Page 64 of Protected by the Vampire

I kissed Soren’s temple before I said, “It’s the best choice I ever made.”

The truth settled heavy and solid in my chest.

Across the bond, something warm brushed against me.

Soren.

I turned my head slightly to meet his gaze and held it. It was the truth. I’d never regret making the choice to be reborn like him. I let everything I felt bleed through our connection—certainty, satisfaction, and something darker and more possessive that I didn’t bother hiding.

His lips twitched. “If I were capable of blushing,” he said dryly, “I would be right now.”

Monkey barked out a laugh. “Jesus Christ,” he muttered. “That’s it. I’m done. I don’t need to see this lovey-dovey shit.”

Coms leaned back, grinning. “Nah, this is entertainin’.”

Riker snorted. “Didn’t think I’d see the day Spade got like this.”

“Like what?” I asked.

“Whipped.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “You’ve got a death wish.”

“Probably,” he said easily. “Worth it.”

“And you can’t talk. You’re just as bad.”

Riker beamed and kissed Razor’s cheek while the Prez huffed out a quiet chuckle, but he didn’t say anything, since he knew I was right.

Monkey pointed at me. “You better not go soft on us now.”

I snorted. “I’m not soft.”

Monkey grinned. “Hmm, debatable.”

I smirked. “You wanna rumble, human?”

That shut him up for about two seconds. Then his grin turned into a smirk. “Nah, I’m good.”

Chuckling, I pointed at him. “Thought so.”

Soren shifted and caught our attention. “How’s your father, Monkey?”

He snorted, running a hand through his hair. “He’s… something.”

When he didn’t continue, I asked, “What do you mean?”

Monkey leaned back, exhaling. “Apparently, Dashiel’s been showing up everywhere he is.”

I frowned slightly. “Everywhere?” I knew it was hard to stay away when you’d found your fated mate, but I damn hoped Dashiel wasn’t blowing his chance of making this work.

Monkey nodded. “Pops goes out? He’s there. Goes to work? There. Gets a drink? Boom—elf.”

Riker grinned. “Awww, that’s so sweet.”

“That’s one word for it,” Monkey said. “Weird is another.”

Soren’s gaze sharpened slightly. “He’s attempting to court him. His emotions are riding him. I can have a word with him if your father wants him to back off.”