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Anger.I’ll settle on anger.
“When he bit you, he severed your carotid artery. I had only seconds to react before you literally bled out in front of us.” His voice is full of remorse, but he has nothing to be sorry for. “I did what I had to.” His words are ripped from his throat—guttural.
I had to feed from him in order to survive. He didn’t have a choice. I would’ve died and the truth is, I’m not ready for that. If given the choice between death or transitioning to immortality and spending eternity with Julian, it’s not a question. I choose him. Always.
His forehead rests against mine. “Thank you,” he whispers, having heard my thoughts.
“So, are we spending eternity together?” I smile before placing a kiss to his lips.
From what I’ve been told about vampires—from Julian himself—once you’re bitten, the only way to be saved is to ingest the vampire’s blood. It was the way Marcellus was creating new bites. I drank Julian’s blood. That can only mean one thing.I’m a vampire.
“I don’t know.”
Not the answer I was expecting.
I pull back to see his face. “What do you mean? I have to be, right? I drank your blood.” Julian glances to Law, who simply shrugs.
“Are you... thirsty? For blood?” Law finally asks.
“No,” I say. “Actually, the thought of drinking your blood again makes my stomach turn.” I grimace with that admission. I’d never want to hurt Julian’s feelings, but it seems imperative that I’m honest right now.
Law chuckles. “I don’t blame you. Mine’s better.”
Maggie slugs him in the stomach and he grunts. Law pulls Maggie into his chest, leaning in as though he’s going to kiss her. My breath hitches and I sit here with bated breath hoping beyond hope he gets the guts to do it. Instead, he stiffens, jumping back like the chickenshit he is where Maggie’s concerned.
Julian smiles widely, not noticing my disappointment with his brother’s lack of action. “That’s good news, Marina. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s definitely good news.”
“Hey,” I whine. “What’s wrong with spending eternity with me?”
He helps pull me to my feet, where I’m finally able to stand without swaying. He pulls me to him, gently, as though I’ll break in his arms. “It’s the only thing I want, Marina, but only when you’re ready. Not like this.” He places a kiss to my lips. “We’ll figure this out together,” he whispers, so only I can hear his words.
My arms wrap around him and I squeeze.
“M-Marina. Too... tight,” Julian wheezes.
I step back out of his embrace, eyes narrowed at his reddened face. “What happened?” I balk.
“You’re too strong. It’s not normal,” he says, glancing toward Law, who appears baffled.
“Not necessarily, but something is definitely off. Do you feel any other differences?”
“My emotions are”—I try to think of the right way to phrase it—“greatly heightened,” I offer in explanation.
Julian turns to Law. “What do you make of this?”
Law shakes his head and puffs out his cheeks.
“I think we should get Shante involved. She might have some insight,” Law suggests, and Julian nods.
A tall woman with flowing silver hair glides into the room, drawing Julian’s attention.
“Sarah, how are things?”
“All of the women have been compelled to forget their experience with vampires. They believe they’re victims of human trafficking. West and I have secured a bus and will drop them off at the nearest police station. He’ll ensure that each of them gets home safely and all of the station is compelled to forget us.”
“Thank you, Sarah,” Julian says, bowing slightly. Sarah returns the gesture.
“Is there anything else we can help you with?” she asks, looking around the room. “If not, we’ll be on our way with the girls now.”
