Tricked: A Dark Protectors Novella Read Online Free Page B

believe almost anything.
    “Yeah. That’s probably why you became a shrink.” He stood and took his dish to the kitchen. “Finish your breakfast. You need protein.”
    The man, or rather male , was sure bossy. She started eating anyway.
    His phone buzzed from the back pocket of his faded jeans, and he drew it out to read the face. Those broad shoulders stiffened.
    “Everything okay?” she asked, her healing heart humming.
    He texted something and then turned toward her. “Are you all right here for a bit? I have some business to take care of.”
    “Sure.” She stretched her neck. “I feel great.” Actually, she could use some alone time to really try out this immortality thing. For the first time in months, she almost felt like herself. She smiled, feeling true joy.
    His eyes flared with…hunger? “You’re stunning when you smile, Veronica.”
    Her grin faltered, and different kinds of tingles exploded through her abdomen. “Thank you.” She set her napkin on her plate. “We, ah, should probably set some ground rules when you get back.” After she thought about what she would say.
    “Agreed.” From the determined set of his jaw, he thought they might argue.
    Yeah. They might. “I’ll finish the dishes.” Craning her neck, she took stock of the disaster in her kitchen. Apparently the vampire used every pot and pan to make the eggs.
    “Thanks.” He strode past her and stopped, turning at the last minute.
    Her chest heated.
    He grasped her chin and lifted her face. “I know you’re feeling stronger, but give yourself time to keep healing. You’re not immortal yet, which makes you very fragile.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips across hers.
    Her lungs stuttered.
    He released her and crossed into the bedroom, returning while still tugging a worn T-shirt over his amazing chest.
    “Will I get fangs?” she asked, her mind still reeling.
    He snorted. “No.” By the door, he paused, turning to face her. “I’m the only one who can really bite, baby. Don’t forget it.” Then he left.
    She stared at the closed door. Was that a threat? Should a threat make her thighs weaken and her pulse race? Wait a minute. Her pulse was actually racing. She threw back her head and laughed. For goodness’ sake. She wasn’t going to die.
    Where was her cell phone? She stood and did a shimmy dance, finding it nicely charging on her counter. Hitting speed dial, she waited until Olivia answered.
    “I’m alive!” she yelled.
    “Yay!” Olivia yelled back. “I knew it. Oh, God. Can you believe it? We’re immortal. We should go skydiving.”
    “And bungie jumping. And rock climbing,” Ronni added. She paused. “Wait a minute. You’re immortal, too?”
    “Yep. Or I will be soon. We mated two nights ago.” Olivia’s voice turned dreamy. “Can you believe it? It was the most romantic night of my entire life. Chalton is beyond my dreams.”
    Aww. Ronni warmed, even as her heart hurt just a little. What would it be like to have love for eternity? She shook herself out of the self-pity. Damn it. She was lucky. “You deserve it, Olly. You really do.”
    “So do you,” Olivia said. “How was it?”
    Ronni snorted. “Totally awkward, to the point of panic.”
    Olivia chuckled. “Oh, my. That sucks. I’m sure it’ll get better.” She said something off the phone and then returned. “We’re on a private plane and will be landing in just a few minutes. I’ll grab a cab and be at our scheduled meeting in an hour. Can’t wait to see you.” She was silent for a beat, and then her voice lowered with emotion. “You’re gonna live, Ron.”
    “Yeah.” Ronni rubbed her chest. “I am.”
    Olivia yelped. “Ah, gotta go. Talk later.” The phone went dead.
    Ronni looked at the quiet device in her hand. What would love and mating be like? For the briefest of seconds, her stomach hurt. She shook herself out of the sadness. She was alive, and that was more than she’d hoped for just a week ago. For that, she