Page 70 of Midnight Whispers

“I don’t want you to feel pressured, love. That’s all. Now eat, before your grilled cheese gets soggy.”

I felt a little weird eating in front of three people who no longer have need for carbs, but the grilled cheese looks so delicious that I can’t help myself. The combination of cheeses and the buttery crust of the bread is unmatched. I stifle a moan as I bite into it. Everyone around me continues conversation as I pick at my food.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” Asher holds up his glass. “Flora, Lillia, welcome to the coven. I’m looking forward to our journey as a family.”

Something about his use of the wordfamilycauses my chest to tighten. I look around the room at Asher, Finn, and Flora as they laugh and talk, and my heart feels full.

After dinner, Asher and Flora go into the living room to get it ready for movie night, while I go upstairs to change into pajamas. Once I’m in our room, Finn comes up behind me and pulls out a glass of champagne.

“I thought we were done celebrating.”

“There will never be a moment I don’t celebrate having you in my life. Since Asher gave a toast, it’s my turn.” He holds up his flute and smiles, clearing his throatbefore he continues. “Lillia, my love. You are my home and wherever you go, I’ll go. You have shown me that even the darkest of monsters are worthy of love. So, here’s to the start of our forever.” He takes a sip and kisses me on my forehead.

I hold up my glass toward him. “To the start of our forever.”

EPILOGUE

FLORA

You knowwhen you wake up in a dream and you think you woke up, but really, you’re still dreaming? That’s what my life feels like right now. I didn’t think twice about taking Lillia’s spot and I would do it again if it meant she was given a choice in life.

That’s not to say I won’t be happy when she’s turned because I will be. I understand why her blood called to Finn. Every time her heart beats, with every rush of blood that flows through her veins, I fight against the venom that pulls on my tongue.

Someone could have warned me about the burning in my throat that the venom causes because that shit is uncomfortable. Finn says I’ll get used to the changes, but right now it seems like that's a long way away.

One of the best parts of being a vampire? The sex. I never get tired and can go forhours.Sex with another vampire? Otherworldly. I practically levitate out of my skin with every orgasm. The only issue is that I want it all the time and I think Asher’s getting the wrong idea.

He’s been bringing me flowers and gifts, trying to shower me with love that I don’t want. If he wasn’t a sex god, I’d find another lover, but that man knows what he is doing. Especially with his tongue.

My god that tongue.

The only thing I like more than sex? Blood. I think about it day and night. Now that I have no reason to sleep, that’s a long time.

Finn warned me about my increase in emotions and he wasn’t wrong. It's not like I've ever been rainbow and sunshine, not like Lillia. Instead, I’ve always been more storm clouds and rainy days. But the anger that once was able to be hidden wants to consume me.

Everything, and I mean everything, sets me off. The never-ending heat curses through my veins and I'm scared it’s going to burn me from the inside out. I just hope when I finally explode, nobodies close enough to get hurt.

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