Page 2 of Guardians for the Vamp
Teddy’s nickname for me is new, and I don’t hate it. My name isn’t one that can easily transform into something cute… like Milli Vanilli, which is what Teddy calls his mate. Ibrace myself for an onslaught of energy from the former human who was turned into a vampire not too long ago.
Within seconds, he crosses the hardwood floor to reach me where I stand near the back of the room. He lets out a ‘woo!’ and a smile stretches over his face.
“That never gets old.”
He’s clearly enjoying his new vampire abilities.
Millie walks through the entrance at normal speed. She dodges vampire workers speeding around, making final preparations for tonight’s party, including hanging decorations and setting out drinks and food—all tailored to tonight’s guests: blood for vampires, fairie wine for the fae, human food for shifters, weres, and witches.
“I need a leash,” Millie mumbles.
“Yes!” Teddy says, wiggling his eyebrows at my friend.
Millie’s fangs drop, and I imagine the image of Teddy wearing a leash while crawling to her just popped into her head, because it unfortunately popped into my head too.
“Lala,” Teddy gasps. “Stop thinking about me naked on all fours being led around by a leash.”
Fucker.
“You got me.” I sigh, but it’s hard not to smile at the disgustingly positive man. I’m a positive person too, but Teddy’s level of happiness is as if his endorphins are infused with crack.
Millie smiles at our bickering and it’s so foreign on her. She used to be a grump but now she radiates joy. Teddy has clearly infected her with his sunshine personality.
And I absolutely love that for her.
“You look stunning,” I say to my best friend.
I admire her glittering red gown that hugs her thick body and has sleeves that hang off her shoulders.
Millie and I are what the world considers plus-size. My stomach jiggles, and my thighs have dimples. I’ve lived in this bigger body for hundreds of years, but it was never seen as a problem—at least, not like it has in this modern society, which is obsessed with body image.
“Me? What about you? You’re absolutely glowing.”
I huff out a laugh. “Vampires do not glow... or sparkle for that matter.”
Millie reaches up and adjusts my crown. It has purple jewels that were ethically mined in Australia and comes with a costly price tag. I explained to COVE that I didn’t need a purple jeweled crown, but it arrived a few days after I’d been asked my favorite color.
The head piece is just a formality. Rarely worn unless there’s an event, like the ball taking place tonight, where everyone goes overboard with extravagant outfits and headwear.
Millie’s silver and black eyes water as she takes me in. I haven’t seen her since my coronation. She avoids functions attended by a large number of supernaturals because Teddy’s blood, being Millie’s blood mate, is highly desirable to other supes. We still have no idea exactly why his blood is so special. We assume it has something to do with whatever magical property deemed the former human destined to be Millie’s mate. Whatever the reason, Millie is highly protective of him and to lessen his appeal, she had a witch cast a protection spell over him.
“You make such a beautiful queen,” Millie says, her voice catching. Being the strong-willed woman she is, she’s quick to replace the emotion. Another smile spreads across her pale face. “We just ran into the gargoyles in the hallway. Who do you think will be your new head of security? Locheran maybe?”
“Who cares? They’re all fucking hot,” Teddy adds.
Millie bites her lip, nodding her agreement.
“I’ll gladly let any of them ruin me,” Teddy continues. His face lights up, and he grabs Millie’s face, smooshing her cheeks. “Babe, we should ask the one with the scar if he wants to be our third.” Teddy turns to me. “Not permanently. Just for funsies. And let me tell you, LaLa, the gargoyle is big—”
“All gargoyles are big,” I mumble, but that doesn’t stop Teddy from talking.
“—and, like, godly hot. First time meeting a gargoyle, and I’m in love.” His eyes widen, and he wraps his arm around Millie’s shoulders. “Not real love, that’s only for my Milli Vanilli.”
He kisses her temple.
“Yeah, I’m going to need you to calm down, puppy,” I say, calling him byhisnickname. “And, no, I don’t know which one it will be because the king doesn’t know about this request.”
“Still?” Millie gasps.
