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ADRIC smelled his female. He felt her next to him. He knew that he had found the mate he would be bonded with for all of eternity.
The enormity of that life change hit him quickly. He opened his eyes and looked into suspicious and nervous green ones. He’d made a smart decision, keeping her next to the wall and guarding her with his own body while they slept, then.
“Good morning, Rajni.”
Red hair stuck out all over her head and the blanket drooped, revealing just enough feminine flesh to have his mouth watering. He wanted to touch. Taste.
“Whoa, Son-of-Dracula. I am not the vampire bride here.” She held up a small feminine hand between them. Adric captured it in is and used it to reel his female closer. She fought him, but he had her down on the mattress quickly. He leaned over her.
“So you do know what a Rajni is, then? That is good. It will make things easier for you.” He breathed her in again.
“Easier on what?”
“For the transition, of course. We will learn of each other and build our life together now. In this strange demon world. I wish it weren’t so; I wish we were back in Gaia, but we are not. Tell me, female, how did you get to this world?”
“Some wicked powerful dude scooped me up when he picked up a room full of the werewolves in Boston. I was just minding my own business and then I was here. Took me a while to figure out I wasn’t dead. Almost got myself nabbed by this really nasty sex demon a few times before I found my little hidey-hole. Been there ever since. Until this Dracula guy yanked me out of my home after some really rude bastard broke my arm. Now I’m adapting. I’m good at that. So...tell me, how did you get here and what makes you think I’m this Rajni you keep talking about?”
Adric was charmed. But beneath the bravado he heard the nerves and the fear. “Do you know the story of the Dardaptoan goddess and how she predestines us to have one fated mate?”
“I know the vamps are the Dardaptoans and the wolves are Lupoiux. Keep away from the Incubi or you’ll get carted away forever for a life of sexual servitude. There is this big purple dude that shows up every so often, but I don’t know his story. And the High demon king lives over in Relaklonos city which is miles that way. Never been there. I heard there’re thousands of those demons there.”
“You fear these demons?”
“Well...the one that almost caught me a few times? He comes with the big purple dude. And I may have gotten away the last time, seriously nick of time. He shouted an oath or a promise or something after me. Says he’s going to get me. So, yeah. Not too keen on demons. But I think I probably should have watched out for vampires, too. What are you going to do with me?” She was inching to the foot of the bed. Did she think Adric wouldn’t notice? He wrapped his hands around her and scooted her back where she belonged.
“I know this purple demon; he is my sister’s mate. I will see that you are safe from the other. From all demons, from here on to forever.”
“I appreciate the offer. Can I have some clothes, please?”
“I have a seamstress making you several new sets of vestis and pardus. They will be ready tomorrow. For today, I borrowed from your niece, Jade. Do you remember her?”
“Tall, young blonde, with the healer guy. I remember. Not so sure she’s my niece, though. Have to take your word on that.”
“She is. But that is not for you to worry about today. Today it is for your mate.” He leaned down and kissed her.
Tasted his mate for the very first time.