Page 146 of Claim of Blood
Leo shrugged, too tired to puzzle it out. The warmth was actually pleasant, like holding a cup of coffee on a cold morning. The strange buzzing sensation settled into something almost soothing.
“Whatever. I’ll figure it out later.” He stumbled toward the bathroom. “Give me five minutes.”
Leo splashed cold water on his face, hoping it would wake him up. His reflection looked back at him, hair sticking up on one side, eyes still puffy with sleep. The ring caught the bathroom light, the tanzanite seeming to shimmer with an inner fire for just a moment before settling back to its usual deep blue-violet gleam. He flexed his fingers, still amazed that it fit so perfectly. He quickly relieved himself, then brushed his teeth to get rid of the stale taste in his mouth. The mint helped clear his head a little, though not enough to make five a.m. feel like a reasonable hour for anything.
When he emerged from the bathroom, Adam held out a white linen outfit similar to his own.
“It’s traditional,” Adam explained, helping Leo with the loose-fitting shirt. The fabric felt cool and light against his skin. “The witches appreciate when we honor the old ways.”
The ritual took place on the mansion’s eastern lawn, where Emilia Anderson and her coven had established a circle of white stones. Leo stood between Adam and Lander, struggling to keep his eyes open, as Emilia led the group in a chant that welcomed the rising sun. The words blended together in his half-awake state, though he caught references to light, life, and renewal.
As the first rays of sunlight crested the horizon, a collective sigh moved through the group. Leo blinked, suddenly more alert as the witches raised their hands toward the golden light. Energypulsed through the circle, not the heavy, metallic sensation of vampire power, but something lighter, almost effervescent.
“The longest day begins,” Emilia announced, her voice carrying across the lawn. “May the light reveal truth and bring clarity to all who seek it.”
Leo glanced around, noticing for the first time that none of the other vampires were present. Only Adam and Lander stood among the witches and shifters gathered for the ritual. He wanted to ask why, but the solemn atmosphere kept him silent.
When the short ceremony concluded, members of the coven immediately switched to celebration mode. Someone produced bottles of champagne and orange juice, and music began playing from portable speakers. Leo accepted a mimosa from a smiling witch, but after one sip, his fatigue returned with a vengeance.
“Go back to bed,” Adam murmured, his lips brushing Leo’s ear. “I have meetings all morning. Lander will wake you later.”
Leo didn’t need to be told twice. He handed his barely touched drink to a passing server and made his way back to the mansion, collapsing onto the bed, still fully dressed.
The next time Leo opened his eyes, sunlight streamed through the windows, and Lander stood beside the bed holding a tray of food.
“What time is it?” Leo asked, sitting up and pushing his hair out of his eyes.
“Just after noon,” Lander replied, setting the tray on the bedside table. “I thought you might want lunch.”
Leo’s stomach growled in response. The tray contained a platter of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a carafe of iced coffee. “Where’s Adam?”
“Still in meetings.” Lander sat on the edge of the bed.
Leo poured himself a glass of coffee, studying Lander over the rim. “And why aren’t you in the meetings, too? Isn’t that part of your job?”
A smile tugged at Lander’s mouth. “Adam thought you might prefer company for lunch.”
Something in Lander’s tone made Leo set his glass down. “Did he now?”
“He suggested I make sure you’re... properly taken care of.”
Leo felt heat rise to his face. In the weeks since his claiming, he’d grown more comfortable with the physical aspects of his relationship with Adam. But Lander remained slightly unpredictable—sometimes distant, sometimes breathtakingly intimate.
“And how do you plan to do that?” Leo asked, his voice dropping.
Lander’s eyes darkened. “First, you eat. You need your strength.”
Leo grabbed a sandwich, suddenly ravenous. He bit into it, savoring the rich flavors of roast beef and sharp cheese. Lander watched him with amusement, sipping his own coffee.
“Hungry?” Lander asked.
“Starving,” Leo mumbled through a mouthful. He swallowed. “I didn’t realize how much until now.”
Leo finished the first sandwich in record time and reached for another. Lander laughed softly, the sound warming Leo from the inside.
“Adam told me you don’t eat enough when you’re stressed,” Lander said.
Leo paused mid-bite. “He noticed that?”
