Page 49 of My Boyfriend Bites

“More than twice my age,” she murmured.

“Which is only a number. And for vampires, not one we pay attention to.”

“I’d say maturity matters.”

“I disagree,” he interjected. “And I am assuming you are speaking in terms of us being involved, to which I would say it’s all about the personality and common interests.”

There he went assuming they’d end up together.

She didn’t exactly hate the fact he kept trying.

“You said you could smell my wolf. How is that? My brother, who has a really keen sense of smell, can’t detect our kind in human shape.”

“Scent isn’t the right term, but it is the closest. Every living being oozes something, call it pheromones or a perfume. Yoursreminded me of the woods and”—he paused before adding— “damp fur.”

She shoved his arm. “I do not smell like a wet dog.”

“Only faintly and it’s not unpleasant,” he hastened to add.

“Is that why you chased after me? Because you knew my secret?”

“I pursued you because you appeal to me like no other. I sincerely hope now that the truth is out in the open that you will give me a chance.”

“A chance to do what?”

“Be your lover.”

She almost stumbled because him saying it aloud had her feeling it where it counted. Between the legs. It reminded her of how she’d felt before the interruption. Made her crave it again.

“Well?” he asked, waiting for her reply.

“I think I have lots to think about.”

They entered the ship through an exit door propped open. People had chosen to go outside rather than stay cooped up in the dark, but they’d been smart and wedged the doors so they didn’t close and lock. They passed clusters of passengers as they neared her stairs, which would take them up the last level to her suite, which was when she remembered, “Someone came knocking at my door after you left.”

“Who?”

“Said it was the captain, but I couldn’t see, and when I didn’t open, they began trying to break in.”

“Hence why you left,” he murmured.

“They seemed pretty determined, and I was trying to not wolf out.”

“Wolf out?”

“It’s what we call it when I can’t keep from shifting,” she sheepishly admitted.

“Does it happen often?”

“Only when my emotions and adrenaline spike.” She paused before adding, “It’s led to me trying to always be cheerful and look on the bright side. To let everything just slide off my skin.”

“You don’t sound as if you like turning the other cheek.”

“It would be nice to be able to stand up more often for myself. To not get pushed around.” To not always paste a smile on her face and pretend everything was fine. She had her family fooled into thinking she was okay, but in reality? She was one emotional break away from being outed.

“It sounds as if this has been an ongoing issue.”

“Yeah,” her soft admission. “I’ve tried drugs and meditation. Exercise and even diet. But nothing seems to work.”

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