Page 10 of Rafe

“Do you have any more of those beignets left?”

“I always get more than one.” Rafe opened his coat and revealed a white bag.

“Lots of coincidences here. I mean what are the odds of that. You sure you’re not a serial killer?”

“I’m not a serial killer. The odds of that are one hundred percent. But I do share.” He winked at her, his eyes lit with mischief as he offered her the bag of beignets.

On one of her last nights in New Orleans, she couldn’t resist the mysterious stranger who tempted her. Her body tingled with an awareness of his presence. Something visceral called to her that mocked any logic left in her mind.

“Do you wanna have a cup of coffee?” Skylar placed her bet. Certain he tasted sweeter than the beignets, she’d let it ride.

3

Rafe had only dated one or two humans in his entire life. But it was never an option long term. Being wolf, his mate could only be another wolf or shifter, so dating a human presented an infinite set of problems. However, ever since he became vampire, humans served one sole purpose in his life. Food. Sustenance. Nothing more. Nothing less.

He’d known dancing with her was a bad idea he couldn’t resist. It had taken every ounce of self-control to leave the bar, to not sink his fangs deep into her neck. From the beignets to choosing to walk down a different street than usual, the night had been a series of surreptitious events. By the time she’d invited him in for coffee, he’d already decided to roll with fate. In the past he might have classed it a poor decision, but as she turned and offered him a cup of coffee, none of it mattered.

“Sorry about the mess,” Skylar commented.

Rafe looked to the boxes all stacked in a neat pile, each adorned with a pink and white label. “Moving in or moving out?”

“Out.” She shrugged and slid into the kitchen chair in front of him. “I got a new job. I’m headed to L.A.”

“Must be a good job to travel across the country.” Rafe nodded, concealing his disappointment.

“Hoping it’s a good job. I’ve got a small part on a TV drama. It might turn into something more regular.” She shook the beignets out of the bag onto paper plates. “Sorry all my dishes are packed away.”

“This is perfect.” You are perfect. He watched in fascination as she brushed her wild, long, brown hair over her shoulder.

“I’m giving myself six months.” She lifted her cup to her lips and blew a soft breath over her still steaming cuppa. “I’ll be back to New Orleans in a few months. I have a bookstore here, so I have to remain flexible.”

Rafe struggled to keep his eyes on hers. The scent of cinnamon swirled in the air as she sprinkled it into her cup. He studied her lips, memorizing her face, her smile as she spoke. Startled by his interest in the human, he set down his beignet and refocused his thoughts. “So where are you headed to in L.A.? I’m planning on taking a trip across the country myself soon. Maybe we’ll cross paths.”

“I’m going to Manhattan Beach and staying with a friend for a few days before heading to my rental.” She glanced at the boxes. “All this stuff is going into storage tomorrow.”

“It’s a beautiful home.”

“Yeah, I’ll miss her, but she knows I’ll come back home eventually.” Skylar set down her teacup. “Maybe I’ll be seeing you.”

“I could stop by if you happen to have an extra bag of beignets.” Rafe didn’t live in New Orleans full time. When he visited, he’d stay with his sister who was in Acadian Wolves. But given his situation, being hybrid, it may have been for the best she’d been traveling to South America.

“I really appreciate you bringing back my purse.”

“Glad we could help sort things. You know, take care of that guy.”

“Yeah, about him.” She raised her eyebrows. “That friend must be some friend.”

“Maybe you’ll meet him some day. He’s a pain in the ass but knows a few things. A few people. You know. He gets things done.” Rafe shrugged with a smile.

“I bet he does.” She laughed and inadvertently reached for him. “Well, I appreciate your help. It’s really unusual for our neighborhood. The last thing I would have needed before moving was my wallet stolen.”

Rafe froze as her hand brushed over his ever so lightly. A mere second of her touch ignited a fire within him, his beast rising to taste her. His gums ached, his fangs ready to descend.

“No problem. I’m glad I could help.” Rafe shoved to his feet, concealing his fangs. He sucked a breath and retracted them. “I’d better go. It’s pretty late.”

Skylar looked to the clock on her microwave. “Two thirty. Wow. Yeah, it’s definitely getting late. I have a million things to do tomorrow.”

Rafe headed toward the front door, his thirst escalating. What is happening? He’d sampled hundreds of humans in the past couple of years and not once had he lost control.