Page 85 of Endlessly Raphael

Now he looks amused. “My apologies.”

“Oh, sure. Laugh.”

“Darling, it’s a big decision. I had planned to tell you before things went sideways with your uncle. It’s not something to take lightly.”

I cross my arms. “Dude. You can go outside, eat regular food, sleep in a bed, and fuck bad guys up. What’s hard about that?”

“Haven, darling, you have to drink blood to survive.”

“You seem to enjoy it.”

“I do, but it’s a big change.”

“I get it, but I’d live forever? With you?”

“Yes,” his voice is soft now. “With me.”

“And I’d never get old or sick?”

“Never.”

“Could I do that hypnosis thing you did to my dad?”

He chuckles. “In time, yes.”

“What else?”

“Eternity is a long time. You can’t even imagine how long.”

“But I’d be with you and your family.”

“Your family will die, and you’ll still be you.”

“That would happen anyway. You’re supposed to live long enough to see your parents die.”

“Well yes, but—”

“Seriously, Rapha. Blood drinking aside, how badass is being a vampire? No fear, no pain, no sickness. I’d never have to worry about being lonely again because I’d have you. I’d never have to worry about money or eating or where to live because of my inheritance. I’d get to spend my life with you and it gets to be even longer than I thought. There could never be enough time.” I grip his hands. “I want to be yours forever. Please, Rapha. Please make me a vampire.”

THIRTY-ONE

Haven

Raphael closes his eyes. A wave of heat washes over me, like I’m standing in front of an oven.

“Whoa. What was that?”

Raphael doesn’t move or react to my question. He’s so still it’s like he’s turned into a statue.

“Rapha?” He opens his eyes slowly, drawing a gasp from my lips. “Holy shit.”

“Haven,” he whispers, his voice tight.

I touch his shoulder. “What’s happening? Are you okay?”

He nods, gripping my hand. “I am. I just…” He shakes his head. “I never thought this could happen for me, and it’s more overwhelming than I anticipated. The urge to turn you was so intense I was startled and afraid to be too rough.” He smiles slightly. “I’m better now.”

“Oh wow. You really want this, don’t you?”