“We’re not mated. Not officially. I don’t even think thereisan official ceremony for our kind. Bonding doesn’t really apply, and most Vampires don’t mate for life since we live a little longer than Shifters and Chitahs.”
“So I’ve heard.” He rubbed his chin against his arm while staring at my bed. “If you’ve declared your intentions to each other, that’s as good as mating. Which brings me back to my question. Where is he?”
“We have flexible sleeping arrangements.”
His eyebrow arched. “How convenient for him.”
“And me. Christian doesn’t sleep. What’s he going to do, lie here and stare at the ceiling all night, lulled into boredom by the sound of my breathing?”
“I pity a man who can’t appreciate the simple things.”
I pulled the cover over my legs since his gaze was drifting south. “You don’t know what it’s like to be a Vampire. I’m only half, but on sleepless nights, time moves like molasses. It’s hard to sit still, and your mind wanders. Those are the nights we enjoy spending time together. And sometimes we sleep together.”
“Sometimes?”
“Sex and sleep are two different things. Did you come all the way up here to pry into my sex life?”
His long hair curtained his face when he rested his chin on his hands. “After my wolf met your other housemates, I went home to pack. Viktor said you’re taking off at any moment. I wasn’t sure when I’d see you again, so I thought I’d come up and visit for a minute.”
“If it’s to thank me, don’t bother. I just threw the idea at Viktor, but you earned it.”
“Actually, it wasn’t my choice to come in the first place.”
I jerked my head back. “What do you mean?”
“Crush had a hand in my decision. After Viktor and I spoke on the phone, I called Crush to tell him about the offer. He already knows about you and Keystone, so Viktor didn’t have a problem with my calling him for advice.”
“My father made you come?”
“It’s a good offer, but I had my reservations. For one, it’s not a pack. All I’ve ever known is pack life, and I don’t know if this is helping me toward that goal or taking me away from it. Your old man gave me some good advice.”
“And what was that?”
“That I should stay here and keep an eye on you.”
I chuckled and fell on my side, my head hitting the pillow. “Please tell me that’s not why you accepted the position. Your job isn’t to be my guard dog.”
He leaned back. “No, it’s not. My priority is watching over Hunter. But it doesn’t hurt to be close by, just in case you need me. Well, not me personally, but my help. Your dad says that you bottle things up and need someone to listen. He doesn’t think your boyfriend will give you sound advice, so I’ll be here if you need to talk. No strings attached.”
I rubbed my eyes sleepily. “Thanks. It’s nice having a friend around.” I yawned noisily and nestled into the covers. “How did it go with Gem and Wyatt meeting your wolf?”
His dark eyes sparkled. “From what they tell me, Gem was nervous, but my wolf has never harmed a woman. In fact, he’s quite gentle with them. Your friend with the hat wasn’t so lucky.”
“Wyatt?”
“I bit him in the ass. Not sure what he did to provoke it, but he shouldn’t have fled. Running incites the beast in me.” Switch sat up straight and grinned. “Don’t worry. He’ll live.”
Between Shepherd and Niko, I wondered which man would have the honor of putting his hands on Wyatt’s ass to heal him.
“What are you laughing at?” Switch asked.
“Nothing. I just have a tickle in my throat.”
He rose from his chair. “Anyhow, I just wanted to say that I’m here for you. I’m not keeping a torch lit in hopes that you’ll change your mind, so you don’t have to worry about things getting weird between us.” Switch lingered by my bed and gave me an ambiguous look. “He’s a lucky man. I just hope he knows how lucky.”
“I make sure to tell him every chance I get.”
Switch smiled ruefully and strode toward the door.
