Page 17 of Tempting the Dhampir

Feeling thoroughly unmoored, I stare down at my feet like they’ve betrayed me. My throat constricts, my heart thumps powerfully like it’s trying to beat outside of my chest.

Two familiar shoes appear in front of my treacherous feet. A gentle finger tucks under my chin, tilting my head up. Familiar jade-green eyes stare into my soul, anchoring me back into my body.

“Are you alright?” Everett asks earnestly.

Concerned eyes search my face for any discomfort, moving down the rest of my body—this time with no salacious intent—as he takes stock of me.

“I think so,” I breathe out, reaching out my hand to place it on his forearm.

The effect is instantaneous. Touching him grounds me. I come back to myself and look around the room, taking note of the raised eyebrows and slack jaws on some faces, and the furrowed brows etched in confusion on others.

Everett turns to the room and places one of his hands on top of mine, where it still rests on his arm, his warm skin a comforting touch. He addresses the room. “Can everyone please take a seat? I think I’ve discovered something else that might complicate our situation. Actually, Jamie did earlier, but we got sidetracked.”

Absolutely no one moves. It’s as if his words have frozen them to the spot.

He continues, “Oookay, um”—he looks to me, and though I’m not sure what’s going on, I give him an encouraging nod—“seems like the fates have another surprise for us. If I’m not mistaken, we now have a limit to the distance we can be separated from our… tattoo partner.” The last part comes out as more of a question.

He’s clearly unsure of what to call the weird dynamic with the tattoo pairings.

Helena unceremoniously drops onto a couch and lets out a loud “ugh.”

One by one, everyone follows suit and sits down without uttering a word.

I look over at Cece as she plays with the ends of her hair. The smile she sends my way is soft and meant to be reassuring, but I know my sister. She’s hiding nerves under that calm demeanor.

I wonder who her partner is—she never got around to telling me.

Adelbert is pacing, running his hand through his hair for the umpteenth time, as he mutters to himself. I do not fancy being in his position right now.

Abruptly, he ceases his pacing and turns to Jamie. “Jamie, have you deduced similar findings earlier upon teleporting?”

Jamie holds up a hand, his eyes widening slightly. “Well now, hold on a sec. I experienced a wall, as was clearly evidenced by my bloody nose, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s connected to someone specifically. I honestly thought it was similar to the sound insulation ward you had installed around the waterfall. Like maybe you just supercharged the repulsion ward and accidentally made it a physical wall. To me, that sounds way more plausible.”

I don’t know anything about magic, but Jamie makes a fair point.

Adelbert, looking mightily pissed now, narrows his eyes at Jamie. “I don’t make mistakes. I make careful calculations before I cast wards. In addition, it was overseen by the council, so your inference is void.”

Everett clears his throat, drawing all eyes to him—us. Helena’s eyes drift to my hand, and I realize it’s still covered by Everett’s. I go to remove it, only for Everett to firm his hold, his thumb continuing to absentmindedly trace patterns on my skin. Weirdly, I don’t mind it, despite the disapproval radiating off Helena.

Everett’s calm voice carries around the room. “My deduction was made because when I reached that limit, not only did I feel the invisible barrier, but also an urging sensation in my gut, a clear call to return to Sadie over here.” He briefly applies pressure to my hand again as he gestures with his head toward me.

I look up at him, a blush coloring my cheeks, warmth stealing up my body.

With laughter apparent in his voice, Jasper says, “Are you sure the sensation wasn’t lower than your gut, Everett? No one will blame you. Sadie’s looking very scrumptious.”

A giggle escapes from Natalie, but she quickly covers her mouth with both her hands.

“Watch your fucking mouth when talking about her,” Everett grits out, index finger pointing threateningly at Jasper.

Jasper raises his hands in mock surrender. “I was merely kidding. Sorry, Sadie. I meant no offense. You’re beautiful, and Everett has clearly noticed that.”

Sylvia is watching the exchange with wide eyes, her hand clasped against the base of her throat as her eyes flit between the males.

Trying to de-escalate the situation, I decide to step in. “Um, thanks, I guess. And don’t worry, I’ve clearly noted how pretty Everett is too,” I add, patting Everett’s shoulder with my free hand. To the room, I say, “Everett wasn’t the only one who felt that. You guys all saw me be basically propelled across the room, my body moving of its own accord. I have no idea how that happened, but how Everett explained it is exactly how it felt for me too.”

Jamie asks, “But why would you two feel a pull to each other? I simply felt like I ran into a wall, no urging or calling whatsoever. Though I did spare a thought for pretty Iris over there.” He waggles his eyebrows at Iris.

Iris scoffs and rolls her eyes. “I always like being a man’s ‘spare thought.’ You know just how to make a girl feel special, Jamie. I’m practically melting into a puddle over here.” Sarcasm drips from every word, her hand pressed to her chest in a mock swoon.

---