Doc actually laughed. "I wouldn't suggest bringing any of us home to your parents. Especially if they're just normal humans. What do you think?"
"Ask me."
He tilted his head, questioning me.
"Ask me to date you. Tell the others to ask me. And then maybe we can give this thing a try."
He stared at me, jaw dropped a little, before he cleared his throat. "Sofia, I would be honored if you would consider dating me, and the others. I know it's not conventional, but I'd like to try."
"I would also like to try. The idea intrigues me, and I really like you three. I accept." I couldn't believe I was agreeing to it. It certainly would be interesting to try.
Doc studied me, eyes wide, as if he couldn't quite believe that I had agreed. He pulled me to him and pressed his lips to mine. I kissed him back. I still leaned on one hand, but my other was free, and I ran it up Doc's neck and buried my fingers in his long hair.
He gasped against my lips. I parted mine slightly, and he deepened the kiss. He pushed his hand under my T-shirt and trailed his fingers up my back, gripping lightly.
I wanted my other hand free, so I twisted, wincing as my back pulled.
He sucked in a breath and broke off the kiss, leaning his forehead against mine. "You've got to stop breaking that wound open or you're going to have a scar."
"What? How?"
"Vampire..."
"Oh, right. You can smell the blood."
"Yeah. Let's get you dinner. I really should find something more substantial than protein drinks if you're going to keep opening that cut on your back. I might do something I'll regret." He leaned back. I still didn't let him up.
"You can, you know. If we're dating, I'll spare some blood for you."
His eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. "Maybe you should talk to the guys before we go that far." His voice was a lot huskier than normal.
"Oh?"
"I take their blood every now and again. They can give you some insight into what you're offering."
I kissed him lightly and finally let him up from the couch. I had tweaked my back pretty good though, and my other muscles were stiffening up, so the walk to the kitchen wasn't terribly comfortable.
"When will they be back?"
"A few more hours probably. They have a lot of energy to burn, and it isn't always easy for them to catch a deer."
"Okay. What's for dinner?"
"Well, I'm a lousy cook, so I suggest something out of a can, or sandwiches." Doc smiled.
"Sandwiches sounds great. I can cook, but I'm not ambitious enough to cook just for myself. I should let Victoria know I'm alive. I haven't touched my phone all day, then I'll raid the fridge."
"Good plan. I haven't showered yet, I'm going to go get the lake water off."
Doc left, and I stared after him.
What a crazy couple of days.
Chapter 17
Sofia
The light on my phone flashed at me. I picked it up from the table I had left it on hours ago and unplugged the charger, wincing a little and hoping the battery would forgive me for leaving it on the charger all day.
No one had called, though I had text messages from my parents, Victoria, and Alex.
I checked Alex's first.
Alex: I'm just checking in. How are you?
Crap. What was I going to do about Alex? I probably just needed to break things off completely. There was no possible future in which I could see Alex getting along with the pack–my pack–enough to share. Nor was I sure I wanted to. Three was going to be hard enough to handle.
Sofia: I'm good. Thanks for checking in. You okay?
I checked my message from Victoria.
Victoria: Hey, girl. You doing okay?
Sofia: Yes. I'm doing great. You were right, though. If I get one of them, I get all three.
My parents were also just checking in. I had told them I was going out with friends this weekend. I hadn't told them which friends. I sent them a quick reply letting them know I was doing good, school still was fine, and that homework was caught up. With all core classes, nothing was so difficult that I couldn't keep up with it during the week. I certainly was glad I had now. I wasn't getting anything done this weekend.
Alex replied.
Alex: I'm glad. See you Monday. I'm fine.
Victoria also replied.
Victoria: Oh, girl, details! No, wait, in person. You going for it?
I blushed when I typed my reply.
Sofia: Yeah. I am. See you tomorrow.
Victoria replied with a thumbs up and some fireworks icons.
I laughed and put the phone down. Two weeks into the semester, and my life was already turned upside down.
"Everything okay?"
I yelped and spun around. Doc stood right behind me, amusement glinting in his eyes. His long hair was down, still damp from the shower, and he wore a loose T-shirt and flannel sleeping pants. It was hot as hell.
"Yep. Except you about gave me a heart attack."
"If we haven't managed yet this weekend, I think you're probably in good shape."
I smiled and took one of his hands, flipping it over until his wrist was exposed. He still wore those beaded cuffs. I rubbed his skin just below his palm over what was probably a tattoo that the cuff mostly covered. He sucked in his breath.
"Let me guess, three wolf paws?"
Doc smiled and brought his free hand up to my waist, pulling me closer.
"Ed and Allan both have them in the same spot. I like it." I grinned. "So, tell me about these?" I got the question in before he managed to completely distract me again.
"They were my mother's. I don't know for sure if she made them, or if someone in her tribe made them for her. They store up a little magic and give me the ability to do a few simple
