Vampires Among Us [Vampires Among Us 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

apparent lack of enthusiasm. He was gently rubbing a very sensitive spot on her inside wrist, and she felt like she was fast becoming a puddle of melted butter. She leaned against the back of the couch, slouching, as an unknown calmness and peacefulness continued seeping into her very bones, making her feel like Jell-O.
    “It is downstairs, at the other end of the house,” Kevin replied with a seductive grin flashing across his gorgeous face.
    “Oh,” was all she could summon up as an answer. She felt a tingling throughout her body, and wondered if he knew what effect he was having on her. Another quick glance up at his gorgeous face and twinkling eyes answered that question. Yes, unequivocally he knew exactly the effect he was having on her.
    She sat up suddenly, jerking her hand out from under his. She needed to think clearly. If she had to sit next to him and wait for his parents to show up over the next couple of hours, she would probably be a basket case by the time they arrived. Better to go and get it over with. At least then, she would only have a few minutes to stress about the situation.
    “I’m okay, if you want to go now,” Erica quietly stated. “I just need to change first.” Yes, she thought to herself, if I have to sit here and think about it, I’ll be a nervous wreck by the time they arrive. Better to get this over with now.
    As Kevin escorted Erica through his father’s office door, they were greeted by both of his parents with warm smiles. “Welcome, Erica,” Charles stated in his deep, rich voice, as he stood up and came over to embrace her for a hug. He was a big, tall man, easily towering over everyone in the room. Kevin’s mother, Rosetta, a rather short woman compared to her husband, was right behind him with her own warm hug, and kind, gentle smile. Erica smiled in return, and was surprised as she realized these people seemed nice. Maybe there were some decent people left on this earth, after all!
    Kevin’s mother broke into Erica’s train of thoughts. “I trust my son is taking good care of you?”
    “Oh yes, thank you,” Erica replied, and then quickly added, “Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
    It was Kevin’s father, Charles, who replied, “Think nothing of it, dear. A friend of Kevin’s is a friend of ours. We are only too happy to be able to help.”
    “Kevin, has Erica met Kate and Elizabeth yet?” Rosetta asked, as she looked over to her son.
    “No, not yet. I am planning on giving her the ‘ten-cent tour’ in a few minutes. Maybe we will run into them,” Kevin replied to his mother.
    Charles looked over at Erica and frowned slightly. “Erica, I just want you to know we are aware of your situation, and are here to help you any way we can. If Kevin is not around, and you need help, please come to us.” Then, as he glanced over to Kevin’s mother, Rosetta, he continued, “I have never understood any man who would hurt a woman.” As Erica watched him eyeing his wife, it was obvious that this man truly adored her. “I know there are men out there like Shawn, but for the life of me, I have never understood them. Women were made to be loved, cherished, and treasured.”
    Rosetta’s hand became enveloped in Charles’s as he led her back to his seat. She sat down on his lap, and as Erica watched their lips lock together, it was obvious they were completely enamored with one another. What struck Erica as odd as she watched the couple, was that neither one looked old enough to have a full-grown son Kevin’s age. Kevin had to be in his mid-twenties. His parents didn’t look a day over thirty! Maybe he and his siblings were adopted. She would have to ask him about that later.
    “Are you feeling up to a quick tour of the house?” Kevin wrapped his arm around her and gently steered her towards the door. A quick backward glance confirmed the two love birds were going strong. “Don’t worry about them,” Kevin murmured. “They’ll still be at it by morning.”
    Erica made sure the office door closed completely before speaking. “They really look like they love one another. You don’t see that too often.”
    “They are one another’s true mate. They can’t help but love each other. Both would do anything for the other, and both would gladly give their life up for the other. It’s what I call true love.”
    “You said they are mates. Are you talking soul mates?” Erica questioned.
    “Something along those lines, yes. We believe there is