Page 8 of Top Secret Vampire

Tracy’s gasp rang out again.

“Born vampires are literally that,” I said. “My parents procreated in the usual manner, and my mother delivered me much like humans do.”

“That’s amazing,” Reese said.

Tracy was so pale, I worried she’d need a transfusion. “No, it’s atrocious.” She lumbered to unsteady feet, wavering between Reese and my desk. “We need to leave here before this . . . thismonstersucks all our blood and turns us into creatures of the night.” She yanked on Reese’s arm, trying to drag her from her chair.

Reese shrugged her off and pinned me in place with a stern gaze. “Do you want to suck all our blood and turn us into creatures of the night?”

Tracy? No.

Reese? Yes.

Actually, no. It wouldn’t be necessary withher.

“I haven’t turned a single individual,” I said.

Reese patted Tracy’s hand trembling between them. “See? He hasn’t drained anyone’s blood—”

“Yet,” Tracy barked out. “Yet!”

“And he hasn’t shared his own blood with them,” Reese said. “Sit. We’re still interviewing him, and I’ll decide if we’re hiringhim to serve as my bodyguard and exorcist of the potential ghost in my new house.”

“Do not mistake me for a priest,” I drawled. “However, I’d be delighted to guard your body in any way, shape, and form.”

Color rose into Reese’s face. “That’s . . . an interesting statement right there.”

“And inappropriate.” Tracy grumbled, settling back in her seat. “There are other firms we can reach out to. I’ve told you that numerous times.”

“None can compare to Monsters, PI,” I stated. “None can offerme.”

“I don’t see why you’re any different,” Tracy said.

She didn’t need to. Only Reese’s opinion mattered.

“Do these other firms offer vampire protection in particular?” I asked.

“Vampires are useless.” Tracy rolled her eyes. “You can’t even go out in sunlight. How are you going to provide the 24/7 protection we’re seeking if you need to climb into a coffin and turn into a slug at dawn? You’ll be a cold, motionless thing awaiting a stake while my poor Reese will be at the whim of whoever’s trying to harm her.”

I drilled Reese with my eyes. “Has anyone tried to harm you?”

She shook her head. “Just scare me.”

My growl ripped out. “Which is enough. I humbly ask you to accept my offer and allow me to provide the protection you’re seeking.” I slanted Tracy a look I hoped wasn’t laden with the scorn ripping through me. “I donotsleep in a coffin. I donotturn into a slug. And I do not need to sleep all day. As for sunlight,” I thrust out my arm and tugged back my sleeve, “do you note my light tan?”

Tracy leaned forward, scowling. “Not really.”

“It is present. I will happily follow Reese into the sunlight or the darkness, whichever she prefers.”

“Both,” Reese said with a smile. “It’s settled, then.”

“No, it’s not,” Tracy screeched.

Why so vehement?

Perhaps she was involved. If so, she’d soon feel my wrath.

No one touched my mate without her permission. No one threatened to harm her.

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