"Because I'm a disgusting vampire?" I ask, bitter heat coiled in my throat.
She hesitates. "It's not that. It's… complicated. I…"
Of course it is. Always is.
I hold her for one breath longer, just to feel it—to see if I'll cross that line.
I could.
I really could.
But I don't.
I release her, step back. Cold air floods between us. It's painful.
"I don't know why you keep lying to yourself," I say quietly. My voice isn't mocking now, just frayed at the edges.
I nod toward the plant—the fern I brought her.
"Even that thing doesn't lie."
She follows my glance.
It's grown. Sprouted a blossom that wasn't there earlier.
"Can't be that repulsive to you, can I?"
"You're not—"
"Save it," I cut her off, turning. I don't need another apology soaked in guilt or whatever she thinks this is. "Enjoy your shower, sunshine."
And I walk out. Frustrated. Hard as hell. Fangs sharp. Hands clenched.
Something's gonna bleed tonight. Because if I don't hunt, I'm gonna lose my fucking mind.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sage
I try not to think about Kayden while we prepare for the Assembly—arranging the house, setting out multi-species snacks and drinks.
Same as I tried not to think about him last night. And failed.
Even with him gone all day, it's like my mind keeps short-circuiting back to him. To that moment between us. To all the moments before.
I wanted to give in. Every nerve ending in my body was begging for it. And it would've been so easy—just tip forward and let the fall happen. Let him catch me in that wild chaos of his, teeth and smirk and hands that know exactly where to press.
I've spent most of my life fighting off control—my family shaping my future like I was some investment portfolio, curated and arranged. I left all that behind. I ran. I made freedom my god.
But there's something in me… something that still craves surrender. Just for a moment. To hand the reins to someone else. To stop deciding, stop running.
And Kayden makes it tempting. That dangerous, magnetic energy like a storm you want to step into.
Asher too, with his calm, commanding strength. His structure and certainty. I could wrap myself in it and forget the world outside.
But would I ever come back from it? Would I still know how to stand alone? That's the real danger. Not just bringing my chaos into their lives, but letting their gravity become the thing that anchors me. And not wanting to leave. That part scares me more than anything.
I could at least give Kayden what he wants. Tell him the truth he's been digging for. It wasn't just tactics that night at the club. I felt something.
