Page 29 of The Vampire's Storm

“You shouldn’t have to. It’s not high school. Have you talked to human resources about it?” Sage had asked.

“No. It will just make it worse.” Brooklyn had replied, laying a hand on her arm. “I appreciate your kindness. I’m fine.”

In contrast, working with Sage, Anna, and Dr. Abbot was a dream. They were aligned in their determination to find an antidote for the serum—which she was sure they were close to achieving—and a vaccine which could protect all vampires. They were just getting started on it. Vaccines were complicated and needed years of testing.

Even on vampires.

“I’ve been busy and settling in, Mom. I’ll FaceTime you both next week,” Brooklyn replied, hoping it would persuade them to stay in Seattle.

“Well, I think your father is set on this condo. I’ll speak to him,” her mom replied, sounding disappointed.

“You love living in Seattle.” Brooklyn pinched her nose and glanced around her dark room.

She had to convince them not to move because she knew the next step would be a visit to Maine, where the Moretti castle was located.

It would be a lot harder to get out of that.

“Listen, how about I pop home for a visit in a few weeks?”

“That would be nice,” her mom said. “I’ll arrange a party. Remember Gregory Davidson? He’s now divorced. He’s a lawyer. Family law. I’m sure that came in handy when settling his estate with...”

Brooklyn tuned out.

Her mom had been matchmaking her with sons of her wealthy friends for over a decade. She wasn’t sure she was ready to be a wife.

First, she had to make things right in her heart.

Brad had died because of her and until she’d paid the price or made amends, she couldn’t give her heart to anyone.

Brooklyn walked into her bathroom and turned on the light. It was going to be a long day now since she’d woken so early.

Fuck it. I’m going to have breakfast in the café today.

Brooklyn spent little time socializing. Mostly because she was still getting used to being around vampires. For all she knew, there were more Logan’s around who didn’t like her being there.

Why are you here?

I work here!

Maybe don’t. It’s dangerous for you here. Big bad vampires like me might eat you up.

Even though she’d had impure thoughts, so to speak, she was aware he was a danger to her.

Brooklyn didn’t like that she was so attracted to someone who would happily snap her neck.

What was wrong with her?

Hopefully, their paths wouldn’t cross again. There were hundreds of vampires in the castle. The fact he was one of the hottest men she’d ever laid eyes on was a pain in the neck.

Her entire body reacted when he walked into a room or was laid out unconscious on a table.

She liked him way more like that.

It allowed her to study the roped muscles of his arms and the tattoos on his neck, wondering what they meant. Taking in the fullness of his lips, the length of his dark lashes, and the perfection of his jaw with its dusting of hair.

He was like some Italian mafia movie star with his natural dark tan and large solid frame.

Perfection.

---