Free Deny Me If You Can by Nellie C. Lind

to know what Megan had decided to do. Judging on Shane's smug facial expression, he assumed that Shane had good news.
    “Well?” Jaromir asked.
    “She is still here. She has been running around up there for a while according to a few vampires who have seen her.”
    Jaromir relaxed and nodded. That was a great relief, but then he saw Shane's face turn serious.
    “What is going on, Jaromir? I thought the human was here only for a few hours of enjoyment. A hunt doesn't usually turn a vampire into a possessive bastard. I can understand why Jillian acts the way she does, but you? Over a human?”
    Jaromir angered. “There's nothing wrong with being a human.”
    “Of course not. That's not what I meant, and you know that, so don't make this into something it is not. Just explain your motives to me to help me understand what goes on inside your mind.”
    Jaromir remained still for a long while. He watched his friend who watched him back, waiting. Did he want Shane to know? Would Shane understand? After a short moment of reconsidering his choices, Jaromir knew that Shane would understand. He was an old and wise vampire, and above all, he was trustworthy.
    Jaromir took a deep breath. “She is the one. She is t he one I have been waiting for. My mate.”
    Shane was usually the calm type, and Jaromir had never seen him react the way he did now. First came confusions before Jaromir's words hit home. Seconds later shock followed. Shane's eyes grew big and his chin dropped low. Then Shane nodded to himself. “You know, I suspected something like this, but I thought it was farfetched.”
    Disbelieve was written all over Shane's face, but all Jaromir could do was smile.
    “ Strange, isn't it?” Jaromir said. “Faith seems to have unexplainable ways. You know, I felt there were something about her the moment she stepped inside my office. I felt it in my whole being and the attraction was instant. But I thought it was because I found her brave to walk in among hundreds of vampires. No human has ever done that before.” Jaromir met Shane's gaze. “She thought she was risking her life by being among us, but she did it anyway to save her sister. Though I do think that she is beginning to understand that we aren't more dangerous than any other human, that there are evil vampires just as there are evil humans.”
    Shane's eyes narrowed. “The bond?”
    Jaromir placed his hand against his chest. He could feel Megan there. Her emotions, her desires, her dreams. She was a brave woman who did anything it took to protect her loved ones, even if it meant putting herself through danger and fear.
    “Yes, the bond. It tells me so much about her, and through it I know for sure that she is the one I'm waiting for. She feels so ... perfect. She is not just brave. She is carin g, loving and above all just.” Jaromir grinned. “She will make a perfect queen.”
    Shane sighed and ran his hand over his face. “Well, I guess that day comes sooner or later for some of us. I just never expected yours mate to knock on our door one day.”
    Jaromir chuckled. “I know what you mean. Many searched all over the world for their mates ...”
    “... While yours just happened to stop by.” Shane placed his weight on his other leg. “So what are you going to do now? You have about three hours left.”
    Jaromir shrugged. “ Three hours with plenty of fun. When they are up, give her the blood and let her save her sister. I intend to start courting her after that. Make sure someone follows her home.”
    Shane nodded. “That won't be a problem.”
    “Make sure that she has around the clock surveillance when she leaves, but without her knowing it. I don't want anything to happen to her. She is my priority now. Without her I will die.”
    Shane snorted. It was obvious he had a hard time believing wh at he was hearing, but at least he took it seriously.
    “It's that bad, huh?” Shane asked.
    “You have no idea. Maybe one day you will find out.” Jaromir