Mine to Chase Read online

  “What about him?”

  “I wouldn’t kill him. I’d just guide him until he understood how important it was to protect you and what we are. I don’t want you to be alone.”

  “You mean you’d scare him into submission and beat him if needed.”

  “Better me than someone else attempt to kill him for revealing too much.”

  “That’s true. I’ll think about it.”

  “Good.”

  He closed the door after him, following Jasmine’s faint scent still lingering in the air, tracking her to his bedroom.

  Jasmine stared at the ceiling, trying to make sense of everything. A slight noise drew her attention and she sat up as Chase entered his room. It was a bit awkward since they didn’t know each other that well. No words came to mind as he slowly stalked closer.

  She noticed the way he moved, graceful but with an aura of danger. He wasn’t a typical guy, had never been one, but now she knew what was so different about him. Being part werewolf and vampire was a lethal combination. His dark stare didn’t frighten her though, but instead made her aware of various parts of her body. Her belly tightened and her nipples tingled. Another part of her reacted too but she tried to ignore that.

  “How are you feeling?”

  She wasn’t sure why he didn’t just read her mind. That ability still unnerved her. “Okay. A little tired but restless. I couldn’t fall asleep.”

  He sat on the edge of the bed, his weight dipping that side slightly as he shifted to face her. “Are your eyes sensitive to the light in here? Any numbness in your body?”

  She wished the second part was a symptom she experienced. Every time Chase was near it was impossible not to notice the way her body reacted to him. It had been that way since the first time they’d met at her office. One look and her heart rate had increased and her palms had been sweaty when they’d shaken hands.

  “No. I’m good.”

  “It’s a slow process, fortunately.” He reached out but he didn’t touch her. Instead his fingers traced a crease in the bedding. “We still have a few hours.”

  “Before I turn into a full-on vampire?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will it hurt?” That was a real fear.

  “No. Your body will start going numb while it shuts down until you fall asleep. Your heart will stop beating at that point and you’ll die.” He glanced anywhere but at her. “The next evening, after the process is finished, you’ll wake.”

  “Will I still have a beating heart?”

  He hesitated. “It does to a degree.”

  “What does that mean? It either does or it doesn’t.”

  “It will slow to a standstill if you haven’t eaten or if you’re sleeping during the day. When you wake and feed, it accelerates. The fresher the blood in your system, the more it will pump at a normal rate.”

  “What about air? Will I need to breathe?”

  He hesitated. “You could go without for quite a while. You technically don’t need it but it isn’t pretty when your body is starved of oxygen for extended periods of time.”

  “Can you elaborate? I don’t know any real facts about vampires, just the fiction I’ve read in books.”

  “Think white or a greenish tint, depending on whether you’re in a dry or wet climate.” He grimaced. “We need to take care of this situation, Jasmine.”

  She knew what that meant. “You want to make me your mate.”

  “You know I do.” He leaned closer, holding her gaze. “I promise you’ll never regret it.”

  “How can you possibly do that?”

  He hesitated. “I’m over a hundred years old, Jasmine.”

  She studied his features closely. He didn’t appear older than early thirties, if even that. She bit her lip, trying to guess his point, besides shocking her.

  You can hear me when I concentrate on projecting my thoughts to you.

  The sound of his voice inside her head was as clear as if he’d spoken the words aloud.

  Believe in what you think is impossible. I’m proof of that, my love. I’ll always keep my promises to you.

  Hot tears filled her eyes while she gazed into his. The brown irises turned cobalt as she watched, more proof that everything she’d once know to be factual wasn’t quite true. Chase changed everything. Her life turned upside down by his very existence.

  “Take a chance,” he murmured, inching closer, staring deeply into her gaze. “You have everything to gain.” His voice deepened. “My love. Me. Happiness.” He paused before giving her a sexy, devastating grin. “Great sex.”

  He wasn’t playing fair. He was too close, smelled really good, and who was she kidding? She adored Chase Woods. It ran deeper than that though, had almost been an obsession since they’d first met. He was the man who’d captured her fantasies on a nightly basis, made other men insignificant in comparison, and he’d saved her life.

  “I’ll lose my house, my job, my friends and family if I agree, right?” How can I do that to be with this man? It went against everything she’d ever believed in. She was a strong, capable woman. The concept of walking away from her life to be with Chase left her feeling lost and confused.

  “I know it’s difficult but if the rogue had a master, you’re still in danger. He will consider you his and come after you. He would destroy the people you care about to get to you. I’m strong enough to defeat him. You’re my mate, Jasmine. I won’t let anyone harm you. And there are other things to consider. How will you explain the changes you’ve undergone, especially over time? People will notice. That will put you at risk, cause you pain. That would hurt you more. And that would hurt me.”

  “I didn’t ask for this.” Bitterness rose over the impossible situation she’d been placed in.

  “The rogue did this, not me. I walked away from you once when it was the last thing I wanted to do. I did it because your happiness came first. “His tone softened and so did the look in his eyes. “I’d do anything for you.”

  “Can’t you fix me so I don’t turn into a vampire? Can’t we just date and my normal life can resume? I need more time.”

  Chase hesitated, a pained look crossing his handsome face. “I’d give you anything if it were possible. The rogue harmed you too much for a hospital to save your life. My blood was the only option to keep you alive. I didn’t mean for this to happen, for you to start to turn into a vampire, but he’d taken you too close to death. You have only two options now—become one of them or agree to be my mate. Either way, I can’t turn back the clock and undo what has been done.”

  Jasmine didn’t like it but she knew he spoke the truth. He had supernatural powers but time travel wasn’t one of them. Putting anyone else in danger wasn’t something she’d ever willingly do.

  “I’d die for you, Jasmine.” Sincerity deepened his voice. “I know it’s asking a lot, perhaps too much, but please agree to be my mate. I swear you won’t regret it. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. We’ll work out all the issues.”

  Her heart squeezed inside tightly while she stared deeply into his beautiful eyes. He meant every word. She believed that and the love she felt for him grew stronger until it was tough to breathe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be with him forever. Her concerns and fears faded as they watched each other.

  “Yes.” The one word came from her lips.

  She wasn’t sure who was more surprised by her agreement. Becoming his mate was a lifelong commitment. He’d made sure she understood there would be no turning back and they’d live for a very long time. Chase’s smile faded as a low growl emanated from deep within his chest.

  “You won’t regret this.”

  Jasmine really hoped she wouldn’t. “What do we do?”

  He leaned closer. “What comes natural.”

  “That didn’t answer my question.”

  “I’m going to make love to you.” One warm hand gently cupped her cheek. “And when the time is right, I’m going to bleed for you. You’ll drink more of