Page 106 of Fangs and Fudge

The vampire dropped to the ground a moment later, and MC turned to grip Vena’s arms.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she said, glancing up at him. “Thank--”

MC swooped down for a kiss, wrapping both arms around her and bringing her flush with him.

My mouth dropped open.

For a frozen moment, Vena did nothing. MC took that as a sign to deepen the kiss. She pressed her hands against his arms. If she was pushing him, it wasn’t doing a damn thing.

He growled low and cupped the back of her head.

I saw tongue and panicked. What if she bit it off?

I scrambled out of the truck.

“MC, stop!” I tugged at his arm. He didn’t notice my presence or Vena’s struggles. “Shepard!”

Just as I was about to kick in the back of MC’s knees, Shepard ran straight at MC, grabbed him by the back of the neck and yanked him away. Vena stumbled as MC fell. I hurried to brace her.

When she straightened, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and reached to get her knife, but I stopped her. With the way Shepard was glaring at MC, she didn’t need her knife.

Shepard and MC stood toe to toe, both looking ready to murder.

“I told you to leave and protect them! Is this what you call protection?”

MC pointed to the two dead vampires. “I did my job, unlike you! We kill vampires. Or have you forgotten? This is why you have an infestation beyond anything that I’ve ever had in L.A.”

Shepard’s jaw ticced as he glared at MC.

“Watch yourself. We’re dealing with it, and you are here as my backup. If you can’t fall in line and obey orders, pack up and get the hell out.”

Cross, Tank, and Miles emerged from the house.

As soon as MC spotted Cross, a snarl ripped from him.

“Do your people know what you’re doing?” MC asked. “Do they know who you’re in bed with? You’re weak, Shepard. You better be careful, or you won’t be alpha for long.”

Shepard’s eyes narrowed on MC as he retreated to his truck. “Tank, go with him.”

Tank jogged after MC and sat in the passenger seat before MC could lock the door. After a mutual glare, MC started the truck and pulled out onto the road.

Once they were gone, we all took a collective breath.

That’s when I noticed the blood-stained clothes on Shepard, Cross, and Miles.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“Is everyone okay?” I asked.

“We’re fine,” Shepard said. “We took care of the vampires that showed up, but the master wasn’t among them. I’m afraid Miles is still under his control for now.”

At Vena’s frantic expression, Shepard added, “I’ll bring Miles to my house. I want you two to stay there, too.”

“While I agree that Miles should go to your house,” Cross said, “I think a hotel suite with catering and a spa would be more suitable for Everly and Vena.”

“Everly’s not going to a hotel with you,” Shepard snapped.

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