Page 89 of Feral

Yannis

“This means a lot to me.”

I brush my fingers over Hale’s cheek as we lie naked together in his bed. “I know. It means a lot to me too.”

“I have to ask you again. Are you positive this is what you want? You’re trembling.”

“I’m nervous because I don’t know what to expect, but I want this. I swear I’d tell you if I wasn’t ready.” I trace my finger over a pink scar on his chest. It looks months old rather than hours. “These will heal completely?”

He glances down at the scar. “By morning they’ll be gone.”

“And that will happen to me if I ever get hurt?”

“Yes. You can feel pain just like you can feel pleasure, but it’s much less severe than if you were mortal.”

“Is the pleasure less intense too?”

He smiles. “No. Pleasure is intensified in most cases. There are some mortal delights that have little effect on us, but anything that triggers lust, whether for blood or sex, has an impact.”

“What doesn’t?”

“Anything meant to be intoxicating. Alcohol, drugs, even food. Thorn can ingest enough drugs to kill an army of elephants and he’s barely buzzed. Most of us don’t bother with such pursuits.”

I nod, biting my lip. “So no more food?”

“In the beginning, you can usually ingest small amounts of mortal food and beverages, but you’ll find that over time your body tolerates it less and you don’t desire it.” He rubs his thumb over the vein in my neck. “All you’ll want at first is blood.”

A shiver runs through me. “How will I get it? At Lair?”

“You’ll get it from me initially, and then yes, Lair is a good option. In our modern era, it isn’t necessary to hunt as we used to. Rhett tells me we have three donors ready to start.”

“You’ll show me how to do it?”

He smiles. “Yes, but your instincts will guide you.”

“And most of the time I’ll just look like me?”

He nods. “Yes, but be aware that at first your beast will rule you, and little things will trigger you. Over time, you’ll learn how to control it.”

“Okay.”

“The good news is that living here and being at Lair are very helpful. You can be yourself there and not worry about exposure.”

“You want me to stay here with you, right?”

“Of course. Unless you’d prefer to live somewhere else. Whatever you need to be happy and comfortable, I’ll do.”

“It’s beautiful here, but we should decorate.”

Hale chuckles. “Yes, we should.” He cups my face. “I’ll take good care of you, Yannis. Whatever you desire is yours.”

“Just you. That’s more than enough.”

He presses a kiss to my lips. “Do you have more questions?”

I shake my head even though my stomach is twisted in knots. I know I’m ready though. I want this. “Let’s do it.”

“Look into my eyes, and as you do, breathe out and relax. You’re safe with me, Yannis.”