Page 119 of Eternal Obsession

“What?”

“Must I be the one to tell you?” I said.

“Tell me what?”

“Catherine told Jadeon that she wanted nothing to do with him . . .”

“He spoke with her? No, these are more lies and⁠—”

“Dear God, he never told you?” I said.

“Told me what?”

“That he was so saddened she rejected him, he slept for one hundred of those years. All the time you were waiting for him, he slept comfortably in an ancient tomb. Oblivious to you or your needs.”

“No, he never . . .”

“If I had not sent my men, you would be ash.”

Alex staggered back. “I can’t think straight.”

“And I don’t expect you to. I want you to rest here. You are free to go anytime you want. See, the door is unlocked.”

“Daumia, I need more time. I need to talk to Jadeon.”

“It’s a cruel twist that you get arrested for the murders your brother committed.”

“I will never trust you.”

“Consider this. In my world, the pleasures will overwhelm you. Every day you will live in a vampiric bliss, and you will finally be rewarded for everything you are. No longer ridiculed by your brother, you will stand proudly alongside me.”

Alex closed his eyes.

“Jadeon will be fine. He will live as he plans to, making a new life with Ingrid while you make a new one with me.”

Alex stared off.

“Now come, I have a gift,” I said. “Let me show it to you.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Catherine wishes to speak with you,” I offered.

“Where are we going?”

“Down,” I said and guided him out of the room along a whitewashed corridor and toward the open elevator. I stepped into it and waited.

He hesitated. I pulled him in.

Alex leaned against the elevator wall, nervously rubbing his hands together.

I placed my hands over his to calm him. “Yes, I can hear your every thought,” I said. “So be careful what you wish for, as I may just go ahead and give it to you.”

“Haven’t you become bored of me yet, Daumia?” he said.

“No, and I never will.”

The lift stopped, and we strolled down another dimly lit corridor. We passed room after room, stopping finally at one of the many identical doors. We entered. Alex cringed at the young female sitting in the corner. The well-dressed woman appeared calm.