Page 5 of Inevitably Yves

Trembling now, I nod. “I accept.”

His lips part, revealing those unworldly fangs. I do not know what I have accepted, not truly, but I am not afraid.

Hadrian sinks his teeth into my neck, and I gasp, falling limp in his arms. He guides us to the floor, feasting on my blood as his body wraps around mine. My gaze lands on the cross on the wall above us, and I laugh at the irony.

I am the blood.

I am the sacrifice.

Hadrian is eternal life.

I watch him with hazy eyes as he slices his own wrist open with his thumbnail, offering me the thick red liquid seeping from his wound. I accept his sacrament, feeling the blood spread through me, renewing me, liberating me. Just as he promised.

Hadrian watches me, a smile on his lips stained with my blood. “When you wake, we will make love right here on these holy steps. I am your religion now, Cillian. You have made me so happy.”

Pain seizes my chest, but I do not cry out. I fix my gaze on Hadrian, knowing in the deepest part of me, somehow, that he is everything he says he is.

“Beautiful Cillian. What a life we are going to have. Rest well, my sweet prince. I will be here when you wake, and we will start our adventure.”

I have no idea what awaits me, and I do not care. Hadrian may be my ruin, but I accept it wholly.

May God have mercy on my dark soul.

ONE

Yves (Cillian)

Present Day

Memories.

I’ve been haunted by them for weeks now. Why, after centuries, do they plague me?

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I rest my elbows on my knees, racking my brain for clues. I can’t stop seeing his face. There are times I’d swear before Hades I caught his scent, but it’s impossible. He’s long dead. I would know if he lived.

Scrubbing my hands over my face, I finally push off the bed to prepare for the day. I have to face the council today with no idea why the impromptu meeting is happening. The fact that it’s here in New Onyx concerns me. It must affect my domain.

An hour later, dressed and ready for the day, I exit my bedroom to head to my study. Viper is already at her desk, typing away. She looks up, pausing with a pretty smile on her face.

“Well, well. Don’t you look extra handsome today. New suit?”

“Very old suit. I wear it to all council meetings. Call it superstition.”

“It’s working for you. You look hot. If I liked men and you liked mortals I’d be all over you.”

I laugh at her harmless flirting. “A compliment indeed.”

“I warmed a mug for you. It’s on your desk. We have two new client requests. I’m entering them into the database now.”

My chest warms with affection. “How did I get so lucky? First Vivienne and now you.”

“Uh, you totally deserve us.”

Bowing my head slightly, I retreat to my office. Sure enough, a mug of warmed blood sits on my desk. Vivienne got me some kind of mug warmer that keeps it warm until I’m ready for it. So thoughtful.

Taking a seat at my desk, I sip my morning meal, but my thoughts are still consumed by memories of the past.

Images of my maker’s face whoosh by like leaves on a breeze. Hadrian. The man who promised love but delivered only torment. Gods, I haven’t even thought that name in decades, much less recalled his face. But that’s not the worst of it. Not the most painful memory.

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