Page 81 of Always Eros
“Obviously you can count on me,” Dimas says.
“Well then,” Yves says. “Sounds like we have a plan. We’ll descend on their compound at nightfall, and we won’t walk away until they’re dead.”
Thorn grins, rubbing his hands together. “Ooh, I do love a good fight.”
I’m glad he’s excited. As for me, I want to crawl out of my own skin. Whatever happens tonight, Justice has to walk away unscathed. If he’s harmed, I’ll burn this fucking city down.
Chapter Thirty
EROS
I enter my apartment and stop in my tracks, suddenly torn about how to protect Justice. Should I return him to the safe house? No. I shake my head. They could be in danger too. Leaving him here doesn’t seem right, but I could get Vivienne and Viper to come over. Yes. That’s the right approach. Both witches have enough power to protect him until I return.
Twisting my neck back and forth to push my beast down, I head down the hallway to find Justice lying in bed, propped up on pillows, and holding a book in his hand. My heart clenches.
“Where did you find that?”
Justice turns and looks at me with a huge grin. “You’re incredible. You deserve to be published, Eros. The world should read your stuff.”
“Thank you, but where did you find that?”
“On the shelf.” He points to my bookcase across the room. “It’s not like it was hidden. Who is it about? A lover?”
Shaking my head, I approach him. “No,” I answer, propping myself on the bed by his feet. “A desired lover. A fictional one. I had never loved someone the way I hoped I would.” I drag my finger over his bare thigh. “The way I love you.”
Justice’s mouth falls open and his cheeks turn pink. “Is that really true? It’s not just because it’s all new and exciting?”
“My sweet treasure. I’ve lived enough to know the difference. I knew you would be different the moment I saw your face. I haven’t stopped thinking of you even for one minute since. You are the muse who inspired all my poetic words.”
He closes the book and sets it down. “It’s amazing to hear that. I just don’t know—”
“I told you before, you’re under no obligation to return my feelings, but I’m sure in time you will. I believe we are fated mates. It was no accident that our lives merged.” I take his hand in mine. “I’d love to talk about this more, and we will, but for tonight, I need you to stay here with Viv and Viper.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Why would I do that?”
“We’ve learned some dangerous information about the vampires who were hunting Hale. They are looking for former members of Nightsky with the intention to kill. You’re safer here than anywhere else.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“Attack.”
Justice blows out a breath and leans back. “Where?”
“We hope to find them closer to Sable Cove. Trust me, Justice, I don’t want to leave you, but I have to eliminate this threat to know you are truly safe.”
He nods, biting his bottom lip. I reach over and gently tug it free before pressing a kiss to his mouth. He smiles, but there’s an unusual glimmer of mischief in his eyes.
“It’s cute that you think I’m going to stay here while you go out and save the world.”
I cock my head. “What?”
“I’m an adult, Eros. Granted, not the most worldly one, but still legally allowed to make my own choices. I’m going with you.”
“Absolutely fucking not. These are vampires we’re dealing with, Justice. Killer, vicious vampires. They would attack a mortal without batting an eye. I cannot let you expose yourself that way.”
His face falls. “You’re right. Yeah. Okay. I’ll stay here.”
I scoot closer, pulling his hands into mine. “I want you to have everything you want in life. In order for that to come true, I have to do this tonight.”