Page 58 of Forbidden Devotion
This was the sort of hotel room he was used to. One room, one bed, and a chair if you were lucky. Nothing like the fancy suites along the vampires’ wing of the hotel.
“Thank you. That means a lot. I’m glad to have it behind me. You’re such a good public speaker, but I was a nervous wreck.”
“No one could tell.”
“Thank the moon for that.” Mitchel gulped. Now or never. “Look, Ramsey, I need to speak with you about something personal.”
They’d never kept secrets between them, and Mitchel wouldn’t start now. That being said, he’d scrubbed with extra vigor in the shower before coming in an effort to hide the evidence of his…relationswith Sinclair the night before. And that morning. And the afternoon as well. The vampire was insatiable, and Mitchel was rapidly growing addicted.
“Of course, anything. Do you want to talk here? Or we could take a walk around the grounds. Explore the city a little.”
Fresh air was a great idea. “Let’s walk. I’ve been cooped up indoors for twenty-four hours.”
“Ah, me too. It’ll be good to get outside for a while.”
Through the atrium and out a back exit, there was a courtyard with a brick path and colorful sprays of fall flowers on either side. An unexpected patch of beauty in an otherwise concrete monstrosity. Scattered shade trees formed a canopy overhead, and smaller bushes lined the walkways.
Others were out enjoying the evening’s mild temperature. They gathered on benches and walked the paths like Mitchel and his uncle.
“What’s on your mind?” Ramsey asked.
“It’s good news. I wanted you to hear it straight from me, and I’d appreciate your advice.” Mitchel smiled, thinking of Sinclair. “I’ve met someone I’d like to claim. And he’s agreed.”
“Ah, that’s great news. Congratulations!” Ramsey gave him a hardy pat on the back and a half hug. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone. Oh, but there will be so many broken hearts, dear nephew, when word spreads that you’re no longer our most eligible bachelor,” he teased. “Who’s the lucky wolf?”
Here it comes.Everything will be okay. He took a quick breath. “That’s the thing. He’s not a wolf. He’s our exchange student, Sinclair Davis. He’s a living vampire.”
Ramsey stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. “Oh, Mitchel, no, you cannot be serious. It’s impossible.”
“Oh, I assure you it’s possible,” Mitchel said confidently, like he’d advised Sinclair to do. “I’m head over heels, Ramsey. I know this is a shock, and I know it’s unconventional, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. He’s exceptional.”
“Unconventional?” Ramsey exclaimed, then hushed his voice. “Mitchel, that’s the least of it. It’s unheard of. The other alphas will never approve of such a match. You’re an Edgehill, for moon’s sake! I understand why you don’t want to sire heirs—I’ve always been accepting of your preference for men—but a vampire? That’s out of the question.”
Mitchel bristled. “Since when has an Edgehill needed the other alphas’ approval to select a mate? You misunderstand. I’m not asking for permission, but I had hoped to receive your blessing. I love him.”
The declaration caught him by surprise, but even as the words left his mouth, he knew them to be true. Something in his chest warmed and expanded at the thought. He loved Sinclair. Huh. Wasn’t that something?
“How long has this been going on?” Even Ramsey’s stern gaze couldn’t dampen his mood.
“Not long. A few weeks, but he’s been growing on me all semester.”
“Then it can’t possibly be that serious. Cut off this relationship, Mitchel. I can have you reassigned if that would make it easier.”
“Absolutely not.”
“There’s no future in this. Surely you know that.” Ramsey was staring Mitchel down, but it wouldn’t work. He wasn’t going to give Sinclair up.
He hadn’t expected Ramsey to react like this. In fact, he’d considered and dismissed the possibility. Ramsey had always been a source of support—unconditionally. This response cut him to the core.
“Ramsey, you’re not listening. I love him. It is serious between us.” Seeing no softening in his uncle, Mitchel changed tactics. “Our culture has hundreds of stories of mated pairs falling in love at first sight. The short time frame is nothing new, and for you to hold that against me isn’t fair.”
“You’re not thinking straight, Mitchel. What of the other students?”
“Remove me from my post if you have to. Send a new alpha for the students if that’s what you think must be done, but I won’t accept a new assignment. I’ll remain with Sinclair for as long as he’s at Borson.” Frustrated, Mitchel walked away.
Ramsey stalked after him. “What is your pack going to think about this when they find out?”
“They already know. I told them myself.” Mitchel kept walking, forcing Ramsey to come along or get left behind. “Sinclair came on the full moon run with us last week.”
