Page 61 of Good Vampires Go to Heaven

“What?” She laughed. “That’s not a word.”

“More good. Purer. Angelic.”

“Vangels aren’t angels, Zeb. Never will be.”

“I thought—”

“Nope.”

“So you think we should try working together as vangels? A team?” Zeb commented. “No offense, but it seems to me that benefits you more than me.”

“How so?”

“Being a woman, you’re more likely to get plum assignments if you’re joined at the hip with a male, especially one of my superior fighting skills.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

He was teasing, but he could tell she didn’t appreciate the sexist nature of his remark. Even if it was true. Point of fact, there were no high-level female vangels. It was probably because the seven VIK members were Vikings, and Vikings were known to be rather chauvinistic. Leastways, they had been in the old days.

About to backtrack, and explain his poorly chosen words, he saw that it was too late.

She bristled and made a hissing sound through her clenched teeth.

He couldn’t help observing, “You look just like your cat when you do that.”

“Best you be careful then, that I don’t spit a hairball on you.”

And he knew just where it would land. She was staring right at his crotch. Trond had told him in the past how Regina was known for throwing her witchly curses on men’s male parts when they offended her in any way.

“Don’t even try it, Regina. I’m immune to your curses.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.”

“Listen, sweet witch,” he said, having no clue why he referred to her with that half-assed endearment, “my cock was already in sleep mode for a long time before Jasper got hold of it. There isn’t much more you could do to it.”

“Hmpfh!” she said. Then, “As for one-sided marriage benefits, here’s one for you. If you’re married, women might stop hitting on you.”

“What makes you think women hit on me?”

“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous, even with a bald head, which is starting to grow out, by the way. You already have a little fuzz. Besides, your eyelashes alone are enough to make a saint swoon.”

He grinned. This was fun. “You think I’m gorgeous?”

“Don’t let it go to your head. There are lots of good-looking vangel men. They’re Vikings, after all. That doesn’t mean they get to spread the love.”

“Spread the love,” he choked out. “Not even to their wives, if they’re married?”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What’s your point?”

“I’ve been thinking. If I’m going to have to be married, if Michael won’t let me be a priest, I am damn sure not giving up celibacy.” He had no idea where that thought came from. He certainly didn’t mean it.

“But you said . . .”

“I’ve reconsidered.” No, I haven’t. I’m just kidding. Honest. Why won’t my tongue correct itself?

At first, she looked alarmed, but then she said, “Don’t you think that’s a two-way decision? And I can tell you right now, I’m not interested.”

“I could convince you.” Damn, my tongue has a mind of its own.

“Hah! You could try.”