Free Creature of Habit: Book Two (Creature of Habit #2) by Angel Lawson Page A

you're feeling isn't just blood lust although I accept that it exists. But when two people are attracted to one another other things come into play. Chemicals and hormones," she continued. "Don't deny me my feelings."
    "I won't," I whispered, eyes focused hard on her mouth.
    "This terrifies me," she said. I attempted to pull away but she clutched my hand. "Not because you are a vampire, but because I’ve never felt this way, either. I feel like I’m ready to jump in this thing head first with you."
    Her eyes locked with mine, steady with resolve. I took a breath and asked, “Even if it's wrong?"
    "Is it? Is it wrong?"
    I lifted her hand to my mouth. I pressed lips against the back of her hand. Shivers traveled down her spine and she shivered with pleasure.
    "It's wrong," I whispered.
    "I know," she replied with the most sincere yet determined grin on her face.

Chapter 11
    Grant
     
    The moment between us ended when I told Amelia about Laurel’s murder.
    “She’s dead?” she repeated, her face turning pale.
    “Yes, Caleb—or one of his people was involved.”
    I struggled to find words of comfort. All I felt was rage and annoyance at allowing this to happen. One step forward—two steps back, was how it worked with Amelia. I’d never reveal all the darkness that surrounded me, but I couldn’t keep it from her either. It was the harsh reality we both would have to accept.
    Amelia gripped the edge of her seat. “I just saw her, you know? I stopped in to get a drink and we talked.”
    “I’ll make him pay,” I told her, clenching my hands into tight fists. I should be out there now, tracking him.
    “They warned her about this. Her family and church told her this could happen.” Her voice grew soft—strained. “I shouldn’t have encouraged her. She would’ve been safer in Lost Cove.”
    “Her death is on my hands,” I said. “Not yours.”
    She looked up. “How can you say that?”
    “Remember the stories Laurel told you about Lost Cove and the vampires? Every word of it was true. I personally agreed to the covenant between the Melungeons and my coven. It’s my job to protect this area and the humans that live in it from vampires. Especially the Shifters.”
    “Do you think Caleb knew about her?”
    “I don’t know if he’s aware of her affiliation to Lost Cove or what that means. I have to assume he attacked her because she has a connection to the two of us.”
    Her nose turned pink and her eyes grow glassy. Fighting back tears she said, “Laurel was a good person. She deserved better than to be slaughtered and left in an alley.”
    “You’re right.”
    One look at Amelia proved the weight of the night had taken its toll. Dawn peeked through the windows and I was aware she hadn’t slept in over 24-hours. She wiped her eyes, attempting to rub away the burn of exhaustion and grief. To my relief she asked, “Can you show me to my room? I think it’s time I got some rest.”
    I hopped to my feet. “Of course.”
    I led her into the hallway. Stopping at the second on the left, I pushed it open and said, “I think this will be suitable.”
    She’d been in this room before. It was one of my standard guest rooms Amelia was required to maintain. She’d been the one to stock the bathroom and make sure the linens were fresh. She nodded and agreed, “Yes, this will do, thank you Grant.”
    “I’m so sorry about Laurel,” I said with my eyes cast down.
    Amelia sighed and to my surprise stepped closer. Without hesitation she wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned into my body. Reflexively, I did the same, tightening my arms around her shoulders. She felt and smelled so good—for once not triggering my vampire desires but a different one—one that simply wanted to be there for her. I reached up and stroked her golden hair, wanting this moment to never end.
    ~*~
    Over the next several days a new routine replaced the old one. After Amelia’s first night sleeping at my home, she and Olivia went