Page 74 of Always Eros

“It likely wasn’t pleasant or anything you even thought about, but when a vampire tastes blood, it is like…” I pause as my fangs threaten to descend. “It is the only thing you really want. That is… until you meet someone who fascinates you more than your bloodlust ever could.”

Justice stares at me, his face revealing his awe. “Your eyes are glowing.”

“I desire you, Justice,” I admit. “More than anything.”

“More than blood?”

I close my eyes for a moment to calm my beast. “More than anyone else’s blood.”

“You want mine?”

“Gods of lore, I do. I want everything of yours. I want your body in my bed, your scent all over my skin, and yes, I would bathe in your blood if you allowed it.”

He moves back slightly.

“Do not fear me, my beautiful, sweet Justice. I would never harm you or take anything you did not give me permission to have.”

He swallows hard, nodding. “Does it hurt?”

“Becoming a vampire hurts. Becoming my lover does not.”

“Drinking my blood?”

“No. It is euphoric.”

He visibly shivers. “Oh wow. Your teeth.”

“My beast desires to be near you. But you see, I am in control of myself. You are safe.”

“Your beast. Is it separate from you?”

“Not exactly. I am always a vampire, but when necessary, I can show only the man.”

Justice nods, the crinkle between his brows present again. “I think I understand. Is it possible, I mean, do you think we could be, um…”

“Fated mates?”

Justice nods.

“I was afraid to hope for it.” I scoot closer, relieved when he doesn’t flinch or move back. “I spent decades longing for a mate of my own, only to give up all hope. Then you came into my life. The way I feel about you, Justice, is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I kept it in so as not to overwhelm you. I wanted to take things as slow as necessary, but I didn’t expect all of this madness around us. I don’t know what is right when it comes to a mortal. Is it better to let them fall in love not knowing my true nature, or tell them up front? My only guidance with you has been my heart.”

“Okay, but um, what if I say I want to be with you, but I don’t think I can do the vampire thing?”

“Then I would tell you that I accept whatever you give me, and there is no rush. Maybe it’s decades from now when you decide. The only rush is your mortal life expectancy. I will always be here.”

He nods, biting that bottom lip I so desperately wish I could suck. “So I have time to think about it?”

“All that you need.”

“And you think it’s possible we’re fated mates?”

My eyelids flutter as a feeling of absolute rightness settles over me. “This conversation is proof. I believe if we weren’t, you’d be running for the hills right now.”

“A tiny part of me thinks I should run, but a much bigger part wants to be with you. So much. I hated being apart. I’m scared that I’m falling for the first man I met after being freed, but at the same time, I can’t pretend not to notice how good I feel with you. I still don’t know how I feel about the vampire thing, but I know how I feel about the man. I’m not running, Eros. I want to be your lover, and if we’re really fated mates, then I want to love you.” He blows out a shaky breath. “Oh, do I want to love you.”

“I cannot think of a higher honor.”

Justice crawls across the sofa to me and straddles my lap, his arms draped around my shoulders. “Thank you for considering me and for telling me the truth tonight. I know you care.”

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