Page 18 of Tempting the Dhampir

Adelbert runs a hand through his hair and tugs at it. “Is there any reason you can think of that things would be different with you and Sadie? Something you’ve done?”

Diana leans forward, Alice also turning in her seat, waiting to hear Everett’s answer.

Under his breath, Everett mumbles, “There are lots of things I’d like to do with Sadie.” His proclamation makes me squirm. Raising his voice so the rest of the room can hear him, he says, “I don’t know if this could be it, but we have physically touched. When I grabbed her wrist back in the forest and touched her skin for the first time, it was like a jolt went through my body. She felt something too.” He looks at me for confirmation, and I nod assertively, giving him a faint smile. “I think we got distracted by more pressing matters, and it didn’t occur to me to revisit that moment until now.”

“Oh yeah, Iris and I haven’t touched… yet.” Jamie’s boldness as he throws her an exaggerated wink makes me giggle.

Iris is in for a hell of a ride if she’s linked to that leprechaun.

Adelbert looks around the room. “Has any male here made physical contact with one of the women, except for Everett and Sadie?”

Sawyer stands in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest. He shakes his head as he stares at Louisa. My eyes bounce to her as she mirrors his stance, crossing her arms and leaning back on the couch.

Adelbert moves his gaze to each of the males in turn as they, too, shake their heads.

When he reaches Jasper, the krampus bites his lip, looking over at Natalie, and says, “Not yet.”

Natalie shrugs one shoulder back at him, the smirk on her lips evident she wouldn’t mind his touch.

Adelbert rubs at his brow. “How far would you estimate this distance limit to be, Everett?”

“I’d say about a hundred yards.”

A low whistle from Rollo accompanies this declaration, along with a headshake from Erik.

Helena huffs, but I catch a bit of panic in her voice as she says, “So what you’re telling us is that we now have a hundred-yard limit from the matchy tattoo?”

Adelbert lets out a long-suffering sigh, his shoulders drooping as he says, “It would seem that we can conclude that, yes. The fates have presumably intended for us to meet and orchestrated some of tonight’s events, placing various obstacles in our way to dissuade our separation. I shall promptly start my research to find the means to sever these connections as fast as the fates would allow. Please refrain from making any physical contact with your partner unless you also wish to be in a similar predicament as Everett and Sadie. I hope to have found a resolution by morning.”

Adelbert’s words hit me square in my chest. My fingers curl into Everett’s arm.

Do I want this connection broken? Yes. Of course I do. Right?

Cece’s hands pause playing with her hair, and she says, “Thank you for your hospitality. Is there anything we can do to help you with your research?”

“No, thank you. It would be most convenient for everyone to get settled for the evening. Ladies, please help yourself to some refreshments in the dining room before retiring to the east wing. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask one of the males, or you could approach me in the library on the second floor of the main building. Once again, please refrain from making any physical contact for the time being.”

“Excuse me, Bert. If I may make a suggestion?” Harvey steps forward, hand raised patiently for permission to continue.

He’s still very large in his human form, built like a linebacker, but without his bull horns, he doesn’t seem as formidable—gentle even.

“Go ahead, please.” Adelbert gestures to the room, giving Harvey the floor.

“While the women look undoubtedly magnificent right now, I can suppose that their current wardrobe choices might be uncomfortable to sleep in. If we can ask the males to perhaps supply some clothing for the women, it might make them more comfortable. That is, if you are okay with sleeping in our clothing?”

A few of the women, still stuck processing the information, stare off into the distance like they don’t even hear his suggestion.

Oddly, it’s Helena who gives him a thumbs-up, an infinitesimal smile pulling at her mouth.

“Males, please prepare appropriate, clean clothing—no jokes, Jamie—and I will come around to your rooms to collect them. Ladies, I will deliver them to the east wing. Helena, if it is alright with you, I would like to make you the point of contact for the clothing distribution among the women.” Harvey looks to Helena, waiting for confirmation.

Helena hesitates, staring at Harvey like she’s caught off guard by his consideration. “Sure. Bring them to me. I’ll ensure each woman gets something to sleep in.”

Daehan steps forward, hands clasped behind his back. Inclining his head, he says, “Harvey, I would like to assist you with the collection.”

If memory serves me, he’s a grim reaper, but mostly focused on people of Korean descent who call him an angel of death. I wish I remembered more, but it was too much information and too fast for my mind to file all of their introductions away. Though, I do find that I’m remembering every single thing Everett has said.

“Thank you, Daehan. I’d appreciate your help.” Harvey sounds like such a sweet-tempered giant, very thoughtful and genuine.

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