Page 7 of Kidnapping Their Third

“I think it’s a little late to worry about that,” she pointed out dryly.

Pike’s lips twisted into a frown. “I couldn’t control Vincent kidnapping you or Kimble whisking you away, but I can do my best to shield you from now on.”

Relenting, she patted his arm with her free hand. “I know. I’m not pissed at you. I can see you were in a fucked-up position. It’s not like you could say something like ‘by the way, my soul is bound to a vampire who can’t talk’ during our first or second date.”

He snorted, his body relaxing. “Yeah, that’s a third date topic for sure.”

Letting go of her hand, he opened the cooler and pulled out two bags of blood that wouldn’t look out of place at a hospital. Tossing the cooler away, he moved to the side of the bed to sit on the edge, setting one of the bags next to him. Kimble didn’t react until Pike eased a hand under his head.

Kimble’s eyes shot open, then he pulled in a deep breath from his nose and smiled up at Pike. He opened his mouth, but only a wordless sound came out. Cora thought he might be trying to say hello.

“I’m sorry to wake you, but I have some blood,” Pike murmured. He lifted Kimble’s head a little and held the bag close to the vampire's lips. Cora expected Kimble to violently bite into the plastic, but his movements were careful and deliberate. He opened his mouth, exposing his lengthened fangs, and slid them delicately through the bag. She watched his throat work as he swallowed. His eyes fluttered closed as he emptied the bag.

“That’s good,” Pike said, leaning over to brush another kiss on the vampire's forehead. “You’ll feel much better soon. I’ve got you, you’re safe.”

Even though both men were clothed, and one was covered in a blanket, the moment felt intimate. Cora wasn’t sure how she felt as she watched something that felt private. Pike was a natural caregiver, and it showed with every word and gesture.

What would it be like to have Pike care for her like this?

Growing up with so many brothers, a dedicated but clueless father, and no mother made Cora tough and reluctant to let anyone see weakness. Any slight display of fragility was answered with harsh treatment as her father and brothers tried to “prepare her for the real world.” Growing up, she’d learned young not to cry or show even a hint of fear.

All of it made her a successful business owner in a male dominated industry, but it also made her feel lonely and tired. It was exhausting always having to be on guard and never feeling like you could be honest with anyone, including her own family.

Cora had an overwhelming urge to snuggle up in the bed with Kimble so she’d be next in line for Pike’s attention. Pushing her longings away, she watched Pike’s murmured words of encouragement and affection as Kimble drank. The moment the first bag was done, Pike tossed it away and picked up the second one.

Kimble must have been feeling better because he took this bag from Pike and sat up. He fed himself with one hand and tangled his free hand with Pike’s.

It was fascinating to watch Kimble’s color come back. He was a pale guy, but with the infusion, his pale went from corpse-white to living-human-white. Vitality returned to his expression, and he was able to talk.

“Good. Yes, thanks,” he said, nuzzling Pike’s big hand.

Well,talkrelative to Kimble.

“I know you need more,” Pike said. “But could you please take some from me? I trust you, and I’m a big guy. You won’t hurt me.”

Kimble’s expression was everything stubborn. “No.”

Pike looked like was going to argue when Kimble let go of his hand and flowed out of the bed. With a blur of motion that should be familiar by now, he was suddenly in front of Cora, his brows furrowed in concern.

Startled, Cora took a half step back, but Kimble didn’t try to grab her. He dropped to his knees in front of her and tilted his head. “Hunger?”

“You want some of my blood?” Cora asked, fear making her heart start to pound.

“No,” Kimble denied. “You hunger.”

Cora’s worry diminished. Kimble must be confused. “I’m human. I don’t drink blood.”

Kimble’s expression didn’t change. “Human hunger.”

Pike moved to stand next to her and pulled in a deep breath through his nose. “You don’t smell right. What’s going on? You smell a little like Corey at work when he’s taken too much insulin for his diabetes.”

Cora looked up at Pike. “You can smell that?”

“Of course,” Pike answered. “And so can Kimble. Are you diabetic?”

Cora shook her head. “I’m not diabetic, but I do go hypoglycemic easily. I should really eat something.”

Kimble peered up at Pike. “Human hunger!” he repeated triumphantly.

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