Page 68 of Claiming the Dhampir

Kenrid pushed his way past Elliott and crossed the room. His cool summer rain wrapped around me with his hug. I kissed his neck and threaded my fingers into his hair, then forced myself to step away.

“It was a good visit,” I said. “We have so much to talk about.”

“Let’s go in the living room where we can all be comfortable,” Damon suggested, already leading the way.

Kenrid smiled at me and followed my demon. I caught up with them, grabbing Elliott’s hand before he had a chance to leave.

“I need a hug,” I said.

Elliott grinned and wrapped me up in his shifter magic and his warm embrace. “I’ll never deny you.”

“Where’s Nathan?” I asked, putting a little space between us. “It’s not morning already, is it?” I had no idea how long we’d been in the Underworld.

“He’s waiting in the other room,” Elliott said, giving me a knowing look.

Damon was right. We needed to figure out a way for me to be with Nathan. Not because I felt obligated. Not because I didn’t want Nathan to feel left out. But because Nathan was part of our group—our family. Sure, there had been trust issues when we first met. How could there not be? I’m a dhampir, and he’s a vampire.

But looking back at where we started and where we were right now, I couldn’t imagine not having him in my life. He was like the glue holding his team together. Not the most vocal but still the most important part.

He didn’t demand my attention, but I was starting to recognize his small tells that indicated he wanted it. When his eyes changed color, he was trying to suppress his longing for me. When one of the guys held my hand, or kissed my forehead, or something more intimate, Nathan left the room. Not because he didn’t want me, but because he thought he needed to stay away. Seeing the affection between me and the others hurt.

Just like now. He stayed in the living room when he should’ve joined the others in welcoming us back.

I hated that it took me so long to figure it out.

And he’s sexy! Mir said. I can’t wait to gobble him up!

You’re so crass!

You’re so boring!

“Is everything good?” Elliott asked.

“Yeah.” I smiled at him. “I can’t wait to tell you what we found.”

As we walked into Damon’s living room, my eyes went straight to Nathan. Deep red ringed his irises when he met my gaze. He stood next to Damon at the end of the new sectional sofa, his hands in the pockets of his dress slacks. His white shirt was perfectly tailored for his lean, muscular physique. I hated that my first glimpse of his bare chest had been because of the torture he endured.

Kenrid stood on Damon’s other side in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved Henley. He wasn’t wearing his glamour, leaving all his fae traits on display. I smiled. He knew how much I loved his pointed ears, and I knew how very sensitive they were for him.

Sexy! Mir said again.

Stop! Heat rushed up my neck and consumed my cheeks, then headed straight through my core.

“Let’s get comfy,” Elliot said, scooping me off my feet, “and hear this story of yours.”

He sat on the center cushion of the sofa and set me on his lap. I couldn’t help but laugh. His growing erection pressed against my thigh, and I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the whole story. I tried to scoot to one side, but he held me tight.

“Let’s see who’s brave enough to sit next to the wolf and his mate,” Elliott whispered.

I turned sideways to see his face, shocked by the challenge in his voice. His smirk wiped away my concerns. It was so good to see the playful side of Elliott.

Nathan surprised me by moving first, taking the spot on my left. Kenrid sank into the cushion on my right. I turned to Damon, trying to squash my uncertainty. He just smiled and shook his head.

“Do you want to tell them?” Damon asked.

“Go ahead,” I said. “I’ll get lost in all the details. The castle was amazing and the endless fields off the balcony. Oh, and the tapestries. I need to ask you about those.”

Damon laughed again, sinking into the opposite side of the sectional. “I’ll let you describe the details later.”

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