Page 16 of Death and Donuts

“It’s not like Cross has to sleep. I thought this place would at least have some kitchen structuring done.”

“I don’t have the permits yet,” Cross said.

“Who needs permits when you’re a vampire?” she asked. “Just do your mind-whammy thing and get what you need.”

“The wolves barely tolerate my presence as it is. Do you believe they would look the other way if I started influencing others? If this is to be a legitimate business, I need to show the wolves that I will follow human rules. I cannot expect their trust and continued acceptance of my presence if I treat humans as nothing more than a food source as so many of my kind already do.”

“Fair point,” Vena said.

We followed Cross upstairs where he placed the boxes on the table then took my hand and peeled the small Band-Aid off.

Since I was squeamish about my blood, I hadn’t done anything crazy. Just a poke to my finger with a sanitized safety pin, which I’d admittedly been a baby about. Thankfully, no one had witnessed it.

Cross’ lips closed around the tip of my finger, and my insides went hot at the touch of his tongue against my skin. While he licked, he held my gaze. I saw his hunger, but not for my blood. For me.

Breathing normal became a struggle.

“Since I’m in charge of the book section, I should probably put together a book of Everly for you,” Vena said, reminding us both that she was present.

“Oh?” Cross said after licking my finger a final time. “And what would that book contain?”

“All her likes and dislikes. Obviously, hugs and finger-licking would be on the like side. But her history too. Childhood memories. Adventures she had. Her limited experiences.”

I shot Vena a warning look.

“I’m not sure where your mind is going,” she said primly, “but I’m talking about amusement parks. You never want to go.”

I rolled my eyes at her and faced Cross.

“She’s being extra today. Ignore her, and taste the food. I’m trying to figure out how much blood is needed to appeal to a vampire.”

“Very little is needed,” he said, picking up a bismark.

Vena covered her mouth and said something that sounded suspiciously like, “That’snotwhat she said.”

Ignoring her, I watched Cross closely as he bit into both selections.

“Your flavor is more noticeable in the bonbons. And I believe the bonbons would last longer than these, too. It will take time to build up our clientele, especially vampires.”

“True,” I said. “I didn’t think of that.”

“Now, why is the ever-present Vena causing our Everly trouble today? Problems with a certain wolf?” Cross asked, leaning back to study my best friend, who was looking decidedly annoyed.

“Yes, I’m having boy problems. You’ve lived a long time. You’ve had to see a wolf give up his goods a time or two. What will it take for me to get?—”

“And it’s time to go,” I said.

She made a whiny face and pleaded with her hands. “Come on. Cross knows things. Hey, what about the dwarves? Know anything about the ruling family? We could talk about that.”

Just as I was sitting, she added, “Cross can text me his advice later.”

She winked dramatically at Cross and wiggled her eyebrows at me.

“I will tell you what I know of the dwarves if you vow to deliver the book of Everly to me by the end of next week. I need to understand her deep bond with you.”

I snorted a laugh at her disgruntled expression even as she nodded.

“The current dwarven king, Curran, has ruled peacefully for fifty years,” Cross said. “His wife’s tomb lies within the mountain. She died giving birth to Princess Indri, now the heir to her father’s throne since Prince Hakon has died.”

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