“Bad shit happens when the family goes out together.”
“Such as?” I turn on the hose conveniently next to the trough.
“Fights. Blood. Food fights. Human assholes. Fire.”
“Sounds interesting,” I say.
“No, not interesting. A pain in my ass. Especially when I get a call because of all of the above, and have to leave my mate to influence all the humans.”
“I sense a theme.” I turn off the water. “You get cranky when you have to leave your mate.”
“You are intelligent.”
“Surprised?” I ask, turning toward the door.
“Extremely,” he says, walking beside me.
“I think I’m going to like it here.”
“Continue not to be an asshole, and we will let you stay,” he says, locking the door behind us.
“I will do my best.”
He smirks, lifts his chin, and disappears. A human wouldn’t be able to track his movement. Vampires move at such a high rate of speed, it appears like he teleported. I shake my head and continue to the car. I suppose if I had a mate and got called away, I wouldn’t be happy either.
Relieved it’s done, I store my things, and open my door. I start the car and eagerly drive away. Bash is a character. Vampires are naturally possessive, and usually don’t stay in packs. Shifters have a unique scent, yet each individual has an underlying smell that distinguishes the different species. Vampires don’t have a specific scent, but a lack of smell. If you aren’t familiar with them, you wouldn’t know one was upon you until it’s too late. Many shifters thrive on sharing a mate, yet vampires rarely do. I was shocked that Atlas and Luca were both Sally's mates. It just doesn’t happen. I’m eager to meet the woman who can handle the fierce vampires.
My phone rings, and I smile. I engage the car's system and answer.
“Are you done?” Mom asks.
“I am. On the way to my hotel.” I don’t hide anything from her, and if I can, I keep her updated on my schedule. “Why are you up?”
“I had to make sure you were alright,” she says.
“It’s three in the morning,” I say.
“So?” she huffs. “You will understand when you have kids. It doesn’t matter how old you get, I’m still your mom, and I give a shit.”
“Yes, Momma,” I sing.
“Don’t be a smart ass,” she grumbles.
“I’ll try.”
“As if you could stop,” she snorts.
“For you, I would try anything.”
“You are a good boy.” She pauses briefly. “Don’t roll your eyes,” she scolds, and I stop mid-roll. “I can still call you boy.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I drawl.
“Call your sister tomorrow. She was worried,” she says.
“Isabella is probably sleeping soundly right now,” I sigh.
“I know, I know. Just like I should be.”
