Page 106 of Bite Marks

“You’re made of tougher stuff than I gave you credit for.”

Her eyes met mine over the rim of her cup, sharp winged liner and long, mascara-dark lashes drawing attention to the beautiful oceanic colour.

Though I already knew the answer, I wanted to make sure Juniper knew she was invited. And, if I was honest… I was kind of hoping she’d offer an alternative time for us to see each other again. Sleeping beside her soft body was a comfort I’d been craving since she’d been missing from my bed.

“Do you want to come over Saturday after work?”

“Sorry,” the redhead said, sounding anything but. “I have a date with your girlfriend.”

I looked over at Ren, and she shrugged.

“Told you. June bought us tickets to the theatre a few months ago, Pet. Afraid we’ll have to miss this one.”

“Aw, that’s really too bad,” I sighed. “You're always up in the loft. I feel like I barely see you.”

Cole flopped down on the couch on my other side, tilting his shaved blond head back against the cushion. “What’re we gossiping about?”

“Juniper avoiding Striker,” Dana said, her tongue pressing against her fang.

She was goading Juniper, but the redheaded vampire didn’t fall for it.

“Actually, we were talking about girls’ night. Saturday at Striker’s—Babydoll’s,” Ren said, clearly trying to be helpful.

"Well, non-man’s night. Do you want to come, Blondie?”

“Oh, I amin.” He dragged out the last word. “I love it when Babydoll gets wine drunk and starts spilling secrets.”

Dana chuckled, brushing a quick kiss over my cheekbone. "I need to go do the security check. I'll see you later?"

“Yeah. Give me an actual kiss, though?”

Dana obliged, taking her time enjoying the moment until Cole groaned.

“Okay, okay, lovebirds! I’m loving this new dynamic, but we should get ready to open.” He hopped up from the couch, waving Juniper away. "Off to your tower, you maidenless heathen."

“Watch your mouth with me, Blondie. I’m not fucking you, so I have very little regard for whether you have use of your cock. And access to extremely sharp scissors.”

“Good, maybe you’ll do me a favour. Always wondered how the other side lived.”

“Why don’t we go get ready?” Ren asked, offering a hand to help me up amidst Juniper and Cole’s continued bickering. “Maybe if we’re quick you can help me figure out a costume for Saturday?”

“Costume?”

“Yeah, we’re going to a midnight showing of Rocky Horror.”

“Oh, that will be amazing!” I said wistfully, and Ren raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t take you for a theatre nerd.”

“I think I’ve proven time and again that I’m into more stuff than you give me credit for.”

Ren laughed. “I’ll just have to keep finding these secret preferences then.”

“That you will.”

The week went by uneventfully—unless you counted the incessant coddling of four vampires.

When Saturday night rolled around, I was looking forward to a few days off, at least so I could have a little alone time. As aloneas one could be while hosting girls’ night in Kaylee’s apartment, as she’d graciously agreed that it sounded like a good idea, and a date with Ren tomorrow afternoon…

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