Page 78 of Blood Bound (Blood Mafia 3)

“Perhaps,” I grumble then drink my coffee, squeezing his hand with mine. “Don’t tell anyone or my reputation will be ruined.”

* * *

I leaveColt to go about his business and head to my parents’ apartment. I thought having two bonds would feel intrusive, but if anything, I feel more normal with both. Colt’s general calm eases some of Mateo’s strong emotions. Testing each one out, I shoot a gentle nudge of concern down them.

Mateo’s bursts to life with worry. I quickly send a soothing wave of energy and see if I can sense Colt’s response. His bond ripples with a questiondo you need me?Unlike Mateo, Colt is able to articulate a response.

Smiling, I send backnoand step out of the elevator, walking down the hall. I knock a few times in case my parents are being gross. When they don’t scream in surprise and I hear no banging, I use the key Colt gave me last night to enter. Easing the door open, I step inside. My stomach grumbles when the scent of freshly fried bacon hits my nose.

Then I pause when I hear my mother’s voice.

“Well, I’ll say I can’t believe you did that. Though I understand, Demi’s been a spitfire since the moment we adopted her.”

“I regret the decision.” Mateo’s voice is like a slap in the face.

Mom is chatting it up with Mateo about me? Whose side is she on?

“Demi, is that you?”

Yeah, like he didn’t know. There’s no way he missed me coming down the hall. I enter the kitchen and glare at Mateo who is sitting at the island with a plate full of food he doesn’t need to eat.

“Mom, why are you talking about me?”

My mother is leaning against the counter across from Mateo. Her hair is in a tight braid and she’s wearing a pair of yoga pants and a loose-fitting T-shirt. Her lips curl into a saccharine smile.

“Why, can’t I talk to yourboyfriend?”

I place my hand on the counter and the other on my hip. “What are you talking about?”

Loyalty is hard to find these days, I swear.

“How Mateo decided to tell us you were his girlfriend when he called and then sprung it on you.”

Wait a minute. They’re not talking about what he did to my dad? I assumed he came to plead his case to her.

“That’s what you were talking about?”

Mom nods. “I told him I couldn’t believe he’d make that story up just to see your reaction. He’s sorry though, you heard that, right?”

“He’s got a lot more to be sorry for than that,” I mumble under my breath.

Mom doesn’t hear it but Mateo does.

“Where’s Dad?” I ask as I lean over to yank the plate from Mateo and pick up the fork. Taking a bite, I narrow my eyes and dare him to say something.

“I see what you mean now, Mateo. She’s definitely playing hard to get.”

“Judas Priest, Mom, really?”

She snorts and slaps her chest. “Oh, Demi. I was teasing you! Mateo didn’t say that. You’re being a snot.” She points at the plate.

I take a bite of toast. “He doesn’t need to eat. I do.”

This takes her by surprise and she glances at the floor.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

The poor thing sounds so embarrassed.

---