Rising Covenant (Living Covenant Trilogy Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee

game or something.”
    “We do that, too,” I said, not missing a beat. “Aric doesn’t make as much noise during those encounters, though. I’m starting to get a complex.”
    Aric, who sat on the floor, positioned between my legs as I sat in a chair, groaned. “Keep doing that.”
    I sighed and dug my fingers into his sore back, letting a little healing magic escape with the motion. I’d first learned I had the power to heal in college. Aric was injured in a fight and I managed to erase his wounds with a mere touch. Six months later a vampire threw me into a truck, and Aric was adamant about taking me to the hospital until I healed myself. Of all of the powers I manifest, healing is my favorite.
    “I’ve never loved you more,” Aric moaned.
    It was Aric’s favorite, too.
    “I feel dirty just watching you,” Paris said.
    “He’s sore from the fight last night,” I said, grinding into the spot between his shoulder blades with my thumb. “He’s earned it. Besides, I promised I would do it twice. I’ve got to get this first one in before we go to bed. The second one is going to be … a little different.”
    Paris wrinkled her nose. “Sick.”
    “Our social graces have declined a bit since we spend most of our time alone,” I said, leaning forward so I could drop a kiss on Aric’s forehead. “Two more minutes and then we have to start cooking dinner.”
    “You just started,” Aric protested.
    “I’ve been doing this for a half hour,” I countered. “Your father will be here in forty-five minutes, and we both know he’s always early. If he hears you carrying on like this … .”
    “Then he’ll think I’m a lucky man,” Aric finished for me. “Move your fingers, woman.”
    I rolled my eyes but kept rubbing. Truth be told, I liked massaging him. He makes cute noises, and when he really lets go he occasionally barks. I have no idea why I find it so endearing.
    “Do you think your father is going to know anything about the book?” Paris asked.
    “Shh.” Aric didn’t bother opening his eyes. “Be quiet until Zoe is done rubbing me.”
    Paris glanced at me, uncertain whether Aric was teasing. I smiled and shook my head. It was best to give him what he wanted when he was in the mood for a good rubdown.
    I watched the clock, making sure to give him an extra minute before removing my hands. “To be continued,” I whispered into his ear.
    Aric reached up and grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me down for an intense kiss. “You bet your cute little rear end we’re going to continue this,” he said, pushing himself up from the floor. “Okay, let’s focus on dinner.”
    Paris jumped to her feet. “I can help.”
    Aric glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “You don’t have to,” he said finally.
    “I want to.”
    “It’s not necessary.”
    “I want to,” Paris pressed. “Please, let me help you.”
    Aric opened his mouth, ready to shut her down, and then snapped it shut. “You can handle the corn and potatoes.”
    Paris nodded, relief flooding her face. “That sounds great. Do you have any rosemary? That goes great on potatoes.”
    “There’s some fresh bunches in the refrigerator,” Aric said, striding into the kitchen. “Go nuts.” He glanced at me for approval and I rolled up on the balls of my feet and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re going to owe me a better kiss than that later,” he whispered.
    “Don’t be gross when I have nowhere to hide,” Paris warned.
    I grinned. “I’m sorry,” I said, moving away from Aric. “What do you want me to do?”
    Aric’s face was blank. “What do you mean?”
    “You marinated the steaks and getting ready to grill them,” I replied. “Paris is doing the potatoes and corn. What do you want me to do?”
    “You can sit there and look pretty,” Aric replied.
    “But … don’t you want me to help you cook?”
    “You hate cooking,” Aric shot back. “You know it. I know it. I think you’re pretending that