Love Bites

Chapter 10

My frustration stays with me all through my shower as I scrub the blood from my body. Usually a hot shower helps me wash away my bad moods, but today it’s not helping. I can’t really put my finger on exactly why I feel so irritated by what happened though.

I hate that Gabriel put his hands on Zane, and even thinking about it now ignites rage within me. The idea of Gabriel being hurt also stirs up complicated feelings inside me. I hardly know him, and other than a few conversations in hallways and therapy, I’ve not even spoken to him much. Why would he care if Zane bit me? According to what I’ve learned, although it doesn’t happen often, biting between vampires, especially a couple, isn’t all that unusual.

Getting out of here should be my main priority, not getting involved in feuds between prisoners, no matter how cute they are.

With those words playing in my mind, I hold my head high, determined to get through today and tomorrow without any setbacks. I have no idea where Zane is, but I have to meet with Jack to get ready for my assessment tomorrow. If my mate decides to turn up, then great, if not, I’m not going to wait for him. Agitation is making me grumpy, and I blame it on the hormone thing Zane was talking about. Quickly throwing on a clean pair of loose trousers and a grey T-shirt, I braid my golden hair back to keep it from my face.

Without looking in the mirror to check how I look, I hurry from my room and almost bump into a startled-looking female with short, stubby antlers protruding from her forehead. She reminds me of Bambi in human form.

“Sorry!” I call out as I squeeze past her, smiling as I wave at her.

Her hand rises automatically, as if to wave in response, but she quickly frowns down at it, and then looks back up at me with confusion. With no time to stop for conversation, I continue through the unit and out into the stairwell. Thankfully both Zane and Gabriel have gone, as has the crowd from before.

I’m so relieved that I almost miss the scorch mark on the stairs. Surprised, I stumble to a stop and glance at the large circular mark seemingly burnt into the stone floor. It’s strange, and it almost looks like… like the circle of shadows that surrounded Gabriel and Zane. Did they do this? If Gabriel is capable of something so destructive, then I need to be careful around him. Zane did warn me, so maybe I should listen to him after all.

I don’t have time for this. Hopping over the mark, I hurry downstairs, taking them two at a time. When I reach the bottom, I follow my instincts.

My thoughts quickly die when I see who’s waiting for me outside of an official looking door. Zane leans against the wall with his arms crossed, looking as though he has all the time in the world, and we weren’t fucking in a cupboard less than thirty minutes ago. Where the hell did he get showered and changed in such a short time?

He looks impeccable in a fresh white button-down shirt, the top two buttons undone, and a pair of ripped jeans. The only sign that he showered recently is his slicked back, damp hair.

Our gazes lock, and time seems to freeze for a moment. His eyes scan me from head to toe, both checking me out and looking for any signs that I’ve been harmed. Is that what it’s going to be like with him from now on? Constantly overprotective? Not that I can really complain as I find myself doing the same thing.

Time returns to normal, and I’m in front of him. We aren’t touching, but I’m so close I can feel the heat radiating from his body. I guess the legends about our bodies being cold were wrong.

Neither of us says anything, thanks the built-in feelings in the back of our minds. If anything happens to him, I’ll know, and right now, I can feel that he’s relieved to be back in my presence.

When he gestures for me to enter the room behind him, I examine the door, the frosted glass showing the silhouette of someone on the other side. It doesn’t take a genius to work out it will be Officer Hart, especially with the small golden plaque attached to the door.

Interview Room. Official Use Only.

Pushing the door open, I smile as I see Jack sitting at a long wooden table. My heart lifts and my cheeks ache for the width of my grin.

“Officer Hart,” I greet with a cheeky wink as he gets to his feet, returning my smile and taking my hand in his. He kisses the back of my hand, my skin tingling from the contact.

I am never washing this hand again.

“Emmy, I heard there was an incident.” He’s frowning now, looking me up and down for injuries. “I don’t know the details of what happened, only that you were involved. Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you?”

Fantastic, someone must have reported the confrontation between Zane and Gabriel in the stairwell. News travels quickly here. I wasn’t directly involved, so I’m hoping that doesn’t get me in trouble before my assessment. I can’t imagine that it will go down well with Jack that the fight was because Zane had bitten me, so I’m going to keep my mouth shut and avoid those questions.

