Page 99 of Kiss of Light

“The wholepointof finding your fated mate is to procreate,” she burst out. “You told me that yourself. You said it’s the only way Vetali can have kids. But shaitun can’t. Ever. So you’re wrong about me, Lemar. I’m not your mate.”

She made to get up but he yanked her down again.

“Is that what you think I care about?” he hissed. “Reproducing? I couldn’t give a flying fuck. I wantyou. I thought I’d made that clear.”

“But your heritage. Your heirs. How can I take that away from you? You should be with another Vetali who can give you those things.”

“Fate has chosenyou. And I’m not complaining. I love you, Tala. The only question is, what do you feel for me?”

“I…” she faltered. “I wasn’t lying before when I said shaitun don’t fall in love. But somehow I seem to have developed…feelingsfor you.”

He raised a brow.

“Feelings?”

“Yes. Strong feelings. But that doesn’t change anything. I can’t be your fated mate. It’s all wrong.”

His jaw worked in frustration.

“Let’s make it simple. Forget fate. Do you want to be with me?”

“It’s not that straightforward. How can we…”

“It’s a yes or no answer, Tala. Do you want to be with me?”

“Yes! Of course I do. But…”

“No buts. Be with me. Stay with me in Palissandra. It’s an impressive kingdom, you’ll love it. Or we can go back to New York, just as soon as the bounty crap is cleared up. Or Italy or France or, I don’t know, Timbuktu. I don’t give a shit as long as you’re with me.”

She gave a shaky laugh.

“Just a regular demon and vampire hanging out together?”

“Whatever you want. For as long as you want.”

“But what about your future? Shouldn’t you be with a Vetali producing little bloodsuckers of your own?”

“We can adopt.” He laughed out loud at her appalled expression. “Kidding. I swear to you, my love, I don’t want children. I only want you.”

“You say that now but what if you change your mind?”

“Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. I think we have a few hundred years before then.”

“What about your family? Your father?”

“When I tell him we’re fated, he’ll welcome you with open arms.”

“But what if…”

He cut off her protestations by the simple measure of covering her mouth with his own. He kissed her thoroughly, leaving her in no doubt that he was staking his claim.

“Now give me an answer,” he demanded without letting her go. “Will you stay with me?”

She should have told him no for his own good. Ended it cleanly. Made him promise to stay in Palissandra and find his true destiny.

But somehow she couldn’t summon the willpower.

“Yes,” she said tentatively.

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