Page 7 of Claiming the Dhampir

And he saved us, Mir added. A couple of times.

Yes, he did. They all did.

Which was why I was sitting in the living room in Nathan’s wing of the fortress. I couldn’t seem to tell any of them no. Even Nathan.

Damon took up half of the sofa with his demon form on full display. I sat right next to him. Every few seconds, the end of his tail edged closer to my leg.

Nathan lounged in an upholstered chair across from me, looking completely relaxed. I’d believe it if his long fingers weren’t drumming on the chair’s arm. Every so often, a red ring would circle his irises and his lips would pull into a thin line. His attention alternated between Damon’s wandering tail and the wing creeping closer, like it wanted to wrap around me without Damon’s consent.

Elliott occupied the seat next to Nathan. Sort of. He perched on the very edge with his elbows resting on his knees, and his fingers running through his short hair. He didn’t lift his head, almost like he couldn’t stand to see Damon so close. His wolf’s anxiety hurt me; I hated to see Elliott and his wolf arguing. I really hoped that wasn’t the case, but the alternatives didn’t look good either.

Kenrid stood across the room at the bar, making drinks. He’d been there for a full ten minutes, though. Even the worst bartender ever didn’t take that long to pour a few whiskeys. I’d blame his procrastination on me—we still hadn’t talked since he left me in the woods—but it was obvious that the guys had something on their minds.

“So, how long do I have to sit in suspense before someone tells me what’s going on?” I asked.

Damon pulled me closer, and his wing draped over my shoulder. Nathan scowled at my demon.

“We have a clan meeting tonight,” Nathan said, dragging his eyes from Damon’s possessive wing and looking directly at me. “Despite all of our efforts to dissuade the rumors about you, there are demands of proof.”

Sweat broke out across my forehead. I’d worried about this very thing.

“So, parading me around with Damon isn’t proof enough?” I asked, even though it was exactly what he’d just said. “What do they want? Do they expect me to sit in a room full of vampires?”

Elliott growled, and Damon’s tail wrapped around my leg. I guessed I had my answer.

“We never leave you alone to wander the fortress,” Kenrid said, finally making his way to us balancing two glasses. “You don’t have your own living space or your own transportation. Someone started a rumor that we’re keeping you prisoner in the tower. Which only encourages the suspicions of you being a dhampir. Vampire masters always coveted their dhampir.”

Nathan growled and snatched a glass from Kenrid. My fae prince didn’t react to the rude gesture, probably because he understood Nathan’s frustration.

“That’s ridiculous!” I exclaimed, refocusing on Nathan. “You barely even look at me. You certainly don’t touch me. They would have to be idiots to think you have any interest in my blood or anything else.”

Nathan looked away, his scowl deepening along with the red of his eyes. I instantly regretted my words. They were horribly insensitive, even if they were true.

“I’m sorry, that sounded awful,” I admitted, then tried to change the direction of the conversation. “Isn’t it normal for fated mates to live together? Or do other couples have separate homes? Where would I stay if not with Damon?”

Kenrid had also moved into Damon’s wing of the fortress, but I wasn’t sure that was common knowledge. Kenrid handed Elliott a glass of whiskey and sat down beside me.

“Mates always stay together,” Kenrid said and pushed Damon’s wing aside so he could see me clearly.

A low rumble vibrated in Damon’s chest, but he didn’t say anything. Kenrid glared at my demon. I understood why Kenrid was mad, but I really hoped they’d get past this sooner rather than later. Regardless of their animosity, I was grateful that Kenrid wasn’t completely avoiding me after I’d told him I needed time.

“It’s just an excuse to fuel the uncertainty created by Conrad’s accusations,” Kenrid continued. “You already know how the supernatural community feels about the dhampir. Fear makes them do stupid things. Just like humans.”

I nodded, but he didn’t make me feel any better. “So, what’s the plan for tonight?”

Kenrid glanced at Nathan, and I followed his gaze.

Nathan sighed, not looking up from the empty glass he rolled between his hands. “During a typical meeting, Damon and Elliott coordinate security along with the rest of the team. Kenrid corrals the fae, and I talk about whatever is on the agenda.”

“That leaves me where?” I asked, knowing that I would hate the answer. There were only a couple of options.

“With me,” Nathan replied, looking up and piercing me with his red-ringed eyes.

I sucked in a breath. A flicker of Mir’s fear poked at me. I understood completely. We weren’t ready to be at Nathan’s side, especially in a room full of vampires. I did fine surrounded by Kenrid and Damon, but the temptation…

“I’m not ready.” My voice trembled with my whispered response.

Kenrid’s magic bloomed around me, settling my unease, but only for a second.

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