Page 14 of By The Moon

“Only if I can touch your dick.” Louis stared at Shaun who blanched and backed away. “They’re sensitive.”

“Are you hungry?” Shaun glanced between Jerome and Louis. “Do you eat food? Can you eat food or does it make you ill?”

“I can and do eat food. Steak is one of my faves, cooked over a grill. When it’s dark outside I like to grill for my friends.”

“Are any of them humans?” Candice moved closer, staring intently at Louis. “Do you know about humans?”

Keeping a straight face, Louis answered, “No. I’ve never met one in my life.”

“I swear to you she isn’t normally this stupid.” Jerome pushed Candice to one side and stood next to Louis, giving him a soft kiss. “Hungry?”

“I could eat but I can’t stay long. I’ve been called into work.”

“I thought you had today off?” Jerome cuddled into Louis’ side, sighing softly when Louis cuddled him.

“You know I said there were bad vampires?” Jerome nodded. “Well one of them has made a reappearance after being off the radar for a few decades.”

“Decades? And bad vampires? What have you gotten my son into?”

“There are bad vampires like there are bad humans.” Louis shrugged. “Neither species is perfect, and yes, decades. We live far longer than humans do and now that Jerome and I are mated he’ll live longer too.”

Shaun inhaled and Jerome bit his lip. Seeing his dad in front of him and knowing he would watch him grow old and die… “How much longer?”

“Centuries. My boss is over three hundred years old.”

Shaun pointed his finger at Louis then Jerome. “I need to sit down.”

Jerome glanced at Louis then followed Shaun into the living room, sitting next to him on the sofa. “Dad?”

“I always knew I would die before you so that doesn’t bother me at all. But Candice? Any children she has?”

“I’m sorry.” Jerome blinked and felt a tear roll down his face. Oh shit. He was going to stay young and they were going to grow old and die and leave him. He searched for Louis seeing the sad look on his face. “Louis.”

“I can’t change it. We’re mated now so we’re bound together. You’ll live as long as I do. I don’t know how to pass that on to your family. I don’t even think it’s possible. Maybe talk to Key. He’s human too.” Shrugging, Louis licked his lips. “I’m so sorry. I can’t…” Louis stared at the floor. “I’m sorry.”

It’s okay. I understand, but it hurts to know that one day they’ll be gone.

If I could change it I would. I know how much you love your family.

“Dad.”

“It’s fine. It’s just a lot to take in and I know you’ve waited for him. I’m not blind, and we’ve talked about him. I knew what you’d told me but didn’t quite believe in this mystery saver and now he’s here but he’s something else.” Shaun inhaled then slowly exhaled. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“I would never come between Jerome and his family. I know how much he loves you. And before you say anything, I would never stop him from earning his degree. He’s worked hard for it and I won’t stand in his way. I only ask that he’s more careful now we’ve mated.”

“I don’t even know you and now my son is stuck with you for life.”

“Stuck? Dad. How can you say that?” Jerome pushed away from Shaun and stood.

“Because I don’t know what to think right now.”

“I understand. This is a lot to take in. I’ll go and let you all talk about this.” Tapping his head, Louis asked, “Please let me know when you’re free.” Jerome nodded then found himself staring at the empty spot Louis had been standing in.

“Louis,” he murmured.

“That’s a great way to travel.” Candice moved to where Louis had stood and waved her hands in the air. “He’s really gone.”

“It wasn’t some party trick. He moved me like that last night. The room spun like I was on some ride.” Jerome sat next to Shaun. “Are we good?”

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