Page 46 of Feral

I drag my hands down his chest, ready to climb on him again when the intercom buzzes. Cockblocked by the pizza guy. “Food.”

Hale nods, releasing me so I can open the door. Stupid speaker doesn’t work. I thank the dude and give him a hefty tip since I can spare it. Carrying the pizza back, I know I have a big dopey smile on my face. In my room, I counted out my tips, and it’s more money than I made in two weeks at my old job. Not bad for a few hours of hustling drinks.

After sitting down next to Hale again and opening the box, I nudge his arm with mine. “How did you become a vampire?”

“Oof. Mine is a twisted tale.”

“I want to know it all.”

“Very well.” His face tenses briefly, but then his expression shifts to quiet determination. “I was born in 1758 in the American colonies.”

“Whoa.” I finish chewing my bite. “That was a long time ago.”

“Yes. The war came, what would be called the Revolutionary War, and I fought for a bit but against my will. Eventually I defected and came across a group who offered shelter. It turned out to be a cult.”

I gasp. “Holy shit, Hale.”

“I was loyal and climbed the ranks, until one night the compound was raided and me and a few others were attacked. I was turned that night.”

“Turned?”

“Made into a vampire.”

“Got it.”

“There was an uprising at the cult compound, and I ended up in captivity for years with the other vampires who were captured with me. It’s a bit hazy, but one night my coven was attacked again, slaughtered.”

His face pales and his eyes glow dimly. He looks terrifying. And fucking sexy.

“I had a lover at the time. His name was Nathan, and he was mortal. He was killed and I was fatally wounded. I would have died if Yves and his coven hadn’t found me. They were able to bring me back from the brink of death, but it was far too late for Nathan.”

I put my slice of pizza down as a lump forms in my throat. “You loved him. I can hear it in your voice.”

Hale nods. “I did, yes.”

“This was a long time ago?”

“Two years.”

“Oh. Recent.” I nod, losing my appetite. “You’re not over him. How could you be? It was so tragic.”

“I am. My heart is clear, and I’ve worked hard to let go of the guilt I felt over leading him to his demise.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“No, it wasn’t, but it’s a lot to have innocent blood on your hands.” He offers a somber smile. “Odd coming from a vicious killer, isn’t it?”

“Is that what you are? A vicious killer?”

“I can be.”

“But with cause, right? You don’t go out kicking puppies and killing innocent people, right?”

“No, but I do kill, Yannis. You need to know that.”

A shiver goes down my spine. “You would never hurt me or anyone I care about. I know that.”

“You’re right. Never. I would take a stake before I allowed harm to come to you.”

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