Page 44 of From Frost to Flame

“It’s just me and you. I think the shadows are playing tricks on you.” He looked down at him, concerned. “Let’s get you out of the woods. We can talk on the beach.”

Lex hesitated but nodded and walked down to the sand with Silas.

“I need to tell you something,” Silas said, running a hand through his hair. “I know you’re mad at me, but I really think we should talk.”

“I don’t have much to say but, if it’s important, I can listen for a while.”

Silas looked out at the ocean and took a long breath before he spoke. “The first time I tried to do this, I planned a moonlit walk through the royal garden.” He shook his head and let out a dry laugh. “But this stormy beach will have to do, I suppose. I hope you can forgive me for the lack of beauty in it.”

“I’m confused. What exactly are you trying to do right now?”

“Telling you the truth about us.” Silas swallowed. “Lex, you’re my mate.”

Chapter Nine

Silas

Asilence hung betweenthem. Silas swore it stretched on forever until Lex finally responded.

“I can’t be your mate.” Lex sighed. “I feel something for you. I can’t deny that, but vampires don’t mate with each other, let alone anyone else.”

“It’s only supposed to happen between werewolves. It shouldn’t be possible. But I’m sure of it.” He held Lex’s hand and watched the way all his muscles relaxed. “When you thought you lost me, the world was caving in, wasn’t it? And when I touch you, it’s like I’m the only one meant to touch you, right?”

Lex looked away but nodded.

“It’s because our connection is forged by the stars. I feel the same way about you. When I’m away from you, it hurts down to the bone, like the stars are desperate to guide me back to your side. Being mates amplifies all our pain and pleasure in relation to each other. It tangles our souls together in this life and the next.”

“I don’t understand.” Lex shook his head and pulled his hand away. “If this is true, if we’re forged by stars and you knew this whole time you were mine, then why did you leave me? You ended things like the years we shared meant nothing. If you want me to even consider what you’re saying, I need to understand why you did what you did.”

Silas knew these questions were inevitable, but it didn’t make them easier. “I had to protect you.”

“Arden said something.” Lex fidgeted with one of his locs. “He suggested that you and The Ravenous One are...close. Is that what you were protecting me from?”

“Yes.” Silas's vocal cords tightened as he looked at Lex’s face. He could see all the hurt behind his eyes as he explained himself. “She threatened to kill you if I didn’t end things. I couldn’t let her hurt you.”

“So, you hurt me instead.”

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