Page 156 of Claim of Blood
And throughout the room, vampires from Adam’s Court and the visiting Courts mingled with everyone, elegant and watchful, their supernatural grace making them stand out even in this crowd.
Leo felt Adam’s hand press more firmly against his back, guiding him forward. Lander flanked Leo’s other side, the three of them moving as one unit through the crowd. In his dreamy state, Leo felt like he was floating between them, protected and claimed.
People turned to look as they passed. Leo felt their eyes like physical touches, felt the slight widening of pupils as they caught the scent of sex and blood and possession clinging to him. He could practically hear their thoughts, see their gazes lingering on how Lander and Adam matched, on the possessive way Adam touched them both, on the obvious marks of ownership on Leo’s neck.
This should be fun, he thought dreamily, as Adam led them deeper into the party, into the heart of the supernatural community that had become his world.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Leo
Leosteppedoutsideandbreathed in the cool night air. The garden terrace buzzed with activity as coven members tended the solstice fire, its flames stretching skyward. Children chased each other around the stone paths while families gathered their sleepy young ones. The summer solstice ritual had concluded an hour ago, but the fire would burn until dawn under watchful eyes.
“Ready to head back inside?” Adam asked, his hand finding the small of Leo’s back.
Leo leaned into the touch, still processing what had happened between them. The claiming had changed something fundamental—not just the bond, but how he saw himself. He was no longer the hunter who’d stumbled into this world. He belonged here now, in a way that felt both terrifying and right.
“Are you sure about this?” Leo asked quietly, watching a witch child chase fireflies. “About me being here, being part of this?”
Adam’s hand pressed more firmly against his back. “I’ve never been more certain of anything.”
Leo nodded, although his movements still felt dreamy and disconnected from his earlier self. The blood loss and intense claiming had left him floating in a haze that the evening air couldn’t quite clear.
“That wasn’t so bad. The ritual was shorter than I expected.”
“Emilia knows how to keep things moving,” Adam replied. “Most covens would have dragged it out until midnight.”
They made their way back toward the mansion, saying goodbyes to departing families. Leo moved carefully, still feeling unsteady on his feet, though whether from blood loss or the lingering effects of submission, he couldn’t say. The underground complex entrance glowed with warm light, promising the continuation of the evening’s festivities for the adults.
As they descended the wide stone steps, music washed over them—no longer the classical ensemble from dinner, but something with a heavy bass that Leo felt thrumming through his bones. He accepted a champagne flute from a passing waiter, grateful for the cool liquid against his throat and the way it seemed to ground him slightly.
The underground complex buzzed with life beyond the main ballroom. They passed a game room where shifters crowded around a pool table, laughter punctuating every good shot. In a nearby lounge, witches shared drinks and quiet conversation. Several alcoves housed vampires on velvet couches, some feeding discreetly from willing companions. Leo’s gaze lingered on those scenes, understanding them now in a way he never had as a hunter.
Inside, the ballroom pulsed with energy that mirrored the slow thrum in Leo’s veins. Buffet tables had been cleared of main dishes, leaving only platters of bite-sized desserts and finger foods. The bar remained crowded, surrounded by supernatural beings in formal attire.
As they neared a group gathered at the edge of the dance floor, Leo recognized Raj’s flamboyant figure and Bai’s elegant posture. Both turned as Adam approached, their gazes assessing Leo with knowing looks that sent heat rushing to his cheeks.
“Still awake?” Raj asked with an amiable smile. “I thought you’d have slipped away by now.”
Adam shrugged. “Appearances matter.”
Bai turned her attention to Leo, her expression softer than usual. “How are you finding the celebrations? Different from your family gatherings, I imagine.”
“Fewer weapons, more champagne,” Leo said, his words flowing easier than they had all evening. “I prefer this.”
Bai’s lips quirked up in what might have been approval. “I see why he likes you.”
Leo smiled politely as the conversation shifted to Court politics and ancient history, the words washing over him like distant music. He sipped his champagne, watching Lander across the room, speaking with Oren and Gaspard. The sight of Lander, still carrying faint marks from their earlier encounter, sent a warm pulse through Leo’s chest. Lander caught his eye and offered a small smile that made Leo’s remaining tension ease.
The ring on his finger gave the faintest pulse of heat, so subtle Leo almost missed it. He flexed his hand absently, dismissing it as a reaction to the champagne and lingering arousal.
Just as Leo drained his glass, Claudia appeared before them in a deep red dress that seemed to flow like liquid.
“I’m stealing your claim,” she announced to Adam. “This conversation is putting him to sleep.”
Before Adam could protest, she’d taken Leo’s empty glass, handed him a fresh one from a passing tray, and pulled him toward the dance floor.
“Thank you,” Leo said with genuine gratitude, his words slightly slurred. “I was about to fall over.”
