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“He puts his hands on you?” I ask softly.
Noticing the tenseness in the room, she blinks. “I can handle him. He knows it won’t get him anywhere with me.”
“Monday, I’m coming to take you to lunch,” River barks.
“River, your wooing technique needs work,” Serenity interrupts. She walks across the room to Ava, her big mate close behind her. It was a surprise to everyone that she was pregnant. It’s almost unheard of that two vampires can have children, and so quickly. She hugs Ava, leans back on Ryker, and both of them rest their hands on her baby bump.
“I have great technique. I want to feed my mate, at the same time, send an obvious message to her boss that she’s off-limits.”
“He’s still hitting on you?” Serenity says, surprised.
“Not you, too,” Ava moans. “He’s an ass, but I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can, but sometimes it’s nice not to have to.” Serenity gives Ryker a soft look.
“It’s fine,” Ava says, brushing off the concern.
“I know if someone were flirting with my mate, making her uncomfortable, I would take care of it,” Ryker says, and we share an understanding look.
“Can we drop it?” Ava begs.
“For now, yes.” I nod.
I will be joining River on the lunch date. Her boss will never put his hands on her again.
“Not drinking, Kerian?” Ryker asks, looking at the water bottle in my hand.
“No, taking a break from that,” I say, uncomfortable.
“Good for you, Kerian,” Serenity says softly.
Ava looks at me curiously, questions clearly on the tip of her tongue.
“I wanted to take Ava to our cabin in the woods for our date, but Ryker said it would be creepy,” River says, rescuing me from the weird moment.
“Seriously?” Serenity asks.
“What’s wrong with it? She would be able to meet our wolves.”
“Dude, you don’t take a woman to a secluded cabin in the woods on the first date,” Ryker says, exasperated.
“Fine, this time. Next time, I get to plan the date,” he decides.
***
Ava is a little tipsy. She’s swaying to the music beside me in my car. I didn’t give her a choice other than to get in my car to take her home. River is driving her car behind us, probably still pouting. He was determined to do a coin toss to decide who would ride with Ava. While searching his pockets for one, I put Ava in the seat and got behind the wheel.
The night was not how I envisioned it, having two vampires as chaperones, but Ava had fun, and that was all that mattered. We didn’t talk about anything too serious. Hopefully, being around us, relaxed and comfortable with her friends, will help us progress to our goal.
Once River saw Ava was drinking, he stopped at one. It was refreshing seeing him so attentive to our mate.
“Is that true about River and food?” Ava asks, the sway of her body slowing.
“I’m sure it is. There are things he hasn’t told me.”
“It’s sad if it is. Do you know why?”
“Unfortunately, he doesn’t share everything, even with me. He’s not close to anyone else.” I cringe. I don’t want her to think he can’t get close to anyone.
