Page 14 of Tempting the Dhampir

Adelbert looks at Cece with so much gratitude, a soft smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, head nodding furiously, somewhat out of character from what I’ve seen of him so far.

“That is a splendid notion, Florence.”

He makes quick work of introducing each of the males, which we learn is what they prefer to be called, and sharing what type of supernatural being they are. He also adds that they do refer to themselves as monsters and have no qualms about us using the same term if we wish.

There is a minotaur, a gargoyle, a selkie, a grim reaper, a krampus, a leprechaun, and even a couple of shifters.

When it’s Everett’s turn to introduce himself, I find myself sitting up a bit straighter in my seat, subconsciously smoothing out the nonexistent creases in my skirt.

“Once again, I’m Everett. I’m a dhampir—Dad’s a vampire, Mom’s a human. Got the benefit of the heightened senses and speed of a vampire but the lifespan of a human. Also, most notably, I don’t drink blood. But I do have these.” He bares his teeth and looks over at me as he slides his tongue over a sharp canine.

It’s not entirely giving me vampire vibes, but there is most definitely a sense of “other.”

If he doesn’t drink blood, I can’t help but wonder what those sharp teeth are for.

I’m suddenly hit with a picture of me bent over in front of a mirror, him fucking into me from behind, with his teeth—fangs?—glinting as he fixes his eyes on my neck, a ravenous look on his face.

Panties: flooded. Hope this manor has a mop.

Also, him being a dhampir totally explains how he got from the other side of the clearing so fast. I’m kind of curious about what his heightened senses could pick up, but not like I’m going to be asking him.

Wait… can he… smell me? The effect he has on my underwear?

I’m pulled from my thoughts as Iris waves her phone around and says, “Thank you for sharing all of that. I think I can speak for all the girls in saying I feel marginally better about being here. But someone does need to contact our captain because none of us have any signal.”

Adelbert’s throat bobs on a swallow as he scratches at the back of his neck. It’s almost like he’s speaking to himself when he says, “At least that’s working.” He looks at Iris, bowing slightly. “My apologies. When the wards work correctly, the magic blocks cellular services on the island.”

Jamie, the leprechaun, offers, “I’ll shoot down to the beach quickly. Won’t take two secs. I’ll tell your cap that we’ll see to your transport and he can return to the docks.”

If I remember correctly from his introduction, he’s able to teleport across certain distances.

He must be a fun friend to have around.

Iris accepts stiffly, “Thank you, Jamie. That’s very kind of you.”

Jamie winks out of existence right in front of our eyes, only to appear seconds later in the same spot, sporting a bloody nose.

Thrusting his hands on his hips, he shakes his head and grins through the blood trickling from his nose. “So, that didn’t quite go according to plan. I swear, I don’t usually have performance issues.”

Chapter seven

Sadie

The room erupts with varying reactions to Jamie’s appearance.

Cece sucks in an audible gasp, her face the picture of concern, hands stretched out as if wanting to help. In contrast, Iris bites down on her lips, shoulders jumping up and down as she tries to rein in her laughter.

Jamie seems stunned more than hurt as all our gazes stay riveted on him. Pink blooms across his cheeks as he lets his eyes flit about the room, avoiding making eye contact with anyone while Adelbert hovers his hands over Jamie’s nose. I think he’s using magic to heal him.

Iris manages to push out, “Are you okay?” before a snort escapes her.

After a second, most of the women join in and soon, the contagious laughter spreads around the room, infecting us all, even Jamie.

The ice is officially broken, just like Jamie’s nose seemed to be.

As the laughter starts to taper off, Natalie points at the ink visible on her thigh, right below the hem of her pleated skirt. “So, not to alarm anyone or anything, but this is new.”

I look closer at the ink. It’s an intricate design of an overlaid sun, moon, and star. It’s beautiful.

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