Page 58 of B Negative

“Eden!”

“Yes?”

Julian sighed, face falling into his hand. “I don’t know how to do this. Any of this. I don’t know how to be in a partnership with another. But if you’re willing to work on it with me, I’m willing to learn.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Good, it’s settled then.”

“What is?”

“You’ll come back to the compound and take your place by my side.”

My temperature rose, lips drawing together in a thin slash. “I’ll do no such thing.”

“Eden, I can’t have you in my enemy’s territory. How do you think that looks?”

“I don’t really care how it looks, Julian. You haven’t met the bare minimum for me to return.”

“You really need those words?”

“Yes! And I need you to mean them. To understand how much your actions hurt me, regardless of how justified they were.”

A glimmer sparked in Julian’s gaze. “So you agree I was justified.”

“Technically. You didn’t have all the information, but based on what you did know, I understand why you felt you needed to do what you did to protect me from Titus.”

Julian smiled. “And I am sorry I hurt you. That was never my intent, Eden. You have to know that.”

“I do. I did. But hearing you say so goes a long way.”

“Good. So, when can I expect you back here?”

“When I’m finished?”

“Eden, you being there is not good for my well-being.”

“Listen, Julian, I realize you had a point in trying to protect me from Titus, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to abandon my friend here. She needs me, and I’m staying for as long as need be. Plus, Titus has a library full of ancient vampire texts I’m familiarizing myself with. I’m trying to be the best mate to you I can by learning what it means to be a vampire.”

Julian let out another breath, jaw unclenching. “Rory never leaves your side, right?”

“Right,” I said. “And I’ve brokered a deal with Titus to protect myself.”

“Well, I can’t say I like it. It goes against all my instincts. Stay as long as you feel you need.”

“Thank you.” I was going to, anyway.

“On one condition.”

“Julian, I don’t like you putting conditions on my freedom.”

“But you haven’t even heard my condition.”

“Fine. What’s it is, then?”

“Have dinner with me.”

My brain stalled. I barely registered his request.

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