“Because I canseeit, and sometimes it’s gray or red or pink. You can’tseethe mate bond.”
“No, but I can see spending an eternity with you by my side. However, more than that, I canfeelthe rightness of us.” He clasped her hand and held it over his heart. “I feel you all the way to the center of my soul. I’ve never given my blood to another, but I would give you every last drop to keep you alive.”
“Mike—”
“I’m not asking for a commitment from you. I’m only asking you to understand why I might change and become angrier, more distant, and unpredictable around you. Seeing you with another man or knowing you’re at risk might push me over the edge. I’m asking you not to fear or distrust me if those things happen.”
“That’swhy you were so hostile and acted so weird around Holden!” she breathed as understanding dawned.
“Yes, plus the guy was an asshole who got everything he deserved.”
Mollie disliked Holden for what he did to her, but she still cringed when she recalled his screams and the brutality of Mike’s actions. “Would you have been so vicious to him if I wasn’t your mate?”
“No,” Mike admitted.
Mollie gulped. “You say I’m your mate, but I barely know you.”
He ran his fingers across her cheek and back into her hair to draw her close. He kissed her tenderly before resting his lips against her forehead. “You know me, Mollie. Deep inside, you do. Maybe you’re not ready to completely trust me, or yourself when it comes to that truth, and I understand why, but youknowme.”
Is he right?She pondered as her hands curled around his forearms. From the beginning, he’d been protective and caring, and she’d felt a connection to him. She’d trusted him when she had little to base that trust on. And now he was telling her he might become something completely different than the man she was falling for; the possibility terrified her.
“Why couldn’t you change me until we’re off this island?” she asked as she pulled away.
“Because a newly turned vampire has to feed soon after their change.”
Mollie couldn’t stop herself from grimacing at his words. She didn’t mind his blood, but she didnotwant to be hunting people or animals to feed on.
Mike smiled as he ran his hand over her hair. “I could be the only one you fed on if you turn, but when you first transition, I have to feed well and on humans to supply you with the nourishment you’ll require to get through the change.”
“I see,” Mollie murmured. “But I can’t become a vampire; I have Aida to care for, a job, school, my dreams. I can’t abandon all those things.”
“I’d never ask you to abandon any of them.”
“Aida—”
“Will be cared for, as will you. Listen to me; I’mnotasking you for a decision now. This is bigger than a lifetime commitment, and if you choose to be my mate, your life will forever be linked to mine. If I die, you would either die or go insane, and vice versa. It’s scary to think about, but I promise I will do everything in my power to make our life together amazing, and I will make all your dreams come true.”
Mollie couldn’t breathe as he whispered those words and kissed her knuckles. What would it be like to live forever, with Mike, who was everything she could have imagined in a partner and more? And who was also warning her that he might become an extremely cranky vampire soon? She’d already seen how vicious he could be, and the idea of it getting worse unnerved her.
“What if we get off this island and I decide I don’t want to change, what becomes of you if we don’t complete the bond?” she asked. Mike shrugged, but she noted the tensing of his muscles and a glimmer of red in his eyes.
“Then I will respect your decision.”
“But what will happen toyou? Tell me the truth.”
“A vampire who loses their mate eventually goes insane, and we’ve had enough interaction that it would most likely happen to me.”
“Could you be saved?”
Mike’s lips clamped together. She would only accept the truth, but if he gave it to her, she might feel as if he were pushing her into a corner or trying to guilt her into joining him, and he didn’t want that for her. She had to make this decision on her own, and she had to stay with him because she wanted to be with him as badly as he did her.
“Mike?”
“Probably not.” He believed it was more of a no than a probably, but he wasn’t entirely sure. No one knew the future for sure, and there was always a chance he could continue without her.
“I see,” she whispered as she studied his deep blue eyes.
This man was so powerful and confident, yet he was telling her that his life was inherhands. For years, she’d considered herself nothing special, and many times during those years, she’d despised everything about herself.
