Page 87 of Always Eros
I take his hand from Tru, holding it to my chest. “Justice,” I whisper. “My treasure. My mate. Tell me what to do.”
Leaning down, I press my ear to his chest, listening to his weakened heart. For a moment, I imagine a world without Justice’s light in it, and the pain that spreads through me rocks me to my core.
I can’t let him die.
I’d rather he hate me and live than love me and die.
I rise, using my nail to slash my wrist open. As my blood drips into his mouth, I whisper, “Forgive me, Justice. I pray when you wake, you’ll understand.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
EROS
Back at my unit, I continue my vigil beside Justice, watching helplessly as he convulses. His mortal soul is strong, fighting off death, but it’s losing the battle. Very soon, Justice will release the body and life he’s always known, and join me on my eternal walk.
My emotions continue to war against each other. I’m equal parts elated and terrified. What if he leaves me?
A knock on the door irritates me, but I grumble a, “Come in,” before clutching Justice’s hand in mine.
“Hey, Eros.”
It’s Viper.
“Hi.”
“I know you want to be alone with Justice, but…”
I turn to face her when she doesn’t finish her sentence. “But?”
“I wondered if you’d let me do a bit of energy work on you. I think it would help.”
“Help what?”
Her expression softens as she approaches me slowly. She looks like she’d be a tough badass with all her tattoos and black clothing, and I suspect she can be, but when she’s with us, she’s nothing but warmth and softness.
“Justice can feel everything you feel. Don’t you know this?”
I pull my head back slightly. “How do you know this?”
She chuckles, placing gentle fingers on my shoulder. “I know you’re all trying to protect me. Even Viv won’t fess up, but I’m very observant. I know what you are.”
“You do?”
She nods. “Almost since the beginning. I had hoped to gain Yves’s trust enough for him to tell me.” She shrugs. “I know he’s a tough nut to crack.”
“He trusts you. I think we were waiting for Viv to tell you. Or waiting for you to decide you really wanted to stay with us.”
“Yeah, you guys are stuck with me. I love this job, but mostly it’s nice to be myself. No one here wants me to change or fit into some arbitrary standards.”
“No.”
She takes my free hand in hers and holds it in her lap. “So I did some research about vampires. I think Justice would heal better, turn better, if your energy was happier. I know you’re worried, but what’s done is done. Send him love, Eros. Make sure he knows he’s safe and wanted here. Help him.”
I nod, gazing into her hypnotic eyes. “Yes. Do your energy work.”
She lets go of my hand. “Close your eyes.”
I do, sensing it as she kneels before me. She’s not touching me at all, but I feel her presence, warm and comforting, as it pushes away my grief and fear. My heart actually fucking flutters in my chest, beating harder than it has in centuries, and my lungs fill with air.