Page 27 of Awakening the Dhampir

“You should really share your conversations,” Kenrid said. “I’m a little jealous of your dhampir’s ability to make you laugh like that.”

I opened my mouth to tell him, but it really wasn’t his business. It was between me and my dhampir.

“It’s kind of personal,” I said. “But I’ll try harder to keep it to myself. I’ve always hated it when people whisper around me. I immediately want to assume they’re talking about me, even if they’re not.”

“Don’t,” Damon grumbled. “You be you. Don’t worry about us. If Kenrid wants to make you laugh, he needs to be funnier. Or hang around Elliott more often.”

I choked on the bite I’d just taken. Half of his comment brought tears to my eyes and the other made me want to laugh again. I glanced over at Kenrid, expecting to see a scowl. A smile played at his lips, and those damn tears of mine fell.

“Why would you put up with me and all the chaos I’m bringing into your lives?” I asked before I realized that maybe I wasn’t ready for the answer.

“Because you are my mate,” Damon said. “Unlike my brothers, I don’t question my magic. You’re fated to be in my life, and I’m grateful for the privilege.”

I grabbed my soda and took a really long drink. No one had ever said anything like that to me. I couldn’t even wrap my head around the sincerity of his words. How would I ever prove I was worthy of him?

“Unlike you, Damon,” Kenrid said, pulling me back from my downward spiral, “some of our lives are rather complicated.” He glanced at me for a moment, and his smile widened. “But I share Damon’s sentiment. I’ve already told you that my magic wants you. That hasn’t changed.”

My gaze danced between the two men as my confused brain tried to make sense of their declarations. Kenrid continued watching the road, but Damon’s focus didn’t leave me.

“You expect me to be with both of you?” I finally asked. “And you’re okay with that?”

“I want you to be with me,” Damon replied. “But if you also choose to give part of yourself to Kenrid, I have no objections. So long as you also give part of yourself to me.”

We get to have both! my dhampir said excitedly.

I didn’t respond to her. I wasn’t sure I could satisfy one man, much less two. I had a feeling Elliott would have something to say about all this, especially with the way his magic had wrapped around me not even an hour ago.

We can satisfy all of them, the greedy little bitch said. Think of all the things they can do for us. She proceeded to give me all the images of the things she wanted done. Heat and longing surged through my body. Damon and Kenrid both growled.

“Don’t do that,” Kenrid warned, “or we won’t be driving through the night.”

“It’s not my fault,” I whined. “My dhampir is a horny little bitch.”

Damon’s booming laughter startled me. I quickly set my drink back in the cup holder so I didn’t spill it. Kenrid was right. I’d only eaten one burger, and I was full. I stared longingly at the others in my bag.

“Put your food in the center console,” Damon said. “Elliott special-ordered it as a cooler, so it’ll keep for a few hours.”

“That’s really clever,” I said, flipping open the lid and marveling at the insulated lining. Several bottles of water and soda were already inside. I reorganized them and I added my leftovers, then settled Kenrid’s salad on top.

“I need to replenish my energy,” Damon said, still watching me. “Staying in human form drains my magic. I just wanted to warn you before I change.”

I hadn’t even thought about how Damon was different. I had so many questions about the differences between shifters and demons, but as soon as his magic swelled, I forgot everything. I was glad he warned me ahead of time. His unique smell of chocolate latte with mint engulfed all my senses. My eyes rolled shut as I tried desperately to stay in my seat.

Please let me taste him, my dhampir pleaded.

No! We’re supposed to be proving we’re worthy, remember?

You’re right, she conceded, but her desire didn’t go away. This will be way harder than I expected.

You think?

She snarled at me, but I didn’t care. I knew it would be hard, maybe even impossible, to deny my urges.

“Ready for your first test, little d’laej?” Damon asked.

My eyes popped open, and I shook my head. “Nope.”

Damon’s demon form took up the entire back seat. He lay on his back with one wing climbing up the rear window and the other leaning against Kenrid’s seat. One of his legs was bent at the knee, leaning against the back of the seat because he was too tall to extend them. The other disappeared behind my chair, probably with his foot on the floor.

---