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)
“I wonder sometimes,” Chen mumbled, but that made Moon smile and kiss his shoulder.
“But you were able to find the location of the door…” Yichen prodded.
Moon opened his mouth and held up one finger, seeming to freeze. “No. Actually, I couldn’t.” The sassy vampire-witch deflated, but only for a second, and then he was rebounding and smiling again. “Blood witch powers really don’t work well when dealing with the fae, because they’re all earth-based magic. I can do some protective spells and if I have their blood, I can do some tracking spells, but that’s about it. Luckily, I have two friends who are earth witches, and they were able to cast some tracking spells that located the door.”
“You must thank them for me. Rei and I appreciate their effort since it enabled you to find us,” Yichen said with a bow of his head.
“I will, but I’m sure you’ll meet them. I’ve been trying to convince Chen that we need to host a BL TV-watching night at the house.” It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what in the world those words meant, but Moon continued without missing a beat. “Every week or so, my coven would gather at one of our houses. We’d make food or order in a bunch of junk food, and we’d binge watch some boys’ love shows. Sappy love stories and intense dramas. Good stuff.”
“Soon, baobei,” Chen promised. “We’ll do it soon. Let’s give Yichen some time to feel settled in the house prior to inviting people over.”
“Of course. Not a problem.”
Some of the tension that had knotted up in his chest unwound itself with Moon’s easy words. He didn’t want to keep Moon from his coven, but he was still trying to find his way among his own family while watching over Rei. Adding more people—particularly those who might not react to the elf well—was something he wanted to put off for a bit longer.
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” Moon started. “What’s your special power? Chen says that it’s rude to ask vampires that question, but we’re all in the same clan now. Or at least I’m part of the way adopted—”
“You’re a member of the Zhang clan as Chen’s mate. You risked your life to protect the clan and return Yichen to us,” Xiao Dan deftly interjected with a soft look.
Moon’s amber eyes twinkled as he stared at Xiao Dan. He swallowed hard and gave Shixiong a nod before turning his attention to Yichen. “Well, I’m sure you’ll need more time—”
“If Shixiong says you are part of the clan, you are clan. There is no need for more time,” Yichen said resolutely.
A loud sniff escaped Moon, and he turned to face the front with a bounce. From around the seat, Yichen could see him roughly wiping his eyes. “You guys…you’re killin’ me. I can’t with all this…”
While his words were muffled and made little sense, it was clear to see that Moon was overwhelmed.
Chen reached out and ran his hand down the back of Moon’s pale head in a loving caress. “I told you Didi would accept you as one of us. You have nothing to worry about.”
“My gift is the ability to understand and speak any language I hear or read,” Yichen offered, hoping to distract Moon from his emotional turmoil.
That did it.
The vampire-witch twisted and ducked between the seats again, his red-rimmed eyes wide. “Really? That’s…unexpected. But useful. Wow…okay, now I wish I had that one. That’s gotta be easier than my current Mandarin lessons.”
“You’re coming along very well,” Xiao Dan reassured him.
Moon pouted, his bottom lip sticking out. “My speaking, maybe, but my handwriting still looks like a kid in kindergarten.”
“Practice and time will make a difference. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re near fluent by the time we return home,” Xiao Dan said, winning a broad, eager smile from Moon. Yichen bit the inside of his cheek to keep from chuckling. Shixiong was the most natural teacher in the world. No matter what, he’d always had a kind, encouraging word for all the disciples of the Sword of the Heavenly Garden Sect. But he also knew when to be strict, doling out punishments with lightning speed to those who deserved them.
“True. I wish I’d finally get my vampire gift at last. I’m tired of waiting.”
“How long have you been a vampire?” Yichen inquired.
Moon’s face scrunched up as he apparently dug through his memory. “Less than a month.”
“Still too early,” Chen chimed in.
“Yeah, I know.” Moon leaned back to stare at his mate. “I talked to Ethan Varik recently, and he said it took at least six months for his gift to kick in.” He turned his attention to Yichen. “How long did it take you to get yours?”
Yichen shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t know. It was years before I encountered someone who didn’t speak the local language. We didn’t travel out of Luoyang for a long time, so I didn’t notice my gift for a while.”