Page 75 of All Your Deadly Truths
“That I wasted an opportunity to create a new species… She was certain, and kept reminding me that even if she wanted to test the theory, you were nothing but ash. She shoved that piece of information down my throat countless—” A shiver runs through her, and she cuts herself off. I can see the terror and disgust in her expression just before she sinks closer tome. “—times.”
I hum and hold her tight. “No, she had to know I was alive, same with Sydni.”
“Why do you say that?”
Dragging my hand down to the small of her back, I pull her hips to mine. “This entire side of the continent is looking for us, it’s why I had to look fucking boring, and Syd changed her hair.”
She lets out a low hum. “Still annoyingly good looking…”
I join her in the jest, and place a gentle kiss between her brows.
“She could’ve been disconnected from the media, which wouldn’t surprise me. She was… busy…” Shaking her head, she sighs. “I suppose it all makes sense, though. She only had me, and while my father only lived six years after my birth, she could have been impregnating herself multiple… times…” She trails off. “Actually, yeah. Why would our biology allow for us to procreate with our Mark more than once if the child had to eat the father’s heart to survive?”
“Woah, woah. Excuse me?” My voice comes out slightly nervous.
“All our children after the first would die…”
“I missed something here.” I can’t deny watching, as if a light turning on in her head at the revelation isn’t the cutest fucking thing, but did she sayeat the father’s heart?
“Our baby would’ve had to eat that heart of yours.”
A restless chuckle comes from my throat. “Good thing that grows back too… I think.”
Her laugh is soft, but not as gentle as her fingers caressing across my face.
“Honestly… I don’t know why I was anxious. I think it’s just all new to me.”
“Me too.” I brush my hand down the back of her head. “But no kids. I want you all to myself.”
She nods, a somber look overtaking her face. It’s subtle—the slight pinch of her brows, the tightness at the edges of her lips—but enough to tell me she’s hurtingsomewhere.
“Kai…” She continues to move her fingers to my lips, then to my throat. “I may be fucked up for some time. I definitely need more therapy after what that crazy bitch did to me.”
It isn’t funny, even though I know she’s trying to be. When the time comes and wecankill that woman, I hope Xera allows me to help tear her apart.
“Tell me what you need.” My tone lowers. “Time to heal, it’s yours.” Her bottom lip disappears between her teeth. “For me to go and get the head of everyone that has ever hurt you, I won’t even make you beg forit. For me to remove every memory of them, and their touch, scent,everything?—”
“That one. Ineedthat one…” She pauses, taking in a shaky breath. “I need you to fit into the places that have shattered… because once you do, I’ll finally have what I need.”
“What is that, little demon?”
“You. It’s only been you, and I was a fool not to see it sooner.”
I chuckle and smirk. “You are some sort of fool. Falling in love with a crazy, stalker Vampire.”
Her bottom lip trembles, but she gives me thatgorgeoussmile of hers. “I sure did, didn’t I?”
“You did.” Before a tear can fall from her eye, I smash my lips against hers, pulling her body to mold with mine. Nothing—and I mean nothing—will separate us again.
Chapter 25
Xeraphine
All I’ve been able to think about is this moment. Abouthim. The taste of apples and cinnamon on his tongue as it dances with mine, his hands—soft, yet anything but gentle with me. He’s a man crafted for me, and me alone.
I don’t know if I can ever bethat girl—the one for dates, cuddling on the couch with a movie, or holding hands in public—but this, this I can do.
Especially with Kai.
