It’s insane. Incomprehensible.
It’s—
Right.
I freeze. It’s not the word, it’s the voice. It doesn’t sound so strange anymore.
And if last night hadn’t happened, if they hadn’t had lost control, would we be here now? Would I be feeling this way? As horrific as their suffering was… it brought them to me, and I made a choice. Immediately.
Kane’s still touching me, fingers trailing up and down my spine. Ezekial grazes my hip. Sai’s hand, even over the covers, now holds my ankle, his thumb stroking the bone. Only Julienisn’t touching me… huh.
“When do you need to feed?”
Julien blinks at my sudden question, deep maroon eyes meeting mine. “I am sated.”
Sai finally swallows then scoffs.“Liar.”
Julien glares, Sai grins back.
“That’s not what I asked,” I say, finishing my last bite of toast. “You said everyone eats on Fridays. Did you?”
“I… no.”He looks away, flustered, such a rare look that I find undeniably sweet.
“Why didn’t he feed?”I direct at Sai, knowing he’ll always answer.
He smirks.“I’m not the only one who wishes you were on the tray, baby.”
“Oh,” I say aloud, and everyone looks at me, but I focus on Julien. “So do you need to feed weekly or…?”
His gaze flickers to mine, and it’s wary. “When the need arises.”
I roll my eyes, then shift to face Julien fully. “When do you need to feed from me again?”
His lips part, close, and then he goes completely still.
I’ve never seen Julien so… human before. He’s not prepared, he’s speechless. All his layers fall away, no more charming, elegant vampire with endless strategies and plans, all that’s left is the man.
Then his gaze deepens, becoming molten. “I didn’t… I was uncertain if you would…”
“Unless you don’t want that?” My voice is smaller than I expected. “I just thought… assumed you’d want to—”
Julien tenses like he’s about to flit, so I stop. Did I say the wrong thing?
I look to the others for guidance, but now they’re all focused on him, expressions mixed with concern and confusion.
“Yes. I want that.” Julien winces like the words fell out before he could stop them. Then he releases a slow, shuddering breath, and his eyes sweep up to lock with mine. And the hunger, the raw, burning, aching need, rushes through me. “Always.”
Sothat’show he feels. His pupils dilate, black seeping into the rich maroon as he stares at me and my heart pounds at the darkness peering out.
“I think we need to pause this conversation,” Ezekial suggests, eyeing the encroaching shadows. “Julien.”
But Julien doesn’t move, doesn’t acknowledge anyone as his eyes slip to my throat and darken.
Until his shoulder’s knocked by a crackle of blue. “Dude.” Julien blinks, eyes landing on Sai. “Down boy.”
He glares at the taunt, but Sai never looks away as he holds up two fingers. “Zeek, make thattwomuzzles.”
Julien exhales a laugh through his nose, lips twitching. Sai grins back just as deviously, like they’re sharing something in that one look, especially when Julien adds a non-committal shrug.
