“This is excellent news.” A different voice responds, deeper and more intense. I look closer and recognize that it’s Maxim, the cousin. “A Blood Calling with your intended bride? That’s rare. Most political matches require the elixir to consummate.”
“So when did you know she was your true mate?” Sebastian asks eagerly. “Tell us everything.”
A long, heavy silence stretches uncomfortably.
“It’s not Serina.” Viktor’s voice is quiet but certain. “Is it?”
More silence.
“Nik?” Sebastian sounds confused now.
Through the gap, I watch Nikolai run a hand through his dark hair. “No,” he finally says. “It’s not Serina. She is not my future mate.”
“Then who?” Maxim demands.
“It’s the new human maid. Claire.”
I slap my hand over my mouth to stop the gasp from escaping. Me? He’s talking aboutme.
“Wait, is this that same maid you told us about yesterday? The one who called you an asshole to your face?” Sebastian sounds incredulous.
I smother a snort before it can escape past my lips.
“Yes.”
“Nikolai, this can’t be right.” Maxim’s voice has gone sharp. “The Blood Calling doesn’t choose humans. The only case in recorded history?—”
“Was three hundred years ago.” Viktor’s voice cuts in. “We all know the cautionary tale. The Blood Calling chose a human for King Aldric and he claimed her against the Council’s orders. Civil war followed. Thousands died. He was exiled, died broken and alone. His half-blood children were stripped of titles and scattered.”
“I know.” Nikolai’s voice cracks. “Do you think I haven’t thought about all of this? Every second since it happened?”
“What exactly are you feeling?” Sebastian asks carefully. “Are you sure it’s a Blood Calling?”
“I’m not stupidly mistaking it for something else. I can’t think when she’s near me. My fangs want to extend constantly. I’ve been hard for three days straight.”
Heat floods my face. I should not be hearing this.
“You’ve never felt arousal before this?” Maxim asks. “Maybe you saw Serina and became enflamed and confused this with…”
“Never. I have not seen Serina in over a year. Not once in thirty-two years has this happened. I thought the Blood Calling had been bred out of our line.”
My hand is still pressed over my mouth. He’s never felt desire before? And I triggered it?
“Heh,” Sebastian grumbles. “I was starting to think the same. I’m not sure if I’m happy or terrified to know it can still happen to us.”
“How is this human reacting to this?” Viktor questions.
“She doesn’t know much about it. I’ve been doing my best to treat her terribly and cause her to stay away from me, even possibly quit.”
“Did it work?”
“No. I made the fatal error of assigning her to cleaning duties in my quarters. She is bold and does not back down. And then I find myself standing too close, breathing in her scent, and I told her?—”
“Told her what?”
“That she makes it impossible to think when she’s near me.”
“You’re in love with her.” Viktor says it like a statement.
