Page 91 of Blood Bound (Blood Mafia 3)

I take a second to look at my parents, realizing they’re watching with rapt attention. Pride shines in my mom’s eyes.

Fighting with Alissa is one of my favorite things to do.

“Yeah, they’re so excited.” I turn around to face her only to be punched in the stomach.

Dad boos.

She laughs. “All’s fair in love and war, Robert.”

“Wrong situation to apply this to.” He crosses his arms. “Or is she your girlfriend?”

“Not my girlfriend,” I say, scowling at my friend who looks all too proud of herself. “She’s dead meat.”

I charge forward, feigning left then slipping to the right and throwing an uppercut straight to her ribs. I hear the bone crack and grimace.

“You asked for it.” I’m only a little sorry. Knowing she’ll heal within a matter of minutes helps with my guilty conscience.

We exchange punches, kicks, and elbows for a while, drawing it out for my parents’ sake. Every time I land a hit my mom screams like a banshee. More than a few vampires leave because she’s loud as hell. Even with my adrenaline pumping I can’t shake off the shrill sound.

“Mom, enough with the screaming.” I duck under a punch. “Are you trying to break my ear drums?”

She slaps her hand over her mouth, muffling another scream when I roundhouse kick Alissa. The vampire goes down and I hop on top of her.

Pressing my elbow into her throat, I smirk and wink at her. “All’s fair in love and war, Liss Liss.”

“Whatever. You win.” She smacks the mat.

“Ha! That’s my girl. Did you see that?”

I frown when Dad asks the question. Everyone else left, so who is he talking to?

Lifting my eyes, I glance toward the gym doors to see Grayson standing there, shaking his head at me and wearing a wiry grin.

“Blaze is here.”

And with those words, the magic spell is broken and all happy thoughts flee only to be replaced by anxiety and anger.

It’s about time. X has waited long enough.

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