Taking a deep breath, I smile and nod. “Yes, I’m fine, thank you. Sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t worry.” He waves off my apology with a flick of his hand, and something that looks a little like embarrassment crosses his face, but I have to be mistaken, as I can’t think why he would feel that way.

“I’ve been unable to get you out of my thoughts recently.”

Oh. That’s why he was embarrassed. He seems to have so much surety and confidence about him that I never imagined he could react like this. I guess I was wrong, but his words make me feel all warm and gooey inside.

“For some reason, I’m inexplicably drawn to you,” he continues, saying the sweetest words anyone has ever said to me.

“How sweet,” Zane comments, his voice full of sarcasm.

Honestly, I’m surprised he managed to hold himself back this long. He’s not known for his restraint, and with how protective he’s been since we mated, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to think he would react badly to another male saying this to his mate.

Displeasure crosses Jack’s face as he looks over my shoulder to find Zane standing in the doorway.

“Oh yes, you.” Disapproval practically drips from Jack’s words, and the difference in his tone makes it perfectly clear there is no love lost between the two of them.

Zane walks into the room and shuts the door, stepping up behind me as he places his hands possessively on my shoulders.

“It’s good to see you again too, Officer.” The emphasis on his words turns the title into a slur, making the other male stiffen and bare his teeth.

The tension in the air could be cut with a knife, and I can feel another argument coming on. Too much has happened today, and I am not in the mood to deal with the petty squabbling of males. There is too much at stake here.

“Just stop, please. I’ve had enough fighting today.” Even I can hear the exhaustion in my voice. Curiosity gets the better of me, though, and I can’t stop myself from asking the question that’s been bugging me since that night at the police station. “What’s the beef between you two anyway?”

The two of them finally snap out of their staring contest and take a step back. Honestly, I’m glad for it. I have nothing against being the meat in that Manwich, but not when it looks like they are about to start brawling.

Jack returns to his seat at the other side of the table and gestures for me to sit. Wandering over, I choose the chair at the head of the table, meaning that Jack is on my right, and Zane is on my left. It’s probably a good idea to keep them separated.

Clearing his throat, Jack leans forward and rests his hands on the table before him. “Zane and I used to be good friends, until jealousy got in the way and he did something stupid, getting himself a criminal record and losing out on a fantastic career.”

Snorting, Zane leans back in his chair, looking like a male who doesn’t have a care in the world. “Jack and I used to train together when we worked for the SNPD.”

“Wait, you worked for the police?” I’m stunned, my brows high. I never thought that this would be the root of the animosity between them. I can’t even imagine Zane as a police officer if I’m honest, but I also get the impression this all happened a long time ago.

I can feel his emotions now, though, so I know how hard this conversation is for him.

“For a short time, yes, until it came to promotions, and perfect Jack was chosen.” He rolls his eyes as though he expected this to happen, ignoring the stab of pain he feels about this, even years later. “I was then pulled aside and told that I should just stop trying, that vampires were never given promotions. We were only good as protection for the more senior officers.”

Despite the hard edge to his words, I can feel the echo of pain from our connection, almost like a bruise that never quite healed. The urge to reach out and comfort him is strong, but I know that he would hate that, especially in front of Jack, so I make sure to hold back.

Jack is already shaking his head, his features set in a mask of disbelief. “I refuse to believe that any of our commanding officers would have said that to you.”

Fangs springing free, Zane leans across the table with a snarl. “You always stand up for them, even now!” Sitting back in his chair with a heavy thud, he gestures towards the officer with a wave of his hand. “That is why we aren’t friends anymore—not because of jealousy, but because you didn’t stand up for me.”

Ah. This is where the issue really lies. I can see how much being an officer means to Jack, and his unwavering belief in the police force put a wedge between them when Zane needed his support. Did he mean to alienate his friend, or was the divide just too wide after Zane lashed out? I still don’t know what he did to trash his whole career, but it must have been bad.

“You didn’t have to steal a police car and go joyriding through the city though! That is not a normal response to a setback.”

Well, it could have been worse, but I can see why the police might have disapproved of that. I don’t really blame him though, because it sounds like there was a lot of discrimination going on. He didn’t hurt anyone, so it seems a little harsh to lock him up for it when I’ve been given a proverbial slap on the wrist for accidentally killing my boyfriend.

