Page 50 of The Reluctant Heir

“Yes,” I answer.

“What did you do?”

I lick my lip. “Mostly, I took notes, fetched coffee, and listened to my cousins complain about the presence of a hybrid.”

“Your cousins sound nice,” he teases.

“The absolute best.” I don’t bother keeping the sarcasm out of my voice. “Some of them genuinely loved me, but for the most part, I think they wished I didn’t exist. I was a dirty mark on our pristine family tree. And they let me know it was my fault for being born.”

“Like I said,nice.” He squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. There aren’t a lot of hybrid vampires, as vampires tend to be elite snobs, but I have a feeling you would’ve been welcomed. Everybody was excited when your father announced your existence a few years ago. They were upset that he didn’t introduce you then. I will admit, I was curious about you.”

“He announced me a fewyearsago?” I ask.

He nods. “You didn’t know?”

“I didn’t know who my father was until he showed up about six weeks ago at my apartment. He informed me that I had to go with him because he needed an heir.” I take a deep breath, slowly letting it out. “How did I not know about this? Succubi love to gossip. Word would’ve gotten back to me if there was a hybrid succubus-vampire princess. I’m the only hybrid vampire in our community.”

“Well, nobody knew you were a hybrid. They just knew your father had a daughter who would soon be an appropriate age for marriage. Vampires live to make and break alliances.”

I frown. “No wonder Julien doesn’t want to be the heir. I think he’s worried our date will go well and I’ll move to your clan and leave him to be heir.”

Damek flashes me a smile. “Is it wrong of me to admit that I’m hoping for that?” He pauses, then adds, “If it were possible, I would leave my clan and let my younger brother be heir. As long as I end up with you, either scenario is fine with me.”

Does he wantto end up with me?

My heart races a little faster at the thought.

“I know the date just started, but this is already the best date I’ve ever been on,” I admit.

He chuckles. “We’re still in the car, on our way to our destination.”

“I know. Though, don’t get too excited. The bar was pretty low.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, trying not to let my heart grow too attached.

“If I have my way, you’ll never go on a bad date again.” He squeezes my hand.

It’s way too soon for Damek to say anything like that to me, I know this. But if I’m going to be stuck in a political marriage with somebody, being with somebody I like isn’t a bad thing. And Idefinitelylike Damek.

Damek tookme to a restaurant on the lake. We sat by a large window that gave us spectacular views of the water. After eating, Damek orders a chilled glass of blood and I order a latte. Helooks questioningly toward me, probably wondering why I’m not ordering blood.

“I can’t drink blood,” I inform him. “My body rejects it.”

“Interesting.” He tilts his head to the side and studies me. “But you have other vampiric powers, yes?”

I nod. “Hearing, vision, speed, and strength. I just don’t drink blood.”

“About about your succubus half?” he asks.

I shift in my chair. “I didn’t get any succubus traits. Well, other than human men find me extremely charming. Though, I’m still not at the level of a full succubus.”

“I doubt that.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “One time, my mom and I went out to eat together and a guy who was my age shoved me out of the way to get to her.”

“What?” His voice lowers to an almost growl.

I laugh at the memory. “It was kind of funny.”

“Tell me where this was and I’ll take care of the human,” Damek says in a voice that promises death.

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