Page 226 of Halfblood Deceived

With Zeydan by her side, that seemed like a minor concern.

CHAPTER 45

Aella let out a long sigh, giving a mournful look at the half-eaten slice of the most delicious chocolate cake she’d ever tasted. It was her second helping. She’d felt half full after having a mouthwatering, medium-rare steak. Now she was positively stuffed, but she had no regrets.

It also probably didn’t help that she’d had a big lunch earlier that day. Her coworkers had been there—Mac, Lupita, Trinity, Rebecca, Reese, Rod, and Vaz—along with Diana. It was one of the best days of Aella’s life.

Smiling, she let her eyes wander around the massive dining table set in the center of an equally large dining room in Kamilla and Kerian’s mansion.

Half of her friends were there.

Zeydan and his family, Kamilla, Aylana, Sebastian, and, of course, Diana.

Kerian had stayed only for a moment to give Aella a gift and then left to oversee Kali. Aroth was running Hecate for Kamilla.

Andreas and Mari were bickering for unknown reasons, much to Luce’s amusement. Evan kept a tally and needled the tiny grumpy fey and the growly vampire, earning himself some fierce scowls and threats from both.

Diana was talking with Aylana about the best hydrogen engines for bikes. While Kamilla, Lex, Sebastian, and Gabby discussed the upcoming inauguration of a hotel.

Aella’s attention was quickly snagged by the beautiful male sitting across from her. Again.

Zeydan took an idle sip of wine. His jade eyes examined her as if she were a painting—with intensity and open delight. He looked casual in a black button-down shirt and jeans, his raven hair falling to brush his broad shoulders. Aella wanted to run her fingers through it as she’d done many times before.

She bit her lip as something tightened in her center. Zeydan had been looking at her like that since he’d come to Diana’s house to pick them up for the party. Apparently, he really, really loved the dress Aella was wearing. It was a blue, knee-length, Greek-style dress with a V-neck and no sleeves. It made her red hair and freckles pop. Aella had felt almost naked when she first tried it out, but now she loved it. And she loved the way Zeydan couldn’t take his eyes off her for more than a few minutes.

Thank you, Luna; Aella mused.

She’d gone shopping with Diana, Mac, Lupita, Trinity, and Aylana earlier. They’d browsed around other stores, but Luna’s had been Aella’s favorite. The beautiful werewolf had been delighted to see Aella and helped her choose a few dresses. Lupita gave Aella great insights despite not being a fan of shopping.

“I don’t like wearing dresses, but I love looking at women and females who do,” Lupita had said with a shrug when Aella had asked her if she was enjoying herself.

Aella wondered what Zeydan’s reaction would be if he saw her wearing the red dress she hadn’t even dared to try on. It was… sensual, fit for a muse, and Aella had fallen in love with it at first sight. The deep red color and revealing design were positively sinful.

Aella wanted it. Part of her, a growing part of her, wanted to be sinful.

A camera flashed.

Aella jolted along with Zeydan.

“Dammit, I forgot to turn off the flash,” Evan grumbled, but he was grinning as he looked at his phone. “But I captured the perfect moment.” His white teeth flashed as he gave Aella and Zeydan an unholy smile. “You two are making me blush.”

Aella felt her cheeks flood with blood as she realized everyone was staring at them now.

Sebastian fanned himself with his hand. “Oof!”

Aylana tried to give him a scolding look, but it was clear as day she was suppressing a giggle, along with everyone except for Kamilla and Andreas.

The vampire princess gave Aella a reassuring, questioning look.

Aella smiled at her. Yes, she was embarrassed that everyone was so aware of her attraction to Zeydan. But she was among friends whom she knew would not judge her, so she was alright.

Lex chuckled, eyes crinkling with amusement as he regarded Zeydan. “Gotta say it, mate. I didn’t know you could look so smitten.”

“That’s because he’s never looked that smitten,” Gabby confirmed, winking at Zeydan. “I should know.”

Zeydan merely smiled and didn’t deny it. He met Aella’s gaze again. “I have mentioned you look gorgeous tonight, right?”

Aella swallowed, her throat dry and her heart hammering. She couldn’t help but be in awe of Zeydan’s complete lack of shame. “You have,” she managed.

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