Page 61 of Blood Taken (Blood Mafia 2)
I glance around. The first vampires that attacked me are waking up, having healed now. "Kicked ass?"
He flashes to me and grips my arms. I wrench out of his hold, taking satisfaction in the surprise and hurt I see ripple across his face.
"You're angry. I understand. When you realize I've helped you acknowledge your power, you'll appreciate the lesson."
Glaring at him, I cross my arms. "When you realize why I'm really mad, you'll appreciate the lesson."
I leave Mateo in the gym fuming. I make my way toward the elevator. I'm covered in sweat and my heart is pounding from the fight. My hand is shaking when I press the call button.
"Hey, Demi, wait up," Alissa calls as she jogs over to me. She could have flashed. I appreciate her giving me time to tell her to fuck off.
I don't though. I could use some company to cool off after that shit show.
The elevator doors open and we step in.
"That was really impressive."
"Thanks," I say and press the button for my floor. "Mateo should have just fought me himself."
Alissa puts her foot against the wall. "He could have, but it still wouldn't have been as intense as that squadron coming after you like that." She wrinkles her nose when I scowl at her. "I'm not saying I agree with his methods, but it was amazing to watch you tear through them."
"It was pretty cool, huh?" I ask with a slight smile. "Trey thought he was going to win. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed snapping his neck."
She snorts. "He'll be so pissed when he wakes up."
I sigh and stretch my neck from side to side. The adrenaline high is fading and I'm a little stiff, but this is a lot better than being in pain for days after a workout.
All in all, I'd give supernatural healing a ten out of ten.
Now, if only everything were as easy, that'd be great. My looming confrontation with Mateo sours any of my good mood. He and I are going to collide one of these days, and it won't be pretty.
* * *
Later that night,while I'm lying on the couch under a heap of blankets and watching some creepy show about a haunted mansion, someone knocks on my door. The sound makes my heart skip and I glare at the television. Spooky movies always make me jumpy.
I turn off the set and go see who's here. Peeking out of the peephole, I see Colt's serious face staring back at me. He tips his head to the side as though he sees me and raises his arms which are laden with familiar takeout bags.
Oh, sweet baby Moses in a clothes basket, I think I love him.
Okay, that's an exaggeration, but this man has definitely earned a million points if he has what I suspect he has.
I twist the knob and rip the door open. "I swear to Odin if that's not orange chicken, I'm kicking your ass."
By the time I get the words out, scents of fried rice, tangy sauce, and fried meat hit my nose.
My stomach growls.
What? A woman's gotta eat.
Colt's scarred eyebrow lifts. "I didn't realize you believed in the Norse Gods."
I shrug. "I didn't before, but considering everything that's happened, I think me and Odin would be homies in Valhalla."
He shakes his head. "Can I come in?"
Stepping aside, I let the blessed blood sucking creature inside my apartment.
He sets down five bags onto my counter and I help him pull out boxes, groaning in anticipation when I see a container that's sure to be full of bacon jalapeño wontons.
