Fated Mates and Where to Find Them (Fated Mates #2)

by A.J. Sherwood

“Why are you being so generous with me? To a human you just met.” “I have a serious weakness for beautiful men who are both smart and loyal. You”—Zander lifted one of Max’s hands, placing a gentle kiss on his knuckles before meeting his eyes levelly—“are my kryptonite.” “You”—Max returned in kind—“confuse the hell out of me.”

“What can I say to convince you that I don’t need to be in school this semester?” Zander stood and patted Max’s hand, grinning down at him. “You’re adorable.” Not a damned thing. Got it.

“You keep sniffing me.” “You’re like the tastiest cinnamon roll to ever come out of an oven. You just smell delicious. Can’t help myself, sorry.”

Max had told Zander that he’d need to stay late at campus to work on all the assignments and get notes from friends, and what Zander heard was not ‘I’ll be very busy until late at night’ but ‘My human must be properly fed during this time.’

Zander lifted his head to kiss Max’s forehead, his lips light and soft. Max felt his eyes close at the gesture, the tenderness enough to wash away the last of his fear. How could he not feel anything but safe when Zander touched him so gently? “A moment, my Max. I’ll deal with them and take you home. Your friend, as well. I’m sorry if I’m scaring you. I’m rather livid right now.”

sympathy could currently be found in the dictionary somewhere between shit and syphilis.

Coffee. Coffee was his only prayer of making sense of any of this. Max poured coffee, threw in some cream and sugar, and the first sip promised processing power. Bless the magic beans that promoted life and goodness. Bless it.

Zander stirred on the couch, sitting up and stretching both arms over his head before looking around. The way he lit up upon seeing Max was so automatic, so genuine, it reminded Max of a golden retriever spying its favorite human. What was he supposed to do with this dangerous puppy, seriously?

The most terrifying vampire mafia boss in North America was nice…sure. Max could hear out of his left eye, too.

“Just tell me what Fernando said that’s made you so pensive.” “Um…” “Riveting, darling, do keep going. I’m fascinated.”

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Max’s brain has left the building. We do apologize for any inconvenience at this time. Please try again.

Vanessa from the house of Fuck Around had not so cordially invited Max in for tea at the house of Find Out. If that tea was poisonous to her, so be it.

Sounded perfect. He knew better than to say that, though, because if you gave Zander an inch, he’d take ten miles. “Just don’t actively hover, okay?” Zander lit up in a smile and leaned in to kiss him. “Aww, you do love me after all.” He’d just taken ten miles anyway, hadn’t he? Dammit.