Dimitri didn’t hesitate. He held out his badge, posture bored, irritated…looking every inch a scientist who resented being questioned by security.
It reminded me of how Drecken acted.
Aw. I missed my spell daddy.
I mirrored him, letting a faint frown settle on my face, even though the thought of Drecken made me want to smile.
The guard scanned Dimitri’s badge, then mine. It beeped each time.
Slater’s voice crackled over the comms. “You’re clean. Keep moving.”
The guard handed the badges back, barely looking at us. “Don’t go into restricted zones. Basement is sealed.”
Dimitri gave a dismissive hum. “If your lab techs knew how to follow protocol, we wouldn’t be here for an inspection.”
“Inspection? Wait, you’re contractors?” The guard blinked.
“Did you not read the badge?” I snapped at him as Dimitri and I walked on in.
“Thought you were new scientists…”
The guard didn’t stop us.
Inside, the air was warmer but reeked of chemical-based disinfectants that were clearly trying to hide the scent of blood. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, and the lobby and corridors were too white and too reflective.
Many humans walked around in lab coats and utility uniforms. Some nodded politely as we walked in, but most ignored us. No one smiled. It was as unwelcoming as I’d expected.
Humans in places like this always carried tension.
“Take the left corridor,” Katie guided us, and we listened. “Security checkpoint ahead. Slater is looping the door log so it reads as maintenance. Once past, you’ll be in administrative access. It leads to the main cell stairwell.”
“Copy,” I murmured.
Dimitri leaned close as we turned the corner, voice low enough that only I could hear. “How are you doing?”
I kept my gaze forward, scanning for cameras and exits. “Fine.”
“That’s not true,” he murmured. “I feel your discomfort through the bond.”
I exhaled sharply. “I hate being in places like this, and for the record, your bond isn’t exactly comfy right now either.”
His hand brushed my wrist, thumb stroking once. “I know. Because I’m worried aboutyou.”
The matebond between us warmed.
“Okay, love vamp-snakes,” Slater cut in with a small chuckle. “Get it? Like lovebirds but more in tune to you?”
My lips curved in amusement before I smoothed my expression.
“Get to the point,” Dimitri whispered.
“Our mate thinks I’m funny, but you’re right. There’s a sensor ahead tuned to body heat. Dimitri, you’re naturally colder than a human’s temp. Rune, you are, too. Use your venom or something. Then, hold hands to share the heat.”
I choked on a laugh. “Are you telling me to hold Dimitri’s hand in a human facility?”
“Yes,” Slater said instantly. “I’d say because I love when you’re showing love to your mates, mostly me, but this is for professional reasons.”
Zuko hummed. “He just wants you pressed against your vampire.”
