Page 47 of Awakening the Dhampir

My eyes burned with unshed tears. I got it. I really did. She wanted something that reminded us of her desire to live. I loved her a little more each time she showed that part of herself.

I get that part from you, she snapped. Now open the app.

I don’t have a phone, I reminded her.

Like one of your guys won’t let you borrow theirs.

She had a point. “Kenrid, can I borrow your phone to look up some stuff?”

“Sure.” He dipped his chin to the smartphone sitting in the cupholder of the center console.

“Thanks.”

I retrieved his phone, and we spent the next twenty minutes scrolling through all the translations of ‘peace.’

I think I like Mir best, my dhampir finally decided.

I agreed. Mir meant ‘peace’ in several different languages. It felt right. Just like claiming my demon and fae had also felt right.

Don’t question the magic! my dhampir, Mir, quipped. It was now her favorite phrase.

Alright, smartass, when are we telling the guys? I asked.

Do we have to tell them?

No, I hedged. I just assumed you’d want them to know.

I don’t think they’re ready to talk to me, she said.

She might be right. Her first impression had been a little scary.

Okay, just let me know when you’re ready.

“Nathan and Elliott will meet us in the garage,” Damon said, drawing my attention and reigniting my doubts. It must have shown. “Don’t worry, little d’laej. Everything will work out.”

I wasn’t sure I believed him, but I wouldn’t argue. I looked out the window and watched the dense forest go by. The trees towered over our vehicle with long strands of gray moss draping from their limbs. The thick canopy blocked out most of the setting sun, making it feel a little bit creepy. We must have turned off the interstate while I searched for a name for my dhampir. Mir. It might take a minute or two to get used to using her new name.

I didn’t see any standing water on the sides of the built-up road, but I had no doubts there would be during a heavy rain. I could hear the chorus of birds even with my windows closed. Every once in a while, I’d catch a glimpse of the wildlife darting through the forest.

I tried to use the scenery as a distraction, but the last ten minutes of the drive seemed to take forever. Until the trees opened up, revealing a fricking castle. There was no other way to describe it. Dark stone covered in moss made a wall that was every bit of twenty feet tall. Several more stories of the building rose above the walls in the background. Two large spires made of dark wood anchored the two back corners. I couldn’t see the first or possibly even second story past the walls.

Kenrid slowed to a stop in front of an enormous wooden gate. He rolled down his window and pressed the button on a call box.

“Hey Kenrid, welcome home,” a tinny voice echoed from the box. “Did you bring me anything?”

“No, I did not,” Kenrid replied. “I never have. I’m not sure why you keep insisting that I would.”

I gaped at Kenrid. I’d never heard him so … formal? Rude? I wasn’t sure how to describe it. He’d been so easy and genuine with me for the last couple days. Even before my kidnapping, he’d never spoken to me that way.

“Aw, man,” the gate guard grumbled, like he really expected Kenrid to bring him a gift. I’d have to ask him about it.

The gate started rolling slowly across the pavement, its wheels clattering against the rough surface. As soon as there was enough room, Kenrid pulled through.

“What was that about?” I asked.

Kenrid rolled up his window and sighed. “Just someone trying to make a deal with the fae. It’s more common than I’d like. Typically, they try to give me gifts, thinking that I’ll owe them in return.” He glanced at me for a moment, a frown pulling at his lips. “Accept nothing from anyone here, no matter who they are.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “That’s not at all worrisome.”

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