Page 19 of Death and Donuts

“As you suggested, I’ll stick with the bonbons for the vampire clientele. I’ve asked Miles for help figuring out what ‘sweet' foods the other races like to eat. And since our initial core clientele will probably be humans, I’ll work on some ‘creature’ themed treats for them.”

“Please tell me that means you’re going to make more fairy trash,” Vena said, perking up.

“Only if you stop being a pain in my backside.”

She saluted me and stood when I did.

“If there’s nothing else, we’ll get going,” I said.

“I should go too,” Shepard said. “I’ll get you what you need, Cross.”

Shepard followed us out and opened my car door for me.

“If you’re headed home, would you mind if I follow you?”

“Is there a reason? I mean, not that you’re not invited. I just know you have a lot on your plate.”

His grey eyes were filled with something I wasn’t sure I could or wanted to name. “You asked for an update on the vampire situation last night. I thought we could discuss.”

“Sure. As long as you don’t mind me baking while we talk. I’d like to make a few more test samples before our shift.”

“Without your blood,” he said.

“Without,” I agreed.

That seemed to ease some of the tension in his shoulders. “I’ll be there soon.”

Shepard waited in the parking lot until he saw us drive away. When I glanced in the rearview mirror, I saw him walking back inside the building.

“Crap. He just went back in. Do you think he’s going to give Cross a hard time?”

Vena grinned. “Probably. You’re like catnip. Or whatever a wolf and vampire like. Blood and doggy treats?”

“You weren’t helping the situation,” I said.

“Your definition of helping would be to ignore it. You know I love you like a sister from another mister, but you all need a push toward each other. I’m that guiding hand.”

“I’m not ready to make decisions about what I want romantically. I want things to happen naturally, and you’re making it hard on everyone.”

“Hard on?” She snorted. “That’s what she said.”

“Vena,” I softly scolded. “I’m serious.”

“Fine. But you’re missing out on some prime action. And maybe you don’t have to decide. Maybe you can have a three?—”

“Stop!”

Vena smiled. “I’ll leave that idea alone for now. But you can’t honestly think you can string along two prime cuts of meat and nothing will happen.”

“I’m not stringing anyone along. This isn’t the time for…whatever is going on.”

“It’s nevernotthe time.”

“Vena,” I said with a pleading groan. “Can we not do this right now? I’ll make you fairy trash if you don’t talk to me about Cross or Shepard for a week.”

“Counteroffer. You make fairy trash, and I won’t talk about them for twenty-four hours.”

“How is that a counteroffer?”

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