Page 116 of Destined to Fight

“Nae, it’s just what came to mind. We’re all happy to have ye back in one piece.”

More silence followed as she processed things.

“I think the water is near scalding, just how ye like it.”

“Join me?”

“Nae, I dinnae think it’s a great idea. Ye need more strength—ye can barely stand. I’ll give ye more blood later tonight after I’m able to drink more myself.”

“You’ve never worried about that before.”

“Aye, but we usually exchange blood. Ye drained me within an ounce of my own life last night, and yer not strong enough for me to take more from ye right now.”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry.”

“Dinnae be sorry, lass. The doc seems to think ye would have died if I hadnae been there. I’m just glad I made it in time.”

“I don’t understand how stopping time took that much out of me. Sure, it’s new, but to kill me? It doesn’t make sense.”

“Aye, maybe Ginna can help us figure it out. For now, though, take yer shower. I’ll wait in the bedroom to help you out.”

Kelly nodded and stepped into the steam-filled chamber.

Kade closed the door, and it clicked shut behind her.

Standing under the stream of water, she tried to let the events of the day wash away. Twenty-four hours seemed to hold so much in the matter of her life.

When she was done, she turned the water off, and Kade appeared with a towel in hand. He supported her as she dried off and then helped her into some sweats.

Everyone was at the table waiting for them as they entered the kitchen.

Asta stood and met her with a huge hug. “Come join us. I’m sure you’re starving.”

Kelly nodded and followed Asta to the table. Everyone had left her spot next to Kade open, and she sent them a silent thank-you for it.

The table was filled with everything for burgers, from the patties to condiments. Kelly nearly drooled as she stared at all of it. “This looks amazing, Asta. Thank you.”

The vampire smiled. “Thank you. It’s nothing really. I just thought you might enjoy a classic American meal.”

“It’s perfect. Thank you so much.”

Kelly piled her plate high with two patties and all of the fixings, then she helped herself to some fries and dipping sauces.

She groaned in pleasure as she took her first bite. “Holy shit, Asta, this is seriously the best burger I’ve ever had. Oh my god.”

Asta smiled.

Everyone else who ate food loaded their plates, and the vampires sipped their blood.

When they were all eating, Ginna finally broke the silence. “All right, Rookie, what the fuck was all of this about? Why did you think I needed rescuing, and why didn’t you tell the others instead of sneaking off on your own?”

Kelly took another bite of her burger before she responded, hoping it would give her more strength. She explained her worry over Ginna not being home, the blog comment, and her plan with Dom to create a distraction while she sneaked off into the night.

Ginna gave Kelly a look that seemed to question her sanity. “Rookie, there were two vampires holding me. I can take two vampires with one arm tied behind my back.”

“How was I supposed to know that?!”

“I’d be willing to bet if you’d talked to Kade or Fabian, they could have enlightened you.”

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