Page 50 of Forbidden Devotion
Despite that, vampires felt familiar in a way the wolves didn’t. At least not yet, but they were starting to, especially one wolf in particular. Warm flutters erupted in his chest at the thought of Mitchel. But he couldn’t afford to be distracted now, not when his parents might pick up on it.
Of course, the other vampires could smell Mitchel and the pack on him. There would be no hiding the association. Since he’d ridden here in a car full of werewolves, he had a justifiable excuse until he felt ready to share the news about his little crush that had developed into full-blown affection.
He imagined telling his parents. How would that go? How would they react? But the last thing he needed was something else to rattle his nerves. Giving his speech was all he could handle for the moment. If he got through that, he’d consider broaching the subject.
His father’s cool hand landed on his shoulder. “You know, the council asks about your well-being at every meeting.”
“Do they?” That was nice. He’d grown up in their company. They were almost like his own family. “What do you tell them?”
“That we don’t hear from you often enough.” He shook Sinclair’s shoulder gently. “That they’re keeping you busy. But you did always like to stay busy.”
“I should call more, but I’ve been keeping regular hours. When I think to call, you’re already sleeping.”
“Must be odd, that schedule.”
“I like it.” He thought of warm sunshine on his shoulders as he walked to his office, sunlight streaming through his little window.
“How is it cohabiting with wolves?” Alder asked.
“I like that too, actually. Took us a while to sort out our issues.” Sinclair shrugged “But they’re all housebroken.”
Their ensuing laughter filled his spirits.
“But are you lonely?” his mother asked.
“I was at first, but not so much anymore. It took some effort to get to know my housemates, but they’re okay. And the alpha is great. Mitchel. That’s the wolf who drove me here. I’d like to introduce you if we get the chance.”
“I can’t imagine you running around with a pack of werewolves.” His mom reached from behind the couch for another hug. “You really are someone special.”
The vivid memory of literally running around with a pack of werewolves danced through his mind, but he’d save that story for later. Breaking the news about Mitchel to them would be tricky. What if they didn’t understand? Or worse, what if they were angry? His parents had always been supportive, but he’d never asked them to accept something as wild as a werewolf for a boyfriend.
Not that they were dating. But maybe they would be if things kept going as well as they were going.
“Special is one word for Sinclair,” his father said, laughter still in his voice. “Speaking of, let’s go over your presentation. Maybe we can help with the finishing touches.”
And they got down to business.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Sinclair
Oak City AssemblyHall was at standing room only—or hovering room only if you were a being lucky enough to have wings.
Sinclair had no wings. He stood at the back of the crowd so he could sneak out easily before his turn to speak.
Supernaturals filled the theater. A flock of glittering fae of some sort floated among the rafters, chattering among themselves. Gargoyles perched aloft. A wicked-looking red demon with spiraled horns crouched on the balcony rail, glaring at those below him.
The murmur of small talk as everyone waited for the speeches to begin rose in increments until it became a roar.
Sinclair shifted on his feet as he waited to hear Mitchel speak. The house lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the gathering.
His alpha wolf cut an impressive figure center stage. When Mitchel stepped forward to the mic, everything else faded into the background like smoke wafting away after putting out a candle. Sinclair only had eyes for him.
“Hello and greetings, everyone. I am honored with this opportunity to address you all, and it is with gratitude that I beg your humble attention. I’m Mitchel Edgehill, alpha wolf of Borson University’s campus pack.” He paused as shocked little murmurs rose from the audience. “I know some of you recognize my surname. For those who don’t, the Edgehill bloodline stretches back centuries, and our history includes violent clashes with the vampires before, during, and after the Great Wars. I may seem the last choice to speak at an event like this, an event promoting peace between the species, but I assure you, my family values peace.”
As Mitchel spoke, Sinclair held his breath, then released it in a rush as the crowd applauded. Pride filled his chest.
At one point, despite over a thousand in attendance, their gazes caught over the crowd and held.
