Page 32 of The Guardian's True-Mate

“How do the hooks work?” I asked. “I mean, when an Alpha vampire feeds their omega mate?”

“I don’t think the hooks are involved. Sure, maybe some of them get passed on through feeding, but as far as I understand the science, the hooks control how the blood is stored and moved. The genes that control them just work differently depending on the Alpha/omega gene. Betas can go either way and some have no hooks at all. Though, less and less betas are being born.”

“Do you want to know why I think that is?” Scott asked.

“Yeah. A good theory is always fun,” Cardian nodded.

“More of them are choosing true-mates in the Other World between lives. I think that betas aren’t people who don’t have soul mates. I think they just haven’t decided on them yet. I think in between lives if they meet someone and they choose each other they get to have the true-mate response if they meet them in their next life.”

“I like that,” I grinned. “I’ve always liked that theory of yours.”

Terrick stirred in his sleep and slid his hand over Scott’s belly. He moved it around stopping here and there.

“He’s counting the puppies. At least, that’s what he claims he’s doing. He swears he can feel them through my skin,” Scott grinned.

“He can probably feel their energy,” Cardian suggested.

“Maybe it’s his pit hound who feels their energy,” I added on.

“Could be,” Cardian nodded.

“You two are adorable together,” Scott grinned. “We’ll be okay if you guys want to go ahead and start your matingmoon.”

“I’m making sure he’s okay before we take off.” Cardian said. “Once we go unless an emergency happens…” he let his word trail off.

“I don’t blame you. I can’t believe you two have waited this long,” he said and glanced at me. “If you wait much longer, you’ll get slapped with heat.”

I bit my cheeks to keep from smiling. I could think of worse fates than being trapped in a house with Cardian for a week to romp. Though, I was getting close if the idea of an uncomfortable heat that tried to boil my brain, sounded appealing.

“I’m alive,” Terrick murmured, half asleep.

“And Duke will be back to check on everything this evening too,” Scott added on.

“We love you guys,” Terrick yawned.

“But we’re okay. We appreciate everything you’ve done to help us and will do, but we don’t want to be the reason you guys are miserable and putting off your claiming vows. If something happens we’ll let you know over the pack link or send someone to tell you, if you’re not answering there,” Scott said, running his fingers through Terrick’s hair again.

“And if you go into labor, you’ll get me, right?” I asked.

“Of course! Seriously, Dakota. We’ll be okay,” Scott said.

Cardian glanced at Terrick who cocked his head to the side as if listening to something. For a moment, I thought they heard more dead things but then realized they were discussing things over their family link.

“Come on,” Cardian said, taking my hand in his.

“Do I need to pack?” I asked.

“We’re not going that far,” Cardian shook his head.

“Do they know where we’re going?” I asked as he led me down the hallway.

“I told Terrick. Though, I don’t think anyone would have trouble finding out. I’m sure Bobby or Liam would tell them if there was an emergency, if they didn’t sniff us out themselves.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Cardian

That morning, I woke up extra early to go speak with Bobby and Liam about acquiring a matingmoon house. As long as Dakota and I were in the same house as my brother and his pregnant mate, we weren’t going to get any closer to our claiming vows than we already had. It seemed overextending ourselves to help those we cared about was a trait my new mate and I shared. Sure, I had some extra hang ups about something randomly snatching him away from me, but even those lessened once we stepped inside the matingmoon house.

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