Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 105815 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105815 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
“Besides, Kai is technically a god, and I’ve listened to you teasing him countless times. You don’t seem worried about insulting him.”
A tiny smile played on Leo’s lips. “Yes, but Kai and I are family now. He’s not allowed to eat me if I piss him off.”
Junjie ran his fingers along Leo’s cheek and down his jaw. Leo couldn’t help lifting his chin, soaking in that affection, while a low purr rattled up his throat. He loved every time Junjie touched him. Every little stroke and caress. It didn’t matter if Leo was in his human form or cat form; the vampire was constantly touching him. He didn’t know if Junjie did it because he could tell Leo loved it or because he found it reassuring to touch Leo whenever he wanted. Either way, it was heaven.
“Leo, you are my mate. I love my clan, but my heart lives with you now. If you want to remain in the United States and set up a home here, then that is what we will do. My happiness is with you.”
For several frantic heartbeats, Leo could only blink at him. “You’d leave your clan for me?”
“The Zhang clan will always be my clan, whether I live with them in China or here with you.”
Leo’s voice flattened. “You’d leave Erik?”
A snort escaped Junjie. “I never said that. Of course, he would remain here with us. We’re a family, and he is going to need all your knowledge and experience as he grows up.”
Leo wanted to laugh, but he couldn’t. His heart was melting for his sweet mate. It didn’t need to be said that the Zhang clan was very attached to Erik and where that child went, so went the rest of the clan. Xiao Dan also seemed quite determined to keep them all together after they’d suffered such a long separation for Yichen.
“No, I want to go. I want to see your world and your home—”
“Our home,” Junjie corrected.
“I’m nervous, I guess. It’s a big step. I’ve never been out of the United States.”
“It’s okay,” Junjie whispered as their lips met in a slow, sweet kiss. “I’m never leaving your side.”
Leo sighed, wrapping his arms around his lover and mate. Together, forever. Just Leo, Junjie, little Erik, and their crazy vampire family. Perfect.
Epilogue
ZHANG XIAO DAN
Xiao Dan wandered through the building that had steadily become a home to his clan over the past several months. This place was never supposed to be more than a haven until they could finally bring their missing didi back to China.
But their brief stay had stretched for much longer than expected.
And they’d made friends.
And several of his clan mates had found great love.
This house had become more special to them than anyone had expected. While Xiao Dan and his clan were eager to return home, there was also some reluctance to leave their American home. There were sweet memories sprinkled among the bad.
“It might take me a few tries, but I think I might be able to move the entire house to Luoyang.”
Xiao Dan jumped at the sound of Kai’s voice. It took an extra couple of seconds for his distracted brain to register what the dragon had suggested.
“What?” Xiao Dan gasped, only to shake his head. “No. No. Why would we do that?”
“Because Shixiong has been stroking that wooden post and lost in thought for nearly a full minute,” Kai replied, sending heat rushing into Xiao Dan’s cheeks. “Shixiong loves this house, and I want Shixiong to be happy.”
“I am happy. This property has more wonderful memories in it than I expected. Our home in Luoyang is more than big enough to accommodate our clan mates comfortably. We don’t need to add this one to it. Thank you for the offer, Kai.”
Xiao Dan made a mental note to be careful with his words around the powerful dragon. He was eager to please and could make the absurd possible.
“What will become of it after we leave?” Kai inquired.
“I had thought to sell it, but I’ve decided to keep it as a second home for our clan. I am sure that Moon and Leo will wish to return out of homesickness for the place of their birth, and the rest of the clan has expressed an interest in visiting. Aiden has kindly offered to check on the buildings and grounds from time to time for us.”
Kai grunted. “Good. Xiang likes this house, and I don’t like the idea of strangers walking these halls.”
Without another word, Kai continued on his way, leaving Xiao Dan with a bemused smile on his lips. His world was certainly more interesting now with a dragon in it.
Not to mention an elf, a fledgling vampire who could raise the dead, and two cat shifters.
Maybe the Zhang clan had stagnated for too many centuries, stuck in a familiar rut.