Chapter Twenty-three

Karla was nothing but nerves even two days later. Hell, she had no clue what Drake had meant or if he meant anything at all. Was she being stupid? Yes. Yes, she was. She wasn't looking for a relationship. She wasn't looking to be betrayed, again.

To bad her body didn't care. Every time Drake got near her body ached. When he left the room it was as if it was a physical loss. She just didn't understand and honestly, it was driving her mad. As she paced the bedroom, she tried to think of anything else besides Drake's effect on her hormones.

Of course, her mind would conjure up vivid images of Drake's large hands on her body, remember the way she had fit so perfectly it seemed against his rock hard chest. Swallowing Karla froze. She was falling for a vampire! He had made the feat so easy it was terrifying. So protective, kind, gentle.

He seemed to always think of her feelings no matter if it was what may have been said that might upset her or food that she might personally like. It didn't seem to her a normal thing that any male, vampire or human would do unless they cared, right?

Feeling suddenly trapped, Karla grabbed the light jacket that Audrey had bought her and left the room. She just needed air, then she would be able to sort out these confusing feelings. Lord knew she was stronger than her hormones.

Once she was downstairs, she was thankful Ziva and Audrey didn't greet her as they somehow always managed to do. This way she didn't have to explain or give them preview into her sex-induced brain.

Without further hesitation, Karla walked out the front door, past the main gate, and along the sidewalk, She breathed in big gulps of air trying to clear her mind. "Okay, Karla, you need to get laid. Drake is off-limits for so many reasons."

"Reason number one, he is a vampire. A tall, dark and hot as sin vampire, but a vampire who drinks blood all the same."

Another gulp of air, Karla continued her reasoning.

"Reason number two, Drake isn't interested in me. He saved me, sure, but that's all it was." Nodding, Karla went to what she believed the most important.

"Reason three, I'm human and not Drake's mate." Audrey had told her about mates, about how she was Roan's and although it took Karla a bit to wrap her mind around the whole special person created for another thing, she envied Audrey.

Roan obviously loved Audrey, cherished her and would do anything for her. Karla wondered how such a thing would feel. Memories of Dave and how she had found him cheating came to her making her stop her walking.

Drake had a mate out there, somewhere waiting for him. If she gave in to the urges and desires she had for him, she would be no better. Sure, she could tell herself that his mate may not even be born yet, but it still didn't make it right.

"Ugh! Why do I have to reason with myself?" Karla huffed, looking up at the night sky. "Guess I should get back before some army comes after me." Turning towards the way she came, she began her short walk back.

***

Drake hustled down the stairs after looking for Karla. He tried to tell himself that she was somewhere around, but he couldn't get his heart or fear to calm. Seeing Audrey he sighed, "Audrey, have you seen Karla?"

Drake's heart didn't calm at her confused expression, "no. Last I saw her she had said she was going to pack. She isn't in her room?"

Drake shook his head, "no she isn't. I've searched the upstairs, the kitchen, the den...."

"Maybe she went for a walk. This whole ordeal has been hard for her. Karla is usually so carefree, yet strict. This is a lot for her." Audrey said with regret.

"She isn't safe outside!" Drake began walking for the front door when Roan's hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Tate heard her leave. He went to watch her so stop worrying. Let her breathe."

Drake growled, "what is that supposed to mean?!" He wasn't sure how he felt about another man watching his mate, but had to admit he felt a whole lot better knowing she wasn't out there alone.

"It means, that Karla is sensible. She has just gotten out of a long relationship and has suddenly found herself attracted to another man who isn't human. She is confused by this." Roan held sympathy for his brother, "let her walk it off and then maybe sit and explain to her what to expect."

"I plan to tell her, I wanted to before, but I didn't want to overwhelm her after being kidnapped, finding out vampires and werewolves were real, finding out her best friend is a vampire..." Drake sighed loudly, "what if finding out she's my mate isn't something she can accept?"

That's what Drake feared most. Sure, he really didn't want to overwhelm her, but he was afraid she wouldn't want him because he was and always would be a vampire. If that wasn't enough by her agreeing to be his mate she would be accepting the terms. Her agreement to be changed.

"Drake, I have known Karla a long time. You are both lucky to have each other and even though I know Karla would be uncertain at first I know she would come around. She would see how lucky she is for you."