Page 43 of Enchant the Dawn

For both their sakes.

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Ava was waiting up for him when he got home. “So, you’ve kissed and made up,” she said, a twinkle in her eyes. “I knew you would.”

“Yeah, right. You know everything, don’t you?”

“What’s wrong now? I thought you’d be happy.”

“I am. It’s just . . .” He tossed his keys on the end table. “You have no idea what it’s like. I want her so damn bad, but mixed up in my feelings for her is the constant desire for her blood. I don’t know how long I can keep my lust separated from my hunger. Dammit, one mistake and I could kill her!”

Pushing out of her chair, Ava crossed the floor and put her arms around him. “Here, now. It can’t be as bad as all that.”

“How the hell would you know?”

“Watch your language, boy. I went through this same thing with your parents, and they both survived. So will you.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if I hurt her.”

“Have some faith in yourself, Dom. Your father is a powerful vampire and he’s passed that strength on to you. And even though you’re not a witch, your mother’s power also resides in you.”

Dominic kissed the top of Ava’s head. “Thanks, Grams.”

“You’ll be all right. But be careful. There’s another Knight in town, Dom. Watch out for this one. He’s been in the Brotherhood a very long time.”

Chapter 19

Maddy slept like a baby and woke with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Last night had been wonderful. So, Dominic was a vampire. It would only be a problem if she made it one. He wasn’t like the ones from Transylvania. He didn’t kill people, he could be up during the day, he ate regular food. The blood he needed was like vitamins, she thought, something he had to have on a regular basis. She could live with that.

She showered and dressed, skipped down the stairs and into the kitchen, where she made a big breakfast—bacon, eggs, a bran muffin, and a cup of coffee. Filled with energy, she ate quickly, washed the dishes, mopped the floor, and threw a load of clothes in the washer.

She was looking around for something else to do when her phone rang. She grabbed it, thinking it was Dominic. Instead, it was her mother. “Mom! Hi.”

“Maddy, how’s everything?”

“Couldn’t be better.”

“You sound awfully cheerful. Did you win the lottery?”

“Better! Mom, I met a guy.”

“Well, it’s about time! What’s his name? What does he do for a living?”

“His name is Dominic and he’s in business with his father. I don’t know what they do exactly. We just met a few days ago. Wait until you see him! He’s tall, dark, and gorgeous and I’m crazy about him.”

“I’m happy for you, dear. But take it slow, okay? Remember what happened to your sister.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. That’s not going to happen to me.” Her older sister, Fran, had fallen head over heels for a guy three years ago, gotten carried away one night, and wound up pregnant. As soon as Jeffrey discovered he was about to be a father, he skipped town. Seven months later, Melanie was born. Fortunately for Frances, she had met a wonderful guy and they were now living happily ever after in New Jersey.

“You’re my daughter,” her mother said, a smile in her voice. “It’s my job to worry. Listen, sweetie, I’ve got to go. Our table is ready. Call you when I can. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom. Give Dad a hug for me.”

“Will do.”

Maddy grinned as she dropped her phone on the sofa. And then she sobered. What if things got serious between her and Dominic? How would she ever find the words to tell Fran and her parents that Dominic came from a family of witches and vampires?

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