Page 76 of Burn for Her
“Anyway, I invested most of my inheritance in small business ventures, stocks, and scholarship funds.”
“Vampire Tacos lady?”
“Count Tacola,” Lena grinned. “Yeah. Her name’s Carmen.”
“Is she a close friend?”
“No,” Lena admitted. “But she helped me once and I never forgot it. This was a way for me to pay her back.”
Dorian pulled onto an exit. “You have a big heart.”
“I just have deep pockets and guilt. Imposter syndrome is also a bitch.”
“You’re not an imposter if you own your truths. You’re an heiress and a philanthropist. Nothing wrong with that.”
“It feels wrong to have inherited the money.” She blew out a big breath. “I wasn’t exactly the poster child for the perfect daughter.”
“Perfection’s rarely seen in the mirror,” Dorian said. A smile spread across his face, though he kept his eyes on the road. “That is until I saw you in the mirror.”
She rolled her eyes. “Lame.”
He laughed and it was the first time she heard it. It surprised her. Warmed her. Made her smile.
“What about you? Where did you grow up, Transylvania?”
“Not quite.” He grinned as they pulled onto a dirt road. Dorian slowed to a stop. “Are you ready to meet my family?”
The sound of ATVs roared up ahead with howls riding on the wind.
Chapter 25
“Well look who finally came back for a visit!” Emerick hopped off his ATV and clasped Dorian’s arm. “Just in time for the ceremony. Damn, brother, never thought you’d come for one of them. Did Emily talk you into it?”
Shit, the ceremony. Dorian had completely forgotten about it. And Emily. Shit, she was going to think he was a hypocrite once she met Lena.
“She might have mentioned it,” Dorian said quietly.
“She’s been a total bugaboo lately. The girl’s wound tight and being pent up on pack land isn’t helping.” Emerick’s golden gaze swung to Lena. “And who’s this slice of paradise?”
“This is Lena McKay.” Dorian pulled her into his arms, automatically getting way too protective and possessive of her again. He knew no one here was a threat, but he couldn’t stop himself. His instincts screamed to keep her close and safe at all times.
Mark her. Turn her. Bond.
He saw the realization dawn on Emerick. The shifter’s eyes peeled wide, and he stood stock-still while staring at Dorian. “Hoolllyyyy shiiiit, brother.” Emerick’s gaze snapped to Lena again and his playful nature dropped as he bowed his head low, “I’m Emerick Woods. First son of Alistair. Beta.”
“Lena.” She held her hand out for him to shake. “Just Lena.”
Emerick’s gaze lingered on her face before issuing a quick survey of the rest of her. “Nice clothes,” he said with a big grin. “Reaper’s wardrobe suits you.”
Dorian thought so too, but only because he enjoyed her wearing his possessions for other reasons. His scent would be all over her, offering one more layer of protection. Those who knew Dorian well enough didn’t fuck with him or anyone who belonged to him. Those who did seek him harm, would soon be killed anyway. It was just a bonus that her sweet skin would be saturated in his scent for his own selfish reasons.
Emerick cleared his throat. “Let’s get you up to the house. Emily’s gonna wanna see this, and I’m making popcorn for it.” He smacked Dorian’s arm and added, “Mom’s making a big dinner for tonight. She’s going to shit a brick when she sees you.”
Mom. Dorian’s heart swelled at the mere thought of Marie. She’d been a mother to him when no one else would bother to look in his direction let alone show him kindness or offer a warm meal. She and Alistair took Dorian in the night he nearly died escaping his father and raised him as one of their own.
He rarely visited pack land anymore. The more dirty work he did for the House of Death, the less worthy he felt of being on pack land. But that was on him, not them. They never made him feel like a monster. Wolves were understanding killers themselves.
“Come on.” Dorian’s voice was low and gravelly. He ran the back of his hand against Lena’s arm and offered her a smile. “I want you to meet the rest of my family.”