Page 23 of Unwanted
Happiness and relief exploded through Fen. There was the man Fen had fallen in love with. The one who used humor when life got to be too much.
“Oh, hey. You showed up. I knew you would eventually.”
Fen’s chin shot up.
Aspen pulled out a stool at the slot machine next to Kyrie. He put his rewards card into the machine and a voucher. He looked relaxed. Aspen hit the highest bet button. The machine made a loud sound—like a motor starting followed by dings before going back to motors. Aspen didn’t look at whatever it was doing. His gaze stayed locked on Fen.
“You look like hell.”
Fen glanced down at himself. He had borrowed clothes from one of Jonathan’s guards. He hadn’t brushed his hair since Kyrie and his interrupted shower. It was very possible he looked as if he had rolled around on the floor. His last twenty-four hours had been an absolute nightmare.
A loud alarm made Aspen jump. His gaze slid toward the machine. He looked totally shook. “Um. I’m pretty sure I just won four-point-three million dollars. That can’t be right.”
Kyrie turned and leaned over to look at the screen. “Seriously? I didn’t even know that game paid out that high.” A loud bark of laughter escaped Kyrie as he eyed the machine. “Holy shit. You won four-point-three million dollars!”
Fen stared at Kyrie’s profile. He was a hell of an actor. His surprise looked genuine.You’re amazing.
Kyrie’s gaze slid Fen’s way. A small smile touched his lips.He’s a big bear. It’ll take a lot of money if he hopes to chase Leif.
Warmth spread through Fen’s chest. Kyrie believed in love winning, whether he realized it or not.What if they genuinely aren’t true mates?
What if we weren’t?Kyrie shot back.
Touché. I’d absolutely still chase you to the ends of the earth and back until you gave in and kept me.
Kyrie’s eyes glimmered.Don’t worry. I wouldn’t make you chase me. I love you too much.
Fen nodded as if they spoke aloud.You still owe me all the explanations, though.He immediately wished he hadn’t said anything. At least, not yet.
Sadness filled Kyrie’s expression. “Aye.”
Fen’s bright smile was back. “Are you mocking my accent again?”
“Maybe.”
Damn. I get the feeling you really do want me to turn you over my knee.
Sexual promise lit Kyrie’s features.If you promise you’re really mine forever, I’ll let you do whatever you want, Daddy.
The desire that slammed into him nearly knocked Fen off his feet. “This is forever. Do nae fucking forget it again.” Even Fen heard the lust with a biting edge in his voice. He hauled Kyrie, stool and all, against him. When he wrapped his arms around his mate, the truth set into stone inside him. He genuinely didn’t blame Kyrie even an ounce for Monnie’s insane bullshit. Kyrie was a victim to the whims of a merciless god every bit as much as Fen had been. Even a god hadn’t stood a chance against them, though. Not as long as they had each other. But Kyrie needed to let Fen check him for injuries soon, or Fen couldn’t promise Kyrie wouldn’t get that spanking. The day had swung too wildly. His insides still shook hard enough to make him sick. A lot of his calm was an act. They needed time alone with no human witnesses. His soul craved its other half, and Fen didn’t think he could hold it back.
With a half-smoked cigar hanging from his mouth, Leif watched the excitement surrounding Aspen. Shock practically bled from Aspen’s pores. Leif chuckled. There was a hard mass in the center of Leif’s chest where his heart should be. Despite that, he still couldn’t look away. Of course, he had come here for exactly this: a single glance of the bear he couldn’t shake.
“Can I get you anything?”
Leif checked over his shoulder and in the direction of the voice. A blonde human server waited for a response. “No, thanks. I’m good.”
“I’ll bet.”
Leif smiled, hoping not to be rude. He appreciated her hungry tone, but Leif also knew it wasn’t personal. Vampires gave off pheromones that lured humans to them, making it easier for them to feed.
She moved closer and sat on the stool next to him. “Which one has you looking so intense? You haven’t looked away from those three the entire time you’ve been here.” She nodded toward Aspen, Kyrie, and Fen across the room. “You know we’re not supposed to bring free drinks to people who aren’t actively gambling.”
Without breaking eye contact, Leif pressed a button on his machine, casting his bet. “You don’t have to worry.” He tossed a quick glance Aspen’s way, making sure he didn’t lose sight of him before focusing on the server again. “The one who just hit the jackpot is my ex.”
She made a show of sneaking a peek Aspen’s way as well. “Nice choice. Are you stalking him?”
Leif didn’t miss a beat. “Yes.”
