Page 33 of A Vampire's Pain
“How about this?” I asked. “I go see the queen. Lara. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her, and I will spend my day with her. I am sure she will show me around and let me explore. I won’t be alone.”
It seemed to convince Damon. He knew Lara, and I knew he liked her a lot. He had never been against her and Dominic being together, yet I did feel guilty for not telling him who I really would spend my day with. This was not only about enjoying my freedom. This was about honoring my promise to one of the last hybrids left in this world.
“I will talk to Lara,” he said.
“You’re the best!” I said and got up from my chair so I could go hug him.
Damon acted a bit dismissing, but I knew he was happy that I was happy, and he made sure to return the hug a little, so I knew he would always do what he could to make sure I was happy. It only made me feel more guilty though, but I knew he would never let me go if I told him whom I was really going to see.
Chapter 14
-Gabriel-
Valeri had been smart, using Lara as an excuse to come see me. I couldn’t wait though, and I was already at the door before Valeri knocked, opening it and leaning a little against it. She was so beautiful, taking my breath away. She wore this white shirt and black skirt with some black sneakers and a little leather jacket. She looked so damn good; I couldn’t get enough of her. My little mate was just perfect.
“Going to invite me in?” she asked.
“No,” I said.
She looked at me confused.
“Because we are leaving,” I told her.
She only looked more confused, but instead of allowing me to explain, she walked right in, lifting her chin into the air, and when she was inside, she turned around and crossed her arms. I looked at her impressed, slowly closing the door.
“And why should I go anywhere with you?” she asked. “I kept my promise. I went to meet you and I lied to my brother about it.”
“Oh, yeah I’m sure he is crying right now,” I said teasingly, but that didn’t seem to make Valeri very happy. “Come now, little mate.”
“Don’t call me that!” she said.
“But you are my mate.”
“I can’t … be,” she whispered.
“Doesn’t change that you are.”
I walked closer, and she seemed to lose a little of her confidence. I didn’t touch her, but I made sure there was barely any space between us.
“You look so beautiful tonight,” I whispered. “I can barely stop myself from touching you. And Ireallywant to.”
Her sweet dark green eyes grew big, and she slowly lowered her arms, as she watched my lips hungrily like she wanted to kiss me but didn’t dare to take the chance. I wanted to kiss her too, but I also knew I needed to be careful with Valeri. She had been through something so traumatic, and I didn’t want to push her too hard.
“Why?” she whispered before looking me in the eyes.
“Because we are mates.”
“That’s it?” she asked.
I chuckled.
“That’s a big thing.”
“To wolves maybe.”
“To vampires too. Don’t try and lie to me about that. I’m half-half,” I said.
She crossed her arms again, not liking how much of a smartass I sounded, but I loved getting a reaction from her. I loved that I could push her buttons. It meant I was getting under her skin.
