Page 16 of Risking Immortality

“I don’t like this,” I sigh. “I feel as if I’m manipulating her.”

“In what way?”

The thing I love about Claire is her unwavering support and lack of judgment. “I have this information about us. It’s life-altering. I’m actively trying to seduce her because my species deems it necessary. But Claire, Erin isn’t of our species. It feels wrong, and yet my body is changing. I can feel it already. It’s like I’ve been… activated or something,” I chuckle. It’s impossible to put what I’m going through in words sufficient to describe it accurately.

“I wish I could give you the answers, Amelia. I think everyone who loves you feels the same. You’re in uncharted waters.”

“So, what do I do?”

“Forget everyone and everything else. Listen to your body, to your heart. Get to know her, with no expectations or pressure. I think that’s the only way you will feel your connection is real.”

“Can you tell my family that?” I laugh.

“I can and I will. They’re just so excited that you bonded with someone. But, Amelia, if you need them to back off, say it. This is your life. Take control.”

“Thank you, Claire, really. I needed to hear that.”

“You’re welcome. Now, indulge in your bath for a little longer and then get planning. You have a woman to win.”

Eight

The first thing I wanted to do when Erin walked into my parents’ backyard was laugh uncontrollably. Seeing her eyes widen so comically at us all was priceless. Can you imagine it? I’m sure Erin felt she’d just walked into a land of giants. Every member of the Loch family is close to or over six feet tall.

Even though she was shocked, Erin didn’t shrink back. If anything, she held herself a little higher. I like that in a woman. Erin is no shrinking flower. I saw it the night we met, in her fiery eyes.

The second thing I wanted to do was scoop her into my arms. That’s a new feeling to have. I like women; I love sex, and yes, I wanted to find my mate, but I’ve always been a take it or leave it kind of vampire. There has never been a woman that could invoke such feelings in me. Dana makes me horny, but that’s as far as it goes. But here, now looking at Erin, in her tight black jeans and green V-neck t-shirt, I am feeling so much more than lust. She has a softness about her, which contrasts so beautifully with her fierce streak.

Third, I want to groan out loud when a woman walks in behind Erin. I can only presume this is Erin’s girlfriend. Whoever the woman is, she doesn’t have Erin’s grace or ability to conceal her nervousness when confronted with ten tall, raven-haired Lochs.

Claire arrives seconds later, holding two bottles of wine. I am sitting at the back of the yard on the outdoor couch, my arms stretched casually across the back of it. One knee crossed over the other. My goal is to be as cool as possible. Simply because my family is going to be over the top and I need Erin to know that’s not who I am. Sure my nerves are fizzing uncomfortably in my stomach, but that’s because this barbecue feels like a turning point for how I go forward with Erin.

I have already decided that if Erin seems truly happy with the woman she has brought with her, I will step down. I know it was only last night I was talking about fighting for her, and I haven’t reneged on that. However, there is fighting for someone and then there is controlling them. Erin is a free spirited, strong woman. Who the hell am I to interfere? That’s why I will do nothing but be myself and hope she chooses me.

My family doesn’t know my intentions, and that’s how it will stay. None of my siblings or parents can see things clearly, not when my life is on the chopping block. They will do everything they can to make Erin mine. But that’s not what I want.

I want Erin to choose me and love me because we are meant to be together. That takes time and trust. We need to build a friendship and a sound foundation. That won’t happen if our relationship is built on manipulation and lies.

How I tell her we are vampires is still unknown. I mean, how the hell does a conversation like that go? What I have decided is that I will befriend her and then tell her before I make any romantic overtures. Depending on whether the woman she is with is still in the picture.

My mother is the first one to greet Erin, followed by my father, Laurence and then Marcus. Lucille hangs in the shadows, watching, which comes as little surprise. My sister will watch and size up the situation before making her move.

Aliah, Jacob, and Maria are standing by the grill chatting to each other, happy to wait their turn. Claire spots me and winks. Sipping on my martini, I calculate the best time to introduce myself. I said I wouldn’t manipulate her, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot to be alluring.

The clothes I’m wearing highlight my best assets. Pinstripe slacks caress my ass, making it pop. The silk tank top rides low enough that my cleavage is just the right amount of sexy without being too obvious. As usual, my black hair hangs straight down my back. I’ve perfected my eye make-up, and the plum lipstick works well, too.

Once my parents have finished their initial interrogation, I see my opportunity. Erin looks over at me and that’s when I make my move. Without breaking eye contact, I uncross my legs and stand gracefully. The added sway in my hips is a success. Erin’s eyes dip to watch me walk. My heart is thudding from the heat I feel smoldering in my chest. Erin’s pupils are so large her eyes are almost black, and I know right then she wants me.

“Erin, welcome,” I purr, leaning down, brushing my lips against her cheek. Am I playing dirty? Maybe. “And this must be?”

“Mack,” she sputters. “Mackenzie North.”

“It’s a pleasure.” It’s not, but I can’t exactly say that. Now I’ve seen the woman up close, I recognize her. She frequents Insomnia.

“Thank you for inviting us,” Mack smiles, but it’s tight. “You have a lovely home.”

“Not mine, I’m afraid. My parents‘, and, yes, they love it.”

“Oh, so you don’t live here then?”

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