Page 62 of Mated to the Human: Volume One

“You don’t have to thank me, bossman.” Ammon grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.

Leander moved his gaze to Bellicent. “Bell, thank you. You’re a hell of a warrior.”

She chuckled. “Heal, vampire. I have a feeling our war is just getting started.”

Leander nodded and looked up at Merri. Merri carded his fingers through Leander’s hair, his eyes still red-rimmed. Leander knew Bell was right. He also knew he’d fight forever if it kept Merri safe.

11

Merrick opened his eyes to afternoon sunlight, his favorite soft blanket draped over him, and Maple asleep in his lap. He didn’t have to wonder where Leander and the others were because their quiet voices were drifting in from the kitchen. Derek, Hollis, Cane, and Jake had all come over to check on them after last night’s attack.

The mages had apparently saved the day at the gym, using their shields to keep the occupants from permanent harm. They hadn’t managed to save the building, but buildings could be rebuilt. The humans who’d done the attacking were mostly in custody—including Neal and his son, Richard.

Merrick felt a vicious surge of triumph at that. Even if some of the other masked men had managed to slip away.

“I thought I heard you wake up,” Leander said, coming around the corner with a steaming cup in his hand. He sat down on the couch by Merrick’s hip, facing him. Maple didn’t budge and even let Leander run a hand over her head. “Here. Entirely too much sugar, just how you like it.”

Merrick chuckled and pushed himself up to sitting. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep while we have company.”

Leander leaned in, pressing a kiss to Merrick’s lips before handing him the coffee. “Don’t worry about it, love. You went through quite the ordeal last night. You need rest to recover.”

“I’m not the one who got stabbed.”

Leander shook his head with a smile. “Vampire healing works a touch faster than human healing, I’m afraid.”

With a sigh, Merrick took a sip of his coffee. It was perfect. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“No, I mean…” Merrick lowered the cup and reached one hand out to lace his fingers with Leander’s. They hadn’t had much chance to talk, just the two of them, since the night before. They’d both been exhausted by the time they got home, and Ammon was determined not to let either of them out of his sight for the foreseeable future. Then their friends had shown up. All of which Merrick was grateful for, but he needed some time for just the two of them, too. “Thank you for coming for me.”

Leander’s dark eyes widened before turning unbearably soft. “That’s not something you ever have to worry about or thank me for.”

Merrick nodded, taking another sip of coffee.

Leander squeezed his hand and lowered his voice. “How about I tell our friends you need your rest and shoo Ammon out the door? Then, I’ll find myself something cuddle-appropriate to wear, and we can spend the rest of the day right here.”

Merrick smiled at him. “You’re perfect. You really are.”

* * *

Later, after the sun had set and another movie was getting ready to roll credits. Leander carded his fingers through Merri’s curls. His mate’s head was in his lap, that same soft blanket still draped over him. They’d finished off a pizza and some lemon cookies from the coffee shop across the street.

Merri’s breathing was slow and relaxed, but Leander could tell he hadn’t drifted off again.

Taking a breath, he spoke softly, not wanting to burst the peaceful bubble they found themselves in. “I knew your grandfather.”

“What?” Merri sat up immediately, searching Leander’s face.

“We weren’t close, but I’d see him at various parties and things around town. He was always kind to me. Friendly acquaintances, I guess you’d say. He truly believed that humans and paranormals could live in peace.”

“Wow,” Merri said, awe written into every line of his face. “You’ll have to tell me everything.”

“I will, love. He’s the reason I call you Merri, though. I hadn’t seen him in years, but then I ran into him at city hall. He’d gotten much older, and when I asked how he’d been, he told me about his enchanting new grandchild, Merri.”

Merri’s eyes turned shiny. “He always gushed about me. Even when I was there and old enough to understand.”

“He loved you.”

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