By the time I got back to the nest, I barely had time to change before the vampires started awaking for the night. I blurred to my room, stripped completely naked, and redressed in jean shorts and a gray tank top. Shoving the clothes I wore at Grayson’s in the closest, I had just plopped into bed before my mother stormed into the room. “Where the hell were you, Gabriella?” My heart was already beating heavy from the fury of anger she had whirling around her. I took Shawn’s advice and began thinking about my time with Grayson, which really got my heart pumping.

  “It was late, so I crashed at Shawn’s,” I said matter-of-factly.

  “Neither one of you answered your phones. I was worried.”

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t planning on staying. I just passed out.”

  She sighed, her anger cooling in her face. “It doesn’t happen again, or you don’t work anymore. Understand?” I nodded. “Good. Now when was the last time you fed?” Her voice was calmer. I shrugged. “Come along then.” Holding her hand out to me, I took it and followed her, grateful for the reprieve.

  I was back in my room an hour later, lying in my bed, willing my phone to ring, when there was a knock at the door. I took in a calming breath, really not wanting to see anyone. It had taken a while just to free myself from my mother’s worrisome grasp.

  “Come in.”

  The door swung open, revealing Anton.

  He took a step over the threshold. “You had us all worried last night, Gabriella.”

  “Sorry,” I said with as much sarcasm as I could muster. I knew I was being immature and childish, but I thought perhaps Anton would get the hint that I wasn’t interested and leave me alone and perhaps seek out Ava. No such luck. Anton made his way to my bed. Sitting down at my feet resting his foot on his knee, I looked over at him quizzically. Then I sat up as close to the headboard, which was being blocked by pillows.

  “I was worried about you,” he whispered. “I was sure something had happened.” He laid his hand on my thigh. I flinched and scooted a little further away. Anton eyes darkened but made no move to touch me again.

  “Well as you can see, I’m fine.”

  His lips pulled at the corner. “Why do you resist me, Gabriella? You know I desire you. I could give you the world.”

  “I’m good. Thanks though.” His eyes were scanning my face, when Bubbly by Colbie Calliat, rang through the room. His eyes darted to my cell phone. My heart raced, it was Grayson, but instead of excitement, panic washed over me. I grabbed the phone quickly hitting the silent button. Anton’s eyes fixed back on me. His face darkened with an unknown emotion.

  “Are you going to answer that?” He asked snidely. I shook my head, clutching my phone to my chest. His eyebrows quickly scrunched and just as quickly relaxed. Lightning fast, he grabbed my arm, the one not holding the phone, pulled it to him. He ran his nose up the inner side up to my elbow, breathing me in. My heart pounded in panic then he released me and at human speed he stood and walked out of my room casually closing the door behind him. What the hell was that about?

  Chapter 5

  I was lying naked across Grayson’s warm chest. After the vampires had settled for the day, I left to climb into bed with Grayson. I had never found a chance to call him back after Anton left. I had been so worried Anton suspected something and I wasn’t going to risk him hearing my call to Grayson.

  Grayson had graciously forgiven me, twice. My head was rising and falling with his gentle breathing. His heart pounded against my ear while his hand lightly strummed up and down my back.

  “Shawn wants to meet you,” I blurted, breaking the peaceful silence. I felt Grayson adjust to look at me. I lifted my head, resting my chin on his chest. “He says he needs to give you his seal of approval.”

  He took a deep breath, “If it’s important to you then of course.”

  I smiled. “It is...he is...and well, there is something I should tell you before you meet him. It’s not a big deal.” I tried to wave off my uneasiness.

  “Is he a vampire too?” he said with a crooked grin.

  I shook my head. “I hang out with him in the sun.”

  He rolled his eyes. “That’s right and you’re the only vampire that can go in the sun.” I nodded. “Okay then what?”

  “Well I already told you he’s gay.”

  “That’s not a problem for me, Gaby. I’m secure.”

  I giggled at his comment before speaking. “He’s also a werewolf.” I crinkled my face, waiting for the blow of emotions.

