“You’re seducing me.”
“I want to do more than seduce you.” His fingers grazed my side. “If you don’t wish me to court you, I’ll never speak of my feelings again. Should you find a mate who will worship you and your child, I will host a banquet in celebration.”
I frowned at the offer. “You could switch off your feelings so easily?”
He canted his head. “Make no mistake, you’re my only desire. No one else. But I can’t decide what you do with your heart. I can’t make you love me. So tell me, Joy, how do you feel? Your heart quickens in my presence. The flush in your cheeks gives me hope. I want you, but if I have to choose between your happiness or mine, I choose you.”
My hands slid down to his chest. “You’re quite something, Atticus. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”
He stroked my cheek. “Give me permission to court you. Let me prove I’m more than the monster you see.”
My heart fluttered.
“I can see the hesitation in your eyes.” Atticus lowered his gaze to my lips. “Speak your mind. I’m not easily offended.”
“You asked me how I feel, so I’ll tell you the truth. Every time you touch me, I never want you to stop. You make me feel adored, and not in a way that I’ve ever felt before. But this baby… I’m still uncertain what to do. What if you’re expecting me to give it up and I don’t? Will you stick around for the right reasons? What kind of father would a Vampire make?”
He stepped back and looked at me in earnest. “I don’t know, Joy. I’ve never been a father. Life never gave me that privilege. The only assurance I can offer is that I accept your decision, whatever it may be. And should you keep the baby and choose me, I’ll be the most protective father you could hope for.”
“Yes, but can you love another man’s baby? I don’t even know who the fatheris.”
“The father is the person who raises the child. Any other connection is of no consequence.” His gaze faltered. “As for love, I suppose that happens with time, but I’ll always take care of them. I’ll be the father they need.”
“What if this is just an infatuation?”
Atticus caressed my cheek. “Let’s find out.”
I didn’t need a mate to solve my problems—if I chose to raise the baby, I had my pack. Where would Atticus fit in the picture? Did he actually want to live with us, or would he expect me to leave them and live in this empty house? Despite all my concerns, he had ahold of my heart, and it felt foolish to walk away.
I stepped into his arms. “I’ll let you court me on two conditions.”
His shoulders squared. “Name it.”
“Number one: Never charm me.”
“Even if you ask me to?” His eyebrow arched. “People sometimes want things erased, Joy. That’s my only point.”
“Never. Should I ever want to forget something, I’ll…”
“Trust another Vampire to meddle with your memories? Can you?” He cupped my neck in his hands. “I vow to never charm you under any circumstance unless it’s your explicit desire. Even then, I’ll give you a chance to change your mind.”
That seemed fair.
“And the second condition?”
I searched his eyes and wondered if he meant it—if he would do anything asked of him. “I want to go home.”
Chapter 18
Atticus stayed true to his word. While I couldn’t go home that same day, he spoke to my Packmaster, and they worked something out. Despite the luxurious amenities and view, I missed my packmates. I’d never known such an intimate connection with a place before.
The next day, Atticus summoned his pilot, and we lifted off. Unlike my first trip, I bravely kept my eyes open and enjoyed the view. I still clutched Atticus, but this time it wasn’t out of fear.
As our helicopter landed in the pasture behind our property, I was relieved that Tak’s horse wasn’t in sight. We would have spooked her for sure. Tak and Montana were sitting on the fence, watching the grass flatten and dirt scatter. When I emerged from the noisy machine, my hair blew everywhere as Atticus led us a safe distance from the spinning blades.
Tak opened the gate and then cupped my cheek in his hand. “Did the Vampire take care of you?” He flicked a suspicious glance toward Atticus.
Tak was so tall that my attention fixed on the black arrowhead around his neck—one of many Hope had found onthe property. “Mr. Rain was an exceptional host. It was better than a vacation.”
