Page 8 of The Human’s Heart

I sighed because I knew he was right. I just… didn’t want to drink blood. That was the whole reason I didn’t want to be a vampire in the first place.

Although, at least this blood would be donated, and I could mix it in my food or drink. I wouldn’t have to go out and find someone to suck on—gross.

So… that made a huge difference.

I sighed. “I guess you’re right.”

Jett winked at me. “No guessing about it. I’m always right.”

I laughed and gave him a push, making him chuckle, before we both got back to work.

I wasn’t happy about it, but it was something Zaos really wanted me to do, so… I could at least give it a try.

For him.

Today came too soon, and I was nervous as hell about this blood thing. I’d hoped I’d feel ready by now, but I didn’t think anything could prepare me for what was to come.

Zay had been sweet and supportive all day, and I knew he was eager for me to start drinking vampire blood, but ugh. I’d been dreading it since he’d first mentioned it months ago.

Thank god Jett was doing it with me. I wasn’t sure I’d be brave enough to try it alone.

Jett nudged me from his spot on the couch. “Chill, Hugo. It’s gonna be fine.”

I grimaced at him. “How are you not grossed out about drinking Zay’s uncle’s blood?”

He shrugged. “Honestly, if it gives me more time with Ward, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

My heart pounded in my chest, anxiety and guilt fighting for dominance. “It’s not… I don’t… But I—”

“Hey,” Jett said, grabbing my hand. “I didn’t mean it like that. I know you’d do anything to stay with Zay. Of course you would. Please don’t think that I think that you think differently.”

I snorted through my guilt. “That made no sense at all.”

“Sure it did.” He grinned and nudged me again. “You know what I mean.”

I nodded since I did, and then I turned in my seat to look at Zay and Ward. They were in the kitchen, but since the whole living room, dining room, and kitchen areas were open, I could see them clearly.

And they could definitely hear us if they wanted to with their super ears or whatever. But I couldn’t tell what they were saying since I had meager human ears, but they looked happy.

Ward was beyond thankful to Zay and his uncle for giving Jett blood too. The poor guy must’ve thanked my viramore at least a hundred times today alone. He was a good guy, and a great match for my best friend.

Before I could say any of that sappy shit out loud, there was a knock on the back door. The back one because the portal was set up in our new shed out there. Jett finally looked nervous, and when Ward came over and set his hand on Jett’s shoulder, I could tell he was nervous as well.

But neither of them were as nervous as me.

Zaos looked perfectly happy, and he smiled widely when he answered the door, greeting his uncles the way his entire family always greeted each other—with hugs.

Zay’s uncles—Julius, Emrys, and Toby—all walked into the house, and I felt completely and utterly awkward. Should I stand? Should I hug them? Should I remain seated and give a wave like a dork? I didn’t know what to do at all.

It wasn’t even like this was the first time I was meeting them. I’d met them at the Ellwoods’ movie nights multiple times, but I’d never really had a conversation with any of them.

And they were all vampires. Tall, handsome, charismatic, seductive vampires.

Or at least I assumed they were since they were old and all… vampire-y.

Zay’s lips twitched in amusement as he walked over to me, and I had a feeling I hadn’t kept those thoughts to myself.

I heard a small laugh in my head. “Nope, you definitely didn’t keep that to yourself.”