Page 88 of Let Sleeping Vampires Lie

“But I also know this,” he said, thumb brushing my cheek. “I would risk it.”

The words hit like a physical blow.

“I would risk the bond,” he said. “I would risk the loss of control. I would risk the consequences that could echo for centuries.”

“Why?” I whispered.

“Because losing you,” he said quietly, “would destroy me far more thoroughly than any bond ever could.”

My breath stumbled.

He continued, voice steady despite the emotion bleeding into every syllable.

“If you are hurt—if you are dying—if instinct takes over and you bite, I will not fight you.”

“Con—”

“I won’t,” he said firmly. “You won’t have to steal from me. I’ll offer. Willingly. With full awareness. I’ll give you what you need because I won’t watch you fade when I could save you. And whatever the consequences, I will deal with them.”

I trembled against him.

“You can’t say that,” I whispered. “You can’t make that promise.”

“I just did.”

“Con, your blood⁠—”

“I know what my blood does,” he said. “I know how potent it is. I know what taking it would do. I know it could tie you to me in ways that terrify you.”

“I don’t want to lose myself,” I murmured.

He lowered his forehead to mine, breath brushing my lips. “You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

His fingers threaded into my hair, holding me steady. “I know you. I know me. I trust us more than I fear that bond.”

My eyes stung.

He lifted my chin gently. “Look at me.”

I did.

Golden eyes, as steady as dawn.

“If it ever happens,” he whispered, “if the world corners you and your body screams for blood, if you reach for me, I will be there. Fully conscious. Fully consenting. Fully yours.”

A shudder ran through me so strong it made my whole frame shake.

“And afterward?” I breathed.

“Afterward,” he murmured, “I will tell you everything. No lies. No shields. No claiming you without your knowledge.”

My throat locked up. “And if I can’t live with it?”

He swallowed. “Then we find a way to break the bond. Even if it costs me my life.”

That undid me.