Usually, in an awkward situation like this, I froze up and let one of my louder family members take over the conversation. But I was able to pronounce all of my words clearly and smoothly, like I talked to attractive strangers every day. In a tone that was downright cheeky, I added, “Us supernaturals should stick together.”

His smile widened, his eyes becoming warmer. “I’ve noticed that sort of hospitality since I relocated here. It’s very refreshing. I’ve lived in many places that…weren’t as friendly, particularly to vampires.”

“Well, just be careful around other weres. We’re not all hot dishes and welcome wagons. I’m sort of the exception to the rule,” I said with a weird-sounding giggle. With growing dread, I realized I’d just exhausted my supplies of smoothness. It would all be downhill from here. I cleared my throat. “Not that you’re probably into hot dishes that much, what with vampire digestion…or lack of it. Also, I’ve heard not-great things about the vampire welcome wagon situation here in town. Be wary of vampires bearing gift baskets.”

I pressed my lips together because that was an awful lot of words. But in another unexpected turn, rather than looking disturbed by my verbal disgorgement, he threw his head back and laughed. Not in a “laughing at me” way, but “laughing with me.” I’d made him laugh! Simple pleasure, bright and warm, bloomed in my chest.

Damn, he was pretty. And he hung out at libraries. Who did that?

Besides me, that is.

Meanwhile, the boys were still fighting. The shelf I’d just corrected trembled as the taller one threw his friend against the Asian History section.

The vampire rolled his eyes. “Oh, for pity’s sake.”

I snorted. He sounded like a hero in one of those historical BBC movies I had to hide in my room like porn, to keep my parents from mocking my “fancy” choices. He held up his hand, not quite touching my shoulder. “Excuse me for a moment, miss. Please don’t go anywhere, I’d like to continue—”

The shelf rattled hard. I held up a hand to steady it.

He huffed out an unnecessary breath and ducked around the bookshelf. I took out my phone and checked the time. I needed to go. As if my mama could hear my thoughts, my cell phone vibrated to life in my hand. At the sight of my mother’s photo on my screen, I shook my head and hit the “deny” button. “Nope.”