Free Broken Heart 01 I'm the Vampire, That's Why by Michele Bardsley Page B

into the ceiling.
    "It's like walking into a room made of cotton candy," I said. Everything was pink. What wasn't pink was… well, no, everything was pink. Except me. Patrick. And the lady. But she was dressed in a pink muumuu.
    "I like pink," said Red. She plucked a chocolate from a ceramic pink bowl and plopped it into her mouth.
    "This isSharon ," said Patrick. "She's a donor."
    "A donor." I smiled wanly. Then I turned around and headed for the door.
    "Love," said Patrick gently, his arm shooting out to stop me. "You must learn to take blood from donors."
    "Why do I need a donor?" I asked, knowing I sounded petulant. "I have you."
    "I won't always be around."

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    What? Why the hell not? The very idea that Patrick wouldn't be my… uh, whatever-he-was made anguish wrap around me.
    He rolled his eyes. "I meant that I will sometimes be temporarily unavailable to you—not that I will leave you to pine for me forever."
    "Your ego is the size ofMontana ," I said. "Pine for you? Not likely."
    "She's just nervous, Paddy. Don't worry, hon," saidSharon , her lips pulled into a generous smile. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and sincerity. "I'm used to these neck nibblers."
    "No offense,Sharon . But I'd rather have the chocolate," I said.
    She laughed and slapped her thigh. "Hell's bells, Patrick! She's the reason you've had me eating these Godiva truffles all day?"
    I looked at Patrick. "You're mean."
    His black brows formed question marks. Then his lips curled into a smile.
    "No, not just mean. Cruel."
    "I had her eat truffles for you," he said.
    "Are you insane? How is her eating my chocolate in any way helpful?"
    Sharonchortled. "You might not be able to eat the truffle, sweetie, but you'll taste it. Prob'ly be the best chocolate you ever eat, too."
    I looked atSharon , then at Patrick. "Are you telling me that she's gonna taste like chocolate?"
    "Yes."
    I crossed my arms. "Puh-lease. You liar. You're just trying to make me bite her and suck her blood."
    "Jessica." Patrick managed to infuse my name with affection and impatience. "I'm not lying to you. But even if I was, if you want to continue to live, such as it is, you must learn to drink blood."
    "She's been a vamp three days and hasn't had a donor yet?"Sharon studied me with narrowed eyes.
    "She doesn't look starved."
    "I've been sucking Patrick's thigh," I said. "And while you certainly look… uh, tasty, I prefer his thigh."
    "Oh honey, I would, too," saidSharon , laughing. "But as far as I know, Patrick hasn't allowed any thigh sucking since—"
    " Sharon ." Patrick's expression was shuttered, but a muscle in his jaw ticked. Oh-ho. He was annoyed thatSharon had revealed this tidbit.
    "Usually only mates take blood from the femoral artery," supplied the ever-helpfulSharon . "So, kiddies, when's the ceremony?"

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    Patrick groaned and rubbed his face.
    I sat down next toSharon , o-fount-of-information, and watched her chew on another truffle.
    "Ceremony?"
    She licked chocolate off her plump lips (bitch). "I guess the ceremony part isn't as important as the mating. You guys skipping it? Too bad. I love a good wedding."

Chapter 8
    "Wedding!" I jolted to my feet and poked Patrick in the chest. "What the holy hell is going on? We haven't even had sex yet and we're getting married?"
    "Stan told me that you claimed Patrick," saidSharon .
    I watched Patrick send another shut-up look to the redhead. She shrugged and ate another truffle.
    The honeysuckle thing? Well, shit-a-brick. How was claiming Patrick different from claiming my kids? I swear to heaven, if somebody didn't give me Vampire 101 right now, I was going to remove dangly bits.
    Starting with Patrick's. I crossed my arms and glared at him.
    "Remember that I explained the three steps of a binding? Word-giving could be construed as… well, a wedding," said