having a conversation with Quinn and Bishop. His hair is falling over his forehead, and I have the urge to brush it back. He’s so fucking sexy.

“You are happy with your mate,” Steph says softly.

“I am,” I answer, staring at him.

“I’m glad he found you,” she continues.

“I am, too.” I watch Quinn stand, put his phone to his ear, and leave the room. I glance at Steph. “You love him,” I say, observing as her attention follows him.

“More than I thought possible,” she says. “Daisy, I hope you know we all are here for you. Anytime you need a friend or help, call.”

“Thanks. Getting used to having someone I can turn to will take time.” I smile. “Besides, Micah.”

“Daisy,” is yelled from the doorway. I see Austin, a packmate, rushing toward me, but he doesn't get close.

Micah is up; his hand grips Austin’s throat and slams him against the wall. It cracks around his body because of the force. Micah’s teeth are down, snarls emerging.

“We may get blood yet,” River says gleefully.

“Shit, easy, Micah,” Ryker says, appearing beside him. Bash moves behind Ryker, and I’m surprised when Saphira steps behind them.

“Who the fuck are you?” Micah asks. My eyes are locked on Micah’s forearms. The way his muscles jump as his hand flexes keeps my gaze transfixed. What is it about tattooed forearms? I don’t know if it is due to the heat rushing through my body every minute or if it’s his power in general causing my reaction.

I shake my head, hoping to clear the absolute desire for my mate. My feet refuse to move, willing Micah to deal with him. “Austin, a member of my pack.” I slip the mask I always wore around them back in place, shoving the fear deep inside. “How did you find me?” I growl, forcing my feet to move closer.

“Jesus, who the fuck is this?” he gasps.

“Why are you here?” I ask.

“Turner has lost it,” he wheezes. “I needed money to leave, so I was hitting up some of the clubs.” He claws at the wall; the only thing holding him to it is Micah’s hand. He stretches, his toes grazing the floor.

“You didn’t know I was here?” I reach Micah, touching my palm to his back, and get distracted again by his hard body. Austin doesn’t take his eyes off the vampire holding him.

“Fuck no. I caught your scent and was curious. I thought I should warn you.”

“Warn me? Why would you?” I frown. Austin didn’t do anything directly toward me, but he didn’t stop the rest of the pack.

“Because Turner has gone off the deep end. He’s looking for you.” He finally looks directly into my eyes. “He’s going to kill you.”

I will get my wish, except it’s going to be Micah who makes someone bleed.

Should I care?

Chapter Sixteen

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