Page 26 of The Vampire's Mate

James leaned on the counter in front of me with his arms crossed. “Oh, I want you here, but not to work.”

“Down boy,” I muttered, fighting a wave of heat creeping under my collar. “You’re the owner of this place, you have an image to maintain.” He’d gotten insatiable since I’d accepted the bond. James licked his lips, and my eyes involuntarily dropped to the movement. Fuck, I was in for a whirlwind when he got home. I was equal parts excited and terrified.

“Make yourself comfortable, love. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

I gave him a quick kiss. “See you soon.”

After just a few minutes in the office, I grew restless. I tossed the files onto James’s desk and browsed the books on the shelf. I wasn’t normally a reader, but it was never too late to start, right?

My one request when James rebuilt his office was that he replace the couch. Granted, I didn’t have reading in mind when I asked him to do it but I couldn’t help but feel warm and cozy as I settled into the corner with the book on my lap. I ignored the papers and dove into the story, trying to shake the threat of panic rising in my throat.

An hour and a few chapters later, the door crept open. “You’ve been so calm back here. I thought you’d fallen asleep.”

“How do you know how calm I’ve been?” I asked, rubbing my eyes. I set the book aside and stretched my legs over James’s lap as he settled in next to me.

“Heart rate. I’m even more attuned to yours now because of the bond.” He glanced at the book, wrinkling his nose. “Dracula? Really?”

“Me reading it is no more ironic than you owning it.” James massaged my calves, and I stifled a moan.

“I own it because it’s a classic, not because I’m a vampire.”

I relaxed, only answering with a contented noise in the back of my throat. “I should be rubbing your legs. You’re the one who’s been working.”

“You know I don’t feel fatigue like you do. Now what’s going on?”

Reluctant to move, I stretched out behind me, barely able to reach the papers on the desk—but I managed. “Kian was asleep on my couch when I got home last night. This morning, he showed me these.”

James flipped through with one hand while the other stroked my legs. “Luke adopted Kian?”

“Apparently.”

He set the papers aside, returning his full attention to me. “What’s got you worried?”

“I don’t know,” I muttered, shaking my head. “It’s just a feeling. Something’s not right, but I don’t know who to turn to for help.”

“I know someone.”

“Who?”

He hesitated, not meeting my gaze. Uh oh. “You’re not going to like it.”

“Try me,” I said, twisting my fingers through his. “I may surprise you.”

“Do you remember the group of vampires you met after the… accident?”

I shifted, a sense of discomfort washing over me. Oh, I remembered them all right. I saw their blood-red eyes in my nightmares—but I’d never admit that to James. In response to his question, I nodded. Though his hand tightening around mine told me he knew exactly how I felt.Damn heart rate.

“Gabriel is a private investigator. That’s how they masquerade their business.”

“Okay. Call him.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Really? You’re okay with it?” He eyed me suspiciously. I didn’thateGabriel, per se, but I’d made no secret that I didn’t particularly like him or his crew either. I tended not to be a fan of things that killed people.

“Sure,” I said, ignoring the lie that twisted my gut. “Let’s go pay your friend a visit.”

James considered me for a long moment, likely reading right through my bullshit. “Associate,” he said at last.

“Apologies. Let’s go pay your friend anassociate.”

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