Page 80 of Undying
I reach out and flick him on the forehead. He blinks and rears back, looking outraged. “Did you just flick me?”
The sexual tension in the room breaks, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Not in the least bit intimidated by his scowl, I glower back and cross my arms. “And I’ll do it again if you try to distract me by working your wicked wiles on me.”
A dangerous glint enters his eyes, and I can feel Castle stalking closer. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what they’re trying to do—they’re determined to stake their claim in front of Bryce, as if to prove their ownership.
While part of me is desperate for their touch, the thought of Bryce watching has my skin crawling. “You do not need to be jealous. Bryce is like a brother to me.”
Tobias looks unconvinced, his eyes like a caress along my face as he studies me. Castle settles a possessive hand along my hip, then shoots a suspicious glance at Bryce, as if ready to pull me away at a moment’s notice.
The cat doesn’t hesitate to back me up, readily admitting the truth. “She’s pack. I’m not sure how that’s possible, since she’s a vampire and I’m a cat, but my jaguar says she needs to be protected.”
He rubs his temple, his brows furrowed as he glances at me. “I smelled you at the club and followed your scent to the alley, then—”
“You were attacked,” I finish for him. From the corner of my eye, I catch the wolves sharing a glance, and I turn to glare at them. “You know something. What are you not telling us?”
Castle winces, and I know I’m not going to like what they’re going to say. With an impassive expression, Tobias takes the lead. “Female vampires are extremely rare. They’re usually assigned guards. As your mates, we’ll protect you with our lives. We planned on hiring more guards, but it seems fate decided to select them for you.”
Bryce and Kenny appear just as shocked by the information, and I immediately shake my head in denial. “No, absolutely not. It’s much too dangerous.” My stomach curdles at the thought of something happening to them because of me. “It would be suicide.”
“No, it won’t. Not if we put together the right team,” Tobias insists, reaching out to touch my shoulder, but I jerk away before he can use his touch to trick me into his way of thinking.
I will not be swayed. “I didn’t get a choice when I was turned into a vampire. I will not do the same to him.”
“Don’t you think it should be my decision if I stay or not?” Bryce says in a soft voice, his question shattering the silence.
My mouth immediately snaps shut, and I can only stare at him mutely, not sure how to answer. My shoulders wilt in defeat, and I shrug helplessly. “I…don’t know?”
Bryce takes a step toward me, hiking up the sheet at his waist as he does. “Jaguars are lone creatures. We aren’t pack animals. Over the years, we collect friends, but we don’t form close connections with others. We spend our whole lives searching for our mates and family. To be given a pack is everything to us. Please don’t take away my choice. If you turn me away, you’ll leave me no choice but try to protect you from afar. Not only will it put me in more danger, but I won’t be able to protect you the way you need.”
Devastation hollows out my chest. My whole life, all I’ve ever wanted was to have a family of my own. Someone to love and cherish. It seems cruel that it’s now within my grasp, but being around me will only put them in danger.
It’s just not fair.
As if sensing my distress, a wolfy grumble comes from Castle. In the next instant, I’m in his arms with my face pressed against his chest. The tightness in my gut eases at his nearness, and a sigh escapes me when his big hand runs soothingly up and down my back.
Pain darkens Tobias’ eyes, turning the blue color stormy. “Females are considered status symbols in the vampire world. Only the most powerful have them. Family members are often selected as guards because they have the most incentive to keep the female safe. Being a guard is considered one of the few positions of honor and respect in a clan, one where they’re generously rewarded. Only the fiercest warriors are selected to protect a vampire’s most prized possession.”
I pull away from Castle, already shaking my head. “I don’t have any family, and if I did, the last thing I would want to do is involve them in the supernatural world. It would be a death sentence.”
“What you see as a death sentence, supernaturals see as the greatest honor you can bestow on them.” Milo’s calm, studious voice carries across the ballroom as he saunters down the stairs, and I look out the window to see it’s dusk already. “Vampires and shifters are not human and not easily killed. If you want your mates to survive the paranormal world, then you’ll need guards who are loyal to you—guards who will be around you so often that they’ll become family.”
His words are like a blow that robs me of breath.
Because he’s right.
I don’t give a shit about myself, but the thought of anything happening to my mates leaves me gutted. I will do anything for my mates, even swallow my fear and embrace the monster inside me if it means keeping everyone safe.
ChapterTwenty-Four
MILO
As I jog down the rest of the stairs, I can’t take my eyes off Jolie, my heart actually skipping a beat at seeing her wearing the clothes I purchased for her. While she always looks stunning, there is just something satisfying about being able to provide for her.
Not to mention she looks absolutely captivating in the simple jeans and sweater. The clothes accentuate her curves, flattering but not revealing, reserved and elegant at the same time.
They suit her, and I feel like I’m seeing the real her for the first time.
