Page 39 of Awakening the Dhampir

“Is my desire that obvious?” she croaked.

“Yes,” I said, “but I don’t mind. You can express your desire for me anytime you like.”

“Oh my God,” she mumbled. “Shut up, you horny bitch.”

Kenrid and I both laughed, knowing she was talking to her dhampir. I shouldn’t be encouraging the side of her that could possibly kill me, but her dhampir was nothing like I assumed she would be. I reached up and pulled one of her hands from her face and placed it against my chest. The warmth of her palm made my skin pebble.

“Can I see your demon?” she asked.

“No. Your little fangs are not strong enough to pierce my scales.”

“Oh.” She bit her lip, then licked them again. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“I wouldn’t expect you to know,” I said, pulling my hand from hers to give her a choice of what to do with it. “I don’t think your first bite should be on my neck. Maybe my arm or chest where the blood flow is a little slower and not so close to a major artery.”

Her fingers trailed across my pectorals and headed for my abdominals. Her eyes followed her hand, even after my suggestion.

“Whatever you think is best,” she said, her voice a little edgy, as if the line between her and her dhampir was losing definition. “I’d really like Kenrid at my back, just to make sure I don’t do something stupid.”

“Then let’s get in a better position,” I suggested.

She didn’t trust herself. That alone gave me the reassurance that she wouldn’t be consumed by her hunger. She had too much awareness of what could happen—everything that would be lost. She could do this.

Chapter 15

Lorna

Damon sat on the edge of the bed. I stood between his knees with Kenrid at my back. My fae’s hands gently gripped my waist, allowing me free movement of my upper body while still giving me security. Surprisingly enough, my dhampir had asked for it. She didn’t want to lose control and eliminate her chance to have a normal life. Our chance.

We got this, I reassured her.

Yes, then we’ll have very hot sex with our mates.

My face flushed, and I almost cursed out loud. I was getting really tired of blushing.

Don’t tell me to stop, my dhampir hissed before I could say it. You need to quit lying to both of us about your desires for them. It’s an insult to them.

Was she right? Was I insulting Damon and Kenrid by trying to ignore their affections? I stared at the man sitting in front of me. He was willing to risk his life for me and my dhampir. So was the man standing at my back. They’d both already admitted they cared for me and wouldn’t deny the magic connecting us. They accepted all of me. The good parts, bad parts, weird parts, all of it.

I haven’t been lying to them about my desire, I told her. I just don’t know what to do with their proclamations and whatever being mates means. It’s a lot right now.

Figure it out later, but stop denying them and us.

“I’m sorry,” I said, meeting Damon’s dark eyes, then craning my neck to look back at Kenrid. “You could’ve walked away, and you didn’t. You probably should’ve left me at Conrad’s because I bring a whole lot of shitty baggage to your clan.” Both men growled at me, but I shook my head. “I’m sorry for being ungrateful. I’m sorry for not telling you how much it means to me that you didn’t give up. You still haven’t given up on me.”

Kenrid leaned in and pressed a kiss against my neck. “We protect what is ours,” he said. “Most supernatural creatures only get one true mate. We’d be idiots to give that up.”

“Then how do I get two?” I asked, resting my head against the fae.

“Each of us gives you something you need,” Damon said. “Something the others cannot give. Kenrid can’t satisfy your dhampir’s hunger. I can’t help you maintain control. Elliott will likely be the same calming influence when it comes to Nathan.”

My head snapped up. I didn’t want to accept that reality yet. “I’m struggling to understand two mates. Please don’t tell me there are four!”

Damon chuckled and pulled my hands into his. “Can we get back to the task at hand? We need to get on the road soon.”

“Yeah,” I said. Damon was right. “I’m letting you lead this. So, just tell me what to do.”

Damon released one of my hands and pressed a finger against the soft skin of his forearm, well away from his wrist. “Right here. I heal quicker than a vampire, so it’s unlikely you’ll take too much.”

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