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“In the meantime, I’ll shoot a text over to Sky to see if he knows anything about the limitations of Greg’s bloodhound skills. After that, I’ll start on those wards, so you can get some rest when the sun comes up tomorrow.”
Moon rose, and Chen caught his hand. “Would you like me to come with you? Do you need my help?”
The witch leaned in and pressed a light kiss to the corner of Chen’s mouth. “Stay. Talk with your brothers. Make plans to save Yichen. If you need me for anything, I’ll be close.”
It was on the tip of Chen’s tongue to announce to everyone in the room that he needed Moon for everything always, but that wasn’t helpful. Moon was an independent person and had been for many years. Chen needed to allow him to do his own thing without a possessive vampire hovering over him every minute.
Besides, Moon was right. He needed to continue to talk and plan with his brothers.
“Very well. I will bring you some water in a while.”
Chen watched Moon walk out of the room, his ears straining to follow his quiet footsteps down the hall and out of the house. Even after he couldn’t hear him clearly, he grasped the red thread that bound them, concentrating on Moon’s emotions. Happy, peaceful, relieved, and worried. But nothing to indicate he was in danger.
“Less. Than. A. Week,” Xiang enunciated, dragging Chen’s glare to him. “You’ve decided that he’s your mate in less than a week. What the hell!”
“Bite me,” Chen snarled.
“No offense, Chen-ge,” Junjie interjected with a small wince that nearly closed his left eye. “But you’ve never given anyone outside our clan a second glance. And Moon is just so…different.”
The snarl turned to a warning growl and was now aimed at Junjie.
The younger vampire’s hands shot up, trying to ward him off. “I like him. I don’t mean it in a bad way. He’s wonderful.”
“Shidi,” Xiao Dan broke in. His voice was both firm and gentle, successfully reining in Chen’s emotions as they threatened to break free from his control. “Why don’t you come help me make a fresh pot of tea?”
Chen pushed to his feet and gathered up the teapot and cups onto a wooden serving tray before following Xiao Dan to the kitchen with his head hanging in shame. He’d snapped at both Xiang and Junjie, which was unacceptable. His emotions were always under control. He’d learned to tolerate Xiang’s mocking and taunting centuries ago. But now, it felt as if every little thing was setting him off.
Because of Moon. Everything had changed because of that crazy blood witch.
He carefully placed the tray next to the sink after Xiao Dan finished filling the kettle with water. They worked in silence for several minutes as the water heated and Chen meticulously cleaned out the cups and teapot.
Chen turned off the water and sighed. “Shixiong, please forgive me.”
Da-ge’s low chuckle surprised him and he swung to find Xiao Dan standing in front of the pantry, trying to select some tea leaves. “I’m not mad. I thought bringing you in here would save on our need to replace furniture.”
“Da-ge!” Chen rushed over to his side and Xiao Dan cackled as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “You know Xiang can’t stop himself from teasing you.” He squeezed Chen’s shoulders. “You’ve always been such an easy target. Most of the time, it’s impossible to upset you and he can’t pass up a challenge. Now you have an obvious tender spot, and he feels the need to poke it.” Still grinning, Da-ge released him and pulled down a container of green tea. He carried it over to the island and prepared the pot for when the water reached the proper temperature.
“Does that mean you’ll tease me as well?” Chen inquired, trailing behind him.
“I wouldn’t dare risk your wrath.”
“So cruel. You’ve never sided with Xiang and Junjie against me before.” Chen rested his forearms on the island and glared at the marble countertop, but it was for show. He was laughing on the inside, and he had no doubt that his shixiong knew it.
“Only occasionally.” Xiao Dan returned the container to the pantry and walked to the island.
“And you’re not surprised that I have found my mate so quickly?”
“So quickly,” Xiao Dan repeated and huffed. “Two thousand years alone, and you say you found him quickly.”
“You know what I mean,” Chen grumbled. “I have not known Moon long.”
Xiao Dan shrugged. “You’re happy. You’re protective and possessive. All things I’ve seen other vampires feel with their mates. Moon must be the right one for you. Who am I to judge? Your brothers and I aren’t skeptical of your relationship, simply envious.”
Chen huffed. “If someone like me finding a mate proves anything, it is that we can all find someone to spend our long years with.”
