Page 65 of Claiming the Dhampir

Lorna selected some of the entrées from the nearest platters and started eating. She had to be hungry. She’d barely touched her breakfast earlier because of our conversation during the meal. At least she’d have time to enjoy this one. Lucifer wouldn’t voice his demands with this many witnesses.

My own thoughts wouldn’t allow me to eat, though. The ceremony to present a soulmate included all of Lucifer’s court. If the Lord of the Underworld had known I’d show up early, why hadn’t he invited his court? While some of the court demons were present, this was not what I expected.

“I can almost see your mind trying desperately to figure out my intentions.”

I gave the Lord of the Underworld my full attention. He was right. I couldn’t figure it out.

Lucifer smirked and set his utensils on his plate. “When the Prince of the Summer Court destroyed the Winter Queen’s research facility, I was forced to take notice of their plans. One of my demons—who was not supposed to be in the fae realm—admitted to the deal they’d made with the fae. Normally, I would just ignore the fae and their petty deals, but this one made me pause. Why would the fae be interested in DNA research on the dhampir?”

His smile faded, and a spark of fire lit his eyes. I suspected he’d consumed the demon’s magic along with its soul.

“We found two more facilities in the fae realm.” He lifted his chin and looked around the room. “Most of the dhampir we found were babies. We relocated them to a safe place until we could bring them here. They’ve spent their entire lives in my kingdom. Treasured, as they should be.”

“You’re all dhampir?” Lorna asked, but I could hear Mir’s edgy voice in the mix.

I turned to my mate, but she was looking at the numerous faces watching us—both demon and dhampir. The dhampirs’ eyes never transitioned from black to any other color. Apparently, they were very comfortable being themselves in this environment.

“Obviously, not all of us.” The Fourth Order demon directly across the table winked at Lorna.

I worried she’d be afraid of him. The only humanoid thing about him was the shape of his body. His red skin, black eyes, and the tiny horns growing from his bald head were all demon.

Lorna laughed, and a slight blush crept up her neck. I would’ve been jealous, but she was projecting her embarrassment, not arousal.

“Sorry,” Lorna said. “I have so many questions. I honestly thought I was the last dhampir. I never imagined …” She waved her hand at the room like I’d seen her do so many times.

“You are welcome in my home anytime, Lorna,” Lucifer said, surprising me even more than I already was. “I would encourage you to come back and ask as many questions as you’d like. But I will require your oath to keep our secret. I don’t think I have to explain why.”

“You have my oath to keep their presence a secret from everyone except my mates, of course,” Lorna said immediately. “And no, you don’t have to explain. If anyone else knew they were here …” She shuddered. “I already know what will happen.”

“Indeed. When you’re finished eating, we’ll go to my office and discuss Damon’s new assignment.”

Lorna didn’t finish eating. She immediately started talking to everyone around her, like she was worried that we wouldn’t come back. Of course I’d bring her back. She wasn’t the only one who wanted to find out more about the dhampir here in the Underworld.

It looked like my life was about to turn in a new direction. Not that it hadn’t when Lorna arrived, but I had a feeling that Lucifer’s assignment would change everything.

An hour later, Lucifer led us to a large room with a balcony that overlooked the fields behind the castle. He strolled straight through his luxurious office and took a seat in a wicker lounge chair that I’d swear he’d gotten from a local box store in New Orleans.

I couldn’t believe Lucifer chose to sit on the balcony. All the time I’d known him, he always forced his audience to stand in front of his oversized desk while he lounged in his oversized chair. Something had changed about the Lord of the Underworld.

“Stop gawking and sit down, Traz’damon,” Lucifer commanded. He was clearly done being nice. Had it all been an act for the dhampir? That didn’t sound right, either. Too many demons in the room seemed genuinely happy with their partners.

I dropped onto one of the two benches near the railing. I would have to take to my human form to be comfortable in one of the wicker recliners, and I had no desire to release my demon. The longer I stayed in the Underworld, the more of its magic I could soak up.

Lorna stood next to me, looking out over the acres of farmland that stretched as far as she could see. The look of wonder on her face made me smile.

“As you can see, I’m providing refuge for the dhampir,” Lucifer said, wiping the smile off my face. “I’d been collecting them for ages, well before we discovered the fae research facility. Vampires are vicious creatures who shouldn’t be allowed to procreate,” he said, snarling. “The fae aren’t much better.”

Even though I disagreed with his stereotype, the vampires who created dhampir were disgusting creatures. The fae who’d willingly experimented on the innocent were just as evil. Maybe even more.

“The only reason Earth has not seen a resurgence of dhampir is because I continue to eliminate the vampires trying to create them,” Lucifer continued.

Luckily he was watching Lorna, so he didn’t see my surprised expression.

“I need you to pay attention to the vampires.” He pulled his eyes from my mate. His stern look made me uneasy. “You are in a unique position to watch for those vampires who would express undue interest in human females.”

“Yes, I am,” I agreed. “What would you have me do if I find any?”

“Report to my High Commander.”

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