Page 79 of The Huntress

He pressed his mouth over hers. She savored his soft lips, inhaled his scent, and tasted his heat, then moaned as he did as she had silently asked. He lifted her other leg, and with one thrust, buried himself to the hilt. She cried out, her thoughts drowning in pleasure. Within minutes, with their breathing erratic, he carried her back to their room. When he opened the door, he stilled. He remained there, staring at their bed.

“Callie,” he whispered, then lowered her feet to the floor, and twisted her toward the bed.

Her breath hitched at the girl curled up on the pillow. She was asleep, her bare body shivering.

“Is that…George?” Callie asked Gabe, stepping farther into the room, careful to make as little sound as possible. “Dress her please, Gabe.” With a flick of his wrist, pink pajamas covered the child. Her long black hair, minutes ago a bird’s nest, was now braided. Tiny bunny slippers adorned her feet. “How is this possible?”

“She’s a shifter, Callie. Though, how she changes from a rat into a girl, I can’t say. Many vampires have yearned to understand the genetics of our mortal enemies. It’s therefore understandable why the shifters choose not to reveal their…magic.”

“Magic?” She mouthed, arching her brow. Disbelief consumed her mind, but she brushed it aside. It was a human reaction, which she wasn’t anymore. The evidence of the glowing orange symbol on her wrist should have proved she knew nothing of his…their world.

She sat on the side of the bed. A diaphanous negligee with a deep-V neckline appeared, hugging her curves. She shot a look at Gabe despite smiling. A matching gown appeared, and she sighed, accepting she was lucky to get that. Soon, he would show her how to conjure items as he did. If she relied on him for her wardrobe, who knew what he’d dress her in.

“Gabe? I have to save her.” She brushed a curl off the little girl’s forehead.

“I understand, but she’s a shifter in a vampire Hold. Her life won’t be safe here either.”

“What if she has no one?” She raised wide eyes, pleading with him.

“If she chooses to stay with us, Callie, then she’s welcome. You take care of George. I’ll create a bedroom for her.” Gabe kissed her temple and left.

She stared after him, her heart swelling to overflowing, seizing her breath. He was such a wonderful man. Somehow he’d known chasing George away would tear Callie apart.

“George?” She stroked the girl’s cheek, trying to wake her without frightening her.

Her long eyelashes fluttered against her caramel skin, and big black eyes peered up at Callie.

“It’s Tara, but I like George better.” She scrambled to sit up, all thin limbs and clumsiness. She rubbed an eye with her small hand, and Callie’s heart softened.

Offering George a gentle smile, she climbed on the bed to lean against the headboard and tugged the girl onto her lap. “George it is, then.”

“Did Gabe dress me?” She snuggled against Callie, who kept her arms wrapped around her.

“Yes. Do you like it?”

“I do, though I shouldn’t. Pink’s easy to spot.” Her words hinted at a sad history, one where George had to linger in the shadows to survive.

Callie scowled. “There’s no need to hide anymore. You’re with me now. I’ve got you, little one.”

“Gabe’s a vampire,” George whispered.

“So am I. Are you scared of me too?”

“I’m not scared,” she said, despite the squeak in her voice.

“Of course you’re not. You’re fearless, George. So spill it. You’re a shifter?” she asked, and George nodded. “Right. Where are your parents?”

“It’s just my mama, and she couldn’t keep me, not when I’m a poly.”

“Poly?”

“My brothers are wolf cubs. I should’ve been one.”

The way she said that had Callie frowning. There was longing in her voice, as if being a werewolf meant she belonged. Callie could relate to the need for a family. It must be a universal need, across all species.

“We have to find your mom,” Callie said, but George trembled in her arms.

A sharp unpleasant smell followed. She shifted to face the little girl, connecting the child’s gaping mouth and wide eyes to the acrid stench.

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