Page 78 of Fangbanger

Karina reaches over and slams four shots onto the table. “Let’s go,” she exclaims.

Marcus’s sister Isabella saunters over, catching the eye of every unmated male and female in the bar. Her lips are painted blood red and her dress dips low in the front and the back. Marcus’s brother, Teddy, follows, wiping a drop of bloodwine off his mouth. The bar is carrying it tonight, at Karina’s request.

“Marcus?” my friend asks, as she distributes the shots.

He shakes his head. “I drink only from Leah.”

My stomach flutters madly. My mate always says my name like he’s imagining licking the word.

We pick up the shots and slam them back. I sputter at the burn, coughing and shaking my head.

Teddy and Isa take theirs like pros, and look for more.

“Vampires,” I mutter. “How did I end up like this?”

Isa smirks and slides into the booth across from us. “A slayer for a sister-in-law.”

My brows go up. “Is that what you call it?”

“Mate-in-law doesn’t have the same ring.” Teddy drops into a chair, sprawling. He’s leaner than Marcus, with languid energy. His eyes are heavy.

“Witch,” Isa purrs. “Is there more of that liquor?”

Karina pulls a bottle from behind her back and Teddy and Isa pound the table.

Marcus’s gaze is amused, but heats when it lands on me. I can tell he’s thinking about taking advantage of the dress.

“Something has come up,” he says to the group, while staring at me.

“Oh yeah?” This is from Teddy.

“Oh yes.” I nod, eyes only for my mate. “Something very important. Gotta go.”

Marcus wraps a hand around mine and tenses to flash. I blow Karina a kiss before we disappear into the mist.

We reappear on my porch, and we’re shedding clothes seconds later.

“Dress stays on,” Marcus demands.

He scoops me up with a grunt, and I yelp. He flashes, as he does when he’s too eager to walk or run, and we reappear on the swing.

It slams unsteadily against the house.

“Don’t do that,” I gasp. “No flashing without warning.” I shake myself, feeling jumbled and strange.

“I’m sorry,” Marcus croons.

I turn on his lap, straddling him and trying for a glare. “Just how sorry?” I tease.

His smile is quick, before he strikes. His hands fist in my hair, his mouth closes over the ridge of my pulse. I sink my fingers into the thick silk of his hair and shift closer to him. Excitement shivers in my stomach.

“I love you,” I whisper. He shudders under me, as he does every time he hears the words. I think he hasn’t gotten enough of them in his life, and I am determined to tell him every day.

“I love you too.” He nips at my neck, and I yelp.

“Poor slayer.” There’s a laugh in his voice. “Let me kiss it and make it better.”

I press closer, tipping my neck under his mouth, craving the connection only he can provide. “You think you deserve that?”

“My pretty mate,” he murmurs. “I know I don’t deserve you, but I’ll spend the rest of my immortal life trying.”

THE END