Page 101 of Dhampira

Vander shook his head. “You can’t—”

“Turn around, Vander,” Lorcan said, his eyes on me.

My heart swelled.

Vander hesitated but then sighed and did as Lorcan said. “Fine,” he grumbled, “but I’m getting hungry.”

Lorcan took my hand again. Slowly, he touched my fingertips to each section of the form. “It’s here, here, and here. Light, light, and hard. Do you need to feel it again?”

I nodded. Because I didn’t trust myself to speak. His touch seared my wrist, his skin hot against mine. He was a demanding teacher, but he was also gentle. And patient—at least, when he wanted to be.

“One more time,” he said, his head near mine as he guided my hand through the form. “Shoulder, bicep, and the fourth vertebra from the tailbone.” He tightened his grip and nudged my fingers down a fraction of an inch. “A little lower…there. Good girl.”

The tingling rushed into my veins, sparks flowing under my skin. I was starved for praise. That was all it was.

“I’ve got it,” I said, tugging from Lorcan’s grip. Warmth touched my face, and I bent my head and fiddled with the laces on my sleeves to conceal any telltale blush. But I peered at Lorcan at the edge of my vision.

For a second, he looked like he might speak. Then he stepped back and gestured toward Vander. “You’ve practiced enough. Do it properly this time.”

It was such a Lorcan thing to say, I had to fight a smile.

But I also wanted to prove myself, so I drew a deep breath. Shoulder. Bicep. Spine. I could do this. Another deep breath. Another exhale. Blanking my thoughts, I let the Everless go blurry around me as I focused on Vander, just like Lorcan showed me.

Shoulder. Bicep. Spine.

Surging forward, I let my body’s momentum swing me around. Vander’s back spun into sight, and I flung out my hand, my fingers curled and my gaze locked on my target.

Tap, tap, tap. I struck in three places, adjusting the force of my blow each time.

Vander yelped, then lurched forward. As I fell back, he spun with wide eyes.

“Did I hurt you?” I gasped, my heart racing.

“Yes.”

Triumph burst inside me. I rushed to Lorcan. “I did it!”

He grinned, his fangs showing as he caught my arms and gave a low, rich laugh. “Well done.”

We smiled at each other. Lorcan tucked a finger under my chin, his dark eyes warm in their frame of long, thick lashes. “Perhaps we’ll make a Drachvi of you yet.”

My breath caught, awareness returning in a rush. My skirts brushed his legs. His fingers warmed my chin. With a swift step back, I dislodged his hand.

Vander watched us, one arm tucked against his ribs.

“Oh,” I said. “Are you all right?”

“I’ll live.” He pulled his arm away from his body, then grunted and pressed it against his ribs again. “Just as soon as I can feel my fingers.”

My stomach released an angry growl. As I slapped my hand against it, Vander grinned.

“Yeah, well, you’re not the only one.” He squinted up at the sky. “We should get back.”

Five minutes later, the men had their swords and we gathered at the base of the statue.

“Will one of you teach me the vampire roar?” I asked.

Vander flexed his fingers, a look of relief spreading over his features. “Oh, that? It’s easy, but it comes with age. As young as you are, you’re better off trying to claim the vor scapa for ‘stun.’ ” He paused. “Which I don’t possess.”