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She was quiet for a few seconds. “It works for us because we make it work. It took me time to get used to being with a man my heart doesn’t sing for. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a deep fondness for him. He’s always been kind to me and generous. We have a deep respect for each other. But...”

He focused on the screen, his gut tightening. His mom had never spoken about this before, although he’d always known there was no passion in his parents union. “But what?”

“I wonder what being with a male I truly loved would have been like.”

Blaze shook his head. “It would be terrifying. You’d always be scared you’d lose him. Or he’d screw up, and you’d have to decide whether to live with the mistake or have your heart ripped out by walking away.”

“It sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”

“So have you.”

She arched an eyebrow then nodded. “Perhaps. Despite not having a huge passion for my union, I still don’t want to lose your father.”

“No, but you’ve got a great arrangement. It works for both of you, and you have the bonus that neither of you have your heart at risk.”

“That’s true. And the family name rose in the ranks when we formed this alliance. It has been effective for everyone. But sometimes, effective isn’t always...”

“Exciting?” His thoughts went back to Eden. She excited him. And it wasn’t just her passion he craved. He would die for her. And that wasn’t a good thing when you were forming an alliance that benefited a planet.

“Yes, exciting and scary,” his mom said. “And although you’ve never said it, that is what you crave.”

Part of Blaze was already lost to Eden, but he had to hold onto the fragment that was still his own. He needed to forge a life without her in it.

“Things you crave are often bad for you,” he said.

“They are. It’s why we have these unions. But your unhappiness makes me sad. I wish we could find a way for you to have both.”

“Perhaps you can. These matches you keep finding me could work.”

“It’s possible. And you still have a little time.”

“I don’t need any more time.” He sat up straight. “When I get back to the Apocalypse, I’ll inform Cleo about my decision to leave. She may even let me out of service early if I can find a suitable replacement.”

A cautious smile spread across his mom’s face. “I would love to have you home.”

“Here are the files.” His dad returned to the seat next to his mom. “There’s an interesting match you should consider in this batch. She’s from a small realm, but the family has recently mined a rare mineral. They’ll be coming into a significant amount of wealth. It’s an alliance worth considering. The match is also pleasing to the eye.”

“Lothar, you shouldn’t be leering over our son’s prospects.”

“I’m not leering. I only have eyes for you.” He kissed the back of her hand.

“Send them through. I’ll take a look,” Blaze said.

“You’ve made the right choice. We can’t wait to have you home. I’ll send you the file shortly,” his dad said.

Blaze looked at his mom. There was still concern in her eyes. She’d have sympathy for his feelings for Eden, but she’d know the match could never be made. Not if he wanted to be a part of respectable Apexian society.

“I’ll speak to you soon.” He ended the call and sank back against the couch. This was it. The decision had been made. He’d get this mess fixed. He’d distance himself from Eden and the Apocalypse and focus on his family duties.

His heart curled in on itself. He was moving on. He should feel happy or at least content.

But he didn’t, and the hollow ache in his stomach grew.

A scuffling, growling noise had him jerking upright. Blaze looked around the room. Whatever that was, it didn’t sound happy.

He cocked his head, listening for the noise again.

There was a small thud from underneath the couch.

He tipped off the seat and peered underneath.

There was a brief flash of white claws and fangs then pain exploded through his veins as the fangs attached to his arm and bit down hard.