  He fingers paused in their strumming. “A werewolf?” I nodded slowly. He exhaled then shrugged. “Alright,” he said like it was an insignificant detail, and then continued strumming his finger against my skin, like nothing that was said was out of the ordinary. I think Grayson was slowly realizing that there was a lot more to the world we lived in than he originally knew, and he seemed to take it all in stride without missing a step.

  Monday came all too quickly. My time with Grayson Sunday had been cut short. I had to excuse myself Sunday afternoon to be at the nest for the weekly delivery. A short while later, the vampires awoke, and I could find no excuse to leave, at least not one that would work.

  I was putting my bag in my desk drawer when Rachel came around the corner.

  “So, how was your weekend?” She asked with a knowing grin.

  “Good...” I drew out, not sure why she looked so chipper for a Monday.

  A huge smile spread across her face. “It must have been, what with that display of flowers you got this time.”

  “What?” I asked confused.

  “Break room.” She pointed over her shoulder to the break room. “Lucky,” she muttered. “I wish a man sent me flowers after he got a free ride on the magic carpet.” I looked at her, my eyes bulging out of my head. Rachel saw the look and elaborated. “The card.” She spoke like it was obvious.

  I rushed out of my chair to the break room. On the table sat a beautiful vase full of white calla lilies. I read the card attached.

  Gaby,

  Thank you for sharing this weekend with me. I look forward to many more Firsts.

  Grayson

  “Did I mention, I read between the lines,” Rachel said standing in the doorway. I turned glaring at her. I could not fathom why she thought she had the right to read my card. Of course, I knew Rachel was nosy and couldn’t stop herself from intruding in on other people’s lives, especially when I was dating a big name like Grayson Alexander.

  I picked up my flowers, striding past Rachel, and headed to my desk. “Oh come on, Gaby. I’m only poking at you.” I narrowed my eyes at her. “Fine! I guess right now isn’t the best time to ask how ‘The Grayson Alexander’ is in the sack.” She used her finger to make imaginary quotes. I couldn’t hide the rush on heat to my cheeks. “That good, huh?” she giggled. If looks could kill, the one I shot at Rachel would have vaporized her. Throwing her hands up in surrender, she made her way back to her desk. I knew she wouldn’t let it go that easy, but I was thankful for the break from her questions. We worked silently thereafter the flowers forgotten, for now.

  Right before lunchtime, my desk phone rang. “Gates and Summers. This is Gaby speaking, how can I help you?” I spouted off from memory as I continued sorting through papers that were piled on my desk.

  “How’s work today?” I felt my insides quiver at the sound of his velvety deep voice. He sounded so seductive over the phone.

  “Good,” I sighed as I paused in my work. “I had an amazing display of flowers when I arrived this morning. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?” I asked as innocently as possible.

  I heard a soft chuckle from Grayson that slid down my spine, shooting straight to my groin. “Not at all. If I was a different man, I might be jealous of my girlfriend receiving flowers from some random admirer.” My heart stopped for a moment at the word girlfriend. We had never really defined the parameters of our relationship except to say that neither of us was dating anyone else. Never once had he referred to me as his girlfriend. But hearing that word come out of his mouth, so casually, made me realize how much I truly did want that. Silence fell over the line. “Gaby? You still there?” I nodded then realized he couldn’t see me. Clearing my throat, I uttered a quiet “yeah” that didn’t sound a thing like me. “Was that a wrong assumption for me to make?” his voice now lacking his earlier humor. “I know we haven’t discussed...”

  “No.” I cut him off. “I like the sound of it. I do. You just...caught me by surprise.” I heard him exhale the breath he’d been holding.

  “Good, because I see you that way, Gaby, even before... this weekend.” he whispered the last part.

  I smiled. “Say it again, Grayson. Call me it again.”

  He chuckled lightly. “You, Gabriella Carmichael, are my girlfriend.” A large smile almost split my face in half. “Is that better?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Did you enjoy the flowers, Gaby?” he hushed his voice.

