Page 66 of Petals and Fangs

“Well, it's been a long time since you had anyone special in your life. But isn't it so soon, Ethan?”

“It is, but I can't stop thinking about her. Every single time I am around her, she makes me feel alive, and it's amazing.”

“I have no problem with her, and she is welcome in our clan, but it has been a while since you two last saw each other.”

“It is. And I would like to change that.”

“If you want her, then, have her. Just be careful, Ethan, and remember, there are many people who watch your every step so dating a human would not be the best decision,” Nick says.

“I can handle that.”

“But, if you truly care for her, and you want her to be safe, hide your secret away from her.”

“I am afraid it is too late for that now,” I faintly say, then head to the vase of red roses that Lily had placed here earlier today.

Good gracious, the roses are gorgeous. Perfect! They match the wooden furniture so well that it almost feels like I am back in time. The vase even has her scent. Her perfume is intoxicating.

“What do you mean by that?” Nick asks, but for some reason, the words are stuck in my mouth. I am unable to answer.

“Well.”

“It is not what I think it is, is it, Ethan? You're so screwed if it is.”

“Well, it is too bad you can't read minds, Nick. But I can. And yes, it is exactly what you have in mind.”

“Ethan, you got to be kidding me.”

“It just happened, Nick. I can't outsmart her. She is clever.”

“I can't believe you! How could you be so reckless, Ethan? If she knows what you are, then your existence is threatened. The whole company's existence is.”

“Don't worry. Lily will never tell.”

“Says who?”

“Trust me. She won't.”

“She's human, Ethan. We can't trust her.”

“Yes, we can. Trust me, Nick. Please,” I say, and Nick's face begins to soften. He is not only fearing for his life, but for the company's reputation too.

Without Rothschild Pharmaceuticals, we are nothing. We can't simply go back to living the way our ancestors did. We need protection from sunlight, and we need substances to keep us strong in the human world.

“If anything goes wrong, we'll be doomed,” Nick says.

“I will not let that happen.”

“Are you sure you want this, Ethan?”

“Yes. I have never wanted anything else so much,” I explain, and Nick sighs. He looks away.

“Then you should have her, Ethan. I don't have anything against that, and if that is your choice, then go ahead. Just keep the company out of this. Make sure you really do trust this person or else, Ethan, I-”

“That is enough, Nick. I get it. I really do.”

“You better. If she can't be trusted, then you'll have to get rid of her for good.”

“Not that you have the right to talk this way about Lily, but yes, Nick. I understand that you are worried, and I assure you, I have it all under control.”

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