Before I Let Go (Skyland #1)(31)

“The captain would have to manage to land me himself for that.”

The old man laughed hearty and full, and I couldn't help joining him. Sorin scoffed, even as he fought a grin. “I’ll have you know, Rhion, that I’m the most charming guy in this kingdom. Thalia is just a hard one to crack.”

Thalia rolled her eyes, and the old man squeezed her tighter. “Maybe you aren’t as charming as you think.” He winked at her, and she let out a small laugh. “I seem to charm her more than you do, and I'm nothing but an old man.”

“You got that right.” Thalia leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the man's cheek, and he beamed with pride.

“We’re headed to The Olde Vine. Would you like to join us?” Thalia’s voice was soft as she squeezed his hand in hers, and a little bit of that hard exterior that she always held up cracked before me.

It was such an odd feeling to experience this man, this vampyre, interact so freely with Thalia. I had already seen it with those inside the castle, but this was different. This vampyre was the exact thing I had been taught to fear, but I didn’t feel an ounce of unease as I looked at him.

“No. No.” The man held up his hands in laughter. “You all go and have fun. This old man needs to get some sleep. Plus, handsome over there won’t stand a chance if I’m around.”

Thalia laughed as she placed another kiss on his cheek before we said our goodbyes and continued down the road.

“How old is he?” I asked Thalia, and she wrinkled her brow.

“Several hundred years. I don’t know exactly.”

Chill bumps ran along my arms. I had always been told of vampyre’s immortality, but I hadn’t given it much thought until that moment. “And how old is Evren?”

She swallowed hard, and she hesitated before finally answering me. “Just over a century.”

“Oh my gods.” I pressed my hand to my chest. I knew that Evren was older than me, but I didn’t think he was that much older. I never would have fathomed it.

“Don’t freak out.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to her. “Starblessed live a lot longer than normal humans.”

“What?” My chest tightened, but there was an edge of relief that I felt as well. Why did I care how long I would live in comparison to my mate when I wasn’t meant to care for him at all?

“Did you not read any of the book I gave you?” She rolled her eyes.

“I did, but I hadn’t got to that part.” I crossed my arms and searched her face. “Wait, how old are you?”

“A lot older than you.” She laughed and tightened her hand in mine.

People were watching us. Everywhere we went their eyes slid in our direction, but none of them were judging, calculating, or cruel. Everyone who looked upon Sorin and Thalia did so with admiration, and those who looked upon me did so with respect or maybe curiosity. They lowered their heads briefly, but their eyes never left me.

“These people”—Sorin nodded toward all the people that surrounded us—“love their prince. And as his mate, they will love you too.”

“They know I’m his mate?”

“I don't know how much you know about vampyres, Adara. But we have a keen sense of smell, and my boy Evren made sure to mark you in every possible way before he left you here.”

I couldn't stop the blush from creeping up my neck and into my face. Oh my gods.

“Having sex with someone does not make them your mate.”

Sorin snorted and his eyes widened at my words. “That's not what I meant.” He looked me up and down, and my blush only worsened. “His scent is wrapped around you. His magic. Your mating bond is strong and pure and unmistakable. The fact that you two fucked before he left is news to me, Adara.”

My gaze swung to Thalia, and she held up her hands. “I told you your secrets were your own. I didn't realize you were just going to tell them to everyone.”

“Come on.” Sorin laughed and waved us forward. “We’re here.”

Here was a small pub that was covered in vines and ancient stones. The door was curved and carved beautifully, but it was the boisterous laughter from inside that drew me in.

We walked into the pub, and everyone cheered when they saw Sorin. “You come here often?”

Thalia laughed at my question. “He has to come somewhere to drown all his misery when his charms fail to get in my trousers.”

I laughed, and Sorin grinned. Despite what they said or how they acted, they looked at one another often and the smiles on their faces always reached their eyes.

“By the way she talks, you’d think she hates me. Truly, she’s just waiting to get courted properly.”

“In your dreams.” Thalia pulled out a chair at a small table, and the three of us sat down. The bartender, a young girl with beautiful curly hair and some of the darkest eyes I had ever seen, came to our table almost immediately, and she grinned at my two companions. “How are you?”

“Were good, Lis. How are you?”

“Busy.” The girl laughed and just as she did, another round of laughter rang out around us. The pub was packed to the brim with men and women, and every one of them seemed happy to be there.

“I can see that.” Sorin smiled as a man walked by and patted him on the shoulder. “Do you think we can get three glasses of wine?”