Page 101 of Always Eros

“Understood,” Callias says. He rises to his feet and shakes Yves hand. He approaches Hale, whispering something, then he takes off into the night.

“What about Hale?” Justice asks.

“Hale…” Yves says, turning to the vampire. “Hale is welcome at the House of the Orpheus, if he wishes.”

A rare smile spreads across Hale’s face. “I’d like that.”

“Now what?” Justice asks, looking around at the madness.

Buildings burn and people flee to the street since our vampire friends have demolished the walls.

“Now we make sure we get all these people to safety.” I turn to him, putting my hands on his shoulders. “I’m very proud of you. You were incredibly brave tonight, and I admire the humanity still running through your veins. Hold on to it as long as you can.”

He puts his hands on my chest, gazing up at me with the prettiest smile I’ve seen yet. “It’s a new beginning in so many ways. My parents are free, Nightsky is done, and I’m a vampire.” He shrugs. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

I lean down and kiss his forehead. “I’ll be with you every step of the way to help you figure it out.”

“I know. I don’t know much, but I do know that.”

We both turn to the sound of a vehicle honking. A huge bus pulls up the gravel drive, coming to a loud stop. The driver’s door opens and Carina steps out on the door ledge, waving.

Justice laughs, running toward her. “What’s this?”

“I started thinking about how you’d get all those people to me, and I figured out I better come to you. I have two more buses on the way, and we have teams working on getting the rec center and gym converted to bedrooms for the time being.” Her eyes shift past Justice to me. “This is all your doing, isn’t it?”

“Not at all. What happened here tonight was nothing but destiny.”

“You know, I really believe that. Nothing is a coincidence.”

Justice turns to me and smiles so bright, he could light up the night. Behind him, his parents and sister walk up. As much as I’d hoped to hide him away in my bed for a few nights, he needs time to reconnect with his family.

I walk over to him and kiss his cheek. “Go with your family. I’ll be at home when you’re ready to return.”

“Home?” He drags his hand down my chest. “I live with you?”

“I hope you want to. I’m ready for it all with you. Whatever comes next.”

He rises on his toes and presses a chaste kiss full of promises to my lips. “I can’t wait to start.”

Chapter Forty-Three

JUSTICE

It’s a few hours since we took down Nightsky when I arrive in front of the Orpheus apartments again. To say it’s strange talking to parents I haven’t really seen in person for years is an understatement, but now I know why. It’s changed everything.

I wave to Carina as I exit the car and walk up the long sidewalk, knowing my family and the other survivors are safe with her. There’s a feeling of peace I’ve never known until now.

The front doors open before I get halfway up the walk, and Eros is there, his expression one of longing. I break into a sprint to reach him faster, tumbling into him when I reach him, but he steadies us as we both laugh.

“I missed you too,” he says, kissing me softly. “Oh, how I missed you.”

“I have so much to tell you.” I cup his face. “But first, I need you.”

“I’m here. Come.”

Taking my hand, he leads me to the elevators, but he pushes the button for the roof instead of his floor. I’m curious but totally along for the ride. I’m going wherever Eros is going.

When the doors open, we step outside and walk to the center, where there’s a blanket laid out and a small tray with glasses on it.

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