But she’s dead. Like dead-dead. Dead as a doornail.
So, if it’s not Genevieve and not Zav, then what’s going on?
“I’m here to liven up your boring dinner!” Zav announces as he strolls into my apartment like he owns the place. Dramatically bowing, he looks me in the eye when he comes back up. “Please, hold your applause.”
I don’t miss Valen’s flinch at the door smacking the wall. A wave of anger washes over me at how inconsiderate Zav is, and I rush over to swat at his arm.
“You dumbass,” I hiss. “Read the room.” I give a subtle nod toward Valen.
Zav looks apologetic but leans over to whisper inmy ear. “He can hear you, Strawberry Shortcake.” He taps his ear. “Vampire hearing.”
I look sheepishly behind me and see Valen rubbing his neck awkwardly. Shoving Zav away with a huff, I get back to setting our dinner plates on the island.
“Leave her alone,” Celine chides as she walks in behind Zav and closes the door softly. “She’s just looking out for him. I think it’s sweet.”
“Ava? Sweet?” Zav scoffs. “Sweet as a Sour Patch Kid, maybe.”
“Exactly!” I point a finger in his direction. “Sour and sassy on the outside, but once you get to the middle, I’m all sugar, baby. Bite me.”
Zav mock bites at the air toward me, and a growl so low I almost miss it comes from the living room. Shocked, I turn toward the source of the sound and find Valen with a snarl twisting the features of his handsome face. Sharp fangs have descended, and pure possessiveness burns in his eyes.
It’s hot as fuck.
My heart thunders in my ears, racing wildly as my body responds automatically to that sound—to thatlook. I’ve never seen him with that expression.
I belong to him, every cell of my body seems to scream. But it’s not in ahe’s a possessive alpha male who owns meway. It’s more like my body is drawn to his on a molecular level.
“Chill, dude.” Zav holds his hands up innocently. “I’ve got my own pretty girl right here.” He snags Celine around the waist and smacks a loud, wet kiss to her cheek. She shoves him off and he just laughs.
At that, Valen shakes his head and seems to come back to himself. He clears his throat and excuses himself to use the bathroom even though I know he’s only embarrassed. Vampires don’t need to use the toilet.
Celine gives Zav a look, and he smiles innocently at her.
“You did that on purpose,” Celine muses. “Why are you poking the bear? You know Valen is still acclimating, and seeing his mate with another vampire has to be threatening.”
Zav pushes his glasses up his nose and drags a hand through his crimson hair.
“Celine,” he whines. “I’m choking on the tension between them. He still has trauma to sort through, sure, but he needs to acknowledge that what’s right in front him is one of his biggest strengths.” Zav winks at me and I laugh at his matchmaking antics. “You’ll be more helpful than you know with getting him through it.”
Zav sounds like he speaks from experience.
A knock on the door signals Luna before she lets herself in.
“Hello, hello!” she chirps, blond hair bouncing with each step she takes. “What’d I miss?”
“I’m getting blue balls from Valen and Ava,” Zav jokes, making Luna smile. “You could cut the sexual tension with a knife. Just. Kiss. Already.” He claps his hands on each word like he wishes he could physically force us together.
I give Luna a hug, and she turns to give one to Celine and Zav as well. Valen joins us again, face a mask once more.
“Are you okay?” I ask as softly as I can.
He gives a nod. “Sorry about that.”
“No need—” I was going to say no need to apologize, but he’s already moving away from me to snag a seat at the other end of the table.
Well … okay then.
We go back and forth between spaces when it comes to our dinners, and tonight my apartment is the happening spot.
