Page 16 of Daddy Wolf's Secret Baby

“Yes. Although it looked like the local woman had only been killed by one, the sheriff and I both believe that it is a nest of rogue vampires instead of just one. There are too many deaths for it to realistically be only one, although not impossible.”

Josiah’s heart sank and his stomach knotted. That was the last thing they needed here. As a general rule, he liked vampires as much as he liked any other person. Most of them got their food from blood banks or hired mundane humans who would trade blood for money or friendship. There were very few left in the United States who still hunted people.

“Everyone needs to be very vigilant, especially at night, although they will attack during the day,” Matthias said. “As you all know, the majority of the legends about vampires were false. They can cross running water, they can be out in daylight, they can eat garlic, and they can withstand a crucifix. As a matterof fact, I know of at least one vampire family who attends a Christian church.”

“There is one legend that is true, though,” Lucious said. “The only way to kill them is with a wooden stake to their heart or decapitation.”

“They have incredible strength and fighting abilities,” Matthias added. “If you do come across one, be very, very careful.”

One of the wolf shifters grinned. “It’s too bad that Sam and Dean Winchester’s move of injecting the vampires with blood from a dead person doesn’t work.”

When everyone looked at her quizzically, she said, “You know, from the show,Supernatural.Don’t you people watch anything good?”

Everyone chuckled and the meeting broke up.

Zac and Josiah walked outside together. “How’s it going with Jace?”

“He’s amazing. Zahra did a terrific job raising him. He’s smart, polite, and a great pup. We went for a run this morning and had a great time. I’m glad that Zahra is letting us get to know each other.”

“She’s a wonderful mother and will do what’s best for Jace. He wants to know his father, so she’ll let him hang out with you because you’re a good man.”

Josiah nodded. “I want to be a major part of his life. I’m going to turn the spare room into Jace’s room.”

“Good plan. Don’t be afraid to ask Jace and Zahra to help you.” Zac patted Josiah on the back. “Olivia wants to grill tonight, so I need to get going before she sets it on fire again. She can do a million things perfectly, but operating a grill is not one of them.”

They laughed as they went their separate ways.

He went home, made some hamburgers and baked beans, and watchedThe ExpendablesIIagain. His mind wasn’t on the movie, though. He had started thinking about Jace, but then Zahra’s face floated through his mind. She was even more beautiful than she had been when they were kids.

The feeling of their bodies entwined together that warm night often snuck up on him. She was the reason that he hadn’t been able to go through the mating ceremony with Madison. Josiah had loved Madison. She was beautiful, smart, and kind. The problem was that every time he touched her, Zahra’s face would intrude.

Her scent wrapped around him and for a moment the thought that they were fated mates crossed his mind. He quickly pushed it aside.

“There’s no way.”

The problem was that no matter how many times he had told himself the same thing over the years, the possibility lingered in the back of his mind.

5

Zahra

“Time for bed,” Zahra said.

“Mom, do I have to? I’m still wide awake.”

“Yes, you have to. We’re going to get you registered for school tomorrow.”

“Yay! I love school.” Then, he frowned. “All my friends are in St. Theresa. I don’t know anyone here.”

“I’m sure you’ll make a lot of friends here. Maybe even on the first day.”

“I hope so,” he said.

They read a couple chapters out of the Rick Riordan book,House of Hades, and then she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“I really like…Dad.”

“I’m glad. He’s a good man, and he really likes you, too.”

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