Page 13 of Inevitably Yves

“I’ll sit in the back with Damiano and Paolo,” Syn offers.

I nod, knowing a bit of distance between me and Damiano is probably a good thing until we can be truly alone.

I have a million questions. Why couldn’t I find him? Why couldn’t I scent him? Why the fuck did he leave me alone with Hadrian? My guard is up, ensuring he can’t connect to my thoughts, but I feel his prodding, his desperation to know what I don’t say.

I take my spot in the passenger seat up front, smiling at Thorn as he pats my thigh before tearing off. The ride home is silent. I imagine all of us are deep in our own thoughts about what we’ve learned.

The last thing I ever thought I would deal with again is Hadrian’s presence. I felt safe imagining him at the bottom of the Atlantic, buried under debris and sand, unable to free himself. My guilt never left me though. Not entirely. I often questioned whether my solution was kinder than death. Perhaps I should have let the vampires take his head. But then again, I may never have found Damiano.

When we arrive at our building, Thorn swings into his parking space, glancing at me with questions in his eyes.

He’s safe, brother.

Thorn nods. I’m a thought away if you need me.

I pat his leg in acknowledgment before exiting the car. Syn takes the lead, guiding Paolo to the elevator while Damiano falls into step beside me.

“You own this?”

I nod. “We’ve had mortals rent in the building, but as they’ve moved out, I’ve not replaced them. My initial plan was to blend in with them, but there’s something to be said for having our own sacred space.”

“Why would they leave such a beautiful building?” Paolo asks.

“Rent hike,” Thorn says, chuckling.

“Ah. Smart,” Paolo says.

“They definitely weren’t happy about it, but it was right for us.” I glance at Damiano. “We can be ourselves here, from the ground floor to the roof.”

“Yeah, we were pushing it,” Thorn says. “Like the time we slaughtered a mafioso in the lobby.”

Syn scoffs a laugh. “He started it.”

“How many of you are there?” Paolo asks, his eyes appreciating Thorn.

“My coven consists of five and their mates, plus me and two women who are not vampires,” I explain.

“The scent of desire is strong here,” Paolo notes. “Someone is in love.”

“All of us are,” Thorn says just as the doors open on our floor. “We have found our mates.” His eyes move to me. “Perhaps we all have.”

I ignore the comment, focusing on my brothers instead. “I am proud of the family I’ve created. Their mates are welcome additions.”

“You have a mate too, Thorn?” Paolo asks.

“Sure do, big guy. We’re not polyam either. Sorry.”

“Lucky man or woman,” Paolo says with a polite smile.

“Man. Gorgeous, sweet man,” Thorn gushes. “You’ll meet him later.”

“Yes, um, let’s take Paolo to unit eight,” I say.

Syn focuses on me. “And Damiano?”

I want to say mine, but I know we have a lot to discuss before either of us warms the other’s bed. “Unit ten.”

Damiano and I hover in the hall as Thorn and Syn lead Paolo to his unit.

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