7. Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Micah

I lay my mate in the middle of my bed. I took the long way home, allowing Daisy to process everything and eventually fall asleep. I need to take care of her and then my food. My instinct is correct; her legs hurt her. I don’t want to make her angry by removing her jeans, even though sleeping in them must be uncomfortable. I have to be patient and wait until she reveals her story in detail. Hearing a fraction of the things she went through in her pack infuriates me, and I have to stop myself from going back to kill the men at the club. She won’t get the answers she needs if I tear their heads off like I want to.

I take off her shoes and slide her legs under the covers. She turns on her side, pulling the pillow tight to her chest. My mate is mouth-watering. I want to get lost inside her for months, years, never letting her get more than an arm's length away. It pisses me off that I can’t yet. I have to solve her mysteries first.

I turn away from the bed and walk to the fridge. I need a drink. I haven’t let myself get so depleted in a long time. Of course, I haven’t used so much power all at once. Reading minds, digging into their memories is what causes the draining. I am out of practice since I rarely use that gift anymore. I would do it again and again for her, but I have limits on how much I can handle.

I sneer at the bagged blood as I drain it into a cup and put it in the microwave. I remember when the world didn’t have the conveniences of today. A time when everything was fucking hard. I have learned to adapt, but sometimes I miss it. The days when I could drink from anyone without a care of being caught. As a vampire, I was freer to do what I liked. People were more judgmental, though; if you didn’t fit the mold, you were cast aside as an oddity.

The blood is even less appetizing now that I found my mate. Her blood teases me with its scent. Once we complete the bond, I will only drink from her. As much as I want to bite her, turn her, and fuck her tonight, I need to give her time. I have to leave it up to her when she decides she is ready.

I may not be deserving, but I don’t give a fuck. She’s mine.

I shake my head, taking the cup out as the timer goes off. There was a time when I wouldn’t have given her a choice. I was a brutal bastard at the beginning of my vampire life. I still can be, but not to her.

I lean back on the counter, sipping, staring at Daisy. I eat food, but it doesn’t provide the nutrients I get from blood. I enjoy eating out and trying new things, but there is nothing that satisfies me like blood. The world is running out of new dishes for me to try. I have done many, many things over my existence. Boredom for a vampire can be a dangerous thing. It leads to tempting actions.

Daisy’s scent is still on my fingers. Giving her relief is my greatest pleasure. She gave herself to me, trusting me to give her what she needed. I have known thousands of women. I do not lack experience, but the moment in the closet is the most powerful one I have ever had. I love women. I love their passion, their softness, and their loving hearts. I have slept with women of all ages, body types, and personalities. I have welcomed every one of them, but I do love women with hips I can hold that can withstand my thrusts. With breasts that can pillow my big body as I lay on top of her. Daisy’s body is made for me. My dream came to life. I can’t wait to explore her and test her willingness to follow my lead.

I am a dominant man. I like it how I like it. I enjoy it when my woman follows my orders, deferring to my lead. But that doesn’t mean I want her to be weak. Her submission to me is the definition of strength. The things I will do to her will be because she permits me and trusts me to give her what she needs.

I finish my drink and rinse it in the sink. Since my mate will be living with me, I should make this place more comfortable for her. I circle the bed and grab the only chair I have, dragging it to the end of the bed. I sit and take off my boots. I rest my elbows on my knees, my hands clasped together, and watch her sleep.

Vampires do sleep, but we don’t need a lot of it. We walk in the sun without burning to a crisp. Our eyes can be sensitive to the bright light, but that is the only effect. The morning is coming, and I should rest, but I fear taking my eyes off of her. It still hasn’t completely sunk in that my mate is in front of me after all the years I have spent alone. It doesn’t seem real. I don’t want to close my eyes yet. Plus, I won’t be able to control myself if I lie next to her.

I glare at the door when the scent of a dragon reaches my nose.

Bishop is on the other side. He is a rare gold dragon and someone I have known since he was a toddler. I was friends with his parents and continued to be in his life long after his parents were killed. His brother, Laken, is his twin. They trusted me with the life of their sister, Saphira, and as much as I pretend she annoys me sometimes, I love the shit.

I reluctantly rise and go out to meet him.

Bishop is taller than I am. He has long blonde hair he keeps in a bun most of the time. He is also covered in tattoos. His dragon is massive and dangerous. He leans against the wall across the hall.

