Page 52 of Blood Red Rage

“No,” all three said in unison.

I let out a breathy laugh. “Okay. So, they’re… intense.”

Runa gave me a sympathetic look. “They’re not intense, Bryn. They’re territorial.”

Sorcha leaned her elbows on the counter. “You should’ve seen Lucien when a waiter complimented my dress. Poor man nearly needed therapy.”

Layla tilted her head. “It’s not jealousy the way humans feel it. It’s instinct. Once they mate, their woman becomes… sacred ground.”

That sent a strange warmth through my chest.

Runa reached across the counter and squeezed my hand. “Viking is one of the worst, by the way.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Worst how?”

Sorcha burst out laughing. “Oh, sweetheart.”

Layla smiled gently. “Viking doesn’t just protect. He claims. Loudly.”

Runa nodded. “He will walk with you everywhere, stand too close, touch you constantly. He’ll put his hand on your back in rooms full of predators just to remind everyone you’re his.”

I swallowed.

“And,” Sorcha added brightly, “he’s going to lose his damn mind once your cycle hits.”

I blinked. “My… what?”

Layla cleared her throat delicately. “Your period.”

I nearly choked on my tea. “I’m sorry?”

Runa grimaced sympathetically. “Yeah. Nobody warned me about that part.”

Sorcha waved a hand. “It’s basically like waving a red flag at a bull.”

My face heated instantly. “You’re kidding.”

Layla shook her head. “With vampires, that’s the most fertile time for human mates. Their instincts go into overdrive.”

Runa leaned closer. “He won’t be able to stay away from you.”

I stared at her. “I mean… he already doesn’t stay away from me.”

Sorcha laughed. “No, this is different.”

Layla’s voice softened. “They won’t leave the room. They barely let you out of bed, it lasts until your cycle ends.”

My mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. “You’re saying he’ll just…”

Sorcha grinned wickedly. “Yes.”

My cheeks were on fire.

Runa added gently, “It’s overwhelming at first. But also… incredible.”

Layla nodded. “The bond deepens during that time. You’ll feel it stronger, everything feels stronger.”

I swallowed hard, trying to process all of this.