  “They are beautiful, Grayson. Thank you.”

  He let out a long breath. “It was a special thing you gave to me. The least I could do was send you flowers, even though it’s not enough to show you how much it meant to me.” Rachel came around the corner tapping her imaginary watch. We had a business lunch with our boss and one of his clients to discuss options for their fancy business party.

  “Hey, sweetheart, I gotta go.”

  “Real quick, Gaby. You mentioned yesterday about me meeting Shawn?”

  “Yes?” I held up a finger to Rachel who was getting anxious waiting for me to get off the phone.

  “Well, I have lunch for tomorrow open if you wanted to get together then.” I smiled at the fact the Grayson was making an attempt to get to know the people in my life. What people he could, anyways.

  “Okay. Let me talk to Shawn and I’ll get back to you, but I really do have to go.”

  “Alright. Bye, baby.”

  I grinned at his endearment. “Bye.” I was biting my lip as I hung up my phone. Rachel rolled her eyes at my grin. “If you two were any more adorable, I’d puke.”

  I shook my head. “Come on, Rach. We’re going to be late.”

  The meeting went great. The clients wanted their party to be an A list event, as A list as a bunch of suits could get. Rachel’s and my boss, Ralph, convinced them that we were just the group to get the job done. I sat there and handed papers out or agreed when needed.

  When we got back to the office, I picked up the phone and called Shawn. “Hey, baby girl. What’s up?”

  “I wanted to see what you were up to tomorrow for lunch,” I asked.

  “I’m guessing hanging with you. Am I right?”

  I giggled, “You are.”

  “You wanna do the Italian cafe two blocks from your work? I can make the rez.”

  “Sure. But make it for three.”

  The line went quiet for a minute then Shawn spoke, “Alright. Three. I’ll see you tomorrow then at 12:30?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Bye, baby girl.”

  “Bye, Shawn.” I hung up feeling a little bit accomplished. Two of the most important people in my life were going to meet. The thought suddenly made me feel queasy.

  I was sitting at my favorite lunch place with Shawn waiting for Grayson and I was a nervous mess. My best friend was meeting my boyfriend. God I still wasn’t used to that word. I wanted nothing more than for them to get along.

  “Check out the hottie.” I turned in the direction Shawn’s eyes were pointing. I watched Grayson make his way to us. He was wearing a light tan suit that hugged him in all the right places.

  I turned back to Shawn, “My hottie.” I pointed a finger at him that said more than words.

  “That’s your...” He voice trailed off when Grayson made it to our table. I stood, wrapping my arms around his neck, he leaned in and kissed me, not chastely, but not too passionately that we might get carried away.

  “Hey, beautiful,” he whispered pulling back.

  I beamed at him. “Grayson, I want you to meet my best friend Shawn. Shawn, this is Grayson.”

  Shawn stood, shaking Grayson’s hand. “Heard a lot of things about you.” I glared at Shawn’s emphasis.

  “Good things, I hope.” Grayson glanced at me.

  “Great things,” Shawn winked at me. My face flushed a deep crimson red. They both chuckled at me. Grayson unbuttoned his jacket before taking the seat next to me, holding my hand in his resting them on his thigh.

  The waitress came and took our drink order. Her eyes widened at the delicious set of man candy I had at my table. She seemed a little flustered, but managed to bring our order without messing it up.

  “So, Shawn, Gaby tells me you’re a werewolf.” The sip I just took of my drink lodged in my throat. I started coughing profusely.

  “You okay, Gaby?” Shawn asked with a huge grin plastered on his face while Grayson rubbed circles on my back. I nodded and they both laughed.

  “She also tell you she’s a half-breed vampire?”

  “Shawn!” I shrieked.

  “What Gaby? It’s not a big deal. You drink blood and I turn furry once a month.”

  “So you do turn?” Grayson asked with genuine curiosity.

  “Yup. Every month at the peak of the full moon.”

  “So, not at random like in the movies?”

  “Grayson!” I shouted. This was not going the way I had thought. Grayson shot me a look of confusion. He didn’t seem to understand how his question was inappropriate.

