Page 95 of The Cruelty of Thorns

I squeezed my eyes shut as recent events came flooding back. At least, I thought they were recent. “How long have I been here?”

“A few hours. Long enough to replenish your blood.”

The mention of that caused my pulse to stutter, which was reflected in the soft beeping of the machine.

“Careful. You’ll have them running in here before I’ve said what I came to say.”

I was torn; this was Julianus, the man I thought I…what, loved? No, but at least cared for. Lusted after.

But he was also something else. If the other man, Christopher was to be believed, he was a killer, though he hadn’t killed those girls.

“You knew that man, Christopher?”

He nodded. “Yes, I did.”

“And you killed him.”

He stepped closer, his eyes holding mine. “Yes.”

“Who was he?”

“One of the ones who made me what I am.”

“And what is that?” I asked.

“I think you know.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

He sighed. “I’m a vampire.”

Knowing it and hearing it were two different things. It was crazy, and yet it all made perfect sense. The bodies drained of blood, the way his presence seemed to affect me.

“Are you going to kill me?”

He smiled and shook his head. “I told you, Myra, I would never hurt you. I did my best to save you.” He reached the side of the bed and took my hand in his. “I never meant for any of this to happen to you. I didn’t know about Christopher being here, though I guess I should have when the murders started.”

“You knew it was him?”

“The roses kind of gave it away.” When I quirked a brow, he shook his head. “It’s a long story that we don’t have time for. I just wanted to come by and make sure you were okay before I left.”

“You’re leaving?” All my earlier fear was gone in that statement.

“Considering all that’s happened, I think it’s for the best. I’ve overstayed my welcome here by years.”

“But…what will I do?”

“You’ll be fine, Myra. You have friends, people who care about you. And you have him.”

He nodded toward the opposite side of the bed. I turned and for the first time noticed the man sleeping in the chair in the corner.

“How long has he been there?”

“All night. He’s the one who brought you here.”

“How?”

“I called him. Give him a chance, Myra. I think he might love you.”

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