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“My father pointed at the door, his face red like when he got really angry. It wasn’t something that happened often.” I smiled, swiping at more tears. “Then the vampire that’d tossed his friend’s body was on him. He tore open his throat.”

“Charlotte,” my name sounded like pure pain uttered in that moment, but I held up a hand to stop him so I could finish.

“Then the vampire he’d argued with tore open his own wrist and pressed it to his mouth. I didn’t understand at first, just watched from my hiding place like a coward.”

“You did the right thing.” Julian’s words were harsh. “You were a child and there were two vampires. They would not have let you live.”

“But I could have stopped them,” I said. “I did it yesterday. For you.”

“You are an adult and still would not have survived if we hadn’t worked together. A child should never be put in that position. How you could witness that and—”

“But I did. And I was there when he woke. My mother came running when I called her. I was so hysterical she didn’t know what happened. She’d barely arrived when he reanimated. One look at me and Mom and he ran. We never saw him again.”

“He was the coward.” Julian stood, eyes flashing scarlet.

“He was my father,” I said just as vehemently. “He was trying to protect us. New vampires have little control. He would never hurt us.”

“But he did hurt you.” Julian fisted his hands and squeezed.

“I didn’t tell you my story for you to judge the man I loved more than anything.” I tossed back the covers and swung my legs out of bed so I could stand and face him.

“I’m sorry.” Julian turned away.

“Me too,” I said, not referring to the present. My anger deflated. “Don’t judge him. He did what he thought was right. I have to believe that.”

Facing me again, Julian’s expression softened. “I understand. And I also understand why you were looking for a cure.”

I swallowed and edged toward him. “Would…if I…”

“Would I take a cure if it were available?” Julian asked.

How did he always know what I was thinking? I was the psychic.

I nodded.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I’ve been this way so long I don’t know if I’d remember how to be human.”

“You’re the most human vampire I’ve ever met,” I said, then winced, realizing how that sounded. “Sorry. I meant that as a compliment.”

“Compliment accepted,” Julian said with a grin. “And I now understand why your mother and sister are so uncomfortable with you working with me. I’m surprised they’ve been as tolerant as they have.”

I shrugged. “I may still be arguing with them, but they’ll come around. Especially when they find out you saved me. Again.”

“Charlotte.” Julian sat on the edge of the mattress and reached a hand for me.

Despite the charm still resting on my breastbone, I felt as though I were under a spell as I accepted it, allowing him to guide me closer. The tops of my thighs hit the side of the bed between his legs as he gazed up at me, searching for something. Our fingers entwined and I’m not sure who initiated the move, but it felt right.

“Your heart is as pure as are your intentions,” Julian said. “But others would see a cure—even a perfect one—as a weapon. You saw what happened to the shifter.”

I turned my head, the scene replaying in my mind in vivid clarity.

“He should have had a fresh start, but instead—”

“Instead, he was murdered far too easily,” I finished.

Julian tugged on my hand, and before it registered, I was in his lap, curled against his chest like a child. I should have heard the steady beat of a heart comforting me, but there was nothing. It wasn’t right. He had a big heart that should have been pumping in response to our closeness. Our attraction was palpable, and other portions of his body supported my thoughts, despite his attempt to shift and hide it.

It felt wrong to be so turned on at this moment, when so many had died. But my physiological reaction was undeniable. The electric sensations everywhere our bodies touched, the heat pooling between my legs, the way my nipples hardened and rubbed against the material of my bra…all of it had me ready to press my mouth to his and fall back on the bed.