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18
Ren
Theadoesn’tfallasleepuntil I’ve rocked her for a complete half hour, soothing her back with a rubbing motion. She’s more distraught tonight than I’ve ever seen her. After saving the maddened female, I expected her to be filled with joy. Even I was surprised her plan worked.
But the youngling, Rhyl, reminds us both of the double-edged sword this victory entails.
I study the girl as she stares blankly into the fire. I’m not sure which corner of Azure she belongs to, but they’re all similar enough for me to guess her backstory.
Her black dress is the first clue. It’s a uniform most underaged dhampirs wear. She must have been learning with the Scholars when her thirst grew too much to handle.
She’s lost her family, her friends, and everything she’s ever known. We all have. I don’t need to ask to know this.
Her eyes follow me with interest as I slide away from my mates sleeping form.Who are you, and what is this Queen to you?Her words are thought and not spoken.
My lip curls on one side. I’ve missed this more intimate way to converse with my people. This way, no lies can be told, no secrets left uncovered.Ren, from the Malic family.I place my hand over my heart, bowing my head slightly.I’ve been… recently cured of our madness, like you. Thea is this world's Light Queen, and I am her mate.My smile grows wider, showing fangs.Her consort.
I don’t think this small dhampir could cause my mate harm, but I sharpen my inner dialog just in case. Thea is strong, but fragile when her body shuts down every night. Should Rhyl have any hidden qualms with her savior, she’ll need to face them head on, not while my mate is unsuspecting.
The girl's eyes narrow, but there’s a growth of sadness spreading over her features.And why did she save me?
I lean across the space between us, placing my hand on the top of her knee.Because you’re worth saving.
The girl continues her quiet observation throughout the night and into the morning. Thea rolls from her bed onto the solid stone below when I’m distracted too distracted to notice, jolting herself awake.
Rhyl’s quiet thoughts pipe up then, finding humor in my mates wide, blinking eyes.Silly Queen,Rhyl thinks, both surprised and relieved by her own ease. I don’t think the dark-haired girl knew whether to really trust us until seeing the bewildered laughter rumbling from Thea’s lips. Rhyl smiles, but only barely.
“My light,” I offer Thea my hand, and she takes it, still wiping dried drool from the side of her mouth.
I didn’t hunt for berries this morning. I was too worried about leaving her alone with our new acquaintance. We’ll need to go together to find her breakfast.
“Sounds like a plan,” my mate mutters, voice thick with sleep.
As if anticipating my disappointment of her telepathy, she shares her feelings with me. Her thumb strokes over the back of my hand, and with it comes a rush of groggy gratitude.
It’ll do.
Thea immediately approaches Rhyl, waving politely. “We’re going to find breakfast. You’re welcome to join us, if you’d like.”
I was hoping to steal my mate away for privacy. We’re newly joined, and I’ve not tasted her in hours. But my Queen is too considerate to leave the dhampir alone while we pleasure one another.
Her nails bite into the palm of my hand.
“No, but thank you.” Rhyl speaks with a pause between each word. She isn’t being rude, but… still cautious. It’s an understandable reaction to her situation.
Thea shrugs, unbothered by the declined invitation. “No worries. Will you be okay here alone?”
Rhyl inclines her head in assurance, already dropping her gaze to the low-burning fire.
I tug Thea’s arm.Come, mate. She needs alone time to process things.
Eventually, we’re far enough away from the campsite that Rhyl is out of view. She can still hear us, but only if she focuses her intent on our voices. I capitalize on the freedom as soon as we enter a nearby alley, pushing my mate sideways until she’s off balance. I capture her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders until she’s pressed against my chest.
“Ren!” Thea’s voice throws, echoing against the stone walls on either side.
I step forward, backing her up until her ass hits the building. “I’m hungry for you, Thea.”
If she had been paying attention to my thoughts, she would have already known this was coming. What had she been so focused on to have missed my intentions? I slide one hand up her chest, slowly coasting until I reach her chin. My fingers grip her firmly, holding her head in place. “Can I taste you?”
