Page 71 of Forever Midnight

I blow out a breath as painful memories burn in my chest.

“I was despondent. His rejection brought me to my knees. I holed up in my room for weeks, refusing to come out until Yves and Syn forced me to feed. By that time, I was close to my own ruin. So weak I couldn’t walk or hold my head up. But they stood by me. Tended to me until I was well. In the meantime, the revolt was taking shape. The unrest that would eventually become known as the French Revolution. Benedict defied his parents and showed up to a protest to learn about the cause of the commoners.”

“Wow. Brave enough to do that but not brave enough to tell his parents he was gay?”

“Ironic, right?” I clear my throat of the emotion building there. “I was there out of curiosity. When he saw me, he fled. It was the last time I saw him before he took his own life.”

“Damn.”

“His last words to me were said in anger. He told me I had no right to claim his heart when I was a monster.”

Tru grabs my hand. “You’re not a monster. You’re not. He just didn’t understand, but he does now. I can feel it. He knows now.” Tru gasps, nodding. “He realized as he took his last breaths that he was wrong. He hoped somehow you would learn that you had his whole heart.”

“Is he speaking to you now?”

“It’s like a feeling inside me. An impression.”

“Tru.” I squeeze his hand. “You’re not afraid of me?”

“Not even a little bit. If you wanted to hurt me, you’ve had plenty of opportunities.”

“Do I…” I can barely make myself ask. “Do I disgust you?”

He scoffs. “No. I think you’re amazing, Midnight. I’ve never felt as good as I do when I’m with you. I told you earlier I was falling for you, and I meant it. That’s why I told my mom about us, and it’s why I’m gonna tell my dad. I don’t think he’ll reject me, but if he does, I’ll learn to live with it. Do you know why?”

I shake my head. “Why?”

“Because you have my whole heart, Midnight, and I’ll be okay no matter what as long as we’re together.” He smiles. “And those words are one hundred percent mine.”

“I cannot believe after all this time…A love for me. I waited centuries for you, Tru. I will spend the rest of them by your side, if you’ll have me.”

“I’ll definitely have you.” He scoots closer so he can climb into my lap. With his knees on either side of my legs, he wraps his arms around my neck. “Are you gonna make me a vampire?”

I search his eyes, seeking his emotions. “Would you consider it?”

His expression turns serious. “I already am considering it. I just want to fix this thing with Vinni first, and then I’ll be able to focus on the future. Our future. Is that okay?”

“Baby, it’s perfect.”

ChapterTwenty-Eight

TRU

Dragging my hands down Midnight’s chest, I notice his skin is cooler than usual. When I meet his gaze again, there’s no doubt in my mind that his eyes have an otherworldly glow to them. He parts his lips, revealing shiny white fangs.

With a slight gasp, I reach up to feel the sharp tips. “You didn’t bite me earlier.”

“No, I swear to Hades, but I won’t lie and say I didn’t want it more than anything in the universe.”

“But you bit Benedict?”

“Once, yes. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t have his consent. I was less in control of my beast back then.”

“You decide when it comes out?”

“To some extent. There are times when the bloodlust is too strong and I can’t control it. Anger, desire…” He draws in a breath. “Those two emotions make it difficult. I’ve had to turn away from you several times to avoid detection.”

“That must have been what I felt.” I rub my neck in the spot where it stung, feeling smooth flesh. “A memory.”

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