Midnight Series (camren version)

Chapter Nine

Mistress

It had been an emotional day. The lowest point being when I was worried Camila was out there hurt and alone. The realization that she might have been hurt and not alone was so terrifying I wouldn't allow myself to go there in thought. It was also an ultimate high when I saw my mark on her chest. She wore it so proudly, and it made my feelings for her even stronger, which I didn't know was possible.

I thought about brunch and how I would introduce her to Ally and Troy, as well as give her time to get to know the rest of my family better. I knew they would like each other, and it would be nice to merge my two worlds.

Camila and I had talked all night, just sharing bits of information about ourselves. She wanted to know everything about my family and friends. I could tell she was nervous, and I thought it was endearing.

We made love before leaving for brunch, partly because the mark on her chest was fading and I wanted it to show clearly so Mike could examine it, but mostly because I knew that brunch would last a few hours and I wasn't sure if I could go that long without being with her. As I thrust in and out of her body, I thought of how complete I felt, and it wasn't long before her mark, which moved like my own, was displayed prominently on her chest.

She'd been quiet on the ride to my parents' and fidgeted nervously with the material of her sundress.

"You look beautiful," I complimented, and she did. She wore a white strapless dress with pale pink roses. The morning air was cool, so she had a light jacket on as well, allowing her collar to be clearly visible. I couldn't wait for everyone to see it, either, because unlike the worry she'd expressed yesterday, I couldn't be more proud of her in it.

Her mark made me proud too, though the jacket was currently covering it. I could feel it calling to me, and again I wondered how I would make it several hours without connecting with her physically.

Camila gasped when we pulled into the driveway. My parents' house was quite large and very elegant. They'd lived all sorts of lifestyles, from one-room farmhouses to large estates like they were currently living in. My mother loved this place because it had spacious gardens, and the eastern wall, which faced the lake, had large picture windows that allowed the sunlight to stream in. While few nutrients were able to penetrate the glass, it still felt wonderful to lie in the sun.

My parents greeted us at the door and showed us in. Shane was in the living room and smiled at us when we entered.

"Hey, Mila, you look great!" he said, causing her to blush. "Thanks. It's nice to see you again."

"I mean it. You look different...happier." "I am happier," she giggled.

"May I take your coat?" my mother asked, the perfect hostess.

What happened next seemed to be in slow motion. Camila nodded and removed her jacket, exposing the skin and thus the mark on her chest above the sundress.

Shane's eyes went wide. "Holy fuck!" he yelled, causing my mother to gasp and Camila to take a step backward.

Shane's eyes focused on the mark, and he moved toward Camila, hand outstretched like he was reaching for it.

Humans might not think it was that big of a deal, but every Nermac knew you didn't touch a mating mark unless the person was your mate. And since her mark was over her breast it was a double no-no.

Feeling like my mate was in danger, I reacted instinctively. I jumped between them, growling and showing my teeth as my fangs elongated. Before I knew it, I'd shoved Shane hard. He'd taken several steps backward and collided with the wood of the doorframe.