they put off. Jon’s blood smells like dark chocolate to me, which makes feeding from him akin to drinking down hot cocoa spiked with adrenaline. The mate bond allows Rafe to experience first hand the delectable taste of Jon’s blood. That’s a hard lump for any man to swallow—they too desire the man their wife feeds from on a regular basis.
Jon answers my question about why he arrived early. “There’s an unknown vampire on the property.”
“What? I don’t understand,” I say, recoiling in shock. “Do you think you may have confused the scent with someone here on vacation?”
“No,” Jon snorts. “I don’t make simple mistakes. Besides, I double-checked outside all the cabins and all the entrances to the hotel. The trace isn’t from a guest nor is it someone who’s ever stayed here before.”
“Hmm,” Rafe comments, “which means it could have something to do with John Pierre’s dead body in room six.”
That’s my Rafe: he loves to tease me, but he’s not some sharp-tongued, witty detective either. I don’t release my snide observation of his less-than-stellar addition, having learned enough over the years to keep such thoughts in.
“Is it possible, Viv,” he continues, “that you missed the scent of another vamp?”
Okay, now he has a valid point, dammit.
I think back to the moment. The smell of the blood overwhelmed everything. So yes, I could have missed another vamp scent. And to be honest, I did not think to walk around the room like a bloodhound. While it would have been awkward in my dress, it could have revealed some new information.
“Yes, it’s a possibility.” I turn to Jon. “I don’t have time now, but do you want to check the room out later with me? If it is a match, we should both get familiar with the scent.”
“Yeah, I’ll head up whenever you’re ready. Have you thought to question the other guests yet?” Is it condescension I hear in Jon’s voice? I know I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but I do remember to question people.
“No, and I’m not an idiot. I will ask them. It’s only been,” I check my watch, “about two and a half hours since we discovered the corpse. I’ve had other things to do, you know. Business to run, guests to see to…things like that.”
“You left off ‘husband to shag’,” smiles Rafe.
What can I say? I have a very strong sense of priorities and shagging my husband remains at the top of the list. Yeah, yeah, I’m horny, so sue me. He loves the trait and that’s all that matters in the big picture.
“Yes, well, no need to point out the obvious now, is there?” I reply with some heat.
“Uh-um,” Jon clears his throat. “I came by early to tell you both my news, but why did you call me here?”
Jon can figure out why I called him; he just wants to hear me say it.
“It’s time for me to take a full feeding again. It’s been a few weeks so I knew you’d be able.” I try to keep my tone light and neutral.
Projecting my need, I let the hunger envelope him so he knows what to expect. It’s not a rip-your-throat-out kind of feel, more of a topping-off-the-tank one. I don’t ever get famished with Rafe around. The murder makes me prefer to play it safe and be at my peak when I know it may be needed.
Jon’s face lights up like he’s anticipating this could be the moment he’s been dreaming about.
“Finally decided to dump that human you’ve shackled yourself to and mate with the stronger man?” He grins and I know it’s partly to hide his own feelings of self-doubt. Rafe just snorts while walking away from the table.
“Anytime you want to see who the stronger man is, Jon, you let me know.” Rafe goes to the fridge to collect ingredients for his dinner. He gives Jon his back, a clear sign to the Were he doesn’t consider him a real threat. The blood bond between us has made Rafe as fast as a vamp and as strong. My husband doesn’t need to prove his point or fear Jon in any way, and he knows it.
“Done yet, you two?” I ask as bland as I can. Silence. “Okay then. Jon, come into the office with me.”
I head toward the bedroom then make a left into the office Rafe and I share. Jon settles himself on the couch with an eager look on his face. A vampire bite transforms every