Page 44

“Are you afraid? Because of the break in?”

I nod, but then add, “But…I also just want you to stay.”

He smiles before kissing my knuckles. “Then I’ll stay.”

I breathe a sigh of relief before raising his hands to reciprocate the kiss.

“Thank you.”

“Why don’t you get ready for bed, and I’ll take Minna out and grab the bag of clothes I keep in the car.”

“Ok,” I say, rising.

While I head for the bathroom, Auggie heads back to the living room. I hear him grab Minna’s leash from the table where I set it earlier. The door opens and closes with a soft click. By the time Auggie and Minna return, I’m emerging from the hallway in my pajamas.

Auggie's steps falter in the doorway.

I hear his breath stutter as his fangs descend.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs.

I close the distance between us and kiss him.

When we break apart, Auggie holds me close, tucking my head beneath his chin. We stand there for a long moment, just holding one another.

“Bathroom is all yours,” I say, taking a step back.

“Thanks.”

I step around him and check the locks. From there I begin all my normal checks. It’s only when I turn from the backdoor that I notice Auggie watching me.

“Just checking,” I say, sheepish at having been caught.

“Take all the time you need, Moonlight.”

He disappears down the hallway, bag in hand. I take the time that he’s in the bathroom to get Toby into his terrarium and Buster on the bed. Minna jumps up as well while I check the bedroom windows.

Cleo and Jesse join the others while I settle on the bed. When the bathroom door opens, Auggie takes one look at me in the middle of the animals and barks out a laugh.

“I didn’t know it was a party.”

I drink him in as he stands in the doorway laughing.

His hair hangs loose around his face, soft curls bouncing with his laughter. It’s duller in color than when we first met. My chest tightens as I wonder if it’s because of the lack of blood. Because he hasn’t been able to feed. His ruby eyes dance with amusement, crinkling at the corners.

And then there’s his smile. When he smiles, his whole face transforms. His cheeks round, the sharp angles of cheekbones soften, and he looks…happy. Carefree and light.

I let my gaze drift lower. Inks of black and red, interwoven with gold, twine their way up his forearms and disappear beneath the sleeves of his t-shirt. And under those stunning tattoos is an athlete’s body, strong and lean.

He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever met.

And he’s here with me.

I smile and nudge the animals. “Make room, my fluffs. We’re having a sleepover.”

Auggie laughs again before pulling down the covers and sliding into bed. The animals all huff and puff at the invader taking up their space, but all eventually move, and we laugh even harder at our sleeping arrangements.

Minna has sprawled her body across Auggie’s legs.