Page 115 of Bitten

Ralnur just shook his head more. “There has to be another way to help him. I would take exile over being a mole for the vampires.” He paused. “Plus, they know he’s a prisoner here. They’d suspect him if he suddenly showed up on their doorstep.”

“Not if you had an elaborate jail break faked,” Caelian said.

“Good idea,” Kane said.

“No,” Ralnur cried. “You’re not putting my boy in danger.”

“He’s already in danger,” Kane said, lowering his head. “But… if you’re adamant there’s another way… we’ll find another way.”

“Thank you,” Ralnur mumbled.

Kane drew Ralnur closer and kissed him until he softened again.

Slowly, his mates slipped into sleep. Kane lay for long minutes watching how peaceful they were in slumber. Sometime later, he drifted off himself.

Until, he sat bolt upright in the bed.

“What’s the matter?” Ralnur asked, sitting up beside him.

“I was a twin,” Kane said. “My brother—he was bitten.” He turned to eye Ralnur. “I assumed he was dead. If he was my twin, he must’ve been a dhampir, too.”

“Oh no,” Ralnur said before his eyes grew wide. “Could he have survived the attack?”

Kane scrambled from the bed. “As far as I know, he was buried with the rest of my family.” He drew on his pants. “I need to get to Louisiana.”

“Now?” Caelian asked.

“Now,” Kane answered. “Have you ever been to the human world?”

A slight smile came across Caelian’s lips. “No, but I’m willing to go as long as you both are with me.”

Ralnur slid from the bed. “I suppose we’re going to Louisiana.”

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