Love was a spectacular emotion; not just to experience himself, but to smell it on his brother made
him happy. It rivaled his supernatural urge to feed, and when he focused on it, he could remember
how much he adored Athaliah.
Snod had always tried to protect him and take care of him. He had no doubts that Lorenzo would do
anything for him because he knew that he really did love him.
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Snod said at last. “Although I do enjoy terrifying him, I know
that you’ll both be very happy together.”
“And what about you, brother dearest?” Athaliah asked, his eyes sparkling. “Are you happy?”
“Yes,” Snod replied immediately, smiling brightly. He found Frankie chatting with Dwayne and
Mandy a few yards away; their eyes met and they exchanged a smile.
I’m going to fuck you so hard when we get home...
Frankie grinned.
Bring it on.
“Very happy,” Snod purred.
“And being a vampire?” Athaliah asked curiously. “You happy with that, too?”
“I’m working on it,” Snod said honestly, frowning for a moment. “Am I really so different?”
“Yup,” Athaliah laughed. “You sort of... I dunno. You go away for a while, like it’s not really you.
Like right now, yeah, you’re my Obie. But later, you won’t be.”
Snod’s frown deepened.
“It’s okay,” Athaliah reassured him, squeezing his hand tight. “It makes the moments when I know
you’re awake in there even more special.”
“I do love you,” Snod said earnestly. “It’s... harder now. But I always will.”
“Damn right,” Athaliah scolded affectionately, glancing up to say farewell to some of the departing
patrons. He looked back to Snod, finding him gazing longingly over at Frankie and snorted, “Why
don’t you two go home?”
“We still have to close up.”
“Mandy and I can handle that,” Athaliah scoffed. “Besides, isn’t it getting close to your bedtime?”
Snod scowled, but he knew the sun would be up in a few hours. He also knew better than to argue
with Athaliah once he had made up his mind, nodding as he sighed, “Fine.”
Athaliah giggled, standing up to embrace him. He held him close, rubbing his hands over his back,