“Bishop,” I greet, closing the door softly. I mimic his stance, crossing my arms.

“You found her?” he asks.

“I did.” I don’t pretend not to know what he’s talking about. I knew word would travel fast within the group.

“Congratulations,” he says softly. “How does it feel?”

“You know.” He shares his mate with Laken.

“Yes, but you are much older than I am. You’ve been waiting a long time.”

“True.” I close my eyes briefly, listening to her heartbeat. “Indescribable,” I rasp, looking at him seriously.

“I’m thrilled for you, my friend.”

“I appreciate it.”

“She’s a coyote?” he asks.

I narrow my eyes. “She is, and if I hear one bad word about it…” My fangs descend. “I’ll rip off your dick and make you eat it.”

He holds up his hands. “I meant nothing by it. I would never judge your mate.”

I clench my jaw, forcing my teeth to return to normal. “You can spread the threat through group chat.” Unfortunately, I am included in the group messages. Most of the time, I find it humorous, especially when Sally is typing, but I won’t find it funny if anything is said against Daisy.

“I will. Our friends will be happy for you.”

“Why did you come?” I ask.

“Bash said there is trouble,” he says, frowning.

“When isn’t there trouble when one of us finds our mate?” I scoff. Every bonded pair has had to overcome something before they could live happily ever after.

He chuckles. “True. Is there anything we can do? Laken wanted me to convey his congratulations and his willingness to help also.”

“I’m not sure yet. We have three men in the dungeon. Well, one of them may be dead soon—Daisy slit his wrists. She has been looking for her brother. He’s been missing for nine years.”

“You can’t get the information from them?” he asks with raised eyebrows.

“I killed the other two who were with them trying to do so. You know, if I dig deep into their memories, their weak minds can’t take it. I deferred to her on how to handle the other three. I need more information from her before I can proceed.” I scowl. “The Alpha is on the loose. He was expecting Daisy’s death and sent those men to do it. I’m sure he’s figured out that didn’t happen, and he’s on the hunt for her.”

“We don’t know his motivation,” he guesses.

“He’s hiding her brother. The reasons aren’t exactly clear. Once I know more, I will ask for help if I need it,” I say.

“You know you don’t have to ask.”

I nod. “I do.” He looks at his feet, shuffling. Bishop isn’t a man who shuffles. “What? What aren’t you telling me?”

“I should wait until your mate is settled.”

“Fuck that. What?”

“Penny is pregnant,” he says, his eyes shining.

“Shit, brother.” I step close and clasp his shoulder. “It’s my turn to say congratulations.” Any baby in our community is something to celebrate.

“Fuck, I’m going to be a dad.” He sighs. “Laken didn’t want to leave her alone. We just found out last week. We wanted to confirm it before sharing.”

“It’s amazing news.” I cup his neck, pressing my forehead to his. “I will take care of my mate. You go home and take care of yours.” I step back.

“This doesn’t mean we can’t help,” he says.

“Yes, it does. Your mate is carrying a dragon shifter. It is a rare breed. She needs you more than I do.” It would wreck all of us if something happened to Penny or the baby.

“Saphira will stand in for us,” he offers.

“Alright.” Now is not the time to tell him she’s been learning from me. “Go home to your mate.”

“Keep me informed,” he says, turning toward the stairs.

“One more thing,” I say, and he stops on the first step, looking over his shoulder. “Inform the group that when they meet my mate, if any of their possessions go missing, don’t say anything. I’ll replace it.”

He tilts his head. “This is a possibility? Things go missing?”

“Yes,” I confirm. I don’t wait for a response; I enter the apartment, shutting and locking the door. I resume my position, watching my mate’s chest rise and fall. Reaching for the neck of my shirt, I pull it over my head and lean back in the chair. Dropping my shirt on the floor, I stretch my legs and cross my ankles.

I’m still fucking thirsty.

My thirst isn’t going to be quenched until I can feed on Daisy. I fold my hands over my chest, my knuckles turning white from the pressure. I have to force myself to stay in the chair.

Any vampire who finds their mate, no matter how old, has a difficult time controlling their urges. We are naturally possessive; any shifter is, but we are a different breed. Shifters are different. They are naturally open with their need for physical touch. Throughout time, shifters can have more than one mate they bond with forever. Vampires are too aggressive to share. We are selfish. Possessive. Ruthless. I'm not saying shifters aren’t; I know many who would chop you to pieces for looking at their mate. I can’t rule out the possibility of a vampire throuple, but in my experience, I haven’t met anyone with such a bond.

