Page 59 of Craving Her Vampire

“So basically, we won’t know until it happens,” I say.

“Yes,” he smiles.

I fiddle with his shirt and ask the question I have been wondering. “Why haven’t you asked me to complete the bond?”

He sighs. “I would have completed it the first night. I believe the universe knew you were perfect for me. The bond pushes us and compels us to be together in every way, but we still have some human elements; you more than me. Those parts of us need time. I suppose I have learned patience, and didn’t want to force you when you aren’t ready.” I push up, leaning my elbow on the couch. “What I have discovered in our short time together is that we are compatible. You enjoy the same things I do.”

“Sexually?” Definitely enjoy that part.

“Yes, among other things. You are strong, loyal, and determined.”

“I steal,” I mention lightly.

“I told you before; I don’t care.”

“You did, but are you sure?” I ask, and he grips my chin.

“Do I have a pocket full of shit?” he asks dryly.

My lips twitch. “Yes.” He lifts his eyebrows. “I didn’t expect you.”

“I didn’t expect you, but I hoped for you. The universe knew my mate would have to be strong enough to accept my demons. You are and I won’t let you go.” My heart contracts. “For a vampire, hope is hard to hold onto.”

“When you turn me, will my scent change?”

He tilts his head, dropping his hand. “Yes. You will still smell the same, but there will be an element of vampire.”

“So if someone knew my scent, they would know?” I ask, and he narrows his eyes.

“They would know something is different. Unless they have been around hybrids, they won’t know exactly what.”

“Mmm…” I’ve been thinking of how to end this.

“Pet?” Micah asks.

“I want to spend my days with you and not wonder if Turner will find me. I would like to get the answers I need. My brother has been gone for so long, I’m not sure he is alive. So many questions don’t have answers. Turner has the answers. Whoever he is working with has the answers. I want to complete the bond and be with you. But I have to find the truth.” His eyes swirl with emotion, but I can’t tell what he is thinking. “Why not lure him out? I could go back to Lace’s store or back to the house. Maybe he’ll come back. He knows my scent.”

“That’s why you wanted to know if it would change,” he says.

“Yes. I would complete the bond beforehand if it weren’t a noticeable change. If he notices something is off, we should wait. You can find me easier since you took my blood, right?”

“I can.”

“If we prepare, I can give you more. I assume the more you have, the easier it will become. We can ask your friends to help if they are willing, especially Ryker and Bash. They can move like you. I can do it. I can end this, and then we can spend our time together, mated, and not worrying about the pack. What do you think?” I wait anxiously. I’m afraid his need to protect me will overrule the sense of my plan. “I’m not helpless. Living in the house with them has taught me many things. I can fight dirty. I realize I haven’t shown you that side of me, but it’s there. It’s been a relief to rely on your protection, but that doesn’t mean I am weak.”

“Daisy—”

“My legs do hurt,” I interrupt. “But they have for years, and I can deal with it. I won’t leave the bed for a week when this is all over, which won’t be a hardship if you are in there with me. I have skills. Lace may be able to find me, too. She couldn’t with Liam because she never met him and the belongings I gave her to use were old with little connection left.” He opens his mouth, and I rush on. “I’ve always wondered who my parents are, andTurner could know. He didn’t just find us on the street. We came from somewhere, and I need to know.”

“Pet, hush,” he says firmly, and I bite my lip. “I think it’s a good plan.”

“Wait, what?”

“I do not think you are weak in any way. Unfortunately, Turner may know if your scent changes, so we’ll have to wait until it’s over. We want him to think you are an easy target, alone, without anyone to help you.” He uses a finger to close my mouth. “Love, I have met many women who are stronger than all the men I’ve met put together. Your gender doesn’t define you. Of course, I will worry. I hate the thought of anyone touching you, hurting you, or even breathing in your direction, but I will be close. I’m very good at hiding. I won’t be far away.” He glares. “And you won’t be going off without a plan or not including me in the plan. We aren’t going to rush. I want to talk to Quinn; maybe his men have discovered something else. We will get the answers you need to move on, but we don’t know if they will be the ones you want.”

“I know,” I say softly. “But it will be better to know than to wonder.”

“You say that now,” he says. “Sometimes it’s easier to think they are living somewhere, happy.” He must be thinking of Maddy, and my heart contracts for a different reason.

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