“Not yet,” he said wistfully. “But I have dreams too, Shane.”
That was unexpected. Not that he had dreams, but that those dreams included romance. I never would have guessed that the Falcon Lord longed for such things. I guess everyone wants to be loved, even powerful, magical warlords.
“Hey, uh, I'm sorry about your, uh, bed partners,” I offered. “And your knights. How many died?”
The Falcon Lord's expression instantly went sorrowful. “In addition to the two soldiers who I was with, three of my knights were killed. Men who were like brothers to me.”
“I'm so sorry.”
“Thank you, but they weren't the only casualties. We found six more dead on the beach. It appears that before the Farungal came ashore, he drained the lives of those on watchtower duty, then he crept through the camp and killed my knights. They didn't even have a chance to cry out a warning. I know this since I nearly succumbed myself.” He gave me a heavy look. “I'm alive because of you, Shane.”
“You said thank you, that's enough for me,” I murmured and started eating.
“I've countered your first argument about immortality, what else have you got?” he shifted the conversation expertly.
“That's it, I suppose,” I admitted. “But accepting your offer isn't just about immortality.”
“Yes, you don't want to be a valorian,” the warlord murmured pensively. “You don't want theresponsibility.”
“Well, when you say it like that, it makes me sound like a prick.”
“You are a bit of a prick.”
I burst into shocked laughter. “Fair enough, Falcon Lord.”
“Call me Taeven,” he said softly.
“What?” I whispered, my humor shifting instantly to shock.
“That's my name.” The Falcon Lord, Taeven, said with a smirk. “I'd like you to use it, at least when we're alone.”
When we're alone; the words shivered through me.
“All right.”
“You still haven't said it.” He lifted an imperious brow.
“Taeven,” I said, and just speaking it was a sexual thrill. My hand clenched around my fork and it took every ounce of willpower I had to look away from the Falcon Lord.
“There, that wasn't so bad, was it?” Taeven's smile turned sensual.
Oh, fuck, this was not good.
“Sure. It's a nice name.”
“My family name is Rumerra. I find it interesting that it's so close to yours.”
“It's . . . how so?”
“Ruhara, Rumerra,” he spoke our names. “Don't you think they sound similar? Their beginnings and endings are the same. Like a good love affair, how you start and how you end are equally vital.”
“I suppose.” I thought about it. “But isn't the middle the best bit? Not how you begin or end, but how you get from one to the other. The meat of a relationship.”
Taeven's lips parted, his expression going surprisingly pleased. “Yes, I think you're right. In fact, the best romances don't have an ending.”
Immortality, I could hear the word lying beneath the others. Immortal lovers didn't have to lose each other. One wouldn't have to bury the other. Suddenly, I could see it; having him in my life forever, and a thrill of longing surged through me. All I'd have to do was say yes, and I'd have a chance at it. But those fuckers were right; I was afraid. A slice of fear cut off my voice and stopped me from accepting what the warlord offered. It was just too good to be true, and my father had warned me about offers like that.
“I'm giving you the day off tomorrow, Shane,” the Falcon Lord went on. “You'll spend it with me.”
