Page 24 of Tempting the Dhampir

Raising my eyebrows expectantly, I watch her worry her lip between her teeth.

Finally, she sighs. Visibly deflating as she comes to a decision.

“Do you have caramel here?” she asks hesitantly with her eyes closed, nose scrunched up.

I can see it’s taking a monumental effort from her to bite back whatever sarcastic remark is on the tip of her tongue. Coffee is apparently way more important than proving a point. Noted.

“We actually do. Jasper has a sweet tooth, and we stock a selection for him,” I explain, thankful for our resident candy addict’s requests.

Sadie’s eyes pop open, hope restored as her whole being lights up. “And how do you take your coffee?” she asks.

I move to lean against the wall and cross my arms over my chest. “Guess.”

“Black?”

A slow smile spreads across my lips. “Looks like you know me too.”

And try as I might, I can’t resist another wink. Might have to see a healer about that.

Everyone grabs plates of food and gathers around the long table that can comfortably seat eighteen. It’s a beautiful solid slab of black walnut, custom made for the spacious dining room, a tasteful complement to its high ceilings.

Due to their sheer size, Harvey and Sawyer bring two additional chairs to seat themselves at opposing ends of the table so they can eat comfortably and someone doesn’t get hit with an elbow in the face. Edmond, needing room for his wings, takes a low-backed chair around the center where he can stretch them out behind his companions.

Erik then directs Jamie and Jasper to seats away from each other, placing Rollo and Daehan as calming buffers next to them. I chuckle to myself at Erik’s thoughtful supervision of those two. They’re the biggest troublemakers, and whenever they’re together, shit is bound to get wild or weird.

Predictably, the women stick to the opposite side of the table from the males. Though, there’s an air of comradery as we enjoy our meals, low conversations striking up here and there as the sun slowly climbs higher in the sky.

The tranquility from outside has seeped into the dining room through the folding doors that have been pushed back. The gauzy curtains flanking our view of the Caribbean Sea dance gracefully in the light breeze. The birdsong is a harmonious addition to a picture-perfect morning on a tropical island.

Once everyone seems about done with their food, Sawyer patting his now-distended stomach in satisfaction, Bertie looks to me, and I give him a supportive grimace. It’s time.

Bertie positions himself at the head of the table, and Harvey scoots out of the way to give him the limelight. “Good morning, ladies and monsters. I trust that you had a pleasant night’s sleep.”

Everyone gives him affirming but hesitant nods.

“After extensive research and much deliberation, I have concluded that the information needed pertaining to the marks is not available in this library, and I will therefore need to return to Alberad School for the Supernatural in Germany to scour its more comprehensive resources. The instant I find an answer to a means of dissolving the mark, I shall contact each of you. I hope to do this in an expedited manner so as to not inconvenience you or disrupt your lives any further than you have already experienced. My sincerest apologies for the events thus far.”

I look across the table at Sadie and see the nerves I’m trying to hide reflected in her eyes. My heart is pounding furiously at what’s to come next. I can’t look away from her, but I’m carefully attuned to each word out of Bertie’s mouth.

“Due to the distance limit that has come into effect with the marks, I have determined—for the best interest of each individual present—that you shall have to remain with your partner as you leave the island and accompany each other until this matter has been resolved.”

“You just expect us to…”

“I’m not leaving with a stranger for…”

“This is unbelievable.”

“Who do you think…”

The women all start talking at the same time, and a chair is pushed back noisily. Bertie raises his hand and silently exerts an imperceptible amount of his magic to bestow calm on everyone. I’m only aware of what his magic can do since I’ve known him for eighteen years, but he usually tries to hide his abilities. I know he respects autonomy too much to interfere with others’ lives.

“If anyone present can provide a more feasible alternative, I would more than welcome hearing it.” I can see the effort he’s putting into keeping his face passive and open, nonthreatening.

Elves are haughty by nature and can look very intimidating. But Bertie is incredibly clever and knows how to read a situation and adapt accordingly, a skill that’s oddly missing when it comes to his dating life.

I note the deep Vs between furrowed brows as the women concentrate. One woman is even biting her nails in contemplation. But no one comes forward with an idea.

“This is my business card. Please contact me at any time should you have any questions. I will ensure that I’m available. No matter the time zone differences, you are always welcome to contact me, day or night, phone calls, text messages, or emails.” He goes around the table and personally hands each woman his business card, taking care not to accidentally brush against them.

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