have a stronger mind block than I do, but I’m just as powerful in every other way. Don’t think you’re better than I am.”
“Wanna make a bet?” I reach forward and fist his shirt. Ford doesn’t even flinch. I love toying with him.
“Bring it on.”
Heels on the hardwood floor pull my attention from Ford and cause me to sigh.
“I heard that, Solomon,” my mom’s voice carries down the hallway.
“If I were trying to hide my irritation, I would have, Mother.”
“You should be happy I’m here. The more the merrier to try and find whoever is after the pack.” Eloise Verascue comes into view and I shouldn’t be surprised by what she’s wearing. Yet, I am.
A leather skirt with two slits that have been loosely stitched together over her thighs. The skirt barely covers her butt. Her top is as skintight as the skirt, with stitching up the middle loose enough where my mom’s breasts look like they’re fighting to break free, which I have to say is nothing I need to see. She’s got leather cuffs on both wrists and a freaking riding crop in one hand that she slaps onto the palm of the other.
“Seriously?” Ford can’t hide how uncomfortable he is.
“You couldn’t have dressed more conservative?” I ask her. “Did you think your children would want to see their mother as a dominatrix?”
Mom smirks. “You’re both grown males. You have seen enough of this world that my outfit shouldn’t bother you.”
“We’ve seen a lot, sure, but not our mother looking like she’s about to tell our father to bend over and take it like a good boy,” Ford states.
I make a retching noise and buckle over, trying to keep my earlier drink from Lilah down. “Once we catch whoever this is, I’m getting out of here and bleaching my eyes and my brain of that imagery.”
“How do you both know I’m not the one who likes to be bent over?” Mom asks.
“That’s enough!” Ford yells. “There aren’t enough therapists out there to unpack this nightmare. I think I’ll take my chances with whomever attacked Eaton.” With that, Ford teleports away, leaving me with my mom, who I never want to see like this again. Fate, I hope my dad has more clothes on.
5
Ford
A full body shiver takes over as I try to rid my mind of seeing my mom in all that leather. Why did she think that was a good idea to wear to a party where her children and grandchild would be? Not that Jupiter cares what she’s wearing, but Sol and I do. Fate’s sake.
I’m standing in the medical room downstairs near the ballroom. Voices from throughout the house float to me, but no one is in this room and, for that, I’m grateful. I need a break from everyone for a moment to gather my thoughts.
Somewhere in this house is my mate, the most important being in the world to me. She can take care of herself. Sienna may be a fox shifter and not very ruthless, but when it comes to those she loves, she’ll do what she has to. Plus, she has my vampire awesomeness flowing through her, thanks to me gifting her my powers. Most don’t assume she’s spectacular but rather just a timid female. While she can be shy and more reserved, my mate is one of the most powerful females out there.
“You have to think that because we’re mated,” she says in my mind, a moment before she opens the door to the room I’m in and closes it behind her.
The lights are off. I’m leaning against the counter with my hands by my side. Sienna slowly walks toward me. The dress on her accentuates her curves, makes me want to bite her supple—
“Ford!” she yells in my head. “We’re supposed to be looking for the one who hurt Eaton, not thinking about sex.”
“Who says I was thinking about that? I’m merely hungry and would like some of your blood.”
“Uh huh. So it had nothing to do with you wanting to drink it from my breast where it’s pushed up, thanks to what I’m wearing?”
“I mean, I wouldn’t say no to such a thing.”
She places her hands on my chest and leans in to gently kiss my lips. I reach around her back and pull her against me. “One kiss.”
“Mmhmm.”
She lets me have that one then leans away while I chase her lips. “We have to focus, Ford. None of this right now. Later, after whoever is caught and