Tessa, Vampire/Werewolf Romance, (Standalone) (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

he’ll find a mate all his own.”
    “Me, too,” Katlyn said with a smile.
    They ate in silence, and Tessa couldn’t help but notice how it still seemed to bother Katlyn to even glance at her plate. Tessa could emphasize with that since she’d always felt the same way whenever someone she dined with had a rare steak. It was barely warm enough, but it was the blood in every bite that thrilled Tessa’s taste buds.
    Dishes of ice cream were served after dessert and Tessa smiled, as she loved the creamy texture. She relished how it reminded her of growing up and how her mother treated them with ice cream after ever meal. That seemed like an eternity ago.
    Paige pushed herself away from the table. “Let’s go into the great room. The fire should be going great about now.”
    Tessa followed Paige and felt like a lamb about to be led to slaughter. She sat on a leather chair, facing what she thought of as her opposition.
    “Let’s get this started,” Tessa began. “I would like to leave Shadow Creek. I mean, I am leaving.”
    “Why?” Katlyn said. “I need you.”
    “You have two mates and twins to worry about now. It’s not like I plan to go far, or leave the area. I’ll visit plenty.”
    “Where will you go?”
    “I’m not sure yet. I just know it’s time.”
    “What do you think about it, Paige?” Brendan asked.
    Paige leaned back against the sofa. “I can understand where Tessa is coming from. Of course in my case, I had to flee London before I was forced to live with the man who turned me. It was never a choice for me.”
    “We won’t be able to protect her if she lives off the ranch,” Brendan insisted.
    “She’s a vampire. She doesn’t need to be protected.”
    “She can’t protect herself by attacking humans. There was a problem in town just last night when she shoved Jason Traxler across the floor.”
    “I’m sure she had a good reason. It’s not like she bit that man. Not a good choice for a vampire,” Paige said to Tessa. “Of course, you do have to be careful not to reveal yourself as one.”
    “Isn’t there a cabin at Shadow Creek, not as close to the main house, that Tessa would feel more comfortable in?” Katlyn asked with earnest. “That way, she’d have her space.”
    “Yes, there are a few,” Brendan replied. “That would be a better idea than her leaving outright.”
    Tessa pushed herself off the chair. “It’s nice of you all to decide what’s best for me, but what you fail to realize is that it’s not what I want. I want to move off this ranch, and there’s nothing you can say to stop me.”
    “How will you pay for that?” Katlyn asked. “It’s expensive to live on your own.”
    “I’m not an idiot, Katlyn. I know that.”
    “No need to fight, ladies,” Paige said. “I’d be more than willing to pay for Tessa’s way until such a time as she doesn’t need the help. It’s the least I can do after all I’ve done to her.”
    “This isn’t about getting away from you, Katlyn, or even Paige. I just have to figure out who I really am now.”
    “You’re Tessa, my best friend who gave up her life to come with me to Wyoming when I was in trouble,” Katlyn said. “To me, you’re the same person. You being a vampire hasn’t changed how I think about you.”
    “If only I felt that way, but I just don’t. I barely recognize myself when I look in the mirror, which I can’t even do anymore, by the way.”
    “I can lend you a special mirror that actually works for us vampires,” Paige suggested. “I’m sorry I didn’t think about it before.”
    Tessa’s face lit up. “That would be great. Tomorrow I’ll start checking out places to stay.”
    “Of course, there are a few other ranches that might work for you,” Chase said. “Like Shady Creek. It’s run by the werebears.”
    “Or Silver Creek,” Katlyn said with a wink.
    “I can’t ask anyone to take me in like that.”
    “You won’t have to. I can ask around for you,” Brendan said. “If