Chapter 5 #2
“A human bonded to a vampire must accept a certain lifestyle. Blood, for one. Vampires cannot have children. Yes, yes, there are a few exceptions. Take Luca. He had a baby with the witch. But Sydney? She’s more of a cautionary tale.
They’ve adopted and all is well but, this lifestyle doesn’t sit well with everyone for many different reasons. ”
Rafe sighed. “It doesn’t matter what the vampire wants. I didn’t text her back, and I’m going to work with the witch.”
“There’s only one solution to your problem.” Greyson crossed his arms over his chest.
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“We focus on work.”
“How does that solve my problem?”
“It doesn’t. But we’re here to clean up this city and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to figure out who’s causing problems and calm shit down until Kade decides what he’s doing. Then we’ll see the witch. Even though I still think it’s a bad idea.”
“You said you’d come.”
“Give it a day or two. We don’t even know if there’s any problems. It could be as simple as you want to fuck her and won’t. You’re gaining control now and so deep down, you’re a good guy. And now you see her again, and we’re back at fuck or food.”
“I’ve got to get some rest, and I don’t want her alone. You sure this place is secure?”
“As secure as we’re gonna get. Xavier and Kenji will be here soon. Hunter too.”
“I could’ve been ridin’ my bike. Takin’ a long slow ride to the coast. Go surfin’ with Jake, but no. Here I am. With you.” Rafe opened the bottle and chugged the water.
“I’ve got to go out and feed. I won’t take long.”
“I’ll be with Skylar. I’m not letting any of those assholes hurt her again.”
Rafe set the bottle onto the counter, stripped off his clothes and transformed into his wolf. As he released a low growl, he settled into the power of his beast.
Rafe padded into her bedroom and leapt onto the bed. He curled into the crook of her legs, releasing his healing energy.
“Hmm,” she purred.
He lay still as she ran her hand over his fur.
Within seconds, she fell into a deep sleep, her palm resting on his side.
So tired of running, of fighting, each muscle in his body relaxed.
His wolf settled in next to her, indulging in her warmth.
There was no mistaking the distinct feeling of home.
Though she wasn’t wolf, his beast claimed her as his.
He couldn’t reconcile the emotions swirling inside him, but he embraced the moment, succumbing to sleep.
Rafe dreamed of running wild through the desert. He blended into the sandstone, his glorious wolf on the hunt. In the distance, he sensed Skylar, her vibrant spirit calling to him. As the sunset dipped behind the mountains, casting the shade onto the dirt, he caught sight of the movement ahead.
Daylight morphed into darkness as he sprinted toward the mountains. He ducked behind a rock, scanning the horizon. A crack of light sparkled through a slot canyon, the wisp of a tail brushing against the sandstone and disappeared.
Curiosity piqued, he padded toward the canyon. With each step, the scent of Skylar enveloped him. He stood at the entrance, still, watching, waiting.
“Rafe,” her voice called to him from above.
The wolf released a vociferous howl in response, calling on his mate. She was his and no others. Mine.
My Alpha, she whispered back to him.
Rafe’s eyes flashed open, his heart pounding in his chest. It was just a dream he told himself, willing the anxiety to pass.
“Hey, puppy.” Her sleepy voice washed over him.
Her fingers brushed over his fur, overwhelming emotion consumed him. Wearing only a tank top, she propped her head on the heel of her hand. “Where are you going?”
The wolf stared at her in silence, contemplating his next move. Rafe considered leaving her, yet the attraction begged him to stay.
“You can come up.” She patted the bed. “Come on, boy.”
No relationship with the human. She needs to see who you really are, his conscious told him.
Rafe hopped off the bed and padded towards a large, overstuffed chair. He ducked behind it and transformed, no longer willing to hide his true nature.
Skylar screamed and held the blanket up to her neck. “Rafe? Wait. How did you get in here? Where’s the dog? Where’s Adonis?”
“Wolf.” He wore an amused smile. Okay. She didn’t run. That’s a good sign.
“No. I saw a…,” She scanned the room. “Dog. A wolf. Adonis. You know. From New Orleans. He was here with me.”
“Skylar. I was here with you.” He waited on her to process his words.
“No.” Skylar jumped out of the bed and ran across the room to look behind the chair. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropping as she took in the sight of his nude body. “I…I…you’re naked. Why are you naked?” Her gaze draped over him and she averted her eyes. “No seriously. You’re naked.”
“Yes. That’s kind of how it works.” Rafe laughed, relieved her reaction wasn’t fear.
She looked up to his face, her cheeks flushed red. “I…I’m confused. I think I need to lie down. I don’t know what’s happening. Where is the wolf?”
“I’m here.” Rafe patted his chest.
“No.” She walked toward the bed and sat down.
“It’s okay, darlin’. It’s me.” Rafe reached for a robe that hung on the back of the bathroom door and donned it.
She closed her eyes. “What is happening?”
“Hey.” Rafe sat next to her and put his hand on hers. She looked up to him, her blanket pulled tight to her chest. “I have something to tell you, Sky.”
She nodded in silence.
“Now I know something ugly happened last night with those vampires and we’re gonna get to that. But first we need to talk about my wolf.” Rafe sighed. He couldn’t recall the last time in his life he’d had to break someone’s paranormal cherry.
“I know you’ve lived in New Orleans for a long time, so you must know about the other people who’re there besides humans. Do you know what I mean? Wolves? Witches? Vampires? Blood clubs?”