Page 68 of Tears of Revenge

“Have you been alone all these years? I mean you had Marcus and Lysander to keep you company but did none of you ever feel lonely?”

“With us having to hide for so long, it was hard building meaningful relationships. We feared detection from the lycans for a long time. As Lysander said, we only felt more daring once we crossed the Atlantic.”

“So, you did seek out company, just nothing long term.”

“Yes.”

“Were they also vampires?”

“Some, but we knew how they felt about Lysander’s kind. So, we never shared our secret with them.” He sighed, his heart heavy as his memories returned to his sweet Vanessa. “There was a human I loved once. I hadn’t meant to gift her my heart. I wanted her to spend the rest of eternity with me, to make her mine forever. She didn’t survive my venom. After I felt her take her last breath, I swore never to let history repeat itself.”

Avalon leaned back and at first, he thought she wanted to distance herself from him. Instead, she took his face in her hands and studied him, her eyes burning into his as she sought out something he wasn’t sure how to give. “That’s why you didn’t offer to turn me—why you never would have.”

“Yes. Marcus wanted to tell you, and offer you a life with us but I couldn’t bear it. It was only when I saw you taking your last breath that I realised I couldn’t let you go.” Tears spilled and his chest ached with guilt. “I couldn’t let you die either, couldn’t handle the thought of losing another precious soul. I didn’t think, I just acted. I was selfish.”

“No one wants to see someone they are close to dying.”

“I acted against your wishes.”

“I’ve wanted to be with you and you gave me that.” Avalon nuzzled against his cheek. “I’m grateful to be with you, no matter how hard I’m struggling to adjust. I’m not upset with you, just trying to figure this out. I’m sorry you lost her and I’m thankful you feel safe enough to share your story with me.”

His tears slowed, and he pulled Avalon close. They simply sat there, relishing the quiet and not needing to say a word.

There was nothing that needed to be said.

Twenty-Four

Marcus

He didn’t care for garden supplies. Scratch that—he did, but only because of the bright smile on Avalon’s face. Although, a trip to the garden centre hadn’t been why he offered to join Lysander. It was simply an excuse to leave the house.

Marcus took the wheel and drove them to one of those grease-laden fast food restaurants. It was actually one that Lysander found to be “edible.” So, he ordered Lysander’s usual alongside a few extra meals. Lysander crooked a brow, but Marcus elegantly ignored it. They hadn’t divulged to him yet that Troy was still alive. They weren’t keeping it from him necessarily, but it hadn’t come up in conversation. They didn’t want Avalon to know yet and with her newfound hearing skills, it was impossible to talk about at home.

Although Lysander was no fool—he figured it out quickly. “You kept him, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Revenge.”

“And you think that is a good idea?”

“I do.”

“She will kill him if she gets anywhere near him.”

“We’re not going to just throw him at her. When she’s ready, we will let her know he’s still alive. What she chooses to do after that is her choice.”

Lysander rolled his eyes, but followed him through the abandoned building nonetheless. The silver-encrusted walls made his skin crawl, but he showed no signs.

The pathetic worm cowered on the floor, his eyes sunken and his skin pale beneath the dirt. There was no crumb to be found of the food Varos left last time.

“You forgot to feed him,” Lysander stated, leaning in the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest.

“I was a little preoccupied.” Then Marcus crouched down and offered him the food. “Are you hungry?”

The bastard looked at him, eyes milky and seeming to war with himself—desperately wanting the food but not wanting to show it. Though he quickly relented with a nod.

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