Page 40 of His Eternal Temptation

Lane’s heart ached. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“About what was taken from me? What’s there to say? Taking memories of life before to create a blank slate is entirely in the sire’s hands. Some supposedly request their memories wiped when they’re transformed, to be freed of past trauma, but there’s no way to know if those requests were real or a lie told upon waking. Memories taken at transformation can’t be recovered the way ones removed through hypnosis can.”

Fucking hell. “That’s so manipulative. It’s horrible.”

Rowan laughed bitterly. “To say the least.”

Lane imagined waking with no memory, not knowing his own name, and having a sire swoop in and fill in the blanks with whatever they chose. Add in the misinformation Rowan had spoken of previously… The power they’d have, especially with a new vampire who didn’t understand their urges or the ways of the magic world.

Without prompting, Rowan continued, “These days, any decent sire records proof of a memory loss request. Videos from before the transformation, usually of meetings between their potential progeny and vampires from outside their coven, assessing the request before memories are taken. I suppose decent vampires might have done such things throughout history. Without the video, of course. Many, like me, refuse to wipe away life altogether.”

Lane wasn’t surprised by Rowan’s stance in the least. “And vampires who don’t take precautions?”

“Are vile and most likely liars,” Rowan said with a growl. “They’re enemies I’d keep an eye on. If they take advantage of their progeny, they undoubtedly do worse to others. Abuse is never limited to transformation either.”

His tone was chilling, yet it inspired no fear in Lane. Rowan was fierce in his kindness, decent to his core, and his sire had taken advantage. It was heartbreaking.

Something warm wrapped around Lane. Warm and hard. A fresh floral scent tinged with copper.

Lane opened his eyes to the morning light. He was in bed, with Rowan clinging to him, cradling him back-to-chest, Rowan’s face tucked against his neck. Long hair tickled Lane’s shoulders, and their legs tangled together. Rowan’s breathing came deep and even, still very much asleep.

A slow smile tugged Lane’s lips. Rowan obviously found comfort in him, and his subconscious couldn’t fight it. Talking last night had helped, and maybe it was a testament to Lane’s shortcomings in life, but it felt like his biggest accomplishment.

No, that was unfair. He hadn’t fallen short in life. He wasn’t a failure seeking approval anymore, and he could absolutely take pride in himself for being someone Rowan could lean on.

Would he change his mind when he woke?

Lane should slip out of his embrace. Rowan’s chest wasn’t the only firm flesh pressing against him. His cock was at least half hard, poking Lane’s rear with nothing but their underwear separating them.

Rowan shifted, pressing closer, and Lane stifled a gasp. Stubble scratched his neck as Rowan nuzzled him, the motion so sweet, Lane’s chest pinched.

Rowan’s deep breathing caught on an inhale. His grip locked tight, and his whole body went rigid. “You’re awake,” he rasped.

There was no feigning sleep around a vampire. Rowan could likely tell from Lane’s heartbeat.

He made sure his voice was light but not teasing. “And so are you. Good morning.”

Rowan cleared his throat. “I apologize. I’m being needy.” His grip slackened and he pulled away, sounding ashamed.

That wasn’t right. Needy was an odd word choice, pinging Lane’s senses. He gently grabbed Rowan’s wrist before he could withdraw completely. “There’s nothing wrong with being needy.”

Rowan went completely still. “Don’t humor me.”

“I’m not.” Lane’s voice dropped low. “I like being needed.”

Silence stretched between them, and Lane was sure he’d said the worst possible thing. Rowan didn’t want to know that he liked needy lovers he could dote on, and tangled in bed as they were, the subtext was far too obvious.

Lane let go of Rowan’s wrist, about to apologize.

Soft words met his ears. “You like it?”

Lane twisted around. Rowan looked raw, his face unguarded, expression unsure, and nearly skittish. Lane responded on instinct, cupping Rowan’s cheek. Soothing Rowan even as he was ready for him to flinch away.

Rowan leaned into his touch, a tiny, sweet gesture that said everything.

Lane smiled. “I love it. If you tell me exactly what you need, I’ll show you how much.”

Rowan’s eyes fluttered closed, and his cheeks darkened. “Lane…”