Page 67 of Blood and Bonbons

Shepard paused as if choosing his words. “There was evidence of a vampire.”

I glanced uneasily at Vena.

It had to have been Cross. But what evidence did he leave behind? And then I thought of the note he had written. No, I’d thrown that away, and I’d cleaned up the bonbon plate. There hadn’t been a thing left out to say a vampire had been there.

Vena seemed to have the same thoughts.

“A vampire?” she said, sounding skeptical. “How can you tell a vampire was in the house? Was there a blood trail or something?”

Understanding she was still on her werewolf kick and trying to figure out if they all had keen senses of smell, I discreetly reached over and pinched her side as Doc and Buzz came from around the house.

“No other signs,” Doc said.

Did they think the vampire would try to break in again when the front door was already busted?

“So the vampire’s gone, then, right?” I asked.

“Right. But I don’t want the two of you staying here alone. Anchor will stay with you tonight.”

When Vena brightened, I shook my head. “No. That’s okay. We’ll be fine. He’s already installing the new lock.”

“By the looks of it, the previous lock had been easily broken. Either he stays, or I stay.”

Vena raised a brow at me.

I felt a flush stain my cheeks as I struggled not to glance at Doc and Buzz as they went to the SUV.

“Anchor can take my bed, and I’ll sleep with Vena.”

“He’ll be on the couch by the door,” Shepard said as if his word was law.

I doubted Anchor would fit comfortably on our couch, but I wasn’t going to argue. It was late, and I was tired.

“As long as he’s okay with it,” I said.

“He is. Go inside.”

“Thank you.” I headed into the house and past Anchor. “Sorry you’re stuck with us.”

“I volunteered.”

That made Vena smile at him. He glanced at her and then back at the knob. I made a note to wear my headphones to bed. I didn’t want to know what happened beyond my bedroom walls.

In addition to worrying about Anchor staying the night, I worried about when Cross would appear tomorrow. As much as I wanted to pretend otherwise, Vena was right about Shepard and his crew. There was something more going on with them. And I really didn’t want Cross and the Blur guys to meet until I knew what.

By the time I washed up and got ready for bed, Shepard and the others were gone. Anchor sat rigidly on the couch while Vena perched on the armrest next to him. Her open stare was sending all the inviting vibes.

Anchor cleared his throat. “So how did you and Everly meet?”

“In kindergarten. Some other girl took the brownie from Everly’s lunch that her grandma made her. I wasn’t a fan of bullies. Then or now. I got the brownie back, earned myself a lecture on fighting, and found myself a best friend.”

“That’s a long time to be friends. You’re both so different.”

“Not really. We balance each other. She is a positive, calming influence, and I help her have fun and stand up for herself.” Vena leaned toward Anchor. “I could help you stand up too if you want.”

“I’m out of the bathroom if anyone needs it,” I said loudly, making Anchor jump even though he wasn’t the one doing anything wrong.

Vena stood and winked at me before looking at Anchor.

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