Page 61 of Bonded Through Bite

There’s rage, pain, and defeat shimmering in the air around them. They failed to protect their alpha’s mate. He failed to protect her. Whatever interest they had toward solving this issue just increased tenfold.

When I’m sure they are out of hearing range, I turn to face the witch. “Is there anything else I should know?”

“Maybe…”

“Spit it out.”

“I need to speak to my coven leader first.”

“Witches,” I huff.

“Vampires,” she replies, but without heat.

“Fine, but no appearing on my land unannounced.”

“And how should I announce myself?”

I smirk and flash my fangs. “Bleeding profusely so I can smell you would work.”

“Jerk,” she hisses and I smile.

“Ask your coven leader. She should know the proper protocol.”

“A protocol?”

“Yes, a protocol.” I nod.

“All right.” She sounds a bit unsure now. I’m willing to bet she’s going to piss her pants when she asks her coven leader and gets the answer. Lucky, lucky witch she has been today.

“I’ll make the inquiries,” I say suddenly and move toward the house, tugging her along. “Make sure to get back to me soon. I don’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Who are you?” she asks and I smile. She is getting smarter, slowly putting things together.

“Not your problem. Yet.”

I lead her to her car and wait until she’s seated before dropping the last tidbit.

“The alpha’s mate was pregnant. I’ll leave it up to you if you want to mention it to him.” I close the door on her stunned face and walk inside.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Santiago

The front door slams shut and wakes Samantha up, and I grimace as she wriggles free from my embrace and dashes out of the bed. Whatever peace and connection we had is gone now. She’s hungry. I can see the strain in her eyes and jerky movements.

I don’t bother saying anything when I climb out of the bed slower and get dressed. She barely stopped to pull on one of Rafael’s shirts. I kind of hoped she would choose my shirt. I make my way downstairs just in time to see Samantha jerk back from Rafael and spit back the blood in her mouth.

“What the hell?” she shrieks and wipes her tongue with the back of her hand.

“What?” Rafael asks, looking as confused as I feel.

“What did you do to your blood?” Samantha snarls and then her whole body tightens, ready to attack. “Who did you drink from?”

The menace in her voice gets me moving and I wrap my arms around her waist, plucking her out of the air when she attacks Rafael. She struggles and tries to twist out of my arms, growling.

“It was just a sip,” Rafael mutters, looking defensive and irritated.

“A sip from who?” I ask at the same time Samantha shouts.