Page 37 of Always Eros

“They never found you?”

“Never.” She smiles. “From that moment forward, I made it my mission to rescue as many people as possible. I knew all the places the members went. I threw flyers over the compound walls, I even called sometimes. I was threatened with death more times than I can count. A disciple told me that they would make my mother’s life hell if I didn’t stop what I was doing.” She blows out a breath. “I had to make the decision to value myself and the freedom of those who were able to be saved over her well-being. I knew she would never leave. Not after what she did to Elaina.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. That was many years ago, and look around you now, Justice. Look what came of that pain. You’re here. Hundreds of others have been through here and now live normal, well-adjusted lives. This was my purpose.”

“I’m so glad you found me.”

“Me too. I sensed something in you the day I approached. I don’t know what it was, but I just knew I could get to you. Maybe there was a tiny crack I could slip into. You needed the truth and I had it.”

I nod, glancing at my folded hands. “That tiny crack. Yeah. I feared I would be deemed unworthy. I broke the rules twice that they knew of. I broke them a lot more than that. I was scared of what would happen to me.”

“Rightfully so. Your instinct saved you. My goal is to expose the truth to everyone. I just need evidence. I need proof of what they do there and the evil behind the Supreme Being.”

The story Eros told me lingers in my mind. “Did you ever hear rumors about… well… vampires?”

I’m expecting her to laugh or look at me like I’m crazy, but instead she pulls her head back. “Why do you ask that?”

“There was a situation, years ago, but I never forgot. The man was so bloody, and he kept saying ‘vampire.’ I have these dreams sometimes, Carina. Dreams of vampires.”

She nods, glancing around before leaning closer. “As much as I want to discount the rumors, some of them sound authentic, but I don’t know. I’ve never seen or heard proof.”

I nod, chewing my bottom lip. “Just wondering.”

“At this point, honestly, nothing would shock me. Why not vampires?”

I laugh a little. “Yeah. So I can call my friend and visit with him?”

“That’s a decision you can make for yourself, but please be careful, Justice. You’re more vulnerable than you know. You’re at the mercy of whoever you’re with as you make sense of the world.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“Okay. We’ll get you set up with a cell phone this afternoon.”

“Thank you. And I really appreciate hearing about Elaina. She didn’t die in vain.”

“I know.” Carina smiles. “I sense something in you still, Justice. I think you’re going to do great things.”

“I don’t plan to waste this opportunity.”

I leave the breakfast room and wander outside to sit under the tree. The sun shining down on me and warming my skin feels amazing, but not as good as the moon did last night. Or maybe that was just Eros. I can’t wait to call him and see him again.

Carina is right to warn me, but my gut tells me Eros is the safest person I could choose to be with outside of these walls. It’s just a feeling, but since my instinct got me this far, I’m gonna keep trusting it.

Chapter Thirteen

EROS

While lounging in my favorite armchair, my phone vibrates with a rare call. Hades help the caller if the telemarketers have discovered my number again.

“Hello,” I answer in a gruff voice.

“Eros?”

I sit up straight. “Justice. Hello. How are you?”

“Good. Guess what?”

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