Tessa, Vampire/Werewolf Romance, (Standalone) (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 3) by Maddie Foxx Read Free Book Online Page A

did all she could to prevent that from happening. I’m glad I have custody of Melody now, just not about how it happened. I really had hoped Carrie would be more responsible than she is. Melody deserves better than having a mother who checks out on her and prefers to stay gone for days at a time. She’s chosen to live the life of someone who doesn’t have a child and hasn’t even seen Melody since I’ve had her,” Seth explained.
    “From what Katlyn’s told me, she’s taken up with the wrong type of man.”
    “Jason Traxler, and don’t remind me. I keep hoping that she’ll open her eyes and realize just how wrong he is for her.”
    “That’s how some women are, but hopefully she’ll come around,” Tessa said with a smile.
    Raphael headed down the dirt drive, which led straight into Silver Creek. The trail he merged onto was extremely bumpy and Tessa put a hand on Seth’s leg to steady herself, but removed it when he gave her an uncomfortable glance. She had to admit, it felt strange to her, too. She just wasn’t sure why.
    He braked hard at a small cabin, which was squarely in the woods. When they hopped out of the truck, deer glided away. That brought a smile to Tessa’s lips. It wasn’t that she was happy to know there was a food source, but that she was surrounded with wildlife. She loved the outdoors and everything about it. She breathed in deeply of the earthy smell of the woods and purple flowers not far off. She vowed that she’d make this work no matter what. She wouldn’t even consider crawling back to Shadow Creek. Tessa knew this was just the new beginning she needed.
    Raphael held open the door and Tessa entered. Like most cabins, it was all made of logs with the same knotty pine she so loved the smell of. Her eyes drifted over to the king-sized bed covered with a light patchwork quilt. It was then that her eyes met Raphael’s and she felt warmness between her legs in response.
    Tessa broke the gaze and admired the small table and chairs, as well as a wood-framed couch with pink cushions. “What’s up with all the pink?”
    “That was Raphael’s idea. He said pink was a woman’s thing,” Seth informed her.
    “I can’t say I like pink all that much. As you can see, I have a thing for wearing black or burgundy.”
    “Looks like a white tee shirt there to me,” Raphael said. “Sorry if you don’t like the color choice. You can decorate the cabin any way you’d like. It’s yours.”
    Seth pointed out the oil lamps. “There’s no electricity out here, and only a hand pump for water.”
    Tessa sauntered over to the sink and tried it out, having to use more muscle than she thought would be required to move the pump handle. “I think it needs a little oil.”
    “Probably. Lubrication is needed sometimes,” Raphael said.
    Tessa laughed. “I’ll agree with that, but sometimes it takes time to produce the effect you want.” She then tried the pump again and it moved much easier. “See.”
    “Are we talking about the hand pump here or something else?” Seth asked in an uncomfortable way.
    “Relax, Seth. Although, it can be quite relatable,” Tessa said.
    Seth smiled shyly and left, leaving Tessa to give Raphael an odd look. “What’s up with Seth?”
    “I’m not really sure, but don’t take it personally. He’s been acting odd of late.”
    “It’s just that I thought he was interested in us getting together sometime, but now I’m not so sure. Didn’t you say the both of you have been with a woman together before?”
    “Are we there yet? I had the feeling you weren’t ready.”
    “I’m confused about things. I’m not sure I want you both at the same time.”
    “You don’t have to. It’s all up to you, Tessa.” He paused. “When you’re ready. I’ll leave so you can settle in. I’ll take your blood supply to the main cabin and throw it in the refrigerator. Do you need a swig before I take it?”
    “I probably should.”
    Raphael opened a cabinet door and