Page 138 of Eternal Obsession

“You must forget I ever mentioned that name.”

“Yeah, right. You want me to ignore where the truth leads?”

“If you value your life⁠—”

“So you threaten me now.”

“Protect you from things you should never have to face,” I said, hoping she’d listen.

“Protect me from what?”

I lost it. “From vampires.”

“Pseudo . . .”

“No, Ingrid. No.” I unbuttoned my jacket and threw it over the back of a nearby chair.

How does one shield the one they have fallen so devastatingly for, when the truth is twisted and defies all comprehension, all belief? How do you offer safety when the very essence of what you are might shatter them?

Ingrid’s eyes wandered over my crumpled shirt, not sure what to make of my scruffy appearance. “Does this involve drugs?”

“You crave honesty, but you can’t comprehend it. You have seen proof of what I really am when I invited you into my home. I permitted you to wander our castle, with all its secrets that reveal who and what I am. Perhaps some part of me hoped to connect, or at least have a sense of belonging.”

“What are you saying?”

“I was made into this. I was changed. This transformation was done to me, and then to Alex. Do you think we would have asked for such a life?” I neared her.

“Stay back. Stay right there.”

Ignoring her, I drew closer.

It was too much and yet not nearly enough. This maddening proximity, this wanting her, this exquisite craving for her in every sinful way. I wanted to pull her into me, erase the space between us and lose myself in a kiss.

She felt this yearning too. It was there in the delicate parting of her lips, the way they puckered ever so slightly, as if already tasting my kiss yet to come. Her eyes fluttered closed, lashes trembling in an invitation, unspoken and entranced, as if she stood on the edge of surrender.

“Maybe it’s best you go into another room,” I whispered, praying she would remove herself from my presence.

Ingrid backed away, still focused on me. “I don’t believe you.”

“Don’t make me prove it.”

“Because then, there would be no us?”

“No, because once you know the truth, there is no turning back. It sears itself into your mind.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“Have you any idea what it is to be transformed into something like me? This is why I live an isolated life. What do you know of such things? At least you have a choice, and you choose to stay away, to hide yourself from mortals even though you are one.”

“Immortal?” she scoffed.

“I am.”

“Please.”

“I have lived for over two hundred years.”

“Jadeon, I need you to sit down on my couch. I’ll make us some tea, okay?”