Page 53 of Bitten

Chapter Eight

Take two…

Caelian read through the book he’d snuck out of the archive as he shoved takeout between his lips. Munching as he read up on the dhampir, he was becoming more and more convinced he might’ve found the culprit.

Yet, he’d done his digging and had found no histories of a dhampir’s bite causing someone to become a vampire. He’d read through just about every book he could get his hands on inside the archive that had any information on the creatures.

This was the last one he’d found in the archive, and he hadn’t been willing to leave it behind unread.

Once he found some answers, he could be free from going back.

Or so they said.

He finished up his dinner and another chapter before he paused to scrub his face. His eyes were tired, his neck stiff, and he needed to get up and do something. Over a week he’d been cramped up in the archive or the hotel room—and his body needed movement.

Caelian glanced at the clock. It was only nine. There was still time for something.

Walking to the door, he grimaced, knowing Cannon likely wouldn’t like the idea of leaving the hotel, but if he didn’t get out of those walls, he was going to lose his shit. He whipped the door open.

And saw Kane standing there.

He stared for a moment, shocked by the Halfling’s presence. Even more so since he wasn’t in golden armor, but street clothes. Caelian let his stare roam down the tight black t-shirt and the almost as tight jeans encasing all kinds of muscles. As he brought his stare back up, he thought he saw Kane smile.

Almost.

“You already have dinner?” Kane asked.

“Just finished.”

“Good, you can watch me eat,” Kane said pushing past him and into the room.

Caelian turned slightly and saw Cannon cock a brow and smile. “You gonna let him tap that ass, Caelian?”

“Fuck off,” he spat before slamming the door to Cannon’s laughter.

Kane was already at the table, pulling things from his bag. Whatever it was, it smelled great… and greasy.

“I didn’t think Halflings ate that much,” he said, spying the big cheeseburger and huge mound of fries.

“I usually don’t. For some reason, I suddenly got hungry for a cheeseburger last night.”

“Why didn’t you say something? I could’ve gone for a burger.”

“You sounded excited about that Elvish food. And it was pretty good.” Kane sat down and took a huge bite before looking to Caelian. “Want some?”

Caelian grinned. He leaned over and took a small bite.

Kane’s stare held his as he bit and chewed. “I have another one for you in the bag.”

“I’ve already had dinner. I can’t eat a whole one.” He wiped his mouth with one of Kane’s napkins. “What’re you doing here?”

“You asked me here,” Kane said before wiping his mouth with his own napkin. “And I have a favor to ask.”

A thrill raced through Caelian.He’d wanted to do something. Doing someone would be just as good. It’ll burn off a few calories.

“I did ask you here,” he said with a smile. “But you said no. Maybe I’ve made other plans.”

Kane took another bite, watching him. After he’d swallowed, he smiled. “You haven’t made other plans.”

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