Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 117167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 586(@200wpm)___ 469(@250wpm)___ 391(@300wpm)
But that wasn’t an option. Rei was right. For either of them to move on, they needed to tackle this blood bond first.
“He’s right,” Yichen began. He cleared his throat when those two words got caught in his throat. Gentle fingertips brushed against the palm of his hand and the knot in his stomach eased at Rei’s reassurance. He wasn’t alone. His family would not turn on him. “We’re hoping Moon can help us. We need to find a blood witch.”
Bright, loud laughter exploded from Moon while everyone seemed to stop and stare at them, their mouths hanging open. Only Chen didn’t look shocked or even amused. Moon had collapsed on him, and Chen easily held his mate while gazing at his still-giggling face.
“You’re ridiculous,” Chen said while a smile played on his lips.
Moon lifted his head and pointed at Yichen. “I might be ridiculous, but your luck is amazing. I’m your blood witch.”
Chapter 4
Rei
Awkward didn’t begin to describe the situation.
Rei didn’t need to read the minds of the vampires to guess what they were thinking.
What the hell was their precious little brother doing with one of the monsters who’d kidnapped him?
Would they believe he wasn’t there for nefarious reasons?
He had no desire to make things difficult for Yichen, but if something were to happen to him and Yichen needed blood, it was better if Rei was close.
Not to mention, Rei needed someone to watch his back so he could close his eyes each night without worrying some assassin would kill him.
Regardless of the discomfort that had become an itch he couldn’t quite reach, he wiped his face of all emotion and followed the vampires inside their home. It was exquisite. Warm woods, delicate artwork, soft colors. A haunting scent that somehow reminded him of Yichen. Everything about the place offered soothing serenity for the mind and soul.
“Is your home in Luoyang like this?” Rei inquired in a low voice.
“Very similar. If I had to guess, Shixiong probably designed this,” Yichen replied.
Xiao Dan paused and turned to smile at him. The vampire was of average height with a soft, gentle face and warm brown eyes, but there was something more. A calming but authoritative presence to him. Rei had spent his lifetime around powerful creatures, but this was the first time he wanted to obey simply to make him happy.
“You would be partially correct,” the clan leader stated. “I handled the house. Ming Yu, Junjie, and Chen oversaw the courtyards and garden.” He motioned to a sitting room that opened onto a garden courtyard.
Tiny yellow lights glowed along a winding stone path through a variety of plants and a small koi pond. Without thinking, Rei reached out and grabbed Yichen’s hand, squeezing his fingers. It was perfect. Even from within the house, he could feel nature’s energy sweeping from the courtyard to seep into his soul. It was like being home, but better because he wasn’t in danger of encountering his parents or any of the wicked creatures that prowled the fae realm.
The slow walk through the house continued, tension seeming to mount with every step they took. Not that Rei could honestly blame them. As long as he remained at Yichen’s side, they couldn’t speak freely. Each and every one of them had to be dying to ask, “What happened to you?” and, “Who the hell is the elf?”
“Your rooms—”
“It’s okay, Shixiong. That can wait,” Yichen interrupted with a stiff smile. “I’m sure you have questions, and there’s a lot we need to discuss.”
Xiao Dan’s brow furrowed as he turned to face them. “You don’t want to rest? There will be plenty of time to talk later.”
“We’re good.”
“We’ve been renting a place downtown for the past few weeks,” Rei chimed in.
The elder vampire’s expression clouded, his eyes darting between them. “You…you are staying, aren’t you?”
Yichen lurched forward, pulling free of Rei’s grasp to grip one of Xiao Dan’s hands in both of his. “We’re staying, Da-ge. I swear, we’re staying. I don’t plan to leave the clan ever again.”
Pain sliced sharply through Rei’s chest when it shouldn’t have. There was nothing surprising about the vampire’s words. Pure misery filled every second of Yichen’s time with the fae. Of course he wished to be with his family and never look back. The last step in Yiyi’s run for freedom was breaking free of Rei. Yiyi was going to be so happy to be free at last.
The only problem was that Rei wasn’t ready to be free of his Yiyi.
“Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry. I—” Xiao Dan stammered.
“Breathe, Da-ge.” Xiang chuckled. “We’ve got our didi. He’s never escaping.”
“That’s true,” Junjie agreed.
“Yes.” The single word escaped Xiao Dan on a heavy sigh of relief, and Rei tamped down the ache and his own wishes. There was no keeping Yichen, not when his family needed him more.