Page 82 of The Reluctant Heir

“Hey, Dad?” I say, pausing at the door to his office.

“Yes, Madeline.” He looks up from his computer.

“Thank you for coming to get me and for inviting me to join your family. My whole life, I’ve never fit in with the succubi and incubi community. There was always something missing. Now I know that I was always missing you and our family here.”

He smiles warmly. “I love you, Madeline.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

24

ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Julien comes to my room to escort me to the engagement party that is happening on the lower half of the estate. His eyes widen when he sees me.

“What do you think?” I fluff the tulle of my skirt. “Do you think there are enough layers to this dress?”

“You look beautiful.” Julien’s blue eyes meet mine and there isn’t even a hint of a smirk. “Like a true princess. No, a queen.”

My heart thumps a little harder at the mention of ‘queen.’

We’re still a long way off fromthat. Supernaturals are long lived and Damek’s father is still pretty young for a vampire. But the idea of one day ruling a vampire clan is enough to make my knees weak.

“Is this what you want?” Julien asks, his eyes still focused on my face.

I lick my lips, which suddenly feel dry at the thought of going downstairs. “Am I sure I want to be betrothed to a guy I’ve known only a few weeks? No. But do I think Damek will make a great husband? Yes. I truly think I could fall in love with him if given the opportunity. Damek fought to give us a lengthy engagement. I believe he will make a wonderful mate and husband.”

Julien nods firmly. “Good. And if he ever mistreats you, I will take care of him.”

I don’t ask him what ‘take care of him’ means. I’m about to tell him not to get arrested for me, but he extends his elbow toward me.

“Let’s head down there. Your beloved is waiting.” He winks at me.

I link my arm through his. “Do you like Damek?”

Julien tilts his head thoughtfully. “He’s one of the least spoiled heirs. I haven’t talked to him much, but he’s always been nice to me. I like him, I just sort of thought you’d end up with Kaine.”

We pause at the door. “I kissed Kaine.”

His eyes widen. “WHAT?”

I take a deep breath. “It was stupid. I was just freaking out about the whole having to choose a husband thing and it just happened.”

“Do you have feelings for Kaine?”

I shrug. “I don’t know, maybe. But Iknowthat I have feelings for Damek. We had an instant connection and I can’t just throw that away.”

“I think Kaine loves you,” Julien says.

My chest squeezes uncomfortably. “Really?”

“But I also think Damek is half in love with you,” he says.

I chew on my bottom lip. “Damek is… wonderful.”

Julien grins. “You’re half in love with him too, you just haven’t admitted it to yourself yet.”

I roll my eyes. “I haven’t known him long enough for that.”

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