Page 23 of Eternally Theirs

“We are a part of each other,” Deo said, his tone nearly as fierce. “We will protect you, Ever and I.”

Her lovers exchanged a glance, and she knew it was a silent agreement.

She was a part of them. As Gaius had wanted her to be. Only this time, it was true. It was what she desired most.

Suddenly she was exhausted, in a way she hadn’t been since her Turning.

“What happened to me just now?” she asked.

Ever shook his head. “It’s something I can’t explain. It’s something about the connection. It makes us raw. Open.”

“Yes,” she agreed.

“Do not worry about it. We are with you. You’re safe here, in the Midnight

Playground. With us.”

“I’m so tired. It’s strange.” Speaking suddenly felt as if it were a great effort. “I thought we don’t need to sleep, we immortals. But I feel as if I do.”

Ever was stroking her hair. It was a lovely sensation. She heard him talking— even her own voice—as if from some great distance.

“We do not sleep, but we do go through periods of rest. It’s rare. It can happen with a newer vampire, after times of great stress. The two of you have been through a terrible time, and perhaps now that you are truly safe, your body senses it can rest. Adjust to this existence. This is the most I can explain. Some things remain a mystery to us.” “Is she alright?” Deo asked, his brows drawing together.

“Yes. She will lie here for a time.” Ever brushed his fingertips over her cheek.

“Rest, our Mercy. Our love. We will watch over you.”

She tried to nod her head, but a strange numbness seemed to be taking over her body. Her limbs felt as if they were made of lead, impossibly heavy. And she felt, again as if from some faraway place, Ever and Deo settling in with her, one on either side, their bodies surrounding her with their warmth, their strength, their love.

Her eyes closed, and even though she didn’t sleep, her mind drifted into some warm, numb place. She let it happen while awareness remained—of her two lovers, of the room, the dark night outside the windows—as if reality were a dream. But Deo’s arms were around her, and Ever’s. She was safe.

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