Page 129 of Claim of Blood
“You look better.”
Felix smiled, running a hand through his hair. “Clean clothes help.” His gaze drifted, focusing on Leo’s neck. “How does it feel?”
Leo shifted his weight, unsure how to answer. “It’s... intense. Not what I expected.” He pulled Felix to the nearby couch, perching on the edge.
“I’ve talked to some claimed pairs,” Felix said, settling beside him. “But they were all third or fourth generation. Nothing like...” He gestured at Leo’s neck.
“Nothing like the First,” Leo finished.
Felix leaned forward. “Is it true you lose awareness during feeding? That’s what the books say happens with powerful claims.”
Leo felt his cheeks warm. “Sometimes. It depends.” He hesitated, then made a decision. “Actually, you’ll have a chance to ask more questions soon. Elisabeth and Johan Jensen are here.”
Felix’s mouth dropped open. “The born vampire’s parents? A second-generation claimed pair?” His voice rose with excitement. “They’re here? In the house?”
“You know about them?” Leo asked, surprised.
“Of course! Born vampires are rare, and their son’s birth was recorded in one of the manuscripts.” Felix practically vibrated with enthusiasm. “There’s barely any documentation on second-generation pairs. Most people think they’re just legends.”
“Well, they’re here,” Leo said, smiling despite himself at Felix’s reaction. “And trust me, they’d be more than happy to talk about their bond. In detail.”
“That’s incredible!” Felix bounced slightly. “The journals mention very little about second-generation pairs. Do you think they’d let me interview them?”
“I’m pretty sure Johan would talk your ear off,” Leo said. “Fair warning, though. They’re very open about everything.” He emphasized the last word, hoping Felix would catch his meaning.
Felix didn’t seem to notice the warning. “Even better.” His expression suddenly sharpened. “Wait, why are they here? Is it because of you and Adam?”
Leo took a deep breath. This was harder to explain than he’d thought. “Partly. But it’s more complicated. It’s not just me and Adam.”
Felix tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“Adam has claimed Lander. Elisabeth and Johan’s son, too,” Leo said quietly.
Felix’s mouth dropped open. “Both of you? But that’s—” He stopped, blinking rapidly. “No vampire is supposed to be able to maintain two claims.”
“Well, Adam can.” Leo shrugged. “But Lander hasn’t claimed me.”
Felix stood suddenly, pacing in a small circle. His hand went to his hair again, tugging at the curls as he moved, a habit Leo had never noticed before. Felix’s dark curls were quickly becoming a disaster.
“Wait, wait. I think I read something...” Felix stopped abruptly, eyes wide. “There was an old manuscript. It mentioned a second-gen pair who had a third for a while. The theory was that older generations are more powerful, more entrenched in the magic. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, so they had a third until things stabilized.”
“That sounds like what’s happening with us,” Leo said, surprised. “Elisabeth and Johan said something similar. They had a third for a while.”
“Really?” Felix’s face brightened with scholarly excitement. “What else did they say?”
Leo tried to remember Johan’s words. “He said it might explain why I stay more aware when Lander is involved. The magic has another outlet. It’s not all concentrated between just Adam and me.”
Felix nodded enthusiastically. “It makes sense! The fact that you go under when you’re alone with Adam could be magic overwhelm. Lander diluting it is probably a good thing, right?”
Leo looked down at his hands. “I don’t know. Maybe?” He raised his eyes to Felix’s eager face. “It feels right when we’re all together. But it’s all so new.”
“This is incredible,” Felix said. “A trio bond with the First at the center—do you realize how unprecedented this is?”
“Trust me, I’ve been reminded,” Leo said dryly.
Felix stopped his excited pacing, suddenly looking concerned. “Are you okay with it? With sharing him, I mean.”
The question caught Leo off guard. No one had actually asked how he felt about the arrangement. Not even Adam.
