“Because you’re ignoring them, and as much as I understand not wanting to mingle amongst humans, that’s not who you are. They’re worried. You’ve told them nothing about what’s going on, and they’re your family. Now, go shower and change and by the time you’re out, they’ll be here.”
His brows dipped, he blinked, and as if on autopilot, got up and went to do as I instructed.
When Natalie and Ben arrived, there was no hiding the worry on their faces. They sat with untouched drinks, and were noticeably nervous.
“He’ll be out in a moment.”
“Is he…” Ben cleared his throat. “Is he okay?”
“You three have a lot to talk about; it’s not my place to speak for Sam.”
It was only five minutes later that Sam walked into the living room. Ben and Natalie turned and as soon as Sam saw themthere, he burst into tears. Natalie and Ben were right there, arms around him, crying in tandem with him. I slipped out of the room and gave Sam time with his family.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Sam
On Lukas’s couch,I once more unloaded my news to my friends. They listened with tears in their eyes as I explained there was no fight to be had, after almost twenty-six years, my body has surrendered to cancer.
They asked how long I had, and I opened my mouth to answer but closed it. Wasn’t that the million-dollar question? Maybe a year, maybe forever? Could I tell them in one breath I was dying and in the another that Lukas was a vampire who offered me forever?
“Sam?” Natalie reached over and took my hand. “What is it? Is it like a week, I mean, I…” Her voice cracked.
“No, not a week.” My gaze involuntarily moved to where Lukas had exited the room almost an hour ago. “I have to tell you guys something else, and it’s going to sound crazy. You’ll think the cancer has well and truly burrowed itself into my brain, and I’m hallucinating.”
“Uh…okay.” Ben offered an encouraging smile. “Let’s hear it.”
“First, let me ask you both a question.” I couldn’t believe I was going to do this. “If you were dying, and someone told you they could save you, but the cost of you living forever would mean having to watch those you love die from old age, and you’d never be able to see those who had passed, would you take it?”
Natalie’s eyes widened. “Like, are we talking fantasy, a werewolf or vampire?”
I grinned. “Exactly like that.”
“You’re asking if a werewolf or vampire offered to bite me, would I accept it if it meant I could live?” Ben appeared confused and slightly placating.
“Yes. But you’d never see those who had died in heaven, and you’d be forced to watch those still living die, knowing you’d never join them.”
Natalie and Ben shared a look before she finally spoke. “Sam, why are you asking us that?”
“Remember when I said I’m not crazy?” They nodded in unison. “Okay, good. And you know me; I’m rational and realistic.”
“Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself?” Ben chuckled.
“Lukas is a vampire, and he offered to turn me to save me. He said I was his eternal, and all I’d have to do is say yes.” I blurted it out quickly.
Ben’s brows shot to his hairline, and Natalie’s mouth dropped.
“I’m not kidding, and he’s not giving me false hope. He showed me his fangs, the blood…he’s really a vampire.”
“You’re serious?” Ben tilted his head. “Sam, I don’t think you’re crazy, but hear me out. Is it possible he used fake fangs and it wasn’t actual blood?”
I rolled my eyes. “Do I look like an idiot?”
“No,” Natalie hurried to answer. “But, Sam, vampires?”
“Oh, believe me, Nat, if either one of you came to me and said any of this, I’d be giving you the same look you’re giving me. When Lukas told me, I likely did.”
“Uh-huh.” Ben turned his head in the direction of the entryway. “Lukas told you he was a vampire…” His gaze roamed throughout room. “All this art is insanely old, originals, some I’ve never seen.”
