Page 27 of Protected by the Vampire

I snorted. “Yeah, all right. And I’m a priest.”

His lips twitched faintly, but he didn’t look at me.

That was all the confirmation I needed.

I leaned in closer and ordered in a low tone, “Talk to me.”

After another long beat, he reached under the table, and I heard a click before a bubble of what seemed like clear liquid surrounded our area and then disappeared. “A gift from Dash. Well, an inventor in his kingdom. It will protect us from being overheard for ten minutes.”

“And why don’t you want us overheard?”

“I don’t want to put ideas in anyone’s mind.”

I jerked back slightly. “What do you mean?”

His gaze snapped to mine, sharp now. “You being with me has risks.”

I straightened a little, studying him. “What risks?”

Soren exhaled slowly, as if he were forcing himself to rein in his emotions. “Being with me paints a target on your back, Theo. There are things out there—other supernaturals—who would use you to get to me.”

I held his gaze, unflinching. I wasn’t scared, and there was no way I’d give him up now. Not fucking ever.

“I know I can protect you,” he continued. “But there are… variables. Dangers I can’t always predict.”

For a second, I just looked at him. Then I barked out a short laugh. “Is that what’s got you all twisted up?” I shook my head, setting my glass down. “You think I don’t know what I signed up for?”

“This isn’t a game.”

“No shit,” I shot back. “I may be just a human,” I went on, tapping my chest. “But I’m not helpless. I can take care of myself. And I’ve got my club at my back.”

My brothers would do anything for me, like I would them.

The tension between us stretched, feeling tight and charged.

Then, slowly, Soren nodded. Though, I didn’t think he was agreeing but maybe accepting what I said.

Sighing, I cupped his cheek. “I’m not brushing off your concern. I get it. The same fear lives inside me when it comes to you and your safety. But we can deal with whatever comes our way together, babe. Don’t worry about something that hasn’t presented itself, and don’t treat me like I can’t hold my own. I’m sure there are weapons I can get a hold of that’ll help end others who’re stronger.” Like the woman I met here on the first night.

I didn’t want to say “monster” because Soren would never be a monster to me. He was just mine.

Soren sagged a little and sighed deeply. “Yes. Of course. I… I just can’t lose you, Theo. But you’re correct. I’ll speak with Deacon and Nox about weapons.”

I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I can’t lose you either, babe.”

“Come on,” he said after a moment. “Let’s go to my place.”

I didn’t argue. I wanted to be alone with him too.

When we left the booth and headed for the stairs, people moved out of the way and tipped their heads down in respect. I wasn’t sure I’d get used to shit like that, but hell, it was a rush seeing their reaction toward my mate.

Once we were on the second level, my attention went to the opposite side of Soren’s home. “What’s over there?” I asked.

Soren didn’t stop. He kept making his way toward his door, but he explained, “It’s where my employees take their clients for feeding or fucking.” He paused, looking back at me. Maybe to see if I was shocked, but I’d pretty much already guessed. Just wanted to confirm it.

I whistled. “Must make cake on it.”

He smirked. “It does well.