Page 36 of Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Three

God, it’s sexy when he talks like that.

I had no idea intelligence could be such an aphrodisiac. I’m coming to the realization that Bran’s allure isn’t just the vampire strength, the control in the bedroom, or the power of being a Duval.

It’s all of those things, and the constant mental chess he plays.

I like being caught in that snare sometimes. I like it very, very much.

Like the plug, the sex, being filled up—

All three of the men take in a deep breath and look at me.

“Jessie,” Bran says. His irises light up.

“Sorry.” Heat rushes to my cheeks.

Gelatin cake. FUCKING GELATIN CAKE.

Cal trembles.

Bran pushes away from the desk and straightens his spine, leveling his shoulders. “Careful, Alpha.”

Cal’s jaw clenches. “Contrary to what you may think about shifters, it isn’t the full moon that sends us off kilter. It’s the absence of the moon. I’m on edge, but I have it handled.”

“I don’t care if it’s the cosmic equivalent of Armageddon,” Bran says and points a finger at me. “That one is mine. Not yours.”

Cal growls. “I know that.”

I want to turn into a puddle and slip from the room.

Good god.

I might have to ask my sister if she has any more of those Vane witch charms, the ones that guarded her scent. I could use about fifty.

Cal settles and some of the tension ebbs from Bran’s body. Bran rests against the desk again and says, “Regarding this favor, the answer is no.”

“I can appreciate the chivalry. You Duval brothers trying to protect Jessie from the big bad Alpha. But Jessie owes you nothing. She isn’t Pledged yet. Which means she can make the decision on her own.” The Alpha turns to me. “What is your answer, Jessie?”

I lick my lips and then worry at the corner with a drag of my teeth.

There is something I admire and respect about Cal. I don’t think he’d screw me over. Maybe Damien and Bran, but not me.

After all, when he witnessed Sasha bite me all those years ago, he went to my mother because it was the fair and respectful thing to do.

But beyond all that, if my sister’s safety is on the line, I’ll give him pretty much anything he wants.

“Think about this carefully,” Damien warns.

“You need this information as much as I do. Unless you’re okay with something happening to my sister?”

Damien’s jaw flexes, teeth grinding together.

“That’s what I thought.” I get up, legs still a little wobbly. “You have a deal, Cal.” I hold out my hand.

The Duvals don’t contradict me, but I can tell neither of them is happy about this.

Cal comes over and slides his hand into mine. His skin is much softer than I’d expect an Alpha’s to be. But his grip is strong and my hand is nearly lost in his.

“Now tell us what you know,” I say.

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