Page 19 of Help Wanted, Vampires Inquire Within
Skyler shook her head. “I’m not yours because I could be anyone’s.”
Jack looked confused. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m a landless nymph. I could be soul bound by any vampire, that means I’m not fated to be anyone's flock.”
Jack shook his head. “I didn’t know that. I thought your aura was that of a pixie. I’m not as good at reading auras as most vampires. The thing is, lots of rules are only there because people don’t question them. Let’s at least try.”
He dropped one hand to his side, and held the other out to her. She stared at him, her heart starting to pound. If they were fated to be together, they’d know it once they touched. Shifters could know by smell. World serpents could tell on first sight. Vampires could usually sense their flock. All of them confirmed it with touch. This would tell her for sure if what she believed was true.
With a jerky movement, Skyler put her hands in his.
Nothing happened.
“That’s disappointing," Jack said with a frown. When Skyler tried to pull her hand away, he tightened his fingers around her hand. “Wait, let’s think this out. Landless nymphs can soul bond with any vampire, right?”
“Yes,” Mason answered. “We’ve been interviewing vampires hoping to find someone good enough for Skyler.”
Jack gave her a brilliant smile. “Then you need to give me a chance. There might not have been a spark when we touched, but that doesn’t mean we can’t grow to love each other.”
“Why is it so important that I’m a member of your flock?” Skyler asked. “You have Mason, you don’t need me.”
Jack gave her a rueful smile. “Mason adores you. I can tell that he’ll never be happy if he’s separated from you. That means I want you with us too.”
Skyler frowned. “Mason feels obligated to protect me. It’s part of his gargoyle personality.”
“No, Skyler,” Mason said, crossing his arms over his chest and pinning her with his gaze. “You’re my mate. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think we could be together.”
Skyler pulled her hand away from Jack and stepped away from them both. “You’re lying. You think the best way to protect me would be for me to stay with you and soul bond with Jack. That’s not fair to either of you. I’d rather die a landless nymph than force myself into a relationship because of your honor and sense of obligation.”
Mason made a low growling sound of frustration, but Jack quieted him with a single look.
When Jack turned his gaze back to Skyler, she couldn’t meet his eyes. She dropped her eyes and stared at the floor.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry,” Jack said, his voice gentle. “All I ask is that you treat me like any other vampire. I want my interview.I want my chance to show you that the three of us can build something meaningful together.”
Put like that, she felt childish for saying no. “How long until you realize this won’t work?”
“No, you can’t go into it like that. I want to hear positivity.” He made his voice higher, as if trying to sound like her. “Oh Jack, I know you’ll be perfectly charming, and I’ll fall madly, deeply in love and want to be with you and Mason forever!”
His teasing tone made her smile. She lifted her gaze to take in Jack’s easy smile and Mason’s pleading look. What would it cost her but a little time to entertain Jack’s idea? Right now, that sounded like a good deal.
“Okay, I’ll interview you,” Skyler said.
“You’re doing the right thing,” Mason said, his shoulders relaxing.
“I’ll be back tomorrow night,” Jack said. “Both of you be ready!”
With that he turned, gave Mason a quick hug, then disappeared out the door. With the door wide open, they heard his footsteps run down the stairs and then a quick conversation. A cheer went up from the wolves waiting for him.
“I guess they’re happy too,” Mason said with a grin.
Skyler tried to smile back but knew it didn’t reach her eyes. She was already looking forward to and dreading tomorrow night.
Chapter 7
Jack
