considering those final pieces of advice, he replied, “Thanks so much, Alton. I appreciate the helpful advice, and I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“Good luck,” Alton offered. “Oh, and by the way, I extended an invitation to Katrina for the two of you to come visit me in London during your spring break. I hope you’ll decide to take me up on that offer.”
“How could I possibly refuse? I’d be honored,” Caleb said. “I’ve never been out of the country before, and I’ve always wanted to see Europe.”
“Excellent,” Alton confirmed in a strangely satisfied tone. “I believe you’ll find it an interesting experience. Well, I must be going for now. Again, good luck on your new hunting venture. And do call me if you have questions or concerns.”
“Thanks, Alton,” Caleb said before hanging up. “Nice talking to you.”
He leaned back in his chair to mull over ideas regarding his hunting venture with Katrina. Hide and Seek with a vampire?
The minutes passed as he lost track of time, and then lurched suddenly in his chair upon realizing it was getting late. Katrina will be wondering about me.
The drive home to Katrina’s estate in Mableton, just outside of Atlanta, took less time than Caleb expected. He grinned while pulling through the regal-looking front security gate to the exclusive Pine Valley addition in his older model Honda. Who would’ve thought I’d ever live someplace like this?
He proceeded down the central dark road that wound through the remote, heavily wooded area. Each property was at least five or more acres in area, and most of the homes were veritable mansions. Each estate was a reflection of an owner’s taste, resulting in diverse styles of architecture. However, most estates sat so far from the street that few were visible without entering the private driveways leading onto each property. In the case of Katrina’s estate, which had become his residence in December, a private wrought-iron gate blocked the entrance to the driveway.
After he activated a button on his remote control, the gate swung open, and Caleb proceeded up the lengthy driveway to the four-car garage. He still marveled at how expansive the six thousand square foot manor looked from the driveway. It was a beautiful place to live, sporting all of the modern technological conveniences, including a state-of-the-art security system.
As he pulled into the garage, he glanced to the right to see Katrina’s black Audi sports car parked inside. He longed to see her again after a long day at the college. Despite the months that had passed, he remained in awe at having been chosen as her mate. She could have picked any man in the world, but she chose me.
Caleb glanced down for only an instant to place the car in park, but when he looked up again he saw Katrina already standing next to his car. She observed him with an endeared expression as he exited the vehicle, and he smiled brightly at her. He stopped while reaching into the back seat to retrieve his book bag to take in the magnificent vision of his mate. My vampire.
Katrina wore designer jeans and a crew neck sweater. Her long red hair cascaded across her shoulders like a mantle, and the gaze from her deep green eyes seemed to penetrate directly into him.
She’s ravishing for someone who’s over five hundred years old, he mused as he took a moment to appreciate her nearly six-foot, lean physique, and the way her skin looked almost milky in the light. Though pale skin was a telltale indicator of a vampire, it didn’t imply that she was a corpse. Vampires were definitely alive, breathing beings with blood flowing through their veins. Their inhuman characteristics set them aside: the ability to regenerate from wounds, retractable fangs, vast strength, amazing speed, and heightened senses of sight, smell, hearing, and touch.
They’re amazing, breathtaking, and terrible all at the same time, nature’s perfect predator, although their favorite prey is humans.
She gazed at him with a curious expression. “Welcome home, my love. It’s getting late, and I was growing concerned that something might have happened to you. Is everything okay?”
“Sorry, Kat. I got distracted doing things at the office. I would’ve called if something happened.”
During the weeks of recovery from his December injuries, she had behaved more protectively around him. However, in recent days, he sensed an added sense of attentiveness from her. Not that I’m complaining, of course. Who wouldn’t want to be the center of attention to a loving vampire mate?