Page 110 of Scorned

“Unfortunately, I was unable to locate Vivi this time. She’s becoming a pro at covering up her scent. I’m sure she’ll show back up in a couple days.”

“She always does,” I agreed with a deep sigh that encapsulated the magnitude of shit I’d been piling on my plate.

“The others are back,” Heston said, sniffing the air. “And they got a new person with them.”

“That’s gonna be too many damn people seeing my willie today,” Demi said, putting his hand over his crotch. “We’re gonna get our knickers on.”

I laughed as Demi and Heston beelined toward their cabins.

A minute later, Ravage pulled into the parking lot and Peach turned her attention in that direction. “Why does Marcus smell like . . .” Her mouth fell open. “Oh my god!” She bolted toward the vehicle, and Lyric and I followed.

The van door slid open and Marcus stepped out. I hadn’t talked to him since he turned and I wondered if he felt our sentinel bond like I did.

“What . . .” Peach choked on tears, placing her hand on his chest. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Marcus grabbed her cheeks, yanked her closer, and smashed his lips onto hers.

It was so hot and passionate, after a while I felt like we needed to leave them alone.

“Where’s April and Scarlet?” Zeke asked when he exited the van.

I shrugged. “I haven’t seen them since I got back.” Zeke took off and I turned back to the free live make-out show and wondered if I should be selling tickets. “Okay, dude. Let the woman breathe.”

Marcus pulled back, flashing me a pearly white smile. “Sorry, daddy.”

I put my hands up, waving them. “Whoa, bro. Since I’m your origin, you can call me dad, but never daddy. That’s Lyric’s job.”

“Eww,” Erik said, making a gagging sound. “I don’t need to know what my sister calls you.”

“Winston! Stop telling people stuff like that or they’re going to believe it.”

I cocked a brow at Lyric because she had called me daddy on multiple occasions.

She pulled on one of her braids, her cheeks reddening. “I’m going to go check on Sage.”

“I’m going with her,” Erik added.

They left and I eyed Marcus. “Are you mad at me or are we good, bro?”

“I’m not going to lie. I was pissed at you last night because I told you how I felt before the mission. But after the shock wore off, I was really glad to be alive. Then the more I thought about it, the more I realized Peaches and Cream wouldn’t be able to block my love anymore since I’ll be around for a long time.”

Peach smiled. “You’re the only one allowed to call me that.”

“Don’t I know it.” Marcus gave Peach another long kiss before he pulled away, his face confused. “What’s that delicious scent? It smells like fresh peaches mixed with a hint of coconut.”

I sniffed the air and didn’t smell anything. Then my mouth fell open as I gaped, pointing at Peach. “Your essence smells like peaches! That’s how you got the nickname.”

“Shut up, smartass.”

“What’s an essence?” Marcus asked, her brows straining.

“It’s like the human’s lure and your amore combined, but only for vamps and wolves,” I said, grinning from ear to ear. “Once two supernaturals bond, no one but their mate can smell their scents.”

“Oh, my,” Marcus growled, pulling Peach into him. “I want to taste your essence.”

“If you’ll excuse us.” Peach took Marcus’s hand, yanking him toward her cabin.

I let out a whistle. “Get it, boy!”

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