The Vampire And Her Human Mate

32| Goodnight Bronson, goodnight Raven

There had been enough rooms but the two of them had opted to share. They had silently slipped under the covers and shut the lights out, a gap in the bed between them.

Their silence wasn't as comfortable as usual. Raven had noticed a difference in their friendship since their night with the two humans, more side glances from the man. And then after the attack on the plane, Bronson had been uncharacteristically broody. Raven had seen how fiercely Bronson had fought, for both theirs and Beau's safety.

"You did the best anyone could've," Raven said suddenly.

Bronson made a sound of questioning as he opened his eyes. They could see each other's faces as if in dim light because of their vampire sight.

"You fought off more than anyone else had any hope... it wasn't your fault we were taken. If it was anyone's fault it was mine. Cordon's people should never have been able to work around my safeguards."

Bronson only huffed, "whatever."

Raven frowned and turned over. They wanted to alleviate any guilt Bronson had but they weren't a sap and if Bronson wanted to throw himself a pity party they'd let him.

"Actually," Raven turned back over to face Bronson, in a huff themselves now.

"Thank you," Bronson said quietly.

The words of anger died in Raven's throat.

"It's not your fault either," Bronson's deep voice had turned soft, "I just wish I'd been able to keep you safe- both you and Beau..."

His words trailed off in a way that Raven thought he had meant it specifically when it came to them.

"I don't need you to look after me," Raven said gently.

Bronson chuckled, "Not after seeing you in action back there. I think we could send you out in the field."

"Oh Goddess no," Raven gave a dramatic shudder, "I've had my love of my desk job solidified."

"You were amazing," he whispered.

Raven couldn't help the smile that tugged at their lips. "You getting sweet on me?"

Bronson clammed up and grumbled something under his breath as he took the opportunity to turn away.

Raven just grinned into the dark and snuggled up behind their long time friend and spooned him as they both fell to sleep.

~*~

|| Prologue ||

"Do you like hotdogs, Aunty Bunka?"

Bianca turned her attention from her plate of food to Charlie.

"I've never had one," she replied.

The little kid looked like his whole world had been blown up. "No way!"

Bianca laughed. She caught Beau looking at her, his eyes often going far away and wistful lately. She had no illusions he was thinking about when he could put a baby in her. They were married in a small ceremony the month before. He hadn't been subtle at all about how quickly he wanted them to build their family.

"You have to have sauce on it," Charlie explained sagely. The little kid helped her compile the perfect dog. He then sat and waited patiently while she took the first bite. She hated it, but she played it up for him.

"Mmmm. So good," she gushed and put the food down, grabbing a beer and taking a big swig. Both Stacy and Travis chuckled under their breath and distracted Charlie so she could hide her uneaten hot dog under some garden salad.

Beau leaned in, "I'll give you a better one later."

She raised an eyebrow at him and went to quip back when she felt a buzz of her phone. She quickly excused herself, showing Beau the caller ID. He nodded, a serious look now on his face.

Three months earlier when the council gave her leave and put her as the interim delegate to further enhance the US- Europe relations, it had been on a temporary basis only. The council was holding their election, deciding a figurehead was still needed. Their candidates were from non-council families and they would have strict term limits- it still amazed her that they were actually moving with the Democratic times now.

Bianca was waiting to see what they would do with her. She had done an amazing job, even securing a few marriage based alliances- the council wasn't so modern to turn their nose at such a union. It had all been very beneficial for both parties.

The call was from Asfour. He had essentially become her handler. Bianca had to admit she was enjoying this work more than assassinations.

"Councilman, I trust the election went well."

"Bianca. Yes, Giovanni was elected," Bianca couldn't help but roll her eyes. They still got an Italian vampire lead. Predictable. "But why I'm calling you is that we have received a request for alliance and we want you to help broker the deal."

"Yeah?" She creased her brow. Beau had come in and was watching her. She couldn't think of any other lucrative vampire or otherworldly governments.

"You ever been to the Netherrealm?"

~*~

Dear reader

Thank you for reading the second book in my Otherworldly series. I have a lot of stories planned for this world and would love it if you would follow along. I am on the socials, including a group called Heathens of Eden where I post character images and other announcements. I'm starting out, so it's very intimate.

Want more? Head over to the next in the series, The Demon and His Plaything;

As the eldest daughter of the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, Samantha has her life stepped out for her - even a backup chosen mate in the Beta's son, Derek- in case she doesn't meet her fated mate by her 22nd birthday.

Derek has been in love with Samantha for as long as he can remember. The realization he wasn't her fated mate when she turned eighteen was crushing, but with Samantha no longer at school and starting her Luna training at home, they are spending more time together and his feelings are only solidifying. His only hope now is that she doesn't find her fated mate.

But Samantha has a secret. A dirty one.

I also have exclusive to Dreame, my Reluctant Mate series, with 3 stories in 1, My Future Luna (These are pulpier, pure werewolf, romance and, of course, smut. Free chapters at the start of each story).

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review if you enjoyed the story.

Eve