another bone-crushing embrace.
“I can’t believe you’re really here,” Snod whispered, tucking his face against his hair. “You’re here.”
“And I’m not going anywhere,” Athaliah promised fiercely. “We’re both free now.”
“I don’t have to go back,” Snod sighed heavily in relief. “I’m done.”
“Go back?” Athaliah was untangling himself in an instant, scowling as he demanded, “What are you
talking about? Why would you have even thought about going back there?”
“Obe?” Frankie’s voice was calling for him, worry evident in its pitch.
Snod turned his head, his pulse thudding in dread. He really hoped that Frankie hadn’t heard that, but
almost certainly he had. He knew vampires had extraordinary hearing, hoping that he would be given
a chance to explain himself properly.
The Order didn’t matter now. Fulfilling his mission to Father Sanguis was as pointless as his internal
obligation to hate himself because of a lifetime of abusive and perverse lessons. He was finally free
to be who he had always wanted to be and love whoever the hell he wanted.
When he saw Frankie coming around the corner with his flawless face wrinkled up in concern for
him, he knew exactly who he wanted that special someone to be.
Frankie.
Always sweet and beautiful Frankie.
“I’m fine,” Snod said quickly, scowling faintly when he saw Lorenzo tagging along behind him.
“And who is this?” Frankie asked carefully, minding his movements to appear as human as possible.
“This is my brother, Athaliah.” Snod smiled brightly, practically gushing as he explained, “He ran
away... he’s... he’s been looking for me.” He shook his head, not about to get too personal with
Lorenzo standing right there, turning his head to address his brother, saying, “This is Frankie, my
boyfriend.”
“Oohhh,” Athaliah purred, giggling excitedly, “he is freakin’ cute! Okay, no wonder you left! Fuck,
totally get it now!” He cleared his throat, asking quietly, “And, uh, who is the vampire?”
“Wait, you think...” Snod stared, taking a few seconds to catch up, grimacing miserably. “No! The
vampire is Frankie.”
“Freakin’ cute, huh?” Lorenzo piped up, blushing shyly and tucking his braids back behind his ears.
“I will end you,” Snod hissed, possessively pulling Athaliah to his side. He tried to rectify the
misunderstanding as he said, “The vampire is my boyfriend, Athaliah. That idiot is Lorenzo.”
