“You’ll settle into it soon.” I lean down and press a kiss to his soft lips. “I’ll miss you until we can be together again.”
 
 He rubs his hand down my chest. “I’ll miss you too.”
 
 I back away slowly, still holding his hand, but I’m stopped by the presence of Neal marching towards us, a determined look on his face.
 
 “You,” he says. “How did you…” He pauses, glancing at Kyson. “Can I have a word, please?”
 
 “Certainly.”
 
 Neal walks in front of me, leaving Kyson with a confused expression. I simply shrug before following Neal to a corner of the store.
 
 “What can I help you with, Neal?”
 
 “How did you know I was sick?”
 
 “It’s just a sense I have. Is it serious?”
 
 His expression falls. “Very. I need to take time off.”
 
 “Fatal?”
 
 Neal’s expression hardens. “You sound hopeful?”
 
 “You’re not exactly my favorite person.”
 
 He backs away slightly. “Yeah, I know. I fucked up, okay. In a lot of ways.”
 
 “No, you didn’t. You let Kyson go so he could find me. I’m glad you’re an idiot who didn’t realize he was holding a treasure.”
 
 Neal swallows hard, his pulse quickening. “You don’t have to be a dick about it.”
 
 “Oh, Neal.” I chuckle. “You should see me when I want to be a dick.” I lean close to his face. “You’d shit your pants if I did what I wanted to do to you for the way you treated Kyson.”
 
 “I-I’m not afraid of you.”
 
 “You sure about that?” I grab the front of his shirt, pulling him close as he gasps. “You’re still walking normally because Kyson doesn’t want me to hurt you.” Grinning, I reveal my fangs. Neal’s eyes go wide. “But if he gives me the word, you’ll need a miracle to survive me.”
 
 “What… what are you?”
 
 I release him, smoothing his shirt and blinking back my beast. “Just a protective lover. Be careful with him, Neal. You don’t want to give me a reason.”
 
 He backs away from me, saying nothing before turning around and hurrying off. Could he tell people he saw my fangs and glowing eyes? Sure, but who would believe him?
 
 I return to a bewildered Kyson. “What happened?” he asks.
 
 “Heissick. When I was here before I told him he should go to the doctor. He asked me how I knew.”
 
 “How did you explain it?”
 
 “Called it a sixth sense. Are you sure I can’t kill him? I despise him.”
 
 Kyson pats my chest. “I’m sure. Go on now and let me work. You’re a distraction.”
 
 “Okay, lover, but I’ll be waiting.” I kiss his cheek before forcing myself to leave.
 
 Outside again, I make myself go home to ready my lair for my lover’s return. Tonight should be amazing for him. I want every dream and fantasy he’s ever had to come true, and I want to be the one who delivers them all.
 
 Chapter 27