Page 64 of Fire in My Blood
There’s no mistaking the anger and sincerity in Erica’s eyes. She wants the vampire dead and doesn’t feel bad about it. Which is a good thing, considering she’s mated to an elemental and killing supernatural assholes is our purpose.
“Lucas called just before you arrived.”
I recognize the anger in Lynette’s voice and turn to look at her. To almost anyone else, she would have sounded calm and unemotional, but I’ve known her for a long time and have paid particular attention to the nuances in her voice and expressions, so I can discern the low vibration signifying her anger.
“Why didn’t you tell me as soon as I got here?” I study Lynette’s neutral expression.
“I wanted to let you talk to Erica first.” She shoots me a glare, daring me to lecture her.
I stay silent and wait for her to continue.
“He said he’s protecting his mate.”
I glance at Erica, whose eyes have widened.
A smile wants to split my face, but I maintain my neutral expression. “Those were his words?”
It sounds like him, the Lucas I’ve known for over a millennium. The man who never runs away from any challenge or responsibility. And if I’m right, which I’m certain I am, the man who loves Erica, even if he doesn’t realize it himself yet.
“Yes. He was on his way to her apartment to search for the vamp. The asshole has been spotted in the area. Lucas invited us to help.” Lynette’s gaze is hard as she stares at me.
“Good. Then that’s our plan.” I turn to Erica. “We’ll go to your apartment. Lynette will check it first. Then, you can lock yourself inside while we locate and kill the vampire.”
She looks like she’s about to protest, but then she nods. “Okay. Thank you.”
I give her a smile. “You don’t have to thank us. This is what we do, removing any supernaturals preying on others.”
I turn back to Lynette and meet her golden green eyes. They remind me of a lush green pasture on a warm summer day. Her long red hair frames her face and falls in waves over her shoulders. “Please, refrain from going off on Lucas until after we’ve disposed of this vampire. I know you’re angry, but you need to wait.”
She snorts, and my eyes widen in surprise.
“Please? Did you hit your head on your way here? You never say please. You just tell me what to do.”
I can’t help the grin that splits my face. She’s right. I’m gruffer and more demanding with her than with anyone else on my team, and I know it has to do with my feelings for her. “Don’t get used to it. Bluntness has served me well for many years.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” A small smile plays on Lynette’s mouth, drawing my attention to her cherry-red luscious lips. “And I’ll save disciplining Lucas for later.”
Tearing my gaze away from her mouth requires all my willpower. I turn back to Erica. “Please, give my driver your address.” Nodding at the soundproof glass behind her, I press the button to lower it.
As soon as Erica has told the driver her address, I add my instructions. “Stop two blocks away. We’ll walk from there.”
The driver gives a short nod, and I press the button to raise the glass again.
I wait until the divider is in place before addressing Erica. “You’ll walk to your apartment and lock yourself inside. I’ll keep an eye on you to make sure you get there without incident. But you’ll have to trust that I’m there since you won’t be able to see me.”
“All right.” She hesitates. “Will I get a chance to talk to Lucas later?”
“Of course.” I give her a nod.
This is a situation I’d hoped never to experience again. The only other time an elemental took a mate, it ended in disaster. The woman didn’t love him. Instead she grew to hate him over time. They both ended up dead as a result.
But this time is different; I can feel it. There’s love between Erica and Lucas, true love from both sides. But I might have to help Lucas past his respect and honor to see the truth.
***
Erica
I study Markus’s blank expression. I didn’t know what to expect before I met him. But he’s been nice to me, direct but nice.