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In a swooping motion, he gathers me into his arms and begins the walk back to town. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Your premise that vampires don’t exist is flawed, but even that isn’t your fault. We do exist, as do most of the other monsters in books and mythology. We keep our distance from humans to stay alive.”
“What did you do to that jerk in the diner?” I can’t believe I’m starting to buy in to this.
“Entranced him. He is a jerk, but I shouldn’t have done that. I lost my temper when he was disrespectful to you.”
“Why do you care if someone is unkind to me?” It’s the weirdest conversation I’ve ever had and as a reporter, I’ve had some doozies. Even so, I’ve never felt as safe as I do in Oliver’s arms.
He shrugs, which lifts me for a moment.
I grip his neck tighter.
A wisp of a smile brightens his too-handsome face. “I’m drawn to you in a way I’ve never been attracted to anyone.”
ChapterEight
Oliver
Holding her is pure magic. Not that I’m happy she injured herself, but I never want to let her go.
At the inn, I take her up the stairs to her room and lower her to her feet.
Her cheeks are bright pink. So beautiful.
After finding her key in the small cross-body purse she’s wearing, she opens the door.
I remain on the threshold and watch as she kicks off the offending sandals. “I would prefer if you didn’t write your story about us, but I won’t stop you.”
She sits on the bottom of the bed. “Will you come in?”
Stepping inside, I let the door close. “Are you sure it’s okay that I’m in here?”
“I’m a big girl. I spoke to several people, including Mable, who have nothing but good things to say about Scrim Hall and all the good Mr. Pettigrew and his students have done for this town. Why would you want me to keep you a secret?”
I sit beside her on the bed and take her hand in mine. “What would happen if people found out about my brothers and me?” My canines descend, and my vision intensifies, as do all my other senses.
“Are you putting me into a trance?” Her chest rises and falls, fast and hard.
“No.” I gather my wits, which isn’t easy when the scent of her is intoxicating. “I want you, Birgitta, but I’ll never coerce you.”
“And will you bite me?” Her attention shifts to my fangs lying across my bottom lip, but she seems more intrigued than afraid.
A low groan builds in my chest and rumbles as the idea of tasting her and showing her the pleasures of my bite fills me with desire. My cock presses against the fly of my jeans. “I would not take more than is offered.”
“Vague, but polite.” She chuckles. Stifling her amusement, she grows serious. “I would think that if people knew there was a vampire living in the woods in western New York, they would investigate you. Perhaps even hunt you.”
“Each of my brothers is a unique monster.” I take her hand and trace a path around her small fingers. “If our natures were common knowledge, humans would destroy us, as they destroy everything they fear or don’t understand.”
She doesn’t argue. She knows the nature of humanity. “The people here seem to mostly admire you and your family.”
“We fund the local schools and built the library. This is a small town, and we take care of it. We also give to several charities in neighboring towns. Wentworth felt it important to give back and we carry on in his name.” There’s a small callus on her thumb and I rub it. “From typing?”
“Yes.” She pulls her hand away. “If you’re a vampire, what do you do for blood?”
“Iama vampire. I have an arrangement with a blood bank, but I also hunt game in the woods around Havendoor.” I try to make it sound harmless.
She narrows her eyes. “You can move fast and entrance people. Any other skills or traits?”
“I can’t tell if you are trying to get to know me or just want to write a juicy story that will flood these woods with tourists looking for monsters like Bigfoot.” I want to believe there’s more to her questions than reporting.
