Page 79 of Risking Immortality

“The reason you and Erin didn’t initially bond after being physical was because you were holding back from her. I believe that immortality isn’t guaranteed for any of us.”

“What are you talking about?” I laugh mirthlessly. “Of course it is. When vampire’s mate, they become immortal. Everyone knows that.”

“I beg to differ. We’ve assumed that’s how it works, but I think there’s more to it. I think we actively choose immortality.”

“You’re losing me.”

“It’s only now that I see the truth.”

“And the truth would be?” My patience is ebbing.

“Just like the bonding process, if two people don’t give themselves one hundred percent willingly, if they don’t choose to be immortal, they won’t.”

“You think vampires can choose a different path?”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“You need to forget what you think you know,” he says. Because that’s easy, right? “Before we were aware of the ‘rules’ surrounding our change, vampires simply fell in love. They weren’t burdened with finding a mate before their thirtieth birthday. They found their soulmate, and that was that. Just like humans. They found their love and embraced it forever. It was their choice.

“When you finally gave yourself fully to Erin, you chose to do that, as did she.” Is this what Barty meant when he said vampires could choose immortality?

“Okay, let me get this straight. You believe that Erin and I could choose not to become immortal?”

“Yes. For Erin, the consequences of that decision are unknown, but we know what that would mean for you. Although, factoring in my new theory…” I lose him momentarily to his thoughts. He’s obviously working through some sort of epiphany.

“I’ll go nuts.” I interject.

“Maybe.”

“Great!”

“Amelia. The question here is why are you fighting this so much? Is it simply because you’ve expected your time on Earth to end at thirty for so long that the alternative is unthinkable, or is it more?”

“I didn’t know you were a Doctor of Psychology too!” I snap. Dr. Mendhi holds up his hands, mimicking his surrender.

“I have no such qualification. I’ll leave you to your thoughts. Although, Amelia, I would be remiss to leave you without telling you to talk to Erin. If not her, your family. Because what’s ruminating in your mind is the one thing that will put both your and Erin’s immortality at risk. Of that I’m sure.”

Hiding away in my room isn’t helping. I keep replaying my conversation with the doctor. I know I need to talk to Erin. But before that, I need to get things straight in my mind.

What is it about Erin changing that is making me feel this way? Am I still hung up on mating with a human? After several moments of introspection, I know that’s not it, but I think it does have something to do with humanity. Yes, that’s it. I don’t feel comfortable with Erin giving up her humanity. But then, does that mean I think vampires are less than humans? No, that doesn’t track.

“Penny for your thoughts?” I close my eyes and let the melody of Erin’s voice wash over me.

“I was just on my way down,” I lie.

“No, you weren’t. You were hiding up here. I just want to know why and how I can help?”

Holding my hand out to her, I breathe a sigh of relief when her warmth and love tingles through my body the moment her skin touches my own. “Sit,” I say, squeezing her hand.

“Please tell me what’s wrong, Amelia. I’m not blind. You wear your emotions on your face for the world to see.”

“I had an interesting chat with Dr. Mendhi,” I begin. “He now thinks we can choose immortality. That it’s entirely up to us.”

“That’s an interesting thought.”

“Hmmm.”

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