Page 65 of Fastlander Fallen

“She’s my mate. I don’t want you near her.”

“I’m not talking about Hallie. Give Corey some space, and I’ll answer your questions.”

“You said you were a lion,” Corey uttered in a shaking voice. “You lied to me?”

“No, no. I didn’t lie. Ask Gunner. He knows I’m a Holland lion.”

“Who is your mother, Ace?” Gunner demanded.

Ace inhaled deeply, his nostrils flaring with annoyance. He shifted his feet and leaned back in the chair. “Her name doesn’t matter, you won’t know her.”

“She’s a vampire?”

“Was. She’s dead. Staked in the war.”

“Oh my gosh,” Corey said, feeling like she couldn’t draw enough oxygen into her lungs.

Gunner huffed a dark laugh. “That’s why you’re unregistered. That’s why you’re in hiding.”

Ace was still as a stone, unblinking. He didn’t answer.

“Okay,” Corey whispered, slowly making her way toward Ace. “Okay.”

“Corey,” Gunner warned.

“What? He won’t hurt me.”

“You’re still bleeding.”

“I don’t drink blood,” Ace growled, standing. “I wouldn’t hurt her.”

“What the fuck is happening?” Gunner snarled, pacing away, his hands gripping the back of his head. “What the fuck, Ace? You didn’t think this was important information?”

“It’s no one’s business!” he roared, his face sharpening into something terrifying again. “It’s for me and my dad. It’s for me to manage!” He clapped his hand against his chest. “It’s mine!”

“Did your dad realize how powerful you are?” Gunner asked.

“Yes.”

“Does Damon know?”

Ace clamped his mouth closed. He pointed at the floor beside him and slid a glance to Corey. “Here. I can settle down if you’re closer.”

Okay, was she scared? Yes. But was it super-hot that Ace had pointed to the ground and bossed her around with that sexy dominance of his? Also yes. She slunk over and placed her hands behind her back, shifted her weight from her toes to her heels and back again. Ace was staring at her foot again.

“If you don’t drink blood, then why are you so interested in her damn wound?” Gunner asked.

“Because she’s bleeding too much, Gunner! If Hallie was hurt, could you drag your attention off it?”

Gunner crossed his arms over his chest.

“Excuse me,” Corey murmured, “but I can see your wiener.”

Gunner covered his nethers and Hallie slunk down the hallway, probably to grab him some pants. Thank goodness. It was weird seeing her cousin’s fiancé’s ripped bod.

“Can I take Corey home?” Ace asked. “I need some space to settle down.”

“No! I don’t fuckin’ trust you!” Gunner belted out.

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