Page 25 of Tempting the Dhampir

Returning to his original position, he addresses the room again. “I have removed the wards blocking cellular services. You should be able to make arrangements freely now. I do, however, ask that you refrain from mentioning this island or alluding to its location.” He pauses and waits for us all to nod before continuing.

“For now, I will ask you to speak to your partner. You can decide between yourselves where you will live for the foreseeable future. I cannot yet provide you with a timeline, but I’m leaving today and will start my research tonight. It will be in everyone’s best interest to leave as early as convenient, for once I am not present on this estate, I cannot take responsibility for your safety.”

Sadie’s face is completely blanched. I look to the other women. They’re all sporting similar expressions of disbelief and dread. The air is turning sour with a slight scent of fear emanating from that side of the table.

Bertie notices the discomfort and holds up a finger. “Ah, before I forget, the most important element to guarantee your safety. It is imperative that you know that all the males have volunteered to swear an oath of safekeeping to you. Each oath will be tailored to the individual and his species and will be between you, him, and the fates. If you would like a witness, I will be present, or however many other witnesses you desire. At this point, I will ask you to make your way to your partner so you can start discussing your plans.”

With that, Bertie turns and beelines for Florence, checking his watch on his way. Knowing Bertie, I’m sure he’s worked himself into knots over all this. He’s not one to force anyone to do anything, but it’s not like he can follow Florence to Kentucky. He needs to go to Germany. Which means, so does Florence.

I zip to Sadie’s seat and lean against the dining table across from her. I aim for casual, but a note of concern still seeps into my voice. “You okay with everything Bertie just said?”

Sadie takes a deep breath before she answers on a slow exhale. “I’m okay. I think. My worry is more about Cece, though. She has to go to Germany.”

“Bertie will take good care of her. You don’t have to fret about that.” My hands ache to comfort Sadie, but I keep them wrapped around the edge of the dining table, unsure if she would welcome my touch while processing all the new information.

Sadie toys with the hem of my T-shirt she’s still wearing. Her brow pinches as she looks up at me with eyes the color of the ocean, unease swirling in their depths. “Would he, though? It looks like he’s going to be wrapped up in research all the time. And I know my sister, she’s not one to ask for any favors. I’m nervous about her being lonely and unhappy in a strange place.”

Unable to resist any longer, I reach for her hand and trace her knuckles with my thumb. “He might not look attentive, but I can assure you, Bertie will try to make her feel comfortable.”

Sadie folds her lips between her teeth and swallows hard. “Okay. I believe you. I’ll just have to check in with her every day.”

“I can also check in with Bertie from time to time. If you want?”

My offer seems to surprise her as she blinks a couple of times and stumbles out, “That’s… Thanks.”

I let go of her hand and lean back again. Shifting gears, I ask, “Do you have any pressing matters to take care of in Kentucky?”

“No, not for a while. It’s summer break, so I can be flexible. And don’t you dare make a joke about ‘flexible.’ I can already see your thoughts churning.” She points an accusing finger at me, and at the same time, I see the mischief playing at the corners of her eyes and mouth. “Not that this has anything to do with you, but I am flexible.”

My mouth does this odd thing where it’s opening and closing like a fish out of water. My brain is scrambled. Visions of Sadie in all kinds of pretzely positions burst through my mind. Before I can get my wits in line to utter a retort, she speaks.

“You want me to go to Vegas with you, zooms?”

“I can’t think of anything better.”

“Vegas it is.” Sadie tries to keep her face impassive and fight her excitement, but she fails spectacularly and lets a dazzling smile burst forth, toes tapping excitedly under her chair.

Chapter thirteen

Sadie

After breakfast, we all return to our rooms to wash up and process what Adelbert said. The news was met with shock by some and denial by others, but I might have spotted a bit of excitement scattered among the women. It was definitely not just from me.

“I’m so happy for you, Dede. I know you’ve always wanted to go to Vegas. I bet you’re happy you packed your fancy shoes. You’ll fit right in over there.” Cece’s ever-present sunny side shines through her words, but looking into her eyes, I can see the nerves clouding her smile.

“Oh, Cece.” I take her hands in mine. “Are you going to be okay? I think Germany is going to be beautiful. And didn’t they say the school is in the Black Forest? Think about all the inspo you can get for your embroidery. You can make mad money with those pieces.”

I try to encourage Cece to see the silver lining in moving to Germany for a while by focusing on the things that’ll make her happy. Despite Everett’s assurances that Bertie will be good to her, I can’t help but think that Bertie will be holed up in the library, too focused on fixing this whole thing for everyone to pay Cece much attention.

Cece tries to hide her grimace as she sinks down on the bed. “I’d have to go buy thread and hoops. I didn’t bring anything on this trip, just wanted to enjoy spending time with you. And I don’t know if he’ll be able to take time away from the library to indulge me much. There’s a lot of pressure on him to resolve this as soon as possible. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you back home in a week,” she says, shrugging one shoulder.

The hope in her voice hurts like a paper cut to my heart.

She sits up suddenly, straightening her shoulders as she says brightly, “They have internet in Germany. I can just order supplies online if it becomes an extended thing.” Cece’s smile wavers, her shoulders slowly curling in again. “That’s if… the wards allow it. But it’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” She waves the comment away like it’s no big deal, and listlessly starts folding the clothes she slept in last night.

I sit down next to my big sister and tuck one leg under me so I can face her more directly. “Cece…” I take the clothes from her hands and place them next to her. Grasping her hands in mine again, I wait for her to meet my eyes.

“You are an amazing, caring, intelligent woman. You give so much to everyone around you. You deserve to be the center of attention in someone’s life. You deserve to be a priority. You deserve to have someone make an effort for you. You deserve to be seen. To be heard. To be loved. To be chosen.”

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