Page 31 of Scout’s Honor

At about 3 in the morning, she woke abruptly, saying, “I’m so hungry.”

“Hi,” he said softly, hoping she remembered him.

“Hi,” she said back. Their fingers were still entwined, and she squeezed his hand softly, then pulled hers away. “I can think again,” she said. “I feel so much better.”

“Good,” Dallas said. He followed her to the kitchen, where the lights were still on. She opened the fridge and pulled out a container, then put it on the counter and took the lid off. Inside sat a mound of fat raviolis covered in sauce. Dallas’ stomach grumbled. Bonhi got a fork and speared one of the raviolis, then ate it. She held up a fork for Dallas and motioned he should go for it.

Dallas gladly took the fork and speared a ravioli, eating it quickly. Bonhi speared another, then opened the fridge and took out two waters, then two sodas, giving one of each to Dallas. He nodded his thanks, spearing three ravioli and shoving them all in his mouth, then he uncapped the water and drank it down.

Bonhi drank some water and walked into the foyer, then she gasped. Dallas dropped his fork and rushed that way.

“There’s a car out there,” she said, peeking past the drape. “With two people inside.”

Dallas looked and couldn’t help but grin. Thank fuck for Aven. “That’s my sister,” he said. “Dario must have told her where I was.”

“Who’s the guy?”

“That’s Aven. He’s her… her mate,” he said, drawing close to her, imagining her blue glow crackled when it touched his skin. He spoke quietly, noticing how Bonhi was looking at him. The hero-worship was toned down, and in its place was an open attraction and a little flirtation. He shook his head slightly, not knowing what to do with it. He hadn’t been with a woman in so long that he was probably considered a virgin again.

“Your sister can turn into a jaguar, too?” Bonhi asked, her voice low and interested.

“No, she’s a switch—a savage witch, like you.”

Bonhi smiled. “I am pretty savage on cross-examination.”

“You’d be even more savage if you saw a vampire.”

“Vampire?” Bonhi laughed merrily. “Vampires, too, huh? You’re messing with me.” She laughed again. “You almost had me.”

Dallas grinned, glad she was amused. “I had the same reaction just a few days ago.”

Bonhi stopped laughing and gazed at him. “What changed your mind?”

“I saw a real-life vampire.”

She searched his eyes, trying to find the truth there.

“And a bunch of women they fed from.”

“Oh,” Bonhi said, her face crumpling.

She put her hand out for Dallas to take. He wound their fingers together and pulled her hand close, wanting to kiss it, and knowing he would not. The situation was all sorts of wrong, and he would not take advantage.

Bonhi pulled him to the couch and sat down. He sat next to her. She let her head relax against the cushions. He got comfortable and put his arm around her. She leaned into him, and in a few moments, she was breathing deeply and evenly.

Knowing Aven and Dakota were outside, Dallas kicked his legs out and got as comfortable as he could, then he let himself doze with beautiful Bonhi in his arms.

18—Feels Surreal

Dallas woke up all at once, assessing the house with his eyes still closed. All was quiet. He opened his eyes. Light streamed around the curtains, showing him they’d made it through the night. Bonhi was curled into his side, and he took a moment to appreciate her soft, feminine form.

She murmured, stretching, then opening her eyes, looking at him first.

He smiled at her. “Morning.”

She smiled at him, too, but it was different than last night somehow.

“Morning,” she said softly, then she sat up, pushing away.