Page 35 of Awakening the Dhampir

A slight blush bloomed on Kenrid’s cheeks. It was adorable. I almost leaned forward and kissed him again but held myself back. We needed to talk about this.

“Lorna, having multiple partners is not new for me,” he said. “Normally, talking about it would not be uncomfortable, but I find myself wanting only you and no one else. I’m sure it’s because of the way your magic calls to mine.” He rubbed his hands on his knees but didn’t take his eyes from my face. “I’m a little jealous of your interactions with Damon, but being alone with you now erases that jealousy. I agree with him. As long as I can have my time with you, I won’t deny you your time with him.”

I just stared at him with widening eyes. I wasn’t sure I felt the same way. If I saw him with another woman, I’d probably lose my mind. Which made me the biggest hypocrite on the planet.

“What if you want to be with someone else?” I asked, hating the ugly green monster rising with just the thought. “If you’re used to multiple partners, I can’t ask you to give that up.” I bit my lip and mentally beat down my jealousy.

Kenrid laughed, and I frowned at him. What could possibly be funny?

“Let’s not borrow trouble,” he said, still smiling. “Right now, I want you and no one else. I’m going to take a lesson from Damon’s Book of Wisdom and trust that my magic has made the right choice for me.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about his declaration. It was easy to say that now, but everything could change tomorrow, as my last few weeks had easily demonstrated.

“Finish eating,” Kenrid said. “You need the calories.”

He opened the box next to mine, revealing an all-veggie pizza. I hoped to be eating a slice of that one too.

Maybe a piece of fae for dessert, my dhampir purred.

My already hot cheeks flared again. Stop it! I whined. You’re turning me into a needy bucket of lust.

Satisfy that need and maybe I’ll stop, she countered.

I don’t believe you.

That’s because I’m lying.

She laughed, and I smiled.

“I’m guessing your dhampir is providing entertainment again?” Kenrid asked, selecting a piece of pizza.

“Yeah.” I picked up the slice I’d started earlier.

We fell into a comfortable silence while we ate. I managed to eat two slices of pizza, but as soon as I finished, I was exhausted. I felt like a baby. Now that my tummy was full, I was ready for bed. I hated it. I’d never been a super athlete, but this shit sucked. I just hoped it didn’t take too long to come back from.

A jaw-popping yawn from me had Kenrid packing up our dinner.

“Shall we try to get some sleep before Damon wakes up?” he asked.

“That’s probably a good idea.”

We pulled out the sofa bed and found a couple extra blankets and pillows stashed in a tiny closet. I stood on one side while Kenrid pulled back the covers on the other side.

I knew I should be arguing about sharing my space. I’d never agree to sleep in the same bed with someone who was essentially a stranger. Until now. Kenrid wasn’t a stranger, though, was he? My heart swore up and down we’d known him forever, even if my mind knew better.

Didn’t I tell you I got this? my dhampir scolded.

Yes, but it’s hard to just flip a switch after a lifetime of isolating myself.

She huffed, and I could swear she rolled her eyes at me. I’ll take care of your social awkwardness if you keep me from freaking out on the hotties.

I almost laughed out loud. I’ve never called anyone a hottie. Where did you hear that?

Did you forget how much you like to read?

I scrubbed my hands over my face and shook my head to keep Kenrid from seeing my grin.

“Are you okay to share the space?” he asked, misinterpreting my gesture. “I’ll do my best to stay on my side.”

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