Page 89 of Petals and Fangs

“You'd become like me, and you'd live forever.”

“But wouldn't I die one day?”

“No. You'd live forever. You wouldn't age. Trust me on this.”

“Are you going to turn me, Ethan?” I ask, feeling worried and frightened for a second.

“No. Absolutely not. Not a chance. That's the last thing I'd want. That is a dangerous game to play.”

“What do you mean, Ethan?”

“Well, I resisted your blood once, but I don't think I can resist it again. If I taste it, I am sure I'll go crazy and lose all control. I'd need you. The worst scenario is that I'll drink from your neck non-stop till your heart stops beating and you die.”

“So, would you kill me after drinking from my neck?”

“It would not happen intentionally, Lily. That's just the way it is. I have drunk human blood before, but I haven't tasted it in a very long time. As a matter of fact, I have never tasted the blood of someone that I am deeply in love with. I am afraid I won't be able to stop if I start.”

“How come?”

“I don't know. It's just the way it is, Lily,” he says, and then kisses me on the forehead, trying to reassure me that he is not a bad person, even though the world portrays him as one.

“Vampires and their rules,” I scoff and look at the fireplace. I am finally comfortable, and I don't feel tension in my body anymore. I feel so relaxed.

“It's not a rule, my love. It's a fact.”

“Yeah. I still have a lot to learn, I suppose. Starting with this coffin right here in this very bedroom.”

“You like it?”

“Maybe. I have always had a thing for antiquities.”

“Then what is with that look on your face, love?”

“It's just not what I expected to find in a bedroom,” I tell him, trying to prove my point.

“Well, it's not technically a bedroom, Lily.”

“You know what I mean. So, is this where you sleep?” I ask, trying to figure out if vampires actually sleep in a coffin. I'm still not over the fact that they can walk in the sun.

The myths are not true, obviously. And yet, Ethan is standing in front of me, and he is not a myth. He's real. But what else is he? What are the real vampire traits? Will he be able to turn into a bat and fly? No, that's silly. I laugh at myself.

“No, not exactly. This is just for extreme exhaustion. For when we are on the brink of death. It's our last resort. Vampires find solace in coffins.”

“Interesting,” I mutter, wondering if I could ever get him inside one. The thought is ridiculous. He is standing in front of me, a smirk on his face. I've never seen him smile like this before.

“You're beautiful,” he suddenly says, his hand brushing my cheek. I close my eyes and lean into his touch.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“God, if only you could see inside my head right now,” he places his hand on my neck.

“Ethan, what are you doing?”

“I think I'm falling for you all over again, Lily,” he whispers, his voice husky.

“What are you doing to me, Ethan?” I whisper.

“I could ask you the same thing,” he replies, his lips inches from mine.

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