Page 36 of Death and Donuts

He chuckled and watched me add a note about fae desserts that evoke desire.

“And what type of dessert would that be?” he asked.

“For me, any dessert. But I doubt the way I desire a dessert is what the fae would be interested in. I need something that will remind them of what they want most.”

“Sexual desire,” Cross said.

“Exactly. Would you mind getting the takeout bag I left by the door?”

He retrieved the bag and placed it on the counter.

“I think these might give me a hint. Maybe. Does a half-fae need to feed like a full fae?”

“The traits inherited from the parents are always unique to the child,” he said. “Some do and some don’t.”

“And what about half-vampires? All research says your kind is made and not born. Yet, you’re not dead. You have a heartbeat. Doesn't that mean you can make kids too?”

With black eyes, he was in front of me, crowding my space.

“That is something I’ve questioned often in my long life. A woman who would love me enough to want to carry my child. To watch her grow round with life.” He trailed a finger down the column of my throat. “I want it so badly it incites my bloodlust. I hunger for more than this lonely existence, but would I condemn my child to a life dependent on blood? A life filled with bias and prejudice and hate?

“Even if I knew such a pairing would result in a child who is human, do you think any woman would be willing to attempt such a thing with me? Look at my eyes, Everly. See how hungry I am for a taste of you. Would you hate me if I was unable to resist drinking from you when I hear you cry out in pleasure?”

My face flushed at the picture he was painting for me. Cross, consumed by lust and unable to stop himself from biting me. He’d safely sampled my blood too many times for me to fear it. All those little tastes had done the opposite. They’d shown me how good it could feel.

I tried to speak but had to clear my throat first.

“I’m not sure what answer you’re looking for here. But I can say that having a kid is a big responsibility I’m not yet ready for. With anyone. I haven’t even graduated or established the career I want. No matter who I want to have kids with, that’s something that would be discussed at length.”

He leaned in and set his forehead against mine, closing his eyes.

“When I’m with you, I feel like I’m a man again, not a monster.”

I cupped his face. “That’s because youarea man, Cross.” I stood on my toes and pressed my lips against his, uncaring that his eyes were black and he was still fighting his hunger.

For a moment, he didn’t move. Then he had me sitting on the counter with my legs bracketing his waist. His kiss was hot, hungry, and pure sensual heaven. I hooked my feet behind him and pressed him closer until I felt his hard length right where I wanted it.

He snarled against my lips, and his mouth moved to my neck. The scrape of his teeth against my skin had me tipping my head back.

“If I use the spray bottle, will you hurt me, Cross?” Vena asked.

I jerked and tried to pull away. Cross' arms banded around me as he scraped his teeth against my skin again.

Vena’s worried gaze met mine. “If he bites you, what will Shepard do?”

I cursed, grabbed a handful of Cross' hair, and pulled his mouth off me. Or I tried too. He didn’t budge.

Rather than attempting another tug, I ran my fingers through his hair and felt him shiver.

“Are you still with me, Cross, or did I lose you?” I asked softly.

He stopped kissing my neck. Breathing heavily, he stayed right where he was.

Vena stayed a few steps back, spray bottle held loosely in her hands.

“Don’t be mad at me for interrupting,” she said. “If you’d gone any further with her, she would have avoided you for the next three months, which would have driven you crazy. I’ve seen her do it. I’m just trying to protect you both from a hard time until I know she’s actually made up her mind and not just listening to her runaway hormones. Which I do commend, by the way. A good time every now and again is an excellent mood boost. For most people. Just not Everly. You get what I mean?”

“I do,” he said into my shoulder. “Thank you, Vena. You are a true friend.”

---