Page 8 of Claiming the Dhampir

“No, Kenrid,” Nathan ordered, not taking his eyes from me. “What will it look like if you use your magic to calm her during the meeting? She needs to do this on her own.” As he leaned forward, his irises turned completely blue. “You can do this, Lorna. You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. I believe your dhampir gives you strength, just as you give yours to her. Together you can accomplish anything.”

A lump swelled in my throat, and I swore I heard Mir sniffle. Could she cry? God, I hoped not! One of us being an emotional mess was enough. But how could I not be emotional after Nathan’s declaration? Did that mean he truly trusted me?

I think I’m in love, Mir whispered. How does he see us so clearly when he’s never around?

I have no idea, I replied. But I can’t possibly disappoint him after that vote of confidence.

Agreed.

“Can we test my willpower?” I asked, feeling Mir’s agreement.

“I intended to.” Nathan stood and strolled to the bar on the opposite side of the room.

Nathan set his glass on the counter and turned to face our little group. Damon still cradled my shoulders beneath his heavy arm, and Kenrid remained on my other side. I glanced at Elliott to find him staring at me.

“Nathan’s right,” Elliott said, his words not matching his pained expression. “You can do this. You’ve already proven you’re strong enough.”

Kenrid gave my knee a quick squeeze. “I agree. It’s only been a week, but I no longer worry about you being alone with Damon. You can do this.”

I blinked away my tears and smiled at my fae prince. A tentative smile broke through the indifference he was trying to maintain. I needed to talk to him before we went to this meeting. I couldn’t leave him uncertain about my feelings.

I placed my hand over his where it still rested on my knee, then sent a focused feeling of acceptance and understanding to him. A wave of relief and gratitude streamed back to me, and Kenrid’s smile became a whole lot more sincere.

Damon’s clawed finger gently tugged at my chin. I scooted around to face my demon, forcing him to withdraw the arm around my shoulders. His dark eyes searched my face, but he didn’t smile.

“Always trust your magic,” he said. “It knows what you need. Both of you. Your magic is nothing like any of the rest of ours, so don’t compare yourself to anyone. Your uniqueness makes you better.”

Did I already tell you I’m in love? Mir asked.

I shook my head and grinned. Yes, many times.

“You know I’d never do this without you, right?” I asked, glancing back at Kenrid and Elliott. “I mean all of you. You’re the reason I’m still here and the reason I keep fighting.”

Damon leaned forward and pressed a kiss against my forehead. I didn’t need him to tell me to get off my ass and do this. I stood, sucked in a deep breath, and took my first step toward my future. What I hoped was my future anyway. If my guys believed I was strong enough, maybe I needed to stop doubting myself.

You and me both, Mir quipped.

I silently agreed with her. We’d already done so much. We could do this, too.

Nathan leaned back against the bar and crossed his arms over his chest. With each step I took in his direction, the red rings around his irises flickered. Maybe I should be concerned about him staying in control. I discarded the thought immediately. The guys had all joked about Nathan’s ironclad restraint.

I stopped a step away from the master vampire, trying to take shallow breaths. His intoxicating scent of chocolate and coffee assaulted my senses. Mir whined, and I completely empathized. Not only did he entice Mir’s hunger, but he stirred my own desire.

He was extremely handsome with his dark hair and long eyelashes. His sharp features only accentuated the stern countenance he seemed to prefer. That sternness faltered at my approach. His nostrils flared, and the red ring around his irises grew, consuming the blue.

My pulse quickened but not with fear. I wanted to see his vampire. I wanted to taste the power he would give us. The potency of his scent was so much stronger than Conrad’s.

“Don’t,” Nathan grumbled, glancing over my shoulder. “We’re fine.”

I realized he was talking to my guys. Had I acted like I was losing control? Maybe just a little, but it was so hard not to notice how powerful this man was. Until I had someone to compare him to, I hadn’t realized the intensity of his… well, his everything.

“You don’t look fine,” Damon said.

“It’s okay,” I said, half turning to see my demon had stood but hadn’t moved any closer. “Nathan is right. I can do this.”

We need to do this without devouring the tasty treat, Mir said.

“I wasn’t talking about you, little d’laej.”

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