Page 16 of Tempting the Dhampir

“I most certainly am.” Even though I say it in a very flirty tone, I’m sincere.

There are some amazing women present in the room, but none hold a candle to Sadie.

Bertie clears his throat, the sound like splashing cold water in my face, defusing the tension between Sadie and me. “It seems that most of us have found a tattoo partner. I am unsure as to the meaning of this, but I shall head to the library to commence research pertaining to this unique predicament and find a means to dissolve the markings that have appeared. I apologize for the inconvenience. Please help yourselves to some refreshments while the males prepare your accommodations. We shall return shortly to take you to your wing. I apologize once again, but I will do my utmost to make sure you are as comfortable as possible while we figure this out.”

It’s clear that he isn’t the one responsible for what’s happening, and I hope the women can see that too. I can’t help but feel sorry for him—and admire him at the same time—for taking on this burden, the same as he always takes responsibility to lead and make smart choices. Choices that don’t always benefit him but would make his family proud. Though, they would never outwardly show any kind of approval to him, only note when he hasn’t fully satisfied their expectations.

Guess my dear old father has that in common with Bertie’s family.

Iris steps forward with hands on her hips. “Lovely speech, Adelbert. And not to knock the wind out of your sails, but before all the males leave, I would like to know what the captain said about us not returning. I hope he understood and is not sending out a search party or anything.” She’s clearly peeved that her earlier request has gone ignored and everyone’s already being dismissed.

I’m also guilty of forgetting about the boat situation there for a second while getting caught up in discovering fancy new tattoos.

Jamie shoves his hands in his pockets and says, “Thanks, Iris. I was going to say something before everyone started laughing at the state I was in. It was warranted, though. I looked a right mess.” He chuckles and subconsciously rubs at his freshly healed nose. “When I went to teleport, I smashed into a barrier of some kind. It’s never happened before. Usually, if I try to go too far, I have a stretching sensation before reaching my limit. But this was just like running into a solid wall. Hence the bloody nose and sore arm.”

I offer, “Bertie, let me run down to the beach real quick and see if I can find the problem.”

“Thank you, Everett. That would be most kind. Everyone, let’s remain gathered here until the return of—”

I zoom out of the house before he has even finished his sentence, hoping to help lessen my friend’s worries, and send the captain on his way. The women will be safe with us. We’ll figure this all out, and then we’ll take our boat out tomorrow morning for a short cruise before dropping them off and sending them on their way.

Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to get Sadie’s number.

I race down the hill, eager to show off how fast I can make the return trip, and… BAM… Dull pain spears down the front of my body.

Seems Jamie was right. At least I didn’t break my nose.

I guess teleporting would do that.

Sticking my hands out, I search for the barrier but can’t feel anything solid. I try to take a step forward again and feel resistance against my body. The wall is definitely not solid; it almost feels like an opposing magnet repelling me.

I try to force my way through it one more time.

It’s like I’m moving through mud, but I persist, managing one full step forward.

An unexpected, peculiar tugging in my gut makes me think of Sadie, urging me to return to her.

If I’ve learned one thing tonight, it’s that the fates are up to something and I should trust them.

With that thought, I race back to the manor house. To Sadie.

Chapter nine

Sadie

One moment, Everett was standing next to me, then he vanished. Only the stirring of a few strands of my hair was a testament to his presence and supernatural speed.

I wonder if Everett will be able to convince the captain to leave us here. Somehow, I know he’ll manage. That man can charm the panties off a nun.

It’s highly inconvenient that I’m thinking of him so much. We just met, and I’m practically salivating at the thought of what kind of shenanigans we could get up to. The image of him on his knees in front of me earlier, but this time doing all kinds of delicious things, is playing on a loop in my brain. Imagining my fingers gripping his espresso-brown hair, one leg draped over his broad shoulder, as I direct him where to—

Suddenly, I’m off my feet and have moved a foot forward, as if pulled by a phantom hook, having no idea how that happened.

“What the fuck?” I ask no one in particular.

All the women, even the males, stand and move toward me. They’re hovering just out of reach, as if afraid to touch me, talking all at once, but I’m not listening to them.

My vision tunnels, and my ears feel like they’re underwater. There’s a strange tugging sensation in my stomach as I skid another foot forward.

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