Page 26 of Tempting the Dhampir

Cece sucks in a fortifying breath and straightens her back. “You’re right. I do deserve all that. And so do you.” Suddenly serious, she says, “Dede, do you know how proud I am of you?”

“You are? For what?” I ask her, furrowing my brows as I rack my brain to find what prompted this shift in topic.

“I didn’t say this yesterday, but before we move to opposite sides of the world, I want you to know how proud I am of you for going to school, getting your degree, and working so hard. I’m proud of you for what you’ve accomplished.” Cece gives my hands a squeeze. “I hope I’m not overstepping, but sometimes it seems as if that spark you had when you started teaching has dimmed. Are you okay?”

My heart starts thumping powerfully in my chest, and I feel a flush spreading across my face and down my neck. I haven’t said anything about my job to Cece. As it is, she worries so much about the people she cares about, so I didn’t want to burden her. But she’s as perceptive as ever.

Choosing to remain silent and letting her speak, I swallow hard around the lump in my throat and nod for her to continue.

Cece squeezes my hands once more and searches my face for something. Her voice is calm as she says, “If teaching isn’t something that makes you happy anymore, if there’s anything else you’d like to pursue, you’ve got my full support. I can always—”

Surging forward to give her a hug, I cut her words off before she can make a ridiculously generous offer. “I love you, you know that?”

I clear my throat, sit back, and quickly shift the focus of the conversation back to my sister. “I don’t know what’s happening with the males. I don’t know how long this will take. But don’t let Adelbert walk all over you. Don’t allow him to make you an afterthought. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. I wish we were going with you so I can kick his ass if he’s rude.”

Narrowing her eyes playfully at me, she counters, “Don’t make me come to Vegas and give Everett a piece of my mind if he doesn’t treat you right, either.”

I laugh her comment off, not worried about Everett. He’s been great so far, and I’m actually kind of looking forward to this little getaway.

Cece places her hands on my shoulders and starts, “Sisters by blood.”

I copy her gesture and complete our favorite expression. “Friends by choice.”

Then we squeeze each other tight for the last time in who knows how long.

Letting go, she arranges her face into mock sternness, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Do you need me to talk to Everett about protecting your virtue?”

I snort, and we both start giggling, which turns into semihysterical laughter and eventually tapers off into sniffles.

“I’m going to miss you.” My voice wobbles as a tear tracks down my cheek.

Cece wipes my tear with her thumb, her chest rising with a deep breath. “I’ll miss you too.” Jutting her chin forward, she commands, “Now, let’s move our cute butts and be on our way to our next adventures.”

All the males and women have gathered in the great room, meeting in little huddles teeming with muted anticipation. The sun is now bright, and the warm air is charged with electric possibilities. Numerous goodbyes are said, hugs and numbers exchanged, and we separate into our pairings.

With each woman standing next to her partner, I can’t help but think there’s something serendipitous about it all. Like they suit the males next to them.

The males have elected to keep their rings on throughout our stay, and it’s almost enough to forget that they’re not human.

Except Edmond of course. His wings are still out but now tucked close to his body so as not to brush against Sylvia. He said something about waiting until the last moment before he’ll glamour them again.

My eyes scan through all the couples. Natalie bounces on her toes—the sentiment reflected in the glint in Jasper’s eyes as his gaze stays fixed on her. I can’t quite remember where they’re going, but they both look excited to get there. Unlike Sawyer and Louisa, both with arms folded over their chests as they lean against a far wall.

Iris steps forward. “Before we go, I’d just like to report on the captain and the yacht. Once Adelbert restored cellular services, I was able to contact the charter company. They have no record of the ship or the captain on their logs.”

Adelbert runs a hand through his hair. With a shaky voice, he asks, “What was the name of the boat?”

“Amarto.”

A deafening silence descends on the room. All color drains from the males’ faces. No one moves.

Iris quirks her head. “Uhhh… What am I missing?”

Adelbert clears his throat and, for the first time, stutters through his words. “That… that means… ‘the fates’ in Elvish.”

The males are still as statues as we stare at them. My eyes bounce from one male to the next, feeling the weight of the pronouncement even if I don’t understand it.

Everett’s brows furrow into a deep V as he asks, “What could this even mean? Do you think the fates orchestrated all the events yesterday?”

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