“To be fair, I would probably do the same in that situation,” I comment, pausing as they both swivel to look at me, seeming to have forgotten that I was even here.

“See?” Zane cocks his head at the officer, his smile smug.

I wouldn’t say that I’m a good example, but he seems happy to have my agreement. Leaning back in my chair, I go over this new piece of information, viewing the male in front of me in a new light. He was discriminated against and was then punished when he acted out of anger.

“That’s why you’re on probation?” I ask quietly, trying to keep my disbelief from my voice. “Because you stole a police car?”

Jack scoffs from the other side of the table, shaking his head and staring at the other male with mirth, but otherwise, he stays quiet, allowing the other male to explain.

“Ah, no.” Zane coughs, attempting to hide a smile as his eyes flick over to me. “I might have done several other things the police frown upon.”

“He’s a vigilante, Emmy.” The disgust in his voice makes it clear just what he thinks of this. “He tracks down those he thinks have done wrong and punishes them.”

Clicking his tongue, Zane rolls his eyes. “You make it sound like I killed them. I drop most of them off at the station after.”

“It’s still illegal!” Jack shouts, the usually calm officer beginning to lose his temper.

I can see this is going to keep going on. The two of them quibble like an old married couple and show no signs of stopping, meaning I’m going to have to take this into my own hands—literally. Taking a deep breath, I slam my hands onto the table, the action creating a surprisingly loud noise and grabbing their attention.

“Right, that’s enough.” My voice is stern, something I’ve never really been before. I’m too much of an airhead to be stern about anything because I usually forget what I was angry about in the first place and move onto something that makes me happier. Right now, though, I feel a little like a teacher telling off two teenagers. I kind of like it.

“Do the two of you think you can work together?” I demand. “If you can’t, then you need to leave, because my freedom is at stake here.”

They both grumble their agreement, looking ashamed and remorseful that they let their feud get in the way of the reason they are here. Letting the guilt settle over them for a moment to make sure they know I’m not playing, I take a long, steadying breath and glance between them, pulling my notebook from my pocket.

“What do I need to know for tomorrow?”

Zane smirks at my notebook but keeps his comments to himself, while Jack looks on approvingly.

“There will be a panel of assessors, including your parole officer. The vampire and I will be there to support you,” Jack begins, falling back into officer mode as he lists the information. “You will present yourself as meek and mild. You have just learned of a world you didn’t know existed, so really play the orphan card.”

I raise my brows. While I’m not opposed to doing this, I am surprised that it’s Officer Hart who is suggesting it. The corner of his mouth twitches upwards, and he holds up a finger in gesture for me to wait for him to finish.

“They just need to know that you’re safe to be released. They will probably recommend that you return for meetings and classes to make sure you are staying on the straight and narrow.”

Classes. As much as I don’t want to return here, if it means I can get out tomorrow, then sign me up, but learning that Dorine, my parole officer, is going to be at the meeting fills me with trepidation. She fills me with low-key terror, but I’m hoping that she will start to warm towards me if I am at my most charming.

Be nice to Dorine.

I underline the words several times in my notebook.

“In terms of your record here, you’ve attended all of your classes on time and participated well,” Zane notes, flipping through a folder that seemed to magically appear from nowhere, “so we have a good chance that they will grant early leave if you agree to any classes they recommend.”

Nodding along like a good student, I glance up from my notes to see him grimace a little. Well, that’s not a good sign.

“Feeding was a little messy,” he explains, “but you managed to stop, and it was only your second time. Full-grown vampires can still struggle with that.”

That explains the grimace. Calling my interaction with Phyllis a little messy is a gross understatement. I almost drained the poor woman and only stopped because Zane was there. Of course, after that I fucked him in a cupboard and drank from him. My behaviour doesn’t exactly scream control. My assessors don’t know that last part though, and I don’t plan on them finding out.

Jack nods along to everything Zane says, even if he keeps his gaze on me the whole time. With a thoughtful expression, he gives me a small smile. “All of this will help, so if you can keep out of trouble until—”

His words cut off so abruptly that I think there’s a threat in the room. Eyes wide, I jump to my feet and look around for whatever caused Jack to react in this way.

“Is that a bite mark on your neck?”

Oh shit. I hardly recognise his voice, the deep rumble making him sound more animal than man. I want to cover my neck with my hand, but I know that will only make me look guilty, so instead, I clear my throat and try to meet his eyes.

