Page 27 of Eternally Bound

“Do you think what Nico senses may be the issue?” He inhales the smoke, and I look at Madeline.

“I’ve noticed something different from the start this time. Maybe, but my immediate concern is not repeating the past. How do I save her? Changing her has never worked. What will happen when he bites me?” I look at Gaius, praying he has some knowledge on the subject.

“Save your prayers, Erik. No one is listening. I have no comfort to give, old friend. I doubt her bite will kill you if that is what you’re worried about. If her venom was poisonous to you, so would her blood.

That isn’t as comforting as I’m sure he meant it to be.

“But how? I’ve never, you know,” Madeline snaps her jaw a few times in mock biting motion.

“That I can help with.” Gaius puts his cigar out and grins.

“What are you doing?” I know that look in his eyes very well.

I leads to nothing good.

“Lady Mathias needs to get angry. Rage will trigger her change.” He claps his hands and looks around the room.

“Maybe a change in venue? Would want to ruin the upholstery.” He opens the veranda doors and ushers us onto the patio.

“Wonderful. Erik, do you remember that summer in Paris? The one where we performed the London Bridge on that pretty blonde woman? What was her name?” My eyes bulge out.

That never fucking happened. I’m shaking my head in refusal, but his efforts prove fruitful when a loud growl startles me.

“Beloved?” She’s fallen on her hands and knees with her back arched.

“Madeline, none of that was true. I love you. Please don’t eat me.” I go to move her hair out of her face.

She launches herself at me.

We tumble off the stone into the grass.

“GAIUS YOU ASSHOLE!” I wrestle with my wife, who is fully turned and going for my juggler.

I take a split second to admire her white fur. The softness of it between my fingers as I lock my arms so she can’t take my head off.

“Stop your whining. It worked. Be a good lad and let her claim you.”

FUCK.

“Madeline, I love you,” I turn my head and stop fighting her.

Her jaw snaps on my shoulder, and a small growl vibrates through her body right before she shifts back to human. I cradle her naked body to mine.

She moans softly as I rub her back.

“Fabulous. My work here is done.” I glare at him.

“Gaius,” He holds up his hand.

“Your job isn’t done. Forgive my bluntness,” that’s a first, I think as I roll my eyes.

“Go fuck your wife and make cute little…puppies?”

It’s my turn to growl at him.

He winks and returns to the manor, leaving the veranda doors open for us. I adjust Madeline in my arms and stand. Kissing her forehead, I’m pleased to find her skin cool but clammy.

“Erik,” she moans and fidgets in my arms.

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