I put my hand against his warm cheek. When I was human his skin had always been cold. But now it felt warm. Not hot, but warm. I snuggled against him and he tucked my head under his neck.
“When can I see her?” I asked.
“Anytime,” he played with a strand of my hair.
“Now?” I asked hesitantly.
“Now,” he confirmed and I could feel his smile even though I couldn’t see it.
I hopped out of the bed, pulling my clothes on; Jonathon’s eyes followed my movements. His gaze was so intense that I found myself embarrassed.
“Stop looking at me,” I squirmed under his gaze.
“But you’re so beautiful,” he grinned, chuckling.
I pulled a shirt over my head, eyeing him. “Get dressed.”
“Are you sure about that?” He asked me with a smirk.
I ducked my head. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
He grinned and stood. Now I was watching him. “Stop looking at me,” he mimicked.
I stepped forward, kissing his smooth lips. “You’re mine and I can look all I want.”
He kissed me back. “If you keep saying things like that, we’ll never leave this room.”
* * *
Finally dressed, we made our way downstairs. Amelia and Diana were sitting with the babies and no one else was to be found. I figured they were off discussing our imminent demise with Gabriel.
Glancing up at Jonathon I wondered if one day this might be taken from me. Suddenly, just holding his hand took on a much more significant meaning.
“Where do you want to do this?” he asked. “Do you want her brought here?”
“That’s probably best.” I paused, “She won’t hurt them will she?”
Jonathon smiled. “No, she won’t. Have you tried to hurt them?” He quirked a brow.
“No,” I answered.
“Remember, they’re dhampir they don’t smell right. You don’t think of them as food,” he said. “Besides, your mom has had several years to learn to control herself. You on the other hand… It won’t be safe for you to leave the house for quite a while.”
“Great,” I groaned.
He chuckled. “I think you’ll live.”
“Ha, ha, you’re so funny,” I rolled my eyes. “Seeing as how I can’t die and all.”
His lips turned up in a grin. Sobering, he asked, “Would you like me to get your mom, or would you prefer for one of the others to do it so I can wait with you?”
My hold on his hand tightened. “Don’t leave me,” the words came out as a plea.
“I won’t then,” he smiled, bringing my hand up to his, and placing a light kiss on the skin between my thumb and forefinger.
My heart—well, if my heart still beat, it would be racing in my chest right now.
He let go of my hand and leaned over the couch to speak to Diana and Amelia. They nodded when he explained what he wanted. Amelia handed Ren to Jonathon and Diana relinquished Makenna to me. In a flash, they were gone.