Page 59 of Inevitably Yves

“What’s in your potion?” Yves asks.

“Nothing,” Vivienne answers. “Just blood and intentions.” She takes Yves’s hand in hers. “How much can we ingest before it changes us?”

“You can’t be changed unless one of us drains you. You won’t accidentally turn. Not completely.”

She nods, studying his face. “I just need to make sure I won’t lose what I am. I’m the last in my family. If I die, it dies with me.”

“I am not offended,” Yves says. “An immortal life is not for everyone.” He cups her cheek. “But please, I need to know, if your life is at risk, what do you want me to do?”

She immediately turns to Viper, who nods. “You have my permission to turn me if that’s all that will save me,” Viper says. “I’m not ready to die.”

Her answer seems to settle something in Vivienne. “Yes, Yves. If it’s life or death, I choose life with you. I’ll figure it out after that.”

Yves nods, but looks uneasy. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I only wish to invite those to receive my gift who truly accept it.” He clears his throat. “We need to go, so do your spell work on us please.”

Vivienne nods and the two of them walk around to each of us, drawing the sigil they designed on our foreheads. When they get to me, I can feel the shape of the O etch itself into my skin, and an unexpected smile pulls at my lips. It feels like belonging to Yves in the way I always wanted to.

When they step away, Yves uses his thumb to open his wrist, offering it to Vivienne. I follow suit, offering mine to Viper. The two women look at each other before stepping forward and delicately reaching for us.

“Straight from the source is best,” Yves explains. “Damiano’s blood is as strong as mine. We are the products of our maker. Drink from us, sisters.”

Vivienne exhales slowly then latches onto Yves’s wrist, her face twisting a bit as she gets her first taste of fresh blood. Viper is not as squeamish and latches on to me without hesitating. I wonder for a moment what it tastes like to a mortal, my memory of it lost to time.

I check in on Yves’s energy, feeling an abundance of protective and brotherly love pouring off him for the two women. Vivienne pulls away first, her eyes glazed and mouth tinged pink as she flicks her tongue over her lips.

“That’s not what blood is supposed to taste like,” she says.

Yves smiles, pinching his wound closed as Viper finally pulls off my wrist. “We are not like you,” Yves says. “Our blood is not the same as yours anymore. That’s why we must take from mortals to keep our energy right.”

“Yeah, but Thorn’s was different.”

“That’s because Thorn is always taking something he shouldn’t,” Eros says, but his tone is amused. Thorn only shrugs in response.

“How do you feel?” Yves asks.

Vivienne bobs her head and shakes her body. “Like I drank ten energy drinks. Strong. Powerful.”

“Sexy,” Viper whispers before seemingly catching herself. Her cheeks bloom a pretty shade of pink as she glances at me before biting her bottom lip. “I feel good too. Thank you, Yves.”

Yves nods, shifting his gaze to me. “Let’s make sure Greer is okay, and then we should go to Lair.”

“No one is getting into Greer’s room,” Viper says. “He’s warded and under a healing potion. He’s safe.”

“Excellent.” Yves reaches for my hand. “We should go. We can’t keep our enemy waiting.”

“We have your back, Yves,” Thorn says, then shifting his gaze to me, adds, “Both of you.”

“Thank you,” I reply.

The group of us head down to the parking garage, choosing to drive. I have a feeling before this is all over, we may have to part with our civilized behavior. Hadrian won’t hesitate to fight dirty, so neither should we.

Before we get into the car, Yves presses me against it, smashing our mouths together. I grip the back of his neck, savoring his taste for the few precious seconds we can.

When we break apart, his emotions are all over his face, and I have to admit that I share every single one. Fear, anger, hesitation…but that last one—love. There’s so much damn love.

“Just know that whatever happens, I have loved you with all that I am.”

Yves nods, his eyes slightly glassy for a second. “I know.”

---