Page 134 of Claim of Blood
As everyone filed out, Lander remained seated, his expression carefully blank. When the door closed behind Gaspard, Adam stayed in his chair, staring at nothing.
“Despite what you said, you disagree with the research,” Adam stated.
Lander shifted. “It feels risky. Felix is an unknown.”
“Yes,” Adam agreed. “But sometimes risks yield rewards.”
Lander looked down at his hands. “Because of Leo?”
“Because knowledge matters, and it’s long past time we acknowledge that,” Adam corrected. “But watch Felix closely. His passion could be dangerous for all of us.”
Lander stood to leave. At the door, he paused. “The solstice will go smoothly,” he said, though it sounded more like hope than certainty.
Adam rose, crossing the room in quick strides. He caught Lander’s arm before he could exit, turning him around.
“Wait,” Adam said.
He pulled Lander close, one hand sliding up to cup the back of his neck. Adam drew Lander’s face down and kissed him deeply. The claim between them flared to life—a hunger that demanded satisfaction. His fingers tightened in Lander’s hair, pulling just enough to make him yield.
Lander tensed at first, body rigid with surprise. Then, like ice melting under sudden heat, he surrendered. His spine softened, shoulders dropped, breath catching. A small sound escaped his throat as his hands found Adam’s waist, gripping his shirt.
Adam backed him against the door, their bodies pressed together. He needed to dominate, to make Lander understand who he belonged to, regardless of what other connections might form. His tongue swept into Lander’s mouth, demanding and receiving submission. When Lander’s knees weakened, Adam caught him, one arm wrapping around his waist.
When they broke apart, Lander’s pupils were blown wide, his lips reddened from the kiss.
“What was that for?” he asked, voice rough.
Adam kept his hands on Lander, holding him close. “I feel the pull toward Felix,” he said simply. “But I feel it through you.”
Lander’s mouth opened, then closed. He tried again, words failing him.
“I won’t act on it,” Lander finally managed. “I can’t.”
“That’s your choice to make,” Adam said, his thumb tracing Lander’s jaw. “But I’ll support whatever you decide.”
“I’m yours,” Lander said firmly.
“Yes,” Adam agreed. “But that doesn’t mean Felix can’t be yours too.”
Confusion crossed Lander’s face. “I don’t understand.”
Adam kissed him again, softer this time. “Things are changing, Lander. The magic is changing.”
“How do you know?”
“I don’t know how I know,” Adam admitted. “But I can feel it.”
Lander studied Adam’s face. Then, surprising them both, he leaned down and pressed his lips gently to Adam’s. The kiss was tender, almost fragile.
“I’ll think about it,” he said quietly before pulling away. “I need to see to my duties.”
After Lander left, Adam returned to his chair. He rubbed at his chest, feeling a deep ache settling there. Something was coming—he could sense it in the way the air itself seemed to hum with anticipation.
The next week was going to be a nightmare.
Chapter Thirty
Adam
