Page 81 of Tempting the Dhampir

His mouth opens to interrupt me, but I cut him off once again before he can spill his filth. My hands accompany all my words, upping their effect as I berate the male.

“No, don’t answer, that was rhetorical. Love. I love that male. And I’m pretty sure he loves me. I don’t need you. He doesn’t need you. So this is where we’re going to finish our little discussion. I don’t want to see you ever again,” I finish, chest heaving, my blood nearly boiling with contempt for Everett’s father.

“Sadie!”

I turn at hearing Everett’s familiar voice. My heart changes its rhythm at recognizing its mate, my sneer transforming to a welcoming smile.

“Hey, zooms. How much did you hear?”

I can tell from his flushed face and balled fists just how angry he is, all of it aimed over my shoulder at the male who played a part in his conception.

“Enough,” Everett grits out as he comes to a stop next to me, angling his body slightly in front of mine. To his father, he says, “I told you to get the fuck out of my hotel, and then I find you harassing Sadie? If you don’t walk out within the next second, I will pick you up and throw you out myself.”

“I was just having a conversation with your little human friend,” he says, trying to sound innocent.

“She’s my mate,” he thunders, each word coming out of him making him appear larger. “You don’t get to talk to her. You don’t even get to look at her. Get the fuck out!”

The tension in the room is so thick, but I’m also getting really turned on by Everett’s protective side. Maybe this is why girls like going to MMA fights.

The next moment, thick, tawny arms band around the old vampire’s chest. He tries to buck against them, but they hold firm. Pierce lifts Everett’s father bodily off the floor and carries him out the main door.

I cock my head as I stare after them in amazement, my anger dissipating with every step they take farther from me.

“I didn’t even know Pierce was here,” I say to Everett, my eyes still trained on the two figures.

“I’m giving him another raise. I totally didn’t expect him to step in. He’s so mild tempered and incredibly loyal. And incredibly strong,” Everett says with a small grin, pride for his friend filling his voice.

Turning to me, he cups my shoulders, stroking his thumbs over my skin. He looks deeply into my eyes as he says, “More importantly, I can’t believe how well you put my father in his place just now.”

“Sorry if I overstepped, but the audacity of him!”

“I didn’t want to interrupt since it looked like you had matters well in hand. You were so sexy,” Everett says, biting back his smile.

“Oh yeah? You like how I handled him?” My smile matches his.

“Very much. But I heard you say something specific to him, something that you haven’t told me yet.” Everett raises his brows in expectation.

“You mean, I did things a bit backward by telling your father that I love you before I told you. Oops. Seems pretty on-brand for us, though.” I shrug like it’s no big deal I just told him I love him for the first time.

“I think all of our intentions are good, but the order and processes are sometimes mixed up.” His face softens. “You know I love you too, right?”

“I thought so. But it’s nice to have it confirmed.” I beam at him.

“Now, I want to take you somewhere to show you how much I do love you.”

“I’d like that very much. I have a little surprise to show you too.”

He threads his fingers through mine and starts walking toward the entrance. “Good surprise or bad surprise?”

“I think you’re going to like it. It might just be… Wait, aren’t we going upstairs?” I ask in confusion.

I was pretty sure he was about to fuck my brains out while we declare our love for each other.

“Not right now. I want to show you something first,” Everett says as he leads me toward his car, which has miraculously appeared in front of the hotel—most likely Pierce’s doing.

“You know I’ve already seen your dick, right?”

“I’m planning to get you very well acquainted again tonight, but this is different. Trust me?” he adds earnestly as he buckles me into my seat.

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