Brynleigh’s heart caught in her throat, and butterflies exploded in her stomach. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply in an attempt to calm her nerves.
It didn’t work.
She had always thought vampires were cold, emotionless creatures, but maybe that was something her kind learned after several centuries of life. She was as far from emotionless as possible.
Athumpcame from the other side of the door, and a canine growl quickly followed. The doorknob twisted.
Brynleigh’s stomach contorted, and her palms grew sweaty. Shewiped them on her leggings, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Would telling Ryker she’d dreamed about him last night be too forward? Should she hug him or just shake his hand? Or should she keep her distance and let him dictate the physical parameters of their relationship?
She probably should’ve devoted some time to these questions earlier. It would’ve been better than pacing. It was too late now, though. She was out of time.
The door swung open. Brynleigh’s eyes widened as a big black ball of fur bolted across the room, clambered onto the couch, and leaped off the back.
Unlike their initial meeting, this time, she was prepared for Marlowe. The dog, more of a bear than a canine, sailed through the air. She widened her stance and braced for impact moments before Marlowe smashed into her.
The pup was massive. He stood on his hind legs, his front paws pressing against her chest, and he ran his enormous, wet, pink tongue up her face. His tail thrummed a rapid beat, moving so fast she was worried it would break something every time it slammed into the side of the nearby table.
“Hey, Marlowe. It’s nice to see you.” Brynleigh grinned, patting the dog’s head.
She loved all animals, but dogs had always held a soft spot in her heart.
Even with Brynleigh’s vampiric strength, Marlow was pushing her back. Good thing he was so adorable. He could probably eat her favorite shoes, and she’d still forgive him.
Probably.
She’d rather not test the theory, though.
A baritone chuckle came from the door.
“Down, Marlie. Let her breathe.”
Marlowe listened immediately, dropping to the ground. His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he looked eagerly between Brynleigh and Ryker.
“Come here.” Rykerpointed to the floor at his feet.
The dog obeyed instantly, running across the living room and sitting for his master.
Fuck, that demanding tone made Brynleigh’s core twist. She had half a mind to cross the room and sit beside Marlowe.
Who knew hearing someone take charge could be so attractive?
Then Ryker whispered Brynleigh’s name. The deep rumble of his voice was like silk caressing her skin. Talking on the phone had nothing compared to being in person.
She lifted her eyes, heart thundering as she met the fae captain’s gaze. How was it possible that he was even more handsome now than before?
The corners of his eyes crinkled. “Hi.”
A smile dug at her lips.
“Hey.” She stepped towards him, but the couch still stood between them. “How are you?”
His chocolate gaze held hers. “I’m… happy to be home. I’m happy to be with you.”
Did she imagine the way his voice deepened in the last few words? She hoped not. Gods, she hoped he was at least as fucking nervous as her, if not more.
“I’m glad you’re here, too. I kept the apartment clean and didn’t leave a mess. I wasn’t sure where you wanted me, so I slept on the couch. I hope you don’t mind, but I grabbed a pillow and blanket.” Brynleigh was blabbing, but like the pacing earlier, she didn’t know how to make it stop. “Was that alright? I did some laundry because there was some blood on my clothes, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted…”
Her voice trailed off as Ryker crossed the room like a swift current, moving with a speed she didn’t know he possessed.