Page 13 of Melissa's Mates (Blissful Bets)

Taking in his handsome face, Melissa scooted forward. “Who are you?” The slight rudeness made her sigh. “I mean, I’m sorry. What is your name?”

“Connor.”

“Connor, it’s very nice to meet you. You mentioned Ayden sent you to watch over me when Tom was after Sarah, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

Melissa nodded. “That was weeks ago. Why haven’t you left?”

He took a shuttering breath and ran his fingers through his dark brown hair. Strands fell to his eyes, capturing her attention. “I don’t know. I mean, I couldn’t leave. We’re meant to be mated. I have this feeling for you, the need to protect you. It’s something I can’t control.”

“Shit.” Channing stood and walked into her kitchen. She turned and watched as he began messing with her coffee pot. Turning her attention back to Connor, she focused on his words.

“You said we’re meant to be mated. What do you mean by that?”

“Werewolves have mates. Once the bond recognizes who that person is, the pull begins. Once the pull goes into effect, there’s no escaping it.”

“And this pull, has is started?”

“It has for me. For you, I’m not sure. When you saw me earlier, did you feel anything?”

Melissa didn’t even need to remember back. The image she saw in her head of his hand touching her face sent heat sizzling over her. “I think I did.”

“She felt it. I saw it in her memories.”

“My memories? What are you talking about?”

Channing walked in as the sounds of the coffee pot echoed in the background. “When I drank your blood, I learned and saw everything that makes you the person you are today. I needed to see it. See, for vampires, we go through something similar to werewolves. We don’t have bonds, but there is a pull. And I know you feel it for me, too.”

Connor jumped to his feet and stalked forward. “You’re lying.”

“Ask her.”

Channing sat down while Connor sunk to his knees directly in front of her. The sadness crossing his face sent weight pushing into her chest. His hand reached for her, but quickly withdrew. Offended that he stopped, she grasped his hand and pulled it into her lap. The beginnings of a smile surfaced on his face.

“I didn’t think you wanted me to touch you. I’m sorry.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Hearing her words, she thought she was the one sounding completely absurd. She didn’t know this man. Why would she want to hold his hand, or even get angry that he’d pulled back?

“Is it true? Do you really feel something for him?”

“Yes. Something. I don’t know what is going on with this…thing we all have going on, but I plan to find out first thing in the morning. Actually, would you both excuse me for a moment?”

Melissa stood, grabbed her phone, and walked to her bedroom. She hit Stephen’s number just as she shut the door.

“Hello?” Music made it almost impossible for her to hear him.

“Stephen, you better go somewhere where you can hear me, right now!”

The music died out as it sounded like he walked outside. “Melissa, are you all right?”

“Fucking vampires and werewolves, Stephen? Please tell me this isn’t possible.”

“I see Channing didn’t erase your memory.”

Air wouldn’t come at the confirmation of her lover. She knew she’d been bit but hearing it from someone other than the people under her roof was enough to almost make her pass out. “Son of a—” Melissa took a deep breath. “What do I do? I have a werewolf and a vampire in my living room who both say we’re all meant to be with each other. Are they full of shit? Should I kick them out?”

“Wait. How did you come across a werewolf, especially one that admitted who he was?”

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