I roll my eyes when I hear my phone buzz. The news is out. I smile as I read the text from Sally.

Your sexy vampire ass is taken now. :-(

I shake my head. Only the rabbit can distract me.

I am watching her now.

Oh…the fun kind of watching?

She’s sleeping.

I love texting with Sally. At first, the sound of my phone going off ten times in a row before I was able to hit send was frustrating. I have learned to wait for her rapid, short responses. The woman can’t put all her thoughts in one message.

Bummer.

Your old ass needs some action. ;-)

Don’t worry about me.

I have worried.

Thrilled for you.

Thanks. What are you doing? Do you have a hot date?

Always.

I get bored easily.

That’s been my line.

I worry about my friend. As much as she avoids talking about it, she does get lonely. I want her to find her mate, too.

Not anymore

I bet she is beautiful.

I wait for the dots the customary five seconds, and when she doesn’t go on, I text.

She’s magnificent. I want you to meet her.

Tell me when.

You aren’t going to say anything?

About? :(

What is the point of emojis? You’re just emphasizing the statement you made.

Daisy is a coyote.

I don’t have to wait long for her first response.

I had a fabulous couple of nights with two coyote shifters at a hotel.

We never left the room.

We racked up the room service bill.

We ate.

We fucked.

Talked for hours.

We could relate to each other on many levels.

Do you know how often I’ve heard a joke about rabbit shifters?

Certain breeds are lumped in with the bad ones.

Coyotes are one of them.

I would never judge your mate.

Anyone who gives a shit about you won’t either.

We all have a little crazy in us.

I do.

You do, too.

That’s why we get along so well.

I grin. Fucking Sally.

She will love you.

I know.

I'll let you know when.

I’ll be sure to wear my most expensive jewelry.

Promise to upgrade it when you replace it.

:-D :-* :-P

Deal.

Sally is loyal, kind, sexy, and devious. A dangerous combination to the men in this town. I would kill anyone who fucked her over.

If there is trouble, call me.

Sally is always up for trouble.

Of course.

Later, vampire.

Bye, rabbit.

I drop my phone to my lap and lace my fingers behind my head. She’s right; her species has been labeled a certain way. She can relate to Daisy. I hope they can be friends. I think Sally will be good for my mate. Our friends, especially Quinn and Bash, play it off as if she annoys them, but I know they would defend and protect Sally. She hides plenty behind her humor. I see the painful years in her eyes. She can’t fool me; I’ve made it a habit of watching people. Most of the time, their words hide what’s lurking under the surface.

I have hidden plenty. You can’t live as long as I have without demons. I hope Daisy can handle everything I am. I have thought about having a mate for too many years to count. I feared whoever the universe put in my path wouldn’t accept me. Now that she is lying in my bed, it doesn’t matter. I’m going to keep her, and do my best to convince her my monster will use all the blood in my past to protect her future.

I glance out the window and notice the sun is beginning to rise. When I look back, Daisy’s eyes are open and staring at me, or more precisely, at my chest. I tilt my head and smile slightly. My tattoos cover every inch of my chest, arms, and halfway up my neck. She seems fascinated by the sight. Her breathing speeds up, and I become alert.

She pushes the covers away and sits up. Her gorgeous hair is tousled, and my hands itch to grab the strands. Her attention is fixed as she gets to her knees and crawls to the edge of the bed.

Fuck. I love a woman who has the confidence to crawl to me.

One foot hits the ground, and then the other. I bend my legs when it doesn’t appear as if she will stop at my feet. I try to keep the shock from my face as she drops to her knees, but my body stiffens; everything hardens. Her hands cup my knees and start sliding. Her eyes finally look up at mine.

“Have you been watching me sleep?” she asks softly.

“Yes.”

“You weren’t tired?” She frowns.

“No.” Her concern is for my well-being and not that I watched her sleep.

“Do you sleep?” she asks, her hands gripping my thighs.

“I do. I don’t need as much as you do.”

“Hmm…” She looks at her hands. “Can I touch you?”

“You can.” I grind my teeth. “At your own risk.”

We’ll see if I can keep myself from taking her.