5. Pietro

5

PIETRO

I pour a cup of coffee, fingers trembling slightly. She’s here, somewhere in the same haven as us. The coffee spills over the edge, dribbling hot down my fingers as I hiss and gnash my fangs at my clumsiness. After setting the pot back on the heater, I wipe my hands on my pants as Alé comes out of the storeroom.

He dropped her off hours ago so she could get settled before her meetings. I haven’t even seen her yet.

She’s been busy and focused; I’ve felt that.

My brother bumps me with his hip. “Tell me what she’s feeling right now.”

It’s a game we like to play, since he can’t yet feel her through a bond between them.

“She’s excited,” I whisper. “Ready to see us.”

Alé lets out a soft, needy groan, eyes rolling back in his head as he grins. When he’s done with that, he brings his focus to mine. “Seeing her is like coming home. I cannot wait to watch you both when she sees you for the first time.”

As if on cue, the front door bell dings cheerfully.

In a moment, all the air is sucked from the room, and time slows. A thread somewhere deep in my chest yanks and tugs, forcing my eyes toward the front of the shop. A curvaceous figure stands in the doorway, framed by fading sunlight. She wears thigh-hugging black slacks, elegant strappy heels, and a bustier that shoves her gorgeous breasts up. A transparent lacy sweater gives her a sort of sexy librarian vibe. Wavy blond hair is pinned into a messy bun on top of her head.

Fuck.

I’m here for it.

I’m here for any of it. All of it. I need to bite Alé while I fuck her and then switch positions and do it all again. I’ve been running extra hot since he and I played last night.

“Valentina,” I whisper.

Time stops completely, sound muffling as her ruby eyes meet mine. She moves gracefully across the space. Do I imagine her hips swaying so sensually? Was she always this intoxicating? My mind blinks, then roars to life again when she stops on the other side of the counter.

She has to look up to meet my gaze. Heady possession and need scramble my thoughts when she reaches across the counter to squeeze my forearm, eyes wrinkling at the corners. Alé is a ghost by my side, grinning, I’m sure. He’s all smiles when she’s around.

She squeezes my arm. “Pietro, it’s been too long!”

Understatement of the century. Our last coming-together barely sated the soul-deep thirst I have for her. Alé and I took her for days, burying our fangs in every inch of her glorious body. And then, because we were all focused on our individual dreams, we moved on.

Well, they moved on. I think.

I struggled with it. Just like now. It’s hard not to pull her over the counter into my embrace, sinking my fangs into the beautiful vein that travels down the side of her throat. To drop my ziol necklace over her head, tuck it between her breasts, and then put a claiming mark on her skin.

She must sense my scattered thoughts in our bond. Her smile turns into a smirk, fingers curled around my forearm.

“Valentina,” I murmur. “You made it!” I force cheerfulness into my voice as I attempt to get my thoughts together.

She brightens. “Yes! I’m settled at the Annabelle, and now I’m headed to the Historical Society to speak with the former Keeper about what sets Ever apart from other havens. The growth rate here is truly unparalleled.”

I smirk at that. Our previous Keeper—Ever’s de facto mayor of sorts—is best in class. He’s made this place safe and welcoming for all. That’s why monsters of all species flock to Ever. There’s even a harpy who lives in Shifter Hollow, and that is truly amazing. The solitary monsters traditionally shun the haven system, preferring to live in the wild and take their chances.

Valentina nips at her lower lip, drawing my focus there. “Alessandro invited me to dinner. Is that alright? I’d love to catch up…” her voice trails off, breathy and expectant.

Our bond lights up with lust as I grip the countertop, focus narrowing on her neck where that gorgeous vein throbs.

“We can’t wait,” Alé says quietly, saving me from myself.

I can barely summon the strength to look up from the tiny twin fangs that peek out from under her plump upper lip. I’ve had those fangs buried in every inch of my body. Something pangs and twinges deep in my chest.

Dismay. Concern.

I run both hands through my hair. I’m not being a very good mate.

“Of course,” I say smoothly, forcing my voice not to waver. My fingers twitch with the need to touch her. “We’ll cook something delicious. Our loft is upstairs on the top floor. Come back whenever you’re done with your meetings.”

“Okay.” She lifts a hand to rub at her chest.

I need to touch her. I have to. Slipping over the counter, I ignore the stares from our patrons as I slide my arms around her waist and pull her body flush with mine. She sinks easily into my embrace, lashes fluttering as she lifts her gaze upward.

Dipping down low, I press my lips to hers, keeping my eyes open so I can stare at her. She’s even more beautiful than last time we met, her supple figure familiar and intoxicating. My protective eyelid flashes over my eyes, and she moans quietly into the soft kiss.

After a long, tender moment, she steps back, chest heaving as she stares at me.

Does she feel the increasing need to formalize our mating like I do? Does she know and shove that bond aside to pursue her work? Is she so busy, so fulfilled in her life at Hearth HQ that she isn’t consumed by the idea of us the way I am, the way Alé is?

I don’t have the answers to any of those questions. But as she says goodbye and turns to go, I wonder if, perhaps, we’ll get them tonight.