“I do,” she said. “Honest. But, Rylan, you’re so gorgeous. It drives me crazy, knowing every woman who sees you wants you.”
“Ah, darlin’, I don’t want any of them.”
“I know. I’m just a jealous fool.”
“True,” he said, with a laugh. “And I wouldn’t have you any other way.” Still holding her in his arms, he transported them back to their lair and showed her, one more time, just how very much he loved her.
Chapter Thirteen
A week passed and no more fledglings showed up at the bridge seeking Saintcrow’s blood.
“I wonder what happened,” Kadie said while idly surfing through the movie channels until she found one she’d been wanting to see. “Do you think it means they aren’t attracted to your blood anymore? That would be a good sign, wouldn’t it?”
“Perhaps,” Saintcrow said, with a shrug. “But I think it’s more likely that the female I sent away let it be known what happened to her two companions. The vampire community isn’t very big, you know. That kind of news would spread quickly.”
“I suppose so,” she agreed, her brow furrowing thoughtfully.
“Perhaps whatever was calling to them is no longer effective,” he remarked. “Maybe the curse or whatever the hell it was has worn off.”
“Strange that it only effected young males,” Kadie said.
“I have a feeling that Elowynne hates men.”
“Hates them? Why?”
He shrugged. “Maybe I’m not the only man who rejected her advances.”
“Maybe.” It made sense in a twisted sort of way.
“I heard from Izabela late last night while you were in the shower,” Saintcrow said after a moment. “Elowynne is going to meet me at Izabela’s house late tonight.”
“Oh? Why did you wait so long to tell me?”
He shrugged. “No particular reason.”
“You weren’t going to tell me, were you? Until after the meeting.”
“It crossed my mind.”
“You’re not thinking of making me stay home, are you?”
He grinned at the warning note in her voice. “It crossed my mind.”
“I knew it!” she exclaimed, and threw a sofa pillow at him.
He caught it and threw it back at her, then tugged her onto his lap and nuzzled her neck. “Let me?”
“Now? It’s almost time for the movie to start.”
“Just one quick drink?”
She sighed dramatically. “Have I ever denied you anything?”
“Should I name them in alphabetical order?”
“Never mind,” she said, pushing her hair out of the way. “That was a long time ago, before I knew how wonderful you are.”
“I adore you,” he said, and bit her ever so gently. And after that, he kissed her, his hands working their familiar magic as they played over her body, until she forgot all about the movie.