Page 105 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“Careful, pet.” I couldn’t keep myself from laughing. “You’ll hurt yourself.”

“Then move your ancient butt,” she demanded, not slowing down in the least. “We only have a few days.”

I decided not to let that reminder sour my mood. When we reached the end of the dock, Thea stopped. “Where’s the boat?”

“That is the boat.” I pointed to the yacht that was docked at the end of the pier.

Her mouth fell open, and I had to bite back a chuckle.

“That’s not a boat. That’s a floating hotel.” She continued to stare at it like it might transform into something more reasonably sized.

“It’s tame by vampire standards.” I pulled her toward it. She stumbled along beside me as she took it all in. I wasn’t lying. With only fifteen bedrooms and room for twenty or so crew members, most vampires would turn their noses up at my little boat. But I liked the yacht’s sleek white exterior with its soft hint of silver running along the edges of the deck and its polished chrome railings. The sun reflected off the deck, making the white leather seats glitter in the light. My mother had been on me to get a proper one for years, claiming it was too small to host a proper party. That’s exactly why I hadn’t listened to her.

But as Thea stepped on board, grinning from ear-to-ear I was reminded of how lucky I was to have a mate who wasn’t a vampire.

Even if she was mortal.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

THEA

We reached the island in half an hour, but I could have sailed longer. My cheeks hurt from smiling as we docked and made our way ashore. I stepped one wobbly foot onto dry land and found myself face-to-face with someone familiar.

“Welcome.” Celia looked to the two of us, her eyes sparkling at whatever changes she saw there since we’d last seen her in San Francisco a month ago.

Julian greeted her with a smile, but I lunged forward and hugged her.

“It’s good to see you, too,” I said brightly before pulling back with a grin. Celia blinked a few times, glancing at my mate, who shrugged as if to say what do you expect?

“Everything is ready,” she told us as we walked down the dock.

“I hope it wasn’t too much trouble,” I said, earning an eye roll from both her and Julian. “I know it was last minute.”

“You two have been busy.” Celia smiled at me, her eyes skirting my waistline. She looked away quickly and continued, “The staff wish to greet you. I will bring the golf cart around.”

I stared after her, trying to process what exactly that look was all about. “Um, did she just check for a baby bump?”

“Anything you want to tell me, pet?” The arm around my waist tightened, and he brushed a hopeful hand over my middle.

I choked in surprise, turning it quickly into a cough. The question of children was still very much open, and we’d been dealing with far too much drama to make a firm decision, especially with everything we had learned. But we’d also been at it like rabbits, so... “Not that I’m aware of.”

It couldn’t be, right? It’s not like Celia would be able to tell if I was pregnant. I must have broadcast that thought unintentionally to him because he leaned to whisper in my ear as we reached the staff.

“Vampires have supernatural senses, remember? Maybe she can sense something.”

I turned an incredulous look on him. “You’re a vampire! You tell me.”

He just smirked in response.

What did that mean?

Any relaxation I felt from our boat ride or arriving on the private island frayed, leaving a bundle of nerves in its place. Julian’s hand disappeared from my waist, and I found myself reaching for my belly like I might discover something. But he grabbed my hand and led me toward the row of people in crisp white uniforms waiting to greet us. Julian stopped to speak to the first man.

“Lord Rousseaux, we’re pleased you are back with us.” He bowed at the waist, and I had to bite back a laugh.

I would never get used to watching people prostrate themselves in front of Julian, even though seeing my mate, standing tall and sure, showed me exactly why he commanded the attention.

“Richard.” He offered a gloved hand and the man shook it. “Allow me to introduce you to my mate and your new Mistress. This is Thea.”

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