  “No, Gabs. It’s ok.” Shawn turned back to Grayson. “No I can turn, but only if I’m really, really pissed. It has to be a strong emotion to set me off. That’s actually how me and Gabs met.”

  Grayson turned to me. “Really? Did you piss him off?”

  “No,” Shawn answered for me. “We were at a club and some guy I was interested in gave me the brush off.” Shawn shrugged then turned to me as we both remember that night. “Gaby saved my ass, from turning in front of the entire club.” He reached across the table squeezing my free hand. I smiled at him.

  “What’d you do?” Grayson asked.

  “I got him out of there, calmed him down then we went and got breakfast. Shawn knew that I knew what he was and he could smell what I was and we’ve been best friends ever since.”

  Lunch came. We had pleasant normal conversation while enjoying our food.

  “There is a new club opening on the Upper East Side next Saturday. A buddy of mine owns it. I’m sure I could get us on the list if you both wanna go?”

  “Hell yeah!” Shawn interjected. I shot a glare at him. “What? Come on, Gabs. It’s been awhile since we’ve been to an opening. Please...”

  I sighed, “I go to openings all the time. It’s part of my job.” Then he did it. He gave me the pitiful puppy dog look.

  Rolling my eyes, I groaned in frustration. “Ugh, fine. But I have to work Saturday,” I spat.

  “That’s fine. These things don’t get going until later anyways,” Grayson explained. “As I’m sure you know.”

  Shawn clapped his hands with excitement. “Thanks, Gaby. Love you and your hottie boyfriend, too.” Grayson leaned into me. His breath was warm against my ear, sending goose bumps up my neck, when he whispered, “So does this mean I got the seal of approval.” I faced him. Just as I was opening my mouth, Shawn cut it.

  “Definitely!” Grayson’s eyebrows furrowed at me, making me giggle.

  “Pesky werewolves. Their hearing only gets better the closer to the full moon.” Then I leaned in to Grayson, placing a light kiss on his lips.

  Grayson invited me back to his apartment after work that day. After dinner, we found ourselves a tangle of limbs and sheets. We laid there panting, sweaty and satisfied. Grayson put his arm around me pulling me close. “Will you tell me how you became a vampire?” I sat up on my elbow, studying him. I wasn’t sure where this conversation was going and I certainly wasn’t sure if I was ready for where it could lead. “No Gaby, it’s not what you’re thinking,” he started, reading my expression. Grayson ran the pad of his thumb down my cheek settling my uneasiness. “I really just want to know more about you.”

  I sighed. “It was different for me. I’m not sired. I was born this way.”

  “Tell me the process?”

  “To create a vampire?” I asked, he nodded. “The human must first be drained of all their blood,” I traced the contours of his chest. “Then it must all be replaced with their sire’s blood. The heart stops then they have to feed from a human to complete the transition. The sire bond can be something horrible. You’re connected to your creator until they release you.”

  “So what if they never release you?”

  “Well,” I let out a long breath, “it all depends on the creator. But normally in that case, you can end up being a slave and with the blood tie telling you that you’re happy, and for all intents and purposes you are.”

  “Blood tie?”

  “Yeah. It’s the link between a sire and his fledgling. Basically it’s a failsafe to keep the newbie safe. It’s almost impossible to break.”

  “I don’t understand. Why not just kill the sire and get your life back?”

  “That’s just it,” I explained. “You can’t. You don’t want to. Your blood tie to your sire is almost to the point of love. I’ve heard of some vampires that once they were released were so overcome with grief as if someone had died, they staked themselves.”

  “And for you?”

  “I have no sire, therefore no blood tie. When I turned twenty, my heart briefly stopped beating until I fed. And from a lifetime of having a beating heart it was a bit of a change.”

  He sat up adjusting to look at me. “I don’t understand. I hear your heart beating all the time.”

  I nodded. “Yeah because I keep myself fed. As long as I stay well fed, my heart will beat like normal.”