Page 88 of Always Eros

As I blow it out, the tension gripping my muscles releases with it. The relief is tangible and truly mind-blowing. Her hand moves over my head next, drawing visions of Justice and his gorgeous smile to mind.

I sway back and forth as thoughts of a future with Justice swirl around me. Viper blows warm breath on my face, pushing away any remnants of bad feelings.

“Open your eyes,” she says softly.

I do, blinking rapidly. “Mighty Hades. You are incredible.”

She stands, putting her hands on my shoulders. “Now, focus all that love and hope on Justice.” She leans in, kissing my forehead, then silently turns to leave.

I shift my gaze to Justice, whose thrashing has slowed considerably. I lift his hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

“Wake up, my love. You’re safe now. You’re safe forever.” As his eyes move behind his lids, I lean in and kiss his lips. “I love you, Justice. Please come back to me.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

JUSTICE

So dark.

And cold. I hear Eros but I can’t find him in the darkness.

Justice. Please come back.

With a jolt, my eyes fly open and there he is. My angel. I sink into the mattress beneath me with relief.

“There you are.” I cough from the strain of speaking. “Wha-what happened?”

Eros grips my hand, holding it to his chest. His brow is creased with worry, but he’s still so gorgeous my stomach flutters.

“My darling,” he whispers. “Please forgive me. I had no choice.”

“Forgive you?” I search my hazy brain for the reason he’s so upset, but find nothing. “Why?” The sounds around me are so loud, I cringe. Voices, shoes scraping on floors, and a loud thumping noise. “I don’t feel right.”

“Justice…” Eros kisses my hand. “I… I turned you.”

“Turned me? I don’t understand.”

“You were dying. Bleeding out. I had to make a decision, and I just couldn’t lose you. Not yet. I love you so much. We’re mates, my darling.”

The haze begins to clear as his words reach me. “What did you do?”

“I saved you. I… Justice, you’re a vampire now.”

Blinking rapidly, my heart rate speeds up as memories rush back to me. I hit the man attacking Eros, and then… then I was in the air. And pain. The pain was intense.

I nod, recalling my desire to live and love this man before me. “You are an angel.”

“Hardly.”

“You are. You saved my life.”

“I switched it out for an immortal one. I am your maker. I can only pray to Hades you don’t hate me for it.”

“Hate you?” I shake my head. “I could never. I didn’t want to die.”

“But…” He squeezes his eyes closed briefly. “You didn’t want to be what I am.”

“True, but given the two options, I’m glad you chose this one.”