Page 97 of Craving Her Vampire

“Can’t we do that while we order pizza?” River asks hopefully.

“Why do I bother?” Bash whispers.

“I have never met a wolf like you,” Heath says.

“Thanks, but you can stop inspecting me anytime. I’ve seen what that cane can do,” River says. I understand River’s trepidation. I’ve seen the magic Heath holds, in his cane and his body. He is a force you don’t want to fuck with.

“Do you want a demonstration?” Heath asks, messing with him. He would never wield his power here or in front of his new friends.

“No, thank you,” River replies. I can practically hear the wolf shudder. “I don’t think we are close like that. I’m not friends with shifters when I don’t know what their animal is.”

“I’ve heard that a lot lately,” Heath says. “Maybe someday I will share, but I don’t think any of you are ready for the truth.”

“So, Quinn and Micah are worthy of knowing the truth?” River asks.

“Yes,” Heath says.

“I’ll be your friend,” Saphira says.

“Thanks, Doll,” Heath says.

“No,” Quinn and I say at the same time.

“Why not? I like a good mystery,” she says. “Plus, look how hot he is.”

“I feel you,” Sally says. “Live dangerously.”

“Don’t encourage her,” Quinn scolds.

“Am I known for my cautious nature?” Sally asks.

“It’s never too late to change,” Bash says dryly.

“Was that a joke, vampire?” Sally asks.

“No.”

“I think it was,” she sings.

“Pizza does sound good,” Saphira muses.

“I could go for a pizza,” Marie says. She is quiet in large groups. Bash told me when they met, she hardly spoke at all to people she wasn’t close to. “What? Just because I’m a vampire, I don’t like pizza anymore? I was human until recently.”

“That’s right,” Sally says. “I forget that fact. You have adjusted beautifully.”

“That’s sweet,” Marie says.

“You did well, Bash,” Sally says, giving Bash a rare compliment.

“I know.”

“See, why don’t you think I could have that?” She stomps her foot.

I groan. “You're annoying, Micah,” River informs her, which is partially true. They are also a good distraction.

“Take it back, or we won’t get pizza,” Sally snaps.

I open my mouth to tell them to go get the fucking pizza when a stirring begins in my chest, a knowing of another vampire being born. My vampire mate. Her presence in my soul gets brighter and bolder. Her emotions leak through the bond, tying us together. Her need for her mate pierces through my blood. I fly off the couch and face the stairs as the door to the bedroom slams against the wall. I have no idea how she opened it sinceshe is in her coyote body. A low growling vibrates through the room, the hair on my arms stands up, and everyone quiets.

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