I couldn’t tell him.
Regardless of anything else, I couldn’t tell him. Not when it could cost her the week or two she had left.
If she kept zoning out, if his blood didn’t work, I would go with her to the Guild or ask him for help. Until then, I couldn’t risk it.
I just had to figure out a way to get her more wolf blood.
“You’re not like the turned vampires. I know that. You should too. I lose control more often than you do,” he said.
“I grew up being taught to fear what I am, Mav. Of course I don’t lose control.”
He squeezed my hip. “You don’t need to be scared.”
“Because the big, bad werewolf’s going to protect me?” I drawled.
“Yup. Guess fate likes you.”
“Guess she hates you.”
He nipped at my throat. “She gave me a sexy little vampire who smells like cherries, so I’d say she likes me just fine.”
I was quiet for a few minutes, mentally going over what he’d told me about turned vampires and what I still needed to know.
“How long do we have before this vampire starts devolving, if Sutton’s right about them being turned?” I finally asked.
“Not long.” Maverick’s voice was quiet. “Not long at all.”
“Do you have a guess?”
“Three weeks is typical. Four is the longest. Steven’s death was about two and a half ago. If Sutton’s right, we’ll find our killer one way or another in the next ten days.”
Maybe I wouldn’t be lying to Maverick for much longer after all.
“Do you mind if I shift? My skin’s getting itchy.”He kissed my throat.
“Is that a thing?”I’d never spent any amount of time with him when he was in his wolf form.
“Mmhm. Both bodies need to stretch.” He sounded tired. I was pretty sure he’d be asleep soon.
“Go ahead. I’ve always wanted a dog. My parents worried I’d drain it.”
“Feel free to bite this one.” He rolled away from me long enough to ditch his sweats and change forms. When he was furry, he climbed over me and wormed his way under one of my arms so I was snuggling him.
Apparently, even giant wolves liked being the little spoon sometimes.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I fought like hell not to cry as Maverick’s breathing leveled out.
I was falling in love with him. There was no other way to put it, no other name for what I was feeling.
I adored his personality. I was addicted to the way he made me feel. I wanted to bare my soul when I was with him.
And I was going to have to risk what we had,ruinwhat we had, in an attempt to save my best friend.
But if I had to become a monster to buy her time, I would do it.
Even if it cost me an immortal lifetime with Maverick.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
