Redson Read online

  She frowned. “That was weird.”

  “What? You don’t like the taste of my blood?”

  “No. How drastically you changed your voice.”

  “What are you talking about?” He frowned back. “Did I take too much blood? Damn it. I should have been more careful.”

  “I like it rough.”

  His eyes widened, and he lifted his head more, peering at her. “Look at my mouth.”

  She lowered her gaze. “I love your lips. I want to nibble on them.”

  “I love you more than life.”

  His mouth didn’t move…but she heard him. She was stunned as she locked her gaze to his.

  “You hear me, don’t you, baby?”

  She nodded and concentrated. “Can you hear me?”

  He grinned. “I can. We’re tightly linked. This shouldn’t have happened so fast. It usually isn’t possible with humans, but you must have a lot of VampLycan blood. I hear you really clearly. Talk to me again.”

  “I love you too. Why do you look freaked out just a tiny bit?”

  “Amazing,” he breathed. “And I’m not freaked out. Just surprised. You’re so clear!” He reached between them and pinched her nipple.

  She jumped. “Ouch!”

  He frowned. “I didn’t feel that.”

  “I did! What the hell?”

  “Tightly bonded VampLycan mates can feel what the other does during sex. It’s a physical connection.”

  That sounded fun, and she was slightly disappointed to not experience it. “Maybe it will happen with time.”

  “Maybe. But it doesn’t matter. I have no complaints. I can hear you in my head.” He grinned. “I fucking love you.”

  “I’m all yours.”

  “I just hope I can’t hear your grandfather.” He slid from her body. “Well, that softened my dick. Let’s make a rule we never talk about him while in bed.”

  She laughed as he rolled over, and followed him, curling up against his side. “Deal.”

  “My mate.”

  She grinned, putting her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “My mate.”

  He suddenly laughed.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “It just hit me that this is real, and I didn’t have to kill a Vampire to keep you. Thank you, Emma.”

  “Does this mean you won’t be so grumpy? I kind of thought it was cute.”

  He rolled again, pinning her under him once more. “You want grumpy?”

  “I want everything you’ve got to give me, Red.”

  “You’re going to make me hide eggs and shit when we have kids, aren’t you?”

  She was confused.

  “That damn Easter Bunny.”

  “You’re thinking about that now?”

  “That would make me grumpy.” He leaned in and brushed a kiss on her lips and grinned. “But I’d do it. You want kids, don’t you?”

  “I’m forty. I’m ready to have mini-Redson babies whenever you are. How old are you?”

  He just grinned.

  “Come on, tell me.”

  “Older than you.”

  “You’re such an ass.”

  “I’m your ass.” He slid his hand down her side and under her butt, giving her a squeeze. “And this is my ass. It’s better than grabbing your chin, right?”

  She laughed. “Much.”

  His expression grew pensive.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  His eyes lightened to their normal shade, the black receding. “I’m just imagining our future. Having kids. Watching cartoons about human holidays that I’m certain you’ll insist on. Probably even lugging in a dead tree you’ll want to decorate.” His lips twitched, and his eyes lightened further, turning golden. “I’m looking forward to all of it with you.”

  She blinked back tears. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Red.”

  “Right back at you. Let’s strengthen our bond more.” He let go of her ass and reached up, brushing his thumb over her one of the bruises on her arm from her fight with the Vampires, already fading. “You’re healing faster. I hated seeing bruises on you.”

  “Forget about that.” She slid her fingers into his hair. “Make love to me.”

  “Happily, for the rest of our lives.”

  About the Author

  NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

  I'm a full-time wife, mother, and author. I've been lucky enough to have spent over two decades with the love of my life and look forward to many, many more years with Mr. Laurann. I'm addicted to iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two), and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.

  I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when writing you can make sure there's always a happy ending. I love that about being an author. My favorite part is when I sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones to listen to loud music to block out everything around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.

  For the most up to date information, please visit my website. www.LaurannDohner.com