Page 48 of Destined to Fight

There were more contacts and informants in the city, and he would be closer to the Council. Less flying back and forth meant more time to deal with the matters at hand. He still didn’t know who killed his father, and now someone at that table was after Kelly. With nine members aside from himself, chances were there were separate people involved in each plot, but they could be connected as well.

Kade’s day had been filled with business calls to make sure his executive teams were set to run his companies without him. Siri would remain in the castle with Brodric while Connor, Fabian, Ginna, Asta, and Kelly traveled to Dallas with him. Clyde, too, of course.

Siri had helped him find a nice house in a good neighborhood that could hold everyone comfortably. It also had the necessary technology to support a human security system as well as an Arcane one. With some minor renovations, it would soon house a training room and library for Kelly to continue her studies.

He heard the water stop running in the bathroom, followed by the sound of Kelly undressing and getting into the bathtub.

It took every bit of restraint for him to stay where he was, and even then, his cock made its frustration known.

Why the gods had decided to stop a vampire’s heart but still allow the body to direct blood to certain areas of its own accord, he would never understand. Leave it to Loki to play tricks like that. He’d never complain about the increased stamina, though.

Then again, now was not the time to have great stamina. He groaned, not caring who heard him.

Willing the thought of business and threats away, he brought his attention back to the here and now, to this room, and the woman just across the threshold.

Getting up, he turned back the covers of the bed and took off his clothes, leaving his briefs on so he wouldn’t make Kelly uncomfortable. He climbed into the bed and pulled the covers up, trying to look casual.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he heard her get out of the bath, but it seemed like she’d taken time to relax instead of just washing off. He typically wasn’t one to care about the happiness of a woman, but he was pleased.

A few minutes later, she walked out of the bathroom. Wet hair clung to her shoulders, trailing down her back, and she wore only a tank top and panties. The woman would be the end of him someday.

He lifted the covers on her side of the bed, inviting her to join him.

Kelly looked at him, hesitant at first, but gave in and crawled in next to him. She turned and faced her back to him, and he pulled her in close.

She shivered as he nuzzled close to her.

“Am I too cold?” he asked.

“No, I’m just not used to someone being so cold to the touch. I’m always hot, so I’m sure you’ll balance things out.”

He tucked her into him, resting his head behind hers and breathing in her scent. He was sure in that moment that he’d never get enough of her, no matter how many years or centuries they had together.

“Kade?”

“Aye, lass?”

“Don’t stay here tonight with the intent of leaving when I fall asleep. I don’t need a man for comfort. If you’re in, you’re all in.”

He held her just a bit tighter. She was strong and independent, and he liked that she made it known.

“I dinnae plan to leave ye, lass.”

“You fuck up, and I’ll make you regret it.”

He laughed. It was rare for a knowing human to threaten a vampire, and he knew she would carry out that threat. “I’ll do mah best not to. Now go to sleep; it’s been a long day. I promise I’ll be here when ye wake.”

Kelly relaxed then and was sleeping soundly in less than a minute.

Kade took a moment to wonder what the fuck he was doing and then let the thought go.

For the first time in centuries, he simply enjoyed the evening without letting responsibilities cloud his mind. Kelly would sleep for seven or eight hours, and he only needed three. He spent the next five hours or so memorizing her: her scent, her curves, the rhythms of her heart and her breathing.

When he finally allowed himself to sleep, it was the most peaceful sleep he’d had in over 250 years.

Kelly

The next morning, Kelly awoke feeling refreshed. Kade’s arm was still wrapped around her stomach, and his cold breath tickled her neck.

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