Page 65 of Bitten Shifter

“Six thousand?” I stare. “That’s three times my normal intake.”

“Welcome to being a shifter. You can talk to the doctor later about blood tests and all that. They will explain.”

“Ah, tests,” I say, pushing the sandwich aside and reaching for my coffee. It’s dark and bitter—not great, but better than last night’s instant swill. At least it gives me the caffeine jolt I need.

A sudden hush falls over the hall like a wave receding, and the surrounding chatter dies. I glance up, puzzled. Riker snorts, stifling a laugh.

“What?” I whisper.

He doesn’t reply; instead, his gaze shifts to something—or someone—behind me.

I turn and see Merrick.

The Alpha Prime prowls through the mess, his icy blue eyes fixed on me. Under his coat, he’s wearing a dark blue T-shirt and designer jeans. The shirt clings to his defined muscles, rippling as he walks.

My heart hitches. Where’s his suit? I glance at his feet—high-end trainers. Now I’ve seen it all.

The Prime looksgood.

“Lark.” Merrick leans against the table, his eyes roving over me like I’m the only person here.

I lift my coffee, meeting his intense gaze with forced calm. “Dickhead,” I reply, deadpan.

Riker nearly topples from his chair, howling with laughter. Merrick’s lips twitch, his icy façade cracking just enough to reveal a hint of warmth. The rest of the mess hall is deathly silent, disbelief hanging in the air.

A chair scrapes, followed by a muffled whisper, “Did the human just call the Alpha Prime a dickhead?”

“Shush, she’s his fated mate.”

Merrick shakes his head and leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. Ever since announcing his intentions, the man has become insufferably touchy-feely.

“Hello, little mate,” he says, his tone laced with affection. “I’ve missed you.”

“It’s only been a day,” I point out.

“A day is plenty of time to see you are not safe here. After your medical exam today, we’re leaving.”

“Leaving?” I echo, thrown off-guard. A vampire on the prowl has not exactly helped my nerves—or Riker’s—but a surge of relief washes over me. I’ve never felt comfortable here.

He nods, his expression gentle. “You will be safer with me.”

Safer with him. I sip my coffee, rolling the idea around in my head. At least it won’t be dull.

“He’s been here all night, ever since you ran into that vampire,” Riker says, sounding smug.

My chest tightens at the thought. “That’s… nice. Sorry if I caused you any trouble. I didn’t mean for anyone to be dragged out in the middle of the night.”

“You will never be a problem, Lark,” Merrick says, his voice unwavering. “Now, come on—you have got a medical appointment. I will walk you.”

I down the last sip of coffee, grab what is left of my sandwich, wave goodbye to Riker and follow him.

He slows his pace, closing the distance between us as if he can’t resist being near me, nudging my shoulder lightly with his. I huff and sidestep; he smiles that infuriatingly soft smile.

Outside, the morning air is crisp. Merrick gestures towards the main building. “The clinic’s around the back.”

“Thank you.”

I finish the sandwich just as he opens the door. We enter, met by a receptionist whose fluttering lashes and saccharine smile are aimed right at Merrick.

---