Page 29 of Blood Bound (Blood Mafia 3)

I scowl at my reflection, telling my voice of reason to kiss my ass. Seriously, I don’t need her shit on top of everything else going on.

We’re about twenty minutes away when Blaze breaks through the tense silence with a loud clearing of his throat.

“Demi, I owe you an apology.”

I twist in my seat to face him. “Oh? For trying to stake your claim on me the first time or the second time?”

Grayson is driving, and he flicks his gaze to the rear-view mirror and glares at Blaze.

Melony sits between Mateo and Blaze. Mateo is eying Blaze like he might make him his own personal snack. The poor little thing looks uncomfortable as hell.

Blaze sighs and runs his hand over the shirt he’s wearing, tugging on the end which has ridden up to reveal his hard abs. “The second time. I won’t apologize for the first.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Why not?”

He shrugs. “Your energy is strong. Any alpha would want to claim that for his own.”

Scoffing, I flip him off, cringing when I remember the kid is sitting right there. “Has anyone ever told you your apologies suck?”

With a laugh, he shakes his head. “You’re funny, Demi.” Then he grows serious and stares into my eyes. “I’m sorry for trying to take you against your will. I lost it when I found she’d been taken. The ransom to get her back was you. I’d do anything to save a child, especially this one.” He ruffles the girl’s hair.

I study his face, noting the stubble and bags under his eyes. Silver really does wonders for a wolf’s appearance.

“Did you stop to think I might help you if you explained the situation?”

Grayson shoots him a look in the rearview which readsyeah, did you?

His obvious annoyance with Blaze on my behalf is endearing. Grayson notices my attention is no longer on the wolf and swings his gaze to meet mine. Those storm blue eyes spark with mischief.

I smile at him, fighting off a chuckle. He’s adorable.

“I honestly didn’t consider you’d willingly help me.”

Crossing my arms and facing forward, I blow out a breath that ruffles a stray strand of hair. “Therein lies the problem, everyone thinks they have me figured out when they have no idea who I am. I’m capable of rational thoughts when people aren’t trying to back me into a corner or force my hand.”

No one responds to my muttered words, but Mateo’s eyes are on me. If looks could burn I’d have a giant hole in the back of my head.

We pull into the parking garage fifteen minutes later. Grayson was speeding so Colt and the other car haven’t arrived yet. I unlock my door and jump out, eager to be out from under Mateo’s scrutiny. Grayson helps Melony out of the car, smirking at how she quickly recoils from him once her feet are firmly on the ground. It’s hard to tell if the distrust is natural or conditioned.

Blaze comes around the car and kneels in front of me.

My jaw drops. “Listen, dude, I will kick you in the nads if you ask me to marry you.”

His shoulders shake. A few seconds later he gives up trying to contain himself and drops his head back, letting out a loud bark of laughter.

“I’d be a fool to think you’d leave the Blood Mafia, besides, you’re not the one for me.”

“Glad we agree about something,” I say, tossing my hair over my shoulder.

Blaze settles down and gives me a stern look. “Demi, I’m indebted to you. You saved me and Melony from certain death.”

I glance at the little girl. Her arms are crossed and she’s staring Blaze down. He looks at her too, then drops his gaze when the tiniest rush of power brushes across my senses.

When he looks back up, he smirks at her. “You’re getting stronger, princess.”

“Princess?” I ask, looking to Mateo. “She’s a princess?”

“A figure of speech, Demi. Though for all intents and purposes, Melony is the equivalent to a princess.”

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