“Um, no?”

Fuck. I sound so unsure that it’s obvious I’m lying.

“Who the fuck bit you? Let me know, and I will get that fucker locked up for so long they will wish they were never born.” Officer Hart stands, bracing his hands on the table as he speaks. His eyes seem to flash, turning a deep amber colour that I’ve never noticed before.

Zane chuckles, the sound deep and satisfied. He’s been noticeably quiet until now, watching my interaction with the officer, as though he was waiting for this moment. Pulling down the collar of his new white shirt, he exposes an almost identical mark on his neck.

“She’s my mate.” Pride practically comes off him in waves, as well as a decent helping of smugness as he continues to casually sit and stare down the other male.

Jack stumbles back with confusion and shock, and it’s almost as though he’s been smacked by a physical blow. “No, that can’t be possible,” he mutters, yet he no longer sounds so sure as he seems to scent the air. He looks between me and Zane, and when his gaze finally settles on me, he wears an expression of such betrayal that my throat constricts and my mouth dries up. It effectively makes me mute, and only a strange croak comes from me.

Why do people keep telling me that it’s impossible that Zane and I are mates? Is it so rare that others don’t believe us? I don’t know how to explain my surety to them. It’s a sensation that I’ve never felt before. It feels like a tugging sensation, as though I’m being pulled towards him, always having a vague idea as to where he is. The sensation wasn’t as strong when I was farther away, but now that I’m sitting in the room with him, it’s much stronger and makes it obvious to me that we’re mates.

“I think you’re getting enough help without me here,” Jack says suddenly, breaking the heavy silence between us. He pushes away from the table and stands in one smooth movement. “I’ll see you at the assessment.”

My heart is in my throat as I watch him walk towards the door, fear coursing through my veins. I don’t know how I know this, but if I let him leave like this, then anything that might have been between us will never come to fruition. This seems really important, my instincts guiding me.

“Jack, wait, please.”

He pauses, his back still to me, but I know he doesn’t want to leave. Not like this.

“Can I have a moment alone with him please?” I ask, turning to Zane. He doesn’t look happy about it, staring into my eyes for a moment, but eventually, he just jerks his head and leaves the room.

As soon as the door quietly snicks shut behind him, Jack turns around to look at me, his expression wary.

I take a few steps forward but stop to give him some space. He’s obviously not happy with the news about Zane and me, so he might not want me close to him. Lowering my eyes, I clasp my hands in front of myself as I try to think of the right words to say.

“Jack, if I have upset you in some way—”

He sighs and closes the distance between us, cutting me off mid apology. “No, Emmy, it’s nothing you’ve done. It’s just… complicated.” He reaches out, and for a moment, I think he’s going to touch me, but he seems to think better of it and rubs his hand through his short hair. “I thought that... that maybe there was something between us, but now I know that cannot be. Not if you have a mate.”

“Oh.” A deep sense of disappointment hits me. I’ve never had much luck with men before, and now I seem to be a magnet for them. “Then why do I feel drawn to you?” I ask, pushing for an explanation. “It’s not just a crush, more like a physical pull. I feel the same towards Zane, and I thought that was because we are mates.”

A look of elation crosses his features, yet it quickly drops to confusion and sadness. “I’ve never heard of anyone with more than one mate before, Emmy,” he explains kindly. “It’s probably just an influx of hormones from your transition. I am sure the feeling will pass quickly.” He attempts to hide his quiet sorrow with a smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he glances up at the clock on the wall. “Anyway, I really should go. Is there anything you need before I leave? You’re being treated properly?” He glances at my neck once again, and although I see a hint of anger, he just looks exhausted.

“I’m fine, I just want to get out of here and back to my best friend and apartment.”

Hearing it out loud, I realise that I sound really ungrateful for everything he’s done for me, as though I want to forget everything that’s happened here. Although there have been many bad things about my transition, I also wouldn’t change anything—except killing Colin, of course. I never would have met him, nor Zane or Gabriel, or learned any of this stuff about myself.

As I open my mouth to explain myself, my words become tangled in my throat, and I don’t know what to say. Jack simply smiles sadly and nods, taking my silence as confirmation. Turning back to the door, he leaves, taking his calming aura with him.