A Vampire for Christmas(114)
I’d tell you that was a damn stupid thing to do, Eagan, but you’re a good cop because of your desire to protect people. It would’ve gone against your nature to let that woman suffer when you could fix it, especially when you’ve obviously got a major thing for her.”
Eagan sipped the coffee as an excuse not to say anything. Hughes stared at him for a while. “I’m guessing she showed her gratitude with more than a simple thank you.”
Rather than deny it, Eagan confessed the worst of it, ending with, “I lost control and took her blood a second time.”
Hughes’s eyebrows shot straight up. “Does she understand the significance of that?”
I didn’t tell her.” But he’d wanted to. Still did, for that matter.
Why the hell not?”
She’s human.” Like he hadn’t already pointed that out.
So? From what you’ve told me, she obviously didn’t hate what you are.”
No, in fact, I tried to leave right after I healed her hand and told her what I was, but she called me back inside.”
Hughes finally sat back down. “Did she kick your ass out of bed when your eyes flashed black or when she saw your fangs?”
No, sir, she didn’t.” A fact that still amazed him. “But you know what our lives are like. Always living with secrets. And then there’s my job. Some women aren’t cut out to be a cop’s wife.”
Sounds like a bunch of bullshit excuses, McHale. You’re doing this woman and yourself a great disservice by not giving her a chance. She won’t appreciate you deciding what she can or can’t handle. I’m also guessing that you’ve never felt like this about a woman, and you’re running scared.”
Was it true? Was he afraid to risk being hurt if she decided she couldn’t accept Eagan’s true nature? He thought back to last night and how perfect it had been to connect with Della on so many levels. She’d felt—
Scared? He sat up straighter. Not him. Her. Right now. Della was frightened, the taste of her fear almost overwhelming. He lurched to his feet.
Eagan, what’s wrong?”
It’s Della, sir. She’s terrified, and I don’t know why. I’ve got to go.”
He was already running for the door, but Hughes kept pace with him. “Don’t do anything stupid, McHale. Call for backup if you need it.”
I will.”
He meant that, but only if there was time. If someone had laid a hand on Della, there would be hell to pay.
CHAPTER TEN
THE SUN HADN’T SET, but it was dark enough for Eagan to risk running straight for the diner. Seven minutes later he charged through the door, ready to take names and kick ass if that’s what it took to find out what was wrong.
The wolf bitch was pacing back and forth just inside the door. When he walked in, her eyes flashed gold and her upper lip curled back over an impressive set of fangs. The rest of the diner was empty except for some guy wearing an apron walking out of the kitchen as he dried his hands on a towel.
Both he and Eagan sized each other up. Great. Another damned shifter, although Eagan was betting Della had no idea that’s what he was.
He stared right back, not caring if that riled the guy’s alpha nature. “Where is she, wolf? And don’t bother telling me it’s none of my business.”
Lupe got between them. “Tennessee, don’t tell him anything. He has no claim on Della.”
The male wolf stepped around the female and sniffed the air around Eagan. He immediately nodded as if he’d just confirmed something he already guessed.
He does have the right, Lupe. He’s bonded to her.”
Lupe actually growled, her eyes turning feral. “When did that happen? Darn her, I warned Della to stay away from you.”
There was no time for this. “Woman, I have no idea what your issues are with my kind and don’t give a damn. Right now Della’s in danger, so tell me what you know. If she gets hurt because you held something back, I guarantee you won’t like what happens next.”
The woman stared at him in disbelief. “She’s not in danger. She just went to check on Daniel and take his family her presents for them.”
Eagan got right in her face. “Like the man said, bitch, I’m bonded to her. That means I feel what she feels, and I’m telling you that she’s terrified. I can track her through the bond, but it would help to know what I’ll be walking into.”