Page 57 of Rafe

Classic coffee table books sat on shelves. Upper shelves were stuffed chock full of well-worn paperbacks. A bottom shelf held board games and playing cards. The hearth was lined with framed pictures of Skylar, including a college graduation picture of her in New Orleans.

A carved wooden humpback whale sat in the center of a long whitewashed wooden dining table with rattan cushioned seats. He looked to the corner of the room where a black baby grand piano wore a coat of dust, and he wondered if she played.

He imagined Skylar and her family sitting around the fire playing games, the laughter of a human holiday filling the home. The home embodied a warmth that only the love of a family could create. So very human, lovely and welcoming.

But he would never be welcome here. He didn’t belong in her world, and she didn’t belong in his.

Rafe stilled as her scent grew stronger. She’s coming. He caught a glimpse of her face bathed in the light, and his resolve threatened to waver. Within seconds he’d tell her he was sorry. Then he’d tell her goodbye.

10

“Rafe?” Surprise lingered in her voice, but fear never entered her mind as the wolf came into view. “What are you doing here?”

Skylar closed the door and took a step toward the sofa. Never taking her eyes off of him, she reminded herself of the last time she saw Rafe. He was not just a cute doggy. He was not a hot wolf. He was vampire. A monster. She’d watched him do something she’d never seen a man do. Kill.

“I’d ask you how you found me,” she gave a cold laugh, “but then again, I’d told you enough to find my address. I guess it wasn’t that hard to track me down given your…” An uncomfortable deliberate pause filled the air with silence as she searched for the appropriate words. “Abilities. Your powers. Being supernatural. Whatever you are. You know, you didn’t need to lie to me.”

As she chose her next thought, she reined in her anger, allowing her grief to settle in her chest. In spite of the insane way they’d met, she’d begun to entertain the idea of the paranormal. Of all the stage five disaster dates she’d had over the past five years, he’d made the top spot even though they’d never had a proper date. And now…now it was over.

“You plannin’ on stayin’ like that? As much as I love dogs—” Skylar sucked a breath as he transformed before her eyes. The light of the fire flickered upon his face, her gaze locked on his. Her eyes fell to his ripped abs, her heartbeat racing with each dangerous glance. She whipped her focus back on his face, refusing to fall prey to the temptation to devour every inch of him. “May I offer you a robe?”

She raised her eyebrows at him as he snatched a throw blanket off the sofa and wrapped it around his waist. “Suit yourself. Have a seat.”

“I’m not staying long,” he replied.

“You’ve got that right.” His words struck her like a whip. Of course he wasn’t staying. Her lips tightened, tension rippling through her body. You’re better off without him, Skylar.

“I’m going to see Ilsbeth after this,” he confessed without context.

“The witch?” She rolled her eyes, her anger brewing. What was she supposed to say? “It’s a free world. Have at it.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the…vampire. It’s not something I’m proud of right now.”

Skylar stared at him, listening in silence as he continued.

“I almost died once. It happened over a year or so back. Greyson’s brother Viktor tried to save me by turning me. But it wasn’t enough to save me, so he asked Ilsbeth to help. She’s got some of the oldest most powerful blood in the world.” Rafe sighed. “Ilsbeth isn’t all bad. I’m not saying she’s the pinnacle of good magick either. She’s just power. Pure power. And so…. well.”

Rafe raked his fingers through his thick wavy hair as he hesitated. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t coming out right.”

“I don’t care about Viktor or Ilsbeth. You know what I do care about when I’m with a fucking guy?” The profanity took her by surprise but as she attempted to rein in her anger, tears ran down her face. “I care about the truth. And last night…when I saw you? After everything you told me about Greyson. After you knew those vampires attacked me? You lied.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Complicated? The truth isn’t complicated. What are you?”

“I’m both wolf and vampire. I’m hybrid. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

“Were you going to bite me?”

“I’ve learned to control it, but when we were together? I wanted you,” he confessed.

“Are you serious?” She brought her fingers to her neck in disbelief. “You were thinking of biting me?”

“It’s pleasurable though. I swear I’d never hurt you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I never thought you’d talk to me again if I told you. But Skylar. I’m sorry I didn’t. I’m sorry but this thing with us? It can’t be.”