father?” “Not since he wanted me to take out one of his vampire enemies.” “You didn’t!” He shook his head, sighing loudly. “I’m not a weapon to be used when he needs an assassin during daylight hours.” “Mine was the one who suggested to our mother that I become a companion to one of his friends. I think she still loves him.” “We don’t need them. We never did. Mother needs to realize she was used by them to have offspring. The concept fascinated them but the reality didn’t fulfill their expectations.” Jenny suddenly stepped forward and pressed her hand to the center of his chest. “Do you love Jasmine?” “I believe I do. I think I have since we first met.” “Be sure. Mating is forever.” “I’ve never felt anything this strong before. She makes me happy and I really look forward to a future with her. She’s all I think about.” “You’re such a dork.” She laughed, grinning. “That’s love.” “Now I just have to get her to immediately agree to mate with me.” “I thought you were going to give her time.” “She’s turning.” “Shit.” Jenny backed away. “Why are you standing here talking to me? Get it done. You don’t want to doom her to an existence without sunshine and cause her to be weaker than she needs to be. Your mate shouldn’t have to endure vampire flaws.” “I don’t want her to regret it.” “She’d hate bursting into flames if she ventured outside during the day and having to drink blood on a daily basis. Jasmine doesn’t know enough to make that kind of decision, Chase, but you do. Do what is best for her.” He knew his sister was right. “I’ll go find her.” He sniffed. “She’s not upstairs.” “She headed downstairs last I saw.” “She’ll be suffering exhaustion while her body goes through the first stages of transformation.” “Go mate her.” Chase spun on his heel and stalked to the basement. “Do you mind cooking dinner in an hour? She’ll be hungry.” “I’ve got this. You deal with her.” He paused by the door and turned, holding his sister’s stare. “About the human you mentioned?” “What about him?” “I wouldn’t kill him. I’d just guide him until he understood how important it was to protect you and what we are. I don’t want you to be alone.” “You mean you’d scare him into submission and beat him if needed.” “Better me than someone else attempt to kill him for revealing too much.” “That’s true. I’ll think about it.” “Good.” He closed the door after him, following Jasmine’s faint scent still lingering in the air, tracking her to his bedroom.
Jasmine stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. A slight noise drew her attention and she sat up as Chase entered his room. It was a bit awkward since they didn’t know each other that well. No words came to mind as he slowly stalked closer. She noticed the way he moved, graceful but with an aura of danger. He wasn’t a typical guy, had never been one, but now she knew what was so different about him. Being part werewolf and vampire was a lethal combination. His dark stare didn’t frighten her though, but instead made her aware of various parts of her body. Her belly tightened and her nipples tingled. Another part of her reacted too but she tried to ignore that. “How are you feeling?” She wasn’t sure why he didn’t just read her mind. That ability still unnerved her. “Okay. A little tired but restless. I couldn’t fall asleep.” He sat on the edge of the bed, his weight dipping that side slightly as he shifted to face her. “Are your eyes sensitive to the light in here? Any numbness in your body?” She wished the second part was a symptom she experienced. Every time Chase was near it was impossible not to notice the way her body reacted to him. It had been that way since the first time they’d met at her office. One look and her heart rate had increased and her