Page 83 of Blood Lust

I spare a fleeting glance to Wren, I haven’t discussed this next part with her, and I hope she doesn’t mind. “I plan on moving back into the city as soon as possible.” Surprise colors the whispers that are traded around the room. Wren frowns but says nothing and thinks nothing at me.

At least I get to keep my limbs.

“I would like to take up the mantle left by our father, but I propose we make it an official vote. Speak now if anyone else wants to throw their name in the ring.” Nobody even looks around. Their choice is me, and it was always going to be me. “All in favor of me becoming the new coven leader?”

“Aye,” I heard in unison.

“If any of our family would like to remain here, in the mountains, you are welcome to. I want a larger presence in the city to prevent any other covens from trying to move in and take over. Naritaka told us Emerson was coming, and we won’t be so lucky next time. Knowing he was coming didn’t stop him from planning ahead for years.”

Confusion surrounds my family.

“The basement add-on wasn’t in the city blueprints, which means it was built after the building. I don’t know how he pulled this off, but he did. Right under our noses.” I down the rest of the blood in my glass. “I won’t let something like that happen again. I want to be there, protecting what’s ours and keeping our humans from harm as best as we can. We owe it to Taka, to Leland, and ourselves.”

Taking a deep breath, I prepare for the moment of truth.

“All in favor of returning to the city?”

“Aye.” A chorus rang out, and while I can still hear the sadness, it seems lighter somehow.

Wren’s voice is notably absent this time. Turning to my mate I take her hand in mine, brushing it to my lips before leading her outside with me. Curious to know what is going on in her big beautiful mind.

“Are you angry?”

“No.” Her voice is soft.

I don’t think she’s lying, but something seems wrong. I want her to tell me, but I don’t want to pry it out if she isn’t ready to share.

“I’m, of course, going with you,” she said, leaning against the deck’s railing. “That’s a given. But I’m worried. Worried I’ll get recognized, worried I’ll lose control again. Worried that I’m causing more harm to our family by being here than if I wasn’t.”

“Of course, you’re not-” she didn’t let me finish.

“I am your weakness, Oz. You’re not so great and powerful if they can grab me and drag you into a war.” Her voice is strained with guilt.

“Wren,” I wrap my arms around her and lay my cheek on her head. “You didn’t have control before, but you finally merged your consciousness. That’s not going to be a problem again. I will make certain of it.” I see doubt flicker in her eyes, and I refuse to let her do this to herself anymore. She is perfect. She is a vampire, and a little setback that caused an unforeseen issue with the change won’t destroy the future we could have together.

“We will deal with recognition if it comes. And as far as people using you against me… You seem perfectly capable of holding your own. You’re new but not incapable, and my love, I guarantee you will be a fearsome creature to behold before long.”

Her arms entwine around my waist as she holds me close. I can feel the warmth of her body through her clothes. And as she presses her lips to mine, my muscles relax beneath her touch.

Soft.

Familiar.

Mine.

CHAPTER 26

THE SONGBIRD

Our new home is lovely, albeit quite different from the house in the mountains. It is far more traditional. There have been updates to the plumbing and decoration, but there is no open concept, and much of the original woodwork remains. Restored and given new life over the years, it is beautiful.

We all have homes on the same block, making getting together effortless and enjoyable, but it is nice not being on top of one another all the time.

Charlee lives a few doors down with her live-in vampire girlfriend, a solo traveling vampire who has stayed in the city for three months longer than planned. Something Charlee takes credit for and makes her very proud.

Rolando is across the street and currently romancing a young lady who works at a coffee shop around the corner. We have a theory that she is his mate, but he can’t hear her yet and hasn’t hinted at a mate bond.

The triplets share a house at the end of the street and are as rowdy and goofy as ever. Zach and Chandra moved in right next door and are the best neighbors.

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