Epilogue
MAVERICK—ONE MONTH LATER
“We’re—going—to—die,” Bloom panted, jogging humorously slowly on the treadmill she’d occupied for approximately four minutes.
“We’re—already—in—hell,” Harper gritted out, jogging even slower on the treadmill she’d occupied for approximately two minutes.
“Vampire speed is useless if you can’t run long enough to escape your enemies,” I told them, folding my arms over my chest and watching my mate’s form. “Your shoulders need to be straighter.
“Go fuck yourself,” Harper muttered. Being turned had made her quieter, but she was relatively stable, and seemed to want to stay that way most of the time.
“I was talking to Bloom.”
“This is pathetic,” Rhone said flatly. “They’re never going to be able to defend themselves.”
Both women turned their glares to my Beta.
“We can run all day,” Harper shot back.
The issues between her and Rhone were only growing. He still wasn’t letting her bite anyone else, but she didn’t seem to realize there was possessiveness behind it.
I hadn’t asked for details about whatever his feelings were toward her.
Knowing him, he either didn’t have them, didn’t understand them, or wasn’t willing to acknowledge them.
Rhone scowled at Harper.
“Speak for yourself. The paperwork’s calling me,” Bloom said, reaching for the power button on her treadmill.
I swatted her hand away with my clipboard. “You have five more minutes.” I glanced at Rhone. “And we’re not trying to teach them to defend themselves. They’re too small.”
“Asshat,” Bloom muttered.
“Dickwad,” Harper grumbled.
“Then what the fuck are we doing here?” Rhone asked.
“They don’t even have the stamina to escape right now.”
My Beta’s eyes narrowed at the women on the treadmill.
Bloom looked pointedly up at the ceiling. I prepared to catch her, in case she lost her balance and managed to fall off the fucking machine.
Harper shot Rhone a cold look.
“Turn the speed up,” he barked.
Harper rolled her eyes.
He stalked toward the machine.
“They’re either going to kill each other or end up mated,” Bloom murmured into my mind.
“Focus on running, Bloom.” I pressed the button to increase the speed twice, and she glared at me too. “But I think you’re right. My bet’s on the former. Rhone even spends breeding season alone.”
“Isn’t that coming up?”
“Yup.”
“I think she’ll break him by then, assuming we’re all still alive. I bet they spend it together.”
“What are we betting?” I leaned over and pressed the button again, making her groan as the speed increased.
“Cookies. Fresh out of the oven, and eaten off any part of me you prefer.”
My chest rumbled loudly, and both Rhone and Harper looked our way. I ignored them. “You have yourself a deal.”
Bloom’s smile made me itch to haul her off the treadmill and back to our room. Instead, I flipped it back to a glare when I increased the speed again.
“You’re such a pain in the ass,” she grumbled halfheartedly.
“The feeling’s still mutual, Sugar. Now focus on your feet.”
She shook her head at me, but focused. “You’re lucky I love you.”
I really fucking was.