Page 39 of Always Eros

I inhale the bouquet of the blood cocktail he gave me before taking a sip. “Justice will need to be eased into Thorn’s level of hedonism.”

“As we all required.”

We both laugh.

“But seriously,” Raph continues. “Do you think you could keep Justice?”

“I have no idea, my friend. I used the trick you taught me, and it was wonderful, but not nearly enough.”

Raphael grins. “It is only meant to be an appetizer before the feast. Perhaps tonight you can get your fill.”

“I wish I could, but I hold back. He’s inexperienced in the ways of the world.”

“A virgin?”

“No, actually, but he’s been kept in containment like an animal. Besides, he has no idea who he’s dealing with by choosing my company.”

“Your restraint has always been admirable. You’ll be careful. I’m sure of it.”

“Careful, yes, but I have my limits, just as anyone does. He stirs parts of me I had forgotten about.”

Raphael grins. “That is wonderful, isn’t it?”

“I think so. He doesn’t raise the alarms I’m used to feeling around mortals.”

“That in itself is promising. Where will you take him?”

“Maybe I’ll take him to Chaos.”

Raphael raises his eyebrows. “A kink club straight of out the gate?”

Chuckling, I sip my cocktail, shaking my head. “Just the dance club downstairs. I like the vibe there. The only place better is Lair, but I can’t take Justice there.”

“No. His scent would drive everyone mad.”

“Exactly. If he ever steps foot in there, it will only be because he knows what I am.”

Raphael swirls his glass with a smirk on his face.

“What?” I ask.

“Oh nothing. I’m just enjoying the fact that you’re obviously considering the idea that he could be the one you keep. Perhaps fate will shine on you too, brother.”

“Perhaps. What once was just folly is now tangible again, thanks to Syn and Midnight. I’m cautiously hopeful that my path crossed with Justice’s for a reason.”

“I am too. After all these centuries, what a joy it would be to find an endless love. Part of me is too afraid to hope it will happen to all of us. Well, specifically me. It’s all I’ve wanted, but it remains out of reach.”

His confession isn’t shocking to me. I know Raphael better than most. He often hides behind his stoic, brooding artist persona, but inside all he wants is someone to love.

“I have hope. After Syn I thought it was a fluke, but now there’s Midnight too. It’s not random. After all these years, I believe fate has deemed us worthy. I have no idea whether Justice is meant for me for good, but I know I want to try, and that in itself is incredible.”

“I agree. I’ll borrow some of your hope.”

“That’s the spirit. Stranger things have happened.”

Raphael laughs. “This is true. Have fun tonight.”

“I plan to.”

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