Page 42 of Bitten

“But you’re not truly a man,” Kane said, trying to worm the information out of Caelian. His gaze drifted down to where the towel hugged low on the elf’s hips.

“I’m part human,” Caelian admitted as he drew their dinner from the bags.

“And?”

Caelian shrugged. “Why so curious?”

“You have me at a slight disadvantage. You know I’m vampire.” And the fact he’s holding back when no one else ever does is driving me nuts.

“I wasn’t certain,” Caelian said, opening one of the take-out boxes and sniffing. “But you confirmed it tonight.”

Kane smiled. “Yet I’m not a vampire.”

Caelian’s golden gaze turned his way. “You’re not? I’m glad to hear it. I’ll sleep better tonight not worrying about you draining me dry.”

“I’m a Halfling,” Kane said.

Caelian’s mouth opened, realizing his mistake. “So you’re on your way to vampire. Great.” He paused. “You won’t drain me dry, will you?”

“I told you. I don’t feed.”

“You never told me how.”

Kane sat down at the table and drew out a box from one of the other bags. “Nope. I sure didn’t.”

Caelian sat across from him. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”

Kane smiled.

“Both my parents were mixed race. My mother was Nymph, Human, and Fae. My father was Elvish, Human, and Witch. I’m basically a mutt, but mostly Human. Impure blooded and not accepted by any of them.”

Kane winced. He understood being ostracized. Many residents of Midnight didn’t care for vamps. And the combos explained a lot. Caelian was much too tall to be all Elf and too good looking not to have a little Fae blood. Witch made sense with those wards. The nymph part was interesting. Could be why the guy was showing off his body and throwing come hither looks over the table as he made his plate.

Come hither looks were going to become harder and harder to ignore as the night progressed.

“So, how do you do it?”

“Do what?” Kane asked as he made his plate.

“Not drink blood.”

Kane sensed the amulet sitting on his chest. “Ancient secret.”

“Oh come on!” Caelian lowered his plate to the table. “I said I’d share if you did.”

“I didn’t agree to those terms,” Kane said before lifting a bit of the stew to his lips. “Oh, damn. That is good.”

Caelian watched him for a moment. “I didn’t know Halflings ate real food.”

“We don’t eat. Much.” Kane eyed him. “Just enough to get by.”

Caelian didn’t respond. Nor did he say much as they ate. Kane packed it in, his hunger monumental. He could feel the elfling’s stare on him as he ate. Once they were done and had cleaned up the mess, Kane noted it was nearly eleven.

“What time do you usually get up and head over to the archive?” Kane asked.

“About seven,” Caelian said. “The walk’s not far from here.”

“I suppose you should get some rest then,” Kane said, looking around. “I can head outside and guard the door while you sleep.”

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