Page 51 of Forbidden Devotion
“Though the many supernatural species have their differences, our focus must shift to what we have in common. The desire to be treated fairly, to be understood, to be a part of a community. We all need to ask for help sometimes, and we can all reach out to help someone in turn. If we lean into our common goals, then our differences will make us stronger.”
Sinclair only hoped he would perform his own speech half as well. Being more academic in nature, he wasn’t sure he’d carry the emotional appeal that seemed effortless for Mitchel. So natural.
There were several speakers between Mitchel and himself, and though he tried to listen, his nerves kept him in his own head too much. Mentally, he practiced what he’d say. He was midway through his internal rehearsal when warm fingers slipped into his.
He glanced up. Mitchel had sidled up next to him. In the back of the theater, in the dark, they were free to hold hands. Sinclair gave Mitchel’s a squeeze. Mitchel’s lips curled into a sweet smile in response.
“You were great,” Sinclair mouthed silently.
“As you will be.”
“I hope.”
Mitchel brought his hand to his lips and dropped a kiss to the back of his knuckles.
Sinclair shivered, delighted. It was just the good luck charm he needed.
* * *
Mitchel
Grateful his talkwas finally over and had gone well, Mitchel took an empty seat to listen to the others. Especially Sinclair, who did splendidly. He had the crowd in the palm of his elegant hand, reciting relevant statistics and percentages Mitchel could never hope to memorize.
Mitchel wasn’t surprised to find Sinclair was an excellent speaker. All that practice lecturing students had paid off. He was at ease on stage in a way Mitchel never would be.
When the presentations were finished, the crowd delivered a standing ovation for all the speakers. The formalities of the first night of the convention concluded, and the celebratory banquet dinner commenced.
The Vampire Council had spared no expense. A massive array of food and drink lay spread on dozens of tables draped in gold cloth. Broiled beasts for the carnivores, delicate sugary confections for the fairies, synthetic-flavored bloods for the vampires. Candied nuts, dried fruits, fragrant wedges of cheese and loaves of freshly risen bread. Something for everyone. Ten somethings for everyone.
The crowded venue overflowed with partygoers. Mitchel searched for Sinclair’s blond head in between feasting on plates of honey-roasted ham, glazed carrots, and scalloped potatoes, but he couldn’t turn around without being drawn into conversation.
The crowd glommed on all the night’s speakers. When he did manage to spot Sinclair, the vampire was swarmed with admirers.
Once, he managed to catch his gaze, and Sinclair had winked at him cheekily, a private little grin on his face. Mitchel winked back, then was swept into a group of witches who had questions about Borson. He fielded their inquiries to the best of his abilities, always eager to present his university in a positive light. Borson had no coven of witches, and they would make a fine addition, particularly if they were willing to teach.
Though Mitchel enjoyed chatting and relished the good mood everyone seemed to be in, he was itching to get Sinclair alone. To tell him what a good job he’d done. To get a closer look at him in the fancy designer suit he wore. Mitchel wanted to be the one monopolizing Sinclair’s time, but he didn’t get his chance until the night was nearly over.
When the party finally began to wind down, Sinclair sought him out at last.
“Hey there, stranger.” The tired smile he offered melted Mitchel’s heart.
“Hey back.” Mitchel wanted to tug him close and tip his face up for a kiss, but this wasn’t the time or place. And they hadn’t discussed what sort of behavior was acceptable in public, so he settled for a quick, friendly embrace.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find you earlier. I tried to.”
“I know. I searched for you too. I can’t believe how many people turned up. Must be some kind of record for this theater, don’t you think?”
“Must be. I feel really good about how things went.” Mitchel smiled at him. “You were brilliant.”
Sinclair’s cheeks took on that pretty shade of pink Mitchel was becoming hooked on. “So were you. You looked great up there.”
“I’m just glad to be done.”
“Do you think we could sneak out without saying any good-byes?” Sinclair glanced around, his voice low. “The coast is clear if we go right now.”
Mitchel grinned. “Let’s go for it.”
They hurried through the giant double doors and down a blessedly empty corridor, giggling as if they’d gotten away with more than ditching a fancy party unnoticed.
