Page 66 of B Negative

Again?

That was new information. Had Julian already fallen for me? Outside of what the mate bond dictated?

And like the chickenshit I was, I changed the subject. “Um, hey, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Hmm?”

“The witches you hired, what kind of arrangement do you have with them?”

I watched Julian’s internal dialogue on his face. After the confusion from my ever so eloquent subject change, his first instinct was to clam up and not say anything at all. Second was to think of something to say without saying anything at all. But eventually, he settled on a real answer. I saw it forming as the muscles around his mouth softened.

“I submit a brief to their coven, outlining the scope of my request. They return shortly with an estimate based on time, resources, and witchpower. I generally agree to the first estimate, but sometimes I’ll ask for clarification of certain items. Then we agree on the time and date and that’s it. It’s all pretty straightforward.”

“I see. And do you work with multiple covens?”

“I used to. But the smaller covens in the cove united a few decades ago. There is only one coven now. Why are you asking?”

I nodded, about to chew on my cheek but stopping myself. “Unfortunately, it’s mates’ only business, and I’m not at liberty to discuss the details with you just yet. But, I promise the moment I can, I will.”

“Mate business? What is that nonsense?”

“It’s a fact you’re going to have to get used to, mister. Sunny and I were friends before we were on two different sides of the river. We’ve drawn clear lines in our relationship and I need you to respect them.”

Julian nodded. “I suppose I could do that.”

I pushed at his chest. “Oh, you suppose you could, huh?”

“Yes,” he said, catching my wrist and leaning in close.

He was about to kiss me. I knew it. I wanted it. But I stopped it with four words.

“Do you want children?”

Julian’s lids fluttered as he processed the huge jump in my thought train. “You are made, Eden. We cannot have children.”

“I know. I just learned that a few hours ago. But I’m asking what you wanted. What you saw for your life before you knew your mate was made.”

Julian sat back, taking a moment. “Eden, I told you before, I never expected to find someone. I never saw myself settling down with anyone, let alone children. At best, I saw a string of women who tolerated me but ultimately didn’t stick around. You are everything I wanted, and the fact that I haven’t made that clear makes me sadder than you know.”

“So, you don’t care that there won’t be any little Julians running around?”

Julian’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “Eden, I was a terror as a child. Alphas are notoriously difficult to rear. I’d never wish that on either of us.”

I nodded. “But what about your line?”

Julian pulled a hand over his face. “You’ve been in that tower too long. No one cares about maintaining vampire lines except the old fogies who think made vampires aren’t ‘real’ vampires.”

I nodded. “I just needed to be sure I wasn’t taking anything away from you unknowingly.”

He smiled at me, leaning in once again. “The only thing you’re taking away from me are those lips. Now be quiet and let me kiss you.”

And I did just that.

His lips brushed against mine, his hand cupping the side of my face, and I let go. Fully, maybe for the first time ever.

Julian traced his palm down my side, directing my body to the ground. But as our kissing deepened, I stopped him once again.

Why?

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