Page 46 of Guardians for the Vamp
“I could wash you,” Thorne offers.
“Rain check?”
I let go of Thorne and return to the shower’s spray. A loud smack fills the air, and a searing pain spreads over my ass cheeks.
That mother fucker spanked me!
Chapter 12 – Vara
It’s been three months since Layla, Thorne, and I first fucked. Three months since our discussion about fated mates.
We’ve been busy nearly every night, only getting one night a week, if that, to spend time together. Most of the time, we’d fool around in the SUV while heading to and from meetings or events. Or sometimes, Layla let us lay her down on the conference room table after a SUC meeting to feast on her delectable cunt.
Tonight it’s just Layla and me.
We’re in an SUV heading home from a human networking event. Thorne wasn’t able to escort us this time, being called away by Xander for some gargoyle business, whatever that means, so he left his right-hand man in charge.
The griffin whose name I can’t remember sits up front, scowling. I ignore him, since griffins are the grumpiest ofsupes and rarely speak. It’s why they like to take on security roles where all they have to do is stand in the background, silent and invisible.
Layla’s hand is in mine, and she sighs.
“What is it, Bug?”
She scrunches her nose at the nickname, which sends my heart fluttering. She’s a beautiful woman, strong and powerful, but she’s also an adorable bug.
And a bunny, as Thorne likes to call her.
“Do you ever wonder how we all would have met if the elders hadn’t come up with this unveiling plan?”
I bring her hand up to my mouth and kiss her knuckles. Her fangs peek out through the smile she gives me.
All her smiles are wonderful gifts.
“Destiny would have found a way. I’m sure you and Thorne would have eventually met through King Basque since you’re the new vampire queen.”
“I was Millie’s royal advisor for decades and met with Xander and Locheran many times before now. The king never brought Thorne around.”
She lays her head on my shoulder, and I close my eyes. It’s such a small thing, having her find comfort in my touch and my nearness. But I relish it.
“We can’t dwell on the what ifs. We’re all here together now.”
As for me, if there had been no unification plan, I might have become desperate enough to sneak my way back into Layla’s life and vie for a spot on her protection team. Sphinxes are guardians first and foremost.
Except, that’s not who I am anymore. I’m successful, powerful. I have my own protection team when I’m out in public. I haven’t been a guardian in a very long time. I always felt inadequate in the role, never passionate enough. That’s not the case with Layla. I would end lives without a second thought if it meant she is safe to show me that bright smile of hers again.
When we arrive at her penthouse, we silently ascend in the elevator. She’s exhausted. I am too. We’ve been working hard on this unveiling plan, putting all our social spoons in one basket as we attend these events where we’re required to slap on smiles and exude happiness and politeness.
Layla’s better at it than I am. She’s the sunshine to my darkness. Long ago, humans believed sphinx to be sun deities. I enjoy the sun just fine... but I’ve always been drawn to the moon. Now I wonder if that has something to do with Layla and Thorne who are both bound to the night.
After Layla’s guards do a security sweep, they let us in. She immediately kicks them out, even the young vampire who has a room in the penthouse.
“Come back shortly before sunrise,” she tells him, closing the door in his face.
“And what do you have planned that will take until sunrise?” I ask once we walk into the kitchen.
A sinister smile spreads across my face because I know exactly what she has planned.
“It’s come to my attention that this is the first time we’ve had time to ourselves—just you and me.”
