Not really much of a choice. What Tanya really wanted was to go home, but since she knew there was no chance of that happening she kept the thought to herself.
“I also can’t mate you right now because I don’t trust myself. I’m…”
Stephany arrived with another little pink cocktail. “I thought you could use this.” She handed the drink to Tanya and a glass of the red stuff to Brant. Keeping a glass of the stuff for herself.
“Is that…?” Tanya gestured to Stephany’s glass.
Stephany nodded, “With vodka, my favorite.” She winked and took a long drink.
Tanya’s stomach lurched and she must’ve made a face.
“Just wait until you’re a mated woman. Then you’ll sing a different tune.”
“Excuse me?” She shook her head.
Stephany swayed to the beat. “Some humans develop a taste for blood after they’re mated and I’m willing to bet big money that you’re one of them.”
“Not happening.” No way in hell.
“Want to take a little bet?” She raised her eyebrows.
Tanya shrugged. She had nothing to lose since there was no way in heaven or hell she would ever drink someone’s blood. Just the thought had her feeling feint.
“Sure thing.”
Stephany held her gaze for a few moments. “I don’t know you well enough yet to discuss terms. You agree that terms are to be decided and agreed at a later stage?”
“Don’t do it,” Brant looked amused. “She always wins.”
“She won’t win this.”
He shrugged as if to say do this at your own peril.
“Fine, but we both have to agree to the terms.”
“Not so sure of yourself then? Sip?” Stephany raised her brows and held out the frosted glass to Tanya. The ice chinked.
Tanya looked down at the beverage for a few moments. “Fine. You get to decide the terms. I’m never drinking that stuff.”
Brant chuckled. “Pregnancy doesn’t count.”
“You love spoiling my fun.” Stephany mock punched Brant on the arm. “Fine,” she sighed. “Pregnancy doesn’t count. I’ll let you know the terms.”
“I feel sorry for you.” Brant looked Tanya’s way. His eyes lingered on her lips. He put his hand on the side of her arm and stroked her. “Stephany is never kind when it comes to bets.”
Her flesh heated at the contact. Shivers raced up her spine. She had to work not to lean into the touch. Her mind fogged over, yet something nagged at her. “What’s that about drinking blood during pregnancy?”
Stephany’s eyes sparkled. “All humans drink blood while they are with child. The thirst will begin even before we will be able to scent the changes to your body.”
“About that,” Tanya whispered.
Brant slid his arm around her waist and onto the small of her back. He stepped towards her, his heat and scent engulfed her. Almost making her forget what it was that she wanted to say. Almost.
“This whole mating thing, as well as the whole making babies thing. It’s not going to work for me. I need to get home.”
“Do you need to see your family?” Brant kept his arm firmly around her, his voice was filled with concern. “I would never keep you from your loved ones.”
That familiar feeling of emptiness returned like a slap across the face. “No,” she said sounding a little too sharp so she added, “Well, I would need to visit my aunt at some point but there’s no rush. There’s also my best friend, but also no rush on that one either.”
“Are you mated to another?” he asked in a low growl that had her panties turning wet and her heart pounding with fear all at once.
“No.”
“What is it then?”
“Tell Brant, I’m sure he can help you.” She’d totally forgotten that the female vampire was still with them. In some ways it felt weird that she was listening to their private conversation, yet it also felt somehow natural.
“My parents died when I was sixteen.”
Brant made a growling noise. His eyes were angry. “I’m sorry you had such a thing happen to you.” His hand stroked her arm. His eyes urged her to continue.
“I lived with my aunt until I was eighteen and have made it on my own ever since. At twenty one I received a small inheritance. I used the money to buy a book store. Every minute the store is closed I risk losing it. It hasn’t been doing so well lately.”
“Leave it with me. Don’t let it worry you.” His voice had the ability to calm her, yet she pushed away at its comforting effect.
“You don’t understand…the store is all I have—”