When half-elf Gideon's elf brother Braden runs afoul of a powerful old vampire, Gideon steps in to help him, suggesting it might be a good idea to recruit a dhampir. Reluctantly, because the only one he knows enjoys flirting with his lover, the witch Delilah, Braden agrees. Thus sexy Edan joins the team, and immediately sets his sights on Gideon.<br><br>Vampire Vicario lives in New Orleans, so the team heads down there, staying at a B&B owned by another witch, Maeve. She agrees to help them, and together they come up with a plan to destroy Vicario. A plan complicated by the fact Vicario's tame sorcerer can see dhampir when they're invisible, thus potentially making it impossible for Edan to take Vicario's head.<br><br>To succeed in saving Braden will require all their combined skills. At the same time, Gideon is facing a personal battle: how to deal with his growing attraction to Edan. The sex is great, but there is more to a relationship than that, as he well knows. Can the two of them move beyond the physical -- if they survive the conflict with Vicario -- or will their differences tear them apart?

The Half-Elf and the Dhampir

Maeve beamed with pleasure as she took them to the B&B’s dining room. There were several people seated at the tables, obviously other guests. One table was vacant, reserved for the four of them, she said. With a bit of adjusting so that it would accommodate five, they sat, Braden and Delilah on one side, Edan to their right, Maeve to the left, and Gideon across from the couple.


A young woman approached, introducing herself as Irene as she handed them menus. There were three choices, roast beef au jus, poached salmon, and a vegetable curry. “We cater to all tastes,” she said, winking at Edan.


He smiled, putting his hand over Gideon’s as he replied, “So I see. I’m impressed.”


Gideon felt sorry for her when she understood what that gesture meant and her face fell in dismay. “The salmon sounds good,” he said quickly.


“I’ll take that, too,” Braden said.


“The roast beef for me, with garlic parmesan potatoes,” Edan told her.